Chapter 8

Edward

It is so cowardly to run. Bella was too suspicious and i got scared. Alice tried to talk me out of leaving to Alaska, as she has seen Bella as a vampire in the future. Honestly, that scares me even more. Would she have that future if she had never met me? I thought if i left that the vision would change, but it hasnt. Neither has my curiously when it comes to her. Why do i care so much about this human? Why can i not seem to keep her from my thoughts? I spoke to Irina, Kate, and Tanya about it. They all say that i shouldnt run from it. That everything will be fine. I am afraid of what will happen if i allow myself to stay close to Bella.

I have allowed myself enough time to wallow. Its been days since ive seen her and the draw to her is becoming too much to ignore. I am going back to Forks. Maybe i can explain the car incident away... probably not though.

I am still lost in my tgoughts when my phone rings. Alice is frantic on the other line. She is mentioning Bella in the woods and a bear. I dont even let her finish her sentence before i hang up and start running back to Forks.

Chapter 9

Bella

I dont have any school work or work at the bookstore today. It is a beautiful day so i decide to fo for a hike. I need to clear my head and try to work things out. I allow myseld to relax, opening up my mind to the sounds and smells of nature.

I picked a relatively short trail close to the road with little elevation while i get used to hiking up here. I seem to be the only one on the trail today. I know there is threat of mountain lions and bears so i make sure that i am making noise to announce myself. I am about halfway through the trail when i hear something. My stomach drops as i look around and spot grizzly cubs. The mom cannot be far off. I need to get out of here but i do not know where the mom is so i dont know which direction is safe. The mom comes walking up. She makes eye contact with me. I reaxh slowly to get my bear spray and she starts to growl. The fear keeps me paralyzed.

A figure comes out of the side of the trail but i am too afraid to turn my head. I thought i was the only one out here today. The figure stands in front of me and i spot a familiar flash of light brown hair.

"Edward?" I ask but he doesnt answer. Just grabs my adm and places me behind him. He is hard as stone and as strong as the bear in front of me.

"Edward we need to get out of here"

"We will be okay"

"it could kill us"

He does not answer. Just continues to stare the bear down. Eventually, the bear huffs and starts to back away and takes the cubs with it. Edward turns and grabs my arm and we walk silently back to my car. He places me in the passenger seat of my own car and im too stunned to say anything. He gets in the drivers seat and starts to drive. How did he get here? How did he know where i was? We end up driving back to his house and walk up to his room. When we are alone i blurt out,

"how did you know where i was?"

he looks at me and with a pained look says "i feel very protective of you and i knew you were in danger"

that catches me, "how did you know i was in danger? How did you know exactly where to find me? Did you follow me?"

he does not look at me when he whispers "yes"

"why?"

He pauses before saying "I am drawn to you. I cant explain it. I dont think i have the strength to stay away from you anymore"

I dont really know what to say to that. His words make me equal parts nervous and excited

"i am drawn to you as well" his head snaps up, "and you dont have to stay away. I want to get to know you. I have been trying to get to know you"

He looks almost relieved. Like a burden has been lifted from him. We spend the rest of the afternoon talking about everyting and anything we can. When i get home, there is just something bugging me. A voice in the back of my mind reminding me that something does mot feel quite right.

There is something more to Edward. How can he read my mind? Why is he so cold? So strong? So fast? Why wasnt he afraid of the bear, but instead the bear afraid of him?

I struggle to get to sleep. I cant help hut toss and turn. Another restless night, but i dont have the normal nightmare. My dreams are filled with Edward. I see him standing over me, looming. He seems forboding. He leans in towards my neck. I think he is going to kiss it when i feel a pinprick of pain. I put my hand on my neck and it comes away bloody. Did he just bite me? My dream changes and we are standing in the woods. He is standing as he was with the bear, in front of me with his back turned. I touch his shoulder and he turns. I stare up at his face in horror, blood coating his mouth.

"Bella" he says

I wake up with a start. What was that? What do i even make of that? I dont have much time to think about it before i realize that i am late for work. I make my way to the bookstore, the day passing in a relative blur. When the Cullens stop in, i know that i say hi to them. I say hi to Edward but i cannot seem to pull myself out of my thoughts. His sister also waves, smiling when i wave back. When i lock eyes with him, my mind moves a thousand miles a minute. Putting things together before i know it. I start to feel sick. I ask my manager to go home and when she spots how ill i look, she immediately agrees.

I speed home, scaring Charlie when i burst in. I mumble something about being sick and run upstairs. When i close my door, i feel like i can finally take a breath. Edward is too fast, too strong, too cold, he has powers. It seems stupid but i run to my computer. Surely, a google search wont help me here. I type in 'supernatural creatures' into the search bar. Werewolves, witches, vampires. I click on vampires. The words stare back at me, 'supernatural speed, living dead, strength of ten men'. I shut my computer and stare at my hands.

Edward is a vampire.

Chapter 10

Edward

Something has changed. Something is wrong. When we go to the bookstore the day after Bella ran out, she is still not there. We make our way back home and Bella's car is in the driveway. She is pacing in front of our doorway. So not sick after all. We walk up and she asks if we can speak privately. I do not have a good feeling about this.

Alice looks back at me but i just wave her by.

"Let's take a walk" i say. I lead her towards the little pond in the backyard. We sit on the bench and she watches the frogs hop nearby. She will not make eye contact with me. It feels like the air is being sucked out of the world.

"Youre a vampire". Her voice is breathy, almost letting the breath out with her words.

"are you afraid of me?"

"no. I dont think you would hurt me. Youre too focused on protecting me"

She had a point. My need to be near her and protect her outweighed my thirst.

"it is not safe to be with me. You should stay away"

"its a little late for that, dont you think?"

"do you really want me to be a bigger part of your life? Knowing the danger?"

"yes. I wouldnt be here if i wasnt"

i could tell she was being genuine.

"alright lets go inside and meet my family"

"what?" Her voice squeaks as she reacts

"are you scared now?"

"what if they dont like me?"

"thats what you are worried about? My family not liking you? Not that youll be in a house full of vampires?" I cant help but laugh

she lets loose a small chuckle, "yeah i guess thats not rational"

"it will be fine, come on"

we make our way into the house and of course, having heard us, the family is already waiting for us in the living room. As soon as we enter, Alice runs up to give Bella a hug.

"i am so glad you know. We are going to be great friends"

Esme introduces herself and Bella already knows Carlisle. I make the rest of the introductions for Jasper, Emmett, and Rose. You can feel the anger coming off of Rosalie.

This is stupid, Edward. Stupid and dangerous. We dont know how this will end. This is a risk for the whole family.

Rose walks out of the room angrily.

"did i do something wrong?" Bella asks

"no, thats just Rose. Just ignore her, i usually do. Lets go upstairs"

"nice to meet everything" Bella says to my family. The thoughts coming from them say the same. I answer any questions Bella asks about my life, our families life, vampires in general.

Rose is still seething as Bella and I spend the afternoon talking.