No no no this can not be happening! Its not possible! It cant happen not to me why me! I looked down in horror at the flames that encased my hands, yet I didn't feel the burn I should have and smoke didn't rise into the air. Just the flames whipping back and forth over my hands a steady heat as they would shoot up my arms and back down, but there was no searing pain, there was no pain at all.

Knock! Knock! "Alex you okay?" I jump at the sound and voice, a spark of flame leaping from my hands and leaving a scorch mark on the wall. "I-im fine Tara il be right out!" I yell back my voice hoarse. Please, please go away! I watch in shock as the flames slowly shrink before they just disappear into my skin leaving a red glow to my skin before finally even that fades. I couldn't hold in the sob of relief tears falling from my eyes. Looking up I take in the reflection on the mirror of the girl I no longer could say I knew. My emerald eyes no longer filled with amusement this place brought me, all i saw were the flames lurking in their depths, the wet tracks from tears I swore to never cry again, my blood red hair a mess from running a burning hand through it over and over. My clothes were another story, there were black burn marks up and down my sleeves, my jeans had scrap marks and tears from where I had hit the asphalt of the track.

I exited the school bathroom only to stop dead in my tracks. There stood Tera staring intently at the floor between her feet, and next to her stood the principal arms crossed and a scowl on his face. "My office Cat, now." "yes sir" I murmured before following him not sparing her another glance.

I sat in the chair staring at the ceiling waiting for him to get off of the phone with my foster mom no matter how hard I tried to convince him not to call, waiting for the inevitable. I brought my head down to meet his stare after I heard him hang up and sigh, "Alex, this is your third fight this week, and you're seventh this year." I stay silent, I know he isn't done, "I've given you detention, iv suspended you, sent letters home to your foster parents, I'm out of options here Cat." "your expelling me" I state more then ask, "i have no other choice, your behavior isn't changing." he replies actually looking like he regrets. I simply nod my head "I understand." and I do as I try to shut myself down and wait, I have to if I want to survive the night.

I quickly shut down and lock myself away in my head, face blank, no emotions to feel. Im vaguely aware of Tina my foster mom picking me up, thanking the principal, I climb in the back seat on auto pilot, climb the stairs, drop my bag on the floor, as if that will make it any worse. And then I feel it, the sting of the first slap across my face, its followed by another, then another, a punch here and a kick there as I hit the ground. I hear her voice, I know she's taunting me, I knows she's yelling, calling me anything her tiny brain can think of, worthless, whore, stupid, I've heard them all before. She rants on and on with each hit a new insult I don't bother listening to. I can taste the blood pooling in my mouth, feel it drip down my face into my eye, a rib crack at one particularly hard kick. A sick grin lifts her lips at the sound, she wants me to scream, to beg her to stop as iv done so often before, she wants to hear my pain. A satisfaction I will not give her today as I hold in everything but a groan. I should be used to this by now, this is nothing compared to what will happen when her husband gets home, this is nothing, and I will not give her the pleasure.

She had stopped half an hour ago and I still couldn't find it in me to move as I laid there curled up on the floor soaking in my own blood. The TV was turned up loud as she sat on the couch high as a kite, but I still heard the door, still heard the chuckle as he stepped over my body. "what the little bitch do this time" he asked her. "stupid cunt got herself expelled." he chuckled once more before kneeling down before me "I'm starting to think you enjoy your punishments." "little whore probably does!" was yelled back from the couch right before he swung my broken body up into his arms and headed for the room where I was tossed on the bed. My vision blurs at the pain barely catching the grin on his face. I watch through my haze as he removes his clothes before hovering over me, his hand moving my wet hair out of my face before all goes black.

I awoke hours later to the same throbbing pain between my legs iv grown use to and twist my face up in disgust as I roll over the side of the bed to empty my stomach, my clothes are no where to be seen. I freeze and tense up at the immense pain that shoots through my side before I'm coughing blood up uncontrollably. The noise brings their attention to me, and what am I greeted with, them laughing their asses off. I feel a heat shoot through me as my anger tries to get the best of me. As if that would change anything in my fate. "ready for another round girl?" he asks before wrapping two large arms around my waist from behind then tosses me back to the bed where pain shoots through me once again. The pain was too much, tears filled my already blurry eyes as he reaches to undo his pants and I let out a kick catching him where it counts. A grunt leaves him as grabs himself, "Tina hold her down! Your gona get it now bitch!" Tina lets out a loud laugh, "you hear that Cat, hes gona fuck you good" she laughs out as she grabs arms and he pins my legs. Thats when I felt the same heat from earlier only this time it was a burning heat, I felt like I was burning from the inside out, and it was only getting worse with each thrust. And then I saw it, flames everywhere, I let out a scream that had to be heard from miles as flames filled my vision before it went black.

Beep. Beep. Beep. The steady sound woke me as I struggled to listen in to the voices. I cracked my eyes open only to slam them back shut with a groan at the bright light. "shes awake!" now that voice I recognized. I opened my eyes slowly this time trying to get use to the light. Brown messy hair framed the near black eyes of Adriana, my social worker. Her eyes were filled with worry and it looked like she hasn't slept in days by the bags under them. "Cat can you hear me hun." I stare at her blankly, "oh god Alex I'm so sorry, this is all my fault." I blink slowly before looking away. Damn right its your fault you put me in that Fucking place! I regret it as soon as I thought it, all she has done was to help me. She has to know now though, im guessing the doctors who helped me told her. I look back to see tears falling down her eyes and give her hand a gentle squeeze to let her know I don't blame her. She gives me a watery smile back.

We spent the next hour going over my injuries. The worse being my mental state but we can deal with that later. My broken rib had pierced a lung and my vocal cords so it would be awhile before I could talk, fine by me I had nothing to say. One of my eyes were swollen shut but that was much better after my week in coma, now it was just a really bad black eye. One entire side of my body was black and blue along with a sprained ankle and shatter shin. My back had three long and deep cuts wrapping down and around my side from when Tina had taken a knife to me, which I don't remember but im told they will scar. There also a nice soon to be scar just above my left eye. The pain between my legs was still there but it had become a dull phantom pain. She then preceded to tell me that both Tina and Tom had died from the fire, the fire that didn't seem to touch me as I was pulled out of the house and I was transferred to the hospital in Denali Alaska. I put that little information in the back of my mind as the door opened.

The man walked in with his doctor coat on and a brilliant smile, he was one of the most handsome men iv laid eyes on. He was super pale and his eyes were a caramel gold. His voice was like honey, "good afternoon, its good to see you awake Alex. Im Dr. Carlisle Cullen." I simply gave him a nod to which he smiled at. "are you feeling ok?" another nod glad he was asking things I didn't need to speak to answer. "any sever pain?" a shake of my head as he took his notes. He then seemed to take in my form with a scrutinizing but excited look, like someone had found a new toy, or just like a scientist I guess. "thats great, has Miss Ortiz explained your new arrangements yet?" I gave Adrianna a questioning look. "Not yet Dr. we were getting to that." "of course" he nods for her to continue. "sweetheart" uhoh "Dr. Cullen and his wife have agreed, well suggested really that you stay with them instead of just moving straight to a new foster care while you get better." I let my face fall blank. "dont do that Kitten" she whispers for only me to hear. "its for the best" I let out a snort. "im serious Alex it will be different. You will be under the supervision of a doctor while you heal. Iv met his wife and shes wonderful. And they have 5 other kids you will be going to school with." School! Come on Adrianna haven't you learned your lesson. "And-" I level her with a glare, "youl be seeing a therapist during your stay." …..A WHAT! "Alex what you went through was a traumatic experience" the kind doctor tries to sooth, "maybe talking about it will help." I take a deep breath ton try and reign in my anger as the door opens to present a Caramel haired women with the same eyes as the Dr. "Mrs. Cullen."

Tanya POV

What the fuck are they thinking! I grumble to myself as I sat around the table with my sisters and our extended family. Rosalie was the one to voice my thoughts. "Esme I love you to death but what the hell were you guys thinking." "Rose, you did not see this girl, this poor, broken, shattered girl. She need medical help and she needs a home, so we offered one." "yes one filled with vampires" Edward throws In his own two sense. Letting out a sigh, "im sorry Esme but I have to agree with them, your bringing a human into a house filled with vampires. Thats asking for trouble." "Except I don't think shes human, well at least not all human." the voice of Carlisle comes from the hallway, "what do you mean dear" She asks as he kisses her on the cheek I have to look away. "I mean I talked to the firefighters that pulled her out of a burning building that killed her foster parents." "oh dear that poor girl." "the flames never touched her" he said to our shock. "There was a clear path for them to carry her out, and as I was doing surgery on her, I swear I saw a flame inside her, it helped heal her, I didn't get burned but I could feel its heat." "impossible" "I agree Tanya but it happened." "you guys are family Carlisle, but I don't think me or my sister want to be here for this." "you cant leave!" Alice yells in a panic. "why not?" "because you have to meet her!" with a snort I was about to reply "plus your supposed to start teaching at the high school next week it will look suspicious if you leave now." "shes got a point Tanya" my youngest sister Kate replies. So with a groan I unhappily agree.

I spent the next three days getting lesson plans and what not ready for teaching at Denali high. Esme spent the time setting up the guest bedroom, Rosalie was furious along with Edward but part of her was curious as well. Alice was excited to shop for someone else and Emmett was thrilled to have someone else to play video games with and already had all of his favorites out. Jasper was to busy trying to control the emotions being thrown at him. All movement froze at the sound of two cars pulling down the long driveway before we all filled the living room in a rush. Esme opened the door to greet them as Carlisle walked in with a slightly younger woman right behind him that Esme greeted as Miss Ortiz so I'm guessing that's the social worker. It was however what stood slightly behind her that had my dead heart stuttering. She was in a word, breathtaking. Her long blood red hair was straight down her back, the most beautiful emerald green eyes that I could stare into forever. She was beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, sexy, anything and everything and I would never tire of telling her that. She wore a baggy hoodie that went to her mid thigh where she wore loose blue jeans and leather biker boots. She had blue and black eye, a gauze patch above her left eye as well as some wrapped around her throat. I held in my growl at the thought that someone gave her that black eye. One hand was tightly wrapped around the strap to her backpack while the other held on to what looked like a guitar case. They walked further into the room as she winced at every step, it took everything in me not to rush to her side and pick her up.

"Guys this is Miss Ortiz and Alex. This is my family, my wife Esme you met already, our children Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, Jasper and Alice. And these are our extended family Tanya, Irina and Kate." he list us off and the social worker nodded and gave a polite hello but this goddess Alex didn't lift her eyes from the floor where she stared blankly. Esme took a slow step forward making me think she knew exactly what my mate had gone through, "Alex sweetheart are you hungry or thirsty?" she shook her head still not looking up. "what about you Adrianna?" "no thank you maam." "please call me Esme dear." "of course." "Emmett Jasper take their bags and put them in Alex's room please." "sure thing mom" Emmett spoke quietly for once before slowly walking towards Alex I tense at the thought of the other vampire near her. "hey im Emmett, want me to take those" he offers with a soft smile that makes it hard to be scared of the giant bear like man. She had lifted her head and watched every step he took toward her tensely. She blinked slowly face blank and void of any emotion. "hes not going to break it Alex" the social worker whispered to her as she handed her bags to Jasper with a thanks. "il be very careful, I promise." another slow blink and she was handing him her stuff. As I continued to stare at my beautiful mate Adrianna was thanking Esme and Carlisle as well as telling them she will be back next month to check on things before saying her goodbye to them. She then turned to Alex with tears in her eyes she was desperately trying to blink away. As soon as Alex met her eyes tears filled her as well and I wanted so bad to hold and sooth her pain. She quickly wrapped her in her arms and whispered in her ear, "you be good Kitten. I mean it no fighting, no suspensions or expulsions ok." my mate nodded her head against her shoulder where she quietly shook and it broke every vampires heart in here. "you do as they say and be good for them, no trouble. And if you need me call or text, day or night, anytime." another nod. Her hands fisted in the Adrianna's shirt before releasing and stepping back where Adrianna wiped away her tears. "one month, il see you in one month." with a kiss to her cheek she rushed out the door but not before I saw the tears falling. Bringing my eyes back to my mate I see her eyes shut tight and her hands clenching and unclenching.

Esme took another step closer, "Alex honey why don't I show you to your room. Are you able to take the stairs we can move it down if you want?" her eyes opened and looked toward Esme but never met her eyes before slightly shaking her head and making her way to the stairs. She was only able to take a few steps at a time before stopping in pain her breathing heavy, even Rose looked on with compassion. I continued to listen as they disappeared "this is going to be your room dear, your more then welcome to decorate it however you want, or if you want to paint it we can do that as well ok? Whatever will make you feel more at home." I heard the door close and Esme made her way back down the stairs slowly. "what happened to my mate Esme?"

Alex POV

I heard the soft click of the door close as Mrs. Cullen left me to my thoughts. My few things were on the floor at the foot of the bed where the boys had left them. Not that there was much in them. Silence surrounded me as I took in the large room, the walls were a light blue, an empty bookshelf against one wall and a large queen sized bed against another. There was a walk-in closet also empty and a bathroom adjoined taking up the third wall while the fourth consisted of a giant window and glass door leading to a little balcony. It was nice, nicer then iv ever stayed in before.

Next thing I knew I was crashing to the floor as silent tears streamed down my face. I don't know how long I sat there curled up on the floor before there was a soft knock at the door but looking out the giant window wall at the sunset said it was a at least an hour. Dragging myself up I wipe my face clean, I hope and open the door. The look on the pixie like face said I didn't succeed, "hey Alex just came to let you know dinner was ready." she said while giving me a huge energetic smile. I was finally able to take her in, she was short, maybe 5'2" with black hair in a punk like cut that she pulled off perfectly. Her eyes were the same golden color as her parents and again that smile, it was slightly contagious as I felt one side of my lips turn up slightly though not noticeable. I gave her a slight nod and she was leading the way down the stairs chattering away excitedly. Great more stairs. "we are going to be best friends I just can't wait. I'm Alice by the way in case you didn't remember from the introduction." she then glanced at me up and down before giving a little hop at the bottom, "we are going to have to go shopping soon for you!" she spoke excitedly. Wait what? I faltered at the middle of the steps having to take them much slower due to the pain that shoots through me at every step. Her wide eyes shot to me "oh my god I'm so sorry. Its obvious your hurt and the stairs and I'm going too fast. Do you want me to carry you?" she rambled off in a panic. My own eyes widen in part shock and part amusement that this girl, this incredibly short slender girl just offered to carry me. I quickly shook my head and took a few more steps until I reached the bottom. I motioned for her to continue, then followed her down past a few doors until we reached an enormous kitchen where everyone already sat at the dinner table, they actually kind of looked uncomfortable. Mrs. Cullen was setting plates of food in the center of the table with her husband's help as their kids talked amongst themselves. My body twitched and tensed as a buzzing sound reached my ears but it stopped as soon as it started. "here Alex you can sit between me and Tanya." the pixie, Alice said as she led me toward what could only be described as a goddess. She looked to be in her mid to late 20s, had long strawberry blonde hair curling past her shoulders she looked to be slightly taller than me and had the same golden eyes as everyone here. I quickly averted my eyes as she tried to meet them and took the seat next to her when the doctor spoke up from the end of the table. "how are you feeling Alex? I know this can be overwhelming especially with you still healing." I gave him a glance then nodded my head. "good that's good. Let me know if anything starts to hurt more or if you need or want anything at all ok?" another nod. "great I also thought this might come in handy. That way you can talk to us while we wait for your voice to come back." he handed me a notepad and pen. I quickly wrote out a thank you and showed him. He gave me a beaming smile "your very welcome." "I know your throat is still healing sweetie so I made soup for dinner I hope its ok." yes thank you. I wrote down and received another smile from the motherly woman.