Chapter 7: Night Fox.

I sometimes think that even for my high intelligence that I'm stupid. I had forgotten that Vampires don't sleep; so sneaking out unnoticed was going to be fairly hard. Thank heavens that Edward, Bella, and Nessie had left for the Cottage home already.

Carlisle was working the night shift at the hospital, and Esme was working on a project. That only left Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper. I'd just have to fake sleep for a bit, and they'd settle downstairs doing whatever they do. I bet I'd have a fair chance…

I kept down the stairs silently, the kitchen window was still opened hopefully. I'd go out through there. But how would I get into the kitchen without being seen, or heard. I stood there in silence for several moments thinking of some way. It seemed impossible to me for the longest time, but then the idea hit me suddenly.

I looked down at my necklace and remembered that I could change my form. There was only one problem…my energy levels were at their lowest. I didn't know if I even had enough strength to transform. Even though it was a natural act, we still needed our normal energy levels; mine was far below normal.

I had a chance maybe to transform for a short time; the moon was full. The moon was our guardian, our care giver. It gave us strength when we needed it. We lived as night hunters, that was the way of our tribes; or at least it was for mine.

I concentrated hard; I never had to concentrate before. I was so weak, I had to. It didn't come easy like it usually did, It actually pained me. I was so drained, but finally the form came. I never realized I was this small, but my size shouldn't matter, I was still strong….Well not at this very moment.

I swiftly bounded down he rest of the stairs and ran into the kitchen. Emmett almost caught I glimpse of one of my tails before I had a chance to get all of me into the kitchen. Luckily I forced myself to be speedy. I hopped onto the kitchen counter and leaped out the open window. I was now free.

Oh how I love the feeling of the lunar rays coursing through my body. Oh how I love how the light reflects off my pelt; It would stun even a Vampire. We never did look like fighting creatures; but we are. We'll always be hunters.

I was quick, and silent as I bounded through the strange wood. So many scents, so much prey. A herd of deer, was the target I aimed for. I was hungry, so very hungry. I was sure my drive for food would give me the strength to fight the large bull, their leader. I crept through the under bush. I was so near, so very near. He stiffened, feeling the dark presence of me, I was sure. And then he bolted; the chase was on.

It was easy cutting him from his herd. They dared not follow him while I was on his heels; smart animals. They knew danger when they saw it. I was weak, and tired and he put up a good chase. I leaped at him several times and missed, dragging behind every time. It took me awhile to finally catch; I was right on his hooves. Then I made the leap, I had to make it count. It used all the strength I could gather, and pushed up aiming for any part of his body. He jerked, and let out a strange cry; My poison affected them to. It would only stun him for a few seconds, I had to work quick. I released him and leaped for his neck before it wore off. I had to aim it carefully, yet quickly; I struck. Right on the mark, I had bitten into the Jugular. I felt the blood rush out into my mouth. It relieved the slight hunger that craved for blood; but I needed meat.

I laid under a fallen try for some hours. I had finished my price and hunted two others from his herd. I could feel my strength and energy slowly coming back to me. I felt like a hunter again, I felt like I was back at the tribe… I lazily stood and started back to the Cullen's House. They were sure to realize I was missing at this point in time. I had been gone for several hours, and Emmett had probably went to check up on me while I was gone. Poor Emmett, he would be terrified if he found me gone. He treated me like his child. I quickened my pace thinking of the one that cared for me.

Deer in headlights; that's the only way I can explain the way I felt when I found myself back at the Cullen's. Carlisle was pulling in right when I hit their yard. He stared at me in wonder like he did that night in the field. I had learned that my master how told them it was an illusion, and that I wasn't what I looked like. Oops.

Carlisle was out of the car in a flash. He seemed to be planted in his spot, speechless, in a daze."You can't be…" He whispered. "You're all suppose to be dead…" His eye widened. I never knew Vampires could be so…emotional?

I growled in response. I didn't like it when they all thought we're suppose to be dead. If we were suppose to be dead, I would be gone now wouldn't I? I starred at him for awhile longer, my breathing slow and relaxed. My body screamed run, but my heart told me to stay.

I guess this would be what you call, those cross roads in life. I had two choices; Run away and Never return. Or Stay, let them know my secret, and be shunned most likely. For some odd reason, I decided to stay. I found my feet running into the house, no one saw me, I transformed back into my human form running back up the steps. I heard Carlisle walk in after me. He was still slightly shocked. I shut the bedroom door behind me, and slammed myself onto the bed. I felt safe here in this small room, it was my thinking place; where I could be alone. Surprisingly Carlisle didn't follow me up here. How disappointing.

Finally, I allowed myself to drift off into the one place I feared with all my heart. The realm of sleep; where the nightmares of my past came alive again.