CHAPTER 1: A Third Chance At Life

DISCLAIMER - The Twilight Saga and all of it's characters are the sole property of Stephanie Meyer.

I had presumed that my human life had ended after I had dropped out of school and ran away. It had definitely ended when Riley found me and took me to Victoria who transformed me into a vampire.I believed that I could have led a happy life, a much happier life than my human life had I stayed by Diego's side but I was brought back to reality as the realization pierced my heart like a bullet shattering a window, that Diego was dead.I accepted that my new life was over before it had even began the Volturi entered and at that moment I was content with dying knowing that Victoria Riley along with the rest of the newborn army had been killed.

My life however didn't end as I had anticipated.

"Wait" the Blonde male vampire said."She was made purposely ignorant of the laws by her creators we would be willing to educate and take responsibility for her".

To my surprise Jane was just as stunned by this as I was but I had never been more appreciative of anything anyone had ever done for me in my life.

Jane's next action took all of us by surprise of this I was certain.

"If you are willing to take responsibility for her, her continued existence is permitted" Jane said icily.

That surprised more than anything.I stole a glimpse at the amber eyed coven who dared to stand up for me.By the expressions which painted their faces I could tell they had expected that their request would be turned down at the cost of my life.I grew worried were they about to take their request back.

"There is no problem with Bree becoming a part of our family" Carlisle asked his voice ridden with caution.

Family was that what they considered themselves in reality if was a fairly accurate thing to say given how they interacted with each other even thier human pet.This puzzled me to me my coven were no better that pack of rabid dogs that needed to be put down.

"Yes Carlisle there is no problem the volturi give no second chances to the willingly guilty the ignorant guilt are considered innocent in the eyes of the Volturi" Jane told him.

For the first time since I entered the battlefield I was filled with the intoxicating aroma of hope, hope that I might make it out alive.

After consulting with the rest of his family who all agreed, his hazel haired mate Esme nodded her head fervently that put me at ease, the blond loner- wanderer type vampire reluctantly agreed I couldn't and wouldn't hold that against him. The beautiful blonde seemed unbothered if I joined or not but nodded in approval, the large broad shouldered vampire nodded with no concern, the small black haired nodded smiling at me in a friendly and playful manner.

"Bree"Carlisle spoke friendliness and a sense of welcoming embedded into his voice "welcome to your new family."

A single tear escaped my eye as I scrambled off the ground and practically launched myself at my new family leaving all the remnants of my ex coven behind me wallowing away in smoke and the sadistic Volturi behind me.

As I came within arms reach of the vampire they shielded the human from me I wasn't offended I couldn't trust my self not to try to slash her throat open. But If I was to become a member of this family I would try.I averted my gaze from the human girl to prevent my primitive urges taking over.

I quickly diverted my eyes across to the Volturi who were standing there patiently as if waiting for me to attack the human giving them an excuse to kill me. I could only give them no victory by controlling my urges.

Carlisle and Esme placed a hand on each of my arms firmly but lovingly I was confindent It was to restrain me should the need arise but nevertheless it felt comforting. I could it wasn't just for the benefit of the human but my own as well.Suddenly my gut felt something was wrong as I looked at the Volturi as the arrogance faded off their face as they acknowledged that they would not kill me nor watch I kill the human.

"I trust your hand will be full dealing with two newborns" Jane proclaimed Retrograding back to smug sinister nature.

"That is if your intention is too still turn Bella."

"A date is set," informed the slender-built almost lanky like short burgundy-haired vampire. "In the coming months we may potentially pay you a visit".

Jane cast her a gaze full of scorne and traces of jealousy. There was too much I was in the dark about what Jane's issues with this family, no my family were, why they were awaiting Bella's transformation into a vampire the consequences of they didn't . I found that I didn't really care for the answers, I knew where my loyalties lie with my family now and forever.

A sense of inattentive detachment coated the features of Jane as she bid a farewell full of apathy.

"It was nice to meet you Carlisle – I'd thought Aro was exaggerating. Well, until we meet again…"

None of my family uttered a word of goodbye as Jane and her coven exited in a blur. We all listened intently to their exit. "They've left"

"They're gone," the slender burgundy vampire confirmed.I was unsure as to if his senses were simply more attuned that the rest of ours or if it was a facet of his mind reading capabilities.I figured I would learn that soon enough.

Abruptly I noticed all attention have come my way.I altered my body's state uncharacteristically within Esme and Carlisle's embrace keeping my senses on the ground below.I had grown accustomed to keeping a low profile that I was at a loss as to what to do in regards to being the center of attention.Words failed to escape my mouth for none would be suffcientt to express my immense gratitude. I tried however "I thank you so much".

"Hush dear" Esme said, stroking my hair in a motherly way I had not felt ever until now. "We just care that you're safe".

Her tone made it seem like I was her flesh and blood .I had never experienced this type of love before it was strange but not unwelcoming. I had a sensation of soemthing stronger that even my thirst a feeling of acceptance but I didn't know how it could be true.

"It's fine if you want me to leave", I said timidly.I still had Fred I knew he would find it wasn't the same but it was better than being dead.

I felt my stomach flutter a thousand times before settling "I wouldn't wish to endanger you,I swear I won't do anything that will get you noticed by the Volturi".

"No you won't because we'll help you" Of said the slender black-haired vampire with the pixie cut a friendly smile on her face. I'm Alice, by the way."

"I'm Edward," the mind-reader said, tilting his head in indication to the human in his arms, "this is Bella."

"Hello, Bree," Bella said hesitance embedded in her features , like I was a rabid dog about to attack at any second but she was still friendly I hoped we could be friends one day.

"I'm Emmett," the broad shouldered vampire gestured to himself before pointing towards the blonde beside him who looked at me an expression of indifference written on her face." This is Rosalie, Sorry about her,She's always bullying the new kids."

Rosalie glared at him but didn't argue as she went back to eyeing me. I turned and smiled towards my blonde, hero and his mate.

"I know you're Carlisle and Esme," I said. Esme was elated like a parent whose toddler just took thier first step.Carlisle appeared content that the only danger present was me and I was controlling myself.Attempting to settle in better I approached the vampire who still seemed hesitant of my intentions. "You're Jasper, aren't you ? I appreciate your vote to take me in".

I felt like it was the right thing to say at that moment but the deafening silence that followed made me feel unsure.Jasper accepted his demeanor shifting towards the friendly territory."I know how hard it is to control your urges but it is possibe."

"We'll be here for you"Esme assured me stroking my hair.

Self-restraint that seemed to be original unheard notion to me. I was skepticaI as to what they meant by this, I was curious about lots of things about them in honesty.

"Why are your eyes yellow" I blurred out before I could stop myself

I was worried I had touched a sensitive subject but the chuckling that followed made me rethink think that idea.

"Our eyes are yellow because we drink Animal blood not human" Carlisle explained.

"We can drink animal blood?" I said looking at him in disbelief.

Emmett nodded with laughter. "Disgusting , I know"

Edward looked at Emmer annoyance written on his face. "Don't close her mind to it her before she tries it .

"Well you adjust we did mostly," Emmett said grinning like a lovesick puppy.

Perhaps I shouldn't have been in disbeleif at learning this.Considering that thanks to Riley all I knew about vampire was from Bram Stoker's Dracula. I was kept in the dark about.Sooner rather than later I was going to ask lots of dumb questions but I had a gut feeling telling me I would look back at this one day and laugh.

"Let's give it a try," I said enthusiasm lacing my voice. I never cared for making Riley or Victoria proud but this family was a different I had to make them proud. And, if I failed I'll spend the rest of my life trying.

"Well if you're hungry we could take you hunting," Esme said, concern edged across her face that I was fatigued.

At the remark of hunting seemed to have had a galvanizing effect on Edward, "I think I'll take Bella home. It's been a difficult day for her."

"I want to see Jacob," said Bella voice dripping with concern as she held onto Edward. "I need to know he's safe."

"Maybe there's something I can do," said Carlisle, concerned as well "Assuming I'll be allowed to."

I had the impression Edward and Bella were together but the way she spoke of Jacob cast doubt upon that impression. Remembering that Edward was telepathic I made a conscious effort to distract my mind.It proved to be harder than I predicted. I let a sigh of relief out when Carlisle, Edward and Bella retreated from the battlefield ignoring my instincts instructing me to chase after her.

Bella's aroma was still lingering in the air slowly fading, but it was still so tempting, but It was getting easier to control my thirst.I was focused on fitting in with my new family.Rosalie seemed content on cleaning the battlefield and made Emmett help her.i was with Alice Jasper and Esme despite the calm demeanor they exhibited something I was glad for something I hadn't felt since Diego and I meet,but even my new family couldn't stop my sadness from seeping in.

Something's wrong isn't it ?" Esme questioned with heartbreaking concern.

"I had a friend in my old coven, Diego I miss him," I said, each word feeling like a punch to the gut this despair was second only to the pain Jane inflicted on me.

Esme was,mortified . "did we…"

I shook my head fervently not wanting them to feel guilty for my crestfallen states. "Riley and Victoria did."

I was at least glad Riley and Victoria were killed and Diego was somewhat avenged but it didn't bring Diego back. Maybe with time all wounds do truly heal and if that was true I knew my family would be the ones to help me move on.

"Time for hunting!" Alice said her face coated in a blissfully enthusiastic expression,that other girls have talking about boys they like.She grabbed my hand pulling me along. "We'll go back and show you our home and set up a room for you.You'll love it, Bree! And you'll love being a Cullen".

A Cullen that must be our family's last name My new name? I shifted my feelings towards my new family trying to keep the residual traces of grief that enveloped me when I thought about Diego. Maybe, after a while, I would be able to leave that in the past,I didn't know Diego for long, but I knew Diego enough to know he would want me to enjoy my new life.That's all he ever wanted for himself and me,not to fight with the rest of Victoria's army but to enjoy our new lease on life.

I owed Diego that, after all he did for me.

"Let's start my new diet," I said,with renewed spirits.