It had been a week since i'd been bitten and i didn't know how much longer i could last.

My throat was a constant inferno, as if someone was forcing a ball of lava down that i couldn't swallow. As the days of the week progressed, it only increased in severity. By the weekend it was getting worse by the hour, my fingers pressing into where the pain was the most intense.

I knew i wasn't helping myself. I did try to hunt each night with Alice, but as soon as i felt those instincts kicking in, as well as the image of drinking blood, it was enough to give me pause. I tried to block it out and do my best to heed Alice's advice. Yesterday, Jasper had followed us to try and help suppress my reactions and at first it worked; I'd managed to grab a deer and my instincts began to take over, but at the sound of the bones snapping in my grasp i dropped it, terrified by the ease of attack and my bloodlust faded along with the final beat of its heart. The whole situation felt hopeless and i could sense the concern from the others building, but i could only give another frustrated sigh as, after more hours of failure, we headed back to the house.

Pushing that aside, a routine had gradually settled into the Cullen household. During the day, the Cullen "kids" would all head to school with the exception of Edward, who instead headed into the forest for hours. Carlisle, after spending time with me reading in the study, would leave in the early morning for his shift at the hospital. I was astonished with his control; he always remained unfazed and could conduct surgery without so much as flinching. On some occasions i would remain in the study, other times i would get to know Esme, learning about her life and attempting to replicate her day-to-day actions. I wanted to control my strength and temperament, though i had noticed the correlation of my actions becoming harsher and more items breaking as my throat continued to burn hotter. Esme never once scolded me, continuing as if nothing happened and either letting me try again, or taking over depending on my reaction.

After school, the guys would join Edward while the girls would spend time with me, catching me up on their day and seeing how i was doing. It felt like an invitation into their friendship and i was grateful; it was nice to feel welcomed from a stressful situation you never imagined you'd find yourself in. At the guys return, we would then venture into the forest to give hunting another try. Edward would watch us go, but he no longer commented or tried to offer advice after our last exchange. I could always feel his eyes following me as we left, sometimes noticing a twitch as if he planned to join us but stopping himself before he could. I did my best to not speak in his presence, sensing my demanding thirst was making me more volatile and, intentional or not, he never failed to set me off. I'm pretty sure I'd feel terrible for it if i were still human, however the constant reminder that he'd taken that away from me only aggravated it further.

The weekend had brought a nice change of pace, as the Cullens weren't stuck in school. When a courier turned up with a large box for Alice, i'd been unsure what to expect, but she quickly carted us upstairs and had me changing in and out of the outfits while she and Rosalie decided which look worked best. She wouldn't listen to my debates about how unnecessary the clothes were, or my disgruntlement at becoming a fashion mannequin, only waving her hand dismissively and encouraging me to accept them as a gift. I'd been even more hesitant when i caught the price tag on the knitwear she'd thrown my way, a small hiss escaping me as i estimated how much she must have spent, but she simply pulled it over my head and continued the fashion show. I had to smile at the two of them, giggling and exclaiming how much one color suited me, how these jeans perfectly hugged my figure, weaving a sophisticated hairstyle with pins and hairspray; i felt like a teenager again.

Descending the staircase, my mind returned to earlier this morning. I hadn't witnessed Alice have a vision yet, but i could only guess that's what caused her to freeze and stare off into space in the manner she had. I'd noticed Edward, who was quietly keeping his distance, glance to her with concern and, as she blinked back to the present, they seemed to exchange a look before she struck up a conversation with me. Edward had watched warily, i guess not happy with whatever Alice had seen, before he disappeared from the house again. I continued to wonder what he was up to all these hours, uncertain of the scents i caught when he occasionally came within range of me. I'd considered following him on one of the mornings he ventured out, but decided it was a potential conversation, or explosion, that would be best avoided.

As we entered the living space, Emmett was leaning forwards in his seat watching a football game, mumbling encouragement under his breath. Carlisle was away finishing his shift, while Esme appeared to be sketching something in the corner. Jasper and Edward both looked up as we appeared, with Jasper smiling at Alice like he'd received the best gift in the world.

"Hey Darlin'." He emphasized the Southern drawl slightly, making Alice giggle as he approached her, taking her hand and kissing it in a classic, gentlemanly fashion. It was very sweet to watch, though i felt a pang appear in my chest at the obvious love they shared. I found i had to look away from them as i turned back towards the living room, noticing Edward was watching me. I wasn't sure what to make of it as i stayed still, eyeing him warily as he moved a couple of steps forward, hand raising slightly which, at my startled expression, he let fall as he stopped.

"Hello Bella." He spoke elegantly, a small, slightly crooked smile appearing with his polite tone. "May i say, that color suits you very well."

I felt my head tilt slightly in uncertainty, unsure how to accept his compliment. I glanced back down briefly to the dark blue knitted top Alice had forced on me, the black jeans highlighting the fabric tones, before glancing back up to him.

"Thank you?" My uncertain response sounded like a question as an awkward silence settled over us.

"Ah dammit all!" Emmett shouted at the tv, Rosalie now beside him on the sofa. "How did he miss that?!"

Jasper glanced to the screen before smirking. "I don't know, but I'll take the 200 bucks you promised."

"I said no such thing!" Emmett huffed in reply, folding his arms before tutting at the screen again as they replayed the fumble.

I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me at his petulant tone, wondering how often they bet against each other. It gradually faded as i realized the others were watching me, noticing Edward in particular was smiling for some reason.

We were then distracted by the front door opening as Carlisle came home, Esme rising to greet him. Edward looked over, as if being called before they, too, exchanged a look, a slight shake of his head. I was already getting used to Edward watching and responding to thoughts around him, but it felt like something was wrong judging from their expressions. I didn't understand how the others put up with being left out of these silent talks, or knowing he had access to their every thought; it bugged me just to observe.

"Care to share with the class, Eddy?" Emmett didn't miss a beat, always one to speak his mind from what i could tell.

Edward glared towards him, hands clenching slightly, before letting out a breath. "Nothing to your interest." He then turned and escaped through the back doors, heading to the forest again i imagine.

"Something i said?" Emmett gave an innocent expression, appearing confused if he'd somehow offended Edward.

"You know how he gets." Rosalie rolled her eyes and slumped back into the chair, regaining her husband's attention. "Let him go and sulk."

I looked back to Carlisle as he greeted everyone, moving towards me with a gentle expression. The same question had been on my face each day he'd returned, so nothing needed to be said as he answered it.

"I'm sorry Bella, no updates today."

I felt my shoulders fall slightly and nodded. "Thank you anyway."

My dad had checked in at the hospital each morning and evening since my disappearance, though he hadn't stopped by in the last couple. It made me nervous, hoping he was ok and maybe just resting, rather than running himself ragged. I couldn't get the images out of my mind from what Carlisle had described, hating what my parents must be going through while i was just a few miles down the road.

"Hey." Alice's gentle voice interrupted my thoughts, directing my attention through the glass windows. "It's a nice evening, shall we go outside for a while?"

Jasper gave an encouraging smile, likely able to sense my turmoil, which i tried to return. I was grateful he hadn't attempted to force my emotions into something else, though i imagine having a personal mood enhancer around could be useful at times. I followed Alice outside towards the little river behind the house, admiring her dancer-esque movements. I'd noticed we all moved with a certain amount of elegance, something i was yet to adjust to after 17 years of clumsiness, but Alice still stood out. She hopped up on a large rock near the water's edge, patting the space beside her for me to follow.

"I was worried about you, i know you must be going out of your mind being stuck indoors all the time." She spoke quietly as i settled beside her, eyes briefly glancing to her before moving to watch the flowing water. "You don't have to pretend everything is ok, we understand what you must be going through."

"That's sweet of you," i acknowledged, though i didn't feel it could be the same. "I know everyone had different circumstances and i probably got off easier than you all, it's not fair that i take it out on you." I recalled a couple of moments I'd snapped at the others, feeling guilty afterwards and noticing they were more cautious around me despite apologizing.

"Just because our situations were different, doesn't mean yours is of any less value." Alice's tone was of firm support. "We've all had our tribulations and our experiences mean we can help you through this, together. No one wants you to feel alone."

I gave a weak smile as i continued to stare at the water. "You're certainly good at that, i feel like I've made closer friends with you and Rose than i had with anyone in Phoenix."

"Bella, we care about you." I looked up to meet her golden eyes, noticing my own were now darker than the vivid red of before. "It may only be a week into your new life, but you'll always have a home and family here for you."

A week into eternity... I didn't know how to respond to that, feeling more of a weight was pressing down rather than lifting, despite her caring sentiment.

"It's also not good for you to bottle everything up." I waited, unsure where this may be leading. "Jasper can sense your struggle, but doesn't plan to use his abilities unless you want him to. I'd hoped i could encourage you to find an outlet."

I immediately felt guilty. "I know you've said newborns can be prone to mood swings and i apologize for the times when-"

"That's not what i was referring to. Despite the occasional newborn moments, you're surprisingly well controlled." She thought for a moment. "Well, until Edward says the wrong thing of course."

At the sound of his name i immediately tensed up, my hand slamming down on the rock below to dispel my annoyance. The sound of a crack and a large chunk falling away snapped me back out of it for a moment, startled again by the strength i wasn't used to. Instinctively i moved to apologize, but Alice stopped me and hopped off the rock instead.

"No, it's fine Bella, keep going."

I paused for another moment, then turned back to the rock. Thinking of the past week, my family and, finally, Edward, i punched the rock to another loud, shattering crash.

That actually felt pretty good. To feel the strength i usually shied away from surging through me, letting loose instead of being cautious or fearful, felt rejuvenating. I kept going, striking and smashing the large rock with small shards flying around me. Alice stood back, but she appeared pleased I'd listened to her and i could feel the weight beginning to lift. It wasn't long before the rock was no more than dusty ruins on the ground, my breathing unnecessarily labored from effort, but i did feel better for it. Maybe my strength wasn't so scary if i used it in the right way; actually, it could be fun.

I turned around to face Alice with a smile and noticed Edward had joined us. He was leaning against a nearby tree, observing the mess I'd made with an expression i couldn't quite figure out. Again, he and Alice seemed to be having some kind of silent conversation which made me feel uncomfortable. It reminded me of when other kids in school were whispering about you.

"Is there something you wanted to share?" My voice was slightly cooler as i directed my question to Edward, mimicking Emmett's earlier approach.

His eyes returned to me and i noticed they didn't have the usual guilty pity in them. "Nothing to concern yourself with."

Before i could respond, Alice turned her attention back to me with a smile. "Shall we give hunting another go? The sun's not fully down yet and the weather's good, so you may have more luck with bigger game today."

I hesitated, not wanting to admit my fears in front of Edward. The pain in my throat, now it had regained my attention, was more demanding than ever, yet the thought of hunting something down had me resisting that urge. The biggest concern of all was always the fear of losing control to my instincts, enough to keep my feet planted.

Edward's appraising eyes were still focused on me, as if he actually could read my thoughts. "Problem?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with." I threw back his earlier words with annoyance as i cautiously eyed him.

"Scared again, are we?"

His tone wasn't light or teasing, instead almost mocking as he continued to stare at me. His darker, burgundy eyes seemed colder than usual and i blinked, confused. I compared his earlier polite, smiling manner to the one in front of me now. What had brought on the sudden change?

"It's none of your business how i feel." I matched his tone, folding my arms and glaring as i felt my anger spiking up again.

"It is as far as my family is concerned." His reply was firm, as if he were a parent disciplining a child for acting out.

A low growl escaped me as i spoke with conviction. "I have no intention of hurting Alice. You, on the other hand, I'll be happy to provide that matching scar."

Alice glanced nervously between Edward and myself, as if unsure how this conversation may end. It was like he was trying to disprove her earlier reassurances.

Edward smirked slightly and crossed his arms, mirroring my stance and moving closer to stand over me. "Why don't you go and find something to help get rid of this crankiness? I'm sure you'll feel a lot better when you do."

My eyes widened, surprised by the patronizing tone he spoke with. His eyes were steely, not backing down as if to challenge my earlier threat. The growl rumbled louder in my chest, eyes glaring as i snapped back. "I'm not a child."

"Then why are you acting like one?"

My mouth almost dropped in shock at his words, still baffled by his change in demeanor. Instinctively i crouched down, a snarl escaping as my already heightened emotions stretched towards breaking point.

Instead of backing off or apologizing, Edward sighed and rolled his eyes before speaking in the same, condescending tone. "So stubborn. Did you need me to catch something for you?"

I continued to stare him down, the growls uninterrupted as my anger left me too furious to speak. I could literally see red as the rage continued to pulse through me, a tint obscuring my vision. I didn't know what had brought on the mood change, but i didn't care for it. After another tense minute, he shook his head and placed it in his raised palm, as if tired of my antics. "Newborns..."

With a final snarl, i spun and shot off into the forest like a bullet from a gun. I was determined to prove the smug, obnoxious vampire wrong. I could hear Alice's light, rapid footsteps following me but i didn't wait for her, refusing to stop as my rage pushed me forwards.

I'll show you, Edward, I'll prove you wrong.

A consistent grumbling noise emitted from me, of which i barely paid attention to, as i continued racing ahead. I didn't pause to think, my usual uncertainties quashed as I hunted. Another snarl echoed mine, drawing my attention upwards as I immediately launched myself towards the sound. A feline hiss, claws ripped my clothing as I hugged the furry mass tightly, escape impossible as my teeth instinctively found the pulse point in its neck. Crushing it harder against me as I felt the blood satiate my thirst, i focused on the painful ache in my throat finally subsiding rather than the weakening struggles of the beast. By the time I'd drained everything from it, I dropped the remains to the ground and whipped my head around, looking for more through my still tinted vision. I couldn't find anything nearby, my fight with the cat frightening everything away.

At the sound of movement to my right I spun with a snarl, Alice raising her hands to show she meant no harm with wide eyes.

"It's ok Bella, it's only me." She was watching me cautiously, looking worried I would attack or flee if she approached too fast.

Gradually my consciousness came back to me, the haze lifting as I raised from my stance. I glanced down to the drained animal on the ground, noticing the tears in my clothing as I exhaled. I wasn't sure if it was in relief, frustration or sadness, but one thought was prominent in my head as i continued my hunt with Alice.

Edward definitely knew how to pull that trigger.

A/N: Thank you for your feedback, i'm glad everyone is enjoying the story :)

I had a little trouble with this one, as i wasn't sure how to lead into the next chapter coming which i've had in my head since i started. Hopefully everything still flows and some parts may make a little more sense soon.

As always, thanks for your continued support 3