Chapter 23

Bella

It was the week of my birthday and to say I was nervous was an understatement. I was having trouble eating, and focusing at school but Rosalie was helping me so I wasn't falling behind. They were becoming concerned about my eating habits.

Two more days until my birthday.

I woke up and did my normal morning routine but I could feel that something was not right. I had breakfast with Charlie. Jane and Alec spent the night at the Cullen's. So I was driving alone to school. My mustang was a write-off so I had to buy a new car. A 1965 ford mustang fastback, was not my favourite type but it still looked great. Black with gold on the bonnet.

I walked into the schoolyard and greeted Rose with a kiss, Jay and Em with a fist bump Alice, Jane and Alec with a hug. Edward with a simple nod of the head.

I walked Rose to class and then my day began. It was like any other day except today Jay and I had a prank that used his superior speed against the humans. He would place a tack on the teacher's seat moments before they sat. It was hilarious and just what I needed to get my mind off what was happening.

With Emmett, we deflated all the balls and disassembled all the gym equipment so that we would be forced to play dodgeball. The sport always brought out a side of people that was interesting to watch. I was just glad we didn't get caught.

By the time school let out I had stopped being nervous and was excited about something Alice had planned. Apparently, it would be fun as she had been bouncing around all day. Something about the perfect storm.

We drove to the Cullen's and they explained to me that they played baseball during a thunderstorm because it covered for them. Makes sense I guess and we had more people. Mom would be watching but father was interested in playing.

We got dressed and Rose ran with me in her arms to the place where they normally play. It was a large empty field perfect for amateur baseball. 'America's favourite sport'.

I was a referee ' I have no current supernatural abilities and yet I'm a referee for a supernatural sport. Makes perfect sense'

"I'll keep an eye on them so they don't cheat," said Esme

One team consisted of Alec, Kate, Tanya, Edward, Father and Jasper.

The other Emmett, Irina, Jane, Alice, Carlisle, and Rosalie.

Father's team was first to field as a result of a coin toss between Father and Carlisle.

Rosalie was first out. She was not happy with that but after two home runs, things were looking up.

Then Alice had a vision.

"Stop," Alice said.

"We have company, three vampires and it's too late to get Bella far away"

They put me at the back with my father and Carlisle in the front. Rosalie tried to hide me with her scent.

Out walked three vampires with red eyes and immediately I recognised them.

It was Victoria and her coven. She was originally from Heidi's old coven before it was wiped out. They were the only two remainings I had yet to meet the other two but I knew Victoria but the look in her eyes told me she didn't recognise me for some reason.

She was under a vampire's ability. I missed the whole interaction but the next thing I knew we were headed home and a plan was being made to keep me safe from the blond one whose name I later learnt was James.

He was a hunter which left the other one. With the dreads. He was affecting Victoria. And Victoria was also Kates's mate.

I slept over at the Cullen's I had a very nice dinner curtsey of mother and Esme. Homework was done and I was in bed by 10 pm.

I was woken up by intense pain. It was everywhere. My whole body hurt and someone was screaming. It took me a while to realise that someone was me. Someone was talking to me but the only voice I could hear was the one inside my head telling me

"It's time. The seal has finally broken I am finally free and we shall be one. My time for awaking has come your true birthday has arrived young one."

Rosalie

Once I got Bella in my arms I noticed the vampire's eyes. Red. Bella looked at one of the vampires with recognition but it wasn't returned. They asked to join but we declined then James said

" I see you brought a snack"

This caused everyone to growl at him, me louder than the rest. He would not harm my mate and my vampire agreed.

Once they left Edward told us that James was a hunter and he would not give up on his prey. He would hunt Bella and the fact that we were so protective only spurned him more.

We took Bella home and then only did she snap out of her stupor. Emmett and Jasper we on patrol. Kate was setting a fake trail for them to follow while we kept Bella safe in the house.

I was downstairs with the rest of my family discussing how to keep Bella safe. Caius wanted to call the Volturi guard and I agreed with him. Anything to keep Bella safe. James didn't seem to recognise the King of Vampire and for now, it was a boon.

We heard a scream come from upstairs and I knew it was Bella. I flitted so fast I could have been faster than Edward. She was writhing and screaming. Scratching at her body. I grabbed her hands but the strength she had taken all my might just to subdue her. I tried to calm her down but nothing I said got through to her. And suddenly she stopped

Her body started changing. Her normally pale skin started to take on a grey tint her hair darkened to black.

I smelt blood I turned her over and saw she was bleeding from her back. Esme helped me take off her top and we saw black feathers trying to come out of her back through two deep gouges on her back.

Wings.

"Her transformation has begun," said Carlisle from the door.