Chapter 4
The next day, I called Amber in the morning and we arranged to hang out at her house later that day, where I would also join her family for dinner. Amber's mom was an amazing cook, and upon hearing that I was alone, she insisted I stay for dinner. After the meal, Amber and I retreated to her room, where we had a long conversation. I shared my plans to revamp my wardrobe, and she eagerly provided me with numerous ideas. To give me a better sense of different styles, she even let me try on some of her clothes since we were similar in size. It was helpful to see how I looked in various outfits.
All too soon, I glanced out the window and noticed that night had fallen. I hadn't anticipated staying over at Amber's house for such a long time, which meant I now had to walk home in the dark. I bid Amber a quick goodnight and hurriedly made my way back home.
As I walked home, the streets were deserted, most likely due to people's attempts to stay cool from the heat. We lived in the suburbs of Phoenix, where row after row of identical houses stretched out before me. Amber's house was only four long blocks away, so the walk wasn't too bad. As I passed by a convenience store that had closed several years ago, a loud crash shattered the silence. It sounded as if two massive boulders had collided. I paused, my curiosity piqued by the unusual noise. My instincts told me to run away, but my insatiable curiosity compelled me to investigate further.
My legs carried me forward while my mind screamed, "You idiot, run away!" I had always been too inquisitive for my own good, often ignoring the warnings in my head. As I reached the back of the convenience store, a flickering streetlight illuminated the parking area. And there, in that chilling moment, I witnessed a sight that sent shivers down my spine. A man stood over a lifeless body, his actions suggesting I had stumbled upon a murder scene. Fear gripped me, leaving me frozen in shock.
The man, unaware of my presence, reached into his pocket and retrieved a lighter. With a swift motion, he opened it and tossed it onto the body. The flames engulfed the figure, their intensity far greater than expected. To my astonishment, purple smoke rose from the burning body, defying any logical explanation. Finally, my legs snapped out of their paralysis, allowing me to slowly back away from the horrifying scene.
My clumsiness chose the worst possible moment to reveal itself, as I inadvertently stepped on a discarded coke can. The loud clattering noise echoed through the air, drawing attention to my presence. I fell hard on my ass, dazed and frightened, my eyes fixated on the murderer who now stared directly at me. Fear gripped me as I assessed his appearance. There was an aura of danger surrounding him, yet his face didn't match the image of a killer. He appeared to be in his mid-20s, and despite the dire circumstances, I couldn't help but acknowledge his striking beauty. It wasn't the time for such thoughts, though.
His smile, devoid of warmth or welcome, sent a chill down my spine. Slowly, he started walking toward me, and my body instinctively reacted to the imminent threat. Panic overwhelmed me, and all I could think was, "Stop, stop, stop!" I was too young to die. Defenseless and alone, I couldn't fathom what I could do in that moment. I had never experienced such intense fear in my life. Amidst my nervous breakdown, the man inexplicably halted his advance. Confusion washed over his face, as if he couldn't understand why he had stopped.
We stood there, locked in a gaze for what felt like an eternity, with him standing about ten feet away. I desperately searched for an escape route, my mind racing with thoughts of how to get away. We remained frozen like that for a good minute, with him silently studying me. I couldn't comprehend what he was waiting for. If he intended to kill me, he should have done it already. I was just regaining my senses, realizing I should be screaming for help, when he finally broke the silence and spoke to me.
"What's your name, girl?" the man inquired, his voice resonating with a captivating allure. His accent betrayed that he was not a local, carrying traces of European origins.
Confusion and fear overwhelmed me as I pondered my options. Should I engage in conversation with a murderer? It seemed like the lesser evil compared to the alternative. My throat felt dry, making it difficult to speak, but after a moment, I managed to utter my name, "Bella."
"Well, Bella," the man smiled, his expression carrying a touch of amusement, "We seem to have a little problem here, as you've witnessed something you most certainly should not have."
"I... I won't tell anyone," I stuttered, my voice trembling. "Please, just let me go... Mister."
"How rude of me," he replied, his smile widening. "My name is Demetri. Demetri Volturi. And your full name, Bella?" he inquired.
I cursed silently in my head. It was never a good sign when a murderer willingly shared their name, as it meant I could potentially identify him. Despite the circumstances, engaging in a seemingly pleasant conversation was much better than facing the horrors of being killed and burned. "Bella Swan," I croaked out, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Well, Bella," he said, his gaze fixed on me, his expression thoughtful, as if weighing his options. "I'd like to have a conversation with you. I understand you're scared, but please trust me when I say I mean you no harm. Do you live nearby? Is anyone else at your home right now? Typically, I would have left the scene swiftly, as it's not advisable to linger after what you've just witnessed."
I pondered the situation. Should I invite a murderer into my home when I'm alone? The answer, of course, was a resounding no. But what were the alternatives? If I denied him, who knows what terrible things he could do? He didn't appear insane, but he had just killed a man who now... seemed to have disintegrated. That was bizarre. Bodies don't simply turn to ash when set on fire. Something was definitely off. I looked at the man again, sensing that there was more to all of this than met the eye. Nonetheless, I preferred engaging in conversation with him rather than risking something sinister happening to me. So, I reluctantly replied, "Yes, my home is only two blocks away, and no one else is there."
"Perfect, let's head to your place. I understand you're scared, and given what you witnessed, it's only natural. But I assure you, my intention is not to harm you," he stated calmly.
Well, that was something, I supposed. Encountering a polite murderer was certainly preferable to the alternative. Nevertheless, the best I could do in this situation was to stall for time and hope that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to escape the predicament I found myself in.
"Okay," I reluctantly replied, looking down for a moment before raising my head. To my surprise, he was suddenly right in front of me, extending his hand to help me up from the ground. Reluctantly, I reached out and took his hand, and he effortlessly pulled me back to my feet. His touch sent a chill through me, colder than it should have been in this climate. Standing at about 6 feet tall with short brown hair, his features were partially obscured by the darkness of the night. He motioned for me to lead the way, and we began making our way toward my house. As we walked in silence, I couldn't help but wonder whether I should pray for another passerby to come by or proceed home to hear what he had to say. The entire situation felt surreal and unsettling. Eventually, we arrived at my house, and I opened the door, allowing him to enter behind me. I led him to the living room and turned on the lights. Taking a seat on the sofa, I watched as the murderer, I mean Demetri, observed the room. His gaze fell upon the pictures displayed on the mantle, featuring moments with my mom, as well as some with my dad from our time in Forks. Finally, he settled into one of the side chairs, displaying perfect posture.
"Okay, Bella," Demetri began, his expression suggesting deep contemplation as he searched for the best way to convey his message. "I find myself in unfamiliar territory here. Normally, in situations like this, the outcome would have been clear, but in this case, I'm flying blind. So, I kindly ask for your patience and honesty as we move forward." He studied me intently, as if assessing my worth, before nodding to himself and continuing, "If you would be so kind as to indulge me, Bella, could you please share with me some details about yourself and your life?"
Well, I certainly hadn't expected this. A murderer who wanted to get to know me. For what purpose? To be my friend? Was he playing some sick game? Despite my reservations, he seemed sincere enough. And truthfully, I couldn't think of any other options I had at that moment. So, reluctantly, I began to share.
"Well, I was born in Forks, Washington. My father is the chief of police in the town. My parents divorced when I was very young, and I've been living with my mom ever since. I suppose my childhood has been relatively normal. I've always been independent. Academically, I excel as a student. However, I must admit that I'm a bit of a klutz. I have a few close friends, but I'm far from being the most popular girl in class or anything like that."
Demetri nodded approvingly as I shared my story. "That's good, Bella," he remarked. "I understand that you're scared and may think I'm going to harm you, but the truth is, I have no intention of killing you. In fact, I'd like to offer you something." His words intrigued me, but I remained cautious. Before delving into his proposition, he asked me a thought-provoking question. "Tell me, Bella, what do you want to achieve in life? Do you have any goals or dreams?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts and realized that Demetri seemed to appreciate honesty. With a sense of cautious vulnerability, I replied, "Well, I know I want to go to college. As for the rest, I don't have any concrete goals or aspirations for my life. The truth is, I haven't really lived as much as I would like, and I yearn for the chance to change that. So, any solution that doesn't involve you doing to me what you did to that person would be most preferable." I offered him a wry smile, subtly conveying my plea: "Please, don't kill me."
Demetri's smile widened as he responded, "Okay, that's good, Bella. What if I told you that I could offer you a different life? A life filled with endless possibilities, where you can be anything you want and go anywhere you desire. To be frank, your life has reached a critical crossroads, and it can only go one of two ways. I sincerely hope that you choose the path I'm suggesting, as I know you won't like the alternative."
"I'm sorry if I sound skeptical, but it almost feels like you're giving me a recruiting speech," I said, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "I'm genuinely curious, though. What is it that you're trying to recruit me for? While you've been pleasant to talk to, the fact remains that I know very little about you, except for witnessing what happened earlier. Perhaps it's time you told me a little bit about yourself."
"That's fair, Bella," Demetri responded, his tone serious. "What I'm about to share with you may be hard to believe, but it is the truth. My name is Demetri Volturi, and for the past 2500 years, I have been a vampire." He observed me closely, waiting for my reaction.
Shit. This guy is mental. I'm screwed. However, I made an effort to keep a calm facade. "Vampire?" I uttered, my voice tinged with skepticism and disbelief.
"Yes, I was turned into a vampire roughly 2500 years ago," Demetri explained. "I don't remember much of my human life, other than I was a farmer of some sort in ancient Greece. I woke up alone in the forest, so it appears a vampire had been feeding on me and didn't finish the job. It was a long while before I ran into others of my kind who explained what had happened to me. After about 500 years, I joined a group of vampires called the Volturi. They are the rulers of the vampire race, and our main role is to enforce the laws, the most important one being to keep our existence a secret from humans. The man whom I killed earlier was, in fact, a vampire who had broken the law and was on the run. I was tasked with bringing him to justice."
I was at a loss for words. It sounded utterly crazy, yet he spoke with conviction. "Can you prove what you're saying?" I asked skeptically. "It sounds like something out of a cheesy horror movie. The Vampire Cops." I offered a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yes, I think a demonstration would help move this conversation along," Demetri said confidently. And in an instant, he vanished from where he sat. I blinked in confusion, only to hear his voice coming from the other side of the room. I turned my gaze towards him, but before I could fully process it, he disappeared again and reappeared on the opposite side of the room. What the hell was happening? I thought, my mind racing to make sense of it all. Suddenly, he materialized on the opposite side of the sofa, looking at me intently. "Please excuse me, but maybe a show of strength will help you believe me," he stated.
With that, he firmly grasped the edge of the sofa and effortlessly lifted it straight up, until he was standing upright. I stared down at the floor, now about five feet below me, and then back at Demetri. There was no strain on his face or in his movements. It defied all logic and reason. The sheer strength required for such an act was beyond human capability. Although he had a well-built physique, he certainly wasn't a bodybuilder. He gently placed the sofa back down and resumed his seat in the chair. I couldn't ignore what I had just witnessed. A sickening feeling washed over me as I considered the implications. He was telling the truth. He was a vampire. And that meant he fed on people.
"Okay, you definitely have my attention now. Ah… please don't eat me," I said with a nervous smile, trying to maintain a semblance of lightness despite the gravity of the situation.
Demetri chuckled, his amusement evident. "No, Bella, I have no intention of eating you. In fact, it's quite the opposite. You see, the most important law for vampires is to keep our existence a secret from humans. If a human discovers the truth, there are only two options. One, we eliminate them, which I know you're not particularly keen on," he said, his smile indicating he remembered my concerns. "The other option, which I hope you will consider, is for me to change you. I would like you to become a vampire, Bella."
"That's not much of a choice," I muttered, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "So you're saying I either have to die or become a vampire?" I questioned, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Yes, that's what I'm saying," Demetri confirmed, his tone serious. "I would much prefer if you chose to be changed, as I have no desire to kill you for several reasons. But we can discuss that further later on. I'm sure you have many questions. Let me begin by dispelling some of the misconceptions you may have about vampires, as what you see in movies is far from accurate."
I felt a surge of curiosity, always eager to learn and understand new things. The prospect of delving into the knowledge of another race intrigued me. "Yes, please tell me more," I responded, my voice filled with genuine interest.
"Alright, here are some of the key points. Vampires are immortal. We can be killed, as you witnessed, but typically only by another vampire. Humans would stand no chance against us. Though with advanced technology, they might have a fighting chance, but I wouldn't relish a war between our races, as it wouldn't end well for humans. We possess incredible speed and strength. Our senses are heightened—our hearing, sight, and smell are far superior to those of humans. Our brains are significantly enhanced, capable of processing hundreds of thoughts simultaneously in a fraction of a second. We have perfect memories. I could recount a single day from 2,000 years ago as if it happened yesterday. One peculiar trait of vampires is that we do not sleep—ever. Contrary to popular belief, we can venture out in daylight, but we must remain hidden from humans, as exposure to sunlight would reveal our true nature. I can demonstrate that to you soon, if you'd like. Now, do you have any questions? I'm certain you must have a thousand," Demetri explained, a smile playing on his lips as he encouraged me to inquire further.
I pondered over his description. It seemed like he was describing being a vampire akin to a Superman type character. But vampires were supposed to be evil, right? I wished I had seen more vampire movies, but horror films weren't really my cup of tea. Nonetheless, I had a burning question about their diet. "You mentioned all these extraordinary abilities, but you didn't mention what you eat," I pointed out, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Demetri acknowledged my concern with a nod. "Ah, yes, I understand why that would be a matter of importance to you. To put it bluntly, I drink human blood. Vampires have various methods and approaches to obtain the blood they need for sustenance. Personally, I prefer to feed on the blood of criminals. While there are vampires who kill indiscriminately, many of us with a conscience prefer not to harm innocent humans unless absolutely necessary. Some vampires explore alternative methods to survive, but ultimately, it is human blood that truly nourishes us. I know you may find it repulsive, but for a vampire, there is nothing quite as satisfying."
"Can you eat human food?" I couldn't help but be curious, despite the gravity of the situation.
"We technically can consume it, but our digestive system no longer functions, so we would eventually have to regurgitate it. It's quite disgusting, to be honest. Human food tastes and smells like garbage to a vampire. I wouldn't recommend trying it," Demetri replied, a smile playing on his lips.
"So you're giving me the choice between becoming a vampire or being killed?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yes, please don't take offense, but under normal circumstances, I would have drained pretty much anyone who discovered me in that situation. However, you've piqued my interest, Bella. I'll explain my reasons in due time, but I genuinely would prefer to see you as a vampire rather than dead," Demetri explained.
"When would this transformation need to happen?" I braced myself for his response, knowing that my decision had been made, but still harboring some concerns.
"Immediately. Of course," Demetri replied, his tone indicating that there was little room for delay.
I could feel my nerves escalating, but I had to muster the courage to ask for what I wanted.
"Demetri, I have a favor to ask. I'm willing to agree to become a vampire, but I request that we delay the transformation until I'm older. I'm only 17, and the thought of being stuck at this age forever is unsettling. If I could at least go to college and graduate, I would be an adult and I would feel more prepared and ready to embrace vampire life. Please, I'm begging you," I pleaded, my voice filled with sincerity and hope, praying that he would understand and grant my request.
Demetri paused, deep in thought, and I seized the opportunity. "Demetri, you appear to be in your early to mid-20s, am I correct?" He nodded in affirmation. "Well, you must admit that you wouldn't have wanted to be changed when you were 17 and remain that age for eternity. I assure you, I can be trusted to keep your secret. What assurances can I offer you? I may be a stranger to you, but I have a strong sense of loyalty and I know how to keep a secret."
"Truthfully, Bella, I understand your perspective. I wouldn't want to be 17 forever either. While I can't make a final decision right now, I'm willing to advocate for your request with my boss, Aro, who is the ruler of the vampire race. However, before I speak with him, I need to know what assurances you can give?" Demetri inquired, his tone serious and inquisitive.
I paused for a moment, contemplating the weight of my words. This was a decision that could have far-reaching consequences. Taking a deep breath, I looked directly into Demetri's eyes and spoke with determination, "Demetri, if I were to ever betray your secret, you can not only end my life but also the lives of my entire family. They mean everything to me, and I would never jeopardize their safety. I hope this assurance is enough for you to trust that I will never betray your secret."
Demetri nodded in acknowledgment. "I will relay your request to Aro," he confirmed.
I let out a relieved sigh and expressed my gratitude. "Thank you, Demetri."
As curiosity got the better of me, I couldn't help but inquire further. "I would love to learn more about vampires. You've piqued my interest with the positives, but I'm sure there must be downsides as well. Could you enlighten me about the negatives of being a vampire?"
Demetri pondered for a moment, considering my question. "Well, not being able to be out in the daylight among humans is rather annoying" he explained. "Another aspect is that we don't age. If you choose to live among humans, you'd have to relocate every decade or so to avoid arousing suspicion due to your unchanging appearance. However, it ultimately depends on your own disposition and preferences. I've encountered vampires who relish their immortal existence, while others despise it. Based on our conversation, I have a feeling that you would be someone who embraces it, but I must admit that might be influenced by my own perspective."
"You realize you just made another point as to why it would be best for us to wait until I become a vampire," I pointed out, hoping he would understand. "If I remain 17 forever, it would be challenging to pursue meaningful employment when I would still look like a kid. However, if I were to reach my early twenties, it would open up countless possibilities for my future. You must see the logic in that." I looked at him, searching for an honest reaction.
"Yes, I do," Demetri replied. "That is one of the reasons I am going to recommend to Aro that we accept your proposal. I believe we would greatly value your presence among us, whether it be as a member of our coven or as trusted allies. Being on your good side would only bring positive outcomes."
This answer threw me. Why would he want me to work as a vampire cop? I'm the least athletic person in the world. Sure, my dad was a cop, but that must mean nothing in the vampire world. I looked at Demetri and simply asked, "Why would you want me?"
"There are some things I haven't told you about vampires, but rest assured, I will. No offense, but I'm trying not to overload your brain with too much information," Demetri explained.
"I'm actually doing pretty well. It takes a lot to rattle me. Sure, there are situations that would make me a wreck, but this isn't one of them. I guess I'm just wired differently. By the way, if you don't mind, I need to use the restroom," I stated, rising from my seat.
"You're not a prisoner, Bella," Demetri reassured me. "While you may not have certain choices in this situation, I want to make it clear that I'm not holding you hostage or exerting control over you. I trust your word when you say you won't disclose our secret. Understand that I am simply abiding by the laws that are crucial for maintaining order in vampire society."
I nodded and went to do my business. Once finished, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, deep in thought about everything Demetri had revealed. The idea of immortality seemed surreal, almost like something out of a movie. He wanted to turn me into a superhuman, like those heroes in superhero films. I couldn't deny that it had an appealing ring to it. However, the price for such a life was taking the lives of others. Demetri mentioned his preference for feeding on criminals. Would I be capable of killing criminals? I pondered the question. Presently, it seemed unimaginable, but perhaps a vampire version of myself could handle it. It would be akin to removing crime from the streets, much like what Charlie did, albeit without the conventional court system. I decided it was best not to dwell too much on it, as the alternative of death was simply not an option for me.
I prayed that they wouldn't force me to undergo the change immediately. While I believed I was mature beyond my 17 years, I desired the chance to grow up a bit more. There were countless things I hadn't experienced. I hadn't even had sex yet. I'd like to at least have that human experience before becoming a vampire. I chuckled inwardly at the thought of "turning into a vampire." This was definitely not how I had envisioned my day going. I reminded myself to ask Demetri about the process of becoming a vampire. There were so many gaps in my knowledge, and now seemed like the perfect time to seek answers. Especially if there was a chance he'd receive word that he couldn't wait and proceeded with the transformation. I wondered about the future of my life. Where would I go? Staying with my mom didn't sound like an option. So many questions flooded my mind, and I was eager to learn the answers.
Let me know your thoughts. I'll be posting every few days now as I wanted to get the story to where she meets Demetri. Many of the future chapters are longer so will take more time to edit.