Chapter 3
Zach and Josh knew that cutting across the Olympic Forest would save them time and get them to Seattle much quicker. The full moon hung high above them, illuminating the forest in a dim light. They were getting closer to the eastern edge of the forest and Zach was trying to decide their next move.
"Looks like we are going to have to go down toward Olympia and come back up on the other side. Too bad you can't swim in wolf form, J. It would make things much easier," teased Zach and Josh nudged him with his snout as Zach chuckled. The boys sensed it at the same time and their bodies stiffened.
"I know you hear them too. Vampires, not a wolf, we aren't alone in this forest, J," warned Zach and Josh gave a nod as he scanned the area. Zach closed his eyes, trying to allow his other senses to take over. A breeze wafted the scent towards him and he frowned in confusion as he heard the pitter patter of feet looming near.
"That scent is familiar, but not necessarily from vampires. Wait, are those heartbeats," he questioned and Josh growled as the sound of beating hearts echoed in his ears. Zach turned to face the direction in which the sound was coming from and his eyes widened when he saw the three creatures racing toward him. He winked at Josh.
"Let me do the talking, then too I guess you don't really have a choice," chuckled Zach and Josh let out a bark at him as Zach grinned. As soon as the three beings approached them, Zach recognized them. They were not simply vampires, which is why they smelled differently to him, and their hearts were in fact beating.
"You are Nahuel and Kaya's siblings," he stated in surprise and the three hybrids glanced at one another before nodding.
"I prefer to be called Roman. You are a Cullen. I suppose this means you know about the lone wolf creating issues," said Roman.
"Yes, we are on our way to Seattle to talk to Caleb about that," said Zach.
"What good will talking do? He has broken the rules and put all of us at risk because of his behavior. I doubt he will even listen. Where is the rest of your coven," questioned Roman.
"They sent me and Josh." Roman scoffed.
"They sent two children to take care of this problem? What good will you do?"
"Oh, I think we can handle him and anyone else that gets in our way," challenged Zach as he crossed his arms and flexed his biceps. Iris eyed him carefully as realization dawned on her.
"He is the powerful one that stopped us during our confrontation with Nahuel and Kaya," informed Iris and Roman slowly nodded.
"If you are here alone, then where are the others," asked Roman.
"Back in La Push, have you seen Caleb," asked Zach.
"We led the wolf away from Seattle. We didn't want to cause a scene, but wanted him to know we were there. He refused to phase, so maybe he does have some type of control over himself. The last time we saw him, he was crossing west on a ferry with his motorcycle. We figured he was going to ride to La Push in hopes of receiving backup from his pack, so we decided to cut through the forest and intercept him outside of Port Angeles. That is when we picked up the scent of a wolf. The stench is quite easy for us to sense," explained Roman.
"Good, then you have done half of our job for us. Let him head back to La Push so we can talk to him there. He has a lot of people to answer to at the moment," suggested Zach and Roman smirked.
"We do not answer to you. We were sent here to stop the wolf and that is what we plan on doing," said Roman as Zach rolled his eyes.
"Well apparently there has been a miscommunication. Marcus called my grandpa and told him what was going on so obviously we are supposed to be involved. Look, why don't you come back to La Push with us. You can talk to my grandpa yourself." Roman shook his head, but Sofi spoke up.
"Roman, let's go to La Push. We can see Nahuel and Kaya again," urged Sofi.
"That is precisely why I don't want to go," mumbled Roman and Iris placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come on Roman, it will be good for us to see them. Plus, we will be there on official business," assured Iris. Roman sighed as he saw the pleading stare Sofi was giving him and he gave a curt nod.
"Fine, if you two want to go so badly, then we will, but the moment Nahuel steps out of line, I am out of there," warned Roman and his sisters nodded with smiles on their faces. Zach waved them over.
"Alright, then follow me. I am sure everyone will be happy to see you," assured Zach as he and Josh turned to head back for La Push. Sofi was the first to run after them and Zach slowed down so she could catch up. She giggled at Zach's dimpled grin and smiled back at him as Roman hesitantly followed with Iris.
"Great, we aren't even there yet and she is making friends," grumbled Roman and Iris giggled at her brother's remark. Roman was very protective of his sisters, especially his baby sister, Sofi.
Alice groaned as she heard Edward scaling up the side of the house to join her on the roof. She tried to focus on her visions, but Edward's dramatic sigh brought her out of her trance.
"I am not going to have this discussion with you, Edward."
"If I were human, I would be making popcorn at this very moment. You can't see it, Alice, and we both know that you cannot force these things. Plus, once Rose realizes what you have done, she is going to kill you." Alice huffed and turned to glare at her brother.
"What exactly have I done, Edward? All I am doing is helping." Edward leaned in closer so he could whisper in her ear.
"You deliberately withheld information, insisted on Zach going so that this path could play out, and the worst part is that since you forced this path, which includes hybrids, you cannot even see how it will turn out. They are blank spots in your visions and since their decisions are imperative to your success, you…."
"I took a chance, so sue me. Besides, there is nothing wrong with what I am doing."
"Will Rose think that," he dared and she crossed her arms in a pout.
"It will all work out…I think," she mumbled.
"More like, you hope because if it doesn't, Rose is going to kill you," he said in a sing song voice that mimicked the one Alice used on him whenever she knew she was right and he was wrong. The pitter patter of feet caught their attention and Edward gave her a salute before hopping off the roof.
"Showtime," he whispered to her with a smug smile and she gulped as bits and pieces of visions raced through her mind. Bella, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett walked onto the porch as they heard the sound too.
"Zach and Josh are coming back and they brought guests. Nahuel, Kaya, you will want to see this," announced Edward. Nahuel and Kaya ran outside along with the others as Alice jumped down from the roof. Carlisle looked at her curiously.
"Alice, why are Zach and Joshua back so soon? Did they already find Caleb," asked Carlisle and Alice shook her head with a smile.
"No, but they did find three hybrids that could help," she informed as she winked at Nahuel and Kaya. Nahuel frowned in confusion and was about to ask what Alice meant, but the scent that wafted past him was the answer he needed.
"Roman is here," asked Nahuel in shock and Renesmee slipped her hand into his to keep him calm. Alice clapped happily.
"This is going to be great….I think," she said and whispered the last part.
"You hope," sang Edward as he wrapped his arms around his mate. Bella eyed him suspiciously.
"You know what is going on," she accused and he kissed her before shrugging.
"I am not in it, just an innocent bystander. Remember that Rose, just an innocent…."
"Shut up Edward," hissed Alice and he stifled his laugh as the others looked back and forth between Edward and Alice. Leah groaned.
"I hate when you two know something that we don't. Are the boys okay," asked Leah and Alice nodded happily.
"Of course they are. They are better than okay," assured Alice. Zach ran into the front yard while Josh went into the brush to change into his clothes. Rosalie and Leah smiled brightly at their sons as Josh ran into the yard fully dressed. Rosalie's smile turned into a frown when Sofi ran over to Zach and nudged him.
"No fair, I want a rematch," she giggled and Zach laughed.
"Told you I was faster," he teased. Roman and Iris arrived and Nahuel took in a deep breath to brace himself as Kaya jogged over to their siblings.
"What are the three of you doing here," asked Kaya and Sofi embraced her in a big hug, which shocked Kaya. Their last encounter was tense, but she was happy to return the hug. When Nahuel did not budge, Renesmee nudged him and he groaned, but followed his mate off the porch. Seth walked over to Kaya's side and eyed their guests carefully as Iris looked him up and down.
"Still with the pup," asked Iris and Kaya narrowed her eyes at her sister as she slipped her hand into Seth's.
"He is my mate, so of course I am," replied Kaya. Roman smiled slyly.
"Forgive us if we don't seem thrilled. It is just that his kind are the reason we are here in the first place. Marcus and Didyme sent us to investigate the reports in Seattle. Since we can blend in with humans, it is easier for the three of us to get in and out without being conspicuous. People have seen the wolf, but only in flashes, mainly on the outskirts. We chased him out of the city and believe he is heading this way to gather his pack," explained Roman and Nahuel gave a curt nod.
"Then your work is done. He has no pack to gather and once he arrives, we will make sure he is no longer an issue," assured Nahuel.
"By eliminating him," questioned Roman and Kaya shook her head.
"No, there are other ways," said Kaya, but Iris scoffed.
"As long as that mutt is roaming around, he is putting our world in danger," warned Iris. Sofi waved off her sister.
"Will you stop worrying so much, Iris? I am sure the Cullens can handle it. It is a nice surprise to see all of you again," said Sofi and Zach flashed his dimpled grin at her as he nodded.
"Definitely, last time I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself, Zach McCarty Cullen, it is a pleasure," said Zach as he bowed and kissed the top of her hand. Sofi beamed at his gesture and Josh snickered.
"Smooth," whispered Josh and Seth nodded proudly.
"I taught him everything he knows," boasted Seth, but Rosalie's growl made him avoid contact with her. Sofi shook Zach's hand.
"Oh I know all about you, Zach McCarty Cullen. You are quite the legend in the vampire world," she informed and Zach's eyes widened with excitement.
"What do they say about me," he exclaimed.
"That you are the most powerful vampire anyone has ever seen. I agree with that assessment. After all, I have experienced your power firsthand," reminded Sofi and Zach smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry about that. I was just trying to protect my family," he explained.
"I am sure I didn't give you the best first impression of me. Hopefully my second impression is much better," she giggled and he grinned at her. Rosalie was at his side in an instant and Emmett moseyed over to stand beside his wife as she arched an eyebrow at Sofi.
"Yes well, your second impression couldn't be any worse. After all, you attacked our family and tried to kill them. I take it personally any time one of my family members is threatened, especially my sons and niece," growled Rosalie and Emmett pulled her into his arms as Jasper sent her steady waves of calm.
"Mom," groaned Zach as Iris pulled Sofi away from Zach and Roman stepped in between Rosalie and Sofi.
"It was my fault, not hers," said Roman as Rosalie glared at him and Nahuel crossed his arms.
"Yes, it was, but that is neither here nor there. How is Italy treating you," asked Nahuel and Iris smiled at him.
"Good, better than we imagined really. The three of us agreed to give you some space after what happened, but it is good to see you, brother," said Iris.
"We are glad to see you as well. It is nice that you came to speak with us," admitted Nahuel and Kaya wrapped her arm around Seth's waist.
"Yes, you are always welcomed, as long as you respect my mate and his people," warned Kaya. Seth kissed her forehead lovingly and Iris frowned at their interaction.
"How can you stand to be so close to him? This land reeks of dog," spat Iris and Seth tightened his hold on Kaya's waist as she took a step toward Iris.
"Oh yea, this is working out great," whispered Edward and Alice rolled her eyes. Carlisle smiled kindly at the three hybrids.
"I am sure our connection with this land and its people is confusing to you, but it is a deep connection. We are happy you are here, but also hope that means you understand the rules of this land. We have a treaty with the people and cannot allow hunting of any kind on it. I am sure you understand," said Carlisle as he and Esme walked over to them. Roman gave a curt nod.
"We have been informed of the rules by Marcus and Didyme and would never break them as long as they are accepting of them. The only reason we are here is because of the lone wolf. Zach tells us that you believe we can help each other. All we want is for the wolf to be eliminated so that we can go home," explained Roman and Iris nodded.
"I remember the wolf from when we first came to the area in search of Nahuel. He was overzealous and arrogant even back then. He led his pack right to us, so they never stood a chance," added Iris.
"Yes and you harmed a friend of ours in the process. Like Carlisle said, we have ties with the wolves and their packs," stated Nahuel as Iris glanced at Seth.
"We can see that," she mumbled and Kaya gritted her teeth.
"What is your problem with my mate," growled Kaya as Seth pulled her closer to him. Roman put his hands up defensively.
"Iris was just making an observation, Kaya. No need to worry. We aren't here to pick any more fights. However, the lone wolf has always been very quick to pick one. He is a danger to us all and himself. The Volturi know that and we know for sure that Caleb is the one causing issues in Seattle. Elimination is the best option," assured Roman, but Carlisle intervened.
"That is never the best option. Elimination is the last resort. Marcus contacted me personally because he knows we are close to the situation. We will figure out a way to handle Caleb," said Carlisle.
"And if you cannot? Forgive me if I seem skeptical, but we were put on this assignment for a reason and the more information I gather about the wolf, the more I know that he is not to be trusted. How many times has he attacked your family? How many times has he put our very existence in danger by risking exposure? We cannot allow the human world to know of any supernatural beings or it will be a chain reaction. If they learn of wolves, they will learn of us next, and that cannot happen all because you have a soft spot for pups," explained Roman and Nahuel stepped toward his brother.
"We said, we will handle it," stated Nahuel and Roman closed the distance between them.
"And I am saying I don't trust you with the job. If you could clean up your own messes, we wouldn't be here in the first place," argued Roman. Renesmee pulled Nahuel back to her as he glared at his brother and Kaya sighed.
"Look, we understand the issue and can handle it. We have handled much bigger problems before," defended Kaya.
"True, but we are here on official business and we take that seriously," said Iris as Roman crossed his arms.
"You allowed this problem to get out of hand, how did that happen anyways? You had a chance to resolve the issue, but what has happened? You got out of dodge, allowed this pup to threaten the well-being of others, and now we are left to fend for ourselves and try to clean up your problem. I guess that shouldn't surprise me," spat Roman.
"What is that supposed to mean," challenged Nahuel and Roman shrugged.
"Nothing big brother, it isn't like you have ever turned your back and walked away when others were in need. Have you talked to any of our other siblings lately," taunted Roman.
"I knew that was coming," mumbled Sofi.
"You don't know a thing about me, Roman, so how about you do everyone a favor and just back off," warned Nahuel. Roman tried to lunge at Nahuel, but Iris held him back. Renesmee took a protective stance in front of her mate and hissed lowly at Roman as Nahuel balled up his fists. Esme and Rosalie stood beside Renesmee as Edward and Bella jumped in front of her to protect their daughter. Leah and Jacob pulled Josh back toward the porch as they kept their eyes trained on the situation, ready to phase at any moment. Seth stepped away from Kaya in case he needed to phase and Zach stood beside her to protect her, Renesmee, and Nahuel as well. Emmett joined his son and Alice nodded for Jasper to send the entire group a wave of calm as Carlisle stepped in between his family and Roman. Iris noticed how the entire family shifted to protect one another and she patted Roman on the shoulder.
"Stand down brother. There is no need for this. Besides, we may have bigger issues at hand. I sense wolves descending," advised Iris. Sofi grabbed her sister's hand in fear as four wolves appeared from the brush and slowly began to stalk forward. Carlisle motioned for them to stop and Edward did as well.
"Sam, we have it under control. Drew, Daniel, Braden, calm down," urged Edward. Sam nodded for them to back up and the three wolves did as their alpha said, but were on high alert. Edward winced as he read their thoughts.
"They still remember the three of you from the attack. Braden is especially wary of you. You did harm him after all," informed Edward and Roman scoffed.
"They weren't exactly extending an olive branch to us either," argued Roman. Carlisle put his hands up.
"No one is placing blame. Much has happened and we understand both sides, which brings us back to Caleb. If he does not comply with us, we will make sure he is no longer a threat. How about you call Marcus and see what he thinks of the situation. I have been in contact with him, maybe your assignment has changed," suggested Carlisle. Roman looked around at the situation he found himself in and nodded.
"Yes, we should do that. The mutt isn't a danger to Seattle at the moment anyways. We'll contact Marcus after we are off Quileute land. I am sure that will appease the pack. Nahuel, we'll finish this later," announced Roman and Nahuel glared at him.
"Looking forward to it," agreed Nahuel as Roman and Iris turned to leave. They noticed Sofi hadn't moved from her spot and her eyes were trained on the pack.
"Come on Sofi," urged Roman, but she shook her head.
"How do we know they won't attack us even if we aren't on their land? I need to hunt and would like to do that in the forest later," she questioned. Before anyone else could answer, Zach walked over to her with a comforting smile. He could sense her fear and winked at her. His dimples were on full display.
"Hey, don't worry about them. I will make sure that they don't hurt you. As long as you follow the rules, they have no reason to," he assured, but she shook her head.
"They obviously hate us and are holding grudge. What's to stop them from attacking us as soon as we turn our backs," she asked.
"I wouldn't let that happen. Besides, I am cool with the alphas. You are safe, right J," he called and Josh nodded as he jogged over to stand by Zach.
"Right, you will be safe in the forest," agreed Josh and Sofi smiled kindly at him.
"Are you an alpha," she asked and Josh nodded as he stood a bit taller.
"Yep," he said with a smile and Leah huffed while Jacob snickered at the comment.
"Then I guess I should check with you. It isn't a problem if I hunt in the forest later, right," asked Sofi.
"No problem," assured Josh.
"Thanks I am a bit thirsty," giggled Sofi and Josh patted Zach on the back.
"You know Sofi, Zach here is my beta, so you would be in good hands with him," informed Josh and Zach's eyes widened.
"Dude," whispered Zach and Josh nudged him as Sofi's eyes widened.
"Wow, you must be pretty powerful if you run with vampires and wolves," said Sofi and Zach grinned from ear to ear.
"Yea well, you know, it was complicated there for a bit, but we worked it out," informed Zach.
"Well beta, if you get thirsty later tonight, I will be in the forest around midnight," she said with a wink and Alice pushed Jasper over to Rosalie just in time for him to grab her around the waist. Rosalie glared at him, but immediately relaxed as he bombarded her with soothing waves. Edward stifled his laugh as he watched the scene unfold and listened to everyone's thoughts. Zach winked back at Sofi.
"I will keep that in mind. I suggest the elk by the way. It is the best hunt this time of year," said Zach and Jacob nudged Emmett.
"He definitely learned that from you," whispered Jacob as he pounded fists with Emmett.
"Now watch the grin," whispered Emmett and Jacob watched Zach's dimples deepen into a charming smile. Sofi giggled again and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear as she nodded.
"Thanks for the advice. See you later Zach. Oh and Nahuel, Kaya, I am sorry about all of this. It would be nice for all of us to actually get to meet under better circumstances. Maybe that can happen after we figure out this Caleb thing," she informed before running over to Roman and Iris. Both of them rolled their eyes at her and she shrugged with a smile as she waved goodbye to Nahuel, Kaya, Zach, and Josh. The pack watched carefully as the three hybrids sped away and Edward nodded to Sam.
"You can head home. There is no reason to trail them. They know the rules and don't plan on hunting anywhere near your territory or Forks," promised Edward. Sam motioned for his pack to follow him and they galloped back into the woods. Carlisle let out a sigh of relief.
"That went well," he mumbled and Esme kissed his cheek. Kaya ran a hand through her hair as she thought about her siblings.
"What are we going to do with them, Nahuel? It is as if nothing has changed. I want them to be in our lives, but they obviously have issues with my mate," said Kaya and Nahuel shrugged.
"Sometimes, you can't change who people are. Roman is still the same guy as before, carrying his issues with him everywhere he goes. I can't change that," said Nahuel.
"But you could be nicer," said Kaya and Nahuel scoffed.
"I didn't exactly see you offering to let Iris come inside when you were hissing at her."
"She disrespected my mate. She deserved it, but that doesn't mean I want things to be so tense between all of us. Sofi wants things to be different as well. I just wish it could be," she said sadly and walked down the beaten path leading to the beach below them. Seth's eyes widened when he saw the look in Rosalie's eyes.
"Um, wait up, Kaya," he called as he ran after her and Edward smiled at his thoughts.
"Smart boy," he mumbled as he looked at Alice. She was clapping happily as she saw the gleam in Zach's eyes.
"They are going to be so adorable," giggled Alice, but she gasped when her eyes glazed over and she became lost in a vision. She snapped out of her trance and gulped when she saw Rosalie's murderous glare fixed on her. Edward smiled smugly.
"I will make sure something nice is on your tombstone. Here rests Alice Whitlock Cullen, the most meddling pixie the world has ever seen," teased Edward and Alice let out a yelp as Rosalie growled at her.
"Esme help," squealed Alice as she took off running and Rosalie chased after her.
"This is your doing! You did this on purpose, Alice," shrieked Rosalie and Emmett could not control his laughter as he watched his mate chase Alice around the yard. Jasper was not sure what to do and Bella smiled sympathetically at him as they watched Rosalie lunge for Alice. Alice cartwheeled out of her grasp and climbed the nearest tree with Rosalie right behind her.
"Get her Rose," cheered Leah and Jacob laughed at her enthusiasm. Zach and Josh watched with rapt attention as Alice leapt from the tree and hid behind Esme.
"Wow Rose, Em is right. You are really fast at scaling trees! Esme, help," pleaded Alice. Carlisle cringed at the thought of his mate having to get in between the two of them and Esme smiled sympathetically at Rosalie as she glared at Alice's cowering form behind Esme.
"Mom, move and let me deal with my dear sister in my way. She is trying to set my baby boy up and it is not appreciated," growled Rosalie and Esme smiled knowingly at her.
"You know I cannot allow you to bring harm to Alice. You know you love her," soothed Esme and Alice nodded behind her.
"You do, Rose, you really do," reminded Alice and Rosalie smiled mischievously.
"Oh I am not going to harm her. I am just going to smack some sense into her," declared Rosalie. Alice squeaked and ducked behind Esme again.
"Rose, please try to see reason," said Esme soothingly and Rosalie growled in frustration. Alice sighed in relief as Emmett walked over to them and pulled Rosalie into his strong embrace. She glared at her husband, but he simply laughed it off.
"Angel, it is no big deal. They aren't even mates. It was just some shameless flirting," assured Emmett. Zach jutted his bottom lip out in a pout.
"I wasn't shamelessly flirting," grumbled Zach and Josh nudged him.
"Dude, you were, but it is cool. She is so into you," laughed Josh. Zach shushed him.
"Not helping J," whispered Zach.
"Zachary Carlisle McCarty Cullen, get inside that house right now," shouted Rosalie and Zach quickly ran inside. Leah pointed at Josh.
"You too," said Leah and Josh's jaw dropped.
"What did I do? Zach was the one shamelessly flirting," whined Josh and Zach poked his head out the front door.
"Dude," yelled Zach and Josh shrugged as he jogged up the stairs of the porch.
"What, I am the alpha, you are the beta. You should be the one getting in trouble, not the other way around," defended Josh.
"For the record, we never agreed that you were the alpha. I just went along with it because I wanted Sofi to feel safe," argued Zach and Leah shook her head at the two of them.
"You were supposed to go find Caleb and instead you brought back two of Nahuel's sisters and his brother, who obviously has some type of little brother complex. You are both in trouble," informed Leah and Josh groaned as his shoulders slumped.
"Yea okay," he grumbled and dragged his feet into the house. Rosalie glared at Emmett and Jacob as they tried to hide their laughter.
"This is not funny! Oh and Alice, this isn't over little pixie. Jasper can send me all the happy vibes he wants, but my memory cannot be subdued," threatened Rosalie as she marched inside. Alice cringed at the words and Esme smiled at her.
"It is going to be fine, Alice," assured Esme, but Alice shook her head.
"Sorry Esme, but nothing you are deciding right now is actually helping me at the moment. I need backup," announced Alice as she pulled out her phone. Edward smirked at her.
"Are you seriously still meddling," he asked and she waved him off.
"Oh definitely, I just need some reinforcements."
"You don't even know what you are up against. You have too many blind spots remember," warned Edward and Bella shook her head in astonishment at Alice.
"Wait, you don't even know how this is going to turn out," asked Bella.
"It will be fine. I can get over that pesky wolf and hybrid problem. I have a good feeling about this….I think," said Alice and Bella giggled.
"You must have a death wish," said Bella as she followed Renesmee and Nahuel into the house. Rosalie stepped onto the porch and pointed at Alice.
"Wish granted," she announced before going back inside to scold her husband for teaching Zach how to flirt. Edward smiled smugly at his sister while Carlisle and Esme spoke to her.
"Alice, you know we love you and your amazing gift. We just want to make sure it is not going to get you or Zach for that matter into any trouble," said Carlisle and Alice smiled sweetly at them.
"Don't worry. I have it covered," she assured.
"No she doesn't," warned Edward.
"Edward, shut up! I do," she declared before running into the woods to go make a call and Jasper followed her. Edward disappeared into the house to be with his mate and daughter. Carlisle and Esme shared a look. They could hear Rosalie inside screaming at Emmett for teaching Zach to suggest a type of animal to hunt. Carlisle gulped.
"This should be interesting," mumbled Carlisle and Esme nodded in agreement as they entered the house.
