A/N - Short and sweet as I want to get this posted. Thanks to all who have stuck with the story so far...your feedback is intoxicating!! You all have realized by now that I am horrible at responding but I read each and every one - all feedback is truly appreciated!!
changedbyEdward is my fabulous beta and even though I can be a giant pain in her butt I am so glad she sticks with me and makes everything flow - bb, you are the best! MWAH!
Stephenie Meyer created the Twilight world and I am hopelessly and happily lost in it....NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!
(Bella's POV)
I sat in horror at my dressing table, staring at the mirror for what I am sure was hours. The crimson orbs that stared back at me were the eyes of nightmares that had followed me from the moment Victoria, James and Laurent came into our lives. But these eyes were not from any nightmare; they were from my own reflection. I had awoken to my new life with these eyes. At that point they had been still innocuous, but no longer.
The scarlet reflection before me was that of a murderer. No matter how I conducted myself from this point on as an immortal, even once my eyes became the golden orbs of my beloved family, they would never be innocent again. I would eternally see the blood of the man I had killed in my eyes.
Sighing, I buried my head into my arms to stop myself from staring into the eyes of the assassin I had become. I was ashamed. Mortified not only by my actions, but how I had conducted myself on a whole since I had become a vampire.
When the memories of Edward flooded my thoughts, I reacted irrationally. Carlisle had been so patient with me, answering any of the questions I had asked – never hesitating, only asking me to not allow the monster within to take control. Yet the moment that I truly remembered everything, I lost all control. I didn't want to be that monster, yet I still didn't know if it was something I would ever fully have power over.
Edward. The one person I had hoped would be here waiting for me was nowhere to be found. But what could I expect? I had treated him like a leper, like the savage monster he had always tried to convince me he was. Why would he be waiting for me? I had shunned him and then committed the most heinous crime – no wonder he ran.
Carlisle and Esme, on the other hand, had been here waiting for me, welcoming me back with open arms. Even though I had committed the ultimate sin in their minds, they had forgiven me without hesitancy. Carlisle's comforting words had been soothing yet bittersweet, as I knew in my heart that I had disappointed him greatly.
I remembered Edward once telling me of Carlisle's forgiving nature and how he had been treated very similarly. It was oddly comforting to know that I had not been the only one to disappoint Carlisle. If only Edward felt the same way…
I wandered my room aimlessly, lost as for what to do with myself, yet unwilling to take the first step and venture out to face the family. I knew that I was being foolish – that they would treat me as they always had, but deep down I didn't feel I was deserving of their company. Instead, I took inventory of the beautiful bedroom that Esme had decorated for me, running my hands along the few items that held memories of what now seemed a distant human past.
A light tap at my bedroom door pulled me out of my dark thoughts and I turned towards the sound. "Come in."
I couldn't help the small smile that found its way to my lips as Alice skipped into my room, carrying a large cardboard box in one hand as if it were a serving tray. She did a dizzy little spin, stopping in the middle of the room and placing it gently on the bed.
"Bella, I think it's time that we made this room yours, don't you agree?" Not waiting for an answer, she grinned mischievously as she opened the flaps. I stood watching her and she pouted, motioning for me to take a look at the contents.
Sighing theatrically, I moved towards the bed only to gasp in delight at what the box contained. Reaching in, I pulled out a picture frame that I recognized from the mantle of my Dad's living room in Forks. It contained the photo that Edward had taken of Charlie and me. Although I could see the worry in my eyes, the twinkle in Charlie's brought a pressure to my chest and I fought back tearless sobs as I stared at the man who I had cherished as a father in my previous life.
"He was a great man, Bella and he loved you so much." Alice's hand clenched mine as I set the photo on the nightstand by my bed. "I didn't mean to make you sad."
"No, Alice, this is wonderful – thank you."
"Well, there's a lot more in there so get to it!" She watched as I pulled various items out of the box and placed them around my room-the cactus that I had brought from Arizona – how it had survived so long I would never know, a seashell from one of my trips to LaPush, a few of the books that Charlie hadn't brought to the hospital. I smiled at the photo album she had brought along that Renee had sent me for my 18th birthday. Most of the pages were bare but I was pleased to have it anyway, turning the pages slowly and stopping at the photo I had taken that September day of Jessica, Angela, Mike and Eric. I smiled, wondering what they were all doing now and then closed the book, only to find Alice staring at me pensively.
"What is that look for, Alice?"
"What? Nothing, Bella….just wondering what else is in the box."
"Well, didn't you pack it?"
"Yes, but it was awhile ago now and I can't remember everything I put into it."
I looked at her suspiciously. There was no way that she had forgotten, but obviously she didn't want to discuss it. As much as I wanted to continue questioning her, I let it go – eager to see what other treasures she had brought me.
I dug further in the box, finding a couple of Charlie's photo albums which I set aside immediately. I was relieved to see that she had brought them, but unwilling to go down that lane of memories yet. With only a few things left in the box, I pulled out the next item. It was a small dream catcher decorated with a silver wolf charm and some colored shells. I looked at Alice in confusion, not remembering it.
"Jacob Black asked me to give that to you. He hoped it would keep the nightmares away." I sensed her hesitancy in giving it to me and noticed a slight wrinkle of her nose.
"What, Alice?" I knew she wanted to say something.
"Bella, are you really going to keep it in here?" I looked at her inquisitively and then took in a breath.
"Ugh." I dropped it back in the box and looked at her in disgust. "What is that stench? It smells like wet…dog?"
Alice fought back a chuckle. "Well he is a werewolf, Bella."
I looked down at the dream catcher and fought to remember the boy I had called a friend. He had been so good to me…so kind when I first arrived in Forks and on the visits he made up to Charlie's with his dad. I remembered our walk on the beach at LaPush when he had unknowingly broken the treaty in telling me about "the cold ones." Sighing, I picked up the dream catcher and took it over to the farthest window in the room, hanging it in front of the open window. "Maybe the breeze will freshen it up some."
Alice rolled her eyes but didn't say anything. I stood watching the sun glint off of the silver wolf for a few moments before turning back to her. "I won't be able to see him again, will I?"
"I can't tell you, Bella. Unfortunately, the wolves appear to have some capability of blocking my visions. I would be inclined to say no, just because Carlisle has already broken the treaty by changing you, but I really don't know for sure." She motioned towards the box. "Bella, there are a couple more things you need to see in there."
I stepped back towards the bed and peered into the box, my unbeating heart once again seizing in my chest. It couldn't be. My hands shook as I reached in and pulled the small packet from the box. "Show me the love" whispered in my head as I stared at the photograph Alice had taken that night, so long ago. I set it gently on the bed, tearing my eyes away from the beautiful bronze-haired boy that had stolen my heart and soul. A quick glance at the envelope revealed the plane tickets Carlisle and Esme had surprised me with, and a few more of the photographs that had been missing from my room after that fateful day. I inhaled a breath as I found my most prized possession at the bottom of the packet. My CD. The one he had made for me of all my favourite classical pieces, and most importantly my lullaby. I stared at the disk in wonder, finally looking up at Alice.
"How?"
"Bella, they were there all along. He didn't take them from you."
I dropped onto the bed, clutching the CD to my chest and picking up the photograph to once again lose myself in the memory of what we had lost.
"I don't understand, Alice."
"No, I know you don't. He still loves you, Bella…he never stopped. I shouldn't say anymore but please, please just give him a chance to explain."
"It's too late, Alice. I said horrible things to him…I was so angry and upset. And now…he couldn't even stay to face me. I'm tainted Alice. I am sure he is disgusted with what I have done."
"Bella! He only left because Carlisle asked him to!" Alice grasped my shoulders and turned me to face her. "I swear that the two of you will just continue to dance this avoidance waltz of guilt unless someone intervenes!" Her eyes sparked with frustration. "I can't say anything else, Bella. He needs to tell you for himself but please, just listen to him."
"Alice, I don't know what to say. But thank you so much for bringing me my things."
"You're welcome, Bella. Please think about what I have said." I felt a slight brush of her lips against my cheek and found myself once again alone. Sighing, I moved the box only to find my CD player and a package of fresh batteries sitting on the bed – the sneaky little pixie knew that I wouldn't be able to resist. Without hesitation, I grabbed everything and in moments lost myself to the melody that had never left me.
(Victoria's POV)
I stood, staring belligerently at the two newborns in front of me. They had just returned from a scouting trek and although the lack of information they brought back to me was by no means their fault, I fought the urge to snap both of their necks just to relieve some of my frustration. It was as if the Swan bitch had ceased to exist! I had been sure that there would have been some sighting of her after her father's unfortunate 'accident' – it is truly ridiculous how these humans will come up with such bizarre dramatics to cover up even the slightest thing paranormal. But nothing. Either the wolves or the Cullens were hiding her, of this I was sure….but where?
With a flick of my wrist the two fledglings vanished, unwilling to wait and see if I changed my mind about letting them continue to walk the earth. Aggravated, I stalked towards the back of the warehouse where I had created a refuge from the newborns and dropped onto the couch, letting my head rest against the cushions. I glanced around the room, relaxing as I took in the various pieces of furniture and décor. It was the closest thing I had to a home in a long time and I had to admit it was nice to be able to shut everyone out and be able to relax in comfort and think.
Michael had a lot to do with the nest. He truly was a bit of a snob, breaking into the most expensive furniture and clothing stores and taking whatever he wanted. I realized it was only one of the many things that fascinated me about him. He was so different from any other man that I had allowed close to me – a thought which thrilled, yet terrified me at the same time.
As if he could read my thoughts, he sauntered into the room, flashing his razor-sharp grin at me as he dropped onto the couch beside me. In a flash I was straddled across him, my arms held behind my back as he kissed and bit at my neck greedily. My lips found his and I sucked at his tongue, the flavour of his latest conquest still fragrant in his mouth.
Pulling away, I swatted at him and he chuckled. "That's a very young vintage of Italian claret, Michael."
He rolled his eyes at me and ran his hands up the back of my shirt, pulling me close as he nuzzled his face into my neck. "I can't help it if I'm drawn to the younger ones, Vic…they're so…spicy." His teeth bit into my neck and I growled in response, the juices immediately pooling in my core at his slightest touch. He chuckled again as he pushed his hips up against me and I felt his stiff erection pulse against me through his jeans. His hands moved under my shirt and cupped my breasts as he continued his assault on my neck.
"Now, what has you so riled up? The troops are hiding in the corners out there, terrified of the red-headed witch!" He laughed as I pushed away from him and stomped towards the door. In a flash he had me pinned to it and although I was irritated, I allowed him to continue his assault on my senses as he restrained my arms above my head and ravaged my neck in earnest.
I soon found myself writhing against him, our clothes, shredded and in a pile at our feet. With each thrust, he pushed himself deeper and deeper inside of me, never losing the grip on my arms. I wrapped my legs around his hips, tightening the vice grip I had on him and he snarled in response, moving us from the door to the couch in a flash. My back pressed against the couch, I stared into his ebony eyes as he plunged deeper and deeper, his grunting reminding me of a buck in rutt. His strength and virility as a newborn were overwhelming and I revelled in the act of being taken, knowing that when he was like this, there was no way I could fight him, not that I would even want to.
I felt the tension from before drift away as I lost myself in the rhythm he set for us and just allowed myself to enjoy the sensation of us becoming one. Sated for the moment, we lay together, his head nestled against my chest. He was quiet for some time and I allowed myself to drift on the cloud he had created. This was what terrified me. Never had anyone had the ability to make me feel so desired and wanted. I had never allowed anyone close enough for more than a quick fuck – not even James. But Michael? Somehow he broke through and had me wrapped up in feelings I didn't even know existed. I couldn't allow myself to be so human, so fragile.
Pushing away from him, I looked at my clothes in disgust and grabbed something new to wear from the duffel bag by the couch. He cocked his head and watched me dress, a look of amusement on his face.
"What?!" I asked irritably.
"You know I'm just gonna rip those off you later – I prefer my redheaded vixen naked and writhing beneath me."
I threw a pair of jeans at him. "Don't even think about it, Michael. I haven't got time to be searching for a new wardrobe. I have more important things at hand."
"Alright, spill it. What's going on?"
"Nothing! That is what's going on. I have a small army of newborns sitting around a warehouse, picking fights with one another because we can't find one measly human!"
"Still no sign of Bella?"
I glanced at him quickly as her name slid off his tongue. I hated him referring to her by name. I knew that he had had feelings for her when he was human and the thought of him even touching her brought the venom to my throat in an instant.
"DON'T SAY HER NAME TO ME!!!" I screamed. A shimmer of irritation crossed his face and then he smiled.
"Okay, Vic. Come here." He grabbed my hand and pulled me back to the couch. "What do you want to do?"
I dropped my head against his shoulder. "I want to move on, but I can't – not until she is dead." Sighing, I played with the Forks High School ring that still adorned his finger. "I think we are going to have to lure her out, but I don't know how. If those fucking animal drinking vampire wannabes have her under their protection – they aren't going to just let her go."
"No. You're right about that. Even when she was dating Shithead Cullen – he never let her out of his sight."
"We just need to come up with the right bait." I looked up at him as he pulled his hand away and found him staring at his ring. "What?"
"I think I have an idea that might work." He continued to stare at his ring and a glimmer of hope grew in my chest as the evil grin I had grown to love came into view. "Yep, I know exactly what bait to use," he said as his mouth attacked mine and I lost myself once again in his arms.
Reviews just might bring Chapter 25 more quickly......just sayin'!! Oh and case you aren't counting......83 DAYS until Eclipse!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!
