The Submissive

Chapter One: The First Glance

Bella Swan

The harrowing battle against Victoria and Riley's formidable army left me questioning our very survival. Until a mere hour ago, the daunting mission appeared insurmountable, shrouded in uncertainty. The night unfolded, casting its inky veil upon the world as I found myself nestled betwixt Edward and Jacob within the confines of our humble tent.

These two men, whom I held dearest in this vast expanse of existence, had become the very embodiment of my heart's affections. Yet, amidst the tender embrace of twilight's embrace, my thoughts were consumed by the haunting prospect that this night might mark our final breaths upon this earth. Unbeknownst to either of them, the depths of my affection for them were immeasurable. I cherished them both in distinct ways, yet my love for each burned with equal intensity.

Edward possessed an uncanny ability to perceive the innermost depths of my heart, as if it were an extension of his very being. Whenever the fragile chambers of my own heart shattered into countless fragments, he too experienced an agonising ache resonating within the confines of his own chest. In the vast expanse of existence, there existed no soul that captivated my heart as fervently as his. With each stolen glance, an insatiable hunger welled within me, yearning for him with an intensity that grew exponentially.

He possessed an acute understanding of my deepest longings, just as I held a profound awareness of the trepidation that consumed him at the mere thought of succumbing to our shared yearning. Death held no sway over me, its grip weakened by the unyielding strength of my spirit. Yet, it was not a morbid fascination that consumed my thoughts, but rather an insatiable yearning for immortality. To walk the earth for eternity, to exist beyond the confines of time itself, was the desire that burned within me. And in this eternal existence, there was but one person who I longed for - Edward.

Then there was Jacob. It would be remiss to describe my sentiments as akin to those of a young woman seeking solace in the arms of a rebound admirer. No, my affection for Jacob transcended such superficial notions. Jacob did not merely occupy the position of second fiddle to Edward, for it would be wrong to compare the two of them in such a manner. The love I harboured for each of them was distinct and incomparable, as their very essence and presence evoked disparate emotions within me. Whispers of speculation and judgement may have swirled around, but the depths of my affection for Jacob remained steadfast, unwavering. It was a bond forged in the crucible of shared experiences, a friendship that surpassed the trials we had weathered side by side.

I stood steadfastly by Edward's side, a silent sentinel amidst the murmurs and whispers of Jane and other Volturi members. Struggling to maintain my attention, I strained to immerse myself in their discourse. The formidable Volturi, with their commanding presence, instilled a deep sense of fear within me. It seemed that even Edward, my beloved, was beginning to discern the extent of my apprehension. His touch lingered on the delicate curve of my lower back, a gentle pressure that drew me closer to him with each passing moment. Time seemed to slow as I surrendered to the magnetic pull, my consciousness gradually slipping away, trailing behind him like a wisp of smoke. With a contented smile, Edward gently shielded me from their prying eyes, ensuring that I remained concealed and protected.

Centuries had passed since Edward and the Cullen clan had encountered crimson orbs, both in the gaze of their allies and adversaries. Yet, as a mere mortal, I could scarcely fathom the sheer terror that must accompany the act of locking eyes with a bloodthirsty fiend, whose sole desire was to extinguish my very existence.

I averted my gaze, determined not to meet Jane's piercing eyes. She exuded an air of authority, effortlessly dominating the conversation. Her words flowed with confidence, as if she held sway over the very fabric of our existence. It was evident to all that she was the one in control, issuing commands with an unwavering certainty. Her delicate frame, barely reaching my own height, belied the immense power she possessed. A sense of trepidation washed over me whenever she drew near, her presence commanding respect and caution.

I turned my gaze to the side, and there, in that fleeting moment, our eyes locked - Emmett's piercing gaze meeting mine. His piercing gaze met mine, his countenance a mask of unyielding resolve. He stood there, his countenance unflinching, devoid of any trace of fear. I, too, comprehended the reason behind his unwavering composure. Emmett, with his formidable strength, stood as the epitome of power among the illustrious Cullen clan. In the realm of extraordinary abilities, Alice, Edward, and Jasper possessed their own unique gifts, each a testament to their exceptional nature. Meanwhile, Carlisle, the patriarch of their coven, stood apart with his unparalleled self-control and unwavering discipline.

Emmett, a formidable figure, possessed an indomitable strength that rendered him akin to a savage beast in the realm of combat. His sole concern lay in the preservation of his families' existence, showing little regard for the refinement of his immortal abilities.

My gaze broke away from his intense stare, drifting towards Rosalie who stood poised between Esme and Alice at the forefront. Behind Edward and me, Emmett loomed, a formidable presence. And further back, I caught sight of Jasper, accompanied by the girl who had supposedly surrendered during the tumultuous battle, or so I had been told.

I cast a fleeting glance over my shoulder, catching sight of Emmett's gaze drifting towards Rosalie. Yet, his eyes swiftly found their way back to mine, causing my breath to hitch and my lips to part ever so slightly. The reason behind our prolonged gaze eluded me, yet it was evident that Emmett harboured an unspoken desire to prolong the moment indefinitely.

Edward shifted imperceptibly beside me. Inhaling deeply, I allowed his essence to permeate my senses, evoking memories that threatened to consume me. Yet, with a conscious effort, I reined in my wandering thoughts, redirecting my focus back to him. Desperate to anchor myself in the moment, I clutched onto the fabric of his shirt, my fingers finding solace in the familiar touch. Though I lacked concrete evidence, an undeniable intuition whispered to me that Emmett's gaze lingered upon me.

I subtly adjusted my position, a silent plea for him to discern my discomfort, as his actions were undeniably unsettling me. His gaze, intense and constant, held me captive in its grasp. There was a hunger in his eyes.

I pondered, that was the underlying cause. It was in the aftermath of the fierce battle that his insatiable thirst for blood emerged, and I, foolishly, allowed my imagination to run wild with assumptions. I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, as I grappled with the realisation that I had succumbed to such a grievous distraction, even as the formidable presence of the Volturi loomed before us. Their hunger was not limited to sustenance alone; it extended to a voracious appetite for knowledge. We had made a solemn promise, assuring them that my human form would soon be over, yet here I stood, still tethered to my mortal coil.

If perchance I were to assume the mantle of a vampire, it would serve as a formidable deterrent against the relentless pursuit of the Volturi, effectively quelling their incessant inquiries. Consequently, Alice, no longer shackled by the necessity of monitoring Aro's ruminations, would be liberated to embrace her eternal existence once more. Edward's awareness of the peril he courted by preserving my humanity remained elusive. He had pressed the pause button on the lives of his family and mine.

I cast a brief glance over Edward's shoulder, my gaze then shifting to Emmett, who had turned his attention resolutely forward, deliberately averting his eyes from mine. His clothes, chosen specifically for the impending battle, deviated from his customary style, yet harmonised flawlessly with his persona, accentuating his every feature. His shoulders, broad and bulging, were embraced by the snug fit of his jacket. I cast my gaze upon my hands, only to discover them tightly balled into fists, a perpetual stance of readiness for the impending clash.

I pondered, with a curious mix of anticipation and trepidation, whether Emmett had ever contemplated the nature of my existence as a vampire. Had he envisioned me in such a way? Did his thoughts ever wander to me, even for a fleeting moment? Doubtful, for he was forever consumed by the ceaseless demands of his family, tirelessly endeavouring to ensure my very survival.

Emmett exuded an air of confidence and authority, as if he possessed the knowledge to guide me on my journey as a vampire. However, his teachings would differ from Edward's, for Emmett's focus lay not on the delicate art of self-restraint that Edward would eventually impart upon me. Emmett exuded an aura that hinted at his propensity for pushing me to the very brink of my capabilities, perhaps even daring to venture beyond.

Yearning coursed through my veins, a fierce desire to possess the same fortitude that he possessed. How I longed to engage in battle with the same tenacity that he displayed, to fearlessly leap onto speeding vehicles as he did. And, in the depths of my heart, I yearned for the day when I would captivate Edward's gaze with the same magnetic pull that he had effortlessly exerted over me.

As my gaze lingered upon Emmett, an undeniable yearning welled up within me, captivating me to seek his attention once more. Unfortunately, my desires went unfulfilled, for he remained oblivious to my silent entreaty. His mind fixated on the Volturi, his gaze piercing through the veil of darkness, consumed by thoughts of the enemy that threatened to unleash chaos upon his beloved family.

The intensity of his gaze betrayed his sinister intentions, a desire to extinguish their lives. Curiously, I found myself drawn to this macabre spectacle, yearning to witness the unfolding of his dark desires. Had I found myself in alone with him, facing only the formidable Volturi, I would not have intervened. Undoubtedly, he would have endured a merciless thrashing, yet deep within, I harboured a firm conviction that he possessed the strength to vanquish them all.

I found myself shaking my head in disbelief, a disconcerting detachment from my own thoughts. The toll of my injuries weighed heavily upon me, draining my strength and clouding my mind. To make matters worse, the morning had slipped away without any sort of sustenance to nourish my weary body. The webs of unease coiled tightly within me, constricting my mind like a vice. My thoughts, once a sanctuary, had become a treacherous labyrinth, filled with shadows and doubts.

In the blink of an eye, in a fleeting moment that escaped my grasp, Jane had issued the decree for the untimely demise of the young vampire. In the face of an insurmountable predicament, I found myself rendered utterly powerless. Bound by the limitations of my mortal existence, I stood defenceless against the formidable allure of Jane.

I pressed my temple against Edward's firm shoulder, seeking refuge as the girl's piercing scream rent through the air. But in the tragic moment when her life was cruelly snatched away, my gaze serendipitously collided with Emmett's.