Chapter 4

Carlisle could hear his mate fervently working in the backyard. Esme usually turned to constructing or organizing when she was stressed and Carlisle sighed as he entered the backyard to see her rearranging large boulders.

"My love, what are you doing," asked Carlisle but Esme refused to speak.

"Esme, please don't ignore me. I know this is not an ideal situation but….."

"I cannot believe that you want her to stay, especially after you kissed her!"

"Tesla's gift is very powerful. I didn't want to kiss her. You know I only love you and while I know firsthand that she is not always conventional, she means well." Esme scoffed.

"That woman does not mean well. I love that you are such a compassionate man, but sometimes I just don't understand how you can be so blind. She obviously has feelings for you and since she can manipulate your actions so easily, what is to stop you from kissing her again?"

"That is not going to happen."

"You don't know that."

"Tesla knows that she can only push me so far. It is why we drifted apart in the first place." Esme crossed her arms and stared down at her feet, refusing to make eye contact with her mate as she asked the question that was tormenting her.

"Did you ever have feelings for her, romantically," she asked and Carlisle slowly nodded.

"Yes, once upon a time, centuries before you even existed. I never felt connected to her though. I was intrigued, but never in love. I was still a young vampire finding my way and it wasn't until much later that I realized how lonely my existence truly was. Esme, sweetheart, I know that Tesla can be trying, but she has a good heart deep down, even if she does get into trouble because of her whims."

"Trouble doesn't find her, Carlisle. She actively goes in search of it and this is the woman that you are allowing in our home with our family? I hope you know what you are doing." With that, Esme walked back into the house as Eleazar exited and approached his friend.

"She is right, you know? Tesla is bad company and always has been. Her issues do not concern any of us."

"I know she can be manipulative, but she has a good heart. She could have let those vampires kill me, but she didn't. She saved my life and I owe her the same kindness if I can help her."

"Is that kindness worth risking your family over?"

"You know as well as I do that this family can take care of itself. I am not risking anything."

"What about Esme?"

"She is upset, but she will understand. She may not trust Tesla, but she trusts me and knows that I would never bring harm to her or our family."

"You wouldn't intentionally, but with Tesla, we both know that things just happen. You have already found yourself in a compromising position with her and she just arrived. With Tesla, you simply never know," warned Eleazar and Carlisle slowly nodded, letting his friend know that he would keep his advice in mind.

Esme pulled another cookie sheet out as she tried to control her anger over her mate's decision. Carmen smiled sympathetically at her friend as she entered the kitchen and handed Esme a bowl and spoon. Esme smiled back appreciatively.

"Thank you. I figured if I was going to keep busy, I might as well make some of Seth's favorite cookies."

"Are you okay? This must be trying to say the least," asked Carmen.

"I know that Carlisle loves me. It just worries me how oblivious he is to the ways of women. Tesla isn't just a vixen. She has the power of manipulation, but Carlisle is acting as if everything will be fine."

"I have always been in awe of how compassionate Carlisle can be. It takes a great strength to see the best in people, even when their flaws are glaring. You do not have to trust her. I do not trust Tesla, but I do trust Carlisle and since he is your mate, maybe even when you doubt Tesla, you should trust him. Now, let's work on these cookies. I am sure Seth will be happy about that." Seth jogged into the kitchen with a big grin as he rubbed his hands together.

"Oh definitely, anytime Esme is baking cookies is a good time for me. Maybe Tesla should come more often!" Esme arched an eyebrow at him and he smiled sheepishly.

"Or not, so um….need any help," asked Seth and Esme giggled at his excitement.

"I am sure you are only asking so that you can sneak in some bites of batter before the cookies are done as usual, but yes I will take you up on the offer," said Esme. Seth grabbed a spoon and began mixing ingredients in a bowl. Carmen listened out for the others around the house and was surprised by how quiet it was.

"I am not used to the island being full of more hushed sounds than full blown screaming," informed Carmen and Seth chuckled.

"You can thank the vampire seductress for that. She has everyone worried and hiding out. Well, that and placing bets on when Esme will finally snap and behead her," said Seth and Esme threw a towel at him as he laughed. She frowned in concern as she listened throughout the house as well.

"It is strange having everyone here, but it being so quiet, eerie really," said Esme. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the garage and Esme smiled.

"That's more like it," she giggled.

Zach burst with laughter as his mother glared at him, but it could not stop him from shaking with mirth. The two of them were in the garage working on his car and spending time together.

"I told you to let it down easily. I could have used a jack or your father if I would have known you would just drop it. It is a car, a thing of beauty, you don't just toss it around because of your power Zachary McCarty Cullen," scolded Rosalie and Zach guffawed.

"Aw come on mom, my car is fine. It has to be pretty sturdy to have me as an owner."

"Says the boy that brought it back with a door ripped off."

"Once, that happens once and I never get to live it down. Besides, that was J's fault for hulking out on me," whined Zach and Rosalie giggled at her son as she ruffled his curly hair.

"Well lucky for you, you have a mom that knows how to take care of such a spectacular vehicle as this one." Zach wrapped an arm around her and grinned.

"I am lucky I have such an awesome mom, but not because she can fix my car. I'm just lucky. After all, I have to have a pretty cool mom in order to get all my awesome alpha-ness. That is hereditary you know. It is written down in Quileute History and everything. J, showed me." She laughed and pulled him in for a big hug.

"And what awesome alpha-ness it is. You are the best son I could ever hope for, more than I ever imagined really. I wanted you for so long, but none of my wildest wishes could have compared to such a kind, amazing, loving son."

"Who also happens to have a power that makes him awesome alpha material," added Zach and Rosalie laughed.

"Well awesome alpha, how about you finish helping me. Here, I will show you what to do," suggested Rosalie and Zach happily nodded as she handed him a wrench. They huddled together under the hood of the car as she explained what needed to be done, smiling all the while as she enjoyed time with her son. Her smile faded when Tesla sauntered into the garage. Rosalie glared at the woman.

"What do you want," asked Rosalie and Tesla shrugged nonchalantly.

"Just checking out the place."

"Go check out another room, this one is off limits. That goes for my son and mate as well," warned Rosalie.

"Are you always this moody because if so, an eternity with you must be hell on your mate." Rosalie smiled menacingly as she stood toe to toe with Tesla. She was taller than the woman and used her height to her advantage to tower over her.

"You may have Carlisle fooled but not me. I don't care what he thinks he sees in you or debt he thinks he owes, you don't deserve his pity. You brought all of this on yourself since you can't seem to get it through your centuries-old skull that messing with a mate is deadly. It would do you a world of good to remember that and that my sisters are impeding any type of mind tricks you want to play while on this island. Bella is blocking you and Alice would see it coming anyways, so I suggest you tread lightly, stay away from my son and mate, oh and get out of my garage while you are at it." Tesla tried to act like she was not intimidated, but gulped as Rosalie hissed at her.

"Fine, I will leave, but only because you asked so nicely," retorted Tesla with a roll of her eyes. Zach smiled proudly at his mother as Tesla left.

"That's another reason you are awesome, mom. You can be really scary when you need to, especially when it comes to protecting your family," said Zach and Rosalie hugged her son again with a bright smile.

Carlisle sighed as he sat back in his leather chair in the study. For a vampire that never needed sleep, he was exhausted. He was speaking with Marcus on the phone about Tesla and feeling guiltier by the second for asking for yet another favor.

"Aw yes, Tesla, she has the power of manipulation, correct? Aro was always intrigued by her. He wanted her to join the guard, but knew she would cause too many issues by doing so. Jane was not exactly thrilled by her presence when she would come to visit. What brings her to the island of all places?"

"She is in danger. It seems that she used her power unknowingly on a mate and his mate did not take kindly to it."

"How does that involve you?"

"She has asked for my help and since she saved my life once before…."

"You believe you are in her debt, much like I am in yours."

"You know I would not ask for help if it was not imperative."

"You have done more than enough to ask for a favor from me dear friend. I am not sure what all can be done though. Our world is quite simple. As far as the law goes, do not risk exposure, everything else is a matter to be handled between the parties involved. The inherent rule of our kind is simple as well. Do not interfere with mates. I am not sure how to calm the mate down, especially since I would be furious as well."

"I know what you mean. I am not exactly in the best position at the moment because of Tesla's presence, but any help would be much appreciated."

"I am sure Alexander and Lena would not mind visiting the island to hear her out. Maybe they can reason with the mate if she feels the need to take action."

"According to Tesla, she is tracking her as we speak."

"Then she will arrive soon. I will alert them."

"Thank you, Marcus."

"No need to thank me yet, I make no promises about the mate. By the way, how is Esme coping with the situation?"

"Not well I am afraid." Marcus chuckled.

"There is never a dull moment in your coven. Good luck, it sounds like you will need it. Alexander and Lena will be there soon."

"Thank you and please tell Didyme hello for me."

"Will do," added Marcus before hanging up and Tesla strolled into the study.

"You have quite the life, Carlisle. You have this island, a family, and the ruler of the vampire world at your beck and call. I am impressed," she informed as she made a show of sitting on the edge of his desk. He stood up and shook his head in disbelief as she smiled seductively at him.

"What are you doing, Tesla?"

"Just thinking of all the ways I could thank you properly once the mate is off my back." Esme was in the room before Tesla could finish her sentence.

"That is it," growled Esme as she stepped toward Tesla, but Carlisle stood in between them. He wrapped his arms securely around Esme in an attempt to soothe her, which failed miserably. Tesla smirked.

"I meant in the form of gifts of course. My goodness, Esme, get your head out of the gutter," taunted Tesla as she sauntered out of the room. Esme glared at her mate and he chuckled nervously.

"She was joking," he assured and Esme shook her head in astonishment at Tesla's behavior. Tesla hummed softly as she walked out of the house. She quirked an eyebrow at Jasper as he stepped directly in front of her.

"Where do you think you are going," asked Jasper.

"For a walk around the island, this place is impressive, might as well enjoy it while I am here."

"And how long do you plan on staying anyways? Alice tells me that Alexander and Lena will arrive soon after the mate does. Either your plan to hide behind Carlisle will work or you will be dead."

"Let me guess, you are hoping for the latter? It really bothers all of you that Carlisle may have actually had a past before he created this coven, doesn't it?"

"I wasn't created by Carlisle. My mate wasn't either. To be honest, his past means nothing to me. It is what it is, but you are affecting us now and that is unacceptable. You truly do not care about who you harm as long as you get your way, do you?"

"You know nothing about me."

"Oh but I know the type. You remind me of my creator. You see, she too liked to manipulate people and make them feel like they owed her something. She felt a sense of entitlement just like you do. At least you are not full of hatred like she was."

"That's right, you are the one that can sense my emotions, which means you can sense how annoyed I am right now. Let me pass." Jasper chuckled as he stepped aside so that she could walk by and she brushed his shoulder as she did.

"By the way Tesla, if you are anything like my creator, you should take heed." Tesla rolled her eyes as she turned to face him again.

"And why is that?"

"No reason, she just tried to manipulate one too many people into getting her way and when all was said and done, she ended up like that mate wishes you were, dead. Enjoy your walk," drawled Jasper and Tesla gulped as he disappeared into the house.

Alice was perched on the couch inside Edward and Bella's cottage with her eyes closed. She was searching her visions while Edward soothingly rubbed circles on Bella's back.

"I know it is difficult for you to have your shield up for this long, love. Once Tesla is gone for good, you can relax," assured Edward.

"Having it up is not the issue. It is expanding it to everyone on the island that is difficult," explained Bella.

"You can take it down now. Tesla has decided to stop trying to use her power since a shield is on the island. She isn't sure how your power works, but she is wary after Rose threatened her," informed Alice.

"It probably helps that Jasper did as well," said Edward with a laugh and Alice giggled.

"My Jazzy knows how to get things done," agreed Alice and Bella sighed in relief as she relinquished control over her shield.

"I am just happy that I can relax a bit now. Shielding so many minds takes up so much of my concentration. When is this woman going to leave for good?"

"If all goes according to plan, Alexander and Lena will arrive in time to encounter the mate tomorrow afternoon. The mate is going to stop in Seattle to hunt before coming to the island. She is scared of confronting Tesla while she is here, but believes she can persuade us to hand her over."

"It wouldn't take much persuading. I know Carlisle feels obligated, but the sooner Tesla leaves, the better for everyone here," agreed Edward. Alice giggled at her vision and Edward smirked.

"What is it," asked Bella and Edward winked at his mate.

"At least some people are entertained by her presence," said Edward. Before Bella could question him, Emmett, Jacob, Renesmee, Nahuel, Kaya, Garrett, Benjamin, Zafrina, and Keegan entered the cottage, arguing amongst themselves.

"Ben, I am telling you, there is no way that Tesla is going to make it until dawn if she keeps flirting with Carlisle or me for that matter. If Esme doesn't take her out, then Rose will," argued Emmett.

"Carlisle will not allow that to happen," defended Benjamin and Garrett smirked.

"Not even Carlisle is a miracle worker," added Garrett. Zafrina and Renesmee giggled as Zafrina showed Renesmee an image of Rosalie and Esme chasing Tesla around the island.

"I would pay good money to see that," teased Zafrina and Emmett huffed.

"I am telling you, it is going to happen. Mom may be able to hold out for a bit longer, but Rose definitely will not, so you better place your bets now, any takers," asked Emmett and Bella shook her head in amusement as Emmett, Garrett, Benjamin, and Jacob began placing their bets.

"Really Jake," laughed Bella and Jacob shrugged.

"Something is bound to give," assured Jacob.

"Does Leah approve of your gambling on such violence? Where is she? Where is Josh," asked Bella.

"They went to hang out in the garage with Rose and Zach. Come on Bells, if you had to take a wild guess, how long before Esme cracks," asked Jacob and Bella glanced at Edward and Alice before answering.

"I am not sure, but it doesn't matter anyways since these two already seem to know. I can tell by their silence." The others thought about Bella's words before turning their attention to Edward and Alice. Keegan's eyes widened.

"Wait, so it is true? I thought these four were just all talk. I want in if something is going to go down," said Keegan and Emmett nodded happily.

"Come on little pixie, work your magic. Don't tell us the details. That would take all the fun out of it. Just give us a hint! Will it be mom or Rose," asked Emmett. Edward and Alice shared a look and Edward grinned crookedly.

"Let's just say that some decisions have been made to the point of certain paths not boding well for Tesla," replied Edward as Alice smiled smugly.

Jasper knocked on the door of the study before entering into the room where Carlisle and Esme were arguing in hushed tones about Tesla. Carlisle sighed in relief when he saw him.

"Jasper, son, please come in. We were just talking about our guest."

"More like intruder," grumbled Esme and Jasper smiled sympathetically at her.

"I understand your concern and yours as well, Carlisle. I just wanted to inform you of Tesla's sudden change in mood. Alice has seen the vampires arriving and Alexander and Lena as well. She was very troubled by the news, frightened and uneasy," confessed Jasper.

"Maybe she has some sort of conscience after all. She has done much harm by her impulsiveness," said Esme, but Carlisle shook his head.

"There may be more to it than that. I should go speak with her."

"Like hell you should," exclaimed Esme and Jasper had to hide his amusement at her outburst. He did view Esme as his mother and he suddenly felt like a child catching his mother behaving in a way that she would usually scold others for.

"Esme, please listen to reason," pleaded Carlisle as he pulled her into his arms, but she stepped back from him.

"Carlisle, you are the one that needs to listen to reason. What hold does this woman have over you?"

"I am just trying to do the right thing by her, just like she did for me all those years ago. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her, so yes, I feel the need to be a good friend just like so many of our friends have been over the years. How many of our friends put their lives in obvious danger by standing beside us against Aro? They did it out of loyalty."

"Because it was the right thing to do, Tesla is different. We didn't do anything wrong. She cannot say the same."

"It was a misunderstanding."

"She tried to seduce a vampire so that she could take over his territory. That isn't exactly innocent behavior!"

"Esme…."

"No Carlisle, you are wrong. This woman is bringing danger and I don't care if our family can handle it. It isn't our fight and I do not take kindly to you siding with her over me." Carlisle threw his hands up in exasperation as Esme left the study and Jasper winced at their emotions.

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news," said Jasper.

"You have nothing to apologize for. She is just upset about the situation. I am sorry you had to see that."

"She isn't angry as much as she is hurt. I understand your feelings about the situation, but she is fearful as your mate, just as Alice was fearful as mine when Maria came back into our lives."

"It did not stop you from going to see Maria anyways."

"Yes, because I wanted to keep her away from Alice and stop her from interfering, not because I wanted to help her. Carlisle, I understand that you feel as though you owe it to Tesla to help her, but do not for a moment think that she was an innocent bystander. She went in search of the vampire that ruled the territory. She simply got careless and did not think to observe who else would be affected by her actions."

"Sounds like typical Tesla. Thank you Jasper, I will handle it from here," said Carlisle as he exited the room and Jasper gave a nod.

"Good luck," he mumbled.

Tesla could sense the presence of two vampires drawing near as she watched the waves crashing into the shore of the beach. She spun around and crouched defensively until she saw Tanya and Kate come over a hill. She sighed in relief and Kate smiled slyly at her.

"You seem a bit jumpy, expecting danger soon," taunted Kate and Tesla crossed her arms.

"What do you want? I have already been threatened by the other blonde and the empath so leave me alone."

"What did you expect to happen when you ambushed them with your issues," questioned Tanya.

"Look, you know nothing about my issues alright? How about you run along and leave this to me and Carlisle."

"There is no you and Carlisle, there is an Esme and Carlisle, a Carlisle and his family, but you do not fit into the equation," reminded Tanya.

"This doesn't concern you."

"Oh but it does. You see, my sister and I have known Carlisle for quite some time as well. Unlike you, we actually kept in touch though. We know he is a good man, a compassionate, kind man, just the type that someone like you would prey on," said Kate.

"You two know nothing about me!"

"Yes, we do because centuries ago, we were you, just without the power. We know all about seducing men to get what we want. We relied on it for centuries, but at some point we had to change our ways. Tesla, what brought you here is of your own doing, so maybe you should reconsider your lifestyle," suggested Tanya.

"What, so I can become like all of you? So I can live off the blood of animals and walk this earth like I am so much better than every other creature on it?" Kate scoffed.

"No, your diet is your choice, but the moment your actions started to affect us and the people we care about, your decisions became our issue. It is in my natural instinct to protect my family and that includes Carlisle, so if I were you, I would figure out better ways to spend my time than trying to manipulate mates. Trust me, it won't end well for you if you continue on this path," warned Kate and Tesla jumped as Kate patted her on her shoulder, sending a jolt of electricity to the woman as she did. Tanya giggled at Tesla's bewildered expression and followed her sister back up to the house. They passed Carlisle on the way and he shook his head with a smile at them.

"Threatening her, I see," said Carlisle and Tanya winked at him.

"Threatening is such a harsh word. We prefer, reminding her of the severity of her actions," explained Tanya. Carlisle chuckled as he continued onto the beach to find Tesla. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and smirked.

"Does your mate know you are out here, wouldn't want your family to threaten me even more."

"Sorry about that. They are just concerned." She slowly nodded as she looked out at the water.

"Jasper says they are coming here. The mate is tracking me. She wants revenge."

"You already knew that though."

"Yea, but now it is becoming this reality and I am worried."

"It is okay to be scared."

"I am not scared for me. I am scared for you," she confessed.

"I….well I don't understand. You wanted this. You wanted my help."

"But not at the expense of you or your family. I know you can protect yourself and going by the shock that Kate just sent me, I know they can as well, but if something went wrong, if your family was harmed because of me, the family you have wanted for so long….." She could not finish as her emotions got the best of her. Carlisle sighed.

"Why can't you be like this all the time?"

"What?"

"You rarely show this side of you, the side that is kind hearted and caring. That is the woman I am going to help, not the one you pretend to be."

"The world isn't a kind, caring place, Carlisle. Not everyone lives on an island, in a bubble away from the rest of the world. Not everyone has this life, this amazing, lavish life."

"I know that."

"Do you, because you have always been a bit naïve about how the world works? Some people only have themselves to rely on, not a whole coven full of vampires ready to defend their every move." He chuckled and nodded.

"I know how lucky I am. Maybe one day you will allow others into your heart and get lucky as well."

"Such an optimist," she teased and he nodded.

"Guilty as charged."