Angels and Monsters

Chapter Two

New story...I'm just teeming with ideas. LOL. Anyhow, I'm just going with this story off the cuff to see where it goes in the first chapter. If it's good, I'll continue it. If not, we'll have to see. I'm delving back into the realm of vampires. But, Bella's the vamp this time. Without further ado...

Chapter Two

The day after I met Emmett and Edward, I paced around my condo. I think I almost put marks into my hardwood floors. My downstairs neighbors must adore me, pacing at all hours of the night. Fabulous. However, I was worried about Edward and Emmett. Probably more than I should be. As we were leaving the club, I could hear Victoria's mental screams of how she will get these two guys.

In some way.

I couldn't let that happen. I had to protect them. I needed to shield them from the evil that was emanating from Victoria. The visions that filled my head from her were violent, cruel and sadistic. These men were inherently good and should not be punished for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Victoria's thoughts, though, focused mainly on Edward. She wanted him. Once she saw him leave with me, Victoria's mind reeled and she was convinced he was her 'mate.'

I internally scoffed at her insistence that Edward was hers. He wasn't anybody's. Up until a few weeks ago, he was engaged to Tanya. Even then, he didn't belong to her. Based off his conversation with Emmett, the engagement was one of necessity. She was 'pregnant.' Right. And I have a beating heart.

Anyhow, I paced most of the day until my cell phone shrilled from the never used kitchen counter. I ran toward it and saw that it was Edward calling me. I squealed like a stupid, hormonal teenage girl before picking up the call. "Hello?"

"Um, hi. Is this Bella?" Edward asked shakily.

"Yes, it is," I smiled. For the first time today, I calmed down and was able to relax on my couch. "How are you doing, Edward?"

"I'm good. Taking a break," he chuckled. "I'm putting my townhouse on the market. I've spent most of the morning scouring every available surface with bleach and disinfectant."

"You're moving?" I asked, frowning slightly.

"Just into the city. I'm moving into a condo in Trump Tower. I've owned it for a few years but never really lived there," Edward explained. "I had a particularly nasty break up and I need to be rid of this place which reminded me of her. You know?"

Not really. "Yeah. That must suck," I sympathized. I'd never been in a relationship as a vampire. I don't remember my human life and I couldn't tell you if I was in a relationship then. "When are you going to move?"

"Probably by the end of the month," Edward explained.

"If you need any help, Edward," I offered, biting my lip. "I'm more than willing."

"Thank you, Bella. I appreciate it. Anyhow, I'm going out on a limb right now. I'm actually quite nervous since it's been nearly two and half years since I've had to do this, but, are you free tonight?"

"Yes, I'm available," I answered, a wide grin spreading over my face. "Why? Are you asking me out?"

"If you're going to say yes," Edward joked.

"Hmmm, let me think," I teased, tapping my lips. "I'd love to go out with you, Edward. What's the plan?"

"I was thinking about a picnic in Millennium Park while the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays Mozart's Jupiter Symphony," Edward said quietly.

"That sounds heavenly," I breathed. It did. An evening with Edward. Yes, it would be a challenge since all I wanted to do was suck him dry but there was something more about him that just drew me in. Like a magnet. "Do you want to meet there or pick me up?"