Chapter 4

By the time Zach returned from Seth's cottage, the rest of the family was gathering onto the front lawn to wait for the arrival of the stealth jet. He grinned when he saw Allie exit the house with two suitcases and he hurried over to take them from her. She thanked him with a kiss and followed him down the stairs of the porch.

"I can't believe we are just going to leave this place behind. It has been like my second home," she admitted.

"Moving is part of a vampire's life, but we have been blessed with the island. It will be the perfect place for your first year. We can monitor who comes and goes. Plus, Canada and Alaska are the best places for us to hunt without too many humans around."

"Well I am looking forward to seeing our cottage. I can't wait to see what it looks like. Your Aunt Alice and grandmother have been pretty secretive about it."

"I am curious too, but we will not have to wait much longer. I can hear the jet coming," informed Zach. Allie looked up at the sky as the moon hovered above them. Within seconds, a small stealth jet appeared and lowered to the ground. Even after seeing it in the past, it still amazed her how technologically advanced the aircraft was compared to the others of its kind. Alexander and Lena emerged from the jet and glided over to hug Zach and Josh.

"Congratulations on your completion of high school, boys. It is not very often we get to celebrate such a thing in our world," commended Alexander.

"We are sure Alice will not disappoint with the party," added Lena.

"That wouldn't be my style," assured Alice as she skipped out of the house and over to them. She clapped happily when she saw the jet.

"It is perfect. Marcus and Didyme have outdone themselves," praised Alice. Zach and Josh surveyed the jet and each gave an appreciative nod.

"It is smaller than the other one, but definitely just as cool," agreed Josh.

"Glad you like it because it officially belongs to all of you," informed Alexander.

"No way," exclaimed Zach, but Josh was too stunned to speak.

"With the amount of traveling you do in dire situations, it is best that you have an emergency jet on the island just in case Connell is not available," explained Lena.

"Speaking of my rambunctious friend, how did Connell take the news," asked Alexander and Alice rolled her eyes as she thought about Connell's theatrics.

"He accused me of trying to get rid of him. Honestly, you would think I was telling him he could never come around anymore or something. He might play tough, but he enjoys all the attention he gets from us," said Alice. Josh finally snapped out of his shock and found his voice again.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, are you telling me we have a stealth jet now," he exclaimed.

"Yes, but it is not to be used solely for your amusement. Humans cannot know about this technology, so you must be careful of when and how you enter territories. It is for the entire family, but we have decided that such a joyous occasion like your graduation would be a great time to give it to you as a gift. Everyone will learn how to fly it," explained Lena and Josh pumped his fist.

"I got a stealth jet," he hollered and cheered as Zach happily nodded.

"It is for everyone and not solely for personal recreation," reminded Lena, but Zach and Josh were too busy doing their handshake to care.

"I don't think they are interested in that tidbit of information quite yet," said Alexander as Lena watched the two boys in amusement. Allie's jaw was dropped in astonishment.

"So first the Volturi give them an island and now this? Lavish gift giving is one of Marcus and Didyme's vices isn't it," she asked and Alexander bowed his head to her.

"They are guilty of bestowing luxurious gifts on those they deem worthy. That includes you as well Allie. We hope you enjoy your home on the island and learning how to fly this," said Alexander and Garrett raised his hand.

"When you say family, does that extend to their extremely loyal and always happy to help relatives in Alaska," asked Garrett and Carlisle laughed.

"Of course you will have a chance to fly it, Garrett. In fact, when Marcus called to tell me about the gift, we both agreed Alaska would be a great place for test runs due to the lack of planes constantly flying through," informed Carlisle.

"I got a stealth jet," cheered Garrett and Kate shook her head in amusement as her mate happily hugged her.

"Thanks, yet another reason it will be hard to get him to stop playing and come home," said Kate. Lena smiled slyly at her.

"I am sure you have your ways of keeping him entertained. Is everyone ready to go? It is past midnight and the perfect time to head out," asked Lena.

"Jasper, are we ready," asked Carlisle.

"The house is secure and ready to be locked down," informed Jasper.

"Well then I suppose it is time to take our leave from Forks once again with more family than we arrived with," said Carlisle as he smiled at Allie. The group put their bags at the back of the aircraft before taking time to look around their new mode of transportation. Allie giggled at Zach and Josh as they argued over who would get to fly it first, but their parents quickly ended the argument.

"Lena will fly this time and you boys should pay close attention so you can learn how to maneuver it," said Leah and the boys begrudgingly sat in the back of the cockpit to watch. Jasper pulled a remote from his pocket and keyed in a code. The picturesque house that served them so well during their stay in Forks morphed into a decrepit version of itself once again. The lights shut off, metal slabs slid down over the structure, and hologram pixelated into place.

"Time to go home," said Esme and Carlisle kissed his wife tenderly as the jet lifted into the air and flew out of Forks.

Edward, Bella, Renesmee, Nahuel, Charlie, and Sue were sitting in the backyard outside of the main house on the island. The fire pit blazed in front of them as they enjoyed the serene late night.

"Why do I feel like every time we leave, something big happens? Does this family ever just relax and do absolutely nothing but fall into a normal routine for decades," asked Charlie and Edward smiled crookedly at him.

"Actually, yes, there used to be a fairly routine order to our existence," said Edward.

"What changed," asked Charlie.

"I met your daughter," said Edward and Bella playfully glared at her husband as the others laughed.

"I happen to like our existence as it is," defended Bella.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, love," agreed Edward as she curled into his side.

"I am surprised Sam is alright with all of this. A Quileute as a vampire, I never thought such a thing would be possible," admitted Sue.

"What is the big deal? Allie is human so it was always a possibility," said Renesmee.

"Not for our tribe. If anything supernatural were to happen, it would be changing into a wolf to protect the tribe from vampires. I am happy for Allie and Zach, but she is still the alpha's daughter. Her becoming a vampire is quite significant and will go down in history for our people," explained Sue.

"We have hybrids, a vampire born from two vampires, and wolves. Adding a Quileute vampire to the list is just the new kind of normal for this family," said Nahuel. Edward and Bella looked up as they heard an aircraft in the distance. Renesmee and Nahuel detected it as well and smiled when the jet appeared beside the house.

"It is bigger than I thought it would be. We are going to have some fun with that thing," said Edward and Charlie's eyes widened.

"You get to fly it," questioned Charlie.

"We get to keep it," informed Edward and Charlie let out a low whistle in amazement as the jet landed. The doors opened and Alice was the first to step out. She skipped over to them and hugged each with a bright smile.

"What do you think? Isn't it perfect," she asked excitedly. Bella gave her a look.

"Yes, but it is only for emergencies. You are not going to have me in that thing every time you want to go on a shopping spree," warned Bella and Alice scoffed.

"Don't be silly. Everyone knows shopping sprees are not emergencies. Unless they are for last minute plans of course," she said with a devious smile and Bella groaned.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," whined Bella. Edward eyed Allie cautiously as she stepped off of the jet with Zach.

"Don't worry, love. We have more pressing matters to deal with. Any plans for future use of the jet will have to wait. Come on, Alice," said Edward and Alice nodded in agreement as she followed Edward over to Allie and Zach. Allie's eyes widened when they approached.

"We should talk about this in the study. Merek will be here tomorrow, but we can contact him now," said Edward and Allie gulped.

"Are you sure we need to? I don't want to bother him."

"You aren't bothering him and don't sell yourself short," assured Edward.

"That's what I told her," whispered Alice and Zach frowned in confusion.

"What is going on? Why do we need to talk with Merek," questioned Zach. Carlisle and Esme approached next.

"Is everything alright," asked Carlisle and Edward hugged his father in greeting.

"Allie found something in your notes. Come on, let's contact Merek in the study," advised Edward and Alice nodded.

"Yes, let's give these two a minute. We will be in the study when you are ready," informed Alice before going inside with the others. Zach eyed his mate carefully.

"Allie, what is my Aunt Alice talking about?" She sighed and shrugged.

"It isn't a big deal."

"You want my family to contact Merek. Are you having second thoughts?"

"What? No, of course not, it has nothing to do with that. I just found something in the notes that got me to thinking about my transformation."

"Notes, what notes? What is going on? Why didn't I know about this? Is this what you have been keeping from me?"

"I asked Alice to let me take a look at the research over the procedure. It was for my own peace of mind."

"Why didn't you just tell me that? I thought we agreed to be honest with each other."

"Oh, like you were honest about going to see Merek in Alaska and all of the other things you have kept from me since we got together? You said I could tell you when I was ready."

"Hey, that isn't fair. I was trying to protect you and this is different!"

"I was trying to protect you too! There was no point in telling you that was I worried unless I really needed to. Trust me, you obsess enough for the both of us as it is. I didn't want to add my concerns to exacerbate the situation."

"I don't obsess."

"Is that why you constantly ask me if I am sure? You treat this decision like you are sending me to my death or something…."

"That is exactly what I am doing! You are killing yourself for me!"

"Oh give me a break, Cullen! I am becoming immortal to be with you forever. Will you please stop treating this like I am on my deathbed? I have chosen to become a vampire. I will go to sleep and wake up a better version of me. Sure, I am terrified of not being able to control myself. I am terrified of not being able to live up to your perfection, but I have never once questioned if it is worth it, unlike you!"

"Until now, right, I mean you obviously are questioning this if you want to speak with Merek." She sighed and shook her head as she ran a hand through her hair.

"I am questioning the method, not the result, Zach. I love you. I have no doubt about that or our future. I guess not even Asa's visions of us could make you feel the same." She turned to leave, but he reached out for her.

"Wait, that isn't true. I love you with every part of me. I want this. I am just afraid that if I want it too badly, it will be too good to be true. You were never part of my original plans, Allie. Falling in love with a human was bad enough, but the daughter of the alpha? You weren't supposed to happen."

"You really need to work on your sweet talk, Cullen." He chuckled.

"It is a good thing that it happened, an amazing thing, but this is new for me. I never had to worry about my existence before. I never went through bloodlust or that struggle over my control. I joined this family and never had to worry about sacrifice. I am part of the most powerful coven in the world. I have my amazing family and awesome best friend. I was created by a being that gave my parents something deemed impossible and also got cool powers. My life struggles consisted of defeating armies and attending Forks High School until I met you. Now I am terrified that I am making you give up too much. Either you have to change or I have to lose you to mortality someday and I just wish this could be simple." She cupped his cheek and smiled lovingly at him.

"It is simple, Zach. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Girl becomes a vampire so they can be together forever. Easy as elk, remember?" He grinned at the words, but his smile quickly faded.

"Then why do you need to speak with Merek?"

"It is about the general anesthesia. I am sorry I didn't tell you what was bothering me, but I just have some questions for them."

"Can I be there when you ask them?"

"I wouldn't want it any other way," she assured as she slipped her hand into his. He kissed the top of her hand and followed her into the house. They made their way upstairs to the study and Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, Bella, Alice, and Jasper were waiting on them. Merek smiled at them from the flat screen.

"Aw, here are the paramours. Finished with your lovers' quarrel," asked Merek.

"Yes, we just needed to clear some things up. Thanks for being available. I am sure you have more important things to do," said Allie.

"My dear, I have given my entire existence to this research and you will be the reason it will be complete. How may I help?" Allie began to fidget and gulped as her nerves started to get the best of her. Everyone waited patiently as she found the courage to voice her concerns.

"I know you two have far more experience than I could imagine, but I think you may have overlooked a possibility with the general anesthesia and pain I will feel."

"You checked over the notes and found something worth researching further," questioned Carlisle.

"Yes, methohexital is going to be the primary drug used for the anesthesia, correct," she asked.

"Correct, it is common for inducing general anesthesia during surgeries. It is quite safe and has a proven track record, which is why we chose it. Alice assured us you were not allergic to any drugs."

"I am not and I agree that methohexital is the perfect drug to use. It has a rapid recovery rate and can lower chances of side effects unlike other barbiturates of its kind." Carlisle's eyes widened and Merek chuckled.

"Carlisle, you never told me the lady was so intelligent. I had no clue you were into the sciences," said Merek. Zach smiled at his mate.

"Allie was accepted into Stanford and planned on being a doctor before fate had other plans for her," informed Zach and Carlisle bowed his head to her.

"I apologize if we have underestimated you. That was not our intention. We simply have been at this for a long time and thought we covered our bases. However, if you can add to the discussion, that would be most helpful for all involved," encouraged Carlisle.

"We tend to have a hard time seeing the forest for the trees at this point. Your input is most welcomed. What is your concern with the drug," asked Merek.

"It isn't with the drug itself. It is with how it will be administered. The rapid recovery rate after induction correlates with the time it takes to burn off in the system. Based on your notes, venom burns off such things at an even faster rate. If you put me under and then increase the dosage in increments once the transformation begins, you can keep me under longer than perceived."

"We thought about that, but the needle will need to come out once your skin begins to harden and the drug is most efficient when administered in such a manner," said Merek.

"True, which is why you should give me a larger amount before removing the IV," responded Allie, but Carlisle shook his head.

"That would be a lethal amount. It could kill you and we cannot risk that," said Carlisle.

"But you are looking at it from the wrong angle. To use his analogy, you are staring too closely at the trees and not reminding yourself of the forest, the bigger picture. The transformation will turn me into a vampire, which means by the time you give me the last dose, I will be far more vampire than human. The lethal dosage data will be null and void by then. The venom will be dominant in my veins, not blood, and it will burn off the drug quite faster than my human body would have been able to." Carlisle's eyes widened as realization dawned on him and Merek guffawed.

"My word, Zachary, your mate is astonishing. She is right, Carlisle. We worked out the numbers based on her human status, but overlooked the ratio of venom to blood in her system by the point of final induction. You may be able to keep her under until the end. Let me check some numbers," said Merek as he began to furiously type on his computers. Carlisle turned to Alice.

"Is this true? How does her path look with this decision," he questioned and Alice clapped happily.

"She is right, Carlisle. I saw it earlier, but wanted her to be able to share the good news with you," assured Alice.

"So you will have to give her a lethal dose of the drug? How is that not risky," asked Zach.

"Because she will not be human by that point, she will be in the midst of the transition and far more vampire than human. Allie, you are a genius. There is no way I would have thought of that," praised Carlisle and Allie beamed with pride.

"Thanks, I didn't want to question you, but I analyzed the notes several times and got the same answer."

"Never be afraid to come forward. You are part of this family and you have a brilliant mind. I am just sorry that I underestimated it. Merek, do you think you can figure out the proper increments for the doses before you need to leave tomorrow," asked Carlisle.

"Of course, mate, I am already on it and we simply need to alter a few things, nothing too drastic. I will see you at the party. Farewell," called Merek before ending the call and Bella nudged Jasper.

"Intelligence, can that be a power," whispered Bella as she eyed Allie and Jasper eyed the girl as well.

"I am sure we will find out soon enough. If our abilities are heightened during the transformation, it is hard to believe her intelligence wouldn't be one of them. Only time will tell though," whispered Jasper. Edward nodded in agreement at their thoughts.

"Come on, love, Charlie and Sue are about to go to sleep and want to say goodnight," informed Edward. He and Bella departed as Alice hugged Allie.

"I told you this would work! Don't worry, you were great and Merek is extremely impressed. Now, how about I show you your cottage so you can get some sleep? You two have a long couple of days ahead of you," suggested Alice. Zach and Allie excitedly nodded and followed Alice and Jasper out of the room. Rosalie turned to Carlisle.

"She only attended college for a couple of years. How could she possibly have known all of that," asked Rosalie.

"She is a brilliant mind. Do you know how long it took for us to calculate that data? Even our vampiric abilities could not simply answer all the questions for us. Her intelligence is truly impressive. I wonder if Eleazar picked up on it," pondered Carlisle.

"No wonder Sam was so pissed she left school. The girl is a genius," said Emmett.

"She may not realize just how much yet," agreed Esme.

"I think Bella may be on to something. Alice asked me for the notes a couple of weeks ago and I didn't even write everything down. She had to fill in some of the blanks, which means her mind can process things quicker than the average human. Her response time as a vampire will be interesting to test," said Carlisle.

"First we need to make sure the transformation is a success and we can help her through her first year. I am sure she will be too focused on blood to think about scientific data," informed Esme and they nodded in agreement as they thought about Allie's revelations.

Jasper basked in the exuberant emotions rolling off of his mate, Allie, and Zach as they drove down the path Esme formed toward the northern shore of the island. The vast amount of trees along the way blocked the cottage from the view of the house and Alice's giddiness caused Jasper to grin as they parked in front of the cottage. Allie gasped and Zach grinned from ear to ear as they stepped out of the car to see their cottage for the first time. It was a mixture of rustic, thanks to the wood and stones used to create the exterior, and modern due to the style of the architecture. A beige, stone path led to the entryway and a deep, mahogany door. The house was created from dark, tan colored stone and deep red cedar. Jasper unlocked the door for them and Alice stood back as she watched Zach and Allie's expressions when they entered the house. It was an open, spacious home with high ceilings as a result of the high pitched roof architecture that Esme designed. A stone fireplace accentuated the rustic motif of the living room and the floors of the house consisted of dark mahogany maple wood. In the corner of the room was a black baby grand piano. The furniture was plush and lavish and several pictures were already on the mantel. Allie grabbed a framed picture of her and Zach from the fireplace and smiled.

"I took that during your first stay on the island," informed Alice and Zach hugged his aunt.

"You outdid yourself Aunt Alice," commended Zach.

"Oh you haven't seen anything yet. I know you won't need to use the kitchen much, but Josh will still be over a lot and may not want to go to the main house to eat. Just wait until you see the bedroom and…."

"Darlin' how about we let them check out the rest of the place alone," suggested Jasper and Alice nodded her understanding.

"Right, that would be better. I need to finish up some last minute decorations for the party tomorrow anyways. There are already clothes in the bedroom for you. We will be in the main house if you need us," informed Alice before exiting the cottage with Jasper. Allie looked around in awe and Zach smiled at the happiness radiating off of her.

"Is this really happening right now? This is our cottage," she asked as he slipped his hand into hers.

"Yep, all ours, come on, let's go see the rest." They caught a glimpse of the kitchen to the west side of the living room before heading out the double doors to the sunroom. Glass and stone encased the room as it overlooked a cliff and the ocean. A deck surrounded two French doors leading outside to a fire pit and lounge chairs. Inside the room a plush, large brown futon faced the cliff where they could sit to gaze out at the serene view. They headed back inside and to the east side of the house where there were two rooms. One was a guest room with blue and tan accents.

"Alice must have made this room with Josh in mind. He is the only reason there would be video games and an entertainment system," said Allie.

"I am sure he will love it. Let's go see the other room. That should be the game room," he informed and they immediately recognized it as such when they entered. One wall was covered with a massive flat screen. Another had shelves lined with games and consoles, while the other facing it was lined with shelves of comic books. Two large couches and recliners faced the television.

"I can't wait to beat your high score in here," she teased and he kissed her.

"Dream on, nayeli," he teased back. They exited and headed back toward the living room. A short hallway was beside the fireplace and they headed down to a door leading to the master bedroom. There was a fireplace in there as well along with two sofas and a reading chair. The king sized bed had a mahogany sleigh headboard and was made up with plush red bedding and the finest of sheets. Zach plopped down onto it and sighed happily.

"The bedroom is perfect. I am happy," he assured and she laughed.

"Before you get too comfortable, let's check out the bathroom. I want to know if it is worth all of the arguments I have had with Josh." He chuckled and followed her into the bathroom. A massive Jacuzzi-style bathtub was in one corner of the room facing a two-person shower. The shower consisted of three stone walls and a glass floor to ceiling door. There was also a vanity mirror and two sinks beside a walk-in closet.

"Definitely worth the arguments," said Allie in awe. She went back into the bedroom and fell onto the bed with a happy sigh of relief.

"We are home," she announced and Zach grinned as he joined her on the bed.

"Yes, we are." He lay back on the pillows and she rested her head on his chest. He grabbed a blanket and placed it over them as her eyes slid shut. The hypnotic sound of waves crashing against the cliff outside filled their ears and she snuggled closer to him.

"This is perfect for us. Now all I have to do is become a vampire and we will have everything we have wanted."

"I am really sorry I snapped at you when we first arrived. I was just surprised that you had been thinking about ways to be put under."

"I should have told you. I just didn't want you to worry."

"I am going to worry because I love you. You have to know that just because I worry doesn't mean I regret being with you or us doing this. I love you so much Allie. I am just scared of something going wrong when you are turned."

"I am scared too, but it doesn't overshadow the love I have for you."

"That is because we are destined to be together. I have faith in our love. No matter what, you are the only one for me and I might be scared of what could happen during and after the transformation, but I am not scared of our future together. It is the only future I ever want," he assured and grabbed the small black box his mother gave him from his pocket. She opened her eyes and gasped when he opened the box to reveal a breathtaking diamond ring.

"My love for you is infinite. Will you marry me, nayeli," he asked and she happily nodded as tears filled her eyes. He slipped the ring on her and she kissed him tenderly. He wiped some of her tears away.

"I don't know why I am crying. I knew you would propose," she giggled.

"Knowing it will happen and having it actually play out are two different things. I have thought about how to propose for months, but nothing felt as right as this moment in our cottage together. I have faith in our love, Allie. It can overcome an enraged alpha and beta and treaty lines. I have no doubt it will overcome whatever we face together in the future, including your newborn year. I know you are worried about it, but whenever you feel out of control after your transformation. Whenever you fear that you might want blood more than me, you can look down at this ring and remember why you chose this path for us. I love you."

"I love you too, Zach," she whispered before passionately kissing him. She cuddled into his embrace and he could not help but smile from ear to ear. His mate was in his arms in their cottage and he could not be happier in that moment.