“My name…is Vincent.”

“Vincent?” Bella asked. She wasn't sure why, especially since the vampires she had known had normal names, but she expected something extravagant. Something she couldn't pronounce, like Tenzie's full name.

The vampire nodded and whimpered again, pressing himself closer to the tree as she walked nearer to him. Bella smiled soothingly, or what she hoped was soothingly, and held out a hand for the nocturnal creature. He looked at the offered appendage nervously, his eyes darting up to her and then to the werewolf behind her.

“Come on,” Bella urged gently, “come with us. We won't hurt you, we just want to learn more about you.”

Vincent closed his eyes tightly, and shook his head furiously. He covered his face with his arms, and flinched when he smelt Bella getting closer. She had a nice scent, he could admit, but he had enough history with humans and he didn't trust them any more than a mouse did a snake.

“Shh, it's okay,” Bella whispered. Thinking back to what her mother used to do when she was scared, Bella began humming a soft tune and stroking his exposed hair. A grin spread across her pale face when she noticed his tense shoulders relaxing, and slowly Vincent lowered his arms.

“We won't hurt you,” she repeated softly. And, much to her surprise, Vincent seemed to believe her this time. His red eyes still glowed with nervousness and uncertainty, but he willingly stood when she pulled on his hand. He followed her over to Tenzie, whom glared at him for a minute before snorting and bowing his head.

Bella rolled her eyes at the display. Tenzie was quiet, but he was also protective. She patted his furry head a few times before climbing up, and holding out her hand to allow the vampire to climb up as well. She knew he could easily run to the monastery, but she wasn't sure she trusted him to not turn in the opposite direction when he had the chance.

Vincent looked like he would protest for a second, but as soon as the expression came it went, leaving Bella to wonder if it had been there at all. He took her hand, the coldness of his skin reminding her strongly of Edward and sending chills down Bella's spine. This wasn't her beloved Edward, nor was this one of the Cullens. This vampire, judging by his eyes, still ate humans and wasn't averse to killing.