My paws glided across the soft grass. I could hear the blood of my prey pulsing through its veins. Four more bounds and I would have it securely trapped in my jaws. The fear scent it left behind was more than incentive to drive my legs forward. I could taste the delicious warmth radiating from the weak creature. I had been tailing my meal across the forest and it headed down into the small town.
My tongue lolled out of the side of my mouth, panting heavily. My preys tail was nearly within my reach. I growled, pushing my legs faster. Almost there. We bounded onto the hard ground, its rough surface skinning my pads. I felt the blood begin to pulse out of them. But I raced forward. The creatures scent was strong in my nostrils. This was it; the hunt was over. I bared my teeth, preparing for the kill when suddenlythe bright, shining gaze of eyes shone down upon me. I froze dead in my tracks, staring horrified into the face of the giant mechanical monster. Before I could run, the world went black.
I didnt feel the pain at first. Only hearing the hooting and jeering of my attacker as it raced by. There was suddenly a shooting pain reaching all points of my body. A warm liquid began seeping through my fur. I heard a creature suddenly cry out in horrified agony. It wasnt until the sound left my lips that I realized that the creature who had made the sound was me. I could feel the world crash over me, crushing my lungs and pinning me to the hard surface.
The ground smelled of burning gasoline and car exhaust. I knew then that this would be the end. My life was over. I howled pitifully, making me feel like a lost pup.
Suddenly, a soft gasp came from somewhere above me. "Edward!" the voice cried. I heard footsteps gliding toward me, as quiet and smooth as the wind.
Before long, more of them gathered. Their scent was strange, inhuman. An icy rock began to caress my broken body. I embraced myself for its touch to cause me more pain, but shockingly, the ice began to soothe my aches. I whimpered in gratitude, urging the stony figure to continue to ease my injuries. "We cannot just leave her here," a soft, soothing voice announced.
The creature above me finally spoke. "What do you suppose we do? We can't change hercan we? His velvet voice was mixed with grief and anxiety.
"There may be a chance." The icy stone reached underneath my flank, lifting me securely in its arms.
Without warning, a furious gust of wind hit me in the face. The whipping air made my wounds sting. I whimpered. "Hush," soothed the velvety voice. I obeyed him and drooped my head over his arm. My eyes were sealed shut, but even when I opened them, the world was a sightless pit. Why was death taking so long to find me? This couldnt possibly be heaven? Could it? There was far too much pain.
Finally, the blowing halted. The icy block set me down on a cool, flat surface. "Edward, you should probably do it," sounded a man's calm voice. A scent of panic drifted from above. "I have to treat these wounds. If I don't stop the bleeding soon, shell bleed to death."
"Fine," the voice above me hissed. His cold breath touched my skin. Unexpectedly, I felt his jaws close around the scruff of my neck. I let out a howl of terror as the fangs injected into my skin. This thing was about to eat me! I writhed away from the creature, only to be stopped by a burning sensation erupting from where his teeth had been.
Someone stop him! I attempted to cry, but I couldnt make my mouth function properly. The fire slowly began to spread through my skin. I felt it go from my scruff down my spine, through my legs, to the tip of my tail. The pain became more unbearable as each unending moment passed. I laid there for what seemed like years. Every so often, I would hear one of the creatures walk through the room. Each time, I called out begging for them to help me. And each time, they would simply say, "Calm down, little guy," or "Dont worry, puppy. It'll be over soon." I growled internally, cursing each one of them.
At last, the pain began to ebb. It started to dull slowly, and then more rapidly as time went on. I panted from shock, because surprisingly, I wasnt exhausted at all. Forcing my eyes open, I found myself lying on a marble floor. A spiral staircase wound upstairs. The lights were dim, the light from the setting sun shone in the window. I heaved myself to my paws, gazing around the building.
I padded up to a beautiful, glossy piano. The instrument shone in the soft light. I ran my paw along the perfectly sanded leg. "Its nice isn't it?" the familiar velvet voice came from behind me.
I spun around, frightened. Oh no! Now hes going to eat me!
The pale human chuckled. "Im not going to eat you." Stupid dog.
"Who are you calling a stupid dog?" I growled.
His face went from entertained to a look of pure shock. "W-what?"
I perked my ears. Did he just understand me? He nodded. I widened my eyes. "Um. Woof?" The boy smiled slightly his golden eyes friendly and warm. I wagged my tail in delight, glad to see him happy. Perhaps this kid's bark wasn't nearly as bad as his bite.
"So, pup," he said, walking toward me. I sat down watching him as he kneeled in front of me. "How do you feel?"
"Alright, I guess. I am really thirsty!" My tongue flopped out involuntary.
He laughed. "Well, well take care of that soon enough." He reached out his hand to stroke my ear. His expression became slightly more serious. "Have you learned to stay out of the street, now?"
I flattened my ears in embarrassment. "It was the stupid squirrel's fault," I murmured.
He laughed again, quieter this time. "Right, the squirrel. Well, you'll get your revenge soon enough, I suppose." He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me into his stone-hard arms. We headed out of the room into one with a crackling fire burning in the fireplace.
I trembled, remembering the burning sensation that had lasted an eternity. His icy fingers rubbed my neck. "Dont worry," he whispered. "It's all over now." He sat down on the leather sofa, placing me on his lap as he leaned back onto the armrest.
I turned to face him. "Why?"
"Why what?" he asked, peeking down at me.
"Why did you bite me? And why did I catch on fire? And"
He cut me off chuckling. "Well, we couldnt just let you die there, could we? And weve always wanted a pet. But with our diet, it's a little hard to keep one without them beingwell, like us." I ****ed my head in confusion. "You really dont know what you've become, do you?"
I looked down, pondering what he meant. A reflective surface caught my eye. Staring back at me was a pale-blond dog. Her eyes were pitch black, blood red tinted the edges. I gasped as I realized that the dog was me. I whipped my head toward him, my eyes pleading. He matched my expression, and reached out to stroke my ear.
"W-whats wrong with m-me?" I whimpered.
His eyes never wavered from mine as he answered. "You're like us. V-vampires." He struggled to force the word out. He closed his eyes in despair. Oddly, I felt the overpowering urge to comfort him. Seeing him tortured like this made my stilled heart ache.
I reached up to lick his cold face. "It's alright," I whispered. "I think I'll learn to like it." He opened his eyes, a crooked smile stretched across his face. I returned it with a few more comforting licks.
He looked out the window, stroking my fur lightly. "Look," he whispered. I perked my ears to try and locate what he was referring to. "It's Twilight." His voice was peaceful.
"Thats my name," I whispered.
He looked down at me warmly. "Yes, its very fitting." He pulled me closer and I snuggled against him closing my eyes with no traces of tiredness. My even breathing matched up with his. My Edward. My best friend.
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Chapter 2: The Hunt
The stars were just coming out. 9:04 pm. We had been sitting there for more than two hours, silently. Of course, that didnt mean we werent talking.
This is weird, his voice sounded in my head.
Why? Never talked to a dog before? I eyed the bronze-haired vampire mischievously.
He chuckled quietly. Well, yes there's that. But I'm not used to others to be able to hear my thoughts.
Well, we can't let only you have all the fun. How is that at all fair?
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Well, I guess thats not fair at all, is it?
Suddenly, a blond-headed girl glided into the room. Her skin was just as pale as Edward's, and her eyes were pitch black. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw me. "What is that?" she hissed.
I flattened my ears at her tone. Apparently not all of Edwards family was as nice as him. But when I looked up, a wide grin was stretched across his marble face. "It's a dog, Rose. What does it look like?" I wagged my tail gratefully, and then flickered my eyes toward her furious gaze.
The blonde opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a high, soprano-like, call. "Edward! Are you ready? Jasper and Emmett are going crazy they're so thirsty." A small woman with black hair danced into the room. Her eyes, although as black as the blondes, were warm and friendly. She immediately noticed me and let out a high pitched squeal. "Is this her?" she cried, her voice even higher from excitement.
Edward nodded, smiling. "Her name's Twilight," he explained. Thats Alice. The other one's named Rosalie.
I wagged my tail to acknowledge that I had heard him. "Hello, Alice," I barked, licking her outstretched hand in greeting.
Alice let out another squeal of delight. "She talks!" Rosalie murmured something unintelligible, though it sounded something like, "Oh great" Edward had obviously heard her to because as soon as the words left her lips, he let out a soft warning growl.
I turned back to Alice. "You said you were going somewhere?" I recalled, ****ing my head.
"Yes," Edward answered his eyes still on Rose. "We're going hunting."
Hunting? The thought made my heart flutteror at least it would have fluttered if it were still beating. Every dog in existence loved the ordeals of hunting. Just as I had the day Edward found me.
I shuddered at the thought, remembering the blinding light of my attackers eyes, the jeering it yowled at me as I laid there helpless. My rescuer had obviously heard my thoughts because he patted my back and scooped me up and onto the couch.
"C'mon," he urged, standing up. "You said you were thirsty, so lets go take care of that, shall we?" I bounded off the couch, my tail causing great gusts of air with each wag. Edward chuckled and Alice squealed, yet again, as I raced past her to the door. The three vampires followed swiftly behind me. I hadn't realized, but within seconds, I had traveled across the large house.
What the...? How had I gotten here so fast?
It's one of the perks, Edward's velvet voice said. You become extremely fast! Great isnt it? I nodded in agreement, as they came strolling into the room. I waited impatiently as Edward walked to the door; spinning, whining, the whole shebang.
Standing outside, were four others. A tall, blond-haired man; a big, muscular, curly-haired man; a small, heart-shaped faced woman; and a muscular, blond-haired man.
"Well," said the older man with blonde hair. "Welcome back, little one." He patted my head gently. "I'll bet youre thirsty." I just wagged my tail. "Everyone ready?" he asked, looking up at the rest. Without waiting for an answer, he picked himself up and sprinted ahead.
The rest followed him. Come on, Edward called silently. I raced after him, following his distinct scent. The forest shot passed, I was half afraid I would hit a tree, but as I swerved, the foliage seemed to jump out of the way. I howled in delight. The soft grass lightly whipping my paws as I ran effortlessly. Before long, I was running side by side with the other vampires; Edward a few feet ahead of the rest. I quickened my pace slightly to pass him. I smirked, entertained by the shock on his face. It was quickly replaced by an expression of determination and delight. He pushed his legs faster, slowly gaining more speed, but I easily stayed ahead of him.
Finally, Edwards voice spoke in my head. We're here. I skidded to a stop, Edward close on my heels. We waited another minute for the others to arrive.
Holy crap! cried the dark haired man. His eyes were wide and excited.
"Emmett!" scolded the caramel haired woman. "Watch your language!"
"Sorry Esme. But did you see how fast she was?" His surprised gaze warmed my pelt. "She's even faster than Edward!" I puffed out my chest with pride, peeking up at Edward mockingly.
He grimaced. "Alright, as much as I'd love to hang around here pointing out what the dog can do better than me, I smell mountain lions nearby, and I'd like to catch me some, if you don't mind." He winked playfully at me and headed toward the mountain. I padded after him, my tail raised high.
At the edge of the slope, a tempting scent caught my attention. Nearby, perched on an overhanging ledge, was the biggest cat I had ever seen. Its eyes closed; obviously fast asleep, I thought with delight. I dropped into a crouch, my hindquarters swaying side to side. Slowly and quietly, I crept up the slope. The feline was still resting peacefully. I leapt silently onto the rock above my prey. My muscles tensed, preparing for the pounce. The cat's pulse was clear in my ears. The delicious smell of its blood lingered in my nostrils. The cat would never expect my attack. My tail swished back and forth. My mouth salivating with venom. Suddenly, there was a cracking of a twig. Mouse. The feline's eyes shot open, acknowledging my presence. It prepared to spring in escape, but I was quicker.
I pounced onto of the mighty creature, and sunk my fangs into its neck. My prey let out a cry of horror. The warm liquid began to spill out of its neck. Licking my lips, I pressed my muzzle to the wound, drinking in the delicious fluid. I felt my thirst begin to ebb, my strength building up. This is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted, I thought to myself, wondering how I had ever lived on solid food alone.
I heard Edward chuckle inside my mind. Good catch! he complemented. Maybe you can help me bag one.
I snorted. Fat chance. You're on your own buster! I giggled jokingly and quickly finished the remains of my meal. Once I was done, I raced off in pursuit of my master.
Thankies Dusky!! *hugs*
