Chapter 10:
2 Years Later
Bella and Garrett had just touched down in Seattle. Bella couldn't help but smile as they rented a car, looking forward to their visit with Charlie and Sue in La Push. The thought of seeing her father again after more than a year since they last visited filled her with warmth and contentment. After Charlie retired two years ago, he and Sue had decided to permanently settle in Sue's family's house on the reservation to enjoy the company of her children, Seth and Leah, and their children. Fortunately, Seth had made it clear to the Pack that Bella and Garrett were welcome to visit, as long as they adhered to their rules and refrained from feeding in the area. Seth understood that they posed no threat to the tribe, and in the interest of maintaining peace, Bella and Garrett respected and agreed to these conditions, even if they were unnecessary.
Most of the pack had stopped shifting long ago, as after the Cullens' departure, Bella and Garrett became the only vampires to visit the area. Seth had been fortunate to imprint on Stacy, a girl from a nearby tribe. They now had two beautiful boys, Harry, who was 14, and Seth Jr., who was 5. Fortunately, Stacy had been informed about the existence of shifters and vampires, and she had no issues with Bella and Garrett. This allowed them to spend time with Harry during their visits to Charlie. Although they had only met little Seth Jr. twice before, Bella was eager to get to know him better now that he had grown beyond his baby years.
Bella and Garrett had made the decision to visit for Charlie's 67th birthday. They had informed Sue and Seth, but the plan was to surprise Charlie. During the drive, Bella couldn't help stealing glances at Garrett. He looked so distinguished in his makeup, and she double-checked it to ensure there were no mistakes. Both of them were portraying themselves as being in their mid-40s now, and although they maintained a youthful appearance, it did not raise any suspicions which is what was crucial.
"I hope Charlie appreciates the fishing hooks we got him. They received rave reviews online," Bella remarked, her gaze fixed on the wrapped present resting on her lap.
"I'm confident he'll love them, and even if he didn't, he would cherish them simply because they're from you," Garrett replied, gently rubbing Bella's leg. Then he inquired, "Are you certain you don't mind if I head out tonight after the party? I can stay for the entire visit if you prefer."
"No, it's perfectly fine. We'll simply explain to Charlie that you're reconnecting with an old friend in Seattle, someone you haven't seen in decades. He'll understand," Bella assured Garrett. He had received a call from his long-time friend Randell, whom he hadn't had the chance to catch up with in over four decades, and they had made plans to meet.
"Thanks, sweetheart," Garrett expressed his gratitude, his voice filled with appreciation. "Maybe you can meet Randell too after your visit with Charlie. I made it clear to him to steer clear of the Forks area and focus on feeding in Seattle. Besides, he primarily targets criminals, so it most likely wouldn't have been an issue. He understood and said not to worry."
"I'd like to meet your friend before we head back to Italy," Bella said, a smile spreading across her face.
Later, they finally arrived at Forks and drove through Bella's hometown on their way to La Push.
"It's funny, Forks doesn't look like it has changed much," Bella commented, observing the familiar surroundings. "A few new houses, but other than the newer vehicles, it looks just like it did when I was human."
"Small towns are the last to change," Garrett remarked. "And a town like Forks, I bet it will still look pretty similar even after 100 years."
They finally arrived in La Push and stepped out of their car in front of Sue and Charlie's house. After a quick glance at each other to ensure everything was in order, Bella approached the door and knocked.
They heard someone inside shuffling towards the door, and soon it swung open, revealing a shocked expression on Charlie's face.
"Happy Birthday, Dad!" Bella exclaimed, moving in for a hug with her still-stunned father.
"Bella, Garrett! It's wonderful to see you both. I had no idea you were going to visit," Charlie said, a smile spreading across his face.
After Bella released her father from the hug, she took a moment to observe him. Charlie had undeniably aged since their last visit. His hair was now mostly gray, including his mustache, and his face bore the marks of time with many more wrinkles then he had during her last night. However, there was still a vitality about him that indicated he was still physically active, and as Bella listened to his steady heartbeat, a sense of reassurance washed over her. She smiled, finding solace in the knowledge that he was still doing well. Charlie had unfortunately lost his best friend Billy almost 2 years ago.
"We've missed you, Dad. And what better reason to visit than your birthday?" Bella said warmly, a smile lighting up her face.
Charlie extended an invitation to enter, and Sue approached Bella with a hug. Sue had warmed up to Bella over the years but was still somewhat reserved towards Garrett, but Sue was always polite without any unkindness.
As they settled into the cozy living room, they engaged in a lively conversation, catching up on the latest events in their lives. Charlie's curiosity focused on Bella and Garrett, eager to hear about their time in Italy. Bella, with enthusiasm, shared tales of their lives there, vividly portraying the places they frequented and the friendships they had formed. She made it clear to Charlie and Sue that they were both welcome to come and visit and stay at her and Garrett's house. Bella went on to recount the enjoyable time Renee and Phil had when they visited a few years ago.
Amidst their exchange, a smile adorned Bella's face as she delved into the topic of the new novels they were currently involved in publishing. With passion, she described the intricate storylines and captivating characters they were working on, conveying her love for the creative process.
Curiosity ignited within Bella, prompting her to turn to Charlie and Sue, inquiring if they had watched the two Chrono Kids movies. To her surprise, they revealed that they had gone to the theater to see the movies with Seth, Stacy, and Harry. Charlie expressed that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the movies. Although Bella couldn't help but wonder if Charlie was simply being kind and indulging her, as she didn't think those types of movies were his cup of tea, she felt a sense of joy though knowing that he had taken the time to watch and appreciate her involvement in the projects.
Both Chrono Kids movies had achieved tremendous success at the box office, garnering praise from audiences and critics alike. The anticipation for the next installment, titled "Chrono Kids: The Infinity Paradox," was already building, as plans were underway for its production in the fall.
Finally, it was dinnertime, and they all gathered around the table in the dining room, including Bella and Garrett, who had become experts at hiding their true feelings as they ate with humans, Bella much more so than Garrett.
"Mmm, Sue, this steak is really delicious," Bella said with a smile as she chewed on the disgusting piece of meat. "So, Sue, will anyone else be joining us for the birthday celebration after dinner?"
"Seth and Harry will be joining us, but unfortunately, Stacy and Seth Jr. had to go to the Makah tribe this morning as her mother was not feeling well," Sue explained.
"That's a shame. I hope her mom feels better soon. I had been looking forward to meeting little Seth Jr. now that he can walk and talk like the little boy that he is. Maybe they will return before Garrett and I have to head back to Italy. It will be nice to see Harry again. I bet he has grown a lot since we last saw him," Bella expressed happily.
"Boy, has he. He's sprouted up so fast, just like his father," Charlie remarked with a smile.
After finishing their meal, Bella and Sue took care of clearing the dinner plates and setting out the birthday cake. As they waited for Seth and Harry to join them, they engaged in lively conversation. Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening reached their ears, followed by Seth's enthusiastic shout announcing their arrival.
As Seth and Harry entered the dining room, Bella couldn't help but be taken aback by how much Harry resembled Seth when she first met him. His long black hair cascaded straight down his back, and his height surpassed expectations for his age, easily reaching six feet or possibly more. A bright smile adorned his face, always thrilled to have Bella and Garrett visit, affectionately calling them Aunt Bella and Uncle Garrett.
Bella rose from her seat and embraced Seth, noting how well he looked for a man of 41. Seth was aging once again, determined to grow old alongside Stacy. After releasing Seth from the hug, Bella prepared to approach Harry, but halted as she noticed a grimace etched on his face.
"What's that smell, Dad? It's making my nose feel uncomfortable," Harry exclaimed, wrinkling his nose in discomfort.
Bella's eyes widened as she turned her gaze towards Seth, who appeared equally surprised. Seth would have informed Bella if Harry had shown any signs of shifting, but this was evidently a new development.
"What are you talking about, Harry?" Charlie responded, confusion evident in his voice. "There are no bad smells here. Just this birthday cake that your grandma made, and I assure you it smells fine," he added, smiling.
Bella exchanged a concerned glance with Seth, unsure of how to proceed. While she had some experience with shifters, she had never encountered a situation quite like this before.
"You know what? I'm so sorry about this, Charlie, Mom," Seth interjected, a hint of urgency in his voice. "I just remembered that Harry and I have to go pick up something at Jake's garage. It's really important, and I completely forgot about it earlier. I apologize for us leaving so abruptly."
"We understand, Seth. We'll see you later," Bella chimed in, playing along with Seth's hastily concocted plan.
Confusion flickered across Harry's face as he continued to rub his nose, struggling to comprehend the strange smell. "What are you talking about, Dad? I wanted to visit with Aunt Bella and Uncle Garrett," he protested.
Seth placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You can catch up with them another time, Harry. I need your help at Jake's garage. Come on," he urged, guiding Harry toward the exit.
"Don't worry, we'll save you some cake!" Charlie called out, his warm voice laced with reassurance, hoping to ease Harry's disappointment.
As the door closed behind Seth and Harry, Charlie couldn't help but comment, a hint of curiosity in his voice, "Well, that was unusual. But I'm sure you two will have another chance to catch up with Harry tomorrow." He shifted his attention to the mouthwatering cake on the table and added with a smile, "Let's dig in. That cake looks absolutely amazing, Sue."
Everyone quickly settled back into a relaxed atmosphere, with Charlie being the only one unaware of the unspoken event that had just occurred. The birthday celebration continued in full swing, and Charlie's excitement was evident as he admired the fishing hooks that Bella had given him. Time seemed to fly by as they indulged in lively conversations and shared laughter. As the night progressed and grew late, Bella and Garrett eventually said their goodbyes, explaining that they would be spending the night at a hotel in Port Angeles.
As they drove away, Bella glanced at Garrett, a mixture of concern and apprehension evident in her eyes. "I didn't expect that to happen. I really hope Harry is alright. I don't think he was on the verge of shifting or anything, but it feels like it's only a matter of time," she voiced her worries.
Bella retrieved her phone and dialed Seth's number, patiently waiting as it rang. After a few rings, she heard his voice on the other end.
"Hey Seth, it's Bella. Are you free to talk openly?" Bella asked, wanting to ensure they could have a candid conversation.
"Hey Bella. Yeah, Harry is in his room, engrossed in something on the internet. Today took an unexpected turn, that's for sure," Seth replied.
"I know. Is Harry doing okay?" Bella inquired, her concern for her nephew evident in her voice.
"Yes, but I believe this is the first indication that he's on the verge of phasing," Seth admitted, his tone laced with concern. "I don't want him to endure the same dreadful experience I had when I first transformed. What if it happened in front of my mom or your dad? It could be the same situation with my father all over again. I wish I had had someone to guide me through it, to explain everything clearly before it happened. That's why I was hoping you would be willing to assist me in preparing Harry for what lies ahead."
"Of course, Seth. You know I would do anything to help Harry. Where do you want to do this?" Bella asked, glad that she could offer her assistance.
"How about tomorrow in the woods at noon, but outside of La Push? Maybe where we first had our meeting after we found out you were a vampire," Seth suggested.
"That sounds good. I'll follow your lead on how you want to tell him everything," Bella said, acknowledging Seth's role as his father.
"Thank you, Bella. Oh, and please tell Garrett, no offense, but I'd rather it be just you and me who talk to him. I don't know if anything might set Harry off, and having two vampires present might make him feel more threatened when he learns the truth," Seth explained.
Bella glanced at Garrett, who nodded in understanding. "That's perfectly fine, Seth. I'll meet you and Harry tomorrow," Bella assured him.
After Bella ended the call, she turned to Garrett with a bemused expression. "Well, I certainly didn't anticipate having this type of conversation on our trip. It's like we're about to have the birds and the bees talk with Harry, but on steroids and cranked up to 1000. Harry has always been a sensible and level-headed kid, just like his father. Hopefully, we can convey the importance of secrecy to him."
"I believe Harry will be able to keep the secret. Whenever he has given his word, I've never doubted his sincerity," Garrett expressed confidently. He then turned his attention to Bella and asked, "Do you want me to stay, Bella? Just in case you need any help?"
"No, Garrett. I'll be fine," Bella assured him with a reassuring smile. "You should go and see your friend. I can take care of myself, and I have complete faith in Harry's ability to handle the truth, just like Seth did all those years ago."
"Alright, if that's what you want," Garrett acquiesced, "But remember, if you need me at any time, I'll come back right away."
"The question is, do you think I should bring my makeup remover kit to show Harry my real age, or do you think that might freak him out to much?" Bella asked, contemplating the situation.
"Take it with you, but use it only if you think it's the right thing to do," Garrett suggested, offering his input.
After arriving at the hotel and completing the check-in process, Garrett bid farewell to Bella before embarking on his journey to Seattle. Meanwhile, Bella made the decision to go for a hunt, ensuring that she would be composed and calm when the time came for her and Seth to have the delicate conversation with Harry.
Bella felt good being back in the familiarity of Washington's forests. While Italy had its own beauty, there was an undeniable pull that she loved when she was back in these woods. She felt it must be because this was where she first learned about vampire travel, and her first memories of vampire speed were in these very woods. She craved a moment of liberation, allowing her mind to wander freely. With a burst of speed, she raced through the forest, even faster, then leaped high into the air, surrendering herself to the embrace of her shield. She lifted herself higher until she was gliding gracefully above the treetops. She shed all her worries, immersing herself in the pure joy of flight.
Bella loved to hone her flying skills any chance she could get. She started by performing belly rolls and elegant twirls, seeking perfection in each fluid movement. Her goal was to make her flight appear seamless, concealing the fact that she was enveloped within her protective shield. Soon, the rhythmic thumping of a deer's heartbeat caught her attention. She ascended higher into the sky before holding still. She surveyed the ground below, where she saw a male deer grazing on the lush grass in a circular clearing. It reminded her for a second of the clearing she and Edward used to go to. Refocusing on the hunt, Bella engaged her shield and descended upon her unsuspecting prey at great velocity, swift and silent like a hawk closing in on its target. The deer never had a chance to react as she snapped its neck on her way down, and in one swift motion, caught it before it hit the ground.
Securing her kill, Bella savored the moment, sinking her teeth into the deer's flesh. With each mouthful, the thoughts of tomorrow's meeting melted away, replaced by the primal satisfaction of nourishment. Once she had completely drained the deer, she ascended back into the sky, resuming her journey back towards the hotel. She diligently practiced her skills along the way.
The next day, Bella made the decision to arrive at the meeting place early. Taking a seat on a sturdy log, she closed her eyes, to meditate and reconnect with her shield and abilities. It was a practice she continued whenever she had free time, hoping to uncover any hidden abilities within her, waiting to be awakened. Occasionally, she stumbled upon new discoveries, and each time was a thrilling moment of self-discovery. However, today was not that day. Eventually, the sound of Seth and Harry approaching reached her ears, signaling the end of her introspective session.
"What are we doing in the forest, Dad? You're acting weird," Harry questioned, his confusion evident in his tone.
"I know son. I am acting weird, but I assure you, I will explain everything soon. I promise," Seth reassured his son, trying to ease his concerns.
As they entered the clearing, Harry's eyes lit up when he spotted Bella sitting on the log. "Aunt Bella!" he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. "What are you doing here? And do you have any idea why my dad is acting like this?"
"Hi, Harry. Actually, yes, I do. How about we all take a seat and have a conversation?" Bella replied warmly, her smile matching Harry's enthusiasm.
As they settled down on the ground, Bella couldn't help but notice Harry twitching his nose again. She exchanged a glance with Seth, silently acknowledging that it was his moment to begin.
"Alright, Harry," Seth began, his voice filled with a mixture of seriousness and anticipation. "I'm going to attempt to explain some things to you. I understand that what I'm about to say may sound incredibly unbelievable, but I want you to keep an open mind and simply listen."
"Of course, Dad," Harry responded, his curiosity piqued and evident in his voice.
As Seth delved into the intricate details of the Pack and their purpose, Harry listened intently, his eyes widening with each revelation. He was taken aback, struggling to process the enormity of what his father was revealing. The existence of the Pack and the concept of spirit warriors in the form of wolves were beyond anything Harry had ever imagined.
When Seth finally concluded his explanation, there was a brief silence that hung in the air. Harry's mind was racing, trying to come to grips with the new reality he was confronted with. Slowly, he gathered his thoughts and found his voice.
"Dad," Harry started, his voice filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty. "I... I don't even know where to start. It's kind of hard to believe. People turning into wolves? It's like something out of a movie or a crazy fantasy book. Do you actually think all of this is real?"
As Harry's gaze shifted to Bella, he found comfort in her presence. She was always honest with him, never shying away from the truth. With a mix of curiosity and a touch of vulnerability, he turned to her for answers.
"Why are you here, Bella?" Harry asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of confusion. "Have you heard these stories before?"
Bella exchanged a glance with Seth, who gave her a reassuring nod. "Yes, Harry," Bella chimed in, her voice gentle yet firm. "I've heard all these stories because they're not just stories; they're real. I knew your dad when he first transformed into a wolf, and everything he's telling you is the truth. And, well, I'm a part of this story too. You know that strange smell you've been sensing? It's actually coming from me. It's hard to find the right words, so I'll just say it. The 'cold ones' your dad mentioned are real, and I happen to be one of them. We're what people commonly refer to as vampires."
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Bella. "Hold on a minute. So now you're telling me you're a vampire? But I've known you my whole life. And that smell... it's coming from you?" His voice quivered with a mix of confusion and astonishment.
Bella nodded, her expression filled with understanding. "I know, Harry. It's hard to wrap your head around all of this. But trust me, it's true. Let me explain how it all happened to me." She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, before recounting her extraordinary journey that led to her transformation into a vampire.
After Bella finished recounting her life to Harry, she felt it was crucial to discuss an important matter with him. "Harry, I know we've overwhelmed you with a lot of information, but there are some crucial things we need you to grasp," she began, her tone serious. "What we've shared about shifters and vampires is something that must never be disclosed to others. Your father will explain later who can be trusted in the tribe with this knowledge, but the secret of our existence can never be revealed to the public. That means you can't tell anyone—not your friends or anyone else. I cannot stress enough how vital this is."
Bella paused, searching for the right words to convey the gravity of the situation. "This also includes my father, Charlie. He has no knowledge of the Pack or vampires. He believes the world is ordinary, and it's essential for his safety and the safety of others that he continues to think that way. It's extremely dangerous for humans to possess this information. The Quileute tribe falls into a bit of a gray area, as they are connected to the supernatural, but not all Quileutes are aware. I don't mean to scare you, but vampires have a strict law stating that if a human discovers their existence, they are either killed or turned into a vampire. Now, I was lucky when the ruling vampire coven found out about me. They allowed me to be changed, which was what I wanted anyway. But we don't want to put any other human in that predicament. Now, this doesn't apply to you, as you're part of the supernatural community. I'm just trying to instill in you how important it is to keep the secret. The world must remain unaware of the supernatural. Perhaps one day in the future, but I doubt it will happen in your lifetime. Do you understand, Harry? Can you promise to keep this secret?"
"Of course, Bella. You know you can trust me," Harry replied earnestly, his youthful voice filled with determination. "So, you're saying that you're really only 20 years old? Can either of you prove that what you're saying is true? I mean, I believe you, but it would be nice to see some confirmation. It's just a lot to take in, you know?" Harry asked, his troubled expression reflecting the weight of the information he had just learned.
"I understand, Harry," Bella reassured him, her voice filled with empathy. "I brought some makeup remover. Hang on a second." Bella rose from her seat, retrieving the makeup remover she had placed in her kit near the fallen tree. Swiftly, she wiped off her makeup, revealing her true self. Glancing at her reflection in the compact mirror, she confirmed that she looked like her authentic self once again before returning to join Harry and Seth.
"Holy shit!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes fixed on Bella.
Bella smiled, seeking reassurance. "I look okay, right?"
Harry's expression was akin to a deer caught in headlights as he gazed at Bella's true face, speechless, he simply nodded.
Seth chimed in, breaking the silence. "Bella, why don't you give Harry a small demonstration of your abilities? I know he'll be just as amazed as I was when you first showed me."
Bella's smile widened as she contemplated the idea. "I've actually improved my skills quite a bit since then. Ready for something different, Harry?" She noticed the look of confusion on his face, unsure of what to expect. "Alright, going up!"
With that, Bella summoned a wide shield beneath them, lifting them gracefully above the towering trees and into the open sky.
Harry couldn't contain his amazement, letting out a scream of excitement mixed with pure joy. His face lit up with wonder and awe.
"You can stand up now if you want," Bella said, reassuringly. "It's safe to look around."
Harry and Seth rose to their feet, their eyes taking in the breathtaking panorama of the lush forest beneath them. The sheer beauty of the landscape left them speechless.
Bella's voice broke the silence. "Now, take a look at this. Seth has never seen me do this Harry.."
With that, Bella took off from where they were standing, soaring through the air in wide circles and executing impressive loops. Harry and Seth watched in amazement as she demonstrated her abilities. Eventually, Bella gracefully landed back on the shield, and gently lowering them all to the ground.
Seth, wearing an admiring smile, chimed in, "You really have learned to fly, Bella. It's truly incredible to witness."
"That was so cool," Harry exclaimed. "Can all vampires fly? What else can you do?"
Bella shook her head. "No, as far as I know, I'm the only one who possesses this particular ability. However, there are other unique skills vampires possess, but I'll explain those to you another time. If your father agrees, I can take you out flying before we head back to Italy."
Harry's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, Dad, can I please?"
Seth smiled warmly. "Of course, Harry. It's best to enjoy these experiences while you're still young."
Bella couldn't help but feel grateful that Harry was just as open-minded and accepting as his father.
"Wait, so that means you really can turn into a wolf, Dad? Can I see you do that too?" Harry asked eagerly.
Seth met Harry's gaze, considering his request. "I don't shift as frequently as I used to, especially now that I want to age normally with your mom. Shifting constantly slows down our aging process. However, I'll shift for you now though so you can see it. I'll be right back." With those words, Seth rose from his spot and disappeared into the woods.
"Where is he going, Bella?" Harry asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"When they shift, it destroys all their clothes," Bella explained. "Unless you want your dad to be naked when he shifts back to human form, it's best to give him some privacy to change."
Harry paused for a moment, contemplating Bella's words. "Do you think I'm going to shift?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"We believe there's a possibility that you might shift one day. That's why we decided to tell you now," Bella explained gently. "When you smelled Garrett and me, it was a pretty good indication since we smell fine to humans. As for me, I haven't detected any unpleasant smells from you yet, but wolves like your father smell awful to vampires as well. Wolves have a wet dog smell to us. Don't ask me why we all smell bad to each other. It does not make much sense. There are actually a lot of weird things that don't make sense with wolves and vampires, but it's best not to question it, as that's just the way it is. I hear your father approaching. Don't be scared, he won't harm you."
Harry turned to see Seth entering the clearing in his massive wolf form.
"Dad?" Harry said, his voice filled with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Seth nodded his large wolf head, silently acknowledging his son.
"He can't speak as a wolf, Harry. Why don't you go over and pet him? Say 'good dog' and maybe he'll roll over so you can pet his stomach," Bella suggested, chuckling as Seth growled playfully at her.
"It's really okay, Harry. You can approach him," Bella reassured, watching as Harry mustered the courage to approach Seth and gently pet the side of his neck.
"As time goes on, Harry, things will start to make more sense. You'll also have the opportunity to talk to other members of the pack. They will most definitely share their perspectives on vampires with you. I don't want to speak poorly of your tribe, but it's important to remember that many of them hold negative views about my kind. Just like humans, there are some vampires who do not represent the best of their kind. So, I encourage you to keep an open mind and remember that not all vampires are the same. If you ever have questions or need clarification, feel free to ask me," Bella explained, hoping that Harry would not be influenced by some of the tribe's more bigoted views.
Soon, Seth retreated to the woods, to revert to his human form. During his absence, Harry gathered his courage and posed a question to Bella, his curiosity outweighing his uncertainty. "Bella, as a vampire, do you... do you have to harm people? Like, do you have to... take their lives?" Harry's inquisitive nature revealed a young mind grappling with the complexities of the supernatural world of wolves and vampires.
"I'll be honest with you, Harry," Bella replied, her voice gentle yet candid. "I feed mostly on animals like deer. But almost all vampires including Garrett do feed on humans. Garrett, however only hunts and feeds off of criminals, bad people who have harmed others. He would never harm an innocent person. I must admit that I have joined him on rare occasions, but it's not something I make a regular practice of." Bella's words conveyed a sense of responsibility and careful consideration in her choices as a vampire.
"I see," Harry replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He wasn't quite sure how to process this new information.
"I understand that it's a lot to process, Harry," Bella acknowledged, sensing his uncertainty. "We are who we are, and as vampires, blood is what sustains us. If it were possible for Garrett and me to survive without needing blood, we would gladly eat like regular humans. Unfortunately, that's not the reality we live in." Bella's words carried a tinge of resignation, emphasizing that their needing blood was not a choice but a part of their existence.
"I understand, Aunt Bella. It's definitely a strange thing to wrap my head around, but I've known you my entire life, and I know you're a good person," Harry responded, his uncertainty giving way to a sense of trust and familiarity. He reflected on the countless experiences he had shared with his Aunt and Uncle, reinforcing his belief in their inherent goodness.
"Thank you, Harry. Your friendship means a lot to me, and I wouldn't want anything to jeopardize it," Bella expressed, appreciating Harry's understanding and acceptance.
Seth soon arrived back as a human and sat back down with Harry and Bella. They continued to share stories with Harry, recounting some of the more captivating moments of their lives. After a few more hours, Seth and Harry bid their farewells, and Bella was pleased with how smoothly the meeting had gone. As she was about to make her way back to the hotel, her phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID, seeing that it was Alice.
She quickly answered the phone, but before she could even greet her friend, she was met with a nearly hysterical scream from Alice. "Bella! Oh God, Bella! I need your help! It's Jasper... he's been taken!"
