Reborn in Twilight

10. Chapter:

I could see Carlisle was upset with my choice of killing the nomads, but like me, he had a more pressing question to ask. What did James mean by "pet" again?

I remember Mom and Dad telling me during their last visit that not everything in this universe is exactly as the stories go. There are always a few changes, subtle or significant. But I didn't think it would be something huge like this. The idea that James referred to someone Edward knew as a "pet" unsettled me. It implied a level of possession and control that was disturbing, even for a vampire like him.

On our way to the house, I used telepathy to explain to Rosalie why I was confused and why I killed James and Victoria. They were only going to cause trouble, and eliminating them seemed like the best course of action.

Once we entered the house, I immediately sought out Edward, grabbing him by the shoulder to prevent him from slipping away. "So, Edweirdo, I know why I killed them," I began, my voice firm and resolute. "And once I explain, everyone should understand. But what I don’t think anyone here knows is what James meant by 'another pet.' I wasn’t aware you had another human, and I’m even less aware of the fact you knew these nomads."

Edward’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise quickly masked by his usual composed demeanor. The room grew silent as everyone turned their attention to us, sensing the gravity of the situation. I could see the questions forming in their minds, the same questions that had been plaguing me since James’s cryptic remark.

Rosalie stepped closer, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “What’s going on, Edward?” she asked, her voice tinged with an edge of impatience. “Who is this other pet James was talking about?”

Edward tried to struggle. "Carlisle, tell her to let me go," he pleaded, but Carlisle just shook his head and looked at me.

"Edward, you know I can't stop her, and I also want the truth," Carlisle said, his voice firm yet gentle.

"And before you think of lying, Edward," I added, tightening my grip slightly to emphasize my point, "I already went through your mind and know the truth. But they deserve to know it as well." My tone left no room for doubt or evasion; he needed to come clean.

Edward's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and resignation. He knew there was no escaping this. The room remained tense, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone.

"Fine," Edward muttered, finally relenting. "I'll tell you everything."

Edward's voice carried a somber tone as he began to recount a painful chapter from his past. "A few years ago, when we had a fight and separated, I met James and Victoria. They were different, and for a while, I found some semblance of solace in their company. It was a tumultuous period, and I abandoned my usual restraint and discipline. I went off the diet, succumbing to my baser instincts and desires."

He paused, a shadow crossing his face as he continued. "During that time, I met a human woman. There was something unique about her, something that intrigued me deeply. Her mind was a mystery to me, an enigma that I couldn't decipher. For the first time in a long while, I thought I had found my mate, someone who could understand me in a way no one else could. I let my guard down and allowed myself to hope.

But that hope was short-lived," Edward's voice broke slightly, filled with regret. "One night, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions and the chaos within me, I lost control. I killed her. The memory of that night haunts me, a constant reminder of the darkness I carry inside. It's something I will never forgive myself for, and it has shaped the person I am today."

"That is the very simplified version. It was actually a lot worse. I mean, he didn't just kill her; he made it a game of catch and release. He would bite her and suck out the venom multiple times. And let's not even start on how he forced himself on her multiple times when she couldn't fight him off," I told the Cullens, my voice shaking with the weight of the horrific details.