The Better Swan (J. Black)

Running into the Lion's Den

I still sat on the examining table, processing everything. I am adopted. I am not human. Vampires are a thing.

What's next, mutant ninja turtles, spongebob, and werewolves exist? Everyone singing "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" Guess who? Not flipping Spongebob because he might just be alive!

"Ella, are you alright?" I look up with tired eyes and look at him. "No, not really." I say quietly. He nods.

"If you want, you can come to our family home. You can learn everything." I nod, not really thinking or feeling anything.

I stare into space and I can't help the sudden feeling that I was betrayed. My own father has been lying to me about who I was. I don't even want to go home. Instead, I am willing to walk into a home filled vampires.

I can feel Dr. Cullen leading me out of the hospital, but I am to lost in my mind to acknowledge it. "Dr. Cullen?" I suddenly ask and realize that I am already in his car and that he is driving.

"Please, call me Carlisle." I take that as a note to continue and I speak up, "Does your family already know?" I want to prepare myself, because I was beginning to see Rosalie as a friend. Now, I'm not sure that is wise.

"Yes, they know about you. You are in no danger with us Ella. You don't have to be frightened. There are a few things you should now before you meet them." I nod. I am not surprised at this point of whatever he is going to tell me. What is worse than learning you are not who you thought were, that deep down you always knew you didn't belong and you find out that is true, to feel lied to?

"Some vampires when turned are gifted, or have a special ability. My son, Edward, can read minds. My daughter, Alice, can see the future. My other son, Jasper, can manipulate and feel other's emotions." I was actually awed at that, yet terrified. Maybe I am not that big of a freak then I thought.

Then again, they can use their powers to their advantage. A shiver went down my spine at that. 

"Wait. Do others have amber eyes? I have read a few books and they describe red eyes more than anything." He smiles, I guess he noticed that he got my mind racing. "Some that share our diet do. The ones who drink human blood have red eyes. Those are the ones you have to stay from. They are not to be trusted and are very dangerous, especially if they are newborns."

"Newborns?" I ponder.

"Yes. They are newly turned vampires. They are stronger than any other vampire because it is their blood lust that drives them."

Newborns? I believe Billy has mentioned something like that before. How would Billy know so much about a world full of secrets? Is Billy a supernatural as well?

The stories Billy share with me all flash through my mind and I piece it together. "Bill is a werewolf." I whisper. Carlisle looks at me in shock. Guess that is something I wasn't supposed to know yet.

"How do you figure?" I stare at him in seriousness. "If the stories about vampires and about what I am are real then that means the werewolf one is real. That is why he despises you, isn't it?" He smiles in astonishment. "Ella, you would have to confirm that with Billy. It is, after all, his secret." He winks at me and I smirk as we pull up to a beautiful house.

My smirk drops as does my mouth and I stare shocked at the beauty. Honestly, this is what I pictured them living in. 

They look like a very fancy family, though I was picturing more of a castle than anything. Suddenly my throat closed up. I could smell a strong sweet smell and it kind of smelled like death and expensive perfume mixed together.