Hello! So my last foray into this fandom was kind of pathetic. This is my attempt to reintroduce myself to the idea of Twilight fanfiction, especially since it's been running through my head so often lately. I need brainpower for school, you know. This is my first try at writing a multi-chapter story, especially one that's in past tense. I normally stick with present. And short. Hopefully posting this isn't too big a mistake.
Unbeta'd (though I do need one) and anything you recognize isn't mine.
Update: Thanks to lovely PTB authors smudgedcrimsonlipstick and Writting2StayHalfSane for beta'ing!
Absolute Zero – the lowest possible temperature, at which point the atoms of a substance transmit no thermal energy; they are completely at rest
Chapter One
It was the last place he wanted to be.
Edward stood silently as the moon inched toward the ground, watching as a thin drizzle began to coat the grass and trees. Each individual raindrop acted as a mirror to his eyes, reflecting the forest at the edge of the clearing along with seven pale figures. The moon was unusually bright and when he looked at his family members, Edward could see faint starlight emanating from their skin. They looked like an ad for a damn Parisian modeling company with their meticulously styled designer outfits, courtesy of Alice.
Bella didn't wear designer clothes.
In all honesty, Edward's feelings about the girl were mixed. There was the guilt over leaving her, and loving her, and existing to blacken her life from the start. There was the ache originating somewhere near his heart caused by wanting her too much to breathe. And there was the fierce joy that somehow she loved him back.
The problem was that recently, Edward wasn't so sure of that fact. Bella had been flaunting her relationship with the wolf more and more over the past few weeks, either oblivious to or ignoring Edward's helpless rage. It seemed the only time Bella cared to be around him was when she was arguing about sex. If they were truly mates – if she loved him the way she claimed – then causing him pain in such a way would not be an option. There would be no choice to make, no rivals for her heart. The only feasible explanation was that he'd overestimated the strength of her love.
That was too painful a thought to consider.
Rather than confronting the girl, Edward had admitted to his jealousy once before shoving the whole thing aside. She would understand, or she would not. He'd had enough of watching as she ran to meet the dog, leaving Edward hopelessly on the sidelines. Pretending to approve at least gave him a semblance of grace. Recently, only at night did Edward feel that Bella and he were truly in accord, when he could hold her once more. She was always beautiful to his eyes.
And he was missing the next few hours of her sleep for a bunch of arrogant shapeshifters.
He could be with Bella, feeling almost human, her warmth distracting him from the burn as dawn broke. Sunlight on a vampire was like dry ice pressed to bare human skin and the sight of glimmering flesh disheartening to the extreme. It was like a constant whisper in the back of Edward's head, a reminder that he was not normal, that he was a freak, that he always would be.
For an immortal, always was a very long time.
Wonder what me an' Rosie'll do tonight… wanna try that new…
…seemed sincere, at least, though of course Edward claims they are untrustworthy… still, I do think we should believe the best of the Quileute tribe…
The vampire sighed, fidgeting unnecessarily and running one hand through his hair. Carlisle had ordered that the entire coven adhere to the wolf pack's sudden request, calling a meeting at this ungodly hour. It would have been pointless to go against his sire's instructions in something as unimportant as this. Still, the man needed to stop giving in to their every whim and dragging the entire coven with him.
The seven Cullens now stood in a perfect line, like statues carved from rime. Edward was grateful, at least, that the boundary line between Quileute and Cullen territory was far in the wilderness, out of prying mortal eyes. Before leaving the house, he had not been required to dress the part, instead keeping on his jeans and plain black shirt. Shoes were nothing but a bother to a vampire, whose feet were strong enough to tear through the rubber soles within minutes. A jacket, too, was nothing but another layer of restriction for an undead body, which constantly longed for movement when saturated with the revitalizing powers of blood.
"Are they planning on coming anytime soon?"
Edward frowned, closing his eyes and attempting to make sense of the babble surrounding him. Each animal, each bird, each bug had a consciousness, though most were too simple to actually hear. The humans of Forks and La Push were also well within his range from his position by the border. Isolating one train of thought from the rest of his overcrowded mind, he listened hard.
"Yes, Rosalie. They're nearly here now."
The cacophony of the pack's thoughts, always on the edge of his perception, had been growing louder for quite some time. He would have had a terrible headache had Edward been human, and as it was a dull throbbing caused the edges of his vision to flicker. He struggled to contain the frustration welling up inside of him as he pictured the upcoming meeting with the contemptible Quileutes. Jasper, sensing his discomfort, sent a wave of calm through the clearing.
"God, Jasper, don't do that," Rosalie snarled, wrapped tightly in the arms of her mate. Her mind was a tangle of irritation and ire. Meetings with the wolves always set her on edge. The vampire gripped the front of Emmett's red button-down shirt as if she wanted to tear it apart.
"Calm down, Rosalie," Edward said, rolling his eyes. "Jasper was only easing the tension. We all hate the mutts just as much as you do."
"Right. If that were true you wouldn't let them feel up that bitch you call a girlfriend."
Edward wasn't sure what it was about Rosalie Hale that had, for nearly a century, always been able to strip away his composure. He was able to fake patience for humans, wolves – hell, even Jacob Black – but something about the blonde vampire had always rendered him incapable of control. He growled and clenched his hands into fists, feeling his venom begin to thicken with increased pheromones.
Always so easy to bait. God, Edward, you're like a teenager.
Before the thought had fully registered in Rosalie's mind, Edward launched himself straight toward her. His temper had been short lately, what with Bella's alternating detachment and clinginess, leaving him wondering often what exactly she wanted. If her goal was to drive him utterly mad, she was well on her way.
Solid arms wrapped around Edward's torso, the resulting crash like thunder. Edward breathed in the scent of Carlisle and felt himself begin to relax even as the two tumbled to the ground. Vampires smelled sweet even to each other, but the pheromones of one's creator had the strength of a drug. Carlisle had made use of this often during Edward's newborn years.
"Calm yourselves, children," the older vampire said, voice ringing like no human's could. Edward swayed slightly, momentarily overcome by the force of his sire's command. Carlisle was not his father – far from it. But Carlisle Cullen's venom was the basis of that which ran through Edward's veins, forging a connection that nothing could shake. With a growl, he shook off the vampire's arm as a foul stench wafted past him and Alice's vision went momentarily black.
They had company.
The shapeshifters of the Quileute tribe were far more human than they were supernatural. They had no magical powers or even highly increased senses in their natural form. Distracted by his rage, Edward had not noticed their approach, but now he glanced upwards to meet nine frightened pairs of eyes. Monster or not, the shifters were as susceptible to a vampire's aura as any mortal.
Right now, with the fury crackling between Edward and Rosalie, the Quileutes were literally shaking in their shoes.
Edward allowed himself a moment of vindictive pleasure, irritated with them for keeping him from Bella. Estranged or not, each moment with her was still precious. He stepped backwards as another wave of calm washed over the area, allowing Carlisle to speak for the family. There was no need for a translator this time, as the wolves had come as humans, fully dressed with no intention to phase.
Briefly, Edward wondered at the change. The Quileutes had been adamant in their refusal to be vulnerable in their last group meeting. Their thoughts, running rampant through Edward's head, gave nothing away as they were wild and untamed. Each individual was focused on a different issue, mostly self-involved. Clearly, nothing of great importance had happened.
The only thing keeping Edward in the clearing at all – apart from Carlisle's will – was the large box that was held between two of the wolves. Clumsily wrapped by the postal service, it gave off a foul stench mixed with some other, more tempting aroma.
Werewolves were so damn slow, Edward thought, as the alpha male opened his mouth. The man had only just processed the sight of the Cullens. Their actions and thoughts were several milliseconds behind those of the vampires, as if each group existed in a different reality. It was exhausting trying to keep track of each set of minds as they moved at different speeds, like a human watching two motion pictures at once.
"Samuel," Carlisle said gently, thoughts abuzz with confusion over the entire situation. "I was under the impression that these meetings were an inconvenience to your tribe. I must admit, I am curious as to the hurried nature of this one."
Not accusing. Never that. Edward did admire the patience his vampire father was able to show, but it could also be a source of great danger. The Quileutes were unscrupulous, willing to use any kindness to their advantage when it came to the coven of bloodsuckers down the road.
Sam Uley frowned and mentally sifted through the events of the day. He was truly concerned for his tribe. For all his hatred of wolves, Edward had to admit that the man was a kind and just leader. He reminded him of a human Carlisle, free of the vices that came with immortality.
It took six seconds for the alpha to speak. Edward could have killed him a hundred times over out of pure frustration. Humans were quite exasperatingly sluggish – then again, the whole world seemed that way when compared with a vampire's speed. Ironic, really, as they were the only ones who had forever to get things done.
And now – finally! – Uley was ready.
"Earlier this morning some of the pack was out on patrol when they found this." He gestured towards the mail-order box, thoughts tinged with curiosity and a slight wariness. "It smells funny, definitely, and there's a – "
"Has leech scent all over it, too," Jacob Black piped up from his side. Apparently, he was as eager as Edward for the meeting to be over. The vampire hissed as the other boy's eyes slid in his direction.
"Yeah, that too, so we wanted it gone as soon as possible. Anyway, the box was addressed to a Cullen. I've got to say, we don't appreciate being dragged into your affairs."
Sam's gaze lingered on Edward, who glowered. He'd learned long ago that showing restraint was futile when it came to shifters, who were incapable of registering anything short of a punch. As expected, three of the wolves – Paul and Quil, Edward gleaned from their thoughts, as well as Jacob – were only too willing to glare back at him.
The others were still talking. Edward jerked his gaze from the Quileutes' and accessed the section of his brain that had been listening from the beginning. Carlisle had apologized for the inconvenience – unsurprisingly – and asked to examine the mysterious package. The werewolves handed it over at a nod from their leader, exposing the writing at the top.
Deliver to an Edward A. Cullen.
Edward felt the beginnings of mild curiosity, amplified by the thoughts of those around him. Vampires didn't often get mail.
What do you think, son? Could the sender be a danger to us?
Glancing up to meet Carlisle's eyes, Edward shrugged. "I really can't say. It's only a box. I suppose we should open it, but it's your decision."
"I don't know if that's the best idea," Esme said quietly, slim fingers worrying at the hem of her dark green blouse. It seemed they'd all picked up some more human habits. "We don't know what's in there. That package could be dangerous."
"Please. Whatcha afraid of – bombs? I think we're pretty much indestructible."
Edward was inclined to agree with Emmett's statement, which was accompanied by a vague sense of amusement. He was imagining that the box was mail-order from a company that was a favorite of his and Rosalie's, one that specialized in adult oriented toys. Emmett pictured Edward leaping backwards in shock as the garish objects tumbled into his hands. Edward snickered at his brother's antics but tried harder to force the thoughts away, pulling himself into the tangible present.
"That may be true, Emmett, but they aren't." Carlisle's gaze traveled toward the wolves, who seemed offended by his concern.
"Thank god." One of the shifters sneered. "Wouldn't want to be a fu – "
"That's enough," Sam said sharply, eyes dark as he glared his pack down. He then turned back to the Cullens and snapped, "Our safety is none of your business. We came all the way here – might as well get a look at what's inside."
Edward began to feel strange, as if the entire conversation had been scripted beforehand. Something was off about the entire scenario. It was automatic to start breathing through his nose, tasting the flavor of the air to determine a threat – predator's instinct come out in full force.
Carlisle battled internally for a moment before sighing unnecessarily and handing the box to Edward, who took it with a grimace of distaste. The smell was disgusting – it reminded him of hospitals and rotting death and bodies in the ground. Unwilling to saturate himself with the scent entirely, Edward gripped the package one-handed and glanced up at his sire, irritation plain in his eyes. There was no need to put on a show for the wolves. They were merely pushing to see how far Carlisle would go to appease them.
I'm sorry, Edward, but the lack of privacy is something we've all gotten used to. I trust you're not about to open up something embarrassing or… incriminating.
The feeling of wrong increased.
Edward scowled. "I didn't – oh, never mind." The thin tape holding the cardboard together had begun to squeal ominously. He noted that the box must weigh just shy of three hundred pounds. A human would have been crushed beneath it. The tape snapped, and Edward's other hand shot out to ease the package to the ground. He released it and took two rapid steps back.
What is he – ?
"I don't like this," Edward said softly, eyes locked on the large cardboard box. He felt the gazes of vampires and werewolves alike burning into him. Something far too familiar was in that box. Something he… knew. "That scent, I recognize that scent."
Alice frowned, leaning back into her mate. She had been unusually quiet all day, struggling with her visions as she did every so often. Mental gifts could be hard to control. "Edward. I don't think you should open this."
Before Carlisle could respond, Jacob barked out a laugh. Internally, he whispered, C'mon, leech, you afraid of a big bad box? That's sad even for you.
Edward met his eyes calmly, ignoring the familiar rush of rage at the dog's taunts. Vampires were good at hiding emotions, even when their thoughts ran red with the need to tear someone apart.
"Fine." He didn't know who he was answering – Carlisle, Jacob, or any of the rest – only that it didn't quite matter. Edward did not believe in showing weakness. Not for the first time, he pushed his gut feeling aside and knelt before the box.
A vampire's instincts are always right.
With unnatural strength and hard-as-rock fingertips, it was easy to slit the box from end to end.
It was also easy to watch through the shock-tinged minds of others as Edward stumbled backwards in horror, eyes fixed on what was inside.
Good job for getting past the lengthy non-dialogue parts! Edward thinks way too much. We all know that. He's also really hard to nail. Did I get his characterization anywhere near right? Anyway, this chapter is more of a teaser to see if anyone's actually interested, and if it's worth continuing.