Explanations

The rest of the week, and the few that followed were quite dull and uneventful. I kept a close eye on the Cullens, befriending them even. They had come clean about being vampires, and the gifts that a few family members had. How Alice could see the future even though her visions are subjective, and how she can't always see my future; Edward can read minds, except for mine of course; how Jasper is an empath who can also control emotions. We grew a little closer throughout those weeks.

Charlie has decided to allow a few liberties, such as being allowed to go out with friends, with a curfew in effect until further notice. I'm still not allowed to see Jacob unless Charlie is there, and only on the Reservation.

The only issue is that Charlie has been busy a lot at the station. Some guy was attacked and killed by an animal. His throat was completely torn out and his body drained of blood. I knew better than that though. Obviously only one explanation, I thought. I was going to have to sneak out and find Paul. The idea made me sick to my stomach, but he had information that I needed. I wanted to know if it was the Cullens causing mayhem, and if it wasn't them, then who was?

I waited until Charlie had gotten home a little half past midnight, before getting dressed in my bikini, and something practical over top. As soon as I heard his light snores coming from his bedroom downstairs, I snuck out. Running in the direction of the river, I had hoped that he would appear as usual, and of course I was right. I heard the sound of paws following close behind. Once at the waters edge I stopped and waited for him to phase back in his human form.

"Aren't you gonna do your fish thing, and swim?" I heard his familiar voice call from behind me. I turned to face him trying to play nice.

"Why don't you join me this time? Don't worry, I don't bite," I said with a sarcastic smile.

He looked at me with a worried expression before hiding it behind a smirk. His eyes roaming my body hungrily. "Well," I added, waiting for an answer.

He sauntered towards me, his expression unreadable. His gaze boring into mine. "Fine!" Suddenly his eyes became playful as he takes off in a run, cannonballing right into the river. I shake my head, smiling at his childish antics. I strip down to my bikini. "What's wrong, Swan? Afraid?" he snickered.

"Ha ha. If you must know, I was laughing at how childish you were being," I replied. "You're kind of carefree when you are," I added.

He rolled his eyes, floating on his back. I carefully walked to a submerged stone and sat with my legs dipped into the cool water. As I began to concentrate I felt something, or should I say someone, take hold of my ankle and pull me into the river. Taken by surprise, I emerged coughing, from a sudden intake of water nearly filling my human lungs. "Really?" I coughed. "Have you no sense? Just because I'm a mermaid doesn't mean I can breathe under water in my human form," I let out breathing heavy.

He smirked, rolling his eyes. "Thought you were some kind of super human or something, like Aquaman," he chuckled. I shake my head at him, smiling. I guess he really isn't all that bad, once you get past that shell of his. I thought.

"That coming from a boy that turns into a dog," I quipped. His face became serious at that. He swam closer to me. His feet, no doubt, touching the bottom. He towered over me, grabbing me by the waist.

"Boy?" he questioned, his tone sharp. "I'll show you boy." He snapped. "I'm a man, beautiful. Would a boy know how to do this," he said. His grip tightened as he cupped my cheek, our eyes locked. My heart was beating rapidly. He brought his lips down, crushing his to mine, a spark flowing through me at the small contact. His tongue swept across my bottom lip begging for entrance. I granted him access, moaning as something deep within me begins to surface. I surrendered myself to the siren within, kissing him back. All rational thoughts aside. The feeling of his skin against mine was almost hypnotic. I let out a small moan, as his fingers tangled in my hair. He pulled away from me, his eyes a deep dark chocolate. His expression smoldering, and his eyes filled with lust.

I was overwhelmed with emotions, guilt stabbing through me. Jacob. I thought, letting out a whimper. "What's wrong?" he asked in a sultry husky tone. I shook my head with a frown. "Let me guess, Black?" he spit his name with venom. I nodded, not looking into his eyes. "Why are you even with him? He's a kid," he said frustrated.

"Actually, he's older than me," I bit back a snarl. He dropped his hands, shocked.

"Exactly how much older?" he wondered. I rolled my eyes at the meaning of his question.

"Relax, we're only a month apart," I sighed. He visibly relaxes a little. "I'm seventeen, and that was just a kiss. It's not like we did... it." My cheeks flushed brightly. Realization hitting him.

"It? Wait, don't tell me. You're a virgin?" he asked shocked. Why's this so hard to understand for the 'Y' chromosomes? I thought, irritated.

"If you must know, yes."

"How?" his eyes widened.

"What do you mean, how? Very simple, I don't open my legs to the first guy who shows any interest," I chided.

"So you and Black never really had sex?" There was something in the way he said that, that caught my attention. I raised a brow.

"What do you mean 'never really'? What did you hear differently?" I asked, getting more upset.

"Um, well. Heh!" He rubbed the back of his head, at the nape of his neck nervously. "It seems your little boyfriend is telling a different story, sweetheart."

Betrayal. It was all that I could feel at that moment. Jacob is spreading a rumor that we had sex? I felt the tears stinging my eyes. But why? I sniffled. We came very close, but Charlie had stopped everything. I started to cry, angry that Jacob could say such things.

"Judging by our previous conversation, that's not true. So, why are you still so hung up over him? He's obviously still too immature for you. Does he even know your secret?" he said.

"No, just you. I was taught at a young age to keep it as secret as possible. Unfortunately, you just can't seem to stay away from me, so because of your persistence, you were bound to find out." I spoke in a soft tone.

"Young age?" he asked, shocked. "So you've always known what you were?" He took a step closer, the water surrounding him was warm. He griped my chin gently, forcing me to look up at him.

I placed my hand firmly on his chest, stopping him from coming any closer. "Paul, I can't." My voice was filled with sorrow.

"Bella, there's something you should know," he said with a small voice. "I need to tell you."

I looked up in his eyes, and felt my entire world shifted from normality. It was like my soul had been suffocating and was breathing for the first time. I felt like I suddenly cared more about Paul. He waited for me to reply, and when I didn't his gaze softened. I know he felt what I just felt. "What was that?" I asked.

"I need to explain everything from the beginning first Bella," he replied. "I know what you felt because I felt it too. That night on your balcony I..." he inhaled before continuing. "I imprinted on you."

"What does that mean?" I asked worryingly.

"It's nothing bad. It's like when I looked at you that night, everything in my life didn't matter anymore. Like gravity is pulling me towards you, Bella. Suddenly my whole universe revolves around you." I waited till he was finished speaking, letting everything sink in.

"So, if you hadn't imprinted on me, I wouldn't mean anything to you? I'd have been another passing face? The one that got away?" I asked confused about what this all meant.

"It's not like that, Bella," he frowned.

"Does this imprint thing give you feelings for me?" I asked, afraid of what the answer would be.

"Yes, and no." He replied. It was silent for a a minuscule moment.

"Do you love me?" I wanted to hide. I could feel the urge to morph my tail, and swim far away, towards the ocean.

"Yes," he whispered. His voice filled with pain. Why'd he say it like that, then? If he loved me, wouldn't he be happy?

"No!" I said, backing away.

"Bella," he began taking a step forward. Before he could come any closer, I pulled up a barrier of water around him before pushing him away. He landed in the water with a loud splash. I stared down at my hands shocked. I had no idea I could that. I knew I could control water and natural elements, but not like this. Paul resurfaced coughing up water, staring in my direction. "Bella, please" he begged.

"You wouldn't feel those things for me naturally without your precious imprint. I know all about your reputation," I began as he made his way to stand back in front of me. Pain flashed across his face before he hid it behind a mask of anger. "I know about your never ending list of women, and how you can't keep it in your pants. I know you cheated on every girl you've ever dated." I began to cry.

He just stared at me, hurt, regret and anger evident in his features. "What do you want, Swan? Why'd you even come out here for?" he spat. He didn't deny nor confirm anything I said.

I blinked trying to remember the reason I needed to talk to him before I completely broke in front of him. "I need information. And I figured you'd be able to help." I whispered looking away.

"I see," he huffed. "What information do you want, I have somewhere I need to be." he said between his teeth.

"I want to know, what you know about the Cullens? If they're the vampires causing the animal attacks," I asked. He snickered at my questions.

"As far you need to know, no they're not. If you want to know so bad why don't you go ask them yourself," he snapped.

"Well, what do you know about them," I pushed for more. He scoffed at me climbing out of the river.

"I'm done talking, and I can't tell you anything further anyways," he turned to leave.

"Wait," I blurted. "What would have happened if you hadn't imprinted on me?" I wondered out loud. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable.

"Like you said, you would've been just another passing face." With that he disappeared. I let myself sink to the bottom of the river, letting the current guide me towards the ocean. I let my tail morph out, swimming faster. Something inside me made me stop. I let a soundless scream escape under the surface and felt the power of the water all around me. If I had kept going I would not have wanted to come back. It's what would help me escape. Giving into my siren the inner darkness within becoming an emotionless immortal. I didn't want to feel anything at all. I pulled myself up onto a rock, pulling my tail to my chest, and wept. Letting out all of the pain I kept inside, the betrayal from Jacob, the pain that I will cause him when he finds out I kissed Paul. The pain I keep causing Paul. Little drops of water started to float around me as the pain cut me over and over.

I was so wrapped up in my sorrow that I didn't hear anyone walking up to me. I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. "Excuse me? Are you feeling alright?" A familiar southeren voice interrupted my crying. I lifted my head to see who it was, hoping I was wrong, and gasped.

"Jasper?" I looked at him confused, how did he find me? Recognition immediately lighting his eyes.

"Bella?" He asked shocked. If vampires could faint, I'm positive he would have at this very moment. "You're a mermaid?" His question sounded like a statement.

"Jasper, I can explain," I said. He took a step back. Rejection sending stabs of pain in my heart.

"We told you our secret," his face was contorted with sadness and hurt.

"I couldn't just tell you about me," I chided.

"What happens if someone finds out, someone you know?" He asked. I smiled a tiny bit at his curiosity.

"It depends on the person, if I don't know them, or can't trust them, I have to hide for a while," I answered. He stared at me before finally coming to sit beside me.

"You caught me off guard, darlin'. I was hunting and then I was overwhelmed with the intensity of your pain." he looked over at me, his face fallen. "You don't have to tell me, but you know I'm here for you darlin'. And you know how I feel about you," he whispered. I blushed, of course Jasper loves me. We aren't mates by any means but he still developed those feelings. I didn't lead him on, or make any advances towards him. I was just simply myself. And now I could completely be free of everything holding me back. I could be myself more unapologetically.

"I guess now my secrets out," I peaked at him from the corner of my eye.

He smiled at me, before continuing "so no more hiding anything then?" I chuckled.

"It was more of being afraid to say anything, because I don't exactly attract positive reactions," I snickered. He chuckled a bit at the last part.

"That you do not darlin'," he smiled. "So, a mermaid? Do you talk to fish or anything like that?" he asked with a grin. I shook my head chuckling.

"No," I giggled. "I can control elements, but I haven't been taught anything. I've sort of been teaching myself though. The gene skipped Renee. She can't teach me much more and I don't have a way of finding other merfolk. We could be anywhere, usually along the coasts." I glanced over at him with a small smile, biting my lip. He took my hand in his and the instinct to flee became pronounced. It was like sitting next to a shark.

He was feeling my webbed fingers, the delicate skin seemed so fragile but could withstand even the teeth of a vampire. My tail is my weakness, it's not as indestructible and though it seems like it should be, it's my achilles heel. The only indestructible thing on my tail are my scales, and under those is the soft tissue of destructible skin. Only one danger that can get under the scales, sharks.

"It's incredible. It doesn't even tear." He was so fascinated.

"Yeah, just my tail is my weakness," I confessed. His eyes widened at this new information.

"So do you have to dry to change back, or how does it work?" He was radiating with curiosity. I chuckled.

"No, it's a choice." I replied.

"Who else knows about you?" he asked.

"Just you and Paul," I replied

"Paul?"

"Don't ask, it's a long story," I sighed.

"I won't darlin'," he smiled.

He stared at me with adoration and love. It was a nice change from the looks of disgust I would usually get. We sat quietly for a moment. I slipped back into the water enjoying the feel of it flowing.

It came out of nowhere, the pain. It was so excruciating, it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. I couldn't breathe, I began to thrash as if I were drowning. I felt Jasper's cold arms wrap around me pulling me out of the water. I could hear him calling out to me. I let out a glass shattering scream, Jasper grabbed his ears trying to shield out the horrible sound that was escaping from inside me. I finally quieted down to a whimper. Darkness was engulfing me as I laid there thinking of one person. Paul.

-*-

I was shaken awake by Jasper. I was cradled in his arms, and we were wading in the water. I gasp loudly as I curled further into his arms and fought the tears that threatened to escape. He rubbed soothing circles on my back. I felt a wave of calm settle over me, silently thankful for his gift.

"Bella, what happened?" Jasper asked with a worried expression.

I took a deep breath before answering, "I don't know, but I've never felt anything like that before." I looked down to see a small ever fading mark where my heart belongs.

"What the hell is that?" Jasper asked, with concern evident in his tone. I reached my hand up to touch the red mark as it faded slightly. The feeling felt electrical. I looked up at Jasper mystified at the whole situation.

Jasper looked at me with questioning eyes indicating he wanted a closer examination of it. I nodded in understanding. The moment he touched the mark I felt a searing fire rush through my veins, as if I was being burned alive. He yanked his hand back, the mark a darker color than before. I immediately noticed that it was no longer fading. I glanced up at Jasper, and for the first time, I was terrified for my life.

I could see it in his face that he could feel my fear. At a speed too blinding for humans, he ran us out of the river and set me down on ground. "Darlin', I think we should go to Carlisle," he suggested.

"I don't know who Carlisle is," I said sheepishly.

"Bella, I could feel how much pain you were in just a moment ago before you blacked out. And then when I touched that mark over your heart, I could feel it. I felt it as if it were my own pain." He looked confused, but then continued. "Then, I felt your fear. The intensity of your emotions is not like anything else I've felt before."

"I can't go with my tail out," I said.

"It would be best if you were human," he agreed. I cocked my head to the side, silently asking him why. He gave me a small smile before continuing to explain. "Your scent may not effect me, but I'm pretty sure you will smell especially mouthwatering to the others in this form. Carlisle, is my vampire father figure. He works at the hospital in Forks, he's a doctor and knows of legends. He might know something about this," he gestured to the mark.

I nodded in agreement and chuckled at the thought of a vampire doctor. He set me down to change back to my legs. It was difficult this time, I felt the drop of blood fall from my nose. I looked up in a panic, only to see Jasper completely unfazed.

He rushed to my side abruptly. At that moment we heard a howl. "Shit," he whispered under his breath, picking me up and cradling me tightly. He looked over towards the other side of the river. I followed his gaze, and there standing with an expression more fierce than anger, at the tree line, was none other than Paul. His eyes softening slightly when they met mine. I looked away, resting my head on Jasper's shoulder, avoiding his gaze.

I heard a growl erupt from Paul's direction, I didn't even bother to look at him. "Let her go, leech," he spat. I turned to glare at him then.

"You don't speak for me," I replied with equal venom. I shook my head, I couldn't believe my ears. How dare he. I looked at Jasper then, "I'm ready, let's go." I leaned against his chest, waiting.

He looked down at me with a smirk. "Are you sure Darlin'," he said with a husky tone, my cheeks blushing brightly, a strange noise coming from his chest. Was he purring? I blinked at him, confused.

Just as we turned to go, I glanced over at Paul. His face contorted with anger, and disgust. I frown, trying to look away, but before we disappeared his face turned to one of pain. Why would I care? For all I know his feelings aren't even real. It's that stupid imprint. His feelings aren't even real. I thought with a frustrated sigh.

Within minutes we came upon a clearing, and there in the center stood a magnificent house with a wrap around porch. We walked up the steps to the front door, before he could reach for the nob, it swung wide open. Alice stood smiling at us, Caleb appearing beside her in a protective manner.

"Hello, Bella," she beamed, hugging me.

"Alice," I blushed.

Jasper walked with me following behind, through the threshold. I admired the house as we walk through hastily. The interior is modern yet has timeless pieces that balance the rooms beautifully. Everything seems to be very bright. The front room was designed in shades of white, with a few pieces of art on the darker scale. He pulls me upstairs and we make our way to a study of some sort. The walls are wood paneled, with a modern design. The books on the shelves are at least a decade old, maybe older. On the opposite wall are paintings in different styles frames with no real pattern to them. In the center, towards the solid glass wall, that looked out behind the house at a luscious green forest, stood a grand old desk. It was magnificent and yet it completed the room. Behind the desk was a very handsome blonde haired man reading a leather back book from the looks of it. He had graceful features and yet they seemed strong and beautiful. He lifted his head at our abrupt entrance, smiling brightly at Jasper then at me.

"I apologize for the intrusion Carlisle," Jasper spoke.

"It's quite alright, Jasper. What can I do for you at this late hour son," he asked softly.

"There's something you need to take a look at. I'm not sure how to tell you," Jasper looked at me with questioning eyes. I nodded for him to continue. "This here is Bella Swan, she has the most incredible secret. She's a mermaid, Carlisle."

I heard several gasps coming from the doorway behind us. Turning around I find the entire Cullen family, amongst them someone I haven't yet met. Their faces holding several emotions at once; from shock to awe. They were completely amazed by this news.

"But there's no such things as mermaids," Edward said moving to the front. He looked at me like I was crazy.

"Just like there's no such things as vampires?" I snapped back at him. He rolled his eyes at me. I was beginning to get angry again.

"Prove it then," he snickered.

On the desk was a plant in a rounded glass vase full of water. I snapped my hand in the direction of the vase, the water causing it to explode when I sent it out in every direction, before becoming a sharp dagger like object in front of his mouth. Waiting for him to open his despicable mouth again to invade it and fill his lungs. "I dare you to speak to me again." His expression changed to one of anger before flitting out of sight at vampire speed.

"Fascinating," Carlisle spoke, breaking the silence after Edward's departure.

"There's something you need to see," Jasper said. I walked forward unbuttoning my top to reveal the dark red mark over my heart. I could hear the air hiss through Carlisle's lips when he realizes what I'm showing him. Embarrassed, I look down and fiddle with my hands, twisting my fingers together.

He takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving the mark. I could hear the family still at the door shuffling impatiently now. "May I?" Carlisle asked, gesturing to the mark.

Before I could respond, Jasper answered the question. "I wouldn't touch it if I were you. It was fading and when I tried to help, while I was examining it she screamed in more pain and the mark only got darker."

"How did this happen, Bella?" Carlisle asked, concerned.

"I don't know. I was swimming in the river, before Jazz came across me. And after talking for a bit I started swimming again when it suddenly felt like my heart was being ripped out." Carlisle turned to look at Jasper in a questioning way. Jasper nodded in return. Did he not believe me? I thought.

"I'll do some research for you on this. In the meantime I want you to let me know if anything changes." Carlisle handed me a card with his business information on it.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Of course. You're like family to Jasper. That makes you like our family as well." He smiled before resuming his previous spot behind the desk. When we turned around, I was surprised to find no one at the door.

Jasper took my hand guiding me back downstairs to the kitchen. The kitchen was done in oak, with stainless steel appliances and a dark granite counter tops. "Would you like to eat something before I return you home?"

"I'm not hungry, but thanks for the offer. I just want to get home and rest, enjoy my Saturday, sleeping in." I smiled.

"Not a problem ma'am," he drawled in his southern accent. My lust spiking a little, he smirked. "Before we go, there's one last person I'd like you to meet." He grabbed my hand and lead me to the front room. "Esme," he called out. A beautiful woman with carmel colored hair and a soft smile on her face, walked up to us. He gently squeezed my hand and introduced us. Esme was very sweet and her beautiful bright smile never faltered, her eyes were warming.

"It was very nice to finally meet you, Bella. If you'll excuse me," she said politely.

"Of course. It was nice meeting you as well Esme," I replied, smiling.

Jasper took me home after that. Giving me a hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek before he left, wishing me sweet dreams and a good early morning. I jumped up onto my balcony turning to see the silver wolf hiding in the shadows. He let out a snarl in my direction. "Please, even in your puppy form you don't stand a chance." With that I turned on my heel, and headed straight inside to my bed, before drifting off to sleep.

-*-

I don't know why I was running, but I felt like my life depended on it. I have no idea what I was running from. It was getting closer. The silver wolf was right beside me, guiding me to safety.

Before I knew it I was surrounded and the silver wolf was gone. Before me was a large black wolf snarling. I must've done something I shouldn't have. But what did I do? My instincts were telling me to run.

I took a deep breath and sniffed the air, trying to decipher which direction the sea was. In the blink of an eye, I was off. Howls erupted from the wolves that surrounded me. I was getting closer to the edge. I stopped short, not wanting to go in the water.

It happened so quickly. I slowly backed away from the edge, tripping over a rock, smashing my head on another rock. I was pulled to my feet by my hair, a scream erupting from my dry mouth. The hand that grabbed me was hot to the touch. I knew it was a wolf in their human form. I knew all about them. He yanked me up and turned my head to face him. His face was contorted with anger and his eyes seemed to glow. I was scared and my nose was bleeding.

He started to drag me to the cliff. When I didn't budge he motioned for help, I turned to run but froze when I saw him. He looked so different from the last time I saw him. His hair was still cropped and his chest was bare. He stood there staring with a pained expression. Not moving.

"Paul? Paul!" I called. I started kicking and thrashing against my assailants. I didn't want to be in the ocean. I needed to get away from it. There was something hiding in that water.

"Sam, is this really necessary?" I heard one of the men pulling me say. I turned to look at whom spoke and was surprised that I recognized his face. Jared, Paul's friend from the beach.

"This needs to stop, now!" Sam's voice rang with authority. I panicked as I realized we were at the edge. I turned my tear stained face and looked at Paul one last time before feeling the ground disappear from beneath my feet. I screamed as I fell, landing with a splash.

I felt myself changing, my tail forming. The water was colored with my blood, but I was still sinking to the bottom. I was exhausted. I could feel the blackness crushing me. I slowly began to give in. I must've really been out of it, because as I succumbed to the darkness I felt a warmth wrapping around me. Then there was nothing, except a single thought.

'Paul!'