Chapter 29: Yer a vampire. Bella
3 Years Later
With a final deep pull, the blood flow dwindled to a stop, and Bella knew the man had been completely drained. She couldn't help but smile, savoring the lingering taste on her tongue. He had been rather tasty. She didn't know why, but some humans just tasted better than others. One of life's many unexplained mysteries.
Lifting her head back, she stared at her now glassy-eyed meal, his expression frozen in a somewhat surprised, open-mouthed look. Even after five years, it was still a bit disconcerting to see them staring back at her like that, but it was just part of her existence now. It certainly didn't faze her enough to stop her from licking her lips, searching for any missed droplets.
The man had been quite typical for a dealer, his demeanor an unsettling mix of arrogance and cruelty. He had eagerly jumped at the chance to trade his goods for sexual favors, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light as he led her into the dark alley where she now stood. The narrow passage was dimly illuminated by a flickering streetlamp at the far end, casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to dance along the walls.
As they walked, his voice polluted the air, spewing a torrent of vile and graphic descriptions of what he intended to do to her. His words were beyond revolting, each one dripping with a foulness that made her skin crawl. When he finally stopped, but before he could turn around to presumably continue his verbal abuse face-to-face, she snapped his neck. As she spun him around, she noted the surprise frozen on his face right before she bit in. With that first swallow, she relaxed, as it had been well over a week since her last meal.
Now prepared to destroy the evidence of her actions, she encased the body in her bubble and floated it into the garbage bin to better conceal what she was about to do. The ability to control her explosions had become quite useful over the past three years since she discovered she possessed that power.
Disposing of her meals had become almost effortless. She channeled increasing amounts of energy into her bubble, observing as it coalesced into a fierce, controlled power. With a single spark, the interior ignited into a blazing inferno, the flames intensifying as she fueled them with more and more energy until everything inside was completely incinerated.
With constant practice, she had mastered this technique in less than a year, learning to control both the output and duration of her explosions with precision. She had fine-tuned her ability to the point where completely incinerating a body took less than a minute. Once the process was complete and she halted the explosion, there was no damage to the outside world. Her bubble even contained the heat so effectively that nothing outside of it melted, much to her satisfaction.
As she dissipated the bubble, only a few ashes, if anything, ever fell from the aftermath of her inferno. This method was a far cry from her early years of meal disposal, which had been quite messy. Now, her technique was efficient, clean, and left no trace behind, allowing her to move on without a second thought.
Leaving the alley, Bella smiled, reminiscing about that unforgettable night in Vegas when she first discovered her explosive power. The memory was now more laced with humor than the panic she initially felt after exploding for the second time. Her mom had found the entire night hilarious after her animated retelling the next morning. Of course, she had omitted the part about blowing up that man... some things were better left unsaid. Especially that. Thank God that had never happened again. Ick.
By her 23rd birthday, she had thankfully mastered—or at least greatly improved upon—her control over her explosive abilities. Since then, she had not once found herself running around naked looking for clothes, which she considered a positive sign of growth.
Bella was currently in Lafayette, Louisiana, on her way back to her home in Phoenix after being away for six months. Her life had taken an unexpected turn while visiting Orlando. She had gone to see the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios, as she was a big fan of the books. But later that night, at the start of her journey home, she had heard a car plunge into a swamp, later learning it was to avoid a deer. Without hesitation, she had rushed to the scene and rescued the woman trapped in the now sinking vehicle. That woman, Eliza, had turned out to be the director of a local theater company. Deeply grateful and impressed by Bella's heroism, Eliza had begged her to join her upcoming play, insisting she would be perfect for a particular role.
Bella tried to explain to Eliza that she wasn't an actress and had no acting ability whatsoever. However, Eliza had been persistent, reassuring her that it was a small role and there was no harm in at least coming for a try out. Intrigued and always eager to experience and learn new things, Bella agreed. To her pleasant surprise, she discovered that she quite enjoyed acting. It was unlike anything she had ever done, so she decided to accept the part and stay in Orlando for the duration of the play's run. Then when the lead actress quit unexpectedly two weeks later, Eliza had offered Bella the lead role, which she had eagerly accepted, loving the idea of a new challenge.
For the next six months, Bella immersed herself in the world of theater, reveling in the thrill of live performances and the joy of making new friends with the cast and crew. When the production finally concluded, she freely admitted that it had brought her joy and that the experience had broadened her horizons, revealing new possibilities for the future.
For opening night, Bella had flown her mom in so she could watch her daughter's acting debut. The excitement was palpable as she listened to the murmurs of the large audience filing into the theater. Standing behind the curtain, Bella felt like a different person, her costume transforming her into an entirely new persona.
As the curtain rose and the play unfolded, Bella threw herself in her role, channeling every ounce of passion and energy she could muster. From the stage, she could see her mom in the front row, her eyes wide with pride and amazement, fully absorbed in the performance. After the final bow, Bella's heart soared as the theater erupted in roaring applause.
Later that night, her mom joined the cast and crew for the after-party, enthusiastically telling Bella that she truly had a gift for stagecraft. The other performers echoed her sentiments, reinforcing the praise. Though Bella appreciated their words, she knew deep down that a career as a full-time actress wasn't her calling. However, she realized that with a seemingly endless life, acting could be a delightful way to bring variety whenever she felt the need for a new experience.
After the play's run had ended, Bella traveled along the coast to Louisiana, eager to experience Mardi Gras. The vibrant festivities on Bourbon Street were unlike anything she had ever seen. The streets were alive with a riot of colors, sounds, and smells as revelers in elaborate costumes and masks danced and celebrated. The air was thick with the scent of food vendors selling everything from jambalaya to beignets, mingling with the scent of alcohol and the occasional waft of cigar smoke. She, of course, tried to drown out all the smells with the scent of the revelers' blood, which pulsed vigorously as the celebration went on. Music blared from every corner, a cacophony of jazz, rock, and pop that made the entire street pulse with energy.
Bella, now much more comfortable with herself and her body, even participated in the tradition of flashing for beads. The first time she lifted her shirt, she felt the thrill of exhilaration for breaking out of her shell, a feeling only reinforced by the crowd's enthusiastic cheers. She laughed as she caught her hard-won beads, reveling in her newfound sense of freedom. She knew her mom would get a good laugh hearing about this one.
Her prized collection of beads were now safely tucked away in her backpack, right next to her police scanner. Whenever she traveled, she liked to keep it on, listening for any calls where she might be able to assist. Over the years, she had saved many lives, always surreptitiously, of course. Each time she lent a hand, no matter how small, it always filled her with a deep sense of satisfaction to help others.
After Mardi Gras, she had continued on her journey, but now in Lafayette, she had felt the call to sate her thirst. Now feeling full, she resumed her travels with plans to spend the next day or two exploring Texas. Having yet to visit Houston or Dallas, she eagerly anticipated experiencing both cities. Afterward, she looked forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation at her mom's place before planning her next adventure.
It was well into the evening, and Bella had been exploring Houston since the afternoon, taking in the sights and some of the city's famous landmarks. The city exuded a distinct charm with its blend of modern skyscrapers and historical sites, showcasing Texan pride at every turn.
As she strolled through a popular area of the city, the lively streets came alive with the evening's activities. The sounds of laughter and music poured out from various establishments, while the warm glow of neon signs illuminated the bustling sidewalks. Bella passed a particularly rowdy bar, its blaring music and vibrant atmosphere catching her attention. She paused, though, when her senses detected an unusual scent in the air.
She frowned, puzzled by the unfamiliar smell. Bella took a deep sniff and turned back toward the bar. It certainly wasn't human, as she was well-acquainted with how they smelled. She could discern that the aroma had originated from the other direction and then entered the bar. Intrigued by the mystery, Bella decided to step inside and investigate further.
Stepping inside the bar, Bella was immediately struck by the raucous energy of the place. The country music boomed from speakers mounted on the walls, filling the large room with an infectious rhythm that had many men and women letting loose on the dance floor. Cowboy boots stomped, and laughter echoed as patrons twirled and swayed, lost in the joy of the moment. The tables were crowded with rowdy drinkers, reveling in the fact that the weekend had finally arrived.
Bella's sharp eyes scanned the room, trying to pinpoint the origin of the unusual scent she had detected outside. Her gaze swept over the spirited crowd, taking in the sea of animated faces and lively interactions. That was when she saw them. Two people, a man and a woman, cutting loose in the middle of the dance floor. But it wasn't their dance moves that caught Bella's attention; it was something else entirely.
She gasped audibly as she observed the two dancers. There was no mistaking it. They were like her. The same pale complexion, the undeniable attractiveness, the almost ethereal presence—they possessed the same qualities she had grown accustomed to over the past five years. Bella had finally found others like herself. She wasn't alone in the world, a freak amidst a sea of humans. The enormity of the moment overwhelmed her, and she couldn't suppress the wide grin that spread across her face.
Her mind raced, thoughts tumbling over one another as she deliberated her next move. Should she approach them? What would she say? Would they welcome her or be hostile? She had no frame of reference for interacting with her kind, other than her encounter with James and that deranged woman. She prayed they were not like that bitch.
Deciding it would be best to observe them for a while before revealing her presence, Bella moved to a table in a corner of the bar. She sat down and lifted a menu to hide her face, allowing her to watch them without drawing attention to herself. From her vantage point, she could see every detail—they moved with the same otherworldly grace that she did. The way they smiled at each other made it evident they were a couple in love. She scrutinized them closely, trying to glean as much information as possible.
The man appeared to be around 6 foot 2, with short brown hair that gleamed under the bar's dim lighting. A day's worth of stubble shadowed his jawline, enhancing his rugged charm. His warm and friendly smile radiated genuine happiness as he twirled the woman in his arms with effortless grace.
The woman, perhaps two inches shorter than Bella, had straight blonde hair cascading down her back in loose, shimmering waves. Her figure was nothing short of stunning, drawing the admiring glances of many men in the bar who tried to sneak peeks at her as she moved provocatively against her partner. She wore a form-fitting blouse that accentuated her curves and short cut-off jeans that highlighted her slender legs. The man and woman's presence was truly magnetic, captivating everyone around them.
Bella watched as the couple finally stopped dancing and headed to a newly opened table on the other side of the bar. Her eyes followed their every move, noting how gracefully they navigated the crowded space. As they settled into the high stools, it was clear they were about to start talking. Bella's curiosity was overwhelming; she leaned in, eager to catch every word.
The prospect of finally discovering what had happened to her and what she had become was tantalizingly close. Here, in the heart of Texas, of all places, the truth she had been seeking for so long was finally within her reach. Bella's mind raced with anticipation, aware that the answers to all her questions were sitting just a few tables away.
Peter Whitlock had taken his wife, Char, out on the town for one of their date nights. After a tasty meal they shared together, Char said she wanted to go dancing, so they stopped off at Ricky's Bar & Grill. It was one of their favorite spots, as the music was excellent and the waitresses knew better than to pester them with constant drink offers.
He was twirling Char around the dance floor, thoroughly enjoying himself, when he caught it: a vampire had entered the bar, and by the unfamiliar scent, it was one he didn't recognize.
Peter didn't make any obvious outward movements and kept on dancing as if nothing had changed. Just because the vamp was unknown to him didn't mean the situation was going to turn hostile, although he did know pretty much all the vampires in North America. Still, every now and then, they ran into someone new. He recalled his dust-up with Gomer last month, but they had settled their beefs, and he hadn't thought anything more would come of it.
Making eye contact with Char, the subtle shake of her head told him she didn't recognize the newcomer either. Spinning Char around gave him a brief opportunity to glance at the vampire in question, now seated in a booth off to the side. What the hell? The female vamp appeared to be trying to hide her face behind a menu.
She certainly didn't scream trouble, and he doubted she was one of Maria's underlings. Those bastards exuded a hardness that he just didn't sense from this woman. He was surprised his knower wasn't going off, telling him if she was friend or foe. Oh well, it wasn't an exact science, and it didn't always work when he wanted it to. Catching Char's eye, he subtly nodded toward the table he saw opening up, signaling that they should go sit down. If he wanted answers, they'd just have to get them the old-fashioned way.
After he and Char took a seat, he spoke up, his voice tinged with amusement at the woman's laughably poor attempt at stealth. "Hey, little lady, no need to be like that. If you want to talk to us, come and join us. We don't bite." He saw Char snicker at his choice of words.
Hearing the man's words clearly directed at her, Bella felt a wave of foolishness wash over her. If she could smell them, then they could obviously smell her just as easily. Having dealt only with humans these past five years, she wasn't used to thinking about how to handle encounters with others like herself. Well, if she wanted answers, this was her chance. She put the menu down and slowly walked over to the two strangers.
She hoped they were cool and not assholes like that woman. They didn't look insane, but appearances could be deceiving. James had seemed nice too, and look where that had gotten her. As a precaution, she wrapped her bubble tightly around her body, ensuring she would be invulnerable if they tried to harm her.
As she approached, the man scooted over next to the woman, who gave Bella an inviting smile and nodded toward the chair opposite them. Bella cautiously sat down.
"Hello," Bella intoned, offering a wary smile as she looked across the table at the two individuals who most likely held the answers to everything she had ever wondered about during the past five years.
"Hey there, sugar," the woman replied in a friendly southern accent. "I'm Charlotte, and this is my hubby, Peter."
"Hi, I'm Bella," she began, unsure of how to start a conversation like this. She decided to dive right in. "I was passing by outside when I caught your scent. I was hoping you could help answer some questions for me?"
"Well, it can't hurt to ask. What's on your mind?" Peter responded.
"Ah... What am I? I mean, I assume we're all the same, right?" Bella asked, hoping she would finally get answers to all her nagging questions.
Bella saw Peter and Charlotte's eyes widen in shock, her words clearly catching them off guard. They exchanged a quick, meaningful glance, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern.
Charlotte finally broke the silence, her voice hesitant and soft, tinged with worry. "You don't know what you are?" she asked, her Southern accent adding a gentle lilt to the words.
Bella glanced between the two. Peter's brow was furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized her. His look of deep concern mirrored Charlotte's, making Bella feel even more uneasy.
"No, I woke up like this all alone," Bella confessed, leaning in and lowering her voice to a whisper. "I mean, I've been assuming I'm a vampire, but I thought maybe it could also have been the result of alien manipulation or, I don't know... demons, maybe zombies. Ah, let's just say I've had many years to think up one crazy notion after another."
Peter started laughing, a hearty, unexpected burst of amusement that echoed through the bar. Charlotte quickly elbowed him in the stomach, her eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and concern. Peter coughed and composed himself, wiping the smile from his face.
"Sorry, sorry," he said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "Little lady... Bella. This really isn't a laughing matter." He leaned forward, his expression growing serious as he met her eyes. "Let me put your mind at ease. You're right—we're vampires."
Bella smiled and exhaled deeply. After five long years, she finally had her answer. It was as she had suspected all along, but the confirmation was everything. The weight of uncertainty lifted from her shoulders, and a sense of clarity began to settle in. Now that she knew the truth, she could ask all the other questions that had been gnawing at her.
Before she could voice her thoughts, the woman—Charlotte—spoke up, breaking Bella out of her reverie. "Bella, how have you survived without the aid of whoever turned you? How long have you been a vampire? Are we really the first of our kind that you've met?"
Bella half laughed. "It wasn't easy being on my own. You would not believe what I had to go through those first few months," she said, shaking her head at the memories of those blood-fueled early days. "The woman who did this to me was gone when I woke up from whatever she had done to make me like this. She was quite... unhinged. I've been like this for five years now, and yeah, you guys are the first people like me I've come across."
Peter shook his head in astonishment. "I'm amazed the Volturi didn't take you out. You must have been the most controlled newborn ever."
Bella's brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes narrowing slightly as she processed his words. "What's a Volturi? And did you call me a newborn?"
Charlotte leaned in, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "The Volturi are the rulers of the vampire world. They enforce our laws and ensure that we remain hidden from humans. A newborn is what we call a new vampire. Generally, a vampire is considered a newborn for the first year of their vampire life. During this time, they need to be strictly controlled to prevent them from going on a rampage, killing everyone and exposing us. I assume, since we haven't been exposed and you're still here, that you didn't go on any massacres."
Bella absorbed Charlotte's words with amazement. It blew her mind that there was an entire vampire society out there, complete with rulers and laws, while she had believed she was all alone in the world. "Please, tell me more. I didn't know any of this. When this first happened to me, I was terrified I would go on a massacre, so I stayed in the forests of New England for the first few months. It wasn't until I felt I could control myself that I ventured into society again. But I killed so many innocent people during that time. It was awful. Once I was able to control myself, I switched to feeding on criminals. Is that normal?"
Peter nodded approvingly. "Well, I'd say most vampires follow a similar path to yours, although you do encounter the sadistic types who'll munch down on anything that moves. Char and I also target criminals."
A wave of relief washed over Bella. She wasn't alone in her choices, and it sounded like she had been on the right path all along.
Peter leaned forward, his eyes earnest. "I'll tell you what. How would you like to come back to Char's and my place? We can explain everything in detail. You really need to know the laws, as some are pretty important to follow. And talking out in the open here isn't the wisest course of action."
Bella quickly considered the offer. Peter and Charlotte both seemed genuine, and she so wanted to trust them. The opportunity to finally get some answers was too valuable to pass up. "That sounds great. Thank you so much."
"Think nothing of it," Charlotte replied with a warm smile. "Let's get out of here. Our house is about 70 miles outside of Houston. We value our privacy, as you can imagine."
They all stood up, and Peter extended his arm, gesturing for the ladies to go first. Bella nodded appreciatively and followed Charlotte out of the bar. The cool night air was a refreshing contrast to the warm, noisy atmosphere they had just left behind. The night was still young, and the streets were bustling with humans enjoying themselves.
Peter nodded in a direction, and Bella followed them, knowing they were familiar with the area. They walked several blocks until the human traffic thinned out. Once they reached a secluded area hidden from prying eyes, Peter gave a quick nod, and they all took off at incredible speed, blending into the shadows as they raced away. Bella felt the familiar thrill of running at superhuman speeds, but she corrected herself—they were running at vampire speeds. As the wind whipped through her hair, she realized she would have to rethink her terminology for a great many things.
As they ran, Bella's mind raced as quickly as her feet. She began compiling a mental list of questions she wanted to ask, the list rapidly growing into the hundreds. She knew she would have to prioritize, focusing first on her most pressing questions about the vampire world.
They quickly left the city behind, the urban landscape transitioning to open farmland. The scent of fresh earth and crops filled the air, and the moonlight cast a silvery glow over the fields. Bella glanced beside her and felt a surge of amazement. She was running with two others just like her—vampires! Although she had always suspected it, the confirmation that she was indeed a real-life vampire was still mind-blowing.
For the past five years, Bella had believed herself to be the fastest person alive. But now, watching Peter and Charlotte effortlessly keep pace with her, she realized she might not even be the fastest among them. The thought was both humbling and thrilling. She looked at Peter, his face focused and determined, and then at Charlotte, whose expression held a blend of excitement and reassurance.
The night had become one of the most exciting of Bella's new life. As the cool night air rushed past her, she felt a surge of bubbling energy within. Eager to release some of her pent-up excitement, she turned her head toward Peter and Charlotte.
The idea of soaring through the night sky with fellow vampires was too tempting to resist. The mere thought of flying alongside others, feeling the freedom of the open sky, brought a wide smile to Bella's face. She couldn't resist asking.
"Hey," she called out, her voice carrying effortlessly over the wind. "Do you think we could fly the rest of the way to your house? I've always thought it would be amazing to fly with others."
Bella didn't get the response she was hoping for. Both Peter and Charlotte stopped abruptly, so suddenly that she nearly overshot them. She managed to stop about ten feet ahead and turned around, confused as to why they had halted.
Peter eyed Bella warily, a myriad of emotions reflected in his gaze. "What was that, little lady? Did you say fly?"
I hope you enjoyed Bella finally meeting some other vamps. Soon she will know everything. In the next chapter, we'll be silent witnesses to her very first class of Vampire 101.
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