Angels and Monsters

Chapter Four

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 Four

I walked out of Edward's bathroom and saw him putting dinner on the table. I could play the upset stomach card and try and get out of eating his food. But that would be rude. I just pray that there is no cream cheese. I may hurl.

"Everything okay, angel?" Edward asked as he saw me in the hallway.

"I'm good," I smiled. "What's for dinner?"

"Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans," he replied. "Based on your reaction with the cream cheese this morning, it seemed like a safe bet. It's my mom's secret recipe."

"I'm certain that it's delicious," I said as I sat down in the chair that Edward pulled out for me. He sat down next to me and served me with chicken, a small serving of mashed potatoes and green beans. I picked up the knife and fork and cut into the chicken. I kept my face impassive as I put the chicken into my mouth. Ugh. Tastes like greasy ash.

"How is it?" Edward asked.

"Very good. Tender," I answered, popping in another bite. This is not going to be pleasant to regurgitate.

"Bella, didn't you say that there was something that you needed to tell me?" Edward asked as he shoveled down his dinner.

"It's not important," I said.

"You're not sick, are you? You're so pale and skin is so cold," he frowned.

"It's a circulation disorder. I'm fine," I said as I patted his arm. "I've had it all my life but I've got it under control. I'm not going anywhere any time soon."

"Okay, good," he sighed. "I've had too many people in my life...shit, never mind."

"What?"

"Too many people in my life have been taken from me and I don't want to lose someone else that I lo...care for," he said, blushing deeply. Moron! You almost said that you loved her! You've known her for two days, Masen. Can you be more an idiot? I bit my lip to not laugh at his inner-musings. He blushed a deeper crimson, filling my nose with his scent. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists underneath the table. To distract myself from his delectable scent, I forced some of mashed potatoes and green beans down my throat. They tasted worse than the damn chicken. Healthy ash. Blech.

"Edward, I may be pale and cold, but I'm perfectly healthy. Very strong immune system. It's been years since I've been sick," I said. Approximately fifty years. "You're stuck with me as long as you'll have me."

How about forever? "Good," Edward said with a relieved crooked grin. "Are you done?"

"I am," I said as I handed him my plate that was nearly empty. "It was wonderful, Edward. You're a talented cook."

"I'm okay. I can read a recipe," he chuckled. "Ask me to make something up? It ain't happening. Do you want some coffee?"

"No, I'm fine," I answered. "I'm going to use the restroom, okay?"

He nodded and he carried our plates to the sink. I scuttled to the bathroom and removed my contact lenses. I blinked a few times, enjoying the moments where my vision was not blocked. However, when I saw my reflection, I scowled. I hated my red eyes. I hated what I was. Even though I killed evil men and women, I still killed. "There's got to be a different way." Shaking my head, I popped in my contact lenses and made a mental note to research alternative diets for vampires when I got home.