Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns twilight, not me.
A/N: I am soooo sorry that i had not updated in a such a LONG time...thank you to all those of you who offered your condolences. Sadly to say my relative passed away a few months after - near the new year. The whole family is depressed and its just awful to see someone you love have their final moments of their life in pain and agony. It was a hard time for all of us and i would like to thank you guys for being understanding.
On another note: if i do take a long time to update JUST TELL ME TO SHIFT MY ASS - I get quite lazy and i do hate writers block. So thank you to those (bossy but) encouraging peeps. I will finish this story. So just hang in there. See you on the other side...and here's a little recap so you're not like 'what the hell's happening?'
Recap: (Over the previous chapters)
Bella, after hearing about her best friend Jake's sudden death, immediately runs to Chicago.
Bella believes Jacob was murdered.
Whilst looking around Jake's bedroom, she comes across a note with an unfamiliar name and address. She goes to that address.
She learns about Vampires and that Jacob was a Familiar.
Out for revenge, Bella ends up at Edward Cullen's condo, and gets 'kidnapped' on Edward's orders.
For a short period, Bella comes to know that she is Edward Cullen's Singer, and gets drugged – with unusual side effects.
Chapter 3 introduces new Vampires and somehow they know Jacob Black.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" I stood in the shadows, still and rooted to the ground. I could not move. I watched, with no shame, a woman in labour. She was beautiful, and as odd as this may have seemed, she looked like Edward. Her hair was bronze, just a shade darker and I could make out her emerald orbs from where I was standing. I assumed this woman was Edward's mother. What I made out to be Edward's father, was holding onto the woman's hand…murmuring to her and occasionally kissing her temple.
The only resemblance this man and Edward had was the sharp facial features. Other than physical traits, I could not have been sure this was Edward's parents…but I had this odd feeling in my gut that they were.
I had no idea where I was or the time period. The room I was in was lit by candles and there were no clocks on the wall or any technology. I figured I was in the past.
And right now, I think Edward Cullen was being born. There were midwifes rushing about and encouraging her to push harder. There was so much blood…it was a huge surprise I had not fainted yet – I cannot stand the rusty and metallic smell of blood. And I could strongly smell it, but it had no impact on me.
The woman made more gasping sounds and sweat was glistening all over her body. And then it was all over. I watched one of the midwives pull out a baby – presumably Edward. What surprised me was that the newborn was not shrieking his lungs off.
Oh no! With a sinking feeling, I thought it was a stillborn. The midwife wrapped the baby in a cloth and handed the baby to the man.
"Well Edward?" It was the first time I heard the woman speak and she seemed anxious.
The man, or Edward, gazed intently at the newborn and finally smiled. He breathed, "You've done it Elizabeth! Our Vampire Prince is here." Edward, with a wave of his hand, dismissed the midwives. They bowed at him and Elizabeth before they left. They really must have been Edward's parents. I was relieved that this baby was not a stillborn.
I saw Elizabeth let out a deep breath and grin lazily at Edward. I could see the love they had for each other.
"May I hold him?" Edward handed her the baby and she gently cradled him in her arms. "I want to name him after you, Edward." She peeked at him briefly and his wide smile spoke on his behalf. "He is so beautiful Edward…just like his father." She winked and Edward Senior laughed.
"You must be hungry," Elizabeth stated.
"I am. But my happiness overrides my hunger, not to mention I have my heir who will one day take over the House of Foame. We will eventually be able to spend our eternity like two mates should, Elizabeth."
A tear escaped Elizabeth's eye and before I could blink, Edward Senior caught it and tasted it.
"Here." Elizabeth raised her right wrist. "Please drink. If he is a baby like you were, than both of us will be getting insufficient sleep."
Edward Senior turned his head away. "I can't Elizabeth; you have lost too much blood and you are weak right now. Sleep and I will get the maids to freshen you up. I will feed – I promise you. Plus, some one needs to tell the good news to Carlisle and Esme, not to mention the rest of the Vampire World." Elizabeth dropped her wrist and watched as Edward Senior took his son in his arms.
The scene faded from my eyes and before I knew it, I was this time in a different but familiar room. I recognised it immediately – I was in Edward's office. It was slightly different; no laptop or those comfy swivel chairs. It was like taking away all the post 18th Century inventions and items from the room.
I noticed Elizabeth and Edward Senior, who were whispering to each other. I could not make out what they were saying and as much as I wanted to go up to them and listen….I couldn't. Plus, I came to the conclusion that they couldn't see me, like when I was present at Edward's birth. Okay, that sounded a little freaky to my liking.
Suddenly, the door banged open. Edward Senior and Elizabeth stopped their murmuring and I stared wide eyes at a much, much younger version of the Edward I knew.
His hair was cropped to perfection and neatness, although this suited his prominent cheekbones and made his face look even sharper… I liked his disarrayed hair. I thought it made him look even sexier, if that was possible.
But what stopped me from ogling him was a body being hauled. And Edward was doing all the dragging. The blood on his hands was very apparent and he was gripping the person's shirt. His parents stood up and whilst Elizabeth looked shocked, Edward Senior appeared to be…proud of his son.
And now I could hear them, much clearer. "What did I tell you Elizabeth?" Edward Senior cracked a devastating smile at his wife. "He will be a very fine leader for the House of Foame."
And then I woke up, my breathing heavy and my skin hot and sweaty.
"Bad dreams?" I gasped as I saw Edward Cullen, messy hair and not a stillborn baby Edward Cullen, sitting on a rocking chair that had not been in my room before.
"How---what?" I asked, dazed.
He ignored my questions. "If only I could your mind…" I was puzzled by this. It wasn't helping that I just woke up from what seemed to me like reality from the past– not meaningless dreams.
"Why? People can't read minds."
Edward chuckled. It was quite different to his father's. "You and I both know well that I am no ordinary person, but a Vampire. And a Pureblood one at that. Didn't you know that some Purebloods have special gifts? Like me, for instance?"
My eyebrows shot up.
"I can read minds, Bella. But not yours, no, not yours." He seemed to regret this piece of information and I found myself asking why. He grinned ruefully. I had not seen this side of him before… I was liking it. More than I should. "If I knew what you were thinking, how you reacted to things and what you thought of me and life in general…it would make things easier. Especially when it comes to turning you into a Half-Vampire."
Surprisingly, that tidbit of information made my body tingle in all sort of places. But I was not going to admit that.
"Will you actually turn me?"
His answer pleased me, and I did not know why. "Yes. And if you're wondering... Singers are exceptions to a Pureblood's gift. My uncle Carlisle thinks that this is a chance for Purebloods to work on their other skills, and getting the Singer in the end – all Half-Vampire and happy – means that the Pureblood has accomplished the greatest achievement."
"Oh," my reply was pathetic. I had learnt so much…about Edward's past and about the existence of Vampires…Would I ever be able to go back to my old life? Go back to being a Kindergarten teacher, and spend my Friday nights reading one of my many books? What depressed me the most was that even I knew the answer to that: no.
Because of Edward Cullen. I realised now…I was developing feelings for him, and I could not allow myself to go deeper in the hole. He was insanely gorgeous, Vampire royalty, intelligent, and confessed to me that he will do whatever it takes to turn me into a Half-Vampire. He would have to love me, and make me love him. Love existed between Vampires…his parents were proof of that. I really needed to leave this place – as quickly as possible.
"Excuse me," I muttered. "I need a human moment."
"Of course."
I climbed out of bed and entered the bathroom. Of course there was no lock…I heard Edward chuckle. I closed the door as securely as I could, just hoping that he would not walk in.
As quick as I could, I peed and ignored the permanent blush. I brushed my teeth and sorted my hair into a somewhat decent hairstyle – nothing too complicated or extravagant.
"My family are waiting for us. Come." He stood up as I entered back into my room. Hesitantly I took his hand…Oh my. The butterflies were fluttering away in my stomach and my body was tingling a whole lot more.
He was a fast walker, and it was constant hard work trying to keep up with him. There was that, and also trying to keep my blush in check. There were so many Vampires in the corridors and when we passed, they all bowed – like the midwives in my 'dream'.
Then we finally got to the entrance of his office and he pushed the doors open. It was a relief to see the modern version of the office…but that thought was quickly dismissed when I saw the occupants.
All extraordinarily beautiful, all intimidating and all were focused on me.
"This is Carlisle…" He gestured to a handsome blonde…whose name was very familiar. Carlisle shook my hand as I released mine from Edward's grip. I was surprised that I had not flinched at the coldness of Carlisle's hand. Maybe I was used to it by holding Edward's.
"And this is-"
"Esme," I interrupted. Edward flashed me a look of astonishment and I did all I could to ignore it; no matter what look Edward had on his face, it was still breath taking.
I shook hands with Esme and the rest of his family, save one. After twenty minutes of being in their presence, I came to learn a great deal of things. Firstly, Edward did run the show. They all listened to him attentively and did not particularly like it when he went off in a rant. I think they were frightened of him. And me, well I was just cowering and shaking when he did that.
Secondly, Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Emmett were the nice Vamps…in their own standards. Jasper, Alice's mate, barely said anything to me and found his nails to be more entertaining than what was going around him. And I absolutely loathed Rosalie – Emmett's mate. She was the most beautiful female Vampire in there, but with beauty comes with vain. Just like Tanya. But Rosalie was a Pureblood, so she obviously would have more advanced tricks up her sleeve. Like this one: 'Emmett I'm starving!' and she said this whilst staring at me. Even Edward was pissed.
And then they left. After some heavy threats and an object-throwing contest, it was Adios.
I relaxed myself onto a swivel chair and Edward put a hand on my shoulder. "You made a big impression on them." I felt myself getting lost as I stared into his eyes. Could eyes be that green? It was so unnatural…just like being in the past. And meeting Carlisle and Esme just proved my suspicions. I stopped staring and did not appreciate the fiery blush I felt on my cheeks.
I thought of things to say to distract Edward…and myself. "Why did you drug me? I mean that you did not intend me to go to sleep or anything like that..."
I was very surprised when he answered. "It was for your protection." Shock coloured my face as he sank down to my level. He cupped my face, "If anything happened to you…I will never be able to forgive myself. That drug was intended to heighten your senses – on a level to a Vampire's. So if anyone was to strike you, hopefully you would be able to acknowledge it and dodge. I purposely ordered Tanya to send you the food because I knew she would have made a perfect piece of apparatus.
"And I watched through the security cameras…. Although I was surprised when you started jumping on the bed." His cool breath hit my nose and I knew I just got dazzled as I stared at him – marvelling his beauty and now his 'human' side. "It was a side effect really – to play with emotions. And that lasted until the drug finally wore off."
"So when you and that man…"
"The drug made you feel numb instead of terrified or upset. Emotions like that are considered to weaknesses. I want you to remember that." He playfully tapped my nose and then stood up to his full height. Whoa! I couldn't believe I failed to notice how tall he was – 6ft something – and I blushed as I realised my head was facing his groin. He chuckled and then he unexpectedly swooped down to kiss my forehead.
I smiled at him. A real, genuine smile. And that smile stayed plastered onto my face until he took me back to my room and left me with that creepy blonde.
I sat down on my bed, waiting for him to speak. It was minutes, if not hours, until he spoke. "You don't recognise me, do you?"
"Huh?" I knew him? I looked over his face, and deep down I knew I somehow knew him. But something was off about him…
"Bloodcake, I told you I remembered you, but you can't remember me? That is very hurtful….what if I told you that you and your friend were very naughty seniors?"
Oh my god. There was only one person who used to say that and that was Mr. Banner – mine and Jake's Biology teacher. Before my parents died and I moved to Boarding Schools in Phoenix, I went to school with Jake as Billy became my carer. During that time… I became a teeny bit rebellious and often Jake followed me. And it was always Mr. Banner who caught us – it was like he possessed sixth sense.
Come to think of it, this blonde guy did look like Mr. Banner – same face and eyes…it was the hair. No way was Mr. Banner a blonde as he had dark hair.
"I dyed my hair before I turned into a Vampire…it's what Familiars have to do – somehow alter their looks. The day a person changes into a Vampire is the day when they are counted dead. So if people start recognising Vampires…it will not go well, especially if they are meant to be dead in other people's eyes."
"Mr. Banner…?"
"Please call me Harry. I am not a teacher anymore." He gave me a tight smile.
"Why did you become a teacher in the first place?"
He let out a deep breath. "Oh boy…… Well, even though Familiars get paid by doing what they do…they do it because they want to turn into Vampires. I mean, who wouldn't? Live for eternity, beautiful, can't get cancer or die in a sudden car accident – all that sort of stuff. But the Familiars with more credit are more likely to get turned; especially since you need Purebloods of that House to give their consent that they will grant you your request in changing you.
"Purebloods don't change people, it's the Halfbloods. You have to earn the credit – do more jobs, please your masters or have a job that secures the House. My job as a teacher secured the House as I constantly 'persuaded' young, naïve teenagers to become food for important visitors. Not something I'm proud of, but still I did it."
"Why?" I asked.
"I do not want to die. I know it's natural and everything comes to an end, but with Vampires…death is prolonged. And plus before I even became a Familiar, I was told that I was going to help change the Vampire world. And I would be greatly rewarded. Bella Swan, the Vampire world as we know it is going to change, and it's all because of you."
What?
"Here's fifty dollars…I remember being specifically told to give you fifty dollars – not a cent less and not a cent more. She told me that you knew what you needed it for in good time."
He handed me a fifty-dollar bill and I just stared it.
"Please don't get offended, Bella. I'm not implying that you're poor, but there will be a time when you use this. So please accept it and don't tell Sir."
"I won't, thanks." 'Change the world', what could he have possibly meant by that?
"We will meet again, Bella." I watched, baffled, as he walked out of my room. I hastily folded the bill and shoved it securely into my bra. Harry was right – there will be a time when I need it.
I had to wait a couple of minutes before Edward came in. And the butterflies appeared again. I then came to the decision that I had to leave – before it could get any worse.
"Hey Edward. Can we go back to your Condo?"
He shot me a puzzled look. "Why?"
"Ummmm, well I feel suffocated. There's Vampires everywhere, if you took me back to your Condo where there are humans, I could possibly feel normal again," I lied. I was so glad that he could not read my mind.
"Funnily enough, I agree." I did not hide my look of bewilderment to him – why would he agree? "I suppose it was wrong of me to confine you here, I'm sorry for that. We shall go to the Condo now."
I could not help but feel the pang of guilt. Here I was…trying to escape and Edward was unknowingly helping me. What happened to the cold monster C.L. described him as?
I sipped my orange juice, slowly so I had more time to think on how to escape from here. The moment we stepped through the doors, the women started fawning themselves over Edward.
Of course I felt jealous; there were much prettier women than me here. And I bet they would give up their lives to be Edward Cullen's Singer, and I don't think they would run away either.
But I needed to leave – it was a gut instinct. I already liked Edward…but how long until it comes to the point that I love him? And death surrounds Edward Cullen, he's like the Grim Reaper. Will I get so used to the idea of killing, that I become a killer myself? Or worse, see murder as nothing?
I have to slip out of the doors, I reasoned myself. But I needed something to distract Edward with. And that was when I heard them…
"So how's the apartment hunting going on for you?" A tall, skinny blonde asked a plump red head.
"Alright," the red head answered. "I saw this great apartment today but so many people are interested in it…the real estate agent offered me a deal but I'm a bit short."
"Well, how much?"
"$50." The red head shrugged.
"$50 short?! You can't pull out $50?"
"I could have afforded it months ago…but you know how much Danny wanted that Rolex watch for his birthday…." Her friend snorted.
I then felt the fifty-dollar bill go heavy in my bra – and I knew what to do with it.
"Excuse me?" I carefully approached the two girls and looked around the room to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "I have a business proposition to make to you."
I could see both girls assessing me in their eyes. They did not look like nice people.
"Oh, yeah?" The blonde said to me.
"Listen, I hear you need $50. I need a distraction. You give me that distraction and I will give you that $50." They did not look convinced. "Come on, help a girl out here," I begged.
"Alright," the red head said.
"Distract Edward Cullen," I whispered. "Make him...not able to think or process anything. Can you do that?"
"Sure we can," the blonde replied, adjusting her clothes. I did not like her doing that, but I had to leave. This was my opportunity. The red head held her hand out. I got the bill out and handed it to her.
I waited a while, and then the screaming of all the women in the Condo alerted me. Before I actually left, I saw all the women running up to Edward.
And then I ran.
"I'm Edward Cullen's Singer," I admitted to C.L.
"I know." Was all he said. "And I also know you want to leave. I don't particularly think that's a good idea."
"What?!" I nearly jumped out of my seat. "First you tell me not to get involved and to forget…and then when I want to do all that, you tell me no? This does not make any sense."
"Bella, Edward Cullen furious is not a sight to behold."
"I know," I replied. "I've seen him angry at his family."
"He will look for you…and there will be death. I'm certain; he will not let his Singer slip away from him. Period."
"I have to leave C.L.," I urged. "I've been having these weird dreams-"
"Weird dreams?" he interrupted. "Tell me about these dreams, now." He ordered.
"It was nothing…except that it felt like I was in the past. I thought I was seeing Edward's parents and them giving birth to Edward…and then Edward as a young teenager."
C.L. brought his hands to face and groaned. "This is not good…this is not good."
"What's not good?" I started panicking.
"Bella, you're his Singer so you attract him. Your blood calls for him and then it will be your body." He was looking at me square in the eye and I felt like I was being scolded at. "Because you attract him…he will attract you. It may be his body, or the power he holds, or it could be anything that attracts you. But this is too soon…Childhood or any of a Vampire's past comes to the Singers when they are mentally preparing themselves for the change to become a Half-Vampire. It's been two days…two.
"You are not ready Bella. Do you want to get changed?"
I breathed heavily through my nose. "If he asked me, I don't think I would be capable of saying no."
C.L. did not like my answer, not at all.
"Bella, if your mind and body come to a last minute decision that you are not ready to become a Half-Vampire, and reject the change…you will die. For real."
"This is serious isn't it, C.L.? I do need to leave."
"Under the circumstances…yes you do. But when he finds you…..unless you go to another House."
Uhhh, what?
"Bella! I can send you to another House. They will protect you and no one will spread the news that you're there – it's perfect."
There was a hopeful gleam in his eyes. I was touched. "Are you sure?"
"Yes – they owe me one. This House resides in a little town in Washington, called Forks. They protect their own and no harm will come to you. Plus Edward Cullen won't think to go there…You just need to hop onto a plane as soon as possible. Oh and I also have your luggage. After hearing the news that you were Edward Cullen's Singer, I knew I could not save your apartment from them but I could save what you managed to bring – I went to the hotel and played the part as your father."
"Oh, thank you!" Without a second thought, I hugged him. C.L. just awkwardly patted my back. Then we let go and he handed me a note.
"This is the address of the House. Now, don't worry about meeting them. They are not like the other Vampires. I will phone them after you leave."
"I would like to say thank you, again. You've done a lot for me." There were unshed tears in my eyes.
"Jacob would want you safe…and err speaking of Jacob. I might as well tell you what happened – this may be the last time we ever meet. Edward Cullen will come for me; don't feel bad about it – he was bound to a long time ago." I did not understand what he meant but I did not interrupt him. It looked like I was finally getting my wish – knowing what happened to Jake.
"Jacob became a Familiar not for himself, but for his father Billy." I gasped. This was not what I was expecting. "Jacob noticed how day by day weaker his father was becoming, and less able. So a Familiar found him, desperate to save Billy from death. He lied to the Vampires on the oath – that was a big sin. He made the Vampires believe that he wanted to be a Vampire, and not his father. Then Edward Cullen found out about his lie and could not tolerate it. The rest is self-explanatory.
"That was not all though. Jacob also fell in love with a Vampire."
A/N: Pls hang with me!!!! Everything will work out in the end. Pls tell me what you think.