C.3
The Bloody Remains

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Bella's eyes fluttered open just as the sky began to streak orange across the horizon. She unzipped the entrance of the tent and stepped into the darkened forest. The fire had once again extinguished, sending its smoke into the air in feathery puffs of exhaustion.

She was alone. Unmistakably alone. The dying hiss of the burned wood was her only neighbor as she stepped carefully across the site to the other erected tents. The silence crushed against her as she searched for any sign of life other than her own.

"Guys?"

She spun around and shouted again. "Angie? Jessica? Where are you?"

Deafening, and esteemed with the tranquil silence came the repetitive sounds of nocturnal forest life. It was the same noises she heard the previous evening, only now they seemed louder – even dangerous. She called for them again and again; each time hoping to hear a voice call back to her, to break the ill waves of nature.

Her feet became cement as she thrashed her head in every direction. She had decided that any movement would take away from her listening for any footsteps trekking closer to her location.

Nothing came.

Two minutes passed which soon carried to four and she still stood alone, dumbfounded at the situation. Finally, it was fear which coerced her feet to move. She ran for her tent and rummaged for the flashlight in her bag. Without another thought, she quickly began to start the fire again. She threw the remaining wood on the hungry entity and convinced the flames to flicker high into the air.

She thought it would be easier to find her way back once she found the others. After all, she wasn't comfortable with these woods, and the fire would help her locate the camp site easier.

Bella paused and thought about the car a few yards away. She hadn't checked there, but once she did it was locked and empty. She remembered Angela taking the key with her when they left to go hiking. She saw her stuff it in her pocket.

"Guys? Is this a joke?" she shouted. "You're joking right? Ha ha! Joke's on Bella. You can come out now." A playful smile that she had sported for her declaration began to fade as she waited for a noise that didn't fit with the surroundings – the breaking of a tree branch, or the rustle of dead leaves. When the silence persevered, thoughts of a despairing nature fluttered through her conscience, unconceivable thoughts, thoughts which she dared not believe in. She would find them, she decided. She left the camp site a ghost of its previous self. The only life was the wild, crackling fire in its center.

She checked the stream, but found no one – only evidence they had been there. Mike's bag was abandoned on the bank. She called their names and turned every way to scour the trees for them.

Bella began to worry then, more than before. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Angela's number but the service didn't allow the call to connect; it didn't even ring. Fucking mountains. She tried Jessica and still nothing. She sifted through her contact list and dialed Eric and lastly, Mike. When both calls were unresponsive she stuffed her phone into her pocket and walked away from the place she knew they had been and into the unknown.

She continued to walk, calling their names and often repeating her attempts on the cell phone. The last light of day shifted over the horizon and darkness consumed her in the forest as if a dark blanket had been laid on the tree tops. It had become an eerie mass of vertical lines and woven branches, leaping for her when she passed. She searched through the thick, maze with her flashlight. Her breath began to stagger with exhaustion and she shivered from the emerging fear in her gut.

She paused in a thick clump and called into the velvet cloak around her, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Silence.

Her chest heaved and her throat leapt. Her stomach protested against the lack of nourishment and she felt a slight sting of guilt for wanting to go back to the safety of camp to wait and eat.

What if they're in trouble? The prospect became constant and settled into her mind that they needed her help. She pushed forward even though fear tried to pull her back.

An hour later she had weaved a pattern and became so far away and turned around that she didn't know where she had gone. It became darker, even when she didn't think it could. The smells around her changed, as well. What was fresh became stale.

The hope she had been holding onto dwindled as the time had passed. Her throat was dry and she longed for a bottle of water. She chastised herself for not having the thought to bring any with her. But the reason within her was ready to comfort her criticism with the thought that she didn't know she would be gone for so long.

She delayed on one spot for a few minutes, deciding on what to do. Bella called again into the sputtering noises of the night and felt singed with discouragement. It was then she saw it.

A small glimmer of light caught her attention through the trees. Intrigued, she walked toward it. The closer she walked, the more the shape appeared around the light. Windows encased the amber glow within its walls. A large house stood against the backdrop of the night sky. The moon cast its glow on the tall rooftop and riddled lines and carved the top shape of the manor. Bella imagined in the day it would be a grand structure.

She nearly ran up the concrete of the drive which led to the house, feeling she might stumble with relief. Anyone who lived inside such a grand estate would surely have the kindness to allow her in for a few minutes. She imagined they would offer their phone and a glass of water, which would quench her insatiable thirst. A flicker of hope slightly settled the worry.

She caught her breath at the door before gripping the ring from the iron knocker and bringing it to the wood. She repeated the action several more times before the sound of locks clanked on the other side.

The entrance opened and yielded little light when a tall man appeared in the doorway. He looked as though he were confused by her appearance as he glanced behind and around her suspiciously. His light gray t-shirt and jeans were off-putting, almost as if he didn't belong in the house at all. His dark eyes, hiding behind long lashes, finally rested upon her.

"Hi," Bella swallowed. "I'm sorry to bother you but I got lost in the woods…"

The bulky man raised his hand for her to stop speaking and then motioned for her to come inside.

"Thank you," she muttered and folded her arms around her torso, stepping into the dimly-lit grand entrance.

He remained quiet as he took one more look around outside and then shut the door. The enormous entry echoed and vibrated the floor as it closed against the frame. The man said nothing as he signaled for her to follow him. His lack of words was strange. She had never known someone to not utter at least a hello after being spoken to, least of all when inviting someone inside their house.

The manor was large. Its towering walls and ceilings, that would even petrify a height-bearing performer, were intimidating. Dust piled on every surface and Bella couldn't help but notice a spider web resting on an antique candle holder as she passed it.

"I was just curious if you had a phone I could use? My cell phone doesn't work out here."

The large man said nothing and continued to move forward, his large steps echoing as he walked. It mixed faintly with a new sound, one of sophistication and knowledge. It grew louder as they approached.

Bella could hear it plainly now. The melodic sound of a piano being voiced by trained fingers. The possessor came into view as they rounded a corner into an elegant study-like room. His eyes were careful upon the keys as he brought forth their harmonies and laid them in a warped, haunted melody. It sounded well-rehearsed, as if he played it a million times before. His hair was erratic like he had been pulling on it in frustration moments earlier. The dim amber light flicked hints of rubies in the crazed tendrils as he continued to play.

Bella stopped just inside the door when the man who led her there tapped on the wall with his knuckles to alert the man at the instrument of his presence. The music stopped and the disheveled player's head rose slightly. A curtain of lashes protected his gaze as he stood quickly then straightened his clothes.

"Good evening." He bowed, the angle modest.

Bella raised her brow at his greeting and threw her hand up. "Um, hi."

The player was quiet for a moment while he looked her over, observing her tense stance and how she placed her eyes around the room, almost as if she didn't want to look at him. "I'm sorry," he said and approached her with his hand extended, eyes trained to her wrist. "Where are my manners? I'm Edward Cullen."

"Bella Swan," she said. She extended her hand as well and meant to shake it as a greeting but instead he brought it to his lips to place a chaste kiss on her knuckle. She shied away from his cool, gentle grasp. "I didn't mean to bother you. I tried to tell him that I only needed a phone. Mine doesn't work out here."

His lids folded, allowing a full view at the dark-red irises angled at her. She gasped, but tried to remain calm, not wanting to be rude. Her mother had always told her not to stare at other people's imperfections, so she looked away quickly. The reaction amused Edward but it didn't break his words or the calm expression fitted to his features.

"Telling him won't do much good. Emmett is deaf and mute," he said still holding onto her hand, suspended in mid-air. His finger slid to the delicate skin on the underside of her wrist, feeling the rush of blood underneath.

It took a moment before Bella could find her senses again. "I'm sorry," she said wholeheartedly. "I didn't know."

"There was no way for you to know. I assure you, it's quite alright." He offered her a careful smile, his eyes twinkling.

When he released her hand she hid it away behind her back.

"What are you doing all the way out here?" he asked.

"I got lost in the woods. I was with my friends, but I don't know what's happened to them. That's why I need your phone. I think I need to call the Helen P.D.."

Edward's head tilted back slightly and his brow rose in realization. He whispered a declaration so faint that it was impossible for Bella to detect it. "I missed one."

He straightened his shoulders. "I'm afraid these local police aren't the most reliable at answering phone calls after six p.m.," he said.

Bella bit the skin of her lip and gnawed until it was painful. I could always call Charlie. He'd know what to do, but what would he say? I told him not to worry. I told him everything would be fine.

"Perhaps," Edward started, interrupting her thought, "I could offer you something to ease your troubles? You must be hungry or thirsty?"

"I couldn't impose," Bella said kindly, but she nearly came out of her skin at his offer.

He grinned, carefully. "Nonsense. I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner, and we'll see what can't be done about your lost friends. If you would like to try and call them I would be more than happy to offer my phone to you."

"I would really appreciate it," she said and started to look into his eyes once more, but they didn't stay there.

"And what of dinner?"

Dinner was a hard idea to pass up. It felt wrong of her to think of eating at a time like this, but agreed to join him. Edward nodded and signed to Emmett in sign language, to which he responded with a nod.

"Emmett will take you to get cleaned up, as I'm sure you will want to do. You may also use the phone. When you're finished, I will meet you in the dining room. I'm sure dinner is almost ready."

"Thank you, Mr. Cullen."

"No, thank you, Miss Swan." Foolish girl.

=x=

Bella had never seen such a large bedroom; she was sure her father's living room could fit within the four walls three times. A large, beige canopy bed with thick posters drew in the angle moonlight from the floor-to-ceiling window, framed by silver-looking curtains. When Emmett flicked the switch next to the door, an antique chandelier came to life above her head. The light from the imitation candles illuminated the complex rope of crystal which dangled underneath. He shut the door to give her privacy. Exploring the contents of the room was a tempting thought, but instead, she sat on the edge of the bed and picked up the phone on the nightstand.

The calls to Angela, Jessica, Eric and Mike's cells were a lost cause. She debated on calling Charlie, but she feared that conversation most of all. If her phone had signal she could dial four-one-one and get the number for the Helen Police Department, but a quick glance from her cell phone screen proved that option impossible. Perhaps, they had become lost, just like she had. Maybe they had gone off for time to themselves and lost their way in the dark. It's not impossible. I'll contact the police first thing in the morning. It was going to be hard to wait. She sighed and made her way into the bathroom to wash her hands.

Thirty minutes later, after cleaning up and sipping water from the faucet in the bathroom, Bella stepped outside her door where Emmett was waiting for her. He led her down curved halls littered with art and antiquities which fascinated her. When they reached the dining room, she was overcome in the company of animal heads ranging in sizes, from antelope to elephant.

Edward, who had been sitting at the elongated table, stood when she entered the room. He pulled out the chair adjacent to him and then made his way to her, holding out his hand to accompany her to the seat. He pushed the chair in once she was seated, then positioned himself at the head of the table, straightening the edges of his black, formal vest before sitting.

"I trust you had everything you needed, Miss Swan?" Edward asked folding his hands in his lap.

Bella couldn't take her eyes off of his. She wasn't sure if she should be terrified or intrigued. Perhaps both. "Yes, thank you."

"And your friends?"

She shook her head clearly distressed.

"They'll turn up," he said with false kindness then angled a smirk which tweaked downward in his own dark humor. Bella mistook the action for reassurance.

"Your home is beautiful," she said after a moment.

"Thank you. I've put sweat and blood into maintaining my tastes."

Bella nodded. "I saw some of the art on the way down."

"Do you like art?"

"Yes. I painted for a few years, but it turns out I'm not really that good. It was a silly hobby."

"Art isn't about being good, Miss Swan. It's about releasing something you never knew you had."

"I guess that's true."

"It is true," Edward said, leaning forward slightly with a grin. He straightened up. "Take it from a soul who spent many years trying to find an outlet."

Her gaze softened as she set her elbows on the cool glaze of the table. "Do you paint?"

"That, and among many other things."

A door opened from the other side of the room and Emmett appeared, holding a plate.

"Ah, right on time. I hope you like duck, Miss Swan."

Emmett sat the white plate in front of her, and with hardly any hesitation she started to eat.

Edward did not eat, nor did he try to speak to her. He merely sat and watched her devour every last forkful. His eyes sparkled in delight when she let out a slight moan around the fresh greens that had accompanied the prepared bird carcass.

When she finished, she wiped her mouth and placed her fork on the plate with a gentle clank.

"Did you enjoy it?" he asked.

Bella sipped the wine that was poured for her. "Yes, thank you. It was very good." It was then she noticed the place in front of him remained empty throughout her meal, and didn't add her presence and the bare table together until that moment. "Oh, my God. I'm so sorry. I took your dinner, didn't I? "

He knew what she referred to and he eyed the blank space in front of him. "Don't worry. I had a light course earlier. You've taken nothing from me," he said.

She lowered her eyes from his, surrendering.

"However, I'm sorry I haven't anything sweet to offer you for dessert." His mouth caressed each syllable with care, leaving a slight space between his lips. His voice seemed to coat the walls of the dining room, although his tone was delicate, and the same nervousness from the woods bit her stomach once more.

"I would be too full to even think about dessert, Mr. Cullen," she said, touching a set of fingertips to her forehead, feeling not quite herself. "Besides, I don't think it would be appropriate given the situation."

"Very well, then. I'm sure you'll want to turn in for the night? It's getting quite late."

"I can't stay here. It wouldn't be right," Bella protested, trying to maintain her polite tone.

"Where else are you going to go? Are you going to fumble around the woods and possibly fall victim to an animal? I won't allow it. I insist you stay the night. There are clothes in the guest room that should fit you."

"What about... "

"If we haven't heard from them by morning we'll call the police. This is the only house for nearly ten miles. If they're lost, and wander far enough, they'll end up here." Edward grinned to assure her of his statement and she returned a nod, accompanied by a trusting smile, trying not to look him in the eyes.

"I can't tell you what it means to me, taking me in like this," she said.

"Think nothing of it. I'll escort you to your room."

Edward rose from his chair and extended his hand for Bella's. He tucked her arm under his and began to walk with her to the door of the dining room. Emmett appeared around the corner, jumping at their proximity, obviously startled.

Edward signed with his hands and spoke simultaneously to him. "Be sure to feed the dogs."

Emmett's brow furrowed as he nodded and walked past them to the table and gathered the few dishes. Bella was overcome with guilt that he had to clean up after her. If she hadn't have eaten, his chores would be shorter and she briefly wondered what title he held – butler or servant? And how had he become deaf and mute? She chewed on sympathy as she was escorted down the hall. She caught Edward's glance numerous times and each time her eyes would descend to the floor in front of her.

"Is there something wrong?" Edward asked.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude… it's just I've never seen anyone…"

"With my eyes?" he finished for her. It was not a guess, or even common experience. He knew her thought before she even spoke it. He had been reading them since she appeared outside the door of his manor.

"Yes."

"Do they frighten you?"

"A little. Have they been like that your whole life?"

"Yes." He declined to say which one.

"I'm sorry. That was wrong of me," she said strongly.

"You're not the first person to ask about my eyes. A man once compared me to an albino rat." He chuckled mutely at the memory.

Bella gave him an expectant grin. She was a common human, most worthy of a hunt, but Edward found himself questioning how to devour her sooner.

He felt his front slipping away, slowly revealing his true nature. It had been years since a woman freely offered him a smile without the luxury of a rouse. He had noticed her scent change when she drew nearer to him in the dining room, and her breathing intensified when he reached for her hand. At the table, he studied the rise and fall of her chest as if it held her marvelous secrets within its cavity – and it did. He did not need to read her mind to understand that she found him alluring.

He couldn't help but consume his senses in the aroma of her hair. Under the smell of pine and earth was a fresh aroma, her natural scent. It was enticing and it drew his imagination from every angle, nearly pulling his mind from its sanity to convince him to take her into him. He wanted to drink from her then, to absorb her substance with his mouth. Coating his tongue with her vital essence would be pleasing. It had been years since he had deviated from the hunt and seduced a human at will.

Seduction could be a game, as well, could it not?

The kill would be passionate, sinful and would spiral him into ecstasy. It would happen if he were to enter the bedroom with her. There would be nothing to stop the vampire from running a finger down the expanse of her arm or curling a lock of her hair around his finger to memorize the softness.

She would submit to him. The thought of him harnessing himself to her, between her parted legs, already played in her mind.

He indulged in her scent again, nearly on the edge of his patience, and his blood-ridden thoughts dominated once more.

Edward visualized how he would take her, how she would allow him to explore her body while her hair spilled over a pillow on the oversized bed. If he recalled correctly, the color of the sheets were beige; they would be perfect against her dark hair.

Her hands would grip the headboard as he moved down her body to search for the perfect entrance to what he craved. Once it was found, his venom filled mouth would press against her soft skin as his lips felt the rush of her blood pass underneath. One lick from his tongue would be enough to convince him of his choice and he would bite.

The soft tissue giving to him and her calm blood soaking his mouth could cure the insanity he felt. He could almost taste it - her sweet, hot essence. It wouldn't be to its fullest potential, and nowhere near ripe with adrenaline and sweat, like it would be if she were hunted, but she would struggle and he would enjoy holding her in place.

It was then he knew he needed time; time to decide what he would do with this instant craving that consumed his body and diseased his mind. He felt as though his own body had betrayed his purpose, but he continued to ask himself, seduction, or the hunt?

"Mr. Cullen, are you okay?" Bella asked as they stopped outside the guest room door.

Edward couldn't imagine how he looked with the thoughts that had taken over him. His lips were thick and coated with venom as he spoke. "I'm fine," he said as he swallowed the fresh toxin that filled his mouth in preparation for the kill. "There are clothes in the chest of drawers that should fit you. I'll send Emmett up shortly to see that you found everything."

"No, that's okay. I'm sure I'll manage."

"Very well, then. Goodnight, Miss Swan," Edward said as he opened the door for her. Once she was inside he closed it abruptly. He briefly wondered if he should lock it, but decided against it. If he were to come back after she fell asleep, the sound of the locks could wake her. That was something he did not want.

He was a man possessed as he turned away and headed to the lowest level of the house, the basement. The lower he descended, the cooler and danker it became. None of this bothered him, but to a human it would be miserable if they stayed for long periods of time.

It wasn't often he journeyed into the pits of the manor, but it was now that he had no choice. His decision earlier left him with extra accessories than he knew what to do with, and he loved playing with new additions to his collections.

He pulled the master key from his pocket and unlocked the thick, wooden door at the bottom of the dark stairwell.

He entered a small room with a single cell in the middle that held his things. "Good evening," Edward said gleefully as he lightened the room with a switch on the wall. He approached the cell. His captives were silent, shivering masses that were huddled together on the farthest wall. "Are you hungry?"

"Please let us go?" a tiny voice said from the bodies.

Edward only chuckled. It was a ridiculous thing she asked. "Fear not. I bring you good news." He walked along the expanse of the cell, running his fingers along the iron bars. His fingernails trailed and hitting the metal last, leaving an unnerving sound. "More than likely, you will all live to see another day. It appears your friend, Miss Swan, has stumbled upon my estate while looking for you."

"Bella?"

"Yes, Bella." His voice was suddenly deep as he stopped when he reached the end of the front wall. He spun on his heel, and walked back, again running his fingers across the bars. "She will be taking your place tomorrow night, unless I decide to kill her before then."

It was quiet for a moment, and when there was no protest to what he had said he smiled. "Now, is there anything that I can do for you? I would hate to be an ungracious host."

"Please take him out?" a girl begged.

"Was it wrong of me to assume that you wished to enjoy his company a while longer? I thought that is what humans do after someone they love passes on."

"No," she whimpered.

Edward thought for a moment before applying his torturous consideration. "I may consider your request if one of you volunteers to go first when I call on you."

Edward could hear them hold their breaths and it transcended into silence. "No one?" he asked. "Not even the male?"

He walked quickly, unnaturally, around the backside of the cell to where they gathered, grabbed a fistful of short, black hair and pulled until the back of his head met the bars. He stuck his mouth to the man's ear to whisper his creed. "You would not die for the woman you love?"

The man cringed and sobbed, squeezing his eyes shut tightly.

"You, sir, are a coward," Edward snarled between his teeth. His throat erupted in a low growl at the fear the man emitted. "For not speaking up, you will go first."

He started for the door. "He will stay for your continuous enjoyment."

The group expressed their opposition to his decision, but he ignored them. "Your food will be brought shortly. I suggest you eat to sustain your strength… what's left of it."

He slammed the door behind him and locked it, leaving the three captives staring at the bloody, shattered remains of their fair-haired fourth.