AN: Time keeps blurring by and I cannot believe it is already about to be summer! Thank you to all the readers and followers. Your reviews and messages about the Choice Series have really been appreciated. I plan on posting another story quite soon to follow this one, so if you do not already follow my author's profile, this is the time to start. Here is the next story and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

Zach smiled over at Allie as they drove down the coast to their secret spot at Cape Flattery. The temperature outside was warm for mid-March and the couple decided to take advantage of the weather. The sun had not made an appearance all day, but Alice assured Zach that would change for a couple of hours later on. He chuckled as he watched his mate sing along to the music blaring from his stereo and dance in her seat.

"Someone is in a good mood," he teased and she sighed happily.

"When was the last time we got to come up here? Between the rain and then the snow and then the rain again, we haven't had a chance."

"It does seem like it has been a while, probably because this is one of the only places we can go to be completely alone."

"Which is yet another reason why I love it," she giggled as they parked in their usual spot by the trail. Allie sighed happily as the smell of the ocean swirled around her. Zach grabbed the blankets and bag they packed, before slipping his hand into hers to start down the trail. By the time they reached their destination, the sun's rays began to seep through the clouds and sparkle against his skin. He placed the thick heating blanket on the ground and Allie turned on their favorite playlist of music. He grabbed another blanket and pulled it over them as he sat down, chuckling as she instantly attacked his neck with lingering kisses.

"I was about to ask if you were hungry, but this works too," he chuckled as she straddled his waist and winked at him.

"Trust me food is the last thing on my mind. There is no wolf pack, no parents, and no vampires with super hearing listening in on us. I plan on taking advantage of our time together," she informed and he moaned as their lips meshed in a tender kiss. They became lost in one another as their passion consumed them, but Zach pulled away when her hands slid under his shirt and up to his chest. Allie smiled sheepishly as he took in a shaky breath to regain composure.

"Sorry, I know we have to go slow," she assured.

"The problem is that I don't want to go slow. I love kissing you and the way you touch me. It's just sometimes it is hard for me to control myself around you and I have to pull back a bit."

"I don't exactly want to go slow either, which was never an issue for me before. I have always been the one telling the guy to slow down, so this is a role reversal to say the least." Zach arched an eyebrow at her.

"How many guys?"

"Oh don't even try it, Cullen. I saw the way all those women looked at you at the Christmas party. I may not have vampire memory, but this little human remembers how many of those women would have loved to be in my position."

"I was never intimate with any of those women."

"And I was never intimate with any of those guys, wait do you think I have…." The words caught in her throat, causing her to blush. Zach averted his eyes as he spoke up.

"I just….well I figured that….since you were in California and in college…I…" He groaned and scrubbed his face with his hands as he tried to convey his thoughts on the awkward topic.

"You assumed since I was in college, I wasn't a virgin," she stated and if he was human, he would be blushing.

"It isn't a big deal to me. I just didn't know how to bring it up. You being more experienced than me is fine. I mean Tess was way more experienced. I mean way, way…"

"Funny how you bring her up when you are talking about sex," she grumbled.

"I am just saying that older women…."

"Older?"

"Not older, well you are older than me, but you aren't old…."

"And he wonders why the age difference annoys me," she mumbled to herself as she plopped back onto the blanket and stared up at the sky. He growled in frustration.

"None of this is coming out the way I want it to, which shouldn't be a surprise because every time I am around you, I can't seem to think. There is so much I want to say, but I don't know how to," he confessed and she sighed as she ran a hand through his soft, curly hair.

"Zach, I love you. You can talk to me about anything, no matter how awkward it might be. I guess I should just put you out of your misery and start the conversation. I am a virgin. When I was in high school, I didn't date because I wasn't interested in anyone on the rez and my friends would have judged me for dating an outsider. When I got to Stanford, I knew I was ready, but I wasn't just going to sleep with anyone and so many of the guys there were pretentious asses."

"So, you never have had sex before?" She smirked at the surprise evident in his eyes.

"Don't be so shocked, Cullen. I am a virgin by choice."

"Well obviously, I mean look at you. There is no way every guy around you wouldn't want you." She wrapped her arms around him as she crawled onto his lap.

"Including you," she questioned.

"Nayeli, always," he assured and nuzzled her neck. Her eyes slid shut as she reveled in his touch and moaned.

"I love it when you call me that. I love it when you speak Quileute in general," she confessed. He peppered kisses along her neck with a serene smile.

"Then it is a good thing Seth taught me how." She sighed and gazed back into his eyes.

"We started this conversation, so let's finish it. We are both virgins. I know I am ready, but the question is, are you?"

"I wish it was that simple. That is why I never brought it up before. Allie, it isn't just about if we are ready. I could get you pregnant, do you realize that?"

"Of course I do, that is how Renesmee, Nahuel, and Kaya came to be."

"Right, but Kaya and Nahuel killed their mothers and Renesmee would have if my Uncle Edward wouldn't have turned Aunt Bella into a vampire. She almost died from the pregnancy."

"Zach, I am not as naïve as you think. These are big decisions we have to make and we have to make them soon. I know that once I am a vampire, we can't have a child. I also know that I don't want to wait too long to become immortal."

"What about how your parents feel about that?"

"It is my choice, not theirs. I love them so much and I always will, but this is about our future, no one else's."

"Okay, then let's talk about it. You are it for me, Allie. You are my mate and when the time is right, I want you to become my wife."

"When will the time be right for you," she asked and he shrugged with a dimpled grin.

"I haven't really thought about it. Once I realized you were my mate, eternity became a given for us. Do you have a timeframe in mind?" Her heart raced and butterflies fluttered in her stomach when she thought about their future.

"I have been thinking about this a lot over the past couple of months. Really, since we came back from the island after the holidays, I have thought about how I want our lives to start together."

"I am listening. You can tell me," he encouraged, sensing her nervousness.

"When I think about marrying you, I think about how exciting and amazing it will be. I want it to be only about our happiness, our eternity together. I don't want to worry about being a fragile little human anymore or how that will affect our wedding night. Zach, I want to be a vampire before we get married."

"Which means…."

"Which means I want to be a vampire the first time we make love and I am okay with us not having kids."

"Allie that is a big decision to make."

"Do you want kids? I understand if you do." He shook his head and smiled as he stroked her hair.

"No, I don't and I am actually relieved that you don't either. I am not sure how our parents are going to feel about that decision though."

"We will tell them when the time is right, but this has to be our decision, remember?"

"It is a lot to think about. These decisions are permanent. My parents got lucky with me, but most vampire women cannot have children. Once this decision is made, that is it. No going back."

"I am aware of that, but I will gain so much by becoming a vampire. This is what feels right to me."

"I want what you want."

"Good, then you are willing to change me soon," she said with a brilliant smile and his eyes widened in shock.

"Wait, no, not soon!" She growled in frustration.

"Damn it, why not," she argued and amusement twinkled in his eyes.

"Did you just growl at me? You are pretty sexy when you do that."

"Do not try to distract me with those dimples and your charm, Cullen! Why won't you turn me now?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, how did we go from soon to now?"

"What is the difference?"

"The three days of hell come to mind!" She turned away from him and looked out at the ocean as she started to pout. The sun retreated behind the clouds once again and the temperature began to drop, sending a chill through her. Zach wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and pulled her close to him again.

"Please don't be mad at me. It just isn't fair. I didn't have to go through all that pain or the crazy newborn year of craving nothing but blood. I don't want you to have to go through that to be with me forever." She rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes as she relished the closeness.

"Don't you think it would be worth it? You are worth it, Zach. I have no doubt in my mind about that."

"I am not saying you shouldn't be turned. I just don't think it needs to be so soon."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Graduation, for one, how are you supposed to cheer me on as I walk across the stage if all you want to do is drain everyone in the auditorium of their blood?" She giggled and rolled her eyes.

"I suppose you have a point there."

"And what about your mom? You might be repulsed by your dad's smell once you turn, but her blood will tempt you. You could kill her instantly and I will never put you in that position."

"Fine, after you graduate though…."

"And then there will be Sofi and Caleb's wedding in Italy during the summer…."

"Why do we have to wait for that? There will only be vampires and wolves in attendance. My birthday is next month. I will be twenty one and I don't want to wait much longer."

"Why are you in such a rush? Is this about our age difference?"

"Zach, it is bad enough that I am four years older than you, but I remember what you told me before. You will never look older than you do right now. If we wait too long, people will notice." Zach scoffed.

"You can't be serious? Allie, no one thinks that I am sixteen. They always think I look much older and if I really wanted to pass for twenty one, I could."

"I don't know. These perfect dimples and your boyish charm might give you away," she teased and kissed his cheeks.

"True, but you know I am right. No one thinks about our age difference, so there is no rush."

"Okay, but I meant what I said about wanting to be turned before our wedding. I want our wedding to be special and the honeymoon to be phenomenal," she informed and he waggled his eyebrows suggestively as he grinned.

"Oh, I know it will be. I just want you to think about your family. You and I have eternity. I promise you that much," he assured, causing her to look at him suspiciously.

"You say that as if you know for sure. Tell me, Cullen, are you holding out on me?" Zach winked at her.

"I know that you and I are forever. Don't ask me how I know, I just know," he informed before kissing her forehead. She snuggled into his arms and sighed contently.

"Fine, I will take your word for it, but I don't want to be much older, Zach. I love you. I don't want to wait much longer. Three days of hell will be worth it because I will be with you." He tenderly kissed her and they melted into one another in a passionate kiss. He gazed lovingly into her deep brown eyes.

"Kwop kilawtley, nayeli," he whispered.

"I love you too," she whispered back as she leaned in to kiss him again. She groaned when her phone buzzed in her pocket and she noticed she received a message.

"Who is it, your mom or dad?"

"My mom, she wants me to come to dinner tonight. They have invited all of the pack and their parents. I am sure the guys will make an excuse to leave early."

"They are supposed to watch some basketball game over at my house tonight. Josh wants me to go grocery shopping with him for their snacks later."

"Does that mean you won't be at the dinner with me?" His eyes widened.

"Isn't it a pack and family thing?"

"You are family and I want you there. It will be our first official Sunday dinner together with my family, even if you can't eat," she teased and he chuckled.

"I would love to be there, but are you sure the others will want me there?"

"You are the love of my life. It will be fun showing you off," she assured.

"I guess it could be fun. I am glad you are spending more time with your mom lately. I know how much she has missed you."

"When you are at school, I have to find a way to stay busy. Business at the comic book store has slowed down and Ben doesn't need me there. Plus, apparently I don't need the money anymore. Care to explain how a large sum of money magically appeared in my bank account?" He smiled slyly as he shrugged.

"I may know a thing or two about that, but I don't handle the finances in the family."

"You didn't have to do that for me."

"I know that and so does Aunt Alice, but when she noticed you were working over the holiday break and seemed to be worried about money for my gift, she decided that just would not do. Her words, not mine."

"That was very kind of her, but how did she get my account information?"

"Nayeli, we have access to stealth jets that can appear out of thin air, do you really think Aunt Alice would have trouble accessing your account?"

"I suppose not. I will have to find a way to thank her."

"You are letting her take you shopping tomorrow. Trust me after one day of shopping with her, you will feel like you did plenty."

"Actually, I am looking forward to that. It will be fun. Too bad my mom can't go, but my dad wants to spend some time with her. I have always known how much they love each other, but now that I know about imprinting, I have so many questions. My dad has kept me in the dark for so long. He is trying to make up for it by telling me things from the past, but it is hard to keep up, especially when it feels like my childhood was based on a lot of secrets."

"Your parents were just trying to protect you. It can all be quite complicated."

"Yea, like my dad being responsible for my mom's scars. I know it was an accident, but I can't imagine how she felt afterward, imprint or not."

"They have been through a lot together and it seems to have made them stronger. If they could overcome Leah and Sam's past to be together, it must be an unconditional love." Allie gasped and quickly sat up.

"Whoa, what are you talking about?" He dramatically fell back onto the ground and covered his mouth. She straddled his waist and giggled at his response.

"Oh no you don't, Cullen, spill, what past with Leah? What are you talking about?"

"Nope, not saying, none of my business," he mumbled as she tried to pull his hand from his mouth.

"If you don't tell me, I will just ask them anyways," she warned and he smirked.

"Be my guest if you want to have that creepy conversation with your parents," he teased. She began to whine and pushed her bottom lip out in a pout. He groaned when she started to kiss his neck.

"Please, we are mates, you can't keep secrets from me," she whispered and he sighed.

"K8ka, was ho."

"I am your mate. You don't get to tell me no about these things and stop using my language against me. Was K20/l8yor."

"Fine, no using Quileute against you, but I really don't want Sam to be mad at me because I told you," he explained.

"I won't say anything," she promised.

"Okay, your father and Leah were a couple, like a serious couple, before he imprinted on your mom. It was a long time ago and it caused a lot of issues. Leah took it really hard, but she obviously got over it or I wouldn't have my best bro." She slowly nodded as she tried to process the information.

"So my father dated my mom's cousin before they got together? Wow."

"Yep, face it, our family histories are complicated, but it all worked out for the best."

"Yea, that doesn't make it any better. No more talking about weird family history. How about we take advantage of our alone time before we have to head back?"

"Havh wzsh87li rik79/wa, nayeli," he whispered and she giggled.

"You drive me crazy too, now kiss me," she whispered back and he happily obliged by passionately kissing his mate as their surroundings faded into the background.

Edward gave a wink and crooked smile to his wife as she perused the bookshelf in their cottage on the island. She handed him several more books and a folder of his sheet music.

"This should be enough for the trip to Seattle. I grabbed Renesmee's favorites as well and of course your new pieces for you to show Zach."

"Love, we will only be there for the week," he reminded, but she shrugged as she put her shield down to let him read her thoughts. His eyes widened.

"You think we should stay a bit longer?"

"I miss having all of us together and we both know Nahuel misses Kaya. Renesmee notices it too. Face it, we miss being together as a family, so I am packing for an extended vacation," she informed. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, causing her to giggle as he kissed her neck.

"I have missed them, but it has been nice to be alone on the island," he whispered.

"Yes, it has been, and I look forward to more of our nights together, but you are not fooling me. I know you miss, Esme, and dare I even say Rosalie." Edward scoffed at the notion.

"Me, missing Rose, really, love, that is absurd."

"I love talking music with you, but I don't have a passion for composing like you and Rose or your fascination with cars."

"I do not have a fascination. I just think the cars could use a tune-up."

"Which is something you don't need Rose for, since you can do it yourself, but don't worry my love. I won't tell her how dearly you miss her. You would never hear the end of it," she teased and giggled at the scowl on his face.

"I don't miss her. She is obnoxious," he defended, but she simply gave him a wink as she zipped up their suitcase. His scowl deepened as he read Alice's thoughts and glanced out the window to see her heading toward the main house.

"Love, I will be right back. I need to grab some books from the main house. Do you need any?"

"No, I keep my favorites in here." He kissed her before darting over to the house. Alice was waiting for him in the library with three books in her hands.

"Renesmee is going to want these," she informed and he tucked them under his arm, but kept his eyes cautiously trained on his sister.

"You aren't even trying to hide your plan from me. Should I be worried," he questioned and she closed her eyes to sift through her visions.

"No, because this time I actually want your advice, read my visions, tell me what to do," she whispered and he closed his eyes as well. He gulped as he processed the visions fluttering in his mind and the various paths available. Their eyes locked when the visions faded away and he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That is some choice you have to make," he admitted.

"Do I have to make it? What if I didn't?"

"Alice….."

"Edward, we have both seen it. Tell me what to do, not as a member of this family, but as a mate. What would you want?" He gave her a sympathetic smile.

"I would want a choice," he agreed.

"So, I am not completely out of my mind for allowing this?"

"No, look, I know I tease you about your meddling, but you always manage to come through for this family. You always manage to do the right thing. I trust your judgment, Alice. I always have," he assured and she hugged him with a bright smile.

"Good, now go finish packing because we are in for a long ride."

"That may just be an understatement," he grumbled and she waved him off nonchalantly.

"Hey, you have put this family through plenty of long rides. This will be no worse than that," she reminded and he chuckled as they went to finish packing, so they could depart for Forks.

When Zach and Allie returned to his house from Cape Flattery, the sun was beginning to set and the evening brought in the mist and cool air. Allie watched from a chair at the kitchen table as Josh whined and complained to his best friend about the change in plans for the evening.

"Dude, you can't seriously be ditching me to go have dinner. You don't even eat food," exclaimed Josh and Zach rolled his eyes at his friend's dramatics.

"J, Allie and I always spend time over here, so it is only fair that we go see her parents for a bit. We can watch the game later."

"No we can't. It is always better live!" Evan walked into the kitchen with an empty soda can and tossed it into the trash.

"Oh yea, let's do that instead. We'll just eat dinner and then come back over here to watch the game," stated Evan.

"No! We are not going to postpone watching the game. We planned this on Friday and when did you decide to attend this dinner, Allie," asked Josh and Allie sighed.

"This afternoon…."

"This afternoon, you heard her, this afternoon! Friday trumps this afternoon, there you have it, we are watching the game live. Now Z, let's go to the store and get the snacks. Al, have fun at your dinner. We will save you some pizza," said Josh and she smirked at him as she walked over to Zach.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to. I was just really hoping we could have a nice evening with my parents," she said as she stroked his hair and he leaned into her touch. Josh scoffed.

"Oh, that is just low! Are you really trying to dazzle him into choosing a boring night with parental units over hanging with his best bro? Not going to happen, right Z, tell her," urged Josh and Zach gulped as he glanced back and forth between his mate and best friend. He laughed nervously as Josh and Allie waited for his answer. The rest of the pack ran into the kitchen and began whispering to Evan.

"Twenty bucks says Zach chooses Allie," whispered Daniel.

"No way, that is his best bro. Zach is all about bro code," whispered Owen.

"Bro code is trumped by mates obviously," argued Drew.

"Nothing trumps bro code," defended Colt and Tommy shushed them.

"Shut up, he is about to decide," said Tommy. Zach sighed in relief when his mother, father, Leah, and Jacob entered through the backdoor of the house.

"Mom, dad, where have you been," he exclaimed and quickly hugged his parents to get out of dodge. Josh smirked at Allie and dodged her hand as she tried to tousle his hair.

"Leave my hair alone! You are just mad because you know he would be happier watching the basketball game with me," taunted Josh. Allie ruffled his hair, causing him to yelp. He stuck his tongue out at her.

"You are so immature," she stated.

"You are so immature," mimicked Josh in a high-pitched voice and Zach groaned as the two began to argue.

"Mom, dad, help, please," he begged.

"What is going on," asked Rosalie and Tommy was more than happy to run over to fill them in.

"Alright, place your bets. Em, you know you want in on this. Zach promised Josh that they could watch the basketball game tonight, but Sam is having a dinner over at his house and Allie wants Zach to go. It is the epic battle between the best bro and the mate. Who will win? Let's watch," explained Tommy and Rosalie giggled at his excitement.

"A little advice boys, never bet against a woman, especially when she is a mate," warned Rosalie and Josh huffed.

"He has spent all day with her and we already had this planned. He is going to choose me, right Z," asked Josh and Allie turned to her mate as Zach laughed nervously again. Leah smiled sympathetically at Zach.

"You don't have to answer that, Zach. It has already been decided. Sam invited us over to dinner as well," informed Leah and Josh's eyes widened as Allie smugly smiled.

"What, no," he exclaimed and Jacob winked at him.

"You boys can watch the game after dinner. Go get your stuff," instructed Jacob and Josh's jaw dropped.

"What is happening," he wailed.

"J, this is the best of both worlds. We still get to hang out and watch the game tonight after dinner. Plus, we can hang with Allie. Mom, dad, are you going?"

"Thanks, but no thanks, baby boy. Your mother and I are going to hang back and wait for the others to arrive from the island. Go have fun," encouraged Emmett and Zach hugged his parents as Josh smirked at Allie.

"This is not over," he warned as he marched out of the house.

"This is not over," she mimicked in a whiny voice.

"Stop that!"

"Stop that," she teased as she followed him outside and Zach shook his head.

"Maybe I should let them go and I should just stay behind," he whined and Rosalie kissed her son's cheek.

Emily, Faye, Claire, Kim, Laura, and Liz lounged outside on the porch as they waited for their husbands to finish grilling the meat and the kids to arrive for dinner. Emily handed Claire another bottle of beer as they laughed.

"I am telling you, the house has never been so quiet. I feel bad for Carlisle and Esme that the boys are over there so much, but it is nice to not be eaten out of house and home for a while," admitted Claire and Liz nodded in agreement.

"I am just happy that Colt warmed up to the idea. He can be so stubborn. He gets that from Collin," said Liz.

"I knew that Drew would figure things out in time. Daniel refused to stop going over there because of the situation, so I knew Drew would eventually find his way again," said Kim, but Faye sighed.

"It is a shame Drew and Allie did not work out. Emily, how are you coping," asked Faye. Emily frowned in confusion.

"Coping with what," questioned Emily.

"Your daughter is with one of them. I am sure they are nice enough people, but vampires? Is there any doubt that Allison will become one now? Isn't that what they do," asked Faye.

"Faye," warned Laura, but Faye scoffed.

"It isn't like we don't all know. Allison is smitten with a Cullen. You know where that will lead," defended Faye and Emily crossed her arms.

"Where, Faye, to a life of happiness with a boy that adores her? What is wrong with that," challenged Emily.

"If it weren't for the Cullens, our sons would have normal lives and so would your daughter. Their presence has only disrupted life on this reservation. Nothing good comes of them being here and now poor Allie has to pay the price," said Faye. Laura tried to break the tension by laughing.

"Oh Faye, you are always such a pessimist. Evan is happy with his life. They all are. Braden always comes home excited to tell me about his day over there and I don't see any problem with it. Besides, from the looks of that young man, Allie has found herself quite a catch," said Laura as she nodded toward Zach's car pulling into the driveway. Allie smiled at him as he opened the door for her and she kissed his cheek in thanks. Josh hopped out of his parents' truck and jogged over to Zach.

"Sounds like the moms are gossiping. Try not to let them bother you. They are just bored," whispered Josh and Allie frowned in confusion.

"What could they possibly have to say about Zach," asked Allie.

"Evan's mom has never been accepting of the supernatural. Don't worry, Al," said Josh before following the other boys inside the house. Allie slipped her hand into Zach's and pulled him over to the porch where the women were sitting. Emily hugged them each and Allie smiled politely at the women.

"Good evening, it is good to see all of you again," greeted Allie and Faye smiled at her.

"Good evening, Allie, it has been a while. I believe the last time we saw each other was at your going away party. What a shame Stanford didn't work out for you," said Faye and Laura sighed.

"Here we go," sang Laura before taking a sip from her glass of wine and Kim giggled.

"What, it is true, Stanford was too amazing an opportunity to just give up like that," argued Faye and Emily glared at her.

"You know what, Faye…."

"No, mom, it is fine. She is right. Stanford was a great opportunity, but I found a better path to follow," explained Allie as she pulled Zach closer to her. Claire smiled kindly at Zach.

"Hello Zach, it is nice to see you again. I hope the boys aren't giving your parents and grandparents too much trouble," said Claire and Zach chuckled.

"No ma'am, they are fine. Josh and Allie, on the other hand, are keeping me on my toes," he teased as Allie giggled. Kim held out her hand to Zach and he gently shook it.

"We haven't been properly introduced. I am Kim, Drew and Daniel's mother. This is Liz, Colt's mother, and this is Braden's mother, Laura. Oh and that is Faye," explained Kim and Zach chuckled as Faye glared at Kim.

"Havh aw8. Ayqsochid," greeted Zach and Laura's eyes lit up with delight.

"Allie, you have taught him the language well," complimented Laura and Allie sighed dreamily at Zach.

"I love that he can speak our native tongue, but I cannot take credit for it. Seth taught him," boasted Allie.

"Where is Seth," asked Emily.

"He is in Port Angeles with Kaya for a date night," informed Zach. Liz smiled slyly at Zach.

"Hqvhli, ho, ayqsocha," asked Liz and his dimples were on full display as he smiled charmingly at her.

"Hqvhli, ho, havhq67 faf8mtiya," he replied, causing her to giggle.

"I am impressed, Zach, and I agree. The weather was beautiful today. Were you able to get out and enjoy it," asked Liz and Allie nodded as she gazed lovingly at her boyfriend.

"Yes, we took a drive up the coast. It was nice to have a break from the rain for a bit," said Allie as Leah approached.

"Hey, Emily," greeted Leah.

"Hey, Leah, I think the food is almost ready, so we should head down to the beach and get everything set up," suggested Emily as she hugged her cousin and Allie glanced at Zach. He winked at her, knowing she was remembering their conversation about her family's past from earlier.

The group followed the sandy path down to the beach to eat dinner by the massive bonfire built by the pack. It was a serene evening for a dinner party outside. The rain subsided and the clouds dispersed enough for the moon to glow brightly overhead. Zach sat in between Allie and Josh as they roasted marshmallows and everyone conversed amongst themselves. Josh was animatedly telling Zach and Allie about the new video game he wanted to buy as Faye watched the couple closely. Their fingers were intertwined and Allie was tucked into his side. She giggled when Zach whispered into her ear about Josh being obsessed with gaining access to the new cheat codes before them. Faye finished her glass of wine before addressing the couple across the bonfire.

"You know Zach, if I would have known you were coming, I could have brought you a snack. The hospital had a blood drive over the weekend," said Faye and Embry sighed.

"Faye, we are all trying to have a good time. Can we just focus on that," asked Embry and she shrugged.

"It was just a joke," she said flippantly and Evan huffed.

"Too bad it wasn't funny. Chill out, mom, please," begged Evan as the awkward silence and tension crackled around the fire. Zach looked down as Allie glared at the woman, but Leah simply giggled.

"Oh Faye, I forgot how delightful you can be. It has been a long time since you and I have had a chance to catch up, so I am not surprised you are a bit confused," said Leah.

"Confused about what," asked Faye and Leah sighed.

"Well you must be confused if you really think I am going to allow you to sit here and disrespect my son's best friend. After all, I have watched Zach grow up before my eyes and in many ways think of him as another son, so understand that the next time you form your lips to insult him, you will be insulting one of my boys and I would be more than happy to show you just how short of a temper I still have. Blame it on the wolf in me," threatened Leah, causing Faye to gulp. Zach smiled at her and Leah winked back as Josh puffed out his chest a bit.

"That's my mom," bragged Josh to Colt beside him. Jacob kissed his wife and she nestled into his side with a giggle.

The rest of the evening was uneventful and the boys and Allie said their goodbyes to the parents before making their way to their cars. Evan jogged over to Zach.

"Hey, I am sorry about my mom. I would love to say that she isn't always like that, but when it comes to anything supernatural, she kind of freaks," said Evan.

"It isn't her fault. She is a human. I don't expect for her to accept me. Most humans wouldn't."

"That doesn't make it okay. You and your family have welcomed me into your home. I am sorry my mom couldn't even welcome you for one night," said Evan sadly before getting into Colt's truck. Zach got into the car and Allie smiled sympathetically at him.

"Evan is right. She was out of line."

"She is one person and she is entitled to her opinion. I am sure she has her reasons and it isn't my job to change her perception. All I can be is me and be thankful enough people accept that." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

"I will never understand how someone could not love you," she whispered before kissing him.

"I love you too, nayeli. Now, let's get home and watch that game before it gets too late. It is Sunday, so technically a school night for me," he teased and she giggled as they sped down the road heading back to Forks.

Alice waited impatiently on the porch with Jasper and he chuckled at his mate's anxiety. He sent her a wave of calm and kissed her sweetly.

"Calm down, darlin', our nephew will be here soon," he comforted.

"I have missed him. Oh, there they are, about time," she said as she skipped off the porch and over to the garage. Zach hugged her as soon as he got out of the car and she squealed with delight when he twirled her around.

"Hey Aunt Alice, did you miss me?"

"Always, nephew," she giggled. He opened the door for Allie and walked onto the porch with her to greet his uncle. Jasper gave Zach a hug and Allie a bow of the head in greeting. While he was comfortable around Allie, Jasper was still reserved around the human.

"Where is my mom," asked Zach.

"In the living room with your Uncle Edward, they are playing some songs that he composed. Allie, you look so gorgeous tonight in that dress. I cannot wait to go shopping with you tomorrow," said Alice. Zach beamed with happiness as Bella and Renesmee welcomed him into the house with hugs.

"Hey little cousin, we are going for a hunt later tonight, do you want to come," asked Renesmee.

"Do you even have to ask," he teased.

"How was the dinner," asked Bella and Zach shrugged with a sigh.

"It was okay," he mumbled and Rosalie was immediately by his side as she and Bella detected the disappointment in his tone.

"What happened," asked Rosalie.

"It was nothing. Evan's mom just isn't a fan of us and didn't have a problem making that clear," he explained. Rosalie let out a hiss of displeasure.

"Faye Call, I will tuck that name away for later," said Rosalie, but Zach shook his head.

"Leah handled it, mom. Honest, it isn't a big deal. I was a bit caught off guard, but it happens. Please just let it go," he pleaded and Bella smirked.

"At least Leah was there to keep her in line. No one hurts my nephew and gets away with it. I am not surprised though. The Quileutes have a complicated history with us," admitted Bella. Esme glided over to kiss her grandson and Allie on the cheek.

"Yes, but we manage to stay civil," agreed Esme. She smiled sympathetically at Evan as the pack entered the house. He looked around the room and smiled back when he saw her. Evan chuckled when Esme pulled him in for a big hug.

"Hi, Esme," he said as she kissed his cheek.

"I hear the evening was lively," she said.

"Is that what we are calling it these days? My mom isn't a bad person, honest. She just changes when it comes to wolves and vampires," he explained and Carlisle patted him on the back.

"It is understandable. We have been around humans and dealt with various degrees of hostility. I believe it is part of their defense mechanism against us. We may be different, but many of our kind seek out humans as prey. It is instinctive for Faye to be guarded," explained Carlisle.

"I guess so," conceded Evan and Esme winked at him.

"I made your favorite, so I hope you are still hungry. Oh and I already set up the game room for you boys. The basketball game is ready when you are," announced Esme. She giggled when Josh happily embraced her.

"Thank you, Esme. Finally someone that understands the importance of watching this game tonight," he said as he headed upstairs. Evan kissed Esme's cheek.

"Thanks for cooking dinner. The steak was nice, but I would love some spaghetti."

"I even made garlic bread," she informed and he beamed with happiness.

"You are awesome! Hey Colt, Esme made spaghetti and garlic bread," called Evan and Colt jogged over to them.

"And my parents wonder why I am over here so much," laughed Colt as they followed her into the kitchen. Allie kissed Zach and gave him a wink.

"Go have fun with your friends. I am going to shower and head to bed," she informed.

"Are you sure? The game won't be the same without you."

"Yes, you need to spend time with Josh. I tease him a lot, but he is right. He planned this since Friday, so go enjoy. Have fun on the hunt too."

"You are the best," he whispered before kissing her tenderly. He gazed lovingly at her as she headed upstairs and Emmett wrapped an arm around his son.

"A girl that knows what she wants, but doesn't hover, you picked a good one," complimented Emmett and Zach chuckled.

"I really did," agreed Zach as he darted into the game room. Rosalie sighed in relief.

"I was worried the teasing between Allie and Josh was going to turn tense soon, but I guess I was wrong," admitted Rosalie and Emmett smirked.

"They both know they are important parts of his life, doesn't mean they aren't going to butt heads over it in the future though. They are both stubborn enough to want our baby boy's attention, but I can't blame them. He is a cool kid. He takes after his father after all," he teased as Rosalie nudged him with a smile, knowing that her son was loved by many.