Pain

The pain that you feel,

But can't touch.

A pain you know of,

But can't explain.

A pain so fierce,

You go insane.

The unknown pain,

That clutches you're heart

and burns you're soul.

The pain in your life

To strong to carry on.

The unknown pain that clouds you're mind,

and devours every thought.

The pain of broken promises

Broken dreams

The pain that's unheard of

The pain that's not seen.

Ch. 2 Don't lie to me

BPOV

"He can't be dead." I said, touching the picture.

"Maybe you saw someone who looked like him." Demetri suggested. I shook my head, dropping my hands to my side.

"I know what I saw." I whispered, taking my eyes off of the picture and scanning the rest. I honestly couldn't believe how many vampires there were. There had to be over a hundred pictures on this wall.

"Do you think….that maybe he was a ghost?" I asked hesitantly. Demetri's husky laugh started to fill the room. I turned around and glared at him.

"There's no such thing as ghosts Isabella." He said, still laughing.

"There's no such thing as vampires either, and look at us." I clarified. He abruptly stopped laughing and sighed, running a hand through his black locks, his olive complexion shining under the light. It was silent afterwards, and thinking that he wasn't going to say anything else, I focused my attention to the pictures, analyzing each individual.

"You do have a point," He said, breaking the long silence, "I guess anything is possible. But I highly doubt that you saw a ghost." I was about to argue but decided better against it, realizing that he was right. It couldn't have been a ghost, how would he have been driving? But can't spirits possess certain objects, for instants like cars? If this Alan possessed this car, then it would be very possible that he could have been driving it. Vampires can't turn into ghosts…or can they? I mentally let out a groan, my head aching with all the questions bubbling inside of my head.

The only problem is Alan didn't look like a spirit at all; in fact, he looked as real as me or Demetri. And the way he looked at me, like he was actually looking inside of my soul, reading everything as if it were on paper. I shook my head. It didn't make sense; Annabel killed this man long before I was born, so how is it that he is alive? If he even is alive, I thought to myself bitterly.

Demetri started chuckling again. "Don't fret over this; I am sure your eyes were deceiving you."

I didn't say anything. How could my eyes be deceiving me when I have this perfect vision? It didn't add up.

My eyes fell upon someone I wasn't expecting to see hanging on this wall. Demetri started talking but I couldn't hear him, even though he was only a couple of feet away. I could feel the wounds start to fester, the seams breaking as though someone was pulling the string out. I saw them-all seven of them.

My eyes rested on Edward. He didn't look happy in this picture, but he was as beautiful as ever, his bronze hair lying perfectly against his forehead, his eyes looking past the camera.

It was like I could feel my heart breaking in that instance, this deadly ripping sound echoing off my mind, followed by an incredible pain in my chest. I couldn't breath, couldn't think, and I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

So I welcomed the pain, I willed it to tear up every fiber of my being, every muscle in my broken body, but no pain strong enough would make me pry my eyes from him.

"Isabella, what's wrong?" Demetri's anxious voice brought me back to reality. I quickly pulled my eyes away from Edward and looked into his expression. I soon realized that my arms were tightly wound around my chest and my breathing was coming out ragged and uneven.

Demetri looked to were I was staring a couple of seconds ago. At first I could see the confusion spread across his face, but as he looked more closely, comprehension dawned.

"I'm sorry, I should have expected…well you know." He struggled with the right words. I didn't say anything, knowing if I did my voice would come out in a jumbled mess.

Hesitantly he took two strides and stood before me, brushing his hand along my knuckles were I soon realized I was squeezing so hard that you could see the outline of my bone.

"I wish…," he sighed, closing his eyes, "I wish you didn't have to feel this…this agony all the time. It hurts me to see you hurting, knowing that I can't do anything to help. Is it about Edward? Is that why you feel pain? I am not trying to pry; I am honestly just trying to figure out what is causing you this grief."

I closed my eyes too, trying to calm myself down at the mention of Edward's name. I have never openly talked to anyone about this, but I decided that maybe talking might make me feel better.

"Yes…it's hard for me…to see him…to even think his name sends me into hysterics." I spoke slowly, enunciating each word carefully. Nothing seemed to be coming at a vengeance.

Demetri asked, eyes still closed, "Do you think…that maybe you will ever move on?"

My breathing stopped. He was asking too deep of questions that I knew if I answered would send me into a whole new kind of torture, something that would be untreatable-unbearable for me.

"No."

With that simple knowledge, a pain so fierce, so strong I could actually feel it suffocating my heart and burning my soul absorbed through my skin like a flesh eating virus.

I felt him support my shoulders as my knees turned to mush. I wanted to lie down and let everything consume me.

"I am sorry I brought it up." Demetri's anxious voice filled my head, making me clear my dry throat to answer him.

"It's not you're fault." I mumbled, trying to look anywhere but at his picture. But my wandering eyes couldn't help landing on his beautiful face again. A sharp, hard object felt like it just collided with my body.

"Demetri," I said, trying to change the subject, "You never did tell me what happened after Alan told you what you were."

He smiled down upon me. "What would you like to know?"

I sighed, my brain finally functioning enough to let me have the will power to release the death grip around my upper body. "I don't know; how Aro found you? What happened between you and Alan…?" I trailed off.

He cleared his throat, taking a couple of steps away from me only to stand by the desk and casually sit on top, knocking over Annabel's picture. He motioned me over to the navy blue chair that was seated directly diagonal from him. I quickly sat down and looked up, waiting for him to start.

"Well, after I was changed I went with Alan everywhere. I guess you could say that he and I started our own coven. It was great at first, traveling with each other. We had no rules, no boundaries; we practically hunted anything we felt like. We were hardly ever hungry with our constant feeding."

"Alan was different though. I could tell when he wasn't hungry but yet, he always wanted to hunt. I used to tease him that if he was going to eat like this everyday, he would be the first vampire to become over weight," Demetri chuckled, and then continued, "But one day it got out of hand."

"I remember it perfectly, like it only happened yesterday. We were in Perugia, Italy, just wandering about the towns and forests."

"Want to catch some fast food?" Alan asked me one day, eyeing five women that walked past us. They did smell delicious, but I wasn't hungry."

"Not particularly." I said, turning around and walking away from him, but he didn't follow me. I looked behind my shoulder and I saw him already over by the ladies, using his charm and making them laugh. I walked over by him and put my hand on his arm."

"Alan, leave them and lets go." I insisted. But he laughed me off and pulled one of the women close to him, bringing his lips to her neck. I shook his shoulders, trying to get him to stop. He was feeding in the daytime; there were witnesses every where."

"He let go of the women and shoved me backwards into a brick wall, which collapsed by the force. I quickly gathered myself up but it was too late, he was feeding on her, while the other women that accompanied the women started to scream and run away. I was going to make him stop, but I saw three figures in the dark shadows."

"They approached us very calm in their black ropes. I was surprised at how naturally they seemed. The big one stopped by Alan and gripped his arm, thrusting him backwards into the ally. I was shocked that someone could throw Alan that hard, but then realization hit me. I knew that they were like us."

"I was relieved that we were not the only ones. But the others didn't seem too thrilled by me. In fact, I remember the shorter one going up to me as well and thrusting me into the ally. I landed right by Alan, who stood up immediately and got into a stance that looked deadly."

"I didn't know what was going on at the time. I had no idea that they intended to kill us right then."

"The taller one out of the bunch stepped forward and started to speak directly at Alan."

"You broke our laws, fed on a human in front of every one." He said, "Do not try and fight us. You will lose." Alan never was much of a fighter, but he still didn't back down out of his stance."

"There is no need for us to fight," I told them, "We didn't know that there was rules." The shorter one out of all of them stepped forward this time, a hiss escaping its lips."

"That is no excuse," She said, "You still broke them, there for we shall break you." This time it was Alan who growled. I thought that I was going to die right there, it wouldn't have been so bad. I actually was hoping they would kill me, but something happened that changed everything."

Demetri paused for the slightest second, as if he didn't wish to speak about it but then continued.

"Alan pushed past them and ran into the sun light. His skin started to glisten as if a thousand diamonds were implanted into his very body. The humans that saw him were utterly still, amazed at the sight."

"Get him." The male hooded figure said, and the other two obeyed. But even though I didn't like Alan that much, he saved my life. I couldn't let them hurt him, I at least had to try and do something. So I grabbed the male that was heading straight for Alan and pinned him down on the ground while shouting at Alan to run."

"And he ran. The male that I had pinned flipped me over and started to dig inside my chest. It felt like he was ripping me apart. I cried out in anguish and thrashed underneath of him, but it didn't do anything."

"Then, after I gave up hope and let the male rip me to shreds, I felt him being pulled off of me, and in his place stood Alan. He flung the girl out of his way and picked me up, and then we ran."

"I didn't get that far before someone grabbed me and pinned me against the cold ground. I thought Alan would help me again, but he didn't. He just left me with them, not once looking back. I couldn't believe him, I felt betrayed. After all I did for him, he just leaves me!"

"Let go of him." One of the males said, and I felt the pressure being released on my body so I quickly stood up. I was going to make a run for it but I knew I wouldn't have made it far."

"We don't normally do this, but I can sense something about you. Would you like to join our coven?" The tallest one asked, extending his white hand towards me. I took a step away from him."

"I would rather not." I hissed at him, but he started laughing, shaking his head back and forwards."

"No, no, perhaps you misunderstood me young one. I am not asking you to, I am telling." He told me." I didn't want to, I remember thinking at the time I would rather die then be apart of whatever they were."

"And what if I decline?" I asked, "What will happen if I say no?" He pulled back his hand and took off his hood, revealing his red orbs as eyes and his chalky white skin that looked like it was about to break."

"You either join us, or die." He told me."

It was silent afterwards. I didn't know what to say. Demetri was forced into this nature by them…just like me. Except he was betrayed by his own friend to them, he was deceived. I couldn't believe it.

"Did…" I took a deep breath, "Did Alan ever come back for you?"

"No." he answered, still gazing off in the distance, "The only time I saw him was when we went to fight against him with Annabel. "

"How horrible." I whispered. He looked at me and I explained, "I mean, how horrible that you had to witness him die like that. Did you feel any sympathy towards him at all?"

Demetri laughed without humor. "I thought I would have, but living with Aro has changed me. I didn't feel anything when I saw Annabel deliver the final blow; no regret, no sorrow, just…emptiness."

I studied him more closely, watching his face as he spoke. No emotion played across his face, it was as if it didn't even bother him that his friend died like that. I wonder if I will be like that someday.

"But he's not dead." I mumbled to myself. I didn't care if anybody believed me or not, I know who I saw. I will never forget those eyes. Apparently he didn't hear me or he chose not to because he still was staring off in the distance.

"I hope he hasn't been boring you with his stories, Isabella."

I was so absorbed with everything that I didn't hear Aro approaching, so when he spoke, I about fell off my chair. I could see a small smile form on Demetri's lips as he bowed to Aro.

Aro smiled at me as well while saying, "Have you seen Heidi? I am not sure if she has been back yet." He glanced over at me quickly and then looked back at Demetri.

"My time has been occupied in here with Isabella," Demetri inclined his head towards me; "I have not heard anything yet, master."

"That is strange; normally she would have been back by now." Aro mused more to himself.

"You don't think…?" They both looked at me and then back at each other. What was going on? I slowly stood up and was about to say something when the doors came thrusting open and in came Heidi, looking very agitated. Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders as she took two angry strides so she was facing Aro.

"Did you find them?" he asked her, brushing his hands along her cheeks. I looked more closely and I realized that on her back was a long, red scratch. It looked like it was already healing but still; something big had to have done that.

"Yes, they were exactly were I thought they were. But when I went to see if the human was with them something strange happened. It was unbelievable!" Heidi ranted, throwing her hands up for dramatic effect.

"These six, gigantic"-

"Heidi! We are not alone in this room!" Aro hissed at her. She looked taken back for a second, and she looked around the room when her eyes rested on me. A big gush of wind escaped her mouth and her lips formed an 'O.'

"Er, hey Isabella, I didn't see you there." She said, looking at me nervously. She was hiding something from me, all of them were. Demetri wouldn't meet my eyes when I looked at him for answers.

"What happened?" I asked, locking my eyes with hers. She quickly put her eyes on Aro, avoiding mine. Aro started to walk over towards me and put his silky hands on my arm.

"You have every right to know." Aro said to me.

"But Aro, you can't"-

"Silence and let me finish." Aro scolded Heidi, sending her a glare which she shrank back from just a little bit. Something was wrong; I could tell by the way Demetri stood, still as stone, as if waiting for something to happen. I looked anxiously at Aro.

"You see, "Aro began, "A couple of weeks ago we had some very interesting information informing us that there was a vampire family who was breaking our rules by having a human know our secret. I sent Heidi to make sure that it wasn't a false lead, and apparently we were right."

I felt my jaw harden. I knew what this was coming to.

"So we are going to pay them a little visit tomorrow, just to make sure that they know the rules of our kind." Aro finished, resting his hands by his sides. I didn't move, already knowing what he meant by that.

He motioned Heidi over and she brushed her finger tips against his. At first I thought she was shaking his hand, but as I watched his calm face turn to surprise and horror, I realized she was showing him what happened.

I rolled my eyes at them.

Aro didn't say anything after that, and started to walk out but Demetri glided over to him and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Master, if it is true to what happened with Heidi, don't you think that Isabella should accompany us"-

"You know why she can't." Aro said so low I almost didn't catch it.

"Yes, but we won't be going over to that side. If we had Isabella's power then we wouldn't have to worry about anything, master." Demetri said in the same low voice.

Aro started to shake his head.

"You know I am right master."

"Yes, I know you are, but she could find out…" Aro trailed off, giving me a quick glance.

"What would I find out? What are you two talking about?" I asked, walking over so I was standing right by Demetri's side.

Aro smiled down at me. "Actually Demetri, I think Isabella should go, it might give her a chance to see what we do." And with that, he left the room, followed by Heidi.

I crossed my arms over my chest and raised my eyebrows, waiting. Demetri started to laugh at my expression.

"Are you going to tell me or not?" I demanded.

"Well, like I mentioned before, you are going to come along with us tomorrow and search for the vampire family who is harboring a human."

"Are you…going to…kill them?" I asked. I was hoping that he would say no, but by the look he had on his face, he didn't have to say anything. I already knew that answer.

"Isabella, it's our job. We can't just keep on giving out second chances to everyone. If they break the rules, they have to expect the consequences." He said.

"I don't have to do anything do I?" I asked him. I felt horrified by the very thought of going along to watch them. I shuddered.

"No."

"Then why do I have to come?" I questioned, "If I don't have to do anything, then there is really no point in me there."

"Since you are the most powerful one of us now, you have to come. Lets just say something might happen out there, with you're power we could stop them from rebelling." Demetri explained, but I wasn't convinced. He was hiding something from me.

"What is it that you are not telling me?" I asked, taking a step closer so I was right in front of him.

"I told you everything." He reassured. But I could tell by his eyes, they were distance. He acted nervous.

I was going to press on the subject further but Jane's light footsteps came descending down the hallway and towards Demetri and I.

I turned around and she was already there, leaning against the door frame, looking at her nails and acting completely disgusted to be seen with me.

"I don't see why Isabella," Her high pitched voice acting as though my name was a sin, "Has to come with us. We are perfectly fine without her."

Demetri stepped in front of me; almost as if he was shielding me from her while he spoke in a hard voice, "She is right here."

"I know." Jane answered, sending me a glare which I gladly returned. She turned around and headed out the door but stopped halfway out.

Her tone came out mockingly, "Oh, Isabella dear, while we are out there tomorrow, maybe we can see if Edward would like to join us, oh wait! We can't because you killed him."

It felt like she slapped me in the face, hard. My teeth snapped together in a defining snap as I balled my hands into fists. She started to laugh and turned around.

I walked over to the door, ignoring Demetri when he tried to stop me.

I called out to her, my voice surprisingly calm, "Where are you going Jane? To Aro's chamber for another private lesson? Didn't you already sleep with him yesterday? Or is Alec just not enough for you're needs any more?"

She stopped dead in her tracks and turned slowly around to glare at me hatefully. I started to walk towards her, my anger becoming more pronounced with each step I took, but Demetri's hand gripped my waist and pulled me backwards, shutting the door so I wouldn't have to see Jane's angry and horrified face.

The room started to shake. I felt Demetri's cold, hard arms wrap around me. It was then that I realized I was sobbing uncontrollably. Jane's words were right, of course they were right. I did kill him, all of them.

I clung myself onto Demetri for support, knowing if I let go I would surly fall as the agony came with a fiery vengeance this time, not leaving any room for peace. I couldn't go on like this, Edward wouldn't want me suffering.

But how could I not? I deserve ten times worse then this.

Finally I choked back the sobs and let go of Demetri. A familiar feeling started to ooze its way up my body, but I couldn't identify it.

As I finally composed myself, I knew what this sensation was. I was falling into numbness.

"So where are we going?" I heard myself ask. My voice sounded oddly fragile, weak.

"I am afraid to tell you." He admitted to me, watching my face.

"Please, just tell me." I begged him. I wonder what he saw on my face, because I heard him let out a long, defeated sigh. He put his hands on my cheeks, ignoring my struggles when I tried to pull away.

"Demetri." I warned him, but he wouldn't let go.

"Isabella, we are going to Wenatchee, Washington. "

I gasped as the pain took over my body again.

Yes! An update! -Hears chanting in the background-

So, looks like Bella is going to Washington to find the vampire family, and no it's not the cullens. But she does find something that is...quit shocking, for her anyways. What will she find? the only way to know is if you review A LOT!!

and the next chapter is going to be parts of Bella's point of view and Edwards.

Hurry and review, and I will hurry and update!!