I could hear everything. The light hum of the air conditioner to the bugs buzzing around outside the window. What spooked me though, was the flatline ringing next to me.

"Oh damn."

That's when I heard someone's breath hitch, "Edward, what is it?" Carlisle asked, his voice was somber.

Still, no one entered the otherwise empty room. Finally opening my eyes I'd realized my eyesight was even better. Everything was clear and bright. Getting to my feet at a remarkably quick pace I noted I was going to have to get used to the unnatural speed.

In front of me stood a mirror, I half expected to be as ghostly white as the Cullens. I was relieved to see my physical appearance hadn't changed at all. Except my eyes. What were once those bright blue orbs now turned into a darker shade with bright specks of red. It was the only change I noticed.

I collected myself before finally walking down the stairs to the living room where the others were sadly just standing there unsure of what to do. When I strolled in their heads snapped in my directed shellshocked. I couldn't help but smile.

"Miss me?" It was Emmett who snapped out of shock first. His eyes were red as he ran and hugged me tightly. I squeezed him, ignoring his protests before remembering I was a lot stronger than him now, "Sorry," I apologized before everyone approached wearily.

"How do you feel?" Carlisle asked.

I shrugged, "I feel fine act-" I froze when I smelled it. Blood. Facing the source I held myself back from pouncing on Bella like a rabid animal, turning back I held my throat suddenly feeling like sandpaper was rubbing against each other, "Actually..." He quickly caught on, as did Edward who put himself protectively between us, "Relax, I still have enough self control to contain myself," I rolled my eyes at how defensive he got.

Carlisle, having left the room, returned with a sloshing red bag that made my mouth water. He handed it to me and I swiftly ripped the cap off and squeezed the bag so the thick substances flowed in my mouth. It was so satisfying, almost creamy as I ingested it.

"So what happened to you?" Rosalie wondered as I sat on one of the kitchen chairs.

I explained what happened when I was unconscious. Seeing my mom and the others that I lost, what they told me, "Well that explains why the Volturi got rid of your people," Jasper nodded.

"Yeah, but before I changed I wasn't as much of a threat. If they wanted me as a guard dog before, now they're probably going to want me dead for sure."

Esme watched me happily, rubbing circles on my back, "And what about your phasing?" She asked.

"I'll still be able to," I nodded.

"So you're like a hybrid?" Alice wondered.

I shrugged, "I guess so?"

Bella passed Edward, much to his distaste and smiled as she approached me, "Well I'm glad you're okay."

"Thanks Bella," I looked around at all the smiling faces before remembering some very important people, "They think I'm dead...don't they?"

Carlisle went to the phone, "We'll remedy that," he started dialing a number, "Billy? I'd really appreciate it if you and the pack came over now. Something happened."

I heard Billy's voice crack probably expecting the worst, "We'll be right over."

I shook my head, "You're all so dramatic. You couldn't simply tell them I'm alive?"

"In a sense," Emmett laughed.

~

Ten minutes later I could hear the cars pulling in. I was on my second blood bag but quickly stashed it away, I didn't want to alarm them by my new snack. They filed in, Billy leading, the squeaking of his wheelchair seemed a lot more noticeable now.

"Just tell it to us straight Doc," Billy was trying so hard to be strong but the pain in his voice was clear.

I took that as my cue to walk in, looking at their crestfallen faces not yet registering my presence, "What's with all the long faces?"

I could hear the microscopic gasps as they all looked over at me. Still, none of them hugged me. They just watched me with wide eyes, as if they couldn't believe I was actually standing in front of them.

"Embry," Sam's voice was hoarse, "Go get Paul. Drag him out of the truck if you have to," he ordered.

Acting as if he'd seen a ghost, Embry obeyed, speeding out of the house practically tripping over his feet. Soon after we could see him actually dragging a very angry looking Paul into the house.

"I told you I didn't want to come! I don't want to be here!" He growled, when he came inside he was about to go off on Sam when he saw the looks on everyone's faces. Then slowly his eyes found mine again and I got further confirmation I'd made the right decision about staying.

I slowly walked up to him, being careful but once I'd caught his scent I relaxed, it was the same. Pine and rain. His eyes were bloodshot and I felt a pang in my chest. He'd been crying...he thought I was gone.

"Hey," I whispered.

At my voice he carefully put his hands either side of my face, his thumb lightly brushing my cheeks. His eyes were swimming with tears, "You're here?"

I felt one of my own escape and run down my face, "I told you I was never going to leave you again."

~

The adjustment period was a lot shorter than I originally anticipated. I transitioned fairly easily from the blood bags that Carlisle provided to animals. It was actually a lot of fun going on my first hunt. The predatory feeling I recalled when hunting a vampire quickly resurfaced but this time I was hunting for food. Oddly enough, I still found myself able to stomach human meals. My thirst was highly manageable.

Some of the highlights in this new life was the extra strength and speed, alongside the continued ability to phase. Speaking of which, I was worried at first about how the pack was going to react when I explained to them what happened to me. But once I'd told them, they simply told me that as long as I was okay then everything was fine. I mean it's not like they were going to hurt me, especially not Paul. Being an imprint gave me this automatic protection. They couldn't hurt me even if they wanted to.

Things slowly got back to a state of normalcy. Which meant one thing for the Cullen family; wedding planning. Bella and Edward had already told Charlie they were engaged, so all that was left was mailing the invitations and getting all the details in order. The event was to take place August 19th, a month before Bella's birthday. God-forbid she be two human years older than Edward when she was changed.

It was easy to see that this wedding was just a formality to Bella. She just wanted it over with, so she could have what she really wanted. A life of immortality with my brother. Anyway, she seemed to blindly hand Alice the reigns, giving her complete control over everything. I actually helped decide a few things, such as the color scheme for the invites and tables. I tried to convince Alice that heels weren't a smart idea. We don't want the bride to break her ankle walking down the isle. But she simply waved me off assuring me that it would be fine.

"I mailed out the invitations yesterday, so we should start hearing back soon," Alice told me as she was organizing the catering menu.

I looked up at her, "And did you send an invite to-" My cell buzzing in my pocket cut me off. I looked at the caller ID and frowned. It was Billy, well that answered my question, "I take it you received the invitation?" I asked.

He sighed on the other line, "Yes. He ran out as soon as he saw it."

It was sad. I knew Jacob wasn't going to react well to the whole wedding thing, running off was his go to but this time who knows when or even if he was going to come back. I knew this hurt him but Bella would be crushed if he didn't come.

Since I'd turned Jacob was actually pretty distant from me, it was as if he felt I betrayed him by becoming part vampire. I tried to remind him it was either that or death but he didn't want to hear it, saying it was only another reason why Bella wanted to be "one of those things".

Paul, however brightened up immediately after. He was overall a lot happier. And while he still wasn't the biggest fan of my family, he kept telling me how happy he was that I was alive (in a matter of speaking). He'd even agreed to be my date to the wedding, although he'd say it was to keep an eye on Seth being as he was the only other werewolf going. Jacob was obviously invited but considering he was M.I.A since the day the invites went out I wasn't expecting him to show up.