31 Days of Halloween- Day 4

31 Days of Halloween

Title – Twisted Eternity

Author- Don’t live in regret

Rated- M

Pairing- Edward and Bella

Word count- 8295

Picture prompt # 4??

Summary- Edward scowers the world to find the painting that haunts his dreams.  Will he ever find his twisted eternity?

Disclaimer- I own no rights to twilight or its characters. Just have them play in my imaginary world. Thank you Bella Ami and Eifeltwr. I love you two more than I can ever express. ENJOY….

It’d been two years since I last stood in front of this door. It hadn’t changed; the same dings and dents scarred the painted purple surface. Although the color had faded a bit, the name plaque seemed shinier than I remember. Maybe he polished it?

Dr. Anthony Masen
Psychiatrist

"Fuck," I mumbled to myself as I raise my hand and knock and nervously shift my weight from foot to foot.

I feel like every other time I’ve stood outside his door waiting for him to answer, the air in my lungs seems to be sucked out by a Hoover vacuum. I hate doctors, I hate medication, but I'm desperate. So I have to be here. Again.

"Well, well Mr. Cullen." My doctor since childhood gestured me into his office. "Long time no see."

I deliberately made eye contact and inwardly shuddered, his heavy brows and dark eyes still managed to unnerve me. Even to this day, there's something about him that I can't figure out, other than the fact that he makes me anxious, and I hate it.

"Come in, come in," he quietly coaches. 

I hear the door click close behind me as I slowly make my way over to the leather chaise. I'm surprised from all the time I’ve spent here that my ass isn't imprinted on the bloody fucking thing. I've laid on it more times than I'd like to admit.

I sit, exhaling a loud huff as I do. My fingers grab the bulk of my greasy, out of control hair. Don't judge. I'm usually a clean freak, but I haven't left my condo in three days. Hence, the reason I'm here.

"So, Mr. Cullen." He taps his fancy pen on the legal size notepad sitting in his lap, his voice grabs my attention.  This is all second nature to me now. I come in, sit down, look at him…and express all my feelings and emotions. I swear the second I actually make eye contact with him I get hypnotized or some shit. Things, I swore to myself that I wouldn't tell another soul, flow freely from me, like some sort of verbal diarrhea.

Without hesitation I lie down and stare at the white steeple ceiling. "It’s her again," I say flatly.

"Hmmm." I can almost hear his pen scribbling.  "Same one?"

"Yes," I keep my eyes open, afraid to see her again if they close even for a second.

Again he scribbles.

"When did the dreams start?"

"This week. I haven't had them since I  last saw you. "

"It’s been..." he hesitates, as he flips through pages of notes. “Two years. Has anything changed to trigger these nightmares?"

"Well, as soon as I quit my job at the art museum, my dreams stopped." I shake my head. "I dropped everything, changed fields, got new friends, and didn’t see her again…well until now."

"So, what's changed?  Why do you think she’s back?"

I groaned and covered my face with my hands. Ever since I was little I had always been fascinated with art and sculptures. Play-Doh had been my best friend growing up.

As years passed it seemed anything I drew or sculpted would take the shape of her. Her hand, her hair, or the way I rolled the snake like object through individual key holes that appeared like a hologram against her porcelain skin. Fucked up vision I know, but in my mind, it was clear as day.

I spent the good part of my teens and early twenties, studying art all around the world. She had to be out there… somewhere, but each country, museum, and artist I studied always ended up as a dead end.

So, I found myself making a weekly trip to a psychiatrist in hopes of expelling my obsession, and reveling in how this mystery woman has corrupted my soul.  Two years ago, I left the art world and that was the last I saw of her. Until Now.

What has triggered her reappearance he asks? I let out a long exaggerated breath. I already know what he will say. I’m stupid. A fool for returning. “I’m going to Italy.”

“Italy?” he asks a bit intrigued. “What would take you to Italy? … Edward?”

I turn my head and look at him, brows furrowed at the ease of his voice. It’s like he knows the reason why, yet he waits for me to confirm. “I received a call last week.”

“From?”

“A woman.”

“Did she give a name?”

“No, but she knew my name. She knew all about me actually.” I huffed as I recalled her seductive voice. “The way she spoke to me drew me in. I was curious. And in no time I had agreed to fly out there. First class. All expenses paid.”

“Did she say why she wanted you there?”

“There’s an art piece she thinks I may be interested in.” I smile to myself. “I know it’s the piece I’ve been looking for, Dr. Masen. The way she spoke to me. The way she spoke of the piece, I just know it’s the one.”

“So why did you come to me, if you have everything already figured out on your own.”

I sat up, rested my elbows against my knees, and rung my hands together. “I need a refill,” I say quietly.  He takes quick notice that I don’t ask, I tell. “I haven’t slept in days.”

“Edward, the last time I gave you medication you became a bit…addicted.”

“Just one prescription…that’s it.”

Dr. Masen smirked at me. I knew full well, he wasn’t going to say no. “Just one.”

I leave his office a few minutes later, prescription in hand. Six hours later I find myself laying in my king size bed, eyes wide open. Even though I want to see her, I can’t shake the feeling of fear around me. It’s not her that scares me, it’s the evil that surrounds her. I feel it course through my body every time I see her.

The lights in my room were on, no sleeping in the dark for me. My small suitcase is packed and zipped, ready to go. With a yawn and full body stretch, I pop two of the prescribed sleeping pills into my mouth and whimper at the thought of what I was about to dream of.

…

..

.

“Edward…” her voice sings my name. I follow it, winding through the almost blackened shadow filled halls. I feel the wall to my right as I continue to walk straight, my arms stretched out before me using my fingertips to feel the way. My heart races and my eyes bulge wide as I strain to see anything. Anyone.

The walls feel smooth until they suddenly change. I can now feel stone under my touch. Cool and coarse. My footsteps begin to loudly echo.

“Edward…”

Her voice again. I stop and turn in the dark, trying to decipher which direction it came from. I feel something dash past me. I turn and feel a slight breeze. “Who’s there?” I call out. “Show yourself!”

Everything around me goes silent, that is until I hear a hiss.

Goosebumps spread over my body. My right ankle tingles and I swipe my hand down my leg and try to smack whatever away. But it slithers up my leg and I become frantic. The hissing grows louder as something wraps its way up my leg.

“Get off of me!!” I yell. In the dark, my eyes blink and try to focus on the two fire red, burning snake eyes that are now only inches from mine.

…

..

.

I sucked in a deep breath as my body sits up ramrod straight. I frantically gulp in air, feeling like I was held under water for a long period of time. I quickly take in my surroundings and am confused as to how I’m already on the plane and with no recollection as to how I got on it. 

I felt the plane descend and accepted the fact that I was here and we were about to land. I reach into my carryon bag and after rummaging around for a bit I stick a piece of gum into my mouth so my ear will pop. I lean back into my seat and look out the small round window. The familiar shaking of the plane vibrated around me as the landing gear lowered. I took in the ground below as we inched lower until I felt the wheels touchdown and a loud whoosh echoed in my ears as the plane slowed down.

At a slow speed we wound through the airport runways. The stewardess spoke over the intercom, welcoming us to Italy.

Seriously? I don't even remember getting on the connecting flight. Fucking meds. I need to lay off that shit.

With my entire body aching from the long flight, I stand, grab my carry on and follow the herd towards the baggage claim.

I know a bit of Italian, but not enough to speak to anyone fluently. I stand and wait. Listening to all the others speak so fast I can't understand.

My luggage slides towards me and I lift it off the conveyor and begin to roll it towards the exit where I spot the taxi's lined up, one after the other.

I wave one over then pull the crumpled paper from my pocket.

"Buon giorno," he greets me as he runs around the car, placing my bag in the back.

"Buon giorno," I reply. I sit in the backseat and wait for him to return. He slams the trunk and sits behind the wheel.

"Dove tu vole andare?"

I look down at my paper and read the address I was told by her. "Voltura," I read the town. From the maps I've looked at I know it’s a long drive.

"Voltura?" He gives me this, are you fucking kidding me look, before I nod yes. He faces forward and begins muttering under his breath as he puts the taxi in drive and we commence on our journey.

During our hour long journey to Voltura the driver didn’t speak to me once.  As we neared my destination I ducked my head to see through the front window. In the distance on top of a large hill was an old city.

Voltura.

I tell him the address. "Tu sei patso," the driver finally spoke.

I laughed at his words. Yeah, I know I'm crazy. And before I know it, I'm standing in front of the ominous gates of the address I was given. My bag is sitting on the ground behind me, and the taxi's tires are screeching as the driver makes a mad dash to get away.

I stepped towards the gate and ring the intercom bell. Moments later a man asked who I was. I answered, "Mi chiamo Edward Cullen."

The door immediately opened, and I hear footsteps scurry away quickly.  I grabbed my bag and entered the courtyard beyond the gates.

It was deserted. No one was outside. And I can’t hear an ounce of noise, except for the whistling wind that circulates and blows all around me.

It never let up. My jacket ripped open as I jogged towards the front steps. I rapidly pound on the bronze metal doors, wanting to get out of this wind storm.

I shield my face from the sand that was whipping against my skin. I’m thankful when I hear the door slide open with an ear deafening creak.

I don’t wait to enter. I step into the foyer and sighed in relief as the wind stayed outside. I wiped my face dry from the tears and dirt that seemed to stick to my face, the door closes and locks shut behind me. I finally looked at the person who was standing in front of me.

“Mr. Cullen,” she greets me with a heavy accent.

She was stunning. Tall and thin, but her body curvaceous. Her strawberry blonde hair flowed down to her full breasts. Italian woman are beautiful creatures. “My name is Tanya.” She extends her hand out for mine, but I stand still, lost in her eyes, they’re brown with flecks of gold and red. A color that seems so familiar, yet I can’t think of how. I have never seen her before in my life.

She drops her hand as she realizes I was not reciprocating her welcome. Her brow rose with speculation. “Is der someting wrong, Mr. Cullen?” she asks in broken English.

I shake my head clear, feeling my body relax instantly. I look back at her eyes and see dark brown eyes staring back at me, there are no others colors, just brown.

I’m going crazy.

“No, grazie.” I swallow hard.

“You may speak English here. No need to struggle.”

How does she know I don’t speak Italian? I ignore my inner warnings and smile in a thank you. A part of me relieved that I don’t have to use my English to Italian dictionary after all.

“This way.” She turned and proceeded to walk down a long narrow hall. Her heels clicked loudly against the tiled flooring. As we entered the living area of what I would have to call a castle, I finally laid eyes on other human beings.

All busy at work, sweeping, dusting, painting. I found it a little odd that no one even looked up from their work to see us passing by. Don’t most people? I know I do?

I stare at them as we walk further into the house.  I can’t help but still find it odd that they all had their heads down. I decided to focus on Tanya. Her body seemed to flow as she walked. The four inch stilettos never faltered her step once. Her long toned legs captured my attention, as did her tight red dress that hugged the curves of her delicious body.

I found myself licking my lips, my mouth felt dry and throat suddenly closed like I had swallowed something poisonous. She turned on her heel, a devilish curl to her smirk. “A glass of water, Mr. Cullen?”

I choked on my own saliva and coughed uncontrollably, bending at my waist, until a large glass of water was handed to me. I gulped it down, feeling immediate relief. “Grazie!” I spoke haggardly.

“Prego,” she purred, and I swear I saw her brown eyes glisten that reddish gold again before she turned and walked away.

Hallway after hallway we continued to walk until we reached a closed pair of black doors that seemed to reach sky high. She opened the doors with both hands and pushed forward, walking us into a marble floored room.

It was like a cathedral, except all the ceilings were painted in sexually suggestive artwork. Phalus shaped pillars adorned each corner. What the hell?

“Well, well,” a man’s voice grabbed my attention away from the art filled room. “Mr. Cullen!”

I swallowed down nerves as he quickly approached. He was medium height and had a slender build. His skin was pale and translucent like the skin of an onion. His eyes were jet black along with his shoulder length straight hair.

He smiled showing his white teeth to me; I’m sure a gesture which should have relaxed me. However I reacted with the opposite. Every muscle in my body tensed. And I held my breath as he spoke and grabbed my hand into his. “My name is Aro,” he closed his eyes. Both of his hands surrounded my one.

Is he a psychic? Reading my mind right now?

“Ahh, I see your flight went well.” He opened his beady eyes to look at me.

“Yes sir!” I whispered.

“I’m glad Tanya was able to convince you to come to Italy.” He looked to my right and we both watched Tanya approach. She stood beside him, his arm snaked around her waist as she leaned in and I watched as her tongue slithered out to flick his.

I furrowed my eyes watching the two kiss, no more than a foot away from me. And let me tell you that it was not at all attractive. This man was old enough to be her father, maybe even her great grandfather. I inwardly shuddered.

I cleared my throat, starting to feel uncomfortable, I was happy to see them pull away from one another.

“Edward, you must be exhausted.” Aro clapped his hands together and kept them locked together like a steeple in the air. “How about we get you settled in your room before I discuss what has brought you here from America?”

“Alright.” I stepped back as Tanya walked past me.

“This way, Mr. Cullen.”

Tanya escorted me to my room. A room that seemed put together like an old movie, it felt more like a chamber then a room, the walls were brick. The large wood fireplace took up the entire wall to my right, the glow from the flames casted the only light in the room. 

To my left was a large four poster bed, the posts were carved with intricate designs of snakes that stretched up to the ceiling.

"I hope your stay is...comfortable."

I manage a fake smile as she closes the door behind her. I searched behind each and every painting that adorned the walls, expecting to see holes for them to spy through. Don’t fucking judge me.

I'd be lying if I said I felt at ease here, because I seriously don't. Aro and Tanya were eerie.

Without hesitation I popped Dr. Masen's meds in my mouth, knowing full well I wouldn't be able to close my eyes in this castle without them.

…

..

.

I found myself wondering alone through the halls. It was dark around me except for the burning flame of my torch. I kept walking, somehow knowing the exact way I wanted to go. I turned the final corner and hid behind royal blue velvet curtains that framed the sole window in the hall.

I waited. Then…she came. I heard the keys clinking together as she came closer. Once I knew she had stopped I peeked out from behind the curtain and spied.

I watched Tanya, who was dressed in a floor length Victorian dress pull back the framed portrait on the wall of the hall. To an outsider you would think the hall ended. But I’ve seen her disappear behind it before.

This time I’d beaten her. I watched now as she entered the key into the keyhole of the door. She peeked over her shoulder making sure she was alone before she pushed the concrete door open. She quickly turned and snuck the painting back into place before she vanished to the secret area.

"You've come my love." I step towards the wall, hearing her voice.

…

..

.

I jolt up in bed, sweat covering my skin and my chest heaving. I immediately recognize the hall I dreamt of. I had walked past it with Tanya earlier. But the Tanya in my dream was dressed like she lived in the olden days. I lifted the bed sheets to see my boxers and no shirt pajama set. Now that I think of it, in my dream I had been dressed in the era as Tanya.

My heart bangs hard against my chest. "You've come my love." My eyes grow wide at the sound of her voice. I not dreaming now, it’s the same one from the phone call. I search the room in a vain attempt to find her.

Feeling like I'm going crazy, I throw a shirt on and leave my room. I walk towards the kitchen area and see the dark sky outside. It’s nighttime still. The place is silent. No one around.

"You've come." I turned around, gasping for air. No one else is in the room with me. A shiver soars down my spine as a gust of wind swirls around me.

I close my eyes, willing my hallucinations to stop. My feet begin to move of their own accord, and I begin to walk down the halls in a hypnotized state.

I know exactly where I'm headed. I turn the last corner and see the painting from my dreams. I walk alone and stop in front of the wall, I slowly move the art piece and find the hidden door.

I jiggle the handle and curse. "Fuck!" I grow frustrated when I realize it’s locked.  I’m really wanting to see what’s behind it. I turn around and see the same curtain I had hid behind. I moved the material, feeling something pull me to it. There on the ground was a long metal key.

I look towards the door and wonder what the chances of my finding it could be. I felt almost like I was experiencing déjà vu.

I insert the key, and just like my dream I disappeared behind the portrait, exactly how Tanya had.

I take in a deep breath when I realize that I’m standing at the top of a staircase with hundreds of steps below, making it almost like a cave. Fire pits lining the stairs burned, lighting the way. I walk forward a bit and stop as soon as I see it.

Her.

All these years that I've searched for her and here she is, adorning a canvassed surface.
"It can't be," I say quietly in disbelief.  I step up to it, lightly touching the smooth surface. She looked exactly how I've dreamed. The keyholes painted over her skin with the slithering creature I've dream of millions of times winding through each one of the key holes.

Her breasts are naked, my fingers slide over the painting wishing they were real. Wishing the veins of her skin could be felt under my fingers. I touch her face, her cheeks, her lips.

"I've come my love," I whisper to her as if she was real. "I'm here!" I stand on my tiptoes and place my lips against hers. My legs give out and I succumb to blackness.

When I wake I’m lying in bed, sunlight is shining into my room through the tall windows. I jump out of bed, dress without showering, and open my door wanting, no needing to see her again when I am suddenly caught off guard by Tanya standing just outside the door.

"Good morning, Mr. Cullen."

I nod my greeting, attempting to side step her in the process, but to no avail.

"In a rush this morning?"

I try not to make eye contact while averting her tries to stop me. "Yes, excuse me."

She steps to the side and I bolt down the hall. Just like last night I wind my way through the long halls until I see the particular piece of art I’m searching for, I stop dead in my tracks.

“This piece holds interest for you, Mr. Cullen?”

I turn swiftly and see Aro standing behind me. I turn back to the wall and grab the frame, pulling the painting away from the wall, wanting access to the door I knew was behind it.

“Is there something you’re looking for, Mr. Cullen?”

“You know what I’m…” I hold my breath at the sight of the brick wall that I just exposed. Where’s the door? I run my hands over the whole wall, desperately trying in vain to find the door.

“Mr. Cullen?”

My eyes critically search each brick, but still nothing. I swallow hard, suddenly feeling foolish. Maybe I was dreaming the whole time. Maybe I found no secret passage. Maybe the painting of her isn’t really real.

My mind is going in a million different directions when I realize I am here for a job. A job the man behind me has hired me for, and here I am acting like a crazed lunatic. I clear my throat as I turn on my heel. “Um, excuse me Aro.” I lick my lips nervously as I make eye contact once again. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Oh my boy.” He seemed to slither towards me and snaked his arm over my shoulder. “Come with me. I want to show you the art I flew you here to see.”

…

..

.

I spend the entire day discussing art. Aro is impressed with my knowledge and love for it. Every piece he’s showed me has held no interest like the one I dream of. It felt so real. I manage to get through the day, and now find myself sitting at a dining table fit for fifty. Only Aro, Tanya and I are sitting at it, our plates full of food. I quickly take notice that both of them are watching me eat and that neither of them has taken a bite of their own meals. I took another bite of my chicken and chewed slowly.

“Mr. Cullen,” Aro steeples his fingers, looking at me like I’m some sort of science project.

“Please call me Edward.”

Well, that had him smiling. Shivers. “Alright then, Edward.”

“I like the sound of that!” Tanya hummed, her eyes never leaving my body. Her eye fucking me was not something I felt comfortable with,  but I seem to be to chicken shit scared to say anything likewise, so I sit and…chew.

“Edward, tell me about yourself? Your family. Where you’re from,” Aro inquired.

“Honestly, I don’t know much about my family. I was adopted.”

“Humph,” Aro glances at Tanya and I see her eyes flicker gold again. I look down and use my fork to play with my mashed potatoes. “Adopted. What a shame. So you never looked into your family background?”

“No sir,” I answered, still playing with my food.

“Family is everything in life.” Aro spoke directly at me. I felt his eyes on me, I looked up and was met by his two blackened eyes. “Are you close with your adoptive family?”

My heart aches. “No, my parents died young. Car crash just outside of New York.”

Aro tsked at my information. “What a shame. A boy of your smarts, with no family to be loved by.”

“I managed on my own.” I answered him. Not wanting his pity.

“How did you manage all that pain so young?”

“I started seeing a doctor when I was younger. He’s helped me through the tough times.”

I smile at the thought of my praising Dr. Masen.

“And his name? This kind stranger that’s helped you at your time of need?”

Why is he so intrigued with me? “Dr. Masen.”

Both their mouths curled up in the corners. A glimpse of teeth as they smiled.

“Well Edward that is a fascinating story. Do continue.”

“Actually if you don’t mind, I think I’d like to turn in. Long day today and I hope to have another tomorrow.”

They both stood up at the same time as I did. They didn’t rebut my request.

“Sleep well,” they said in unison.

…

..

.

I paced my room, back and forth… back and forth, trying to grasp the logic of what has happened these past two days. My dreams are so vivid, I’m absolutely certain that she was real. And their reasoning for me to be here, Aro’s artwork, I find it highly doubtful. I saw the way they both looked at me today, like I was theirs for the taking.

Why am I really here?

After an hour of not finding any answers, I find my medication and allow it to ease my anxiety. I close my eyes feeling the sleep over take me. “Come for me,” her voice woke me up. I quickly sat up and listened for it again.

Moments passed. I looked to the window and caught a glimpse of the almost full moon, shining illuminating the sky.

“Come,” her voice lured me out of bed. I walked to her beat. I could feel her all around me.

Lead me where you want me,” I say to myself. Like the night before I found the art piece hanging at the end of a hallway; however this time, the door behind it is present. Only this time it has no door handle or key lock. I push it open and descend down the stairs towards the basement.

“There you are.” I smile like a fool as I walk towards Mia Bellisima. I stop and tilt my head up to see her in all her glory. Her skin quickly catches my attention, the painting has changed. Her body was once covered in key holes, they’re now gone, only smooth skin remains.

“Bella!” I touch her skin and wish I could feel the silkiness for real. “What next?” My fingers slide up and ghost across her bottom lip. My imagination haunts me. Damn I’m exhausted. Because I swear I just saw her eyes move.

…

..

.

Days passed and I quickly learned that I would only find the door I sought at night. So I busied myself during the day, finding new art for Aro to obtain and buyers owners for his current collection.

I don’t feel like myself anymore. I feel more alert and surprisingly less anxious. I know Aro has an agenda, but I try to stay a step ahead. Never allowing myself time with him, other than business.

I have noticed he’s become antsier, less patient with me. A few times Tanya has had to walk him away as I went straight to my room for the rest of the evening, but every night I see my Bella. And every night her painting becomes more real. The illusions once painted over her skin were now gone.

I can’t wait to see her again. I throw the pills in my mouth and wait for her to call me like she does each night. I close my eyes, wanting to hear it but my whole body stiffens and becomes paralyzed as I recognize the sound. I can’t open my eyes, hardly breathing as the hissing becomes deafening. I feel my throat constrict as I feel it slither around my neck, wringing its long body, choking me.

Bella! They’ve won. I’m sorry. I feel myself give as all my life begins to flow out of me. I love you, Bella.

I cough blood onto my pillow as I wake from the nightmare. I panic seeing the red stain on the once white case. I try to catch my breath, move my fingers and limbs, and am relieved that they function. My eyes search the room. Everything is normal.

I know I need to see her, so I run to her. Down the stairs and through the dark basement. I stop to catch my breath before I stand straight and smile. “Beautiful,” I touch her body. All her curves stand out now in 3D. Her skin feels so soft underneath the tips of my fingers. I feel the roundness of her breasts. She immediately erases all my fear and anxiety.

I bring my lips to her throat and feel her pulse pounding beneath it. As the days progress she is becoming real. My fingers tangle in her long brown hair. I continue touching her, feeling the need to be closer. Her face is frozen still, but her lips are mine for the taking.

She is mine, and if being here brings her to me, I’d give anything. I am hers, always was, and always will be.

“Tell me what’s next, Bella,” I whisper in her ear as I hear the snake hiss from behind me. I turn and stand guard in front of Bella. I chuckle at the slithering object in front of me, the eyes glowing with fire and evil.  Because I have her, I’m no longer scared.

The following morning I’m woken by a startling scream. I dash out of bed and run down the hall to see what was causing such a stir.

“Tanya…Morte…mia Tanya.”

Aro was kneeling on the ground. I stepped forward and recognized the strawberry blonde hair sprawled across the tiles; her skin is ash white with red veins under her eyes.

All household staff was hovering, however they quickly turned and vanished as I looked away from the dead body.

“Edward!” Aro called me.

His face lifted and I could see the pain clearly etched in his eyes. “My daughter is dead,” he seethed.

Daughter?

“She died.” He stood slowly. “From someone else’s hand.”

I step back, feeling the need to distance myself. “Aro I…”

“For your own safety, I need you to stay in your room today.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “My daughter was killed late last night. I don’t want the same future for you.”

“I…”

“Now go.” It wasn’t a request, it was an order.

…

..

.

The sun filtered into my room as thoughts of Tanya played in my mind. Her lifeless body sprawled on the ground; her skin looking almost like it had been burned. How that could be, I don’t know. Images of her neck came to mind, and how Aro had discreetly covered the two puncture holes with her hair before I stepped closer. But I saw it, I know that I hadn’t imagined them.

I spent the day alone, watching the full moon rise. I jumped when there was a knock at my door.

I scrambled up from my bed and open the door wide and saw Aro standing on the other side of the threshold, dressed in a modern black fitted suit. “Come Edward, let’s celebrate. There’s a change of clothes for you in the closet. Change and meet me downstairs.”

I nod and close the door. Confused as to what we were celebrating.

I open the closet to find an old style suit hanging on the otherwise bare rack. I stare at the garment, feeling the material and wondering where I had seen it before. I reluctantly slip it off the hanger and undress, and cover my body in the dated outfit. I step to the mirror and once again get the feeling of déjà vu. I’ve seen this image of myself before, on nights previous, my hair styled and face shaven clean.

I turn away from the mirror and feel as if time changed, little things  here and there are different now. There are no lights, no electrical outlets, nothing modern, nothing from my current lifetime.

“Tonight my love,” I close my eyes as her voice surges through me.

“Tonight,” I whisper back.

When I open my eyes I see a worn wooden box on the dresser, I know that it wasn’t there moments before. I lift the lid and admire the silver dagger that rested inside. My fingers wrapped around the antique wood handle, I twist it back and forth admiring the intricate design that was etched along the handle. My eyes caught sight of three initials.

E. A. M

I wondered to myself, who the initials stood for and found it ironic that two out of three were like my own. I held the dagger close to my chest as another light knock sounded at my door. I instinctively knew the dagger needed to be hidden; I open the left side of my vest and found a slit cut in the material.

I slid the knife into it gently, closing my vest up and am satisfied to not see it in my reflection. I open the door and reveal two beautifully dressed women. Their hair is curled and their breasts are almost spilling out of their corset tops. Their hour glass waists had my full attention. I’m a man after all.

“Buona Serra Mr. Cullen,” They both smiled at me with a look of lust in their eyes.

“Buona Serra signorina,” I grabbed each of their hands and placed a kiss on top of them. I felt a rush of arousal course through me, seeing them and smelling their mouthwatering scents.

They both entered my room, the brunette closing the door while the redhead stalked me like I was her prey. “Tu se Bello,” she purred, grabbing a hold of the collar of my shirt.

“Grazie,” I thanked her for her compliment. Her eyes seemingly to captivate my every coherent thought. I wanted to see her naked. I wanted her in my bed, both of them.

“Is that what you want?” she asked me. I didn’t care that she somehow knew my thoughts. I nod yes and allow her to push me to lie back on my bed. I watched them both stand at the foot of the bed, they turned to one another and began to undo the others dress.

Their breasts bounced down and I salivated at the sight of their hardened nipples. They each stepped out from their gowns and stood closer to one another, completely naked. A devilish grin crossed both their faces before they leaned into one another and began to kiss.

My dick was rock hard, watching these two beautiful women kissing in front of me. I wanted to take part. “Vieni qua,” I called them to me. They both crawled onto the bed and I took turns kissing them, one to my left, the other to my right. Their hands began roaming over my body, and stroking my cock through my pants.

“You have too many clothes on,” one of them spoke as I kissed the other. I felt my clothes loosen, my pants pulled down my legs and off my body. The redhead straddled my hips, grinding her wet pussy over my erection.

I was lost in the feel of her body against mine. I couldn’t focus on the words that they spoke to one another in Italian. Oh god, I felt my body responding to their attention. I knew I was about to explode if she kept going, teasing me like she was.

My stomach tightened, I closed my eyes shut, trying to buy myself some more time. When I opened them, my lungs closed up. The one grinding me arched her back and opened her mouth. I couldn’t breathe. Her teeth transformed into fangs. I looked over to the other and saw her eyes burning gold and red.

Holy fuck. Any erection I had was instantly gone. My mind focused on the demons, the vampires that were with me. At the exact second one was about to bite me, I grabbed the dagger from my vest pocket and stabbed her in the heart. She gasped and right in front of me her skin began to crack. I heard the other hiss in anger.

My self-defense kicked in, I used the dead vampire as a shield as I blocked the other from attacking me. She snapped at me like a shark, her teeth were sharp as one. I pulled the dagger from the redhead’s chest, allowing her limp body to fall to the ground.

I held the dagger towards the vampire now wanting me as her meal. I knew what she was, and deep down I somehow knew that I had the skills and knowledge to kill her. “You should have never come,” she hissed, stepping closer.

“It was only time before I returned,” I said confidently.

Her evil chuckle echoed in my ears. “Aro will be pleased with me, once I kill you.” Her tongue licked the ends of each fang.

“And my Bella will kill you before you even have a chance.” In that split second, I saw her eyes open wide with fear. I took advantage, throwing the dagger right into the left side of her chest.

The scream that escaped her mouth shattered all the windows and mirrors in the room. Her body shriveled into a ball, and combusted into ash. I felt my chest heaving from adrenaline. I rushed to the pile of ash and quickly sifted through it and found my dagger, shining bright from under the dust.

I wiped my hands on the bed sheets before placing the dagger back into my vest pocket and redressing in my pants. I didn’t bother cleaning up after myself, I snuck out of the room and walked to the dining room as if nothing happened.

I could hear the orchestra playing, I entered the room not shocked to see couples dancing and twirling on the dance floor. Everyone kept to themselves as I entered further. I wound through the crowd looking for one person. In the corner of the room I saw him, sitting in a thrown like chair, women all around him.

Without making eye contact he knew I was standing next to him. “I see you have finally joined us, Mr. Cullen.”

“Yes, I was distracted momentarily, but nothing would stop me from missing this celebration.”

His face whipped to look at me, he knew from what I said that the two women were taken care of. A flash of hate crossed his face before he stood and laughed. He clapped his hands together, grabbing the attention of the room. The music stopped, the dancers stilled.

“Everyone,” he spoke loudly. “I want everyone to please welcome my guest from America.”

All eyes looked towards mine as if they were programmed, hypnotized to do so.

“No need for tha,t Aro,” I felt my pulse quicken.

“Mr. Mase,n calm down.” He stepped down from the platform he sat upon.

Masen?

He saw my reaction. “Oh Mr. Cullen. Did I let you in on a secret?” He chuckled at my expense. “Did you not know that your blood name was Masen? That happens to be the same name as your doctor, does it not?”

I stumbled back as memories of Dr. Masen came to mind, from when I was a child to the last time I sat in his office as an adult.

“Mr. Cullen for a smart man, you should have caught on.” I stared at Aro. “Your visions, he prevented you from finding her. All those years he made you think she was a hallucination.” He smiled evilly. “Oh how easy it was to corrupt your father.”

“My father?”

“He didn’t have the blood of a Masen like your ancestors. He was a chicken, a wimp. He did anything I compelled him to do, that is until you received a call that was made without my awareness.” He grew angry as he spoke. “It was too late for me to stop you, so here you are.”

I stood, shaking a bit. My heart racing in my chest.

“She called you here to kill me, but I won’t let that happen,” he threatened.

I panicked ran, but before I could escape he was blocking the entrance in front of me at an inhuman speed. “You’re in a rush Edward? That’s not how you leave a celebration.” He cocked an eyebrow.

He knew he had me. I was human after all, no special powers, no speed or strength to help me. Even if I grabbed the dagger from my vest, I knew he was quicker and would stop me, stabbing myself instead.

Stay calm.

“You family has been a thorn in my side since the 1600’s. Somehow one bastard was born after another, but you see my daughter Isabella still haunts us both. She seeks revenge on me, for freezing her in limbo.”

“You’ll be okay…” her beautiful voice swept through my mind.

“You almost managed to set her free Edward. You were persistent, but I’m faster and smarter. You see, she needs your blood to break the spell. And well…I have it first.” He smiled and showed his fanged teeth.

In seconds I was prisoner in his hold. “My daughter will be damned forever now.” I felt his teeth cut into my neck. My mouth fell open, trying to grab an ounce of air. My head felt light as he began to drink my blood. I felt myself start blacking out until I was thrown to the ground.

I was weak. I held my throat and watched Aro, staggering like a drunk. “No…this isn’t possible…” he stumbled back and knocked over the table next to him.

I stood up slowly, knowing this was the only chance I had. I walked towards him, grabbing the knife with my blood covered hand. Aro was lying on his back, his eyes full of fear. “You may be faster Aro…” I held up the dagger and saw the initials. Edward Anthony Masen. “But my blood runs deep, and I knew the only chance I had was to weaken you for even just a moment.” I remembered the glass of water I had earlier in my room, before the evil women came. Filled in that glass, was vervain. Enough to be in my bloodstream to paralyze Aro to give me a chance.

I only ran earlier to seem scared, weak, and unaware of the situation I was in. How I knew about the effects of vervain, on Aro, I’m not exactly sure.

“She’s compelled you!” he stuttered as I held the dagger above his heart. “You don’t want to do this.”

I stared into his eyes, and with no hesitation or sympathy I drove the ancient dagger into his cold blooded heart. I watched him die from my hand. His skin first turned to stone, then to ash. And like magic, all the people in the room were broken from their spells.  They all began to hug and console one another.

I ran, leaving the room to find my Bella! Skidding to a stop at the base of the mural she once was frozen in. She was gone. The painting now stood empty. I looked around the cave and fell to my knees in defeat. Everything I had done was for nothing.

“Edward!”

I gasped at the closeness of her voice. I stood and turned to see her beautiful face in front of me, in the flesh. Her skin was pale like I’d always envisioned. Her brown hair curled and pinned over her right shoulder. She was gorgeous in her gold and cream colored gown.

She stepped forward, her eyes batting innocently. “You came for me!”

I swallowed hard. “Yes.”

Her face tilted to the right as she looked me in the eye. “How can I ever thank you?”

I knew the answer to that question and so did she. I smiled and placed my hands on her waist, pulling her closer to me. I needed to feel her in my arms, smell her, and have her as my own. I looked into her eyes, my lips feathering hers. “I love you.” I pressed my mouth to hers.

She slipped her hands behind my head, her fingers threading through my long strands. Her mouth opened and allowed my tongue to slide in and taste hers. I began to unbutton the back of her dress as her slender fingers began to undo my shirt.

Kissing, undressing, and showing one another with our mutual love. All my life I’ve felt out of place, and I know now that was because this was my home. With Bella in my arms, everything feels right.

She stepped out of her dress, allowing it to pool on the floor around her feet. Her naked body was more magnificent now than it had been in the mural. She felt real. She was real.

She sat down, using her dress as a blanket beneath her and beckoned me to join with her. “Come.”

I licked my lips, stepped out of my pants, effectively showing her what she did to me. I knelt on my knees and sat beside her, allowing her to roll me on my back.

“I have waited for you for centuries.” She kissed my mouth gently. “You smell even better than I remember.”

I closed my eyes, allowing her fingers to feel my skin. Her nose slide against my face and into my hair so she could smell me. “I want you Edward.” She straddled my waist. I could feel her heat against my erection.

“Have me!” I stated and groaned as she sank herself onto me without warning.

She nipped at my skin with her teeth as she began to grind against me. Her hands held my own against the ground above my head. I was hers. All of hers.

“I’m yours,” I breathed as she sat up, her stomach flat and toned, her breasts bouncing with each thrust I pushed into her, my hands gripping her hips, holding her to me. She tilted her head back; her long brown hair tickled the tops of my thighs.

“You’re mine?” she asked.

“Yes.” I watched her face tilt down to look at me, her eyes glowed black, the corners of her lips curling up until her teeth glistened.

She was beautiful. The site of her above me had my stomach tighten. I felt all my arousal build up and threaten to release. Her mouth dashed to my neck, a crunching sound was made as she bit into me.

Unlike with Aro, I felt aroused by her lips on me. The thought of her taking me as her own had the coil in my stomach unwind. I came hard, grunting at the feel of my blood being sucked and my dick exploding into her.

I was exhausted, barely able to keep my eyes open, but I watched her sit up, my blood trickling down her chin. “I love you, Edward.” Her tongue cleaned her red stained lips. “All those nights I tasted your blood, it was enough for me to come alive. To break us from the curse that has kept us apart.” She bit into her wrist, puncturing her skin and lowered it to my mouth. “Now drink from me my love…and I shall be yours. Forever.”