In this chapter, you will finally see Bella's reactions towards the "ever sexy" Edward.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, I am not Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 3- the Past and the Intoxication

I moved to sit across from Carlisle in the love seat, which usually sits two, to face him. As I took my seat, hysteria began to build in my chest. I was nervous of what I was about to hear; our vampire history. Suddenly, a wave of calmness hit me, blocking out all other feelings. The only thing that seemed to keep me from my daze was the stern expression Carlisle shot to the blonde boy standing against the glass wall, Jasper. As I looked back at Carlisle, the calmness began to reseed and though his gaze held mine, he looked completely calm, and it made me feel calm as well.

"Well, Ms. Swan…"

"Bella," I corrected Carlisle.

"Bella, I suppose you are wondering how vampires came to be?"

I comfortably leaned back against the couch as Carlisle told me all I needed to know about my history. He isn't quite sure where vampires came from, but he explained to me all about our Vampire Government, the Volturi, and how they live in Volterra, Italy. He also explained why I can't feed off humans in Forks, this small green town in the Olympic Peninsula just northwest of Washington State. He told me that the Cullens made peace with a pack of werewolves that live in La Push over on the east shore. He told me the wolves are here because of the vampires. They are here to protect the humans.

Without realizing, I shot a quick glance in Edward's direction. Was it the werewolves I heard in the forest with Edward? I made a mental note to ask him about that later.

Lastly, Carlisle explained each of their talents. Edward can read minds, Alice can see the future, Jasper controls emotions which is why I felt the sudden calmness previously, Emmett has his strength, Rosalie has her beauty, Esme has her kindness and Carlisle has his compassion.

Throughout the entire conversation, I was constantly glancing at Edward. He held my gaze a couple of times, but looked away quickly before any of his family members noticed. As we reached the end of the discussion, the fire in my throat was beginning to feel nearly unbearable. I was always thirsty. And I hated it.

"So when were you changed Bella?" Carlisle asked me. I didn't feel like discussing the situation right away. It was something I was still uncomfortable and unhappy about; I'd rather wait and think it threw before I told them all. However, I decided to just do it now, get it over with while the memory is still fresh in my brain.

"Uhm... about 15 years ago or so." My voice sounded raspy in my ears. "I don't remember exactly what happened. I remember saying 'goodnight' to my parents. I remember lying down in my bed. I must have fallen asleep because I awoke to the tremendous pain of my muscles rebuilding and my bones reforming. It had felt like a lifetime of pain, but once the process of being born to… this life was complete, I opened my eyes and I was all alone in my room. There was blood everywhere. The person… the vampire who did this to me must have killed my parents, because I found them dead too." I felt my dead heart breaking. I never had the chance to say goodbye.

"My father's name was Charlie, and my mother's name was Renee," I continued. "I left, to find help, but as soon as I smelled the scent of blood, I couldn't control the thirst. Before I finally realized what I was doing, I had already made my first kill. I craved the blood of humans, of the people I once knew. As soon as I killed more than ten, I knew I had to leave. I was so upset with myself. I knew I murdered those people and I would never be forgiven for what I did. I left my home, and began only hunting animals, but I'm sorry to say, every so often if a human crosses my path, I'd have to feed on them. Their blood is too powerful, I can't just ignore it." I could tell my voice sounded sad. Thinking about my past always made me feel upset, evil, disgusting. I was a monster, a killer.

I looked up and suddenly realized Emmett and, to my complete discomfort, Rosalie had joined us. The whole family had been listening intently to my story, and I noticed Esme wore an expression that reflected pity.

"Bella, it is natural for a vampire to drink human blood," Carlisle said. "But we chose to drink animal blood for the same reasons you do. We don't want to kill humans who don't deserve it. Feeding off animals does not help to completely quench the thirst; however, it is a wonderful alternate. We consider ourselves vegetarians, and you can be a vegetarian too."

I just nodded; the thought of human blood and animal blood was making me, if possible, even thirstier yet.

I got to my feet and faced Carlisle. "I'm sorry, but I am very thirsty. Is it okay if I left for a hunt? I promise not to go anywhere near the people in this town."

"Of course you can, but would you mind if… Edward accompanied you?"

I turned to look at Edward; he and Carlisle were staring at each other, and a part of me wondered if they were having some kind of secret conversation. Edwards head nodded ever so slightly then he turned to look at me.

"I don't mind," I said, and headed towards the front door.

It was raining again. Once I was outside, Edward beside me, I felt a sense of relief. As much as I loved being with the Cullens, I had to admit to myself, I loved the feeling of being on my own. I gave a small sigh as I walked in the rain through the trees of Forks.

"What are you thinking about?" Edward was watching my face with interest.

"Nothing… it's just… don't you love the feeling of freedom. Whenever I feel the rain or the night's breeze against my face, I feel a sense of relief. As if a huge bolder has been lifted from my shoulders. It kind of makes me feel normal again, like I'm welcomed to the night. Is that weird?" I couldn't help the words that spilled from my mouth, and though I loved to be alone, Edward's company was something I knew I would, from now on, look forward to. I turned to look at him. His hair was becoming darker from the rain, the front of his hair falling into his eyes.

"That's not weird." Edward dropped his eyes to his feet. "In relation to what you said, that's the exact feeling I get whenever I run. It's something that comforts me; it makes me feel at ease. It's a nice feeling." He was looking at me again, a small smile on his lips.

"Yes… it is." I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face from looking at him.

We took off running into the woods, then. I noticed Edward was only wearing jeans and a grey t-shirt that clung to his body flatteringly. If a mortal saw us right now, they would think we were crazy to be running in the rain without jackets, and me in a pair of shorts. Once we were a few miles north of his house, the scent of an animal rushed through my nostrils; filling my lungs, causing the venom to flow thick in my mouth. We allowed our natural instincts to take effect. We hunted until we were both properly full, and then set off at a slow walk back towards his home.

"Can I ask you something, Edward?" I slowed my pace to give me time to hear a proper enough answer.

"Yes." He looked up to meet my gaze.

"Was it werewolves we heard in the forest earlier today?"

"Yes, it was." He didn't answer right away, and it made me uncomfortable.

"Could you read their thoughts?"

"Yes, I can."

"What were they thinking?"

Edward frowned, his face becoming serious as he stared off into trees ahead of us. I waited patiently for his answer.

"They were thinking… Well… one of them caught your scent," he said. "They become restless once they find out one of our kind has passed through this town. I believe Carlisle is speaking to them now about having a new member in our coven."

"Is it wrong for me to be here?" I had to ask.

"No!" Edward looked at me quickly, reassuring me with his expression. "No, no. It is just more prudent for Carlisle to discuss the matter with the werewolves, just so they are informed. It is partly their land."

Edward stopped walking abruptly at that moment. I turned to look at him, but he wasn't looking at me; he was gazing up at the sky. I followed his gaze, the rain had stopped and the stars were out.

"I rarely see the stars here," he said in calm, content low velvety voice.

"It's so beautiful, isn't it?"

"It is," he said.

I looked at Edward and was surprised to see he was looking back at me. His eyes bored into mine, and I felt a sudden tension build in my lower stomach. I noticed my breathing became unsteady.

"Bella…" he sighed gently, his voice a low hum in my ears.

Edward's eyes continued to hold mine, smoldering and dazzling me. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. All I could do is stand there and stare into his beautiful face.

Suddenly, Edward dropped his eyes to the ground, releasing me from his intoxicating stare. "We'd better get back now." He must have seen the effect he has on me through my face. Edward started to walk in the direction of his house again, but his walk wasn't patient anymore, and he looked angry.

I panicked. I had to say something before it was too late. Play dumb, I told myself.

"Is something wrong?" I asked. I caught up to him and tried to look into his eyes, but he turned his head away from me. Of course, I knew what was wrong. No one has ever made me feel the way Edward does. I can't control my reactions when I'm with him.

"No. Nothing's wrong," he said as he faced me again and smiled. His smile looked forced. I could see something in his eyes, but I couldn't tell what it was.

We were quiet as we walked back to the house.

We had just stepped onto the porch of his house, Edward in front of me when he quickly stopped. He turned to face me, a small smile on his lips. I was happy to see that the smile reached his eyes, and I smiled back in return. Carefully he lifted his right hand, and brushed a wet stray hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. He let his fingers graze my ear, then my cheekbone leaving a line of fire in its awake. But all too soon, he removed his hand, turned and walked through the front door.

I couldn't help but stand there stunned for a couple more seconds.

Isn't Edward dreamy?! I wish I had one!!

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-PuppetStrings19