Chapter 6: Friend or Foe

Disclaimer: The characters are Stephenie Meyer's characters just tweaked for my crazy mind. ~~Mary Mab

~(~)~ ~(~)~ ~(~)~ Merana's point of view

Stretching my legs I was able to figure out that she was tiny and warm. So it had to be Bella.

"What can I do for you, Bella?" I said wrapping my arm around my knees. I also took a sip as I waited for her to answer.

"Well, I was just wondering what you are doing." she sounded bubbly but I got the feeling she was worried about something. Soaking in the feelings of the room, I knew that one wrong move or word and I would be in trouble. The room was filled with tension and confusion.

"I am just sitting here relaxing and drinking." Not being able to see was aggravating me. I couldn't tell how my words were received or what anyone was thinking. "Why?"

"Oh no reason just wondering! You looked lost in space or thought." she sounded a little put off, like I didn't answer her question but then she didn't know I am not able to read her period.

"Bella whatever it is please just ask." That seemed to calm her for I felt her reposition herself on the sofa.

"What are you drinking?" She was serious; I could hear the sternness in her pitch.

I didn't mean to laugh but it was such a silly question. But then I was asked that question a lot. "It's a mixture of ingredients." bringing up the list of ingredients, I read it aloud. "Some monkshood, roots of a tarragon plant, crushed blood crystals, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor. It's a very simple drink. Three drops of monkshood, a dash of the crystals and a tablespoon of nutmeg then stirred with the root as the water is added. So did I answer your question?"

'I really wish my eyes would clear up.' I'm good at reading people but not having the ability to see really hinders me. I just don't get the emotions or feelings right of the people around me. Not sure if I had satisfied Bella's curiosity I carefully placed my glass on the table behind the sofa. Then positioning my elbows on my knees I rested my head on my hands. As I waited to see if there were any more questions.

"Isn't monkshood poisonous or something?" Bella asked as she inched closer to me. It was weird but I really enjoyed having her near me and the one asking me questions while my eyesight was on the fritz.

"Well to humans it is." sitting up I took a sip of my drink then placed it back. "But for someone like me or another immortal it's a life saver. Werewolves use it to hold onto their humanity. Monkshood also helps to hold off the animal instincts or even reverse the transformation, though for only a short period of time. Vampires on the other hand soak tarragon roots in it and then crush it into a fine powder, which is then used to season some food, a drink, or just to chew. The mixture helps vampires digest and receive nutrition from actually food. For me it helps quench my thirst till I can find…"

I couldn't say it. There was no telling how they would react or Bella.

"Merana just one more question." not sure if I was face to face with her, I waved my hand for her to continue. "What color are your eyes?"

This really confused me. Then I remembered something Jared once told me. So I asked her "Why? What color are they now?" I fully expected her not to answer but then I wasn't really sure.

"They looked black but now that I have had a good look. I think their more dark blue." Bella was just full of surprises.

"Dark blue. My eyes are dark blue." this had my laughing. Smiling I looked around the room, showing that I really thought Bella was funny. My eyes were black that was what Jared had told me but before I could say anything everything changed. The tension in the room had loosen up and it seemed that everyone was warming up to me. Now it was in chaos with the shouting and the feelings turning to fright. The springs in the sofa shifted as Bella was yanked off and replaced by someone much heavier. Who pinned me to the sofa and began shouting.

"Bella quiet down please." I knew that voice I just wasn't sure who but I had another problem. Whoever it was smelled awfully good. "Let me handle this. Please Bella." as he said the last sentence he turned to me and I inhaled his scent. Just the taste of him made my mouth water. Closing my eyes I soaked in his scent as he talked to me. "Yes Merana just take it easy. That's it breathe."

'Yeah Merana breathe him in. He's so sweet…' cutting Nadia off, I reminded myself that I was among friends. At that single word my eyes popped open and I was able to see. Though what I saw really didn't help me.

It was Edward who was trying to help me and yet that wasn't what I was focusing on. Every time he moved I could see the blood filled vessels in his neck. Gripping the cushion I could feel my talons ripping right through them. Which meant that I was ready for a good hunt. Yet my target was refusing to let go of me.

'Merana just give up. It's not like he won't care!' Nadia and Alicia were fighting hard to convince me that a taste would not cause any problems but then I knew them. A taste just would not be enough for them. So I turned and bite the sofa. The taste of the stuffing and rough fabric helped in removing Edward's taste from my mouth.

Just as I was getting control Edward grabbed my chin and pulled it to face him. His smell once again filled me with the need to hunt, to eat. Just as I faced Edward I saw my glass. My half empty glass of thirst quencher. The taste of nutmeg with the blood crystals reminded me of the fresh tarragon root I had in the bag. The bag that was in the kitchen, which was where I wanted to be.

Looking Edward in the eye I gathered my strength and growled, "Get off of me. NOW!" it was all I could do. But Edward didn't back off or let go instead he came closer. His breathe just kept washing over me, which drove out any ideal of escaping him. Now I really wanted to feed but the tarragon root was still on my mind. "PLEASE Edward GET OFF!"

"First Merana you need to calm down! Then I will back off." Edward was being stubborn for his own good but then again he didn't understand. Yes my eyes are black but that was because I was using magic. It's when my eyes are red that people should be scared. And I knew it wasn't long till my eyes turned red. For his blood was bright as the sun under his skin.

Relaxing my grasp on the cushion, I positioned them behind me and coiled on to my feet. Which brought me really close to Edward, who for some reason thought I wanted to lay my head on his shoulder. His hand on my head was the straw, for I couldn't fight my thirst. I wanted to bite I wanted to feed. Nadia and the others in my head were just hopping with anticipation of his blood in our mouth.

But before I could get close enough to sink my teeth into his neck he was gone and Alice was there. I could see Edward even though Alice was covering him but the look he gave me was that of Alice's. She saw that I was going to bite him and stopped me. No she removed him so I could get control.

At that I shot to the ceiling but as I got closer I flipped kicking off the ceiling then glided right over the bar and into the kitchen.

Looking around the kitchen as I sailed in I found my bag. It was next to the sink below the cupboard. So going into a handspring on the island I twisted and sprang to the sink. Landing on my toes I situated myself as I searched the bag for the fresh tarragon root. Feeling the rough paper I had wrapped the root in I snatched it. It was fresh which meant it might have a stronger kick but I never ever dared eating a fresh tarragon root. Though I heard that a fresh root could not only soak better but if eaten in the first week of harvesting it could curve your thirst.

I bite a huge chuck of it and tried to swallow but it was too dry. Suddenly I heard a gasp and a lovely smell caught my attention. Turning on my toes I came face to face with Bella. She was standing at the bar holding my glass of thirst quencher. Jumping off the counter I settled just before the bar and reached out for the glass. Without comment Bella handed it to me.

As I was drinking I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye. The family was moving closer to the kitchen but very slowly. Esme was holding on to the older gentleman I saw earlier. He didn't look much older then Esme but looking into his beautifully amber eyes I was sure that he was a good several decades older. Then I saw Emmett he was standing before a fair beauty, who just smelled enchanting.

She was leaning around him to see me and her hair; her silky blonde hair was just cascading down. She was shining with an inner light and that just added to her compulsion, highlighting her most brilliant aspect. Her eyes. Which just sparkled with compassion and care, even though they were amber too. Looking into her eyes I wondered why I hadn't noticed her before. But I had. She came in behind Jasper and Esme early. The gentleman had even pointed her out before. I had been so distracted that I didn't even notice her.

Then I noticed that there was no sign of Alice, Jasper, or Edward. They were not among the others. That's when the lovely smell wafted over me again. Turning to the smell I found Edward and Jasper. They were standing just inside the doorway of the kitchen watching me. But before I could ask where Alice was, she stepped into my view. This time the look she wears was of concern and fear. She wasn't sure want I needed or wanted now.

Though what I wanted was to satisfy my thirst. Diving to the fridge I rummaged through it and the surrounding cupboards looking for anything. Startled by someone touching my shoulder, I twirled on a penny and grasped her. It was Bella. Realizing that I was hurting her, I released her but not before healing the damage I had caused. Though I exceptted Bella to flee instead she opened the freezer door and pulled out a bag. I was watching intently as she opened it up and showed me it was full of single serving chicken breasts. Looking her in the eye I smiled and reached in and took one out. Then carefully, I heated the breast thoroughly till it was done.

Strolling to the center of the room I noted that Edward was holding Jasper. Though his appearance told me that he had been struggling against Edward, he now just looked confused. Taking another step I found that Alice was on the bar. She was still holding onto Jasper. Looking from Alice to Jasper I started thinking about what could cause such commotion. Turning around I found Bella, I couldn't help it but stare at her. Then it hit me.

Reaching out I spun Bella till she was looking at me. She was shocked by me but only extended the plate she had gotten down for me. Dropping the chicken breast on the plate I removed it from her and placed it on the counter behind her. Then seizing her right arm I pushed her sleeve up to discover that I had broken the skin there. And she had not once winced or coward in pain. Then looking to Jasper it donned on me. He is always fighting his urge and everyone else's urge not to feed on humans. Something Alice had made a point of telling me while at the temple.

Please Review. I need them to function. Please send them. ~~Mary Mab