AN: I am very much posting as I write at the moment - luckily there is a plot planned and it keeps me on track!

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BPOV

As my heart still and the burn receded, consciousness returned to me and it was like emerging from a deep, dreamless sleep into a world of vibrant color and heightened sensations. Or rather, diving into a very vivid dream of an overwhelming intensity. Except that I wasn't overwhelmed. My mind now seemed able to process every minute detail around me while keeping the seemingly random thoughts that accompanied my observations in quiet order. The first thing I noticed was the coolness of the air against my skin, a sensation that felt both strange and exhilarating at the same time. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself lying in a room bathed in soft, golden light, that sparkled with the reflection of the light on the dust that flew softly in a ray of rare sun. I blinked several times, mentally adjusting to the precision of life around me. Everything was still and so alive at once. I could hear the peaceful voice of the forest outside the Cullen home, the low sound of music coming from below me in the house, and so much more. But I could not hear a sound from the people I knew surrounded me. It may have taken less than half a second for me to register and analyze my surroundings before my senses went on alert and I sat up suddenly, crouching on the bed I had been lying on just a second before.

I took in the rest of the room and the people that surrounded me with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Everything seemed sharper, clearer, as if I were seeing the world through a new set of eyes. And in a way, I suppose I was. I glanced around the room, meeting the gaze of each member of the Cullen family in turn, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern. Something in me was screaming that I needed to run away. But a wave of calm and … trust soothed me, guiding me into remaining rational long enough to process that the people around me were not a threat. They were my family. I locked eyes with the most amazing burgundy gaze. Had I been breathing, my breath would have caught as in that instant, I felt such an incredible pull towards these eyes, this face, that man, that everything else disappeared in a sea of meaningless information.

"Marcus…" I breathed, not even a whisper, but of course, he heard. Even so low, my mind registered the sound of my voice to be different. Mine… but somehow more melodious, in agreement with the sharpness of detail that now enveloped me.

At the sound of his name, Marcus was the first to approach me, his crimson eyes never shifting away from mine in a silent exchange of understanding. The intensity of our mating bond was submerging me like a tidal wave, flooding my senses with emotions and sensations that I had never experienced before. It was overwhelming, a constant presence in the back of my mind that both comforted and unnerved me in equal measure. My human mind had simply not been able to process the depth of such a pure and irrevocable bond. Now I understood. He was mine and I was his. Our life were one and I would not live without him by my side.

"Mia Bella," Marcus acknowledged softly, his voice a soothing presence in the midst of my swirling thoughts. I nodded, unable to form more words as I struggled to come to terms with the depth of our connection. Marcus reached out, his cool hand brushing against my cheek in a gesture of reassurance that sent shivers down my spine. "I am here for you, Bella. Whatever you need, beloved."

I managed a small smile, grateful for his unwavering support. But even as I leaned into his touch, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of my mind. Once more, I noticed a wave of calm flowing over me in a soft, yet heavy, feel. I frown as I remembered, foggily, that this was not coming from me, this was being pushed onto me, to counteract whatever I was truly feeling.

A blinding rage overtook me at the thought of my mind being invaded and manipulated and before I could understand what was happening, a deep growl resonated into my chest and I felt the heavy, artificial emotion receding, as if something was pushing it away from me.

"Oh," someone said near the door and I turned at the sound of stumbling, before I locked eyes with…

DANGER

My mind was screaming the word at me and my unease grew further as I took in the vampire in front of me.

"Let's all step out," said the danger in a calm, soothing tone. "Bella needs space and I cannot help her," it explained. If my heart had still been beating, it would be deafening at its pace.

There was so much happening at once. I had not registered my movements, however, I was now standing in front of my mate, his hand holding my shoulder in a firm, yet unrestrictive manner. I was slightly crouching, my eyes never leaving the danger in front of me.

Slowly, the four vampires that had been in the room with me and my mate walked out, taking care to keep eye contact with me, assuming a reassuring posture that had me minutely relax. Finally, the door closed and I was alone with Marcus. I was still on edge. I somehow knew a door would not be much of a protection. The lack of visual danger however, helped me reclaim some sort of control over my consciousness.

"Take a breath, Mia Bella," my mate guided me with a smile. He took my hands in his, and I naturally softened under his touch. "Copy the pattern of my breath, it will feel unnatural at first because you do not need it, but it will help you feel grounded."

For several minutes, we stood as such as I willed my dead lungs to follow my mate's breathing pattern. It was totally unnatural and felt wholly uncomfortable. The focus required forcing my attention and before long, I was breathing in and out deeply, my gaze lost into the depth of Marcus' own.

He smiled, no doubt noticing that I now felt more in charge and I smiled back. There were still so many questions, so many uncertainties about my new life as a vampire, but these could wait. At that moment, the rest of the world did not exist and I let myself get lost into the depth of my bond to my gorgeous mate.

—-

Jasper POV

As I observed Bella navigating her newfound vampire abilities with apparent ease, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her remarkable control. From the moment she awakened as a vampire, she had been blocking my empathic gift with such precision that it was almost as if she had been practicing for this moment her entire life. I smiled in wonder as I remembered my surprise at my own gift being reflected back at me. It made me stumble… stubble like the clumsy human Bella used to be. Well, maybe not that bad, but for a vampire, it was definitely not the norm.

Bella's behavior over the last couple of days was a stark contrast to my experiences with newborn vampires during my time with Maria. Back then, newborns had been wild and unpredictable, their emotions a turbulent storm that threatened to overwhelm me at every turn and demanded constant attention and control on my part. But Bella was different. There was a calmness to her demeanor, a sense of purpose and determination that belied her recent transformation.

I couldn't help but wonder if this was due to her willingness and preparedness for the change, or if there was something more at play. Her ability to shield her mind from my influence suggested a level of control and discipline that was rare even among experienced vampires.

As I watched her now practicing her breathing exercises with Marcus, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Bella than met the eye. Her transformation had been smooth and almost effortless despite her feeling just as much excruciating pain through the actual process than any other turning human. Her adjustment to her new life as a vampire however seemed seamless and natural. It was as if she had been born for this, destined to embrace her true nature with grace and poise.

Beneath the surface, still, I sensed a lingering sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, a remnant of the human girl she had once been. It was a reminder that despite her newfound powers and abilities, Bella was still learning to navigate the complexities of her immortal existence.

And yet, there was a strength in her that was undeniable, a resilience that spoke of her ability to overcome even the greatest challenges. It was a quality that I admired and respected, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination to care for those she loved, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her progress. She was a testament to the potential of our kind, a shining example of what could be achieved with dedication and perseverance.

But as I reflected on my own experiences with Maria and the newborn vampires under her command, I couldn't help but wonder if Bella's remarkable control was truly a product of her own strength and determination, or if it was somehow influenced by the mysterious shield that surrounded her mind. Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: Bella was unlike any vampire I had ever encountered before, and I had a feeling that her journey was only just beginning.

AN: First Jasper POV, I hope you liked it :) Shall we have more of him or explore another one? Let me know if you have any favourites!

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Ada