AN (5.3.24): Thank you for the continued reading, follows (264!), favourites (182) and comments (103). Each mean a lot to me.
If you are wondering where I have been, I'll give you one word: depression. Working on it, getting better. Sending love to you all xx
I hope you enjoy the chapter! Read and review, forever thanks!
After leaving the pie by the door, I returned home, finding Marcus waiting at the edge of the forest, a reassuring presence in the gathering dusk. His figure, outlined against the dimming light, emanated a serene aura that instantly eased the tension coiling within me.
"Marcus," I called softly as I approached, relief flooding through me at the sight of him.
He turned toward me, his eyes alight with a soft, reassuring glow. "Bella," he murmured, his voice a gentle caress on the evening breeze.
My heart fluttered as I neared him. In his embrace, I found solace, a sense of belonging that I hadn't known before him. His arms enveloped me, his touch familiar yet new, igniting a warmth that coursed through my veins.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice dipped in concern as his fingers brushed against my cheek, tracing a delicate path.
I leaned into his touch, finding comfort in the way his presence anchored me amidst the turmoil. "Jacob... It was a mess," I admitted, my voice tinged with lingering frustration.
His thumb traced a soothing path on my cheek, his eyes filled with understanding. "You handled it well, Bella. But you must be cautious with the wolves."
His words, though laced with caution, held an undertone of support and understanding. "I will," I promised, grateful that he was not trying to keep me away from them, despite his own instincts and desires.
Marcus's gaze held mine, a quiet intensity in his eyes. In that moment, the distance between us dissolved, our souls connecting on a level deeper than words. His presence was a source of strength, a reassurance that lighted my path in this complex world of mine.
"Thank you for being here," I whispered, a rush of gratitude welling within me.
He smiled, a tender expression that reached his eyes. "Always, dearest," he murmured, his words carrying an unspoken promise of unwavering support.
Together, we lingered at the edge of the forest, a silent communion between soul mates, finding solace in each other's presence as the twilight embraced us. With Marcus by my side, I found comfort amidst the uncertainties.
"There's something you must know. The wolves were right. There are indeed unfamiliar vampires lurking in the vicinity, at least three that we're aware of. Their intentions are uncertain, and their presence unsettles me."
My eyes widened slightly at the revelation. "Are they dangerous?" The question felt silly as I said it aloud but my mate's answer showed he understood the unspoken part; are they dangerous with you around?
"I'm uncertain," Marcus admitted, a faint crease forming between his brows. "But their presence alone poses a potential risk, especially while you're still human. I've taken measures to address this. I've called in a couple of our nomadic Guards to discreetly scout around the wider area around Forks. They possess astute tracking abilities and will keep an eye out for any unusual activity."
I nodded, the gravity of the situation settling upon me. "Thank you, I will be careful," I promised.
Marcus placed a hand gently on mine, a silent reassurance in his touch. "Be vigilant, mia Bella. Your safety is paramount to me. Trust that I'll do everything in my power to keep you from harm's way. Now, though, you must go home, your father has been anxious since you left." With a soft kiss to my forehead, he melted into the shadows, his presence vanishing as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving me with a mix of concern and gratitude.
I headed back inside, where Charlie was waiting, seated on his chair with the TV on, but silenced. He looked up as I came in. He had obviously been lost in thoughts and I felt yet another pang of guilt at seeing my usually confident father looking so unsettled.
"I talked with Jake," I announced, needing to break the silence. Then regretting my choice of topic as that conversation had not been what one could call a positive one.
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And 'ow did that go?"
I shrugged noncommittally. "As well as you'd expect."
Charlie snorted and we shared a half smile before he let out a long sigh. "For what it's worth, I had a good evening, kid."
I smiled at his word and nodded, acknowledging the words for the thanks it was. "Sue is really nice, I'm glad she's been there to help with everything."
Charlie smiled slightly. "We've helped each other, kiddo. I guess the distraction helps her to keep going."
I felt another pang of guilt and sadness at the reminder that it had only been a few weeks since Sue had lost her husband of eighteen years. "Happy to distract," I shrugged a little self-consciously and Charlie let out a brief laugh.
"That you do, Bella. Good night, kid." Charlie turned back towards the TV and switched the sound back up.
"Night, dad," I said before heading upstairs.
As I sat alone in my room, the weight of the looming threat of the unfamiliar vampires pressed heavily upon me. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm, usually comforting light across the room, but I found no solace in it that day. Instead, I was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, each one vying for my attention.
My gaze drifted to the window, where the night sky stretched out in an expanse of darkness speckled with stars. It was a peaceful scene, but my mind was anything but calm. I felt a sense of urgency gnawing at me, as I bit my bottom lip nervously, a restless energy urging me to take action.
But what could my fragile little self do in a world of supernatural beings?
Option one: I could wait, trusting the wolves and vampires to handle the situation without my intervention. But the thought of leaving Marcus and my family vulnerable filled me with unease. Could I live with myself if something happened to them while I waited on the side-lines, consciously choosing to remain fragile when I could eliminate my obvious weakness and then join in the fight too?
The image of Marcus's serene face flashed in my mind, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. I couldn't bear the thought of him facing danger without me by his side, couldn't fathom the idea of him being harmed while I sat idly by. The idea of not having him in my life made me feel physically sick and I had to take a few conscious, deep, breaths in order to calm down, reminding myself that I was only considering possibilities and that Marcus was very safe, had been safe for 3 millennia without me too. A short, nervous laugh escape me.
Option two then: I could accelerate my transformation, becoming a vampire sooner rather than later. It would mean faking my death to the world, including my mom. The idea of deceiving Renee tore at my heart, but I couldn't ignore the urgency of the situation. If I became a vampire, I would be able to protect Marcus and my family, ensuring their safety in the face of danger and that included Renee's, as she was due to visit soon.
I absentmindedly traced patterns on the edge of my bedspread as I wrestled with the weight of this decision. I could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down upon me, a heavy burden that threatened to crush my spirit if I allowed it to fester.
But there was another option, one that lingered in the back of my mind and that could mean I was prepared either way. I could give the wolves and vampires a few more days to solve the problem on their own. Perhaps they would come up with a solution that didn't require me to sacrifice my humanity sooner than planned. And if it looked like there was no solution in sight after a few days, maybe a couple of weeks, I would demand the change happened right there and then. It was a risk, but one I was willing to take if it meant avoiding the pain of saying goodbye to my human life and loved ones in a way that didn't offer them proper closure.
With a heavy heart, I resolved to begin preparing for an early transformation, just in case. I would spend the next few days saying my goodbyes, cherishing every moment with my friends and family. And I would call Renee now, knowing it could be their last conversation as mother and daughter.
Taking a deep breath, I dialled my mother's number, steeling myself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead, sticking a smile on my face in the hope that my voice would not betray my inner turmoil.
I held my breath as the phone rang, each ring echoing loudly in the silence of my room. Finally, the line clicked, and my mother's voice filled my ears, warm and familiar.
"Hello?" Renee's voice was bright, tinged with a hint of curiosity.
"Hi, Mom," I replied, my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me.
"Bella! Oh, sweetheart, it's so good to hear from you." Renee's voice bubbled with excitement, oblivious to the importance of the conversation that lay ahead.
"Yeah, it's good to hear your voice too," I said, my throat tight with emotion. "How are you doing?" I asked, before letting Renee guide the conversation towards light topics, feeling us both with happiness and contentment.
I pretended to be cheerful as I spoke to Renee, assuring her that I would see her soon for graduation and that I, too, couldn't wait to see her. I knew that I would likely be "dead" before Renee ever arrived. It was a heart-breaking thought, but one I had to accept for the sake of those I loved.