AN: Spring is already here? Where has the time gone? I want to thank everyone that responded about the characters, especially Callista and Tess. I already have some ideas brewing in my head, but first I wanted to get this story out there. I hope you read, review, and as always, enjoy!

~Emmettroselover

Chapter 1

The square in Porto Rotondo sparkled with white light and bustled with life as twilight made way to night. The cafés and bistros were full and the aroma of baked goods and fine wine swirled around Josh and Natalie as they made their way to the docks overlooking the water. The city lights and moon reflected off the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a serene ambiance around the couple. Natalie took in a deep breath as she closed her eyes.

"I love the smell of the water here. This place is so beautiful," said Natalie and Josh nodded with a smile as he looked out at the water.

"You should see Isola Marcime then. It is definitely beautiful. My favorite island is thousands of miles away though. I think you would like the island Zach and his family live on too. You should come check it out with me," he suggested as he slipped his hand into hers. She sighed and shook her head.

"Josh, we have been over this…."

"Then let's go over it again because I don't understand why you don't want to leave Italy."

"It has nothing to do with Italy."

"Then what is it? Is it me?" She glanced down at their intertwined fingers.

"The past week has been amazing. I have had an amazing time with you, acting like tourists in Rome and shopping in Florence. You know how to impress a woman…."

"What is the problem then?"

"The problem is that this isn't my life. I don't do things like this. I live in a catacomb and spend my days transferring funds to the less fortunate all over the world. Having someone spend hundreds of dollars on a designer jacket for me isn't normal."

"It is a great jacket and you said you liked it."

"I love it," she assured as she played with the zipper of the leather jacket he bought her. He cupped her cheek in his palm and she leaned into his touch.

"So why does it feel like you are about to break up with me?"

"I can't break up with someone I am not even with." He winced at the words and took a step back from her.

"I see. I thought we were connecting, but I guess I was wrong," he said as he turned to leave, but she grabbed his hand.

"Josh, wait, I didn't mean it like that. I just don't know where this is going, okay? I don't know what this even is. I have spent the past years of my life trying to survive each day. Now I am out in the open and trying to understand what is happening between us. This is new for me."

"It is new for me too." She smirked.

"Really, so I am your first girlfriend," she challenged and he gulped.

"Well, no, but I know I want you to be my last. I want you to be my forever." He slipped his hand into hers again and she let out a shaky breath. The sensation that surged through her from the contact made her body buzz.

"You are so sure of us, but I need more time. Everything is moving so fast and I don't understand why it feels like this. I need time to process what is happening between us."

"Okay, maybe asking you to jet across the world to the states is too much too soon, but what about hopping in a yacht and taking a fifteen minute ride to Isola Marcime with me? My family is there. Zach and Allie are there and…."

"The Volturi are there and I am not ready to face them yet. I understand you think they are different now, but I still broke their rules and I doubt they have changed enough to let that go."

"They have and they will because you are with me now. You are off limits and they know that."

"What does that even mean? You keep saying that I am safe from them because of you, but how can you be sure of that?"

"Because you are my imprint," he blurted out.

"Imprint, what, is that some type of code name the Volturi and your family uses?"

"No, it isn't a Volturi thing or even a vampire thing. It is a wolf thing, a Quileute thing to be exact. When a wolf finds their imprint, that person becomes their world. The wolf will do anything to protect them. You are my imprint. I know you felt it when our eyes met in Genoa. Everything changed in that moment and now I am forever connected to you."

"Connected how," she questioned.

"That part is up to you. I can be your friend, your protector, or….maybe even your mate."

"I am guessing that is what you want since we have spent so much time together lately, to be my mate," she added and he nodded with a smile. He kissed her fingertips gently.

"Yes, I do," he whispered.

"And I am the one that has to decide that? Don't you get a say in what we are?"

"It is mainly your decision."

"That doesn't sound fair for either one of us. What if you didn't want to be around me?"

"That isn't how it works. The moment I saw you, I knew I would be connected to you forever. Now you have to decide what that connection means to you."

"No pressure there," she grumbled and he chuckled.

"Yea, I know it isn't exactly ideal. Trust me, I know."

"Can I have some time to think about it?"

"Of course, I just wanted you to get to know me a bit better before I told you."

"I need to go hunt."

"Want some company," he asked, but she quickly shook her head.

"No, I need the time to think. It isn't every day you are told you have to decide how someone will connect with you for eternity. What if it is too much for me and I don't want that burden?" He looked down and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Then I would respect your decision and walk away. It would hurt like hell, but I would do that for you," he conceded and she slowly nodded. She took off the leather jacket.

"Here, I can't keep this," she said, but he shook his head.

"I want you to have it. It looks amazing on you. You are my imprint. The least I can do is buy you a jacket." She put the jacket back on and kissed his cheek.

"I am not saying no to whatever this is. I am just saying I need time to think."

"I can give you time," he assured. She ran her hands through his hair and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks, I will call you later." He sighed as she headed back toward the square, leaving him behind. He could already feel the ache from the distance, but tried to ignore it as he hopped onto the yacht he borrowed from Marcus and Didyme. He revved the engine and darted out of the marina as fast as he could.

Fifteen minutes later, Josh arrived on the island and entered the villa he was sharing with his parents. Leah smiled and hugged him in greeting when she saw her son, but her smile faded when she sensed his despair.

"Bad day," she asked as she followed him into the kitchen and he smirked.

"The opposite really, fantastic day, just a crappy end to it. I really don't get her, mom. You know, a part of me thought that imprinting would make this whole process easier, but it isn't." He opened the refrigerator door in search of something to eat and Leah giggled.

"Since when does imprinting make anything easier," she teased and he chuckled.

"Yea, I guess you have a point. It just makes things even more complicated," he grumbled as he closed the refrigerator door.

"Your dad made some steaks. I am glad you are here because now you can join us for a nice dinner on the patio as a family. Come on," she encouraged and he begrudgingly nodded as he followed her outside. Jacob gave him a sympathetic smile as Josh plopped down in his chair. Jacob placed a plate of food in front of him.

"I am sorry it isn't working out how you want it to, son," said Jacob. Josh took a bite of his steak.

"You know what the warped part is? I am not even sure how much I want it to work out. The wolfy gene has me obsessed with her, but there is a nagging voice in my head that sounds an awful lot like Z."

"Your conscience sounds like Zach? I guess there are worse options. Mine sounds like your mother," informed Jacob and Leah playfully glared at him.

"What if she does want me to be her mate and then I have to obey her every command?"

"It doesn't work like that," assured Leah.

"Are you sure, mom? Last time I checked, Natalie is on Most Wanted Lists all over the world. What if she wants me to break into government buildings or banks with her? What if she doesn't want me to hang out with Zach or the others?"

"Josh, that isn't going to happen. I have an imprint and have never worried about that," assured Jacob.

"Dad, your imprint is Renesmee. The worst she would do is ask you to take her to the bookstore. My imprint happens to be a criminal."

"There was a time when Renesmee was at the top of the Volturi's list, so don't think I had the easiest time when I imprinted," said Jacob.

"And that pesky being in love with her mother thing," reminded Leah before taking a sip of her wine and Jacob rolled his eyes.

"I will ignore your lack of support since it actually makes my point for me. Imprinting is complicated, but not impossible. Whether she knows it or not, Natalie is connected with you too. She doesn't want to see you hurt," informed Jacob and Leah nodded in agreement.

"Your father is right. I am just teasing him because, well, why not? The truth of the matter is…and trust me, I cannot believe I am actually saying this….it is a good thing you imprinted on a vampire," she revealed and Jacob almost choked on his mashed potatoes. Josh eyed his mother suspiciously.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my mother," asked Josh and Leah rolled her eyes.

"I am serious. Vampire mates are powerful and even if Natalie doesn't want to admit it, there is a reason why she is responding to you the way she has. She came back because of you. The two of you have spent the past week together and have been inseparable. That's a mate thing by vampire standards. She knows deep down that she is connected with you and she can fight that, but it will not last long. Soon she is going to realize that she can't do anything to make you truly unhappy because mates are protective and possessive of each other," explained Leah and Josh frowned in confusion.

"How exactly do you know all of this?"

"Rose told me, but it isn't exactly rocket science. We are surrounded by mates. You know how it works too, so don't sell yourself short. I might not like Natalie. Rose also pointed out to me that I don't know Natalie, but the point is that I know what mates look like. You and Natalie are off to the same start as Zach and Allie. You just have a different list of complications," said Leah.

"And by that standard, you two are ahead of the game. At least there are no alphas, betas, or treaty lines involved. This should be a cake walk for you," assured Jacob and Josh chuckled.

"Well, thanks for the pep talk. Speaking of Zach and Allie, I am going to go hang out with them for a bit. I have been pretty MIA since I have been spending time with Natalie. I am sure they miss me. Thanks for the great meal. I needed it," said Josh as he stood up. He hugged both his parents before heading toward his best friend's villa and Jacob shook his head at his wife.

"What," she asked and he smiled at her.

"Oh nothing, I just never thought I would see the day where your pep talk for our son includes encouraging his relationship with a vampire woman. Motherhood has made you soft," he teased and laughed as she threw a balled up napkin at him.

Josh called Natalie on his phone as he walked toward Zach and Allie's villa. He groaned when her voicemail picked up and waited for the beep.

"Hey, don't worry, I am giving you some space. I just wanted to let you know that the invitation is always open for you to come here if you want. It is crazy, but I miss you already. Just think about my offer, okay? Happy hunting," he said before hanging up and using the key Zach gave him to enter the villa. Allie's shriek filled his ears as he walked into the living room followed by the sound of Zach's booming voice.

"J, don't you knock," shouted Zach as he and Allie grabbed their clothes to cover their naked bodies.

"Okay, seriously, we need to work on boundaries," shrieked Allie. Josh covered his eyes and turned away from the mates as he chuckled.

"Whoa, totally didn't expect to see that. Um, I mean not see that. I didn't see a thing…thing isn't the right word…or things…uh, nothing, I saw nothing," he said as he heard a door slam. Zach huffed.

"It is okay to turn around now. She is in our bedroom," informed Zach and Josh tried to hide his smile as he turned to see Zach zipping up his pants.

"Bedroom not doing it for you two anymore, you needed a new venue," teased Josh and Zach threw a pillow at him.

"Dude, I gave you a key for emergencies. I figured your super hearing would help us avoid situations like this!"

"Sorry, but I was a bit distracted by Natalie. I was trying to call her and it went straight to voicemail. I think I scared her off."

"The two of you will work it out, which is why I think Allie is right. We are going to have to set some rules now that we both have mates," said Zach as he put on his shirt and sat down on the couch by his best friend.

"Correction, you have a mate and I have an imprint that may or may not hate my guts."

"I am sure you are just being dramatic and that isn't true. You don't spend days with someone you hate."

"I just don't know what to do, Z. She is so damn guarded. Who knows when the two of us are going to get to shack up by the fireplace like you and Al. For all I know, she needs time to think up a way to let me down easily."

"J, you need to chill. When I first met Allie, things were extremely complicated and I had to wait for her just like you are waiting for Natalie. It took us a long time to get to the point of shacking up in front of the fireplace…and all over the villa," said Zach with a smug smile and Josh cringed as he looked around.

"Does all over the villa include this couch because if so, I need to just stand from now on." Zach waved him off with a chuckle.

"The couch is safe…for now," he teased and Josh glared at him.

"I hate you so much right now. Of course my hate stems from jealousy, but it is hate nonetheless."

"Don't worry. You will get there. You just got spoiled because Callista was willing to sleep with you so soon, even though it was so she could exploit your status."

"Thanks for that reminder, always nice to be kicked while I am down."

"I am just saying that mates take time, but it will be totally worth it. Trust me, completely worth it," said Zach with a lazy grin and Josh smirked.

"I see that, so tell me. Is part of being a newborn being ridiculously horny because the two of you have been all over each other lately?" Before Zach could answer, Allie marched out of the bedroom fully clothed and glared at them.

"I can hear you! I am going to hang out at the main house where there are people with actual respect for privacy!"

"Sorry, that was my bad. I didn't see anything, Al, totally saw nothing," apologized Josh as Allie stormed out of the house. She slammed the door behind her and Josh smiled sheepishly at his friend.

"Okay, full disclosure, I saw a little bit, but nothing to be ashamed by," said Josh. Zach chuckled, but stopped when Allie burst into the door again.

"Again, I can still hear you," she yelled as she threw a pillow at each of them.

"Love you, nayeli," called Zach as she stormed out again and Josh snickered.

"I see she still has the newborn temper."

"Well, you did just barge in on our intimate moment, so it could be that too."

"Hey, at least you get intimate moments. I doubt Natalie even thinks about having intimate moments with me."

"Look J, if she needs her space, give her space. You are mates. I am sure of it, so she will come around."

"I hope you are right. Since my imprint needs space and yours is probably off ranting about me interrupting her moment with you, we have some time together. Want to play some video games?"

"Yea, sure, just let me shower first. Allie kept me preoccupied all day," said Zach smugly and Josh pushed out his bottom lip in a pout.

"Did I mention just how much I hate you," grumbled Josh and Zach simply whistled as he disappeared into his bedroom.

Carlisle and Esme smiled appreciatively at the two guards that led them to the balcony of the mansion. Marcus and Didyme were waiting for them and Esme and Didyme kissed cheeks in greeting while Carlisle and Marcus shook hands.

"It is good to have you back. I hope everything is alright in Volterra," greeted Carlisle.

"Nothing Joaquin can't handle. Now if we can get Alexander to accept that, all will be well," said Marcus.

"Are Alexander and Lena here as well," asked Esme.

"They should be on their way soon," replied Didyme.

"So, I hear that Josh has returned, but without his mate. Any word on the girl," asked Marcus and Carlisle sighed.

"No, it seems imprinting is as hard for her to understand as it is for most of our kind. We have not seen her yet, but I assure you she is not a threat," said Carlisle.

"Fear not, my friend, we trust your judgment and are in no rush. We are both curious about her and would like to meet her, but only when she is ready. After all she has been through, forcing the issue would only make matters worse for all involved. I understand her fear and paranoia. In her eyes, the Volturi are still connected with Aro. Even after all this time, he has left his mark on our world," explained Marcus.

"My brother managed to leave traces of his evil everywhere. He probably scarred the poor girl. No one escapes his grasp unscathed," added Didyme and Esme nodded in agreement.

"Hopefully she embraces Josh's love and starts to heal. Our family wants to be there for her as well, but only if she wants us to be. The Denalis feel the same way, especially Benjamin. He spent a large part of his existence under the control of one mad man and hiding from another. He wants to help Natalie and even said he would offer to let her stay in Alaska with them if she is afraid of being too close to Italy now," informed Esme.

"How does Josh feel about all of this," questioned Marcus.

"He is coping the best way that he can, but it is clear that even as a wolf he sees this imprinting as a complication," said Carlisle.

"It is not a complication. It is a blessing, just one that will take time to come to fruition. They are mates. Some mates take more time than others," assured Esme and Carlisle kissed his wife's cheek.

"Always the romantic," he chuckled and she winked at him.

"I hope for her sake you are right, Esme. We agreed to stand down because we trust your family can keep things at bay, but this girl is headed down a dangerous path if she is not careful. Wanting to save the world is one thing, but tampering with nuclear warheads is another," warned Marcus.

Allie shushed Keegan and Benjamin as they scaled the side of a mountain in Sicily. She sighed in relief when they reached a leveled cliff and dusted off her jeans.

"I still don't think this is a good idea," warned Benjamin and Allie shushed him again.

"If you keep talking, she is going to hear us. She is close by," whispered Allie.

"Why exactly did we need to follow her? You said she wanted space from Josh," whispered Keegan.

"I need to have a little chat with her, but I promised Zach I wouldn't go off on my own again. Besides, you both said you would support me as a newborn and I need support now," she explained.

"We meant with dealing with issues of control, which you seem to have a handle on," argued Keegan.

"Actually, this does seem quite impulsive, something a newborn would definitely do," grumbled Benjamin and Allie shushed them again.

"We are fine. She is hunting on the other side of the mountain, but we aren't too far now."

"I don't like this. Alice is still blind around her, so we can't even get a heads up if she freaks out on us," warned Keegan and Allie rolled her eyes.

"You know, for a firestarter, you sure do worry a lot. Between the three of us, we will be fine," assured Allie.

"I am pretty sure Josh will never speak to me again if she attacks us and I scorch his mate," warned Keegan, but Allie ignored him as she crept around the corner. She could see Natalie searching the mountainside for prey and cleared her throat to make her presence known. Allie put her hands up defensively as Natalie spun around and crouched down.

"What the hell are you doing here," questioned Natalie as Keegan and Benjamin awkwardly waved at her.

"Just wanted to talk," said Benjamin and Natalie slowly stood up as she eyed them suspiciously.

"I figured if the Volturi were going to send people to kill me, they would at least be guards," she informed and Allie waved her off.

"Don't be ridiculous. No one is here to kill you. We are here to talk to you. I see that you are hunting animals and not humans, so I guess the eye color is not temporary. How long have you been a vegetarian vampire? If you know nothing about the Cullens, how did you pick up on the lifestyle," questioned Allie.

"Aro was very clear about that after he turned me. I have never had human blood. I figured you knew that and all my darkest secrets since you read his journals about me."

"Aro didn't write down everything," explained Allie.

"Have you handed them over to Josh yet?"

"No and I don't plan on doing that, ever. I wouldn't betray you like that. You will tell Josh when you are ready."

"Betray my trust, you say that as if you actually care. We are enemies, remember," challenged Natalie and Allie slowly nodded.

"A part of me still doesn't like you and trust me, our issues are far from over, but your past is off limits. It is only fair," conceded Allie.

"Thanks….I think. It still doesn't explain what you are doing up here." Benjamin took a step forward and smiled warmly at her.

"We just want to help. You aren't the first vampire with abilities that Aro tried to hunt down. I know how that can mess with your mind," said Benjamin.

"You also aren't the first vampire with abilities to be misunderstood. You can trust us and the Cullens. No one is here to hurt you," added Keegan.

"Does that go for you too," questioned Natalie and Allie slowly nodded.

"It is tempting, especially after some of our previous run-ins, but I am here to talk about Josh. I may want to strangle him at the moment, but I still want what is best for him. He is worried you don't feel the way he does about your relationship."

"Why do you want to strangle Josh," asked Natalie.

"He walked in on me and Zach in a compromising position."

"He just walked in," asked Natalie and Allie smirked.

"Yep, I plan on having an overdue chat with him about boundaries when it comes to me and his best friend. He did seem distracted though. He was trying to call you." Natalie pulled her phone out of her pocket.

"I usually have this thing turned off. It is rare that I need it. I don't have a lot of people to talk to," admitted Natalie.

"That can change," offered Benjamin and Natalie smiled sadly.

"I don't know. I need time to think about what all of this means. Josh says he imprinted on me. It seems pretty intense," said Natalie and Allie nodded.

"So are mates and it took a lot for Josh to open up to you about your choices in the matter. He is a great guy and deserves better than to be blown off because you are scared. Hurting him isn't an option, so take whatever time you need, but figure out a way to deal with your issues so you can be with him," declared Allie.

"Wow, you sure are interested in Josh's love life. If I didn't know any better, I would say you were in love with him," accused Natalie and Allie's laughter echoed around them as it bounced off of the mountain.

"You think me and Josh….are you serious right now…that's disturbing and amusing all at the same time," laughed Allie and Natalie frowned.

"You just said he is a great guy. Plus, he is definitely handsome," defended Natalie.

"Well, that pesky jealousy pulsing through you and making you jump to ridiculous conclusions is part of the mate bond. Josh is my friend, but I am hopelessly in love with his best friend. Zach and I are getting married soon."

"Zachary McCarty Cullen, I asked a former acquaintance about him and all of the Cullens. It seems he really is a big deal in the vampire world," said Natalie.

"More than you know," mumbled Allie.

"And you two are part of the Denali Coven, an extension of the Cullen Coven. I heard you have quite impressive talents as well."

"We tend to hold our own," assured Benjamin with a coy smile.

"And you each joined the family on your own accord," questioned Natalie.

"We found our mates. Joining the family was just an added perk. We live in Alaska and the Cullens live on an island between British Columbia and Washington State. We were in Italy for a wedding before we were alerted to your presence," explained Keegan.

"Mates, that is what Josh wants us to be, but how does one know if they are a mate? He makes it sound so amazing, but what if I am not the one for him? What if he is mistaken?"

"I was a human when I met Zach and our relationship was complicated for a lot of reasons. I was dating his friend and my father was completely against me being with Zach, but I always knew he was the one for me. Even as a human, I could feel this pull. I am sure if you think about it, you know what I am talking about. It is this sense of uneasiness that comes over you when you think about being away from him for too long. It has been an hour and I am already missing my mate like crazy. Loving him is the best decision I could have ever made, but it wasn't really a decision at all. I was meant for him and you are meant for Josh. You just need to embrace it. Fighting it won't make it go away."

"How do you know it is as powerful for me and Josh?"

"Because if it wasn't, you would be on a computer somewhere hacking into nukes instead of spending your time strolling through shops with him," informed Allie and Natalie looked down at the jacket she was wearing.

"He got me this jacket. It is the first time in a long time someone actually gave me something, but never this lavish. I don't usually shop," admitted Natalie.

"Well, your man is a shopper, unfortunately for you. He also spends a ridiculous amount of time in the bathroom and I am pretty sure annoying me is on his to do list every single day, but he is also one of the coolest guys I know. You are lucky to have him and if you finally come to your senses, you will see that he is worth opening up to. I need to get back to my mate, but I hope we get to see you soon." Allie turned to leave, but Natalie called to her.

"You are a good friend to him. He is lucky to have someone like you in his life," said Natalie.

"Josh is like my little brother and even though he gets on my nerves, I love him. You should love him too."

"That is easier said than done for someone like me," mumbled Natalie and Keegan smiled at her.

"I won't pretend to know what you have gone through in life, but I do know what it is like to feel unworthy of happiness because so many screwed up things have happened to you. I once thought I was cursed, but I wasn't. It took me a while to realize that and sometimes I still have moments where I push people away because I spent so much time doing that. It became a defense mechanism. Don't let that mechanism keep you away from someone that genuinely wants to be there for you," advised Keegan and Benjamin nodded in agreement.

"The hardest part is overcoming your own fears and putting down your guard. It is terrifying, but totally worth it," added Benjamin.

"I will keep that in mind," said Natalie and they each gave her a wave goodbye before heading back down the mountain. Natalie glanced down at her phone. She took in a shaky breath as she turned it back on.

Allie shook her head in amusement as she walked into the kitchen of her and Zach's villa. Josh was typing on his computer at the kitchen table while Zach flipped pancakes on the stove.

"Why is my mate cooking you breakfast," asked Allie.

"Because it is the most important meal of the day and I like it at all times of the day. Plus, I am looking up new cheat codes for us to use with our new video game," informed Josh as continued to type furiously.

"Let me rephrase that. Why aren't you making your own food, you lazy bum," asked Allie and Zach chuckled.

"I don't mind cooking for him. I used to cook for you all the time," reminded Zach.

"Funny how you compare cooking for the woman you love to cooking for Josh," she grumbled and Josh huffed.

"You know, he was my best friend way before he was your mate, so watch your tone. Besides, you have bigger things to worry about."

"Like what," she asked.

"Oh, I don't know, like explaining why you lied about going to the main house and instead went to track down yet another one of my girlfriends," said Josh and Allie gulped. Zach placed a plate of food in front of Josh before arching an eyebrow at his mate.

"Aunt Alice called. It seems your future disappeared, which means either you went to see Natalie or you were about to die. Either way, not really amused," he said before walking back over to the stove. Allie groaned.

"I was going to tell you and to my defense, I did go to the main house. I just didn't stay at the main house. I took Benjamin and Keegan with me for backup just in case things got heated between Natalie and me," confessed Allie and Josh frowned at her.

"You know, Al, if you keep trying to kill my girlfriends, we may have issues."

"I wasn't trying to kill her and for the record, I only went after Callista because I knew she was evil, which I was right about. I only went to talk some sense into Natalie and we didn't even fight."

"But you have battled her before," reminded Josh.

"Yea, we also thought she was trying to blow up the world before. By the way, are we sure she still isn't trying to because she has a lot of nuclear codes for someone that is all for world peace," questioned Allie and Josh rolled his eyes.

"She isn't trying to blow up the world. So, did she mention me? She is totally ignoring my calls at the moment so I doubt she even mentioned me."

"She mentioned you and she is into you. She is just going to need some time."

"Oh joy," grumbled Josh before taking a bite of his pancakes and Allie giggled.

"I tried my best. Now, eat your pancakes while I try to smooth over things with my mate."

"Good luck, he is pretty pissed," sang Josh and Zach rolled his eyes.

"I can hear you two," yelled Zach and Allie smirked.

"Like I could hear you two after he invaded our privacy and saw us in a moment of passion," she challenged.

"Hey, I apologized for that," called Josh.

"Yea, he apologized and it was an accident. You sneaking off was not. Allie, we talked about this," said Zach and she jumped into his arms to try to soften him up by showering him with kisses.

"I know and I am sorry. I was just trying to help Josh and I did take back-up. I was never in any danger and I knew Keegan and Benjamin wanted to see her too. You were cheering up Josh and I just wanted to help by clearing the air with her a bit. I didn't want to be the reason she didn't come to the island," she confessed and he groaned as she peppered kisses on his neck.

"Fine, I forgive you, but you have to stop sneaking off. I don't care if your impulsivity is part of being a newborn. You can control everything else, so I know you can control that. All I ask is that you keep me in the know, just like you would want to know if I went off to do something."

"Yea like going to Alaska to test a secret serum for me," she said with a sly smile and he laughed nervously.

"That was different. It was for your own good."

"And this was for Josh's own good. Look Cullen, I will admit that I should have told you, if you can admit that you have had your own impulsive moments in our relationship."

"Fine, I guess that is true but can we please be even so I don't get a complex and worry about where you are going every time we aren't together?"

"Deal and I am sorry I didn't tell you. I will be sure to make it up to you properly later on," she assured and he grinned from ear to ear as he nodded.

"Deal," he chuckled before passionately kissing her and Josh groaned.

"Can't you two get a room if you are going to do that," whined Josh and Allie arched an eyebrow at him.

"Why, so you can barge into it," she challenged.

"Hey, I apologized!"

"Don't worry about him, nayeli. He is just upset that he doesn't have someone to cozy up to by the fireplace yet. Natalie will come along, J," assured Zach and Josh scoffed.

"Whatever, I can't even get her to come here with me. Maybe I have read the signs wrong. What if she isn't attracted to me? What if it is because I am a wolf? Vampires and wolves usually do repel each other you know?" It was Allie's turn to groan.

"Oh can we stop with the theatrics and drama already? It has been a week, you horn dog, and yes, the pun was intended. She is attracted to you, but she actually can show some restraint, unlike your last conquest."

"Callista was not a conquest," defended Josh and Allie giggled.

"Right, you were her conquest, my mistake."

"Are you going to let her talk to me like that, Z," asked Josh and Zach put his hands up in surrender.

"We have been over this. If you two want to argue like children, I am not going to be in the middle of it. It makes me feel old," replied Zach.

"Yea, keep him out of this. You are just being ridiculous anyways. You obviously do not have to worry about vampires and wolves repelling each other. Maybe it would be a good thing if you did, then I wouldn't have to worry about you walking in on us because you can't stay away from your best bro for more than ten minutes."

"You are just jealous of the epic friendship Z and I have. You wish you had a friend with all this alphaness running through them to hang out with."

"Oh bite me," she grumbled and Josh smiled smugly.

"Sorry, wolves don't do that," he said before eating some more of his pancakes. Zach shook his head in amusement.

"You two are so weird. One minute, you are running off to defend his honor and the next, you two are bickering," said Zach and Allie winked at him.

"It is my job to stand up for him when necessary. It is also my job to annoy him," she informed and Josh groaned as she ruffled his hair.

"That's my favorite part," she giggled and Zach chuckled.

"Alright you two, let's take this sideshow to the couch. We have a high score to beat," he instructed and they followed him into the living room. He handed them each their video game controllers.

"What level are they on," asked Josh as Zach turned the console on.

"Just one level ahead of us, so we should be able to catch them pretty quickly," answered Zach.

"Is it the same team as before," asked Allie.

"Yea, they think they can actually beat us because they are finally ahead. Don't they know that we actually have lives? While we were out trying to save the world from nuclear warfare, they were moving ahead of us. I can't believe it has actually taken them this long to get ahead and we are still about to annihilate them," said Josh.

"Have you and Natalie talked about video games? Is she into them," asked Allie as they each signed into the game and Josh sighed.

"Probably not, she enjoys living in her underground lair and pouting too much to be interested in stuff like this," he grumbled and Allie hit him in the face with a pillow.

"Ow, what was that for? I may be a wolf, but I can still feel pain!"

"It was just a pillow, you big baby. Besides, you deserved it. Don't make fun of her past. You don't know everything about Natalie and what she has been through. Being pissed that she is guarded is one thing, but making fun of her is another. She has a lot of reasons to be guarded."

"How am I supposed to know that, if she doesn't tell me," asked Josh.

"It isn't easy to open up to people just so they can judge you," defended Allie.

"Well, she obviously opened up to you," muttered Josh.

"No, she didn't. I read it in the journal and no, you can't read it. It is private and Natalie will tell you when she is ready. I only read it because I was trying to track her when we thought she was a threat."

"You know, Al, your newborn mood swings are giving me whiplash. First, you hate Natalie. Now, you are defending her? You are supposed to be defending me to her, remember," asked Josh.

"I am defending you by telling you not to be a jackass. You want the girl, then don't act like a jerk. She will come around, but she doesn't trust easily and I don't blame her. She doesn't stick around for long because people never stuck around for her. You have to be patient with her."

"She is right, J," agreed Zach.

"Do you know what she knows about Natalie," asked Josh and Zach nodded.

"Yes, but I can't tell you. I only know because Allie is my mate and we agreed to not keep secrets from each other, even though she has failed miserably at that tonight."

"I knew you weren't going to let this go," grumbled Allie.

"Why should I? Look, if you keep running out on me and sneaking off, you are going to give me trust issues. I want to be able to believe you when you say you are going somewhere," said Zach and Josh smirked.

"Yea, Allie, don't be a jackass," taunted Josh.

"Watch it," warned Zach and Josh rolled his eyes.

"Hey, she called me one first."

"I swear you two act like children when you are around each other," groaned Zach.

"He is just grumpy because Natalie is going to make him work for her affection. You are right about us though and I really am sorry. You can always trust me and I never want you to question that. I promise to do better," assured Allie.

"No more sneaking off, even if you are doing it for the right reasons," he asked and she kissed him tenderly.

"I promise, now do you forgive me," she asked, but he shook his head.

"No. How can you make it up to me later if I forgive you now," he teased and she giggled before kissing him again. Josh rolled his eyes.

"Oh yea, I am the horn dog of the group," he grumbled. Allie and Zach laughed and decided to turn their attention on the video game.