Chapter 4

A/N: Hey everyone i;m back again and thankfully much sooner than the last update. I'm starting to work on the next chapter as you read this so hopefully it will be done within a week or so. Thanks for all the positive and encouraging words I really appreciate it! I hope you like this one!

Today was Wednesday, our first day of school and Jasper, Edward and I were feeling on edge about potentially running into this new coven. When we had returned home from the meeting with the shifters, there had been a family meeting or more like a big argument on how we should proceed next. The boys excluding Carlisle wanted to go check out the new coven but Esme and Carlisle didn't think it was a good idea however, they didn't listen. They came back thirty minutes later even more confused because all traces of the scents in the woods were gone. They must have someone who has an ability to dissolve their tracks Alice has suggested and the only thing left to do was wait.

Iris, Emmett and and I were riding in my red BMW while the others took Edward's Volvo. We were early but there were still a few students in the parking lot already.

"Do you hear anything about the other coven yet Edward?" Alice inquired and we waited for his answer. "It seems as though they're all from La Push. Only three boys are attending a senior, sophomore and a junior there's also a new history teacher that no one has seen yet. She teaches cultural anthropology. That actually seems interesting." Edward had mumbled the last bit to himself but we all heard it.

"Vampires living with shifters that doesn't sound right Eddie. You sure about that?" Emmett replied jokingly from his place next to Iris but there held a serious undertone to it. Shifters, wolf shifters at least and Vampires don't get along so it's hard to imagine them living together willingly. If I focused I could smell them faintly but the smell was overpowered by the familiar sweet smell of vampires.

"If Edward says they're shifters then it's true we just need to be careful not to aggravate them as they can be very temperamental." Jasper had said this too fast and low for the humans around us to hear and we all nodded and entered the building. Alice and Edward collected our schedules while the rest of us waited in front of the main office.

As we waited we listened as the humans milling around us whispered and stared in wonder at our presence. Jasper was standing as far away from the humans as possible and had stopped breathing. He had not been around humans since our departure over a year ago and it seemed that the time away was affecting him. Alice and Edward came out of the office just as the bell rang and distributed all of the schedules. As I looked at my schedule I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I glanced down and saw some the classes I attended the previous year. Lucky for me I only had five classes this year which were AP Calculus, Art, Cultural Anthropology, Forensic Science and Lunch. Jasper who was also attending as a senior, shared Cultural Anthropology with me and I shared Art with Alice and Iris. My first class was Calculus so I made my way through the hall after saying goodbye to my siblings. When I reached my destination I was scrutinized by everyone in the room as I rushed to the seat in the back of the class. I could already tell it was going to be a long day.

It was finally lunch time and for once I didn't complain about the odor that oozed off the food. All morning we had endured the stares, whispers and pointing from the humans and I had to force myself not to harm anyone around me. Instead I stewed in aggravation and stared straight ahead in all my classes and made sure to sit next to my sisters in Art. I was happy too have some relief from being surrounded by just humans paired with the fact that only one more class stood in the way of going home.

As we entered the cafeteria like every year, the humans gawked as we glided to our designated table near the window. After a few moments conversation picked up and we relaxed and began conversing with each other.

" I had gym with one of the shifters, the youngest one Seth, and he wasn't happy to see me. Usually it wouldn't bother me but it didn't seem like the usual 'i hate vampires' attitude it was different almost-"

"personal." Iris had cut off whatever Emmett was going to say but as he loudly said "exactly!" it was obvious he agreed.

"The aggression the boy had wasn't due to his hatred of vampires, by the smell of him i'd say he was okay with what we are but it's the who we are that makes them tick." After speaking Iris leaned back into Emmett and took a bite of her apple. As she began chewing we all waited for her to continue.

"You say that they are from the La Push pack?" she questioned and we all nodded. "It's very rare that a pack would split the way it seemed to have and then work to create some sense of peace in the same area. I've seen occur a few times in my life but not in such close proximity but what bothers me most is the smell." Iris had finished her apple and proceeded to wipe her hands clean of apple juice that had managed to drip on her using a napkin.

"They smell like regular shifters to me, but their scents are masked pretty well by the scent of vampires so you may be onto something Iris." As Alice said this I went over this new information. I had not come in contact with any of the shifters but I could still smell them faintly throughout the building. Alice was correct they did smell of dog but unlike Sam's pack they no longer have that disgusting stench attached to them its as if it was removed somehow. Just as I was about to tell everyone my discovery the subjects of our conversation came and everyone in the room started as they entered. The first to come through the door was at least six feet and clearly a wolf as his presence screamed Alpha. He wore a black t-shirt that looked as though it would tear if he moved too fast and cargo shorts. His skin was tan which reflected his native descent and short cropped black hair and black eyes that were searching the cafeteria and they narrowed when they landed on our table. The next to come through was also a shifter but unlike the Alpha his hair was well past his shoulders but put up in a bun on top his head and his face still held traces of baby fat, he must be Seth. Like the first boy he wore a black t-shirt but had on black ripped jeans. As the last boy entered I saw Iris inhale from the corner of my eye and freeze. Noticing her reaction I heard Emmett ask her what was wrong and she nodded at the door. "He's no shifter, look." and we did. The first thing that I noticed were his eyes, to humans they looked to be a brown with specks of red but they were in fact a mix between gold and red, the same color that all our eyes except Iris, were at one point when leaving the newborn stage of turning into a vampire. He was a few inches shorter than the Alpha and had long dark hair that was braided down his back. His jaw was strong and taunt and his pink lips were set in a frown but what stood out was his skin. It was a darker brown that the shifters but seemed to shimmer when the light hit it at a certain angle.

"He's a vampire and by the looks of it not that old. His eyes are still have traces of red in them but at least we know he's like us." Iris shook her head at Edward and we watched as the trio finally found a table and sat down. The lunch room was once again filled with the sound of loud conversation.

"No Edward, inhale and listen. He has a heartbeat, he isn't like you." As Iris said this we all raise our eyebrows but followed her instructions and as I focused on this mystery of boy I realized that she was correct. His heartbeat was faster and not as loud as that of a humans and his scent was different from ours and the shifters.

"I don't understand so what is he then? Is he a different kind of shifter that we've never encountered before?" As Jasper asked this the trio raised their heads and stared at us in what could only be amusement. "You're wrong soldier, but you will all get the answers you want soon enough. My coven will be arriving at your home when school lets out make sure to inform Carlisle when you call." His voice was soft but firm as he spoke and it was lined with an accent.

"I don't like this he knows who we are and we know nothing of them! What if they're a threat? Iris you said he wasn't a shifter so you must know or have an idea of what he is, correct?" As always Edward was jumping to conclusions but this time I couldn't blame him too much. We had no idea what or who we were dealing with and yet they seemed to know things about us they shouldn't. We never disclosed any personal details to the La Push shifters on our past so how would they know that Jasper had been a soldier?

"I'm not sure what he is I just know of stories and rumors told to me as a child. As far knowing who we are, Carlisle is well known among vampires and those in his coven as well. Maybe they've heard of you all and picked up some information." As Iris replied Jasper called Carlisle while Alice called Esme to inform them of what was happening. For the remaining time left in the period, we all sat in silence lost in thought. We decided to leave early and we broke off into groups and headed to class. My last class was Cultural Anthropology with Jasper so we walked there together silently. When we arrived, it was almost empty, due to the fact that we left early but when we got inside four figures were already there speaking quietly.

"...she doesn't know she just thinks the stories are myths for now. They'll find out later and based on their reaction we'll see how they react to the triplets." The one who wasn't a shifter was speaking and sat on a desk across from the door with his arms crossed and was turned toward a beautiful woman that held a lot of resemblance to him. She wore a red button up with a black pencil skirt. Like the boy her hair was dark and long but was fell down her back in waves. Both Jasper and I inhaled and relaxed as we recognized the familiar smell of vampire. Upon noticing us she looked at the boy and then to the shifters who sat in the back and they all seemed to be having a silent conversation. A few seconds later the bell rang and the shifters left for class.

"You two can come in we don't bite, much." As she said this she smiled and revealed her canines. After glancing at each other Jasper and I entered and sat down in the back of the class and a few seconds later students began to fill the room. Once everyone was settled the dark haired woman began to speak.

"Good Afternoon class, my name is Ms. Vidal and we will be discussing Cultural Anthropology. Today we will be going over the syllabus and class expectations…" After handing receiving my syllabus I looked it over to see what the course material included. It seemed we would start with the basics of what anthropology is and the history and beginning of cultural anthropology. Moving forward discussing the different cultural variations in people globally. While Ms. Vidal went over the syllabus with the class I zoned out and waited for the class to end.

When the bell finally rang I rushed out of the classroom and headed towards the parking lot. I entered my car and was about to head home when I remembered I drove Iris and Emmett with me and sighed. I had at least an hour and a half before school let out and nothing to do, it was times like this I wished I could sleep. I leaned back into the seat and turned my head towards the lot. It was filled with mostly old beat up and out of date vehicles with a few newer model cars here and there. There was one car that stuck and made me wrinkle my nose in disgust. It was a light blue rusty truck that looked as though it was on its last straw. It kind of reminds me that death trap Bella used to have. At that thought I sat up and smiled. Bella of course! Maybe I could swing by Charlie's and see if she was home. She should have graduated by now based off her grades and classes that last time we were here so it makes sense she wouldn't be in school. I wonder which college she decided to attend, knowing her she could get into any school she applied to. With my mind made up, I exited my BMW and quickly made my way to the forest and ran towards the Swan's house.

When I arrived outside the forest surrounding the small house, I climbed up the nearest tree and looked inside Bella's window. The room was almost empty only having a dresser, an empty computer desk and a bunk bed at that I did a double take. Why would there be a bunk bed in her room, I don't remember Alice or Edward mentioning that before? I swear this day is just getting more strange as it continues. The house was empty judging from the lack of heartbeats and I sighed in disappointment. I wanted to see her, to apologize to her for the way I behaved towards her I just hope she'll forgive me. If she would have us I know everyone would be happy to have her in our lives again. However, I know that the chances of her forgiving us for leaving are probably unlikely but I know that all of us will do whatever it takes to win her trust back. With that thought in mind I slowly made my way back to the school and waited for the day to end.

When the bell finally rang I started my car and saw my siblings emerging from the building a minute later. When Iris and Emmett were in the car, I took off towards our home and saw Edward pull up behind me. As we neared the house I began to slow down and as soon as we entered the garage I parked my car and we all headed straight to the living room. Esme and Carlisle were already waiting for us when we entered and they both greeted us as we sat down.

"I know that there were some surprises today but I hope all of you had a good day overall. Now this boy, tell me everything it is you know about him" as Carlisle requested this I sat back and looked around to see who would speak first and wasn't surprised when Edward spoke.

"He resembles a vampire Carlisle, the skin, the eyes the beauty all the signs are there but he smells different and has a heartbeat. It doesn't make any sense." As he spoke Edward was obviously getting frustrated and began to run his fingers through his already messy hair.

"There's also the fact that he knew I was in the army. I know we are well known for our diet but not many people know of my human life. I find it hard to believe that these, people, would know that about because of the coven I'm in. We're missing something here and I don't like it." After adding his input Jasper held on tightly to Alice's hand who seemed to be focused on her vision.

"The shifters scents were also different they weren't like the ones from Sam's pack its as if they were...altered in some way. How would that be possible?" I looked at Carlisle as I asked this and he rubbed his hand across his face and turned towards Iris.

"Have you ever encountered anything like this before? Based off what everyone has said I don't have any recollection of meeting or reading about these traits." we all turned to face Iris who sighed and tilted her head before speaking.

"When I was young the elders in my tribe would tell stories about different beings, shifters, gods, vampires and so on and most of them were true but there was one that was passed on for many generations. I don't remember everything but it tells of a man who would go from village to village and seduce woman, human for the most part but there were instances where he would visit shifters and other creatures as well. After seducing and bedding these women he would leave and return a month later to see if all his effort was paid off because he was trying to create children. The man was described as pale with red eyes and hard skin and being older I now know that this man was a vampire. The reason I find it hard to believe it's more than a story is because as we all know vampires can't produce children. According to the legend though if the man were to succeed the child would resemble that of a vampire but would have a heartbeat faster than one of a human but silent enough to be mistaken as the same species as its maker, a vampire." when she finished it was silent as everyone took in this information. Just thinking of the possibility that this legend was true was disturbing. A man who seduced women with the sole purpose of getting them pregnant was scary and disgusting to imagine but even if this were just a legend, what was the man's goal?

" I can't see them. I've been trying to look into their future but it's either dark or just not there at all. Edward isn't able to read their minds and Jasper's power barely works on them." I raised my eyebrows and tensed at this new development. While everyone in the coven had their own unique talents the gifts that Edward, Jasper and Alice had were the ones we relied on the most when faced with threats against us.

"Carlisle I say we attack before they do at least then we'll have the element of surprise. I bet the La Push mongrels have something to do with this too." Edward hissed and stood up from his chair so fast it knocked over. When he realized what he did he looked sheepishly at everyone and mumbled an apology.

"Is this possible Carlisle, can humans give birth to vampire children?" Esme inquired from her seat beside him. Carlisle rose from his seat and began pacing in front of us.

"I suppose theoretically there's a slight chance of it happening but the chances of the fetus and mother surviving are slim to none. The human body wasn't made to withstand holding a child of the supernatural let alone one that preys on humans to survive. I don't see how it would end well for both parties." he glanced at the others.

"But as I said this is all in theory and Iris has expressed her doubt at this even being real. What matters now is ensuring that this meeting goes well and nothing puts this coven at risk. Stay alert but try not to be forward in your questioning is that understood?" Carlisle looked around the room and sighed in relief as we all nodded. When no one added anything after, Carlisle advised us to stay inside but we were free to go and everyone but Emmett, Iris, Esme and I went upstairs. Esme headed towards the kitchen, probably to make Iris some food, and Emmett and Iris were quietly talking to each other on the sofa.

Esme had finished making Iris three burgers with a pile of fries and onion rings that she had eaten, and there was still no sign of the coven. The sun had gone down and in its place the moon sat high above. I was beginning to believe that we were being stood up when I heard the sound of people running towards us. Jasper, Alice, Carlisle and Edward came downstairs and we all walked outside and waited for them to arrive. I could hear the sound of at at least two wolves running but I could hear three heartbeats and four sets of feet hitting the forest ground. That means there's only six of them which was some relief if there was a fight we would outnumber them. The first to emerge were the wolves, one slim but obviously muscled grey wolf that stood almost six feet high next to her was a sand colored wolf that was slightly smaller and had longer fur and in front of them was their Alpha in human form. Next were the boy from school and Ms. Vidal but when I saw the last vampire I crouched down and growled loudly and bared my teeth then heard my family do the same. Emmett, Jasper, and Edward launched themselves at Victoria but were stopped when the two wolves simultaneously leaped in front of her. Jasper and Emmett slowed down when the wolves snarled and growled in their face but Edward made a beeline around them directly to Victoria who was trying and failing to hide her smile and I moved forward ready to attack myself when Iris pulled me back. As Edward took the last step needed to get to her he was suddenly thrown back by an invisible force which threw him about thirty feet into the trees surrounding our home.

"Just as I thought, they have a shield with them." Iris spoke lowly and let go of my arm when she felt me relax.

"Leah and Seth calm down. We didn't come here for this." It was the Alpha that spoke and the sand colored wolf backed away while the grey wolf glanced at Victoria who smiled and nodded. At this the wolf let out a final growl before slowly backing away.

"Am I right in assuming you are the leader of this, coven Victoria? If so, why are you here?" before Victoria could reply a figure dropped down in front of them and they all seemed to circle around it.

"No Carlisle, I am" as she said this and faced us we all collectively gasped in shock. "and I was just about to ask you the same thing." Bella answered with a small frown on her red lips. It was silent all around us only the sound of loud pounding heart beats and the soft fluttering of the boy's along with the rustling of trees could be heard as my family stared in shock at the seemingly older and less human women standing in front of us.

Her hair which was a dark brown with highlights as a human was now thicker and while still brown had streaks of red and what could only be described as gold through them that flowed beautifully down her back and framed her face perfectly. Her eyes were the same strange red and golden hue as the rest of her coven and were surrounded by long thick lashes. She was beautiful. Bella stood tall in front of her coven and from what I could see was a lot more muscled and toned than the last time I saw her which could be due to the change and held a small backpack in her hand.

"I-I'm at a lost for words Bella? How could this be, who turned you? We're so happy to see that you're well, Alice had been unable to see-" as Carlisle spoke he began to move from his position in front of us and make his way over to where Bella stood but was stopped when we all heard a vicious snarl. " Don't pretend to care of my well being now after abandoning me when my presence became too much of a burden. I'm not here to discuss the past we had, you and your coven are in my territory and there are rules that need to be discussed. Now, I have other things that I need to get done so let's forgo the twenty questions and 'how have you been' so we can get this over with. Agreed?" at this Carlisle promptly shut his mouth and nodded.

Esme squeezed her husband's arm and said "Perhaps we should all come inside and sit down. If that's alright with you Bella?". In response Bella glanced back at her coven as though listening to something being said before turning back to Esme and nodding sharply. Bella gave the bag to the grey wolf then the two shifters quickly made their way to the woods and we all made our way inside.