I ran through the forest at top speed, my anger all-consuming; i used it to propel me forward and to stop myself thinking too hard. All i could see was Edward's sad, resigned expression before i sped away, escape my primary motive now that i was stronger than the others. They couldn't stop me so easily when i could fight back. If only i knew where they'd taken me to formulate a plan; surely Forks wasn't far away?

Gradually, my anger began to fade as my curiosity got the better of me. I started to slow down as i took in my surroundings, expecting everything to be blurred in my haste; how wrong i was! I could see every leaf, every insect, every water droplet as i ran; my emotional state hadn't let me absorb the beauty of it all. I imagined the difference was similar to someone who wore glasses looking at the world before putting them on. The veining in the leaves, a tiny spider weaving its web, the way the breeze made the trees dance around me, reflecting different shades of green in the canopy above. I listened to the music of the forest, eyes closing as i breathed it all in, letting it calm me and clear my mind. I had begun to realize how easily distracted i now seemed to be, as well as how quickly my emotions switched around, when my eyes snapped back open and my body was suddenly in motion again, all thoughts gone from my mind as instincts took over.

Keeping downwind and low, following the sound of a heartbeat, a growl, a pounce, a snapping sound and warmth flooding through me, eyes closing with a sound of delight... then flicking open at the sound of someone approaching.

"Isabella?"

I came to my senses as my eyes found Alice; she was taking very slow steps forward, like one would approach a hostile animal, with Jasper keeping his distance behind. I then realised i had been growling at the sight of her, stopping myself as my eyes glanced down to whatever was in my grasp. At the sight of the dead deer, head lolling back at an unnatural angle as the last drops of blood leaked from the bite mark on its neck, i dropped it in shock with a distressed noise.

"What did i...? When did i...?" I backed away a few steps as i stared in horror at the scene before me, no longer able to doubt the truth.

Alice had stopped and answered in a gentle tone. "Isabella, it's ok-"

"No, it's not! I'm a monster!" I looked to them wide eyed before, with one last glance to the deer, i turned and fled into the forest again. I didn't hear any pursuing footsteps give chase, but i didn't slow in my second mad dash of the day, holding my breath in fear of losing control again.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed, though i did notice the light shining through the trees had changed angles, when i ran out of steam and slowed to a walk. I kept picturing the deer, not knowing what had come over me.

I guess my instincts are stronger than i expected, i pondered. At least it had been an animal. I shuddered at the alternative prospect as a bright, reflecting light caught my attention. I moved closer towards what looked like a small lake, keeping to the shadows as i shied away from the bright patches of sunlight. I paused to gather myself before i cautiously approached the water, momentarily wondering if i actually could see my reflection, before exhaling at the sight.

Flawless, pale skin. Plump, red lips. Tangled, mahogany hair rich in color and health. Long lashes framing wide, scarlet red eyes. Clothing, while bloody and torn, covered a perfect, hourglass figure. Beautiful, yet utterly alien.

Without conscious thought, i crouched closer to the image in the water, her movements mimicking my own as i slowly reached out to her. Our fingertips met in the water, the ripples breaking up her wondrous expression momentarily before meeting my eyes again. Withdrawing my hand, i stayed perfectly still as i silently absorbed my mirror image, trying to understand how this creature could possibly be me. I didn't notice the suns position continue to change, the clouds that were gathering or anything else around me, as i watched my reflection staring back at me for what could have been hours. I didn't notice her approach until i saw Alice's image join mine in the water, a gentle hand placed on my shoulder as i continued to stay still. She didn't say anything, appearing to wait for me to speak first, but stayed with me in silent support to my personal turmoil.

"She's really me, isn't she? If it wasn't for my clothes, i wouldn't believe it." I watched my reflection speak to Alice, who nodded in confirmation beside me. "The physical changes, the deer, attacking him," I spat the last part in anger, refusing to say his name again. "There's no denying the truth anymore; i really am a... a vampire..."

Alice didn't speak for a moment, giving me time to settle again, before she responded. "I know it's disorienting at first and it can take some time to adjust, but it's not all doom and gloom. The other positive, Isabella, is you aren't going through this alone."

I finally broke eye contact with my reflection to look up into her golden ones, showing only concern and kindness, but it wasn't enough to reassure me. "Alice, i appreciate you being there while i was burning, but do you really expect me to stay with the one who did this to me? Be around him every day?"

I could feel some anger returning to the surface, rising to my feet before noticing an unnatural calmness start to seep through me. Recalling our earlier confrontation, i shook my head and focused my gaze on Jasper within the treeline, who appeared to be doing the same with me. I took a few steps back to try and break from the cloud infiltrating my senses, working to push the sensation away, before looking seriously to them both with a glare.

"You expect me to trust you when you force me under your control like that? I don't know how you do it, but i'm not a puppet of yours!" I backed up a few more steps and prepared myself to run again, before Alice moved towards me quicker than i anticipated, taking hold of my hands as she looked sincerely at me.

"Isabella, that's not what we're doing-"

"Tell me the truth then, Alice! How can i trust you when you keep things from me?"

She waved Jasper away who had begun to approach us, though not before he gave me an uncertain, wary glance. Taking in my expression, she let go of my hands and backed up a few steps to give me my space.

"Most things we went through during your transformation, so you understand why we're different and how we stick together. There's a couple of things i left out, waiting until you were in a better place so you weren't overwhelmed. The first, which you're already aware of, is some of us are gifted with extra abilities."

I watched her with crossed arms, looking for any evidence that she was messing with me, but she appeared sincere as she waited for my response. "Go on."

"We believe that, when we change, we carry over some of our strongest traits and characteristics, such as Emmett's strength and Carlisle's compassion. Sometimes, this can manifest as an extra ability. Jasper, for example, can manipulate emotions, which is how he managed to keep you under control after you attacked Edward. However, he only uses it when it's necessary."

My gaze flicked to Jasper, who was still keeping his distance, but remained focused on the two of us. The calming sensation had faded, however, his expression told me he was prepared to step in again if things escalated. I glanced back to Alice, who was still watching me nervously, as if worried one wrong word would send me running.

"Do you or anyone else have a special ability?"

"I have visions of the future and Edward can read minds."

My eyes had widened with interest at Alice's ability, then hissed in response to Edward; i didn't like that he had something special about him.

At least he could hear my fury. I wonder if i can do anything special?

Alice quickly interrupted my thoughts. "However, he can't read yours."

While curious of the reason, i was grateful that was the case. As i processed this new information, more questions were quickly forming for Alice.

"If you can see the future, then why did you let this happen? Why didn't you stop me from attacking him if you knew i would?"

Alice didn't look happy or surprised by my questions. "My visions are subjective; i can't see everything that will happen, mostly decisions, things that will affect us directly or if i focus on something specific. I didn't see Edward's or your attacks because they were sudden, snap decisions. By the time the visions came to me, it was already too late to interfere. If i had known, then of course i wouldn't have let them happen. I am truly sorry that i couldn't see his actions in time, Isabella."

I guess that made sense, though it occurred to me she would also know exactly the right thing to say to my questions, or to prevent my reactions from escalating.

"I don't blame you for this, Alice." I wanted to reassure her of that, at least, making it clear i only blamed one person. I then thought back on her words. "You mentioned there were a couple of things?"

She looked nervous as she answered me. "While our main rule is to keep our nature secret, there is another; a creator is to be responsible for their actions."

There was a second of complete silence before a loud growl ripped through me, snarling my response through bared teeth. "If you expect me to start obeying orders from my creator and following his rules, you've got another thing coming! You're out of your damn mind-"

"That's not what i meant, nor would we expect that considering what happened. Any member of the family would love to help you adapt, learn and support you through your newborn stage and beyond, if you decide to stay with us after."

I tried to control my hostile reaction, a warning glare toward Jasper's approach, before taking deep breaths. Thankfully, i only caught the scent of foliage, water and the other two vampires surrounding me; no heartbeats or blood. I thought back over her words, looking for hidden meaning or unspoken answers.

"What exactly is the newborn stage and how long does it last?"

"It takes about a year and is the period when a new vampire learns the ropes, so to speak; understanding their strengths, learning control, how to hunt and handle their emotions, while adapting to their new life in this world. As a Cullen, this would also entail hunting animals, rather than humans, though if you stick to the wilderness like this then that wouldn't be too difficult."

"As a Cullen? You're asking me to join your family cult?"

Alice gave an amused eye roll, though my questions had all been serious. "We'd prefer being called a family or a coven, if you must call us something and yes, i am asking you to join us."

"I don't know how i feel about that, plus having to live with him..."

"A year is all I'm asking for. After that you can choose; if you want to go your own way, or would prefer to be a Cullen, then it's your decision."

"What would happen if i refused?"

"We wouldn't stop you, of course; if you wanted to go your own way, then by all means do. However, if you weren't discreet enough, hadn't learned control or found yourself involved in any hostile areas, it could result in your demise. The newborn patch is the most difficult of a vampire's life and the most likely time something bad could happen to you. Depending on the circumstances, it may send us to the pyre as well for not taking efficient responsibility for you; your actions may be seen as our actions too, resulting in punishment for us all."

I stopped to think about her offer; the main concern nagging at me was being under the same roof as him, dreading the idea of it, but while I'd been focused on running off alone, i hadn't really considered the 'alone' part. I also hadn't factored the newfound bloodlust impacting me, or the potential consequences for the Cullens. What if it had been a human I'd found earlier? I may be stubborn, but i wasn't irresponsible; i could see that a year of learning to control myself would be for the best. Still, the thought of a year with him... i was sure we'd have more run ins, no doubt about it.

"If it helps, Edward won't be around during the weekdays and newborns are known for their emotional mood swings." I couldn't help a small smile as she winked at me. "Not that you need any more excuses, of course."

I studied her a little longer and watched the hope swell in her eyes, knowing she could see me coming around. With a light sigh, i nodded and offered her my hand.

"I accept your offer, Alice, thank you." What's one year to an immortal after all?

With a squeal, Alice instead pulled me into a tight hug before pushing me back, looking genuinely happily. "I promise you won't regret it, Isabella! We'll be like sisters!"

A small laugh escaped me at her enthusiasm, finding it sweet as i gave her a warm smile in return. The sun seemed to have set as the clouds became thicker, hinting at more rain as we made our way back to the house. "We'll see how things go in the next year, and... you can call me Bella.

(A/N: Thank you for your continued support, i've really been enjoying this project and i'm glad to see i'm not alone!)