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2 chapters in 2 days. You are a lucky lot!

This chapter is named after 'Changing' by Sigma and Paloma Faith.

Bella Swan's Point of View

I stared at the dress bag hanging on the wardrobe in front of me, my hands on my hips. I bit my lip, nervous to unzip it to see the gown underneath.

Alice had dropped it off twenty minutes ago and I was yet to set eyes on my outfit for the upcoming vampire ball she had previously mentioned to me. I had never been much of a girly girl; I hadn't worn a dress since I was 8 years old. So to now have been handed a full length ball gown threw me completely from my comfort zone.

I was nervous; I didn't know what it would look like or if it would suit me. I was more comfortable in jeans, a band t-shirt and a pair of converse, not a dress, heels, and a face full of makeup. I lifted my hand to unzip it, quickly putting it back on my hips again.

Edward sighed from his relaxed spot on the bed. "Isabella, how long am I going to have to sit here waiting?"

I frowned. "I'm getting there, just give me a minute."

"I've given you twenty and yet here I am, still waiting," he said, rolling his eyes. "Either open the bag or I will."

I let out a breath. "Fine…" I mumbled, pulling the bag open at last.

The dress that lay below was… well it was stunning! It was a rich royal blue, strapless with an A-line bust. It was as long as the floor and wrapped round gently at the waist. It was the most beautiful item of clothing I'd ever seen.

"Fuck me…" I whispered.

"Maybe another time, but my god that dress is beautiful," said a wide eyed Edward as he come to join me. I slapped his arm at his comment and he just smirked. "It'll suit you perfectly, Bella."

I pulled it out of the bag and walked to the full length mirror, holding the dress in front of me, admiring how the blue complemented my pale skin and dark hair. It was truly gorgeous and I looked at it in awe. "I'm never gonna be able to pull this off," I said.

"And why not?" Edward questioned? "You're beautiful, the dress is beautiful. It was made for you, it'll look amazing."

I looked at him sceptically. "You think?"

He smiled as he approached me, looking at us both in the mirror. "I know. You don't give yourself enough credit, Bella. You're a gorgeous young woman and you deserve to be draped in such rich materials and handsome clothing. I only want the best for my Blood Slave."

I looked at it again, slowly starting to accept his words. "How much could this sort of thing cost, Edward?"

"It's not for you to worry about," he answered. "And now I see how good it looks, I know it was worth every penny."

I bit my lip. "I don't want it to have cost too much."

Edward placed his hands on my shoulders, looking at me through my reflection. "Jeez, Bella. Relax. I have the cost covered. Believe me, money is of no consequence in this place. If I want you to look good, then I can afford things to make you look good."

I nodded. "I guess… it's just… I've never had anything like this before. It's gorgeous."

"Then enjoy it, it's all yours."

I looked up at him, offering him a genuine smile, something I hadn't done since I'd met him. "Then thank you. Honestly, thank you."

He smirked down at me, brushing a loose piece of hair from my forehead, tucking it behind my ear. "Anytime, princess. I treat my Blood Slaves well."

I had to admit, he was right. Edward had been nothing but attentive since we formed our alliance a week ago. I still couldn't forget what I'd witnessed that day, but his reasons made sense to me, and I knew my fate rested on him. Whether I liked it or not, I had to trust Edward and the things he did. He didn't have just his own life to care for now, he had mine too.

I looked at the dress one more time before returning it to the bag, making sure not to crease it as I put it away, sliding it into the wardrobe and shutting the door.

"I don't know how to repay you for this," I said, watching him sit back on the bed.

"Well, I'm hungry," he mentioned, raising a suggestive eyebrow.

I smirked, joining him on the bed. "I'm surprised you aren't full of blood after feeding from me yesterday."

"Oh, Isabella," he chuckled. "I'll never be full from you." I shuffled toward him, bending my neck. I was caught off guard as he pulled me into his lap, my voice letting out a tiny squeak. He'd never had me this close during a feed before. His arm settled itself around my waist and the other gently tilted my neck. "This will be a light feed, I know I took a lot of blood yesterday."

I nodded my approval and his fangs bit into my skin, my mouth hissing as the puncture wounds stung. The pain soon subsided as he began to drink, softly and slowly taking the blood from my body. I leant into him, bringing myself closer as he suckled, his arm tightening around my waist.

The closeness felt… oddly nice. I felt safe having his arm wrapped around me, like this act of feeding wasn't dangerous, but intimate and gentle. He had been a lot kinder in the weeks I'd known him, and this was reflected in how he fed from me. He was attentive, putting my comfort first and making sure I was okay, reassuring me often with little actions like holding me close.

My body slowly began to lose strength and I softened in his arms. He held my waist tighter, bring his other hand to stroke down my arm in a comforting way. Goosebumps appeared on my skin, delicious chills running down my spine. It fell to my wrist and finally my hand. His fingers snaked over my skin until he linked them with mine, holding my hand and squeezing it reassuringly. I squeezed back, my head falling limp on his shoulder.

He took this as a sign to stop and pulled back, quickly sealing the puncture marks with his venom.

His thumb rubbed softly against the back of my hand before he brought his hand up to cup my cheek. I looked at him with heavy eyes.

"Was it too much?" he whispered, his tone gentle as his red eyes looked into mine. He gently stroked my cheek, soothing me.

"No," I murmured, needing to find my strength again. "Just a little tired out."

He reached over and grabbed a drink from the bedside table. It was a drink of the vampire's own concoction, something to give the Blood Slaves some semblance of energy and life back. He lifted it softly to my lips and poured it, allowing me to sip on it.

"That's it," he nurtured. "A bit at a time."

I drank until the glass was empty and he set it back down. "Thanks," I said.

"You should rest now, Bella. You need your strength back."

He lifted me up and pulled the covers back, laying me upon the mattress. He slid my jeans off, leaving me in my t-shirt and panties in order to make me more comfortable. I didn't have time in that moment to give a damn about my dignity or him seeing that much of my body. All I wanted was rest.

He pulled the covers over me as I settled into the bed, my eyes drifting closed. "I'm… sleepy…" I yawned, and Edward chuckled lightly.

"I can see. Rest now, Isabella. I'll be right here when you awaken."

He leant forward and softly kissed my forehead, a blush rising in my cheeks as he did. Edward had never been so… sweet before. I barely had time to smile up at him before my eyes closed and sent me into a restful and relaxing sleep.

I wasn't sure why he kissed my forehead; we were only allies after all. But Edward was changing…

And he was changing for the better…