Chapter 2

Sam wedged his feet into the wet sand as he sat down in his favorite spot on First Beach. The sun was ascending over the horizon, bathing the dawn in its light. He could hear footsteps drawing near over the sound of the crashing waves and gave a small smile when Leah sat down beside him.

"It is a beautiful Saturday morning isn't it," asked Sam and Leah smirked.

"It is an early Saturday morning. Lucky for you, Jake and I were up. We needed to do some last minute packing before heading to the island for the night. I left Jake with the responsibility of waking up Josh. That boy is not a morning person."

"Why are you heading to the island? Is everything okay?"

"Yet another one of Alice's parties."

"That little woman is a handful," chuckled Sam.

"That is the understatement of the century."

"And beyond," added Sam and Leah turned to face him.

"Alright, we did the pleasantries. Now, tell me why you needed to speak with me."

"I have my concerns about the Cullens moving back here. I am worried about the pack," he revealed, which made her frown.

"You run the pack. You can control what they do and how they respond to the Cullens."

"Some of the boys are still wary. They wouldn't make a move or jeopardize the treaty, but there is still tension."

"They aren't exactly Josh's favorite people right now either, so I guess that is to be expected."

"Trust me, they can tell. Josh refuses to interact with them. It is like he is against anything Quileute at the moment."

"Can you blame him? The pack attacked his uncle."

"I know and I am not defending that, but can you just remind him they are under new leadership and were simply following orders?"

"Josh will be fine and so will your pack. You have known about the Cullens returning for months now. What has changed? Why am I really here, Sam?" He shook his head and chuckled before letting out a long sigh.

"I never could hide anything from you."

"It always kept us honest, so what's up?"

"Allie dropped out of school. She refuses to go back to Stanford. I tried to demand that she go back and at least give it a chance, but she is stubborn and refused to enroll this semester."

"Where is she now?"

"Still in California, but not for long," he answered.

"Wow, I thought she was doing great there."

"She was and her grades proved it, which is why I was blindsided when she said she wanted to come back to La Push. I always wanted more for her, Leah. I never wanted my daughter to be stuck here, to feel trapped like we did when we were younger. She isn't in a pack. She doesn't have this legacy weighing on her or the responsibility. She should be out there exploring the possibilities, but she says she wants to be with her family."

"Well, while I don't agree with her passing up the chance to graduate from a place like Stanford, Allie isn't stuck like we were. She isn't a wolf. She has choices and maybe La Push is the right place for her right now."

"You sound like Emily."

"We are cousins," she quipped, causing him to smile.

"Yes, you are. I am just worried about her, you know?"

"Worried she will phase?"

"No, I don't think that will happen. She had plenty of chances to. That doesn't mean I want her exposed to that world though."

"She already has been….right," questioned Leah and her eyes widened when Sam looked away.

"Leah…."

"You know, now that I think about it, Allie has never been around the pack or attended bonfires, has she?"

"Leah…"

"Does she even know who her father really is?"

"Her father is an Elder, that's all she needs to know," he mumbled and she threw her hands up in shock.

"Her father is an alpha of a group of boys that happen to turn into wolves to protect their land!"

"There have been plenty of wolves in the past that didn't tell their family members in order to protect them from the dangers."

"You are talking to the wrong person about this and you know it. If my father would have told me the truth about what could happen to me or to Seth, maybe things would have been different."

"You are a rare breed and that isn't fair."

"Okay, what about Emily? If she would have known the truth about wolves before, maybe she could have known not to step so close to you while you phased," she warned and he huffed.

"That is a low blow and you know it."

"It is also the truth. Secrets this huge don't help people. Sam, this is a fundamental part of who you are and you are hiding it from your own flesh and blood. She is coming back. What are you going to say every time you have to go check on the pack or lead a bonfire? How many lies have you already told her to protect this secret?"

"She isn't going to be a wolf! She doesn't have to know." She shook her head in disbelief.

"That's why you are so worried about the Cullens coming back. You aren't worried about the pack or Josh. You are worried that your secret will come out."

"You know I have nothing against the Cullens. It is just….." He paused and she arched an eyebrow at him.

"Just what?"

"They tend to bring drama."

"Yea because they are the ones that attacked Seth and caused all of this tension, right? They are the ones that tried to lure my son over to them and then lashed out when he refused!"

"I am not saying they are the cause of everything. I am just saying things happen when they are here and I don't want Allie to be exposed to it." Leah stood up and glared at him.

"You know what Sam, this sounds like your issue, not mine or the Cullens'. You have decided to keep this from your daughter her entire life. You need to tell her the truth because we both know that you can't hide who you are forever. You told me once that I had to accept what Josh was. Well guess what, you have to do the same."

"Allie is not a wolf. It is different."

"No, it isn't. She may not be a wolf, but her father is. Look, either way, the Cullens are moving back and you need to deal with your personal issues instead of trying to make it about them. Now if you will excuse me, I have a party to attend." With that, she marched off, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Esme smiled as she watched Carlisle from the doorway of the study. He was sifting through some books and a smile crept onto his lips as he glanced over at her.

"Do you plan on simply staring or did you want to join me, my love," he asked. Esme giggled as she sauntered over to him. He opened his arms to her and she happily sat down on his lap.

"Have you decided which books to take?"

"Most of them are pretty outdated. In fact, I ordered some new literature and it should arrive in Forks next week. I just want to make sure I am up to date on the methods used these days."

"I am sure you will be just fine. No one can compare to your level of expertise."

"I guess you are right. The hospital seems pretty excited about my arrival. They could use the help."

"Yes, but I must admit I have gotten quite used to you being around at all times," she confessed and he leaned his forehead against hers.

"My love, this is just for a year. You know I love spending as much time with you as possible and we will have plenty of time together. Is something else bothering you? You seem tense."

"This is the first time our family will be split up in such a way. I know it is the best choice, especially with Charlie and Sue staying on the island, but I wish Edward, Bella, Renesmee, Nahuel, Alice, and Jasper were coming with us."

"Do not think of it as us being split up because I assure you that we will see them all of the time. Alice and Jasper already agreed to stay for a bit to help get the house up to date and the others are already talking about coming up for some weekends. Plus, with Zach's birthday in a few weeks, we will be back on the island in no time."

"I know you are right. I am just not a fan of having our children spread out so much."

"True, but they can be in Forks within hours and in case of an emergency, seconds, thanks to Connell. I assure you, my love, the next several months will go by in no time and we will be celebrating Zach and Josh's graduation. Besides, you know those two will keep us preoccupied." Esme giggled.

"Can you believe our grandson will be in high school, a senior at that?"

"It seems like just yesterday he was learning how to hunt and climb," said Carlisle with a serene smile. Alice knocked on the door before entering and Esme opened her arms to her daughter. Alice happily hopped onto them, getting a laugh out of her parents as she hugged them both.

"I know you are worried about us being apart, but don't be. It will all work out. I have seen it. You know I wouldn't let this family make any type of move unless I knew it was in our best interest," assured Alice. Carlisle and Esme hugged her again and Edward rolled his eyes as he strolled in.

"Really Alice, sitting on both of their laps, how old are you," he teased. Alice stuck her tongue out at him and Rosalie shook her head as she walked in as well.

"I am pretty sure she is too old to be on mommy and daddy's laps," added Rosalie and Alice scoffed.

"You two are just jealous," said Alice. Rosalie glanced at Edward and Alice before giggling. Edward chuckled as he read her thoughts.

"Yes, I am aware that she is going to drive me crazy once you leave. She is going to have so much pent up energy since she will not be able to meddle with every single member of the family," replied Edward as Rosalie snickered.

"Oh I am still going to meddle. I am going to watch Forks like a hawk and the second I find a reason to meddle, which are always good reasons by the way, I am going to be on it. Don't worry, Rose, while I do plan on doing my duty as a sibling and annoying Edward, I will still have plenty of time to annoy you," informed Alice and Rosalie's smile diminished.

"Oh joy," muttered Rosalie. Alice hopped off of her parents' laps and into Rosalie's arms, causing Edward to laugh and Rosalie to huff.

"You are going to miss me, just you wait and see," stated Alice and Rosalie smirked.

"I am sure you won't even give me a chance to," assured Rosalie. Alice saw Edward smiling smugly at them out the corner of her eye, but his eyes widened as soon as Alice pulled him into the hug.

"Alice, get off," groaned Rosalie as Carlisle and Esme watched with amusement. Alice sighed happily.

"Shh, you know you love me. I already hugged Em, Seth, Kaya, and Zach. You are the hardest one to get a warm embrace from," said Alice.

"That's probably because you always have to be so clingy about it," grumbled Rosalie and Edward frowned.

"Alice, why are you hugging me? I am staying."

"Oh Edward, you know you are one of my favorites," cooed Alice, causing Edward to frown even more.

"Wait, one of your favorites," he questioned.

"Zach, Renesmee, and Seth might have you beat now. They give me hugs whenever I want and are far more entertaining," explained Alice. With that, she released Rosalie and Edward from her grasp and skipped out of the room.

"Am I the only one offended that she has favorites," asked Edward and Rosalie smirked.

"You are only offended because you are no longer it," argued Rosalie.

"No, we are a family. There shouldn't be favorites," he defended and Carlisle patted his shoulder with a sly smile.

"Whatever you say….mama's boy," whispered Carlisle and Rosalie fell into a fit of laughter. Esme had to hide her smile as Edward's jaw dropped.

"That was unnecessary," called Edward as Carlisle walked downstairs, whistling all the while. Edward turned his glare on Rosalie, whose tinkling laughter still filled the house. She tried to regain some composure as he crossed his arms and she cleared her throat.

"I am going to go check on my boys," said Rosalie as she continued to snicker. As soon as she left the room, Esme kissed Edward's cheek and winked at him. He grinned at her thoughts.

"I guess that is true. You do have your own lullaby," he chuckled and Esme beamed with happiness.

"I am going to miss being able to hear it whenever I want. You must promise to play it for me tonight at the party." He kissed her forehead.

"Of course," he agreed and followed her out of the room to go get ready for the party.

By the time twilight crept in, the island was full of the Cullens' guests. Alice's parties had a reputation for being legendary and she did not disappoint as usual. The island glowed with soft, white lights and golden lanterns. Vampires from all over the world were in attendance and Charlie was a bit nervous as he fumbled with his gold tie. He caught his reflection in the mirror and stared at it for a moment before shaking his head.

"Still not used to it, are you," asked Sue as she walked over to him and began tying the garment.

"I know it has been months, but there are still times I look into the mirror and expect to see an old man staring back at me," he confessed.

"I know what you mean. It is going to take time for us to get used to being young again, but we can take as much time as we need. We have forever now."

"So I have been told, but I still don't believe it," he mumbled and she tenderly kissed him. A knock at the door broke their trance and Charlie straightened his tie before answering it. Bella nodded appreciatively as she eyed her father's suit.

"You look very handsome, dad. Sue, just so you know, Leah, Jake, and Josh have arrived. The party is starting," announced Bella.

"Thanks for the compliment, Bells. This isn't really my style, but I must admit that Alice knows how to make me look good. The real compliment goes to my beautiful wife though. You look amazing," he whispered to Sue as he nuzzled her neck and she giggled. Bella averted her eyes and cleared her throat.

"Still here," reminded Bella, which made Charlie blush and pull away.

"Sorry, ever since I took that potion I feel invigorated. It is hard to keep my hands off of her," said Charlie and Sue winked at him.

"I know the feeling," she agreed.

"Well I am glad to see that you two are enjoying your newfound youth. It has many perks, including getting to party on an island with immortals. Are you two ready," asked Bella. Charlie nodded and slipped his hand into his wife's as they followed Bella into the backyard where the party was being held.

The party was in full swing by the time the Denalis arrived and Garrett did not hesitate to go over to Rosalie and Emmett.

"So, are you ready for your little boy to start mingling with the humans," asked Garrett, but Rosalie ignored him. Her gaze was set on her son as she watched him and Josh talking animatedly in the distance with Senna and Kachiri. Kate noticed as well.

"You are going to have your hands full in Forks, Rose. He already knows how to charm women, so teenage girls will be an easy feat by comparison," said Kate and Rosalie groaned.

"Please do not remind me and to answer your question, Garrett. No, I am not ready for him to mingle with humans," said Rosalie. Emmett grinned from ear to ear.

"Aw, come on angel, you know he has a good head on his shoulders. We have taught him well and he is far more prepared than we were when we first attended school," assured Emmett.

"Well if you ever need me to be Uncle Garrett again, just let me know. I will come get him anytime he needs a break from it all," said Garrett and Kate smirked.

"Only if Aunt Kate gets to be there to keep the secretary in line," added Kate. Rosalie smiled at the two of them.

"You are always Uncle Garrett and Aunt Kate to Zach, so you will never need an excuse to come to Forks," assured Rosalie. Garrett noticed Charlie and Sue being introduced to some of the vampires by Bella and Edward.

"It is kind of odd seeing Charlie and Sue so young. How are they dealing so far," questioned Garrett and Emmett chuckled.

"I am actually surprised Charlie has handled it so well. I was expecting a huge freak out, but for the most part, he is taking it all in stride," said Emmett as they all watched Bella introduce Charlie and Sue to the rulers of the vampire world.

Charlie gulped as he watched Sue shake Marcus and Didyme's hands and Edward grinned at his thoughts.

"I can't believe I am at a party surrounded by vampires, especially ones that are practically royalty. You two are the most powerful vampires in the world right? You are the head of the Volturi," questioned Charlie and Didyme gave him a comforting smile. Suddenly, Charlie felt a sense of euphoria wash over him.

"I highly doubt that we are the most powerful, but probably the most influential. It is so nice to see you both in high spirits. We were relieved to find out that the last remnants of the Fountain of Youth could be put to good use," said Didyme and Charlie suddenly beamed with happiness.

"Does anyone else feel like dancing? I feel like dancing," said Charlie and Sue happily nodded as he twirled her onto the dance floor. Bella giggled at her father's sudden bliss and Edward winked at Didyme.

"We could use you around here all the time. He has been pretty stressed lately," said Edward and Marcus frowned.

"What is there to be stressed about? I thought being blessed with eternal youth would please him," asked Marcus. Bella sighed as she watched her father dip Sue.

"He is still coming to terms with it. Charlie never wanted to be a part of this kind of world. He was happy with his existence, but now he is coming to the realization that life is full of possibilities for him," explained Bella.

"Charlie's mind has always been intriguing to me because it is so simple. He has always been content with the small things, but now that he is young again, plus has faced death, I believe he is starting to expand his mind a bit to the idea of being more than just a homebody. I know Sue sure is ready to explore the world more. It is all a bit overwhelming for him though," informed Edward. Didyme and Marcus nodded their understanding.

"Well at least he has all of you to help him see just how fulfilling life can be. I am sure he will be just fine," assured Didyme and Bella smiled graciously at her. They all jumped in surprise as Connell and Tia appeared in front of them and Connell gave them each a wave.

"Good, we haven't missed the party. The wee one would never let us hear the end of it," said Connell and Tia giggled as Alice marched over to them.

"Before you start Connell, I have no time to be annoyed by you. I have way too many paths to keep track of," said Alice with her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"That's right wee one, you are moving to Washington. Have the poor citizens of Forks been warned about your meddling ways," teased Connell and she rolled her eyes.

"For your information, I am not moving to Forks. Jazzy and I decided that staying on the island would be best. He is far more content here."

"Wow, I never thought your coven would split up," said Tia and Alice quickly shook her head.

"We aren't really splitting up, more like spreading out for the next year. Forks is just too small for all of us, but it is also important for Zach to enjoy his time with Josh until he graduates from high school. Besides, when in Forks, we have to keep a low profile…."

"And we all know that nothing about the wee one says low profile," laughed Connell. Edward and Bella laughed right along with him, but Marcus and Didyme did their best to refrain from joining in.

"I don't know why I even bother speaking with you sometimes, Connell. Oh and wee one is not going to be an acceptable replacement for little leprechaun. My name is Alice!"

"Aw, but wee one fits you so nicely," cooed Connell and Tia nudged him.

"Stop teasing her before she threatens to plan another wedding for us," warned Tia. Connell's eyes filled with dread at the possibility, but Alice waved him off.

"Don't worry, Connell. I have far more important things to worry about. My little nephew is going to high school with a wolf and will be surrounded by humans. You are not even a blip on my radar," assured Alice and Connell chuckled as he waved after Josh and Zach across the dance floor.

"Yea, good luck with that because I am sure those two will be a handful," teased Connell and they all nodded in agreement.

Zach glared at his best friend as Josh snickered. The two of them made their way over to Renesmee, Nahuel, Kaya, Seth, Sofi, and Caleb.

"Hey, Sofi, how is the engagement," asked Josh with a cheesy grin and Zach rolled his eyes.

"Forgive him, he is an idiot," said Zach and Caleb frowned.

"I don't get it. What's so funny," asked Caleb.

"Dude, they had like the shortest relationship in the history of relationships," laughed Josh and Zach threw up his hands in exasperation.

"We didn't have a relationship. Stop making it out to be something it never was," said Zach and Sofi giggled.

"Zach and I never dated. We shared a very sweet kiss once, but that was it," explained Sofi, which made Nahuel cringe.

"I don't want to think about any of my sisters kissing anybody," warned Nahuel as Zach glared at Josh.

"Oh I can't wait to get to school now. An entire year of seeing Nina in the hallways, this will be sweet revenge," said Zach with a sly smile and Josh's eyes widened.

"You wouldn't," exclaimed Josh and Zach smirked.

"Already on it, you can ask my Aunt Alice if you don't believe me," taunted Zach. Josh groaned as he saw Alice nod at him. Seth chuckled at his nephew's annoyance.

"You fell right into that trap, Josh. So, where are Roman and Iris," asked Seth and Kaya nodded.

"I was hoping they would be here," admitted Kaya.

"They wanted to, but they are helping out Alexander and Lena. Caleb and I haven't been as involved with the Volturi lately because we want to focus on our wedding," explained Sofi.

"When is the big day," asked Renesmee. Nahuel rolled his eyes as Sofi and Caleb snuggled into each other's embrace.

"We haven't set a date yet. We aren't in a rush. We are just happy to be together," explained Sofi. Caleb kissed the top of her head.

"Whenever she wants it to be, I will be ready. Alice keeps pestering us about setting a date though, so I am relieved that Zach and Josh will have her preoccupied for a while. This is your first time going to high school, right Zach," asked Caleb and Zach slowly nodded.

"Yep, any advice for me," asked Zach.

"Not really, I wasn't exactly the poster boy for good behavior when I was in school. Just steer clear of the drama and you should be fine," assured Caleb.

"Don't worry, Z. I got you covered. Going to high school with me is the best decision you have ever made," boasted Josh and Zach smirked.

"I am giving up an island to live in Forks, Washington. Not so sure that this is my best idea," muttered Zach and the others chuckled at his pouty face. Hanging out with Josh was the only part of the experience that Zach was looking forward to. He perceived the rest to be a sacrifice, but one he was willing to make for his best friend.