AN:

I'm sorry I haven't updated sooner, but I haven't had internet-connection in two weeks – and I had a little writers-block with this story AND I am writing a story with Beth as the protagonist, but I'm not sure if I should upload it and if I did, it would be after this story is completed.

Anyhow, enough of my blabbering. Here's the new chapter. I hope you enjoy – though it's a bit short.

Chapter 15: Have you ever seen the rain – Phillip Phillips

I had no idea how long the pain had surged through me, before it retreated to my heart and throat, leaving my body weirdly cold, though I wasn't freezing. The pain was nothing more than a shadow that ran through my entire being. My body still recalled the blazing fire that seemed to swallow every fiber and cell of my being mere moments ago. I wasn't sure if I had been screaming or tossed around while the venom had tortured me almost to the point of insanity. I just knew it was a relief to finally be more at ease, though I knew it wasn't finished yet. My heart pounded almost painfully against my ribcage like a bird that wanted to escape. It seemed unreal to me that my heart could withstand not only the pain from earlier, but also this speeded chase with… death? Time?

"It's almost over" a familiar voice said somewhere beside me, and it sounded louder than it was supposed to - as if someone was yelling right into my ear, though I could hear on the tone of the voice, that the person was talking calmly, almost just a whisper.

My heart sped up though I hadn't thought it possible. It was as if it tried to fight against the venom, though it was futile. Soon my heart stopped in the middle of a beat, and I held my breath only to realize I didn't need to breathe at all. I waited for a darkness that wouldn't come. I wasn't sure why I did that. I knew what my still heart meant, though the rational part of my brain wouldn't allow me to comprehend it properly even though I had known for months.

"Come on, princess, open your eyes" another voice said right beside my ear – or at least, that was what it sounded like. Something tightened around my left hand and before I knew it, I had kicked myself up and forward. I slammed into the opposite wall, effectively making a painting shake before it fell to the floor. I whipped my head towards the sound that seemed much too loud. As I curiously looked at the fallen painting, I realized I could see far smaller details than I would have been able to see, had I been human. The dust particles that danced in a ray of sunlight that hit the painting were mesmerizing. It was as if I could see each stroke from the brush the painter used to once create the masterpiece.

"Great job scaring the newborn there, lover boy" a sarcastic voice brought me back to the reason for my startled jump. I turned my attention towards a small group of vampires in front of me, all watching me with withheld expectation. My eyes lingered on one person in particular and I tilted my head to the side. I knew this person well. I had a strong attachment to him. I scanned my brain, but all my human memories seemed weirdly foggy and mushy, as if I had a veil to dull all my senses all my life. I didn't need to think long, before I could put a name to each of the faces in front of me, especially the most important one. I stood up straight as I realized I had been crouching defensively.

"Alec?" I almost jumped at the sound of my own voice. It was clear and sounded more like wind chimes than the voice I recalled I had. As I spoke, a burning sensation roared through my throat and I automatically brought my hands up to touch the smooth skin.

"I bet you're hungry" Demitri grinned and I would've blushed if I could. I nodded, unsure of how my voice would sound. It just seemed so strange to me.

"Don't worry, ginger, Barbie has found a delicious-looking bunch of fresh humans" Beth smirked at me and I felt my stomach turn at the thought of drinking from a human, but on the other hand, my throat was burning so severely, I almost couldn't take it.

"Maybe humans aren't the best thing to feed her" Alec suggested.

"Oh shut up, she has no conscious yet" Beth said and was about to put a hand on his shoulder. In a split-second, I recalled all the times they had fought and instantly sneered. Before I even knew of it myself, I had sprung forward and pulled Alec behind me. I snarled warningly at Beth who blinked at me in surprise. I was ready to do anything to protect Alec if someone was going to hurt him. If Beth even dared think about hurting him, I would rip her to pieces without blinking.

"Careful…" Felix warned and it took me a moment to realize that he was speaking to Beth. I stood straight in surprise and looked at my hands. Had I just been ready to fight Beth?!

"What in thunderation was I doing? I'm sorry, Beth, I didn't mean to snarl at you" I exclaimed with that unfamiliar voice and truly felt sorry. Demitri and Felix chuckled while Beth smiled brightly at me.

"I see you're still the same" Felix teased good-naturedly.

"Of course she is" Alec took my hand and smiled warmly.

"Yes, but with more fire. I like it" Beth smiled wickedly and all I wanted to do was disappear. This was so embarrassing.

"You can tease her later. Now we are going hunting" Alec said sternly as he pulled me towards the door.

"But… but I don't know how to hunt" I stuttered and ignored the chuckles behind me coming from Demitri and Felix.

Alec turned to look at me with a warm smile.

"Don't worry, I'll show you" he assured me.

"Aro won't be happy about this" I heard Heidi singsong before Alec started running vampire-speed down the corridors and I wasn't slow to follow. It was exhilarating and I giggled.

I felt untouchable.

.:-:.

"I feel ridiculous" and my throat hurt more than ever, but I didn't tell him that. We were standing in the woods far from civilization.

"Just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let your instincts take over and don't think" Alec smirked at me and I closed my eyes.

The world exploded around me as I took a deep breath. Scents I didn't even know existed played with my improved senses, but one particular scent stood out amongst everything else. It was aromatic and intoxicating, promising me all sorts of forbidden promises though there was something slightly dull around the edges, but it was barely noticeable. Before I even opened my eyes, I had already taken off towards the scent. My senses worked in over-load. I had to find the source to the scent or I would explode.

The scent got stronger and suddenly I saw the source. It was a herd of deer. The dullness around the edges of the scent became far more prudent, almost sickening, but the burning in my throat didn't allow me to be picky with my food. Therefore, I sprinted forward, grabbed the buck and sunk my teeth into its neck while the rest of the herd scattered around me, but I didn't care about them. The warm blood caressed my tongue and throat, but the fire didn't seize completely. It was addicting, but there was a twinge of bitterness I couldn't shake.

While I fed, I sensed someone approaches and lifted my head from the dying animal's neck ready to protect my prey.

"It's just me, princess"

I relaxed as I recognized Alec and bit down once again to drain the buck completely. Even through the fog of my bloodlust, I seemed to make some thought that resembled rationality. He was my mate, which made it ok for him to be there and to come closer even if I was feeding. As I finished and let the carcass fall, I came more to my senses. I instantly stood up and looked at my hands. I had held on to the buck too tightly and my fingers were tainted red. I felt blood drip from my chin and automatically brought the back of my hands across my mouth. It came back smeared with blood and I looked at Alec sheepishly. He was smiling warmly at me with a twinkle in his eyes that spoke volumes about the adoration he had for me. I looked down at my messy and dirty clothes before meeting his eyes yet again.

"I appear to be quite the messy eater, don't I?" I asked slightly embarrassed at the state I was in after such a simple meal – and I was still starving!

He chuckled and slowly came closer, gently pushing a stray lock of my auburn hair behind my ear.

"You'll get the hang of it" he leaned in and I felt myself mirroring his movement, but just before his lips touched mine, I snapped my head back.

"I got blood all over me, Alec" I told him wide-eyed and he growled, but it was in no way threatening – quite the opposite actually.

"I know" he told me almost huskily, his eyes dark with something I couldn't quite name. When he leaned in, I didn't pull back and as soon as our lips collided, I felt something strong and uncontrollable overtake my entire being. It was so different from what I remembered feeling towards Alec as a human, but still just as familiar, as if the feelings had been magnified somehow. Looking back, my human-feelings seemed so utterly fragile and fluttering, but with the same potential as what I was feeling right now. I was beyond happy to discover my feelings towards Alec hadn't disappeared – not even for me as a newborn – but in addition, it had grown into something my human body had begun, but my mind hadn't been fully able to comprehend before my last moment.

I clung to Alec with all my might, causing him to pull back with a pained expression. I instantly realized my mistake and jumped back several feet with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry" I said sincerely, embarrassed about how I hadn't even been aware of my own strength.

"No, don't be. I'm the one who should be sorry. You're still learning what it's like to be an immortal and I shouldn't push you like this" he told me, not moving from his spot.

"But I was the one almost crushing you?!" I felt so bad about almost hurting him. I really had to gain better control.

"It's not your fault. You're already doing so well and I shouldn't forget that you are a newborn, even if you don't act like one" he smiled affectionately at me as he slowly came closer.

"But…"

"Don't you argue with me, Noel" he said teasingly with a glimmer in his eyes and I swallowed all my protests. He slowly cleaned my face from the blood I had completely forgotten about and I took the chance to look at him. My senses truly had been dull as a human. He was far more handsome than I would ever have been able to see before I turned. He met my eyes with a questioning smile, but didn't ask. Instead, he caressed my cheek and I leaned into the touch. His skin was the same temperature as mine now, which was so strange considering I had gotten used to the coldness. His hands even felt soft to me and I smiled gently as I just realized something I hadn't thought about before.

"What?" he asked with a curious smile. I took his hand from my cheek, but didn't let go as I smiled up at him.

"We're the same now"

AN:

I know it's cheesy, but bear with me. Noel is really difficult making… un-cheesy… or something :p Anyway, this is probably going to be the second last chapter which means there's only one left to go. See you on the other side ;)