I got some positive responses from how I characterized Alex in the last chapter, so he'll probably be in the next chapters a lot(he would've been either way). Right now, I'm pretty sure I know what's going to be going on, but it might change. I keep debating with Bree on what to do, and how to put some awkward news across(this will be explained in the next chapter if things go according to plan).

And like always, I now thank those who reviewed the chapter with their are the eople who inspire me. I love all my reviewers! Nessie's bff, sagaaddict, Kristeneku, Sierra Sierra, Gothic Saku-chan.

This chapter was debatable, but it's typed up, so I'm posting it anyway. I really hope it's up to standards, or whatever. The first part of this chapter was pretty much written in just because my friend got the idea and had me write it down. It was there and I used it.

Anyway, now that I've bored everyone with my useless rambling, enjoy the next chapter!

Those Red Eyes

By Zephyr

When I got home after the strange meeting with yet another vampire, the last thing I expected was for Renee to step up and actually question my lateness. She'd never really had time between trying to act like a good mother herself and being a wife to Phil. Usually, I would be impressed by my mothers blatant attempt, but this was not a night I wanted to be questioned on my night.

"Bella, you're late! You said you'd be home by ten." I sighed, feeling a headache begin to form. Whether it was from the long conversation with Alex or the stress of trying to get away from the same person alive.

"I was out."

Obviously Renee didn't get the hint that I didn't want to talk. "Where?"

"Side." By the blank look on her face, my mother didn't get the joke. Oh well, I didn't expect her to anyway. She's a bit oblivious to those sort of things.

"What were you doing?"

"Falling."

"Over what this time Bella?"

"Alex."

"What?" I was surprised by her excited voice. What could she possibly bethinking? This was one of those times I wished I could read minds like Edward. My mothers mind would be an interesting thing to listen to.

"Vampire."

Renee shook her head, looking thoroughly disappointed. "Bella, I think you hit your head again. Do you need to go lay down? Maybe you should go to bed a bit early tonight."

"Okay, Renee—mom." Bed was a good idea. My mind was messed up tonight. It was a good thing my mother didn't believe in vampires or any of the mythological stuff at all. Why had I said vampire as if it was nothing. The Volturi were adamant about keeping their secret just that—a secret. My saying the word out loud like that probably wasn't helping any.

I thought sleep would come easily that night if any. Boy was I wrong. My mind was absolutely filled with questions. And once again, much like the night I found out the truth about the Cullens and what they really are, the questions were of vampires. Only this time the vampire's name wasn't Edward. It was Alex. Alex Micheals, Alex Micheals. Catchy.

Right, right. Alex Micheals, my new vampire. There was also that brother and sister he mentioned—Cierra and Jaxon. That meant three bloodthirsty, human-killing vampire freely roamed the streets of Phoenix without the death toll and disappearances becoming a newpaper headline kind of thing. How can they do that? The Volturi wasn't on their tail either.

One thing I knew for sure was I was going to meet Alex again. I wanted to know more; I had to know more. The human in me should be telling em to stay away from the creatures who could easily give into the bloodlust, but I'm not one to run away from danger. Stupid human curiosity. I mean, this was nothing compared to the danger I faced in the Ballet Studio when I unsuccessfully stood up to James. Key word being unsuccessfully. It's really hard to stand up to a vampire when he keeps throwing you back down on the floor again. The meeting with Alex was almost the same as the Ballet Studio incident—other than the part where James was trying to kill me and Alex clearly wasn't going to. Yet. And there was no Edward to miraculously save me.

And Edward was mad when he found out about me being friends with Jake the Werewolf and the motorcycle thing! What would he say about my new friend?

There was a soft knock—which could only be my mother's—and I groaned, faking sleep. I didn't like dealing with her antics right not. Don't get me wrong—I love my mom with all my heart—but she really needs to start taking control of her own life. "Bella, honey, are you sleeping?" You know, I've never gotten the point of that question. It's just plain pointless in so many different ways.

"Yes." See what I mean?

She ignored the statement, opening the door a crack. "Well, I just wanted to mention that Jake boy from Forks called just when me and Phil got back tonight. I forgot—but he sounded urgent. Said to call as soon as you got in."

"Don't worry, mom, Jake can handle anything." I wasn't kidding either. Jake's a werewolf! He and his pack can easily take down a full-grown vampire. It was probably nothing. I was about to tell her just that—excluding the werewolf and vampire bits—when her face stopped me in my tracks. "I'll go call him back."

"Bella, use that new phone we got you. Stop worrying about the phone bill and use it like an ordinary teenager would. Some would kill for the opportunity!" I agreed hesitantly, watching as Renee left, leaving me alone with the first gift I'd received almost as soon as I'd gotten off the plane. Ever since my decision to leave Froks behind me and come back to Phoenix, Phil and Renee have been showering me with gifts of all kinds. I think it was my moms way of bribing me not to leave again and Phil just went along with it to make her happy.

I never had the heart to tell her I really didn't want most of the stuff she was giving me. Luckily, she lightened up a bit after she attempted to buy me a laptop. After a long argument, I managed to make her see that I wasn't going to be leaving until I saved up enough to get me through college and get a house, or apartment of my own. Unfortunately, that didn't happen until after I had a room full of things I might never use. I still ended up with that laptop though...

Sighing, I picked up the cell phone—I never bothered to figure out what kind it was—and dialed Jake's number. I waited impatient as the rings went into the double digits. You'd think if it was really as super important as renee made it sound, he would at least pick up when you try to call back. It wasn't even that late; it was only eleven!Wasn't eleven supposed to be the midnight snacking time for teenage boys? Or do werewolves not count? This supernatural stuff is really getting confusing.

"Hey?" You wouldn't believe how relieved I was when someone finally picked up on the sixteenth ring. At least, I was until I realized it was not Jacob's voice.

"Uhh...hi, Sam? I'm sorry. I was expecting Jacob to answer. Renee said he called about something really important." I made sure to hint that they knew why in my voice. Plus I was getting really tired. Riddles from werewolves were the last thing I need.

"I told him he shouldn't—" The words came out in a growl before something cut him off, making a loud bang! of something heavy falling in the background.

"Sam, is something going on?" Suddenly, I just wanted to be back in Forks.

"Look, Isabella, Bella, whatever. Just—"There was another crash and this time the sound of shattering glass accompanied it. "Just talk to Emily. I have to go sort this out."

"Sort what out?" I felt so trapped here in my room in Phoenix, thousands of miles away from Forks, where my friends and people I cared about were having a hard time. My whole being just wanted to be back there, right now, because somehow, I was almost positive this had something to do with me. Actually, no, I knew this had something to do with me. I just had this feeling deep down inside.

I really don't like feelings.

"Bella?"

"Emily." There was nothing to say, yet so many questions plagued me. "What's going on over there?"

"I'm not sure..." Over the phone, her doubt made me even more anxious.

"Does it have anything to do with me?" I had to know. My gut feeling was saying to many yeses for me not to ask and be sure.

"Well..."

"Don't I of all people have the right to know? If I can accept the existence of vampires and werewolves can't I at least know what's going on over there?" this conversation was seriously testing my limits. Why can't anyone see I'm not a child any longer? I'm eighteen; I can handle problems!

"No matter what, you can't come back here if I do tell. Promise!"

My eyes widened at the intensity she put in her words. The Emily I remember was nothing like the Emily I was hearing. "I promise." I hated saying it. It was a promise I would pay for later.

After that, her voice became more relaxed. "A few hours ago, a small group of vampires—not like the Cullen's—showed up raging mad. They were different. All their eyes were this devil red color and they were so angry. They said they were from Italy; they were the Volru, no the Voltigoose, no that's not it either."

I decided to help her out. I had to hear this story. "The Volturi."

"Yes, that's it. The Volturi, weird ones they were." The signal cut out for a few seconds, but in that short time, the noises in the background seemed to increase. "Apparently the Cullen's had some sort of deal with them about changing you into a, you know. They came to check up on you and didn't like it when you and the Cullen's were gone. Somehow, while they were here, they caught your scent coming towards the reservation and came to think you were either here, or we knew where you were at. They already guessed that the Cullen's left so they wouldn't have to change you." She took a deep breath and I noticed how exhausted she sounded. "They were fighting for a couple of hours until everything stopped and we managed to say you weren't here. I think they've started fighting again. Oh no...Look, I'm sorry Bella, I don't know the details, but I do know you can't come back. Sam is going to try to lead them on a false path, away from you. Do not leave Phoenix. Then, the reception was lost. Perfect timing. I absolutely hate long distance calls now.

Again, I have to ask—Why must this always happen to little ole' me? First was Alex, now my werewolf friends were in danger.

I suddenly felt the intense need to slam my head down on my desk. Don't worry, I didn't. Barely. I needed my braincells intact too much to waste them.

What hurt the most was how it was impossible to help them in any way. The Volturi, even in a small group, are highly dangerous and if a group of unknowing werewolves got in a fight with them...There was no doubt in my mind that they would be killed. All because of me.

Now how was I supposed to get any sleep?