In Another Life: Book Two - Taming the Beast

Chapter Eight: Lies We Tell Ourselves, Lies We Tell Each Other

*Content Warning: Discussion of Non-Consensual Sexual Acts, Discussion of Torture*

The Swan House - February 6th

"So what now?" Rosalie asked with a small shrug.

"I'm honestly not sure, this is all new to me too." Isabella said with a shrug of her own. "I think we need to figure out what to do about the logistics of our situation, and whether we want to bother rebuilding my house."

"I never got a chance to see it, Alice mentioned it was beautiful." Rosalie was trying to imagine what Alice had described and couldn't quite picture it.

"It was, and a part of me wants it back. But it was also never really mine, it belonged to the Volturi." Isabella looked in the direction of the Waterfall house wanting to go and survey the damage, but stopped the impulse.

"We could inquire about purchasing the land using one of our subsidiaries, that way it would be out of their name, although who knows when the township will let us build there again." Rosalie said using her knowledge of real estate, but given the explosion there was no way to know how long the police would keep it designated a crime-scene. "Plus it's not like we actually need the bedrooms, and the Swan house is plenty big."

Isabella nodded thoughtfully, "that might change, whatever I am, I don't need to sleep but it feels good sometimes to just shut your eyes. The same with human food, when you smell something wonderful, you'll be able to experience the taste with enhanced senses."

"I guess we should talk about that part of this whole thing. Are you comfortable turning me? I would understand any hesitation, we've barely reconciled." Rosalie tried to impart a sense of calm and patience, and Isabella seemed to take it well.

"True, but I feel like I can trust you, Esme and Emmett." Isabella paused, letting that sink in with Rosalie who smiled brightly back at her. "That being said, I'm not sure about Jasper, and I don't know Adara."

"Jasper is Jasper, he is as he's always been for what it's worth. I trust him, but I agree there is something about what he said about his past that bothers me. However, Adara is lovely, I know you'll like her if you give her a chance." Isabella gave her a slight nod in understanding, and then stopped to lean against a large tree.

"Good to know." Isabella looked at Rosalie for a few seconds as if deciding on what to say next. "I haven't explicitly said this to Alice, but I have chosen her, and from her actions I know she has chosen me. I think I can say we are together now, and while I hope that doesn't cause you any problems, I honestly don't really care."

"It doesn't, in fact it makes me so happy for both of you. I know you both have things to work through, but I'll be there and I know Esme will be there for whatever you need." Rosalie's sincerity gave Isabella a bit more confidence in her decision to make her the coven second. This was not the same woman who argued with Carlisle against protecting her when James started his hunt.

"Heh, it's weird to hear. A couple of weeks ago I would've killed you on sight, and very nearly did. Anyway, I have no idea how long this transformation will take on a normal healthy vampire, so if you wouldn't mind let's get started. We'll have plenty of time afterwards. Also, I need to have a talk with Alice soon, and I think it is best not to dawdle." Isabella pushed off from the tree truck and started walking back towards the house. They walked in silence until they got to the living room and sat down on one of the couches.

Rosalie turned and nodded to Isabella, took a calming breath, and then held out her wrist. Isabella smirked, and took it gently, then quickly bit down and injected some of her venom. The reaction was almost instantaneous as Rosalie flew back against the backrest of the couch and her eyes rolled up towards the back of her head. Her breath caught in a scream as her body went limp and unconsciousness followed.