Forever Forgotten Chapter 30: The Change, a twilight fanfic

A/N: Sorry if you got two emails for chapter thirty. I had forgotten to put the lines. There were only two chapter uploaded today. 29 & 30. Only eight more to go.

A burning, itching, throbbing feeling started. I shifted trying to reach my arm. Nothing was there. I jerked up looking down at my arm. What was this feeling? Nothing was on my arm. It was as if the burning sensation was under my skin. It was starting to spread. I clawed at my skin, but it wasn't helping. I was starting to panic.

I heard voices in the background. I only caught the last few lines though.

". . .yeah I kind of did."

"Kayla! Why did you bite her?" Arianna.

"I wanted to know what would happen."

Arianna growled. "Do you realize how much trouble this causes? This is dangerous. . .for everyone!" There was some shuffling and more growls. "Leave. Now." Arianna's voice was cold and deadly.

A door opened and closed. I heard a deep sigh and footsteps approaching. A hand settled on my arm and I jumped back.

"Charlotte? I know it hurts, but it'll be over soon. I'll stay beside you until it's over."

I arrived back home an hour after Charlotte came to visit. I could hear shuffling and screaming from the inside, but I assumed Andrew and Kayla were fighting again.

They didn't seem to be getting along ever since they became creatures of the night. I could understand sibling bickering, but they seemed to be arguing more and more; it seemed even more frequent since Charlotte's birthday party. They thought it was unwise for a human to know about vampires. They had heard about the Volturi and didn't feel the need to upset them. I had assured them they were safe though.

As I walked up the front steps, I heard a thud. I opened the door and found Charlotte leaning against Kayla.

I stopped suddenly and blinked.

"Kayla. . .what's going on?"

"Scientific experimentation."

I looked at Charlotte. She seemed to be unconscious. As I closed the door I noticed the smell of blood.

"Kayla. . .did you bit her?" I asked slowly.

"I-well-yeah I kind of did."

"Kayla!" I screamed. "Why did you bite her?"

"I wanted to know what would happen."

I growled. "Do you realize how much trouble this causes? This is dangerous. . .for everyone!" I grabbed Charlotte from her arms and laid her in the couch. I growled at Kayla again as I spun around and through her against the wall leaving a noticeable dent. "Leave. Now." My voice voice was cold and deadly. I was sure Andrew would find her as well.

I saw Charlotte stir.

I sighed and went back to Charlotte. I place a hand on her arm and she jumpped back.

"Charlotte? I know it hurts but it'll be over soon. I'll stay beside you until it's over."

I carried her downstairs into the basement. She wouldn't be coming fully around for a while. It was better to place her somewhere where she wouldn't hurt herself.

I knew they would be coming to look for her in a while. I wasn't prepared for this. I didn't want to start a war. I was going to have to wing this as best as I could with as little complications as possible. It was going to be getting a little more tense around here.

Something wasn't right. I could feel it as I headed home after patrolling late into the evening. I couldn't hear any footsteps and the pull I usually had for Charlotte was no longer there. At first I assumed she had taken off for school, but I realized her car was still parked in the driveway. I was startig to panic when I noticed a piece of paper taped to the front door.

Seth,

I woke up too late to even try to make it to school. Leah was already gone when I woke up. I waited for an hour and no one showed up here so I went to my mother's house. I won't be gone long, maybe a couple hours.

Charlotte.

P.S. It's almost 1:30pm now.

I looked at my watch. It was almost 7:00 now. She had been gone for over five hours! I hadn't heard anything from anyone about her whereabouts either.

I groaned and ran for the line of trees. I phased quickly as I crossed the line, only stopping briefly to tie my shorts to my ankle. I told the pack what had happened. They all decided to meet me at Arianna's house.

'Don't do anything you might regret before we are all get there,' warned Sam.

'I can't make any promises,' I replied.

Three hours later I could hear their foot falls in the distance. Charlotte was still on the edge of conscious and wouldn't be coming around for a while.

"Arianna!"

There he was. Her protective imprint. I was sad to realize his day wasn't going to get any better. I hoped he wouldn't be torn between killing her and loving her. It was already clear that he did love her; I figured that out the first time we met. But I was more than sure he hadn't told Charlotte yet. I wasn't exactly sure how she felt about him. I knew she loved him as well; she just hadn't admitted it to herself.

"Arianna!"

He was closer now. A few steps from the door. I raced upstairs and swung open the door.

"Don't you know it's rude to yell, especially in the presence of a vampire. What do you want?"

I noticed more of the wolves surrounded my house; some closer than others. Another one walked behind Seth in human form. I suppose this was the Alpha. Sam.

"Where is she?" Seth asked desperately. "What have you done to her?"

"She's here. And I haven't done anything to her."

I heavily emphasized 'I'. If he was going to lose his temper, it certainly wasn't going to be towards me.

"I don't like the sound of your tone." His eyes narrowed.

"The feeling is mutual."

I could tell he wanted to attack me. I could hear his heartbeat speeding up and see the slight shaking he was holding in. Sam shifted from foot to foot.

"Where's Charlotte?" he asked again.

"In the basement."

His eyes widened. "Why? Is she hurt?" He barged right past me into my house.

"I didn't invite you in."

He ignored my comment and glanced around. Sam stepped forward but didn't come in until I gestured him forward. At least this mutt had manners. Either that or he was highly uncomfortable to be so close to me.

"I don't bit," I said smiling slightly to show the points of my teeth; in turn, he flinched. Definitely uncomfortable.

"What happened in here?" His voice was deep and held a hint of authority.

"Just a little brawl." I would have to fix that dent.

"Over what exactly?"

"My daughter."

They both turned to gaze at me. I sighed it was better to let it all out, without cutting corners.

"She's been bitten."

I was vaguely aware of the time that passed. I heard the phone ring a couple times followed by long, heated arguments and several knocks at the door followed by yelling. I wondered what was happening above me. I was somewhere in a dark room. A cellar or basement was my guess. Every few hours I could feel someone down in the dark with me, although he or she never spoke or made any attempt of communication. I, on the other hand, was in too much pain to figure out who it was. I kept my mouth sealed shut, eyes closed, and sat very still. I was afraid that if I moved even and inch I would scream. The fact that I was able to stay still after hours on end frightened me. At first, I was sure my muscles would have a spasm from being folded together for so long, but they never did.

"What?" I yelled. "You bit her?"

I was mad. More than mad. I was outraged. How could this have happened?

"No I did not bite her. It was Kayla. And before you go running around the world seeking revenge and killing unnecessarily, think about what you're doing," Arianna rushed. She didn't even bat an eye when I yelled. How could she be so calm about this?

"What do you mean?" It was Sam who spoke before I could start yelling profanities.

"She's not only human but part werewolf as well." She paused as if in thought. "There are three possibilities of outcome: One, the venom will be taken over by her werewolf genes in which she'll be fine. Two, the venom could not at all have an effect on her body, which is highly unlikely as of now since she is barely awake. And three, her body could start a war within itself. Gene vs. venom. I'm not sure she'll be okay, but there is a greater chance she will be."

I hoped she was too.

Arianna didn't think it was wise to see Charlotte. I was about to protest when Sam agreed.

"I don't want to put anyone at risk," he explained. He turned back to Arianna. "We'll be keeping close tabs until she comes around. You know how to find us if you need us."

She nodded.

"So we're leaving Charlotte here?" I asked in disbelief.

"Arianna knows what to expect. We can. . .rely on her for the time being. It's not going to make things any better or any less stressful with us around waiting for hours on end, especially with you."

"But you don't know—"

"I know exactly how it feels." His eyes darkened. "I felt the same way with Emily." His hand patted my shoulder. "You can stay close, but try not to do anything rash and try not to stress too much. I'm sure she'll be fine."

He disappeared out the door after giving Arianna a nod. I groaned before following Sam.

How could everyone be so calm when I was in turmoil? I'm sure this wasn't how it was supposed to be.

I called Arianna as soon as Sam hung up.

"She was bitten?" I exclaimed before she could even say a word. "Where were you when this happened?"

"I was out running errands," she responded. "I left her with Kayla. I didn't think anything serious would happen while I was gone."

"Well, you were wrong!" I let out a deep sigh and sank into the couch.

"She's alright though, right?"

I knew she would be if Arianna was there, but I was worried about the werewolf genes and vampire venom. It wasn't possible for them to exist together. One was going to have to give. And I dearly hoped it was the venom. I couldn't bear to think what would happen to Charlotte if it didn't.

"She's doing the best she can in these situations. She hasn't moved yet. Her heart still sounds strong. She might actually make it."

"Please, please do not talk as if she is dying. I don't want to imagine it."

"Well she could be, but it doesn't look like it."

I sighed.

"George it'll be okay," she said softly. I wanted it to be. "I'll keep you updated."

I ran my hand over my face and through my graying hair.

"Alright," I said. "So tell me what's happened so far."

I told him the same choices I told the others. He didn't seem much relieved about it. I omitted the option of the venom actually winning to both Seth and George, in which it could turn her into more of a hybrid or ultimately kill her.

As the hours passed, the arguments, yelling, and phone calls increased. They thought me to be the expert. They wanted to know exactly when she would wake up, her progress, more options. . . I was not the one to know everything. Eventually my temper got the best of me and I told them to piss off. I could sense their impatience, but I was worried as well.

A few more hours passed before I actually heard any movement from below. It was then that I noticed the heartbeat. It didn't have to same continuous beat as before. It was slightly faster, but you would only notice if you listened close enough.

Another movement caught my attention. She was finally awake. And it only took. . .fifty-two hours; shorter than a vampires regular transformation.

I wasn't prepared for this. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but I know what I felt the first day I calmed down from the screaming.

Unbearable thirst.

Sometime later, the pain starred to edge away. After about another hour, I felt that it was safe enough to move. My body didn't protest from being in such a cramped position as I expected.

My eyes had adjusted to the darkness in a matter of seconds. Nothing was down here but me. Creaking above my head made me look up. A latch opened momentarily blinding me. A figure dropped down beside me and landed with a thud. Another followed. Whatever it was it was not good at landing.

"This will only hold you for a few hours but it'll be better than starving and going insane." It was Arianna again. I wanted to ask what exactly she was talking about and why I was down here, but she had already closed the latch before I could even blink. I heard a bolt slid into place as well. Why was I being locked in?

The two figures squirmed on the floor. I could hear their frantic heartbeats and muffled voices. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. As I took a deep breath to think things over, my nose was filled with a powerful scent that had my throat burning. What was it? I inhaled again. The scent was wonderful. I took a step forward allowing my nose to guide me. Instinctively, I opened my mouth and bit into the mouth-watering scent. Liquid ran over my tongue and down my throat. I sucked it dry. Another similar scent filled my nostrils, and I drained that too.

What was happening to me?

It had been about a week; longer than I was expecting. Arianna called and told us that Charlotte was fully conscious again, only with a minor problem. She explained that she wanted to somewhat stabilize Charlotte before she reintroduced her to the world. I was so happy that I immediately headed for Arianna's house. I arrived just as Arianna was leaving.

"Where is she?"

"Seth." Her face fell a little. "What are you doing here?"

I was confused why she asked but answered anyway. "To see Charlotte."

Her eyes drifted away.

"It might be a while until you can see her."

"Why? She's okay isn't she? You said only a minor complication. What was it?" I was curious and on edge.

"She—she has lost her memory somewhat."

"What does she remember?"

"Me, George. . ."

I waited for her to continue, but she didn't.

"That's all?" Arianna nodded.

She couldn't have forgotten me. . .could she?

"Where is she now?"

Arianna hesitated before she answered. "She went to see George, but you can't—Seth! Wait just a minute! You have to realize . . ." Her voice faded away as we grew further apart.

I caught Charlotte's scent as I ran to the direction of her house. It was different, but I didn't focus too long on the thought. It led to the clearing just behind her house. I stopped and there she stood.

"Charlotte. . ."

I whipped around as I heard my name. There was a boy standing across the clearing from me. He looked both happy and surprised to see me. I sniffed the wind that came from behind him towards me to catch his scent. He was a threat. I instantly growled and crouched into a defensive position.

I crouched ready to spring. My fingers dug into the ground, preparing to give me a boost if I needed it. He still stood there without even moving an inch. He wasn't afraid. Why?

A hiss escaped from my lips. His eyes widened and he took a hesitant step backwards. I smiled slightly. I was going to enjoy this.

I raced towards George's house.

This was not good. He shouldn't see Charlotte yet. She could attack him. He was a werewolf which would alert her immediately. She might even kill him if it came to it.

I pulled out my phone as I ran. I knew I wouldn't be able to catch up to Seth. He was running on pure adrenaline and determination.

"George!" I yelled as soon as I heard him pick up. "Find Charlotte. Now. Seth's on his way. He wants to see her."

"What? Now?" He paused. I could hear a door opening and closing. He must have already reached the backyard. "This may not turn out well if they come face to face."

"I know," I said. "I know."

So more 'vampire trouble' was arising from Forks, Washington? When would these vampires learn that it is best to keep under the radar? It seemed as if every time I heard news, it was about Forks.

"Jane!" I called. She instantly appeared. "Send some guards, along with a few others, to Forks. There's another problem." She knew exactly who I was talking about.

"Yes, Aro," she replied before she bounded away.

Years ago, while I was wondering outside as my dad sat on the back porch, I came across a skunk. At the time I was three and thought it to be an odd looking dog. I learned, however, as I picked it up that it wasn't. I had to spend the rest of my afternoon soaking in a tub of tomato juice. I could still smell its odor on my body as I went to bed that night.

The scent of his blood reminded me of that skunk. It made my noise itch and my throat burn, but not in the way that I wanted his blood. All my instincts told me kill him, to kill this creature. His scent made no sense to me. I wanted his blood to run down my throat, to quench my thirst, to satisfy me, but it was wrong. The sweetness was masked by an unmistakable, horrible, bitter stench. I wanted to get rid of it. In another way, his scent was familiar. I couldn't place how I recognized it.

I blinked and there he stood. His face was etched with worry. I could feel his heartbeat. Each one pounded and sent a wave towards me. Should I take his life and suffer the taste of his blood, or ignore bloodlust and kill him from my instincts? Either way I would kill him.

I lunged at him, pushing my fingers into the ground to give me extra power. I landed on top of him with a thud. I was expecting that he would put up a fight, but he didn't.

"Why don't you fight back?" I growled. I gripped his arms tightly.

"Because I have no urge to fight you."

"My instincts tell me to kill you." I paused. He didn't reply. He just stared into my eyes. His eyes. . .they were as familiar to me as his scent.

His fingers found a way to my cheek. His warmth relaxed me. I let down my guard.

"Charlotte," he whispered.

Something was wrong. I jumped away from him. He stood, never taking his eyes off me.

"You know me?" I asked.

"Yes."

"How?" I looked over my shoulder as I heard a sound. My dad stood opposite us. My mother appeared next to him. They were staring intently at us. I saw my mother nod and walk slowly forward.

"Charlotte?"

His voice caught my attention again. I turned back to him. He held up his hands as a surrender. I was confused.

"Charlotte Alexandria Duckling, you are my imprint."

Imprint. . . Imprint. . . That word. . .

"Who are you?" He took a step forward as I took one back. I noticed that the footsteps were getting faster. "What do you want?"

He took another step forward. "Do you remember me?"

I shook my head as I took a step back.

"Charlotte, please, you have to remember."

"Stop saying my name. I don't know you. Leave me alone." I was starting to shake. Whoever this was, I felt a strong connection to him. I turned and fled. I heard light footsteps following. I knew it was my mother. She would keep following until I stopped. I just had to get away from that boy; he made me a bit uneasy. Why?

Her footsteps were speeding up until she was running beside me. I glanced at her. Her face showed no emotion. She veered to the left, and I followed.