AN: Where has the time gone? I cannot believe it is about to be October! After a whirlwind of a summer, I have decided to post two stories back to back for the Choice Series! The first is Allie's Choice II, so read, review, and as usual, I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1
Carlisle peered out at the crashing waves and picturesque view from the northern shore of Cullen Island as his wife and daughter flitted around the landscape behind him. The warm, sunny day transitioned into a cool evening as the sun began to set and a breeze swirled with the ocean air. Carlisle smiled as his mate joined him by the cliff and he happily opened his arms to her. She sighed contently as they held each other and watched the sun disappear below the horizon for the night.
"You are right, my love. This is a beautiful view and you chose the perfect angle for the sunroom," complimented Carlisle.
"It was Alice's idea. She wanted Zach and Allie's cottage to be a mix of modern and rustic. I hope they like it."
"They will love it. You and Alice have done an amazing job and it has been nice to be back on the island the past few weeks."
"As much as we have moved around in this existence, it is hard to believe, but this place truly does feel like home. Forks is wonderful, but I feel far more at ease when we are all here together," confessed Esme.
"While I enjoyed practicing medicine at the hospital, it has felt nice to be back here. Resigning was not nearly as difficult as I believed it would be. The hospital is in good hands with Dr. Hughes."
"And you have an upcoming appointment to focus on," reminded Esme and Carlisle shook his head in amusement.
"Setting a date and time for a vampire transformation, in all of my years, I never imagined that would be possible," admitted Carlisle. Alice happily skipped over to them with a gleeful smile.
"There are many things we never imagined would be possible, but our family never ceases to amaze even me. The flowerbeds are ready. Mom, I will leave the gardening to you. I have no clue how you can be so enamored with such a filthy process," said Alice.
"That is why we work so well together, sweetheart. I prefer the architecture and landscaping aspects, while you focus on the fashion and design," said Esme.
"We do make quite the team, but do not sell yourself short. The design for the living room is all you, even though I know you have your ulterior motives for wanting to add space for the piano," teased Alice.
"Yes, hearing my sweet grandson playing is definitely a favorite pastime of mine. I wonder if Allie will take up the hobby after she is changed," pondered Esme.
"Even if she doesn't, it is no secret that she loves hearing Zach play as well," said Carlisle.
"They are going to love it. I can't wait to show it to them! Everything is coming together perfectly. The cottage is almost complete, I see the transformation going smoothly, and now we can focus on Zach's graduation. The supplies will arrive at Leah and Jake's house today, so we are all set," informed Alice.
"Are you sure about this, Alice? We never had to worry about such things in the past, but now that we are grandparents…." Alice scoffed at Carlisle's question.
"Don't worry. Most of the humans in attendance will not even think twice about it. Angela and Ben will be there, but we will blend in just fine. They were much closer with Bella and Edward than us, so I agree with Edward. Once they realize Bella and Edward are not in attendance, they will pay us no mind."
"I wish the whole family could be there. It is a big day for Zach and we should all get to go," said Esme.
"We all knew there would be some setbacks with this arrangement. Besides, Zach will have plenty of milestones in this existence," assured Carlisle.
"At least Zach does not seem disappointed. If anything, he seems peeved," said Esme with a giggle and Alice groaned.
"Yes, I may have to give him a stern talking to about his lack of enthusiasm about graduating high school. This will be wonderful and yet he is making it out to be a boring, or as he puts it, very human affair," grumbled Alice.
"I believe he has more pressing matters on his mind. It is not every day that a new member joins this family and this will be the biggest moment of his life. His mate is joining him in this eternity. It may not be as traditional as a wedding, but for our kind, far more permanent," reminded Carlisle and Alice huffed.
"He is a vampire. We multitask all the time. Can't he focus on Allie's transformation, while humoring me with some excitement about graduation? I mean really, how difficult is that? I don't know why he is so flustered. I am the one that has to plan a graduation party and make sure we have the supplies for the transformation. Plus, don't even get me started on the wedding. He hasn't quite decided when to propose, but knowing those two they will want to get married before the year ends. It is already May, is he thinking about the lack of time that gives me to prepare? How am I supposed to put on the wedding of the century without proper notice? Allie has already decided she wants a quick wedding as if decorum and formalities don't need to be made about….."
"You have much to think about, dear," interrupted Esme before Alice could ramble even more.
"All I am asking is for him to be excited," whined Alice.
"Maybe he will be more focused on graduation as the day draws closer. Tonight, he has bigger matters at hand. It is not every day a vampire has to speak with the parents of their mate about transforming them. I hope Sam and Emily respond well," said Carlisle.
"They have known for a while that Allie will be turned. All tonight does is make it official. I don't blame him for being nervous though. The last time Sam found out something involving Allie, he tried to reinstate the treaty line. Wolves can be so volatile. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a bedroom to decorate," said Alice before skipping back inside the cottage. Carlisle and Esme shook their heads in amusement at their daughter's excitement, knowing there was much to do in the next weeks.
Zach took in a deep breath to compose himself as he parked in front of Sam and Emily's house with Allie. She slipped her hand into his and kissed his cheek when she noticed his nervousness.
"Hey, it is going to be fine. They already know this is happening," reassured Allie.
"It is one thing to know, but another to actually have a date set. I just want this to go well. They are your parents. We will be family someday and I don't want them to be mad at me," confessed Zach as he looked down. Allie tilted his chin back up and smiled adoringly at him as she gazed into his eyes.
"Look Cullen, you are stuck with me and I have already told them as much. This is my choice. I want this. I need this for us because eternity with you is the only thing that will make me happy. You have nothing to worry about."
"Uh, your dad can hulk out when he gets angry, remember? Or has being around all these vampires made you forget the wolfy side of your family?"
"Don't tell me the great Zachary McCarty Cullen is afraid of my dad? I have seen you throw a wolf without even touching them. Plus, not even my human memory has forgotten all the stories you have told me about the battles you have been in. You have faced crazed vampires before and you are worried about my dad?"
"Yes, and your mom, those crazed vampires weren't going to be my in-laws someday," reminded Zach and she laughed.
"I will protect you," she cooed as she got out of the car. He did as well and followed her toward the house. Sam opened the front door and leaned against it with a knowing smile.
"Don't worry, Zach. I won't let my wolfy gene get out of hand. You might have to watch out for her mother though," teased Sam as they entered the house. Emily nudged her husband before giving her daughter and Zach hugs.
"You two are early. The fish fry doesn't start for another hour. The pack is down at the beach gathering wood for the bonfire if you want to head down," informed Emily.
"Actually, mom, we came to see you and dad. We need to talk." Sam sighed as they sat down in the living room. He wrapped an arm around his wife and gave a small nod.
"Alright, let us have it. When will the transformation happen," asked Sam. Allie smiled sheepishly at her parents.
"June 1st," she revealed and Emily's eyes widened.
"That's in what, eleven days? Why so soon? Why didn't you tell us earlier," asked Emily.
"I did tell you that I was going to become a vampire. We just couldn't decide on a date, but there is more," confessed Allie.
"More," asked Sam.
"It is good news though. The transformation isn't going to take three days. Zach and his family found a way for me to be turned without as much pain as most of them went through. It will only take four hours."
"How is that even possible? Sam, you said it always takes three days," questioned Emily.
"That's what I have always been told. That's how long it took for Bella. What exactly has changed," asked Sam.
"One of my grandfather's old friends, Merek, has found a serum to accelerate the process. My venom has some type of unique makeup that allows that to happen," informed Zach.
"How did he figure that out," asked Emily.
"He has worked on the antidote for centuries. He is a scientist, so….."
"No way, I know you two want to be together and I support that now, but my daughter isn't going to be some science experiment," declared Sam and Allie groaned.
"Daddy…."
"No, Allison, this is strange, even for vampires. I may not be an expert on these kinds of things, but this is odd. If this was so easy, then why did Edward fear for Bella so much and not want her to be changed," argued Sam.
"Because no one knew of this serum, I am the antidote. Sam, my venom is special. I am different. Everyone around me knows that and apparently Merek figured that out too. I understand how you feel. When I first found out it was a possibility, I freaked out, but I saw it with my own eyes. Merek has a lab in Alaska. I went there to be tested on and it worked. My grandfather has checked Merek's research and I know this is new to you, but it has taken centuries for this to happen. I would never let anything happen to Allie. She is my mate and her safety is of the utmost importance to me. My Aunt Alice and Uncle Edward have seen it too. This will work," assured Zach and Emily slowly nodded.
"He would never hurt Allie. We both know that, Sam. I am surprised by how quickly this is going to happen, but I have no problem with this experiment if it means she would not have to suffer as much," conceded Emily. Sam mulled over the words before slowly nodding as well.
"Fine, I suppose if it works, it will be the best thing for Allie. I want to be there though. I know it would be dangerous for Emily, but one of us should be there for Allie when she wakes up," said Sam.
"I would feel better knowing he is there," agreed Emily and Allie hugged her parents.
"It will be nice to know that dad is there, but I will be unconscious for most of it. Carlisle explained it to me. You know medicine has always intrigued me so he was more than happy to explain the methods. They are going to put me under, like I am going to have surgery, and by the time I wake up, I will be a vampire," explained Allie.
"Will that really work," asked Emily and Zach nodded.
"My grandfather and Merek have been researching the method meticulously and both believe it will work," assured Zach.
"I guess that explains why Carlisle resigned from the hospital so soon before your graduation. I figured he would work until it was time for you to head out of Forks. How is all of that going to work? Are you just going to disappear again? What about us? When can we see Allie after she is changed," asked Sam.
"As you know, this is not the first time my family has moved out of the area. This time we will return to the island and that is where Allie will be changed. Allie and I have talked about what we will tell people, like her friends here and the humans at my school. She came up with a great idea," boasted Zach as he smiled dreamily at his mate.
"We are going to tell people that after graduation we are moving to Alaska and going to school together up there. In reality, we will stay on the island and be able to hunt in the wildernesses of Canada and Alaska."
"What about marriage? I notice that you haven't mentioned children and a part of me figured that would be the case, but I would like to be able to go to your wedding. How can that happen if you are turned first," questioned Emily, causing Allie to blush. If Zach was human, he would be blushing as well.
"Mom, I want my wedding to be an amazing day for me and Zach. I don't want us to have to worry about me still being human or the transformation. We both are willing to wait a bit and if the newborn phase is as overwhelming as Carlisle described, the wedding will be the last thing on my mind," confessed Allie.
"All you will think about is blood for an entire year. You do realize that, right," asked Sam and Allie nodded.
"It is worth it, dad. I know what I will have to go through, but I am lucky. I won't have to go through three days of pain and I want to be a vampire. Being with Zach is the most important thing to me." Sam could detect the determination and longing in her voice.
"Then I guess we should count our blessings that this Merek guy has a serum. It is going to be hard to watch you transform, but four hours is much better than three days. You two make each other happy and love each other. I can see that and I know what that type of love can withstand. It isn't easy for me to trust people when it comes to my daughter's happiness, but I do trust you and your family, Zach. A wedding may not be in the works for a while, but in my eyes, Allie's transformation will be what joins the two of you together forever. Welcome to the family," announced Sam as he shook Zach's hand. Zach beamed with happiness.
"Thank you, Sam," said Zach and Emily hugged him.
"I wasn't expecting for all of this to happen so quickly, but I knew the day she told me she loved you, this would be the end result. You two have my blessing," vowed Emily and Allie hugged her mother.
"Thanks mom, I know this is a lot to handle, but we have talked about this for a while. That is why we waited to tell you. We wanted to make sure we had our plans in order," said Allie.
"Eleven days, I guess we better make the most of them before you go into your newborn phase. Come on, let's head down to the beach and enjoy the evening," suggested Sam.
The fish fry was festive as the pack and their families gathered on the beach for the cookout. Zach was relieved to see his parents when they arrived with Jacob, Leah, and Josh. While the tension had ceased after the previous get together, Zach still felt most comfortable around the Quileutes when his family and best friend were around. He rolled his eyes at his friend as Josh sat beside him and Allie, explaining how the last days of school would work. Allie giggled at Josh's excitement, but let him have his moment as she ate some fried fish and salad.
"Senior Skip Day is going to be epic," exclaimed Josh and Zach frowned in confusion.
"Why didn't we just have it today instead of go to school?"
"Because today is Friday and you don't waste a perfectly good Friday on Senior Skip Day, Z."
"So instead, all the seniors are going to be absent from school on Monday?"
"Yea, to give us a four-day weekend and everyone is going to the beach Monday."
"I can't just go to the beach with all those humans. What if it is sunny?"
"Z, do you not know me at all? Of course I already checked with Alice and she says it will be a warm, but cloudy day."
"So, on Monday, instead of starting our last week of school and attending classes, every senior is heading to the beach," asked Zach and Josh threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Al, please talk to your mate. This is not rocket science," exclaimed Josh and Allie winked at Zach.
"It is a tradition that us mere mortals do as seniors. I skipped with Mia and Lexie my senior year, but we headed to Seattle instead of going to the beach with everyone else. We were rebels like that." Zach shrugged.
"Fine, if this is what you humans do for fun, why not. I would prefer running through Alaska and creating avalanches or racing my yacht, but whatever," conceded Zach.
"The yacht was his first love before he met you," Josh whispered loudly to Allie and she rolled her eyes.
"I thought that was his car," she questioned.
"Nah, the car is tied for second with his piano."
"Don't you mean third, now that I am in the picture?"
"You came in pretty late to the game, you are lucky to be at the top as it is."
"Late to the game, he is only sixteen!"
"Oh, so you will acknowledge his age when it is convenient for you?"
"Precisely," teased Allie as she tousled Josh's hair and he dodged her hand.
"Do you two have to talk about me like I am not here," questioned Zach. Allie and Josh glanced at each other before nodding.
"Yes," they said in unison and Zach chuckled.
"I don't like when you two are on the same page."
"I agree, who knows the type of trouble they can get into together," said Drew as he approached and stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"Hey Drew, why aren't you eating," questioned Allie.
"I'm not that hungry right now. Zach, can we talk in private for a minute," asked Drew and Zach eyed him curiously, but nodded. He followed Drew away from the group as Allie frowned in confusion.
"I wonder what that's all about," wandered Allie and Josh smirked.
"Your ex-boyfriend and your mate, I'm sure that's awkward for you. Think they are talking about you? I know you didn't date Drew for long but I'm sure there is enough there to compare notes," teased Josh as he snickered.
"Oh, you think you are so funny. See, this is why we can't have nice moments together. Do I bring up your list of exes?"
"Um, yea, you teased me for a week about dumping Megan after prom."
"Well, you deserved that. The girl was not a favorite of mine, especially with her need to check out my boyfriend constantly, but you could have at least waited until the summer to end things. I guess you wanted to beat her to the punch, unlike Nina."
"Oh, really, you want to bring up the past," exclaimed Josh. The rest of the party goers shook their heads in amusement as Josh and Allie proceeded to bicker back and forth as usual.
Drew sat down on a large boulder beside the water and looked up at the night sky. The moon hung high above them and dimly illuminated the shore. Zach waited patiently for him to speak up and Drew took in a deep breath.
"So, um, Allie is going to turn soon? Sam just told me. The beginning of June, right?"
"Yes, my family found a way to turn her without it taking three days. Is that what this is about? I thought you were over Allie. I know you like her, but…."
"Actually, it isn't really about Allie. I have moved on, like really moved on," mumbled Drew as he averted his eyes from Zach's.
"So then what is the problem? Why do we need to talk?"
"There is something that Allie needs to know and I don't know how to tell her. It isn't exactly going to make me look good."
"What's going on, Drew?"
"Well, you remember Lexie?"
"You mean Allie's friend from the birthday party?"
"Yea, well, that night, when we met I imprinted on her," confessed Drew and Zach's booming laughter echoed around them. Drew shushed him.
"It isn't funny, Zach! What am I supposed to tell Allie?"
"That your wolfy gene is really weird," chuckled Zach.
"I didn't expect for it to happen, especially not at Allie's birthday party. Do you think she will be mad?"
"No, I mean it is weird, but I don't see why she would be mad about it."
"Good, then you don't have a problem telling her," said Drew nonchalantly and Zach guffawed.
"Dude, that is not happening!"
"Why not, you just said she would be cool with it."
"Yea, coming from you, but it isn't my news. Why should I have to tell her?"
"Because you are her mate and she looks at you all googly-eyed when you talk. You could read from the dictionary and she would treat it like poetry. Come on man, please, for me, I don't want things to be tense between us."
"So instead, you want me to tell my mate that her ex-boyfriend, who was against us being together because he believed they were meant for each other, imprinted on her friend at her birthday party?"
"I know it is awkward, but if anyone can smooth it over, it is you. I never expected for this to happen, but I am really happy with Lexie. I just don't want Allie mad at me because of it. I didn't expect to imprint."
"I don't know why not. You wolves have always been weird when it comes to your love interests. Just be happy it wasn't a kid."
"See, you already found the bright side! Now use that charm of yours to get her to forgive me. I feel like such a jerk. I gave you a hard time for being with her, but if you wouldn't have fallen in love, Allie and I might still be together and I can't imagine how that conversation would go. My parents warned me about this, but I didn't want to believe them. It could have turned out really crappy."
"But it didn't and as much as I would enjoy teasing you even more about this, everything worked out, Drew. Allie and I love each other. I am guessing you love Lexie since the wolfy gene has kicked in." Drew sighed dreamily and his eyes glazed over as he thought about his imprint.
"Yea, she is so beautiful and amazing. I love her so much."
"Then all's well that ends well. We are totally going to tease you about it for a while though. Josh probably will too," warned Zach and Drew chuckled as they turned back around to head for the bonfire.
"I figured as much. Thanks for being so cool about this. I wasn't exactly as accepting at first."
"Well I am not interested in Lexie, so that helps."
"That's true. So Sam told me it will only take a few hours for Allie to turn. Do you really think it will work that fast?"
"I saw what the serum can do. I wish it would take away the pain completely, but she is willing to endure the pain to become one of us and I cannot wait to start the next chapter of our lives together."
"You make her really happy and hopefully after she finds out about Lexie, I can be completely happy too. I am still worried that she will think I am a hypocrite."
"Oh you are one, but it isn't your fault. Just blame it on the wolfy gene. It isn't the first time it has caused sticky situations. In fact, consider yourself lucky." They laughed as they arrived back at the site where the others were enjoying the fish fry. Drew pointed over at Allie and Josh, who were still bickering.
"No, I don't care if you are his best bro. You do not get the largest bathroom in our cottage. You are lucky that I am willing to concede that you get your own room. You already have a room on the island and you are just being a big baby right now."
"I should get the biggest bathroom in the new cottage. I have known him longer. I have more reasons to use it and I don't understand why you are fighting me on this!"
"Because it's weird," argued Allie as she stomped her foot and Josh doubled over in laughter.
"Did you just stomp your foot at me? Al, you are such a girl sometimes," laughed Josh.
"Says the boy with more hair products than me," taunted Allie and Josh smiled smugly.
"Good, so we agree I have more stuff and therefore need more room in…."
"I am not having this conversation with you anymore," said Allie as she threw her hands up in exasperation. Zach shook his head and Drew winked at him.
"Compared to settling fights between those two, telling Allie about Lexie will be a cake walk for you," assured Drew and Zach nodded in agreement as watched Josh dodge Allie's hand before she could tousle his hair.
"Point taken," agreed Zach. Drew jogged over to the table where the rest of the pack was eating and Zach joined Allie and Josh by the bonfire. They laughed when he sat in between them to break them up.
"She isn't budging on the bathroom situation, Z. I guess you were right."
"Yea, I guess you will have to settle for the massive bathroom you have in the main house," said Zach.
"I am surprised she agreed to give me a room. You would think I annoy her or something," teased Josh and Allie rolled her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Zach and smiled smugly.
"Josh, you can have a room in our cottage, but after we are married, I doubt you will want to use it very often. Not even you are that heavy of a sleeper," said Allie and Josh pretended to gag as she kissed her mate.
"Alright you two, I am going to get some more food before you make me lose my appetite," called Josh as he headed over toward the table with the pack. Zach chuckled at his friend and Allie snuggled into his side.
"If you really want to enjoy our cottage, maybe we should rethink you turning so soon," warned Zach.
"Oh no you don't Cullen…"
"Nayeli, when you phase, for the first year, you won't want to focus on anything but quenching your thirst. That means for a whole year, you won't think about us and our perfect cottage or what we can do in it," he reminded and her eyes widened as realization dawned on her.
"Oh, you mean…."
"Yep." She shook her head with a smile as she ran a hand through his hair.
"I don't believe that. There is not enough blood in the world that can make me forget how much I love you and want you. If anything, it will be great motivation to divert my attention to something other than blood as a newborn," she assured before kissing him.
"I hope so because even for a vampire, waiting a year would feel like an eternity," he whispered before kissing her again.
Rosalie cringed as she tried to drown out her son's conversation with his mate and Emmett smiled cheekily at her. They were sitting by the water with Jacob and Leah, enjoying the night of festivities.
"I am not prepared for him to talk about such things," groaned Rosalie as she pinched the bridge of her nose and Emmett chuckled.
"Aw come on, babe. We are his parents, what do you expect? Of course he is going to want to…."
"Emmett," growled Rosalie and he pulled her closer in his strong embrace.
"Don't worry. I already told Alice to make sure the walls of the cottage were sound proof." Rosalie sighed in relief.
"Thank you."
"And sturdy," he added with a snicker. Jacob and Leah laughed as they watched Emmett cover his head to prevent Rosalie from slapping the back of it. She let out a huff and glared at her husband, but her glare softened when he smiled dimply at her. Rosalie smiled mischievously at Leah.
"I don't know why you are laughing. You are next. We all know how unexpectedly you wolves can imprint," warned Rosalie and Emmett's booming laugh echoed around them.
"Everyone hide your babies," bellowed Emmett and Jacob threw a balled up napkin at him as Emmett and Rosalie snickered.