"The Boss"

It took a day and a half for the boy's change to finish. The transition from human to vampire was an exceedingly painful process, but the blond youth handled it with surprising composure. His cries were quiet, his trembling minimal. Carlisle had never seen such a thing before. Edward had been the worst, followed by Alice, and lastly Esme. However, even his brave girls had done their share of sobbing and clinging tight to the doctor. This amount of calm seemed unnatural.

But far more concerning was the issue of the boy's ability.

On rare occasions, newly turned vampires would be gifted with a special power, a element of their personality manifesting itself as a supernatural ability. Most gifts were of a passive nature, like Alice's visions of possible futures or Edward's mind reading. Much to Carlisle's concern, this was not the case with the new arrival. In the final stages of the transformation he had began projecting, his suffering actually being felt by the occupants of the room. It reminded Carlisle of his younger sister's ability and that was a worrisome comparison.

They would need to get a handle on the boy's gift as quickly as possible.

"Well, that's just great." was Edward's dry response after Carlisle informed him of what had transpired.

It was past midnight on Saturday. The transformation complete, exhaustion would still keep their new arrival resting for awhile.

Unlike Alice, Edward had gone to school Friday and the family had seen little of him otherwise. Carlisle figured some space would help his son return to the levelheaded, respectful boy he generally was. Judging by what the patriarch was seeing and hearing now, though, he had figured wrong.

"But I guess there's no helping it." Edward continued from atop his twin bed, a novel in hand. Wearing his favorite black silk pajamas, his long legs were crossed at the ankles. "We all have to face the consequences of our actions."

Carlisle stood in the doorway, his arms folded over his chest as he leaned against the frame. His characteristic slicked back hair was looking a tad ruffled and dark circles were beginning to form under his eyes. He frowned disapprovingly at the lounging teen.

"You could be a bit more supportive, son."

Edward's free hand turned the page of his book. "It's your problem, not mines. I would have loved to give my input if you'd bothered calling me the other day."

"There wasn't time for that, Edward."

"You made time when it was Alice." the boy retorted coolly. "Not to mention the witch and her monkey."

"Those were very different circumstances. And I've told you countless times to stop referring to Rosalie and Emmett like that. They are just as much your siblings as Alice is."

The mind reader merely shrugged and continued reading. Carlisle's frown deepened.

"Edward, I understand where you're coming from, truly I do, but I'm not going to stand for this disrespect you're showing. It's hardly becoming."

"So I have to respect you, but you can just ignore my opinion entirely?" Edward challenged with easy calm.

"I have always given you an open ear, son, and you know that. But in the end this is my family. I have to do what I believe is best for all of us, even if you disagree."

"Right, of course, you always know what's best." Edward rolled his eyes. "What a fool I am to question the all-knowing Carlisle."

In a few swift steps, his father was at the bedside. Before Edward could even register the blond man's movements, Carlisle had snatched the book from his son's hand, snapped it shut, and brought the hard cover down on the boy's thinly clothed thigh.

"Ow, dammit!" Edward cried and whipped a glare at his father. "What was that for?"

Carlisle raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Yeah, he might have had that one coming.

Still, the boy pouted as he tried to rub the sting from his leg. "Whatever happened to giving me a warning first?"

"I did. Verbally and mentally."

"Well, you could've made it clearer…"

The doctor put a hand on his hip and gave his son a pointed look. "If you need clarity I can gladly dispense some."

"Thanks but no thanks. I think on this account I'd rather stay in the dark."

"Very well." Carlisle allowed himself a small smile, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. But his face no sooner grew serious again. "I mean it, Edward, all this attitude has to stop here and now. I have enough on my hands as it is. And I'm going to need you most of all in dealing with your new brother."

It was Edward's turn to raise a wry eyebrow. "Brother?"

"Yes, brother. Whatever your feelings, he is apart of this family now."

"He may not feel the same when he wakes up." a tinge of bitterness crept into the teen's voice. Carlisle ignored it.

"I understand that. But during his newborn stage, he is the family's responsibility and he will be treated as such. This is not a request, son. Either you put this behind you or I can give you some help on the matter. Regardless of your choice, you will behave yourself."

Glaring, Edward pressed his lips into a thin line. There was no quicker way to get his venom simmering than an undebatable command. It took all his willpower to stop a snide comment from escaping his tongue.

Fine. Seeing as though he wasn't being given any other options here, he would yield to his mighty creator and play the obedient son. It was clear no-one wanted his opinion on anything anyway. He was only the second oldest person in the house in terms of vampire years, but what did his experience and knowledge amount to? Nothing, absolutely nothing as far as Carlisle was concerned.

It was so unfair.

"Edward." the gentle call brought him out of his thoughts. Carlisle's soft eyes no longer held any trace of irritation. For some reason this only annoyed Edward.

"I really need you on my side this time. I'm sorry I wasn't able to include you in the decision to change this young man, but you know I would have if the situation allowed. As of now, what's done is done. It's pointless to continue arguing about it."

Edward narrowed his eyes. Of course Carlisle would see it as pointless. Anything and everything Edward had to say was pointless.

Carlisle sighed wearily. "Please, Edward. We can talk all you like once our newest member is settled in. Until then, I need you to work with me. Can I count on you? For Alice's sake?"

Tsk, using Alice against him. Carlisle could be a real devil sometimes. But what could Edward do but comply? In this matter, choice was a poorly disguised illusion.

It was so very, very unfair.

Fighting down the rising irritation, Edward forced his features to display the calm he wasn't feeling.

"You are the boss, Carlisle."