A/N: I don't own twilight. I do however own the numerous OC's that come up. Also this is before Breaking Dawn seeing as I haven't read it yet. The group structure for the OC's is a lot different than what's been going on in the series. This chapter has nothing to do with the Cullen's family, it's right before Bella meets Edward and it occurs in North Dakota.

Prologue

"I can't believe that bastard. This is the last straw." the dark haired young man growled his emerald eyes turned black.

"Be calm Miguel, this is not our decision. Our mentors will see this put to right." his brother-at-arms lounged in the den of the mansion.

"He is right my love, let your father and Thomas tend to this matter until they call on us. For now we should be with our soldiers," a young woman took Miguel's hand and put her other hand on his brother's shoulder, "we lost a sister tonight and she must be honored before the cause of her death is punished."

"Arienna is right. Rita was our sister in all things save blood and we must gather our clans to honor her." Miguel sighed, something he did little of, "Go comfort your wolves Milo, I will see if father and Thomas will be joining us, before tending to my clan. Ari, you should see if the children are alright. Sebastian gave them quite the scare as he was dragged to the basement."

"Alright, go with peace and blessed be." she kissed Miguel softly and hugged Milo.

"Go with peace my love." Miguel returned the kiss.

"And blessed be sister." Milo finished with a gentle embrace.

They watched her walk off with her scepter in hand, her witch's robes swayed as she walked. Her long blonde hair was braided down her back with knives hidden in each plait in case her magic failed her. "I worry Milo, our mentors have yet to call on us." Miguel looked at his watch.

'Go and grieve your lost sister my sons. We will discuss this vermin's fate later.' they heard Miguel's father's voice in their heads.

"I guess that answers that problem. Let's go gather our clans, we will send her off with a ceremony none have seen before. Nana is seeing to it she is adorned for it." Milo got up from his lounge chair and walked toward the door.

"We will meet you out on the grounds." Miguel walked out the door and down a hall as Milo walked the opposite end of the hall.

Two hours later the two clans, Arienna* with the younglings the younglings and her small faction of witches were gathered on the ceremonial grounds. The trio stepped from within their groups and turned to address the crowd. "Brothers, Sisters, Friends and Allies tonight we honor our sister Rita O'Connell." Miguel turned to his beautiful sister upon the altar.

"She knew the risks, as do we all who went into battle that day, but to rectify the mistake of another she took those risks to save two others and to protect our home. Her sacrifice will not go without recognition, we will miss her forever until the end of time when we join her in the next life." Arienna took her lover's hand, caressing Rita's tanned face.

"Although we mourn her death, we must also celebrate her life and the things she accomplished. Many things would not be possible without her." Milo breathed slowly.

"Father, would you…"Miguel looked to the old vampire, motioning him over, "It was you who knew her best."

"Rita was my daughter, not by birth but I loved her all the same. She is the eldest of those within the elite but you all know this. What you do not know is that she was destined for great things, she believed in our cause even when her mentors faltered. She came from a troubled life on the streets and took time to become part of the group. Watching her grow into this beautiful, strong-willed and powerful young woman makes me proud even if she will never live her dreams." Terence bent down and kissed her brow, "Ti amo la mia ragazza del lupo*."

For a few hours others got up the courage to speak for Rita, their sister, hunting partner and friend. When all was said and done the trio lit the altar and listened as the wolves howled around them, mourning Rita's death. They all stood watching their beloved sister's body burn and her ashes spread across the grounds so she would always protect them.