And chapter three. As always I hope you enjoy and review. Things will be picking up soon, as in next chapter soon.

Just A Nomad

The remaining time I spent at the Cullen den was short. Carlisle had no more questions, Alice was busy worrying over Edward and Bella's relationship, Rosalie didn't care what I did, and the rest of the coven were either busy or unavailable. Jasper was trying to calm his mate. So I left. Not the area of course, Alice would have seen that, but I went and visited the quiet town of Forks. It wasn't anything too special; nothing to make anyone want to stay longer than needed. It wasn't a bad place to live, but it also wasn't good. Painfully average. Generic even.

The people were nice enough, the history was bland. Honestly, this was the perfect place for vampires to hide out long term. Why they had to move was a very obvious question; why did Carlisle place them inside of the USA government bureaucracy? Or any governmental agency for that matter.

The vampire government in Italy could easily give them fakes and passports, the Volturi did more than just set down rules. They helped us blend in, hide from humans in this increasingly connected and privacy lacking world. Anything could be tracking you, which is why my phone was always off with its battery out unless I needed to call someone.

My questions on their way of life would eventually be asked, just not anytime soon. I didn't want to delve too deep into this little rabbit hole I'd stumbled into. Best to just let sleeping dogs lie for now. That didn't mean I was about to just let this new species slip through my fingers. I intended on getting to meet them today, or at least seeing one. Rather than invading their land I would just wait at the edge of their territory and enhance my scent. Unless they were unable to smell there would be no way of them missing me.

So here I was, smelling this awful smell of musk and earth as I waited for these things to show. I had been waiting for a few hours now, this meant that they either lacked in numbers or sensing prowess. I was going to take a guess and say it was the first of the two options, none of the supernatural creatures I've met have ever lacked in the ability to smell or see. Hearing, maybe, but certainty not smelling.

A loud howl broke through the evening heat and thundering footsteps rapidly approached my position. It was about time. The closer it got, the more sounds I could make out. Two sets of heavy breathing, non-human heavy breathing at that. So they were animals, or had the ability to change into animals, and there were only two? Perhaps that was all they thought was needed to dispatch me...which it pry was. This may not have been my greatest of ideas.

There was no going back now.

Two gigantic wolves crashed through the woods and came within yards of me. One was a large silver wolf, the other was gigantic, monstrous in size. It was easily 7 feet tall; these things were huge! With sleek, night black hair and a vicious set of teeth. Both were growling menacingly at me, but did not cross their territory line...did the Cullens make some sort of agreement with them?

Either way, it was obvious they were no friends of vampires...I may be able to use them as leverage to leave. I was honest when I said I would be the Cullen's ally, but even allies planned against one-another. I just wanted to leave all of this behind me; leave the human drama and go about my research in peace and solitude. I wanted to find out the secrets of bond-mates, I couldn't do that stranded here. I couldn't do anything stranded here.

"Can you understand me?"

They only continued to growl. Time to see if human psychology affected them.

"Do you know the Cullens?"

The growling got louder. So they knew the coven and disliked them. Interesting. Apparently they could understand me and have some semblance of human unconscious psychology. So they spoke English. Could they be residents of the reservation? I guess I should ask.

"Do you come from the reservation of La Push?"

The supernatural wolves came within inches of crossing the boundary, but never did. The more aggressive they go the more right I was. This may be somewhat dangerous. Well. It was to begin with, but details.

"I'm not leaving until I get answers. You can growl all you want, but since you understand me you can obviously speak English."

At that they halted their non-stop attempts at intimidation and seemed to somehow communicate. How were they doing that? This species was very intriguing. Possibly half-breeds between human and werewolf? Vampire-human children weren't unheard of, just something the Volturi kept heavily under-wraps. I even had written rules pertaining to how to take care of these children written by the Volturi themselves.

The large one snorted at me, which I took some offense to, and the small silver one darted off after some visible reluctance. This one must be the alpha. It's size compared to the other would suggest so, as would its apparent command over it. Perhaps even a beta? I'd hate to see the alpha...

The large one went back into the forest without turning it's back to me, a blatant sign of distrust, and slunk away into the shadows. A short time later and a human male emerged, shirtless of course, with only jean-shorts on. At least I got some eye candy. They smell odd, but the ab show was something I could admire. That and I had a thing for tall people, and he was definitely a tall one.

"Are you actually checking me out?"

He even had a deep voice. I could stop breathing if I wanted to...

With some shame I suppressed my personality and got down to business. I really needed to have some companionship soon, some of the humans in town would have to do if no suitable vampires came around.

"Perhaps. Tell me, what are you?"

"Names Sam, thanks for asking, and we're werewolves, you stupid leech." His sneer wasn't nearly as attractive. Not many peoples were.

"Who told you that?"

"Are you serious?! We are GIANT wolves!"

"Who told you?"

"Fine. The fucking Cullen's told us. Happy?"

"Did they tell you or mention it around you?"

"Don't you know these guys?"

"Not willingly. Please answer the question."

"They off-handedly mentioned it...what do you mean by not willingly? Why are your eyes red?"

"Since your not trying to kill me, I assume you and the Cullen coven have a territory agrenment?"

His eyes hardened and he began to clam up. He seemed to hate the Cullens, but my very obvious prodding and avoiding of questions had him defensive. Damn.

"You should leave."

"Why?"

"I'm not answering anymore questions. Leave. Now."

With that he literally shifted into his wolf form with no difficulty and ran off. How did he shift so easily? He looked nothing like a werewolf, but that should have caused massive amounts of pain due to bone growth and movement.

So...what did I learn here? They take the form of giant wolves, but are human. Their size likely shows their place in the pack, and they can communicate via non-verbal means. Perhaps a mind-link of some sort? If so, was it individual or pack based? Did they have it in human form?

The Cullen coven also thought them to be werewolves, and may have had long term contact due to an apparent territory treaty. One that the wolves were not going to break. It was also evident that they knew nothing of vampire biology otherwise he would have known that I am a human drinker.

My encounter had raised more questions than it resolved. Just as expected. I could risk going into their territory again, but they looked like they could easily destroy me. Too risky. They now knew of my presence.

I heard someone approaching me from behind, so I turned to face them. Oddly, it was Jasper of all people. What was he doing out here?

He looked just as surprised to see me out here, but quickly hid it and looked suspiciously around. They obviously didn't want me knowing about this. Sad day for them, we don't all get what we want.

"I assume you know of them too then, right?"

He didn't sound happy.

"How many more laws are you going to break? The Volturi have more than enough reason to wipe you off the face of rhe earth. Do you not realize that they can claim these things to be werewolves?!"

Understandably, I was a bit pissed. These vampires...they didn't know how to stay conspicuous, did they?

"You mean to tell me they aren't?"

You have got to be shitting me.

"Take me to Carlisle."

"...Alright, follow me."

He must have felt my feelings and required no further explanation. This Jasper, he seemed to be the more tolerant and understand of the coven. More objective. At least someone had a sense of sanity in that house. The rest, excluding Carlisle, didn't have a clue on how the vampire world worked.

In under a minute of sprinting full speed we were at the front door. Jasper, like the gentlemen he was, opened the door with a bow and allowed me to enter. I liked him, that one. He had manners and a mind.

With a few sniffs of the air I found the coven head to be upstairs, likely in his own room. On my way to the man's office I saw Alice, and she looked pissed. I didn't care enough to ask, but I assumed it was due to Bella and Edward's absence. She didn't like being left behind. Perhaps she was a bit jealous? Interesting...

Coming upon Carlisle's door, I knocked three times and waited. I didn't have to wait long.

The wooden door opened to reveal the warm, smiling face of Esme. Had I interrupted something? Not that I cared, but awkward much?

"Can I speak to your mate?"

"Of course, come right in! Make yourself right at home."

I don't have a home, that's the point of being a nomad. Stupid youngsters.

Walking into the study, I found myself surrounded by shelves of books. My dislike of Carlisle reduced a bit at this. He seemed to be a fan of academic study. The man himself was situated in the center sitting at a large brown, well polished and maintained desk. How much did this house cost to make and furnish?

"You wished to speak with me?"

"Why did you tell everyone that those wolves are werewolves?"

That got his attention real fast.

"Esme dear, can you close and secure the door?"

Instantly the door was shut and many bolts were done. With a small hiss the soundproof attachment on the door activated and the room was sealed shut.

"You are proving to be quite the problem Ms. Albrook. Why must you look where you are not wanted or needed?"

His petty insults and hidden threats wouldn't work on me. I knew exactly where his mate was, and I could easily take the new vampire by surprise. It was easy to tell that she was unused to direct combat.

"You are the one disobeying law after law. Bella is still human, and you are hiding supernatural beings that the Volturi could say are werewolves. Have you gone mad?"

"I assure you, I am quite sane. I don't believe in those laws, so I choose not to follow them. None of us do. So we don't. Granted, this is the first time, but we have no qualms in breaking those silly things."

"Stop deflecting. Why are you lying to your coven?"

A pregnant pause.

"It was what I honestly believed until fairly recently. I haven't met a werewolf, and you shouldn't assume I have simply due to my age. I spent a majority of my existence in exile."

The more he talked, the more foolish I felt. I had been a bit presumptuous, but my point on the laws still stood. If they kept breaking them this so called "alliance" was over and I was leaving, consequences be damned. I would not be killed by the Voltrui for being these vampires hostage.

"Either way, you play a dangerous game. The laws are designed to ensure our continued existence outside of human knowledge."

"They will eventually find out about us."

An unfortunate truth. One I had a hard time coming to terms with.

"When they do I want nothing to do with it. Hence why I don't want to be linked to anyone, but with the storm you're brewing I'll need protection. So I'm stuck with you."

"Why not ally with the Volturi?"

They are never anyones ally. I'd seen them betray many of their so called friends.

"They hide us, but only care to further their own power. I'm less safe there than here. At least here I have a small chance of escape."

The most calculating look crossed his face then; it was a look I'd learn to both fear and respect.

"You realize that I can have you killed at any time, correct?"

"I'd be a fool to think otherwise."

"Then you are going to become a part of this coven. You are going to share a room with Alice, get your things and get ready to move in."

...What?

I didn't know how to react to that outside of shock and confusion. Why on earth would he want me to be a member of his coven?

"My reasons are my own; please don't make this harder than it has to be. I despise violence."

I just nodded my head and left. Esme has to unlock everything, but I hardly noticed. Now I knew why Alice looked so mad. She must have seen this coming somehow. I really needed to ask her specifics. Her power...if used correctly it could do many things. That's if what I suspected was true.

But that would have to wait. Right now I needed to find Alice and ask her about this arrangement. That wouldn't be hard if I would just follow her voice. She was vampire yelling at someone, so it wasn't loud, but loud enough to suggest anger or passion.

"How can he just do that?! You know that this isn't like Carlisle."

"Perhaps...but I'll have to agree with him. Having someone her age in our coven and tied down on our side would be invaluable. Especially since she knows much more than all of us combined."

"But Jasper, he threatened her with death! I don't mind sharing rooms with her, but forcing her to stay was already a bad decision. Now we are forcing her to become one of us! How wrong is that?"

"You live in a very ideal world Alice. You may not see it, but Natalie would happily sacrifice you and the rest of our family just to save herself. That threat was necessary."

"Even so, I don't like it."

"Which is why we allow Carlisle to make these hard choices. You would spare everyone if you could, but we can't afford that. Just thi-Natalie, you can stop eaves dropping now."

Stupid empaths.

Descending the rest of the way down the stairs, I turned and came into the living room where Alice, Jasper, and Emmett were sitting. Emmett had headphones on and was playing some PS4 game. Jasper was sitting down while Alice continued to pace about the room.

"I take it you heard all you needed to?"

"Yes, I think I have Jasper."

Emmett interrupted whatever the empath was about to say next. He finally noticed my existence.

"Old lady! Sit down and pick up a controller! It's time you learned how to play Battlefield."

I felt my one eyebrow twitch. He better not call me that all the time. But I complied. I had said I would try these things out, and if I was going to be forced to stay, I should get to know these people better. If only to make my existence here less miserable.

So Emmett unplugged the headphones, allowing the sounds of destruction and chaos to come through the surround sound speakers, and taught me how to play. My memory allowed me to pick it up in no time, and soon enough we were at the top of the leader-boards every time.

My favorite part was piloting the attack helicopters. Those things were brutal if used correctly. It was either that or sniping. Emmett loved driving the tanks or running around with some LMG. Our choices of play style truly represented our personalities. The only problem was that I may have accidentally crushed a few of the controllers.

What? I could be quite competitive, and Emmett had a way of pissing me off whenever he team-killed me. Stupid man-children. Always taunting you with such idiotic phrases and words. What the hell was a scrub?

I don't know how long we played, but when I finally called it quits the rest of the coven had somehow gotten in and watched without me noticing. That was mildly embarrassing. At least Rosalie looked pleased, I guess she just wanted her mate to have a friend to play games with. Apparently the rest of the coven didn't care all too much for video-games. Shame, these things were pretty fun.

So I excused myself and went to get a shower. Yes, I imposed, but that's what they get for making me stay here. They didn't seem to mind, so my attempt at subtly annoying them was a failure. Damn.

The rest of the week went by much like this. I got to know the family a bit better, mainly Alice. We seemed to be friends by the end of it, the rest were simply acquaintances. I learned much about her and her family's past, how she desperately wanted to know of her time spent as a human, and how she came upon her mate. How their family went through the trials of new members and the different powers. It...it was actually very touching. They truly were a family, not a coven. Each person was considered in the decision making, and that was very foreign to me.

My entire life and study had been based on hierarchy; Alpha, Beta, Omega, ect. You didn't mess with the alpha, and the alpha made the decision. The alpha need not be a person either, the Volturi are a perfect example. They are the alphas of the vampire world, just as that black wolf is the Alpha of his pack. The idea that everyone got equal say was...it was quite disturbing to me. It was actually very surprising for Alice to hear that, she had already accepted the idea of actual democracy long ago. America wasn't a democracy, never was, so true democracy was very, very foreign to me.

The one person I actively avoided was the human girl, Bella, due to me not wanting any attachment to her once she was killed. I had been given the explanation on why Edward wouldn't turn her, and I had to laugh at that. Any sane person would, but only me and Alice shared the lax viewpoint on becoming a vampire, but I suspect Emmett did as well. Jasper was jaded due to his past, Carlisle was a preacher, Esme shared her husband's religious viewpoint and Edward was her favorite, and Rosalie despised her existence. Why, Alice would not tell. Shame, I may be able to help. I did have the knowledge of a doctor in Clinical Psychology.

However, my campaign to hide from Bella was now being terminated by Alice, who thought it would be a good idea for a 'girls night out' (excluding the hottest of the girls) and it would be fun to shop in the big city. I wanted to go study the 'shifters' patrol patterns, something I had made a hobby of mine, and wait for my new PC to come. I ordered a top-of-the line rig, something that blew everything else outa the water. I wanted to play some grand strategy games, and I wanted the best graphics to do so. Shogun 2 Total War was going to look sweet.

So now here I was, with my glowing crimson eyes, in Alice's yellow overly expensive car. This shopping was to get me and Bella on talking terms before we went and played "Baseball" later this week. Alice so desperately wanted us to be friends, but I really didn't care. She was going to die, either by my hand or the Volturi's. Luckily Edward wasn't around, keeping those static thoughts up all day and night when he was home is beyond tiresome.

After more time, Alice emerged with Bella in toe. She wore more sensible clothing, something I had to give her credit for. Just worn jeans and a shirt, nothing fancy. Alice was in some designer shirt with a fancy scarf, with form fitting designer jeans. I will admit, I was caught checking her out by both Alice and Jasper; thankfully they seemed more amused than anything. I did not want to deal with an angry Jasper, I would die very quickly there.

"So. What are we doing again?"

"Shopping, silly! Did you forget?"

"Uhm. Maybe?"

No, Alice never told Bella of this little arrangement. Bella would have declined and got Edward to do something with her; at least that was what Alice claimed. I could hear this entire conversation through the tinted windows, in case your wondering. But it was over, now Bella was getting into the back as per Alice's instructions. She didn't know about me being here, how lovely.

Bella got into the back with some difficulty, it was a small fit and she was supposedly clumsy. Eventually the human sat down on the black leather seats and looked right at me, mainly because I was turned around looking at her. That blood of hers...it was enchanting. Just like last time she froze, and I stared. Alice got into the drivers seat and I soon felt a petite hand grasp my shoulder. I just turned back around without another word.

"Uhm. She going shopping too?"

I could hear the nervousness, and it made me feel somewhat proud for some reason.

"Yup! You both are hopeless when it comes to clothes, so I'm shopping for you guys!"

"Wait a second. You said I just had to tag along!"

"I did? I don't think I did...are you sure you're not going senile in your old age?"

"My old-Alice Cullen I will jump out of this car."

"You would never!"

"Do you want to test that?"

A pause.

"How about, err, how about you just focus on the road?"

Bella's discomfort broke our banter. I told you I was a child, and Alice had a way of dragging out the real you. If I knew any better I would say it's her second power.

"Soooooo. Hows Bella been?"

"Alice, you just saw me yesterday."

"Yup."

A very, very tired sigh.

"I'm doing just fine Alice...How did she get you to come?"

"Alice has a way of getting what she wants. Even I am not immune to her charm."

"Ah. So..."

Was she really trying to make conversation? I looked at Alice and she gave me a glare. Musta known I was about to be an ass. Since when did she know me so well?

"...How old are you?"

"Aren't you scared?"

She seemed confused. My question was very direct.

"Uhm. Scared of?"

"Vampires. At the very least me. I'm a proud human drinker, yet when I met you you only seemed mildly surprised."

"Well, yeah. I'm in a house filled with friendly vampires. Why be scared of one? Right?"

"What about now? What's to stop me from ripping Alice's head off and draining you?"

Alice seemed a bit unconfertable, but stayed silent. Bella didn't seem to concerned.

"If that happens, then it happens. As a human I can't do much to change that, I've already accepted that."

An answer I didn't expect, but one I could respect. She knew her place in the world, and that was something most her age and those her senior couldn't. Perhaps I'd been quick to mark her as doomed.

From the little I asked about Bella, I knew she was immune to Edward's ability to read minds. This meant that she was likely able to block other mind based powers. That ability should not be wasted. Maybe. Maybe I could turn her myself if this family continued to refuse to intervene.

The rest if the ride was spent mostly in silence. Be to once we reached the mall, Alice came to life and broke that peaceful oasis. The over active vampire dragged us through the shopping center, bouncing from store to store looking for the 'perfect' look.

It was kinda fun, watching Alice torture poor Bella with set of clothing after set. She was pretty good eye candy, especially whenever she wore a tighter outfit. A pity Edward was the abstinence type. My turn wasn't nearly as long as Bella's, mainly because Alice knew I had limited patience for it. I turned a few heads, and Bella looked a bit jealous, so I was pleased enough. My childish ego was stroked.

I wouldn't say we bonded, but we did come to an understanding of sorts. Bella knew that I honestly couldn't care less about this relationship drama, and that I wasn't afraid to speak my honest opinion. She knew she could ask me anything and get a honest answer about it. She also learned that I had been rooting for us to dispose of her, something she did take a mild offense to. Oh well.

I learned that Bella was pretty smart, but secretive about it, and that she was rather clever. She explained a bit of her upbringing, the divorce, and mentioned her friend Jacob. I wanted to meet him sometime, learn more about those legends she mentioned, but that was for another time.

Outside of that I understood where Bella stood in all this. She just wanted to become an actual member of the family she felt she always belonged to, connected to since meeting them. Become what she felt she was destined to be, so she could finally be herself. I could and did sympathize.

It was then that I decided. I would change her if they refused to. If anything this girl deserved it for keeping their secret and dealing with Rosalie, the woman wasn't pleasant to be around. Edward could go cry about it all he liked, but he didn't get to dictate who did and did not get changed. I was officially on 'team Bella' apparently.

Alice, of course, watched us with happiness in her eyes. As if this was the stepping stone to a deeper friendship between us. I doubted it, but I shouldn't assume anything when it came to this group of people and vampires.

Overall, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Certainly not the nightmare I had imagined.

That would all change the day of the baseball game.

Please review and cya next chapter. Not sure when that one will be out, maybe sooner maybe later. Till then, I hope you've enjoyed up to this point.