AN: I promised another story soon and here it is! This marks the 20th story in the Choice Series, which I cannot even believe. It has been five years since I started with Renesmee's Choice and I never planned on writing so much, but I just cannot seem to stop! Here is the second story in the three-story arc. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

Zach aimlessly wandered around the shore of the small lake he found on Vancouver Island after his hunt. It had been two days since he found out that Allie was his mate and he was still trying to wrap his mind around what it meant. He felt as if he was in shock ever since he met her. The night that he realized his mate was the alpha's daughter, he barely spoke a word. Even when the rest of his family joined them in Forks and promised to stay to help him through the revelation anyway they could, he still was silent, simply going through the motions for the rest of the night and the next day. He attended school like nothing had changed and while Josh wanted to talk about it, Zach still refused to. Rosalie and Emmett gave him his space, knowing that he was like his mother in that way. When they felt overwhelmed, they created distance so that they could have time to think, which is why Rosalie suggested Zach go for a hunt with her and Emmett on Vancouver Island. Zach looked up at the bright moon as it hung high in the sky. He sat down beside the water and slipped his feet in the cool liquid, absentmindedly swaying them back and forth. He heard his mother lithely jump from a tree and walk over to him, but he did not look up at her as she sat down by him.

"Your father is hunting for more grizzlies," she informed and he shrugged.

"I do not want another one. One is enough."

"Since when," she teased, but he did not chuckle like he usually would. Instead, he was quiet and she sighed as she ran a hand through his curly hair. The action always relaxed him and he rested his head on her shoulder as he surrendered to his mother's comforting touch.

"What am I going to do, mom? Why did this have to happen to me?"

"Mates are a very powerful thing, Zachary, but it is impossible to know when a vampire will find theirs. I wasn't expecting for you to find yours so soon or for it to be someone so connected to the wolves, but you are not cursed. I do not know why quite yet this had to happen, but finding your mate should never be seen as a curse."

"Even if she happens to be the daughter of an alpha and the girlfriend of a beta?"

"I will admit this is not exactly an ideal situation, but I don't believe this happened in order to curse you."

"Why are you being so calm about this? I never knew when I would find my mate, but I always knew you would not be happy about it."

"Oh I am not happy about it and I still have my reservations, but I know what it is like to find your mate. Before I found your father, I was so lost and I know I wouldn't have survived this existence if I did not find him. I was blessed with him, just like I was blessed with you, and I never want to take that chance away from you. We will figure this out, Zachary," she vowed and he hugged his mother as she stroked his hair. Emmett gave a small smile as he made his way over to them. He kissed the top of his son's hair before ruffling it.

"We should head back soon, if you plan on making it to school on time," informed Emmett and Zach slowly nodded.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to, baby boy," said Rosalie.

"I want to go. As weird as it sounds, I need something as normal as high school right now. It will distract me from everything going on in the supernatural side of my life." Rosalie and Emmett nodded in agreement and followed their son back to Forks.

The sky began to turn grayish blue as dawn broke and the sun was hidden behind the coverage of thick clouds and fog. Carlisle and Esme were in the study of the Cullen House in Forks while the rest of the family talked amongst themselves downstairs about what Zach's connection with Allie meant. Carlisle hung up the phone and pulled his wife into his lap with a sigh.

"Dr. Hughes is going to cover for me for the rest of the week. It has been slow at the hospital anyways," informed Carlisle and Esme kissed him tenderly.

"Thank you for doing that. I know you are enjoying your time at the hospital."

"True, but nothing is more important to me than our family and we need to be here for our grandson. I know there is not much we can do, but we all need to be here just in case he needs us."

"I feel so helpless. You know I cannot stand to see any of our family in such despair. I have never seen him so upset before. I thought finding his mate would be a good thing."

"It will be in the long run. This is just an obstacle for him, but he will overcome it. We will help him overcome it," assured Carlisle as he rubbed soothing circles on his mate's back. Alice knocked on the door before poking her head in and her parents motioned for everyone to enter. Alice, Jasper, Edward, Bella, Renesmee, Nahuel, Seth, and Kaya joined them in the study to discuss the situation. Edward was the first to speak.

"I know that everyone in this room wants what is best for Zach. Allie is his mate, but the question is if they can even be together," said Edward, which made Esme frown.

"Why wouldn't they be together? Mates cannot be apart," questioned Esme and Alice shook her head.

"That may be true, but this is different. They are not like other mates for several reasons and I know you want to be optimistic, but….."

"No, Alice, there is no but about it. Does anyone in this room question that Allie is Zach's mate," asked Esme and everyone shook their heads.

"I was there. I saw how they looked at each other and interacted. The only time I have seen that is when a deep connection has been made," admitted Seth and Esme put on a brave smile.

"Good, then there is nothing to talk about. Allie is his mate and she will be welcomed into this family," announced Esme. Jasper stepped forward.

"It isn't our family that we have to worry about. This isn't like when Edward found Bella and we were worried about her safety or ours because of the threat of exposure. Allie is the daughter of a wolf, even if she isn't supernatural, her lineage is and the Volturi would have no problem with her knowing," informed Jasper.

"But you still believe there is a reason to be concerned," asked Carlisle and everyone nodded.

"Not just one reason, Carlisle, several," added Jasper.

"Like what," asked Esme and it was Alice's turn to speak up.

"I cannot see when she is around, which means everyone is going into this blind. Zach's future and our futures are gone. Allie is blocking me and I need to figure out why in order to find a way around it."

"And if Alice cannot see, then we do not know what the future holds for anyone in this situation or what the best course of action may be," agreed Edward.

"This is not the first time Alice has had blind spots. We can handle it," assured Esme.

"It is different this time. It isn't a blind spot. Our paths are connected to hers now and I cannot get a read on any of our futures. There is nothing there," informed Alice and Jasper gave a curt nod.

"Which means we need to be prepared for the worst case scenario and talk about the elephant in the room, when Sam finds out about this, it could be trouble," warned Jasper.

"Sam wouldn't do anything to cause issues with our family. We have been through so much with him and the pack," defended Carlisle, but Seth shook his head.

"That was before his daughter mated with a vampire. Look, Carlisle, I want to believe that everything will be okay, but I have been in the pack. I know how volatile a wolf can get when their temper flares and Sam would do anything to keep Allie out of the supernatural world," said Seth.

"Drew is an issue as well," reminded Kaya and Nahuel nodded in agreement.

"Yes, we have all seen what happens when a wolf feels scorned. If Allie chooses Zach over Drew, we will have a beta and an alpha to deal with," said Nahuel.

"Which would mean the entire pack would be involved as well," added Alice and Bella ran a hand through her hair.

"Speaking as someone that was once a human in love with a vampire, I think we also have to think about Allie. Zach is relatively desensitized to human blood, but will he be tempted by hers? He hasn't interacted with humans as long as Edward had when we met and Edward was still worried about harming me. What about their future together? Is she going to turn into a vampire? Will they want to have a child? Zach is capable of impregnating her," reminded Bella and Carlisle slowly nodded.

"All very good points, but let's focus on the matter at hand. We need to make sure that Zach and Allie have a chance to be together first. I agree with all of your concerns, but believe Sam and Drew are the most important issue at the moment. Sam has no clue what has happened and I am not sure that he will be open to hearing it," confessed Carlisle and Renesmee groaned.

"Plus, Allie is still Drew's girlfriend at the moment. I don't think she even fully understands what has happened. It took me some time to realize what was happening with me and Nahuel and I knew about the supernatural."

"I didn't think of it like that. Seth and I had nothing to lose when he imprinted on me. If anything, I gained so much and being with him was effortless. What are they going to do," questioned Kaya and Edward pinched the bridge of his nose as he read everyone's thoughts.

"I do not know, none of us do," admitted Edward and Esme stood up as she shook her head.

"It doesn't matter," she announced.

"But Esme," tried Alice. Esme put up her hand to silence her daughter.

"Alice, I know you are worried that you cannot see. Edward, I know you can read all of our minds and are concerned. I know you and Bella can relate to this situation and are scared for your nephew and Allie. Jasper, I know that right now you are thinking about strategy with the pack. Seth, you are worried about what it means for your little brother and your connection with the tribe. I know that Renesmee and Nahuel are worried about Drew coming after Zach. And Kaya, you are worried about everyone being safe just like my mate is. We all want this to work out peacefully and we are worried about the fallout, but understand this, Zachary deserves happiness. He deserves to find his mate and just like I refused to believe that Edward found Bella for it all to end in despair, I refuse to believe that for Zach and Allie. They will be together and as his family, we will do whatever we need to do to make sure we support him," declared Esme and everyone nodded as Zach, Rosalie, and Emmett walked into the house. They entered the study and Zach smiled sheepishly at his family.

"Talking about me," he asked and Bella hugged him.

"We just want to be here for you," she assured and Rosalie comfortingly rubbed her son's shoulder.

"Why don't you go get ready for school? Josh will be here in a bit," suggested Rosalie. Zach slowly nodded and went to his bathroom to wash off the hunt before it was time for school. Rosalie waited until they heard the water running before whispering to her family.

"Esme is right. I am not exactly happy about this, but my son has always wanted a mate. I am not sure how this will work out, but it will because he deserves nothing but the best," whispered Rosalie and Emmett nodded.

"If Sam becomes a problem, I will deal with him, father to father," added Emmett and Rosalie smiled adoringly at her mate.

"I wonder how Emily will respond," admitted Rosalie. Seth shrugged.

"I don't know, but I guess we will not have to wait long to find out. This is going to get out soon and even if Allie doesn't understand what has happened, she will not be able to stay away for long, right," asked Seth and Bella smirked.

"I risked my life to get closer to Edward before I even knew what he was. I doubt Allie will be any different," said Bella. Carlisle shared a look with his mate to gauge her stance again before nodding.

"Then for now, we just wait," announced Carlisle and the others nodded in agreement. The truth would be out soon enough.

Zach was not in the mood to listen to his best friend's constant chatter as they drove to school. He turned up the stereo, hoping Josh would take the hint, but the wolf just talked over it.

"Come on man, you have been walking around like a zombie ever since you found out. Aren't you excited," asked Josh and Zach smirked.

"Oh yea, can't you tell, J? I am in love with a girl that is dating a friend of mine and is the daughter of an alpha. I am ecstatic." Josh gasped.

"Wait, you are already in love with her," questioned Josh and Zach let out a whine as he thought about the question.

"I don't know. I think. I guess. It is hard to explain."

"Hey, I have plenty of time. Explain it to me."

"J, seriously, I don't want to talk about this."

"When you had questions about Nina, I answered them," defended Josh and Zach rolled his eyes, but nodded.

"Fine, you want the truth? I cannot stop thinking about her. I already have this connection with her and I don't even know her. I wonder what she is doing and how she is feeling. Does she feel how I feel? Since she is human, does she even feel the connection like I do? Do I go talk with her? Do I keep a distance? Is obsessing about this even worth it? I don't have answers, Josh. I wish I did, but I don't so please, can we just go to school and act like I am not some vampire on the verge of losing my mind because I know who my mate is but don't know if I can even be with her," asked Zach in exasperation and Josh smiled sympathetically at him.

"Sure Z, so what do you think we are going to do in first period," asked Josh and Zach smiled in appreciation of the subject change.

"Probably finish watching Romeo and Juliet."

"Lame, I hate that play. Talk about a story that has been overdone. Boy meets girl. Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy back but their parents don't….." Josh trailed off as he realized what he was saying and Zach quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Oh yea J, no one can relate to that huh," chuckled Zach and Josh flashed him a cheeky grin.

"Hey, just be happy we aren't watching Dracula," laughed Josh and Zach did as well.

"At least that would miss the mark more," chuckled Zach. He pulled into the parking lot of Forks High School and Josh nudged him.

"Just so you know, whatever happens, I got your back. You know that right," asked Josh as he held out his fist. Zach smiled at his best friend and bumped fists with him.

"I know, J. Thanks," said Zach as he parked and grabbed his backpack.

"Come on, don't want to be late for class," called Josh as he grabbed his bag and jogged up to the school with Zach right behind him.

Later that day, Allie was in a boutique in Forks with her best friend, Mia. Her mind zoned in and out of the conversation as Mia filled her in on the newest drama with their friend, Bethany. Allie absentmindedly nodded and sifted through clothes on the rack as her friend continued with her chatter.

"So I finally had to tell her, like hello, Bethany, stop blowing up the guy's phone. If he wants to talk to you, he will, you know? Then she got offended when I told her it made her look desperate, but seriously, what did she expect me to say? She is constantly trying to get him to notice her. I am pretty sure he noticed and isn't interested, you know what I mean? Allie," questioned Mia as she waved a hand in front of Allie's face. Allie blinked a few times and sighed.

"Um, sorry, I was just thinking," mumbled Allie. Mia eyed her suspiciously.

"You have been out of it ever since we got here. What's going on?"

"Nothing, I just…..I don't know."

"Allie, I know you better than that. What's up? Is this about Drew?"

"No….sort of….it is hard to explain. I just, ugh where do I start? I have more questions than answers at this point."

"Questions about what, is this about your father working for the mafia," teased Mia and Allie rolled her eyes.

"I didn't say he works for the mob. I just think he is hiding something and he has a lot of power and people treat him like he works for the mob. It is all very hush, hush, but he is respected by the tribe like he runs it or something."

"He is the chief," giggled Mia.

"You know what I mean. People do whatever he wants and look at him like he demands their utmost respect, especially all the boys on the rez. It is weird."

"So why don't you just ask him? Just say, hey dad, I will love you no matter if you are a crime boss or not," giggled Mia.

"I wish it was that simple. My mind is just all over the place lately."

"So this is about Drew?"

"Fine, look, it is about a guy, but not Drew," confessed Allie and Mia's jaw dropped as she pulled her friend closer to her.

"Are you cheating on him?"

"No, of course not, I just, there may be someone else, but there can't be someone else. He is off limits."

"Ooh the best guys are the ones that are off limits. Who is he?"

"You wouldn't know him. He isn't from the rez."

"Is he from Forks?"

"No, he is just visiting. That is the other thing. He is from Alaska, but that is the least of my worries. There is an age issue."

"Are you into an older man? That is so hot," exclaimed Mia and Allie shushed her as people looked in their direction.

"No, not older."

"Younger?"

"Yep."

"How young?"

"I don't want to say."

"Oh come on, Allie," whined Mia.

"Okay, okay, he is still in high school," confessed Allie and Mia shrugged.

"That's not so bad. Wait, what grade?"

"I think he is a senior. He is the friend of Jake and Leah's son, Josh. He is staying with them for the school year and going to Forks High. Josh is a senior, so I think he is a senior too."

"That isn't too bad. Where did you two meet?"

"That is the crazy thing. I have only met him once and that was at Leah and Jake's. There was just something about him."

"Is he cute," giggled Mia, which made Allie blush.

"Yes, but not just cute. He is gorgeous. He has this curly blond hair and this smile that makes me melt."

"Oh, so he is a pale face?"

"Seriously Mia, I expected better from you."

"What? It is true. He isn't from the rez and he has blond hair and is from Alaska. Is he pale?"

"You know I don't worry about stuff like that. I have never understood why that matters."

"It doesn't matter. It just makes you different. I guess I shouldn't be that surprised though. I knew you wouldn't go for a guy on the rez. That is why I was surprised you started dating Drew."

"Why would that surprise you and why wouldn't I go for a guy on the rez?"

"I don't know. You just act like you are better than the rez I guess." Allie was taken aback by the comment and crossed her arms defensively.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't get upset. It is true. When you went away to Stanford, I never figured you would come back. You have always had your sights on things outside of the rez, so when you told me about Drew, I was just surprised."

"Mia, I don't think I am better than anything or anyone. I just like what I like and I don't think I should have to be limited just because I was born on a reservation. Look, I need some air. I will catch up with you in a bit," grumbled Allie. Mia called after her as Allie exited the store and quickly walked down the street to get away before the tears welled up in her eyes.

The issue of her lineage and where she belonged had always been a touchy subject for her. Ever since she was a child, her parents encouraged her to venture out into the world and see more than the tribe had to offer, but not everyone felt that way. There was a part of her that felt looked down upon for leaving the reservation to go to Stanford in the first place and she hoped it was simply in her head, but her friend confirmed her suspicions.

"Look who is back in town," called a voice across the street and she wiped her eyes before waving at Ben Cheney. She jogged across the street and giggled as he greeted her with a warm embrace.

"Hey Ben, how are you?"

"Nothing new with me, but how is my favorite customer doing? I thought you were still in California."

"The past few months have been crazy. Stanford didn't really fit me," confessed Allie and Ben smiled sympathetically at her.

"I am sorry to hear that, but maybe I can cheer you up. I got in some new issues of your favorite comics. Want to take a look?" Allie's eyes brightened.

"Wait, the new Ultra Star is already out? I really must be losing it if I forgot about that," laughed Allie as they entered Ben's comic book store.

"Hey, it happens. Life gets in the way and when it does, sometimes you need to escape with a good comic. Take a look around. Ang helped me reorganize the place over the summer. Now I have more space to add more collectibles. I started selling more of them online like you suggested."

"I can tell. This place looks great," commended Allie as she looked around the comic book store. Ever since she was a child, comic books had been an interest of hers. Her father read them to her when she was a little girl and while none of her friends were interested in them, she always found time to sneak away to Ben's comic book store to find something new to read.

"How are Angela and the kids?"

"Great, they are all focused on school now. I bet your parents are happy you are back." Allie smirked as she pulled a stool over to the counter where Ben was. He put some comics down in front of her and she flipped through them.

"My mom is happy, but my dad is disappointed. I am disappointed too. I thought Stanford would be everything I hoped for. It is an amazing school and there is a part of me that really enjoyed it, but it didn't feel like home, you know?"

"I know what you mean. I always knew I wanted to come back to Forks after college, but Angela wasn't sure. I would follow her anywhere, but I was relieved when she said she wanted to come back to Forks. I am sure your dad is just worried about you."

"Well we aren't exactly on the best terms at the moment."

"Uh oh, what's going on?"

"A lot of things, but one of them is that I feel like he is hiding something from me."

"Maybe it is for a good reason."

"Yea, but I am twenty years old. I should be able to know the truth. It is like he doesn't trust me or something."

"Allie, your dad loves you. I am sure it has nothing to do with trusting you. I am probably speaking like a dad right now, but I know that there are things I don't tell my kids and it isn't because I don't love them or trust them. It just isn't something they need to know."

"Maybe you are right, but there is this tension between us. I thought it would help once I started dating Drew."

"Is he a boy from La Push?"

"Yes and my dad really likes him, but it is kind of a turn off how close they seem to be. It is hard to explain." Ben laughed.

"No one wants to date someone that seems closer with their parents than them. I think I have met Drew once or twice. He has come in before."

"You probably have. I bet you get to know a lot of people around here because of the store, don't you?"

"Yep, plus it is a small town," chuckled Ben.

"Do you know Zach Cullen? He is friends with Joshua Black."
"I know Josh. He comes in with Jake from time to time, but not Zach. Wait, Cullen, I know that name. I might know his parents or something. The Cullens made quite a buzz around this town when they first came from Alaska. Wow, I can't believe that was over thirty years ago. I feel old."

"Well you don't look it."

"Aw, thanks, but you have to say that. You don't want to upset your supplier," teased Ben as he waved a comic in front of her.

"What do you remember about the Cullens? Did they live in town?"

"They lived outside of town. They had a place way out there by the Sol Duc north of town. People never head out there though. In high school, we used to joke that, that part of the forest was haunted. Their old house is abandoned now, has been for decades."

"Is there a way to get to it?"

"There used to be a road, but that landslide from a few years back blocked it. Why the sudden interest in the Cullens?"

"No reason. I just think it is interesting to learn about things I never knew about this place. I will come back soon for the comics, promise," said Allie and Ben winked at her.

"Take one on the house."

"You know I won't do that."

"And you know your money is no good here," said Ben and she rolled her eyes with a smile.

"Fine, but just one and I will be back later to buy some more. Thanks, Ben. It was great catching up. See you later."

"Later, Allie," called Ben as she left the store. She sighed when she saw Mia spot her down the street and head her way. Allie crossed her arms as her friend ran over to her.

"Thank God, where did you go? I thought you left me stranded because you were mad," said Mia.

"I wouldn't do that. I just needed some air and I ran into Ben."

"Allie, I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that about pale faces. It was totally old school of me."

"It really was," agreed Allie.

"And about you thinking you are better than the rez….."

"Forget it. It has been a long day and I am ready to go home."

"Me too," agreed Mia as they headed back to Allie's car. Mia grinned mischievously at Allie.

"You know, Al, the high school is just down the street. School is about to get out. We could go check out your new boy toy."

"He isn't my boy toy. I just think he is nice. He was really sweet to me when we met."

"And gorgeous, don't forget that you called him gorgeous," reminded Mia and Allie blushed as she giggled.

"Fine, yes, I have never seen anyone, let alone a high school boy, look so gorgeous. It is surreal how amazing he looks. It must be the smile and the dimples."

"I don't see the big deal about his age. So what if he is younger than you. It happens. You should get his number."

"I have a boyfriend, remember?"

"Drew is nice, but I have never heard you gush over a guy like you talk about this one. You are smitten. Admit it." Allie bit her lip and sighed.

"It is just a crush. A crush on a ridiculously gorgeous, sweet guy," confessed Allie and Mia laughed as they linked arms and headed back to the car.