Time meant nothing right now. I don't know how long had passed since I first got bit. At least a day, maybe more. At least I hoped it was more than a day.

Tanya and Jasper stayed with me the entire time. Even if I couldn't see them, I could feel them both. Jasper did what he could to take away the pain. I wish I could tell him to stop. He was causing himself so much pain in the process. Same with Tanya. The human blood helped with her thirst but being here with me while I was in pain was causing her pain.

Any time someone came into the room they spoke in normal, human tones. I wasn't sure if it was for my benefit, or out of habit, but I appreciated it all the same.

"How did it go?" Tanya. Someone must have walked into the room.

"Charlie will buy it." That was Alice. They must be talking about my 'death'. "I can't see much else because of the wolves but Charlie will buy the accident. He'll be devasted, of course, but I see him living many more years."

"Good. I want Bella's father well taken care of," Tanya said. "The funeral?"

"Will be paid for, anonymously," Alice confirmed. "He'll be confused but there will be no issues. It's really the best we could hope for given the circumstances."

"What about the house?" Tanya questioned.

"Peter and Charlotte are taking care of that," Jasper assured her. He gritted his teeth as I screamed. It took time, a full minute perhaps more, for him calm down. "A house in Alaska, miles away from any humans. I know Bella doesn't want to go to Alaska but this is the safest place for a newborn."

I wanted to tell him that I would be fine with Alaska. That as long as I was with Tanya, and not able to hurt anyone, I would be happy.

"They'll also need to get ahold of some blood," Alice reminded Jasper. "By the time we are done here we'll be out."

"Darlin', Peter and Charlotte have dealt with newborns before," Jasper pointed out. "They know what they're doing."

"I know. I'm just…"

"Worried about Bella," Jasper finished. "I know Alice. She'll be okay. She's handling this better than most people when they're turned."

"Most people don't have you when they're turned," Alice said. Her voice was right beside me.

Jasper tightened his grip on my hand. "It's okay Bella," he whispered. Most of the pain disappeared. I could still feel my skin burning but at the same time I could think clearly. I just couldn't speak, or open my eyes.

"I'm here Bella. I'm right here," Tanya whispered kissing my cheek.

It hurt knowing I would never see my dad again but this was for the best. Ever since I moved to Forks, I had done nothing but lie to him. It was better this way. He would get more peace now than he ever did when I was alive.

"When does Charlie learn about Bella's death?" Tanya asked

"Sam is going to come to the house tomorrow after his trip and tell him," Alice answered. There was no way she saw that. She couldn't see the wolves.

"How—" Tanya started and then stopped. "Never mind. You can't see that."

"He'll be okay," Alice said in an attempt to assure her. Tanya must not be convinced. "I can't see everything but I do see that."

Good. I'm glad Charlie was going to be okay. I was worried about that. I wasn't sure why this was being brought up but I was sure at least part of it was for my benefit. Then again, since I was Tanya's mate, she would care about my father's wellbeing.

Someone had said something but I couldn't hear it as I screamed again. I could feel Jasper tense up beside me. I was making it harder on him.

"Don't feel guilty Bella," Jasper said. I felt him relax slightly. "I knew what I was getting into and I'll be fine. Thanks Alice."

I heard a crunching sound. It was strange since Jasper didn't eat or drink anything. Then it hit me, mid scream. It was a blood bag. Alice must have brought it for him.

"I don't want it Alice," Tanya said tightening her grip on my hand. She was upset because I was in pain.

"T-t-ta-take it," I gritted out. I refused to let her suffer because of me.

Tanya shifted her position so she had an empty hand. "Thanks Alice," I heard her say. The familiar crunching was heard and I knew the blood bag was empty. She pulled my head against her chest. "It'll be over soon," she whispered to me.

I wish she had explained exactly what soon meant. Was it one day, a few hours, or days? I didn't know. Maybe it was a good thing I didn't know. I don't know if I could handle burning for longer than a day. At least if I wasn't aware of time, I could pretend I wasn't burning for so long.

Sometime later there was a knock at the door. It was completely unnecessary. Jasper and Tanya were aware of everyone that came in and out of the house. "How is she?" Sam asked.

I wondered if the wolves were going to come by the house. I assumed no. With me so vulnerable I doubted Tanya would be willing to let many people near me.

"She's doing better than most," Jasper answered for Tanya. "I'm taking away most of her pain. Normally when someone changes there's a lot more screaming and thrashing around involved."

"The eyes," Sam started. He must have seen Tanya and Jasper have red eyes.

"Blood bags," Tanya told him. "Alice has been providing us with blood bags. Jasper is using a lot of energy to keep Bella calm and I refuse to leave her side. The only thing keeping us going is human blood."

"No one was hurt?" Sam wanted to know. It seemed more like he had to ask.

"No one was hurt," Jasper promised.

"Good," Sam said. "The bodies have been disposed of. Bella's accident has been staged. The others… they're not thrilled about this. Jacob even went to the council."

I could feel both vampires tensing against me. "What did they say?" Tanya asked stiffly. It sounded like they were preparing for another fight.

"I sat with them. While they're not happy they understand. I explained that Bella was already bit," Sam continued. "You biting her simply sped up the process. I explained you're not a Cullen and not bound by the treaty. I also explained that you're my… friend."

I wish I was actually awake for that. I wanted to see Tanya's face at his declaration. Never before had a wolf announced friendship with a vampire. It was a shame we had to leave Forks now.

"Thank you, Sam," Tanya said. If his words affected her in any way it didn't show. "How are the wolves? Did any of them get hurt?"

"Paul and Embry have some broken ribs," Sam told him. "Jared had a broken arm. Jared is healed already and Paul and Embry are almost healed. Nothing permanent."

"Good, I'm glad they're okay," Tanya said.

"When do you leave?" Sam asked.

"When she wakes up," Tanya answered. I swear she was doing this on purpose. "Possibly tomorrow. We don't know for sure. Alice can't see it yet."

"Good luck Tanya," Sam said. "I hope everything goes well for you and Bella."

"Thank you, Sam, for everything," Tanya said, stroking my hair. "I know it's a lot ask but can you watch over Charlie for Bella?"

"Of course, Tanya," Sam said. "We will take care of him. I promise. I should go. I have to run some errands in town."

"Good luck Sam," Tanya said.

Sam must have left since I didn't hear any other talking. No one else came into the room to talk to Tanya or Jasper. Without the distraction of other people, the pain became worse, even with Jasper's efforts.

Time had passed but I wasn't sure how much. All I knew was the pain was getting worse. My limbs felt better. I could actually move them now. It seemed all pain, the fire racing through my veins, was moving toward my heart. Did that mean this was almost over? All that was left was to stop my heart?

"It's almost over Bella," Tanya promised. "It's almost over."

Something cold and wet was placed on my forehead. "It's just Tanya's hand," Jasper said, feeling my panic. "You're sweating a lot. We're just trying to keep you cool."

I relaxed slightly as Tanya moved her hand over my face. I sighed. Her touch was comforting. I wasn't sure it was the cool skin or the mating bond that made her so comfortable right now.

The more time that passed the more painful my chest was becoming. The fire that spread across my body was now localized in my heart and it more painful than anything I've ever experienced. I couldn't stop the screams that came out.

Normally I could hold back some screams, because I didn't want Tanya to suffer because of me. But now, now there was nothing I could do. I wish there was a way to save Tanya from this pain. Just because I had to suffer didn't mean she needed to as well. But I knew she would leave me. After all this time I was finally confident she would never abandon me, no matter how much she suffered in the process.

I clawed at my chest as the pain grew more and more intense. I begged for them to kill me, to end this pain. I couldn't handle the fire in my chest. Hands were clamped around by wrists, keeping me from doing any damage.

"Jasper, do something," Tanya hissed. It was her hands on my wrists. I couldn't see it but I could tell.

"I'm trying," Jasper snarled. He was holding my legs as I thrashed around on the bed. "She's nearing the end of the change. You can hear it. The venom is in her heart. I don't think I can do anything to help."

Tanya growled in frustration. "It's almost over Bella," she whispered. "You're so close."

I wasn't sure how long I thrashed around on the bed. I didn't feel tired. I could be here for hours and not notice. The pain became more and more intense. I felt like my heart was going to explode. In a way it did. Just when I thought the pain couldn't get any worse it was suddenly gone.

I felt nothing. No pain, no fire, nothing. I could move but I chose not to. The change was over. I was officially a vampire. I could hear everything around me. Not that there was much to hear. Neither Jasper, nor Tanya, were breathing beside me. They let go of me and waited.

I could hear movement downstairs; in the kitchen I think it was. I heard something open, a cabinet or the fridge I couldn't tell. Probably the fridge. I imagine that's where they would store the blood.

"Bella," Tanya called softly.

I tensed up. My muscles locked into place and I was a statue. The sound was so familiar, yet so foreign.

"Bella, love," Tanya said again. "It's okay. Open your eyes."

It took only seconds to process her words, to process her voice. It was Tanya, my mate. The pull she mentioned was there but not as strong seeing as I had yet to open my eyes and see her.

"Come on Bella," Tanya said.

"Give her a minute," Jasper said. "She's confused."

Another voice, a male, Jasper. My friend, my brother. He was always there to protect me, other than that one day that we don't talk about anymore.

I took several unnecessary breaths. This was it. The moment of truth. The moment I opened my eyes my new life began. Was I ready? It didn't really matter. This was the beginning.

I opened my eyes and stared into the red eyes of my mate, Tanya.