The first thing I noticed when I regained consciousness was voices. Most of the voices were low but one voice was particularly loud. I focused on that one voice, trying to figure out what was going on and why it was so loud. That's when I realized…it was Charlie. The other voices were vampires, that's why they were so low, so calm.

"She's waking up Charlie," Irina said.

"Bella," Charlie exclaimed. I could hear him running to my side. The only reason I knew it was him and not someone else was because no vampire would ever be that loud.

"Take it easy Charlie," Tanya said. She was right beside me. My guess was I was laying on the couch and she was seated beside me. It didn't seem likely that I would be put in one of their beds.

"Don't tell me to take it easy," Charlie snapped. "Bella's like this because of you."

I felt a wave of sadness that had to have come from Tanya. I didn't understand. What did Charlie mean it was Tanya's fault? And why was Tanya sad? Did she believe she was to blame?

I opened my eyes and turned to the side. I was on the couch, with Tanya sitting beside me, just like I thought. I reached for her, not wanting to feel how sad she was. She misinterpreted and handed me my whiteboard.

I sat up so my leg was touching her shoulder. Her sadness eased a bit but was still there. What happened?

I waved the whiteboard in front of Tanya. "What do you remember Bella?" she asked handing the whiteboard back.

I frowned. I remembered everything. Was I not supposed to? You were angry. Laurent was going to use you to get to Cullens… to get to me. You were trying to calm down because you knew how it affected me. You told them to kill Laurent and then… nothing. I don't understand. Why is Charlie blaming you?

"It was my fault," Tanya muttered.

"Tanya," Irina warned. I looked to Irina. "You passed out. Eleazar thinks it's a sort of defense mechanism for you. The anger you were feeling was too much for your body to handle. It could have caused you harm. When you passed out… Tanya's anger faded and turned to concern. Passing out protected you in a way, kept you from the added stress."

That's not your fault Tanya.

"It is my fault," Tanya said shaking her head. "I've been alive for over a thousand years. I should be able to control my anger. I could have hurt you."

Is that why Charlie is blaming you? Because you blame yourself?

"Bella, your father is blaming me because it is my fault," Tanya told me.

Can you guys give Tanya and I a moment alone?

I showed the message to Irina. "Of course Bella," she said. "Charlie, why don't I give you a tour of the house?"

Charlie frowned. "No, I'm not going anywhere and I'm not leaving Bella alone with her."

I could feel Tanya flinch at his words. I touched her shoulder and she reached up to grab my hand. Her touch was far lighter than normal, like she was afraid of her own strength. It made no sense. She had perfected being able to touch humans without hurting them. I didn't like this.

I pulled my hand away so I could write a message for Charlie. You have to stop blaming her Dad. She got angry and it affected me. That's part of being a vampire. She's not Edward. She wouldn't never intentionally hurt me. If you don't trust her, then trust me.

Charlie's eyes darted back and forth as he read the message through more than once. "Bella," he started. He shook his head. Whatever he was going to say, he changed his mind. Instead, he turned his attention to Irina. "A tour would be nice."

The two of them left, leaving just me and Tanya in the living room. Is Laurent dead?

"Yes," Tanya confirmed. "You passed out right before they ripped his head off." I wrinkled my nose at the thought. I had seen James get ripped apart but I had been bitten at the time and wasn't able to focus on what was happening at the time.

Is that where the others are?

"Carmen's in the kitchen," Tanya said. She pointed behind me. I turned and saw a doorway that must have led to the kitchen. "She's cooking for you and Charlie. She's thrilled to have humans around. Eleazar and Kate are making sure Laurent burns. Our venom catches fire easily but it takes time to completely burn our bodies. They're simply making sure the fire doesn't go out before he's ash."

How long was I unconscious?

"Half an hour," Tanya answered. "A very long half an hour. Charlie's been very angry. Mostly at me but I'm sure he's angry at the whole situation as well."

I'm sure it's hard for him. He did just learn about vampires. Do you think I did the right thing, telling him about all of this?

"You did," Tanya replied. "Despite everything that happened here, I think Charlie is happier knowing the truth. Even if he does hate me."

I don't think he hates you. Tanya laughed at my words. It was obvious she didn't believe them. I mean it. He's afraid, for me. After what happened with the Cullen's, I don't blame him. He'll get over it eventually. I don't hate you guys anymore. Actually, I don't think I ever hated you.

"Will you tell me what happened with Edward?" Tanya asked.

I thought about it. She deserved to know. What happened in the woods shaped who I was now, as well as Charlie's anger toward the Cullen's. Tanya deserved to know why I wouldn't love her, and why Charlie hated her.

If I tell you, you have to promise you will stay in control. I don't think I could handle your anger again right now.

"I promise to stay in control," Tanya said. "Or I will tell you to stop if I think I can't handle it."

It started with my birthday. Alice threw me a party, a party I didn't want. I was opening a gift when I got a papercut. Jasper tried to attack and Edward threw me into a pile of plates. I showed her the scar on my forearm from when Carlisle stitched me up. That's what this scar is from. Edward took me home. He was distant after that. Alice and Jasper left the next day.

Tanya's fingers lightly traced the scar on my arm. "They came here," Tanya said. "After your birthday, Alice and Jasper came here. They were both so upset. Jasper was angry with himself. Alice was just…sad. She wanted to say goodbye but Jasper needed her."

I nodded. I understood that now. A couple days later, Edward led me to the woods behind my house. He told me they were leaving. I stupidly believed I was going with him.

Tanya took my hand and squeezed it. "It's okay Bella," she said softly. "You don't have to continue if you don't want."

Are you still in control?

"I'm upset, on your behalf, but yes, I'm in control," Tanya replied.

He told me he didn't love me and that I was just a distraction for him. Tanya growled but she was still in control. I tried argue with him. Finally, he snapped. He told me to shut up and that nothing I said mattered. I haven't spoken since. Edward broke me and I don't know if I'll ever heal.

Tanya got off the floor. For a second, I thought she was going to leave to hunt him down. Her eyes were already dark from what happened earlier with Laurent. Now they were black, like Jasper's had been when he tried to attack me and like Edward's had been the day I met him.

The one difference between those times and now, was right now I felt no fear. While I didn't blame Jasper for what happened, I was still afraid when he tried to attack. Right now, Tanya could kill me and I still wouldn't be afraid of her.

Tanya slowly moved to the couch. She sat down beside me and pulled me into her arms. "I'm so sorry Bella," she muttered. "You didn't deserve anything he said to you and none of it was true. You're not a distraction, not to me. You are everything to me."

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers. The kiss, if you could call it that as my lips barely touched hers, was brief. I barely grazed her lips before pulling away in confusion.

I had no idea what possessed me to do it. I wanted to kiss her cheek. I loved spending time with Tanya, it gave me a sense of calm I didn't realize I needed. I couldn't deny Tanya was attractive either. I mean, all vampires were attractive so it wasn't surprising. But there was something different about Tanya. No one even came close when compared to Tanya. Not even Rosalie could match her beauty.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's not fair to you. I don't know what I was thinking.

Tanya didn't seem mad at me for leading her on so that was something. "It's okay Bella," she said. "We can pretend like it didn't happen if that's what you prefer." She cupped my cheek. "Are you okay?"

I'm fine. I still felt guilty for kissing her, especially when I had no intention of ever kissing her. I traced the bruises under her eyes. You need to hunt.

"I'll go later," she said. "Being here with you is more important right now."

You shouldn't have to suffer more because of me.

Tanya laughed and shook her head. "I'm not suffering Bella," she said gently. "Your blood has no appeal to me. You do smell good but I have no desire to sink my teeth into you." She eyed me. "Well, not to feed at least." I blushed. "And Charlie is perfectly safe as well. I would never hurt him, no matter how thirsty I was."

"Well, that's good to know at least," Charlie said from behind me.

I turned around to see him, Kate and Irina watching us. Kate was smirking and I was worried about how much she saw.

I glanced at Tanya's face. She didn't look surprised to see him. You knew he was there.

Tanya's eyes flickered down to read my note. "Yes, I did," she admitted. "He needed to hear it. He needs to know that you're safe with me and that he is as well."

"Did you discuss whatever it was you needed to talk about?" Charlie asked looking back and forth between was.

"I think they did more than…" Kate started. She didn't have a chance to finish her thought as Irina smacked her across the head.

"Shut up Katrina," she hissed.

We did. You look less angry.

"I'm still mad but Irina did raise some good points," Charlie admitted. "All I've ever wanted since you were born was to keep you safe. Now, not only is there an entire coven that will keep you safe but you have your own personal vampire protector. I can't really ask more much more than that."

You know I tried really hard not to get involved with vampires again.

Tanya kissed my cheek. "I'll give you two some privacy," she muttered before waving at Irina and Kate to follow her. Kate protested and Irina dragged her away.

Once they were gone, Charlie moved over to the couch. He sat down beside me.

I didn't want to be involved with vampires again. After everything that happened with the Cullens, I refused to get involved. I hurt you. When I went to Phoenix, the things I said. None of it was true Dad. There was a tracker, a vampire that can find you, no mater where you are, it wasn't safe for me to be home. I knew if I told you wanted to leave you wouldn't let me, so I had to hurt you. I'm so sorry Dad.

"I get it Bella," Charlie said. "I didn't then and the things you said really did hurt me. I was worried I wasn't ever there for you. I worked almost every day and fishing on the weekends. I thought it was my fault you didn't want to stay. Looking back, it does make more sense. I never understood your sudden desire to leave. You seemed happy one minute and miserable the next."

I am happy living with you Dad. I don't know if Mom told you but when I was in the hospital, Mom tried to convince me to go to Jacksonville. I refused. Part of it was Edward, but mostly it was because I like living with you.

"This thing with the Denali's," Charlie started.

I'm not in love with her Dad. But I'm not stupid. It's inevitable that I will fall in love with her. The more I try to resist, the harder it becomes.

Charlie rubbed the back of his neck. "How do you feel about all this? I know you haven't really dated other than… Edward and she's well…a she?"

I laughed. Leave it to Charlie to think about the least important part. Does it bother you that she's a she?

"No Bells," Charlie answered. "That doesn't bother me. If anything, the vampire part is more concerning. Are you… I mean do you want to be a vampire?"

I shrugged. I did for a while. When Edward left, I gave up on that. I didn't want to be a vampire. Now, I don't know. There's no rush. I'm 18 and she's 25. So, even if we did end up together, I have a few years to decide if it's really what I want.

"I'll love you, no matter what you decide," Charlie promised. "How does one turn into a vampire?"

They have venom. When vampire bites you, if it doesn't kill you, you'll turn. I held out my arm to him.

"Are those teeth marks?" Charlie asked horrified. "Your arm was wrapped in Phoenix. Dr. Cullen said you cut it on glass when you went through the window." He closed his eyes for a minute before looking at me. "There was no window, was there?"

There was glass but no, I didn't trip and fall through a window. The tracker, James, he told me he kidnapped Mom. I tried to rescue her. He… he liked to play with his victims. He tossed me around, broke my leg. Edward and the others showed up and he bit me. I think… I think maybe he knew he was going to die and thought by biting me, he would still win.

"He bit you," Charlie repeated. We both turned at the sound of the growls coming from the kitchen. I knew it was Tanya. "But you said if you get bit, you turn."

Edward sucked out the venom. It's supposed to be next to impossible to do. He was convinced it was proof he loved me.

"Well, I like Edward a little more than I did before," Charlie muttered. "Dammit." There was a snort from the kitchen. "They really can hear everything, can't they?"

They can. It's rather annoying but it does come in handy.

Carmen came out of the kitchen a few minutes later with two plates in her hands. Kate, Irina and Tanya were right behind her. "I'm sorry to interrupt but the food was ready. I hope you like it. It's seafood paella."

"Thanks Carmen," Charlie said respectfully.

She sat both plates on the coffee table in front of us. "Careful, the plates are very hot," she warned.

I slid to the floor so I could eat. Charlie took the hot plate and sat it on his lap. It seemed he had no desire to sit on the floor. He looked up from his plate to see the Denali sisters and Carmen standing by the door, unsure if they could join us.

"You know you can sit," Charlie said.

"We didn't want to intrude," Tanya said.

"Come, sit," Charlie said gesturing to the couches. "It's unnerving watching you all hover."

Tanya walked over and sat down on the couch beside me. I leaned against her while I ate.

"How's the food?" Carmen asked anxious.

I gave her a thumbs up and signed thank you. "This is delicious," Charlie admitted. Carmen beamed. "Are you not eating?"

"We don't need to eat," Irina explained. "We can eat and do if we need to blend in but it's not necessary. When we're home, we prefer not to. It's uncomfortable, until the venom has a chance to dissolve the food."

Charlie nodded. "That's…strange. I'm assuming you can drink then?"

"Alcohol or other liquids?" Tanya asked. She put her hand on my shoulder. It wasn't possessive in the slightest, it felt like she really only wanted some physical contact. "Either way, we can drink. Alcohol doesn't do anything to us though."

"Believe me, I've tried," Kate muttered from across the room.

I snorted. It was no surprise that out of all of them, Kate was the one that tested the limits of alcohol on vampires.

Halfway through the meal, I pushed the plate away. Like Esme, Carmen served way too much food for me to eat at once. Charlie didn't appear to have that problem as his plate was empty.

"That really was great Carmen," Charlie praised when he finished. He checked his watch. "Bells, we should probably get going. You have to work in the morning."

I checked my phone and realized he was right. It was approaching eight and I still needed to shower and try to get a little homework done before going to bed.

"Let me pack that up for you," Carmen said. She took my plate and headed back to the kitchen.

I got off the floor, with Tanya's help. She handed me my whiteboard and marker. Carmen returned a minute later with a glass container filled with my leftover food. She handed a much larger container to Charlie. No doubt the rest of the leftovers.

I followed Charlie out of the house. We both realized at the same time that Charlie didn't drive here. We rode with Tanya and Irina. Well, that explained why Tanya followed me out of the house.

"I'll give you a ride home," Tanya said laughing us for not realizing.

"Thanks Tanya," Charlie said sheepishly.

We got in the car, me in the back directly behind Tanya, and Tanya drove away.

The car ride was silent but not awkward. It helped that Charlie wasn't particularly talkative to begin with. He seemed to feel guilty for how he treated Tanya earlier. I didn't blame him. I feel bad for how I was treating her as well.

Tanya pulled into our driveway. "Thanks for the ride Tanya," Charlie said.

He got out of the car and headed toward the door. I couldn't really talk to Tanya right now. It was getting dark and I couldn't see well enough to write. I reached over the center divider and grabbed her arm.

"Sleep well Bella," she said softly.

I let go of her hand. I grabbed my stuff and headed into the house.

It was after ten by the time I was ready to go to sleep. I had showered and made it through my English and government homework before I decided to give up for the night. I still had tomorrow evening to finish the rest.

I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to come… but it never did.

An hour later, I rolled over to check the time and groaned. Another sleepless night was in store for me, unless… my eyes darted to my phone, charging on my nightstand. I could text her and ask her to come. I know she would want me to.

I closed my eyes again and tried to sleep. It was no use. When the clock struck midnight, I got out of bed and opened my window. There were no screens on the windows so it would be easy for Tanya to slip inside. I wondered if Charlie would install screens once he realized Tanya could sneak in.

I went back to my bed and grabbed my phone.

Can you come over? I can't sleep.

The reply was instant. I'll be there in five.

Thank you. I left my window open for you.

Less than five minutes later, Tanya appeared in my room. I shifted to one side of the bed and patted the spot next to me, making it clear I wanted her to lay with me.

"Are you sure?" she questioned.

I nodded and she climbed onto the bed. Her gold eyes were practically glowing in the moonlight. She must have gone hunting after she dropped me off because they were not that light earlier. "Go to sleep Bella," Tanya muttered. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me against her body. "I'll be right here, for as long as you need me."