AN Hey people, let me just say one thing i really, really, really enjoyed writing this one! I hope you like it! ttfn --snowy

Chapter 9

"She will be right down, Marcus," I heard my mother's high voice. My heart skipped a beat. Marcus?

"What is Marcus doing here?" I hissed through my teeth at Edward. He didn't answer—not a good sign.

"Eleanor!" My father's voice bellowed from downstairs.

"Let's go Ella." Edward whispered, descending down the stairs. I stared at his back—the blood draining from my face. I had a bad feeling about this. The thought of Marcus here brought unpleasant chills.

Slowly I descended, my legs shaking uncontrollably. I followed Edward into the living room and stood beside him.

"Ella…" My mother sang pleasantly, instantly reaching for my hands, grabbing them and pulling me forward.

I caught a glimpse of Marcus, beside my father, with his mocking grin. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.

"Eleanor we have some news that I'm sure you will be pleased about." My father said, with a huge grin.

"Is that so?" I asked as pleasantly as I cold manage.

"Yes, Eleanor, it is quite an honor." My mother chirped in.

I glanced back at Edward, his jaw was set and his green eyes were frozen solid—he glared at my father. No doubt Edward knew what the news was.

"Ella, Marcus has asked for your hand in marriage." My fathers voice became distant, my heart pounded in my ears. "I have accepted his request."

Alex flashed before my eyes. A vampire, who I was suppose be scared of, but I felt something completely different. I didn't know if it was love, but I did know it was powerful and I wasn't giving it up.

"No." I muttered quietly, looking down at the polished, wooden floor.

"What was that?" My father asked politely, apparently he hadn't heard what I had said.

"NO." I said with more feeling, I glared up at my father. His face switched from shock to total embarrassment and anger.

"I will take my leave." Marcus said walking past me, connecting with my shoulder as he passed. I stumbled back a step, but never let my gaze waver from my fathers—I knew as soon as Marcus was out of the house he would blow.

"I will escort you out." Edward said evenly, almost too evenly. I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see the flash of fire that flashed in his eyes, as he turned to follow Marcus.

After minutes past the front door closed, and I didn't hear Edward's returning footsteps. I braced myself for what I knew what was coming.

"ELEANOR MASON, HOW DARE YOU EMBARRASS ME AND YOUR MOTHER!" My father's voice bellowed throughout the house.

"Don't you mean you, father? The only reason you're marrying me off to Marcus Renter, is to get on good relations with your law firm partner." I yelled, my hands balling into fists of rage.

"Eleanor!" my mother squeaked in shock, her piquet face going pale.

"YOU WILL NOT TALK TO ME LIKE THAT YOUNG LADY. MY INTETNIONS IS WHAT I THINK IS BEST FOR YOU!" His face was turning tomato red.

"I don't want your intentions." I said in a strong level voice.

"I have already accepted. So this is not up discussion you will marry Marcus Renter." My father's voice said there was no arguing.

I couldn't hold in the sob that overpowered me. My mother reached for me, but I ran from her.

"Ella," I froze at the doorway, my fathers pleading voice stopped me in my tracks. "I thought you would be happy."

"I guess you were wrong." I muttered just loud enough for him to hear.

Then I ran as fast as I could. I climbed the stairs clumsily, falling to my hands frequently. When I reached the top, I ran to my room and slammed the door. I collapsed on my bed, with sobs that shook my whole frame.

I would never marry him even if he was the last man on the earth. Never will I give myself to him…never.

Alex's POV

I stared through the tangle of trees at the huge white house. There was something wrong. It was too sunny to check what exactly was wrong, but I heard Ella's sobs.

I cursed under my breath how frustrating it was! What was hurting her so much that it was making her sob? Had her friend died? Was she hurt?

"Peace, my brother." I felt a firm grip on my shoulder. I didn't have to turn to know who it was.

"How can I be?" I asked frustration thick in my voice.

"Are you worrying about the human girl you have taken interest in?" Nicholas chuckled quietly.

"It is nothing to laugh about." I muttered glancing at my brother, with an inhuman glare.

"Do you love her?" Nicholas asked softly.

"No," but my voice wavered, Nicholas noticed.

"Not every woman is Catherine."

"I know," I said curtly, instantly not liking where this conversation was going.

"You lived your life then; maybe it is time to live this one with this girl—forever." Nicholas suggested.

I didn't answer and glanced back at the huge white house.

"You would be able to continue to live if she dies, but it would be a while before you found something as powerful as she is to you… again." Nicholas murmured.

Once again I kept quiet.

"You need to make your decision quickly. We'll be leaving in a few weeks; Daniel wants to get out of here before this so called clan gets nosy. Even though I wouldn't mind a good fight if I do say so myself." Nicholas chuckled and I joined in with him, but I still watched the house with anxious eyes.

"To make your decision more quickly and accurately stay away from your human girl for a few nights." Nicholas said slyly.

"No." I said firmly, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I still hesitated.

"Look, if you think about her every night, see her before your eyes—even with a mind of our kind— have thoughts of her cloud your mind, then you'll know. It gives her time also, to long to see you."

"Margie has seen it hasn't she." I asked quietly.

"Like they say time can't touch our Margie. Margie foresees a young one—who seems to have a knack for trouble—when she touches you (AN: Margie can see anything's future by touching it. Also—as Nick says— time can't touch her. )." Nicholas smiled.

"All right," I said through my clenched teeth, the overpowering human emotions growled at my decision.

"She's fine." Nicholas said firmly. Without a glance at the house, I turned and followed my brother deeper into the forest, toward my family.

Instantly I was embraced by my two sisters, as Nicholas and I came into clearing. My vision was blurred by brown and blond hair.

"Alex, how rude, you are, to ignore your family!" Margie scolded, stepping back. Sarah stepped back also, mirroring Margie's disapproving look. I looked over their heads at Daniel and Nicholas who looked amused at the ambush.

"Spending his time with a human girl of all things," Sarah murmured, glaring at me.

"A spunky thing she will be—a hand full I might say," Margie exclaimed, Sarah glared at her for a second then back at me. "She will be able to see memories just by looking into someone's eyes…Marvelous!"

"Ella?" I breathed.

"Is that her name?" Margie asked with gentle eyes.

"Margie…are you sure?" I asked, I couldn't deny the happiness, the satisfaction, which came over me.

Margie stepped forward and touched my shoulder, and her eyes dulled. A slow smile formed on her face. "I'm only as sure as you are, but right now… yes I'm positive."

"We can't have a human—" Sarah said in a low tone.

"Ah…but dear Sarah she will be one of us, in time to come, if Alex chooses so." Margie said in a soothing tone.

"Now, now Sarah," Nicholas cooed, as Sarah opened her mouth to snap at Margie. "Do you want Alex to be lonely for the rest of his existence?"

Sarah's eyes softened and delicately shook her head. Margie grabbed her hand and smiled.

"You'll grow to love her." Margie whispered. Still smiling, she released Sarah's hand and skipped to Daniel's side. "You should bring Ella to meet us, Alex—before you change her."

I glanced at Daniel, he nodded slightly. "Yes, I would like to meet my future sister."

If I hadn't known my heart was forever silent, I would have sworn I could hear it beat irregularly. Never would I have imagined that they would accept so wholeheartedly. Though, I wasn't to sure it was the right path to walk—maybe Nicholas was right I should stay away from her for a few nights. Maybe time would change the intensity I had for her. Then I would make my decision to keep her or lose her.

Ella's POV

Slowly I walked up the steps of the staircase, holding onto the skirt of my black dress. I felt hollow, dead almost, it seemed every day a piece of my heart was ripped away—especially the three nights when I waited for him.

The funeral seemed to have made it all worse. A tear slipped down my cheek. Time and time again Edward would see through my fake smiles and off tone laughs. He would ask what was wrong. I would brush him off, tell him it was nothing.

I played with the locket that hung around my neck as I walked into my room. I closed the door and leaned against it—the sun had already set, making my room dark.

Like a ghost, he was suddenly standing in front of my window. My heart began to beat painfully in my chest. It was hard to comprehend… he came back—it felt like a sweet, wonderful dream. I blinked, gasping as he was suddenly in front of me.

His usually bright red eyes were a dull reddish color, but they held a sense of eagerness as they scanned my face. Then something I didn't expect—his cold, gentle lips were suddenly on mine.

My eyes widened in shock, but slowly they closed as I felt myself melt against his cold body. His lips were gentle against mine, slow and enticing.

When I felt light headed, he pulled away. I opened my eyes to stare into his face. He dropped his hands from my face; he looked taken back by what he had just done.

I couldn't speak for a moment, only my ragged breathing filled the silent room. I suddenly felt myself sinking to the floor. Alex gently picked me up and I was cradled in his arms. He sat silently on my bed, letting my head rest on his shoulder.

"I have made my decision, young one." Alex murmured in a low voice.

"Decision?" I asked weakly.

"Ella, these past nights, I have come to find out… that I need you." Very gently, Alex placed a finger under my chin, raising my face to his.

"You…need…me?" I said slowly, my heart skipped a beat.

"I want to give you the choice to become one of us—a vampire. If you chose not to, I will leave you and never bother you ever again. You can live the normal life your humans take. It is your choice Ella." Alex whispered, tightening his hold around me.

The invitation sounded like heaven, after everything I had went through the past few days. Though I was very happy to say yes right then I kept quiet. I stared at his face was I willing to give up my whole life for someone I knew for only a few days.

"When will I have to give you my answer?" I asked quietly.

"My family and I will be leaving in a few weeks." Alex whispered.

"Then I will give you my answer then." I said with a quavering tone.

"Now that we have accomplished that," He said with a brief smile. He stood up, gently placing me on my feet. "My family is quite eager to meet you."

"Your family?" I said hoarsely, the female vampire that had looked at me with blood thirsting eyes flashed before my eyes.

"She won't hurt you, or any of them for the matter. Not as long as I'm alive." Alex said firmly.

"As long as you are with me, Alex," I murmured quietly, taking his cold hand in mine. When I smiled up at him, it was genuine—surprising me. I must be in love in love with him.