Chapter 6

The party lasted well into the morning hours and only ended as dawn arrived. The Denalis departed with most of the other guests, promising to return on Christmas Eve. Alexander and Lena left with Marcus and Didyme, but Nahuel and Kaya were relieved when Roman, Iris, Sofi, and Caleb agreed to stay through the holidays. It had been months since they were able to spend time together. The party left them exhausted and they went to sleep, as did Seth, Jacob, Leah, Charlie, and Sue. Allie sighed in relief as the water spurted out and she was finally given a moment to herself to take a hot shower in Zach's bathroom. It had been a long night of mingling, dancing, and being introduced as Zach's mate and while it was already ten in the morning, she still had not been to sleep. She took her time showering and wrapped herself up in the thick, red terry cloth robe hanging up on the hook. She smiled when she saw Zach waiting for her on the bed in his room and he chuckled at the way the robe engulfed her.

"I could have gotten you a robe that is actually your size. Aunt Alice keeps plenty in the main house," informed Zach, but Allie simply sighed happily as she crawled onto his lap. She snuggled into his chest and he kissed the top of her head.

"Your robe is better. It smells like you."

"Then you can wear it whenever you want. So, are you hungry? My grandma made a big breakfast at the house. That's where your parents are."

"No, I am still stuffed from all the food at the party. You know, for vampires that cannot eat, your family sure knows how to make a feast. Is the pack still here?"

"Yea, Connell is going to take them home after breakfast."

"Even Drew and Colt?"

"Yes, they might have been stubborn before, but my grandma's cooking seems pretty hard for you humans to resist."

"I am surprised by how quickly Drew got over me. As soon as he saw those women, it was like all was forgiven. Too bad we didn't think of that sooner. It could have saved us time," teased Allie, but Zach shook his head.

"I don't think it would have been that simple. Drew has had a lot of time to vent and get his frustration out. I think he knew deep down that you and I never intended to hurt him. Plus, it has been over a month…..and of course it helped that Senna didn't seem to mind flirting with him."

"I was surprised that he didn't mind the fact that she is a vampire. He seemed so against the notion of me being with you because of what you are."

"He was irrational at the time and one of the things I like about Drew is that he never seemed to hate us. He was just upset and hurting."

"Well I am relieved," said Allie. Her phone buzzed and she groaned when she saw that she received a new message from her mother.

"What is it," asked Zach and she sighed.

"They just don't want me to be comfortable, do they? I am exhausted, have finally showered, and now my mom and dad want me to come eat breakfast with them before they leave."

"Think of it this way. Once they are gone, I promise that you and I will get to spend some time alone. You can get some rest and we have the next five days to relax on the island before they come back for Christmas."

"Relaxing sounds nice. I am so tired. I don't know how Josh manages to keep up with you."

"The wolf in him gives him a bit more energy, but Josh sleeps plenty."

"I definitely need to catch up on some sleep after my parents leave. I better get dressed though. They are waiting." Zach kissed her sweetly before giving her some privacy. He passed the time by playing his piano and managed to play several of his favorite songs by the time Allie was dressed. She walked into the living room and smiled as she listened to him finish a song.

"What song is that? It is beautiful," she asked and he winked at her.

"Just something I am working on. Ready," he asked as he scooped her up and she giggled as he darted out of the house with her in his arms.

After breakfast, Carlisle beamed with pride as he watched the pack say their goodbyes to his mate. Tommy and Owen each kissed her cheek. Daniel and Braden hugged her. Drew thanked her for her hospitality, along with Jared and Kim. Colton watched curiously as Esme moved a piece of hair out of Evan's eyes and he grinned at her.

"Thanks for letting us come. This was so much fun. Are you spending Christmas here," asked Evan and Esme nodded.

"Yes, we are going to stay on the island, but we will be in Forks once school starts up again. Where will you be for Christmas?"

"I'm not sure yet. My mom might have to work, but my dad said we will do something no matter what. If not, Colt's family is doing a fish fry, so we will just hang out over there."

"Well, if your plans fall through and you need somewhere to go, we are only a call away. Merry Christmas, Evan," said Esme as she hugged him again and he smiled.

"Merry Christmas, I will see you when you get back to Forks," said Evan and Esme nodded. Colton shyly walked over to them and Esme smiled warmly at him.

"Merry Christmas, Colton, I am so pleased you were able to attend the party after all," said Esme.

"Thanks, I wasn't sure if you guys really wanted me here after all the stuff I said before, but it was really nice," admitted Colton.

"I told you, Colt," chuckled Evan and Colton blushed.

"Yea, yea," he chuckled back. Esme smiled at the boys.

"I am glad you both were here and you are always welcomed in our home. I mean that, Colton," assured Esme and Colton surprised her when he gave her a quick hug. She beamed with happiness as they grabbed their bags and walked over to Connell. Carlisle waved goodbye to the boys as he walked over to his mate.

"Merry Christmas, boys," called Carlisle and they waved at him.

"Merry Christmas, Dr. Fang," they called back and chuckled when he shook his head in amusement. Drew awkwardly made his way over to Allie and Zach who were talking with Josh.

"Well, um, I'm about to go, but thanks again for inviting me," said Drew and Zach smiled at him.

"Anytime, thanks for coming," said Zach as the awkward tension filled the air around them and Drew glanced at Allie. Josh cleared his throat.

"I need to be anywhere but here right now. Catch you later, Drew," said Josh before jogging back into the house and Allie giggled nervously.

"So, do we shake or hug or what," asked Drew and Zach smiled as Allie pulled Drew in for a hug. Drew sighed in relief.

"Friends," asked Allie and Drew nodded.

"Yea, friends," agreed Drew. He grabbed his bag and walked over to Connell. Emily and Sam hugged their daughter goodbye and Allie kissed them each on the cheek.

"You are coming back for Christmas Eve, right," asked Allie and her parents nodded.

"Yes, we decided to take Emmett and Rosalie up on their offer to have Christmas dinner here. I am sure it will be the first of many," admitted Sam and Zach grinned at them

"Sure will, see you next week," said Zach as he waved goodbye to them. Sam grabbed their luggage and walked over to Connell, who began counting them as Tia giggled.

"Alright, so we have seven pups, the alpha, his mate, Jared, and Kim. All aboard," he called and Jared feigned a hurt expression.

"What, no name for me? Just Jared," asked Jared and Connell shrugged.

"Well you aren't exactly a spry pup anymore, what should I call you? Oh I know, an old hound, would that work?"

"No thanks I…"

"Seven pups, the alpha, his mate, the old hound, and the old hound's mate, be back in a second mo ghrá. All aboard," announced Connell before blinking out with the group. Tia smiled as Connell reappeared and slipped his hand into hers.

"Alright, wee one, my work here is done. We are off to Dublin," he informed, but Alice jumped on his back before he could leave.

"Not so fast, Connell," she said as he tried to shrug her off and he groaned.

"What now? What else could you possibly need? I made sure Keegan buried his brother, I brought him and Zafrina here, I grabbed the pups from Pup Island for the party, I took the Denalis back to Alaska, I took the pups back to Pup Island, and I did all of this even though you are a bit of a Laudy Daw that does nothing but ask for more," exclaimed Connell in exasperation. He frowned when Alice giggled and jumped off his back.

"First off, I am not a snob. Yes, I know what Laudy Daw means. I read an entire book on Irish slang, so never think you can get one by mean ever again. Second, Merry Christmas," she said as she handed him a black box. Tia smiled as Alice handed her a box as well.

"Alice, you didn't have to get us anything," said Tia and Alice shrugged.

"It is the least I can do. Like your mate pointed out, so rudely I might add, he has done a lot for this family and so have you. I figured it was time to make you honorary members," explained Alice as they opened their gifts. Connell's eyes widened when he opened the box to reveal a platinum band with the Cullen Crest etched into it. He slipped the ring onto his index finger and smiled.

"Perfect fit," he said in amazement and Alice scoffed.

"Of course it is, give me some credit Connell," scolded Alice and Tia hugged her when she saw the gold necklace with the crest etched on a medallion.

"Thank you so much, Alice. This is a wonderful gift," said Tia and Connell nodded in agreement.

"Yea wee one, I must admit, you have outdone yourself. Thank you." Alice beamed with happiness as he gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head.

"You are very welcome. Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie are waiting on you to go hunt. Go have fun," urged Alice. Tia and Connell blinked out and Carlisle smiled proudly at Alice.

"You never cease to amaze us, Alice," praised Carlisle and Alice clapped happily.

"Wait until you see your gifts next week! I can't wait for Christmas. We need to put up the tree. Where are the rest of the decorations? Jazzy, there is still so much to do!" Jasper simply smiled and followed his wife inside as Zach groaned.

"Why do I have a feeling she is going to want us all to help," whined Zach and his mother ruffled his curly hair.

"Because you know your Aunt Alice, but don't worry baby boy. I will run interference. You just take care of your mate. Allie, go get some sleep," instructed Rosalie and Allie sighed in relief as Zach scooped her up.

"You are the best, Rose," yawned Allie and Zach kissed his mother's cheek in thanks before taking Allie back to the cottage so she could rest. Bella giggled at her mate's irritation as he marched down the stairs of the main house and over to Carlisle and Esme.

"Why is Alice already pestering us about more plans? We just had a party! All I wanted was to grab this book from the study and go read in the cottage with my mate. Why must she make things so difficult? She was insufferable while you were gone. Talking about you weren't here so she is in charge, the madness must stop," ranted Edward and Esme gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"Do not worry, dear. Go spend time in your cottage with your mate. No one is planning anything today," assured Esme and Edward sighed in relief. He smiled smugly as he read his mother's thoughts and she walked into the house.

"Alice, sweetie, go relax with Jasper. Today is a day of rest," called Esme and Alice's whine was immediate.

"Aw, but Esme, Christmas is less than a week away," she complained.

"Which gives us plenty of time," replied Esme and nothing else was said about the matter as Esme and Carlisle went up to their bedroom.

The next few days passed peacefully by and Christmas Eve was soon upon them. Much to Alice's delight, the family made a show of decorating the tree together. Garrett encouraged everyone to sing Christmas carols and Edward played the piano. Sue, Charlie, Renesmee, and Seth helped Esme cook the Christmas dinner while Nahuel and Kaya spent time with their siblings in Seth and Kaya's cottage. Nahuel put another log on the fire as he laughed at his brother's story.

"You really pounced on him in front of everyone," asked Nahuel and Roman nodded proudly.

"He left me no choice. I rank higher than him. He is just a newbie, but he thought he could show me up because I am half human. I had to show him I belonged in the Guard and could get the best of him," explained Roman.

"And it worked too. Maahir hasn't challenged him ever since," added Iris.

"What's it like being a guard in the Volturi? Do you get to go on a lot of missions," asked Kaya and Iris nodded.

"Sofi and Caleb don't go on as many as Roman and I do, but I think we make a great team. Most of the time, Alexander and Lena give us covert assignments. It is easier for us to blend in than the rest of the guards," informed Iris.

"Well you two are going to have to get used to being a duo for a bit because I have a feeling planning the wedding is going to take up a lot of our time," said Sofi and Roman rolled his eyes.

"Why can't you two just have a small ceremony, go on vacation, and be done with it," asked Roman. He chuckled as Sofi threw a grape at him and he caught it in his mouth.

"Because I only plan on getting married once and want to do it right, Caleb agrees with me. We don't want to be mates that get married over and over. There is nothing wrong with it, but we would prefer one, big, extravagant wedding."

"Are you sure Caleb doesn't want to join us? He is a member of this family now," stated Nahuel and Sofi beamed with happiness.

"Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me that you think of him as family, but don't worry about Caleb. He has been dying to play that new video game Josh and Zach were talking about," explained Sofi.

"Sometimes, I forget he is so close in age to them," admitted Kaya.

"He didn't really leave the reservation on the best of terms, but I know a part of him yearns for the kind of companionship Zach and Josh have. He just feels like he missed his chance after things ended badly with the pack."

"I think we are all perfect examples that time can heal all wounds," said Nahuel and Roman nodded with a smile.

"Agreed, now tell us about Zach and his mate. We have been dying to know how the alpha's daughter ended up with a Cullen," said Roman and Nahuel chuckled.

"It is a long story," warned Nahuel. Sofi shrugged.

"We have the time," assured Sofi and Nahuel proceeded to tell them about the new pack, Allie, and her romance with Zach.

Josh chuckled as Caleb swatted his hand out of the way again. Josh nudged him with his shoulder and Caleb nudged him back as their eyes never left the television in the game room.

"Stop it! You are totally cheating," whined Caleb.

"Am not," sang Josh as he smacked Caleb's controller out of his hand. Josh pushed a button on his controller and Caleb's player exploded.

"Boom," bellowed Josh as he stood up and did a victory dance. Caleb rolled his eyes.

"How was that not cheating?"

"Not in my house," taunted Josh and Allie giggled as she walked into the room with Zach. She sighed and shook her head at Josh as she sat down on one of the couches.

"Picking on the beginner, I see. Caleb, don't feel bad. You are the only person he has beaten since he got this game, so he is taking out his frustrations on you," explained Allie.

"Oh really, well that's good to know," chuckled Caleb and Josh puffed out his chest.

"That's a lot of smack talk, Al. You want to go? I think I can take you now. While you and Zach have been watching movies and curling up by the fire, I have been in training. Bring it on," declared Josh and Allie smiled mischievously as she pulled a pink controller from the pouch of her hooded sweater.

"Boom goes the dynamite," she announced and Josh threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Why does she have her own controller? Wait, is her name engraved on it? Z, please tell me you had nothing to do with this," exclaimed Josh and Zach smiled sheepishly.

"She saw it at the mall and I decided to get it engraved for her as an early Christmas present," admitted Zach.

"That's right, Joshua. While you were up here training, we were getting customized," teased Allie and Josh quirked an eyebrow at Zach.

"We," questioned Josh and Zach shrugged as he pulled his red controller out of his pocket.

"What, they are cool," said Zach and Caleb laughed at Josh's exasperation.

"You see what they do, Caleb? Ridiculous! Those are so lame. I can't believe you even got those," said Josh. Zach pulled a green controller from his other pocket.

"So does that mean you don't want yours," challenged Zach and Josh clapped happily.

"Yay, give it," said Josh as he snatched the controller.

"That's what I thought," laughed Zach as Josh showed it to Caleb.

"It has my name on it," bragged Josh and Caleb rolled his eyes.

"Alright, since everyone has a controller now, are we going to play or what," asked Caleb and Allie grinned.

"Sure, you can be on my team, rookie. It is only fair," said Allie and Zach guffawed.

"Um, I am your mate. You are supposed to choose me."

"And in a regular game, I would, but since Josh is talking trash, I want to prove that I can beat him even if I am not on your team," explained Allie and Josh scoffed.

"You think you can beat me and my boy? Really, she thinks she can beat us," said Josh in disbelief and Zach rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"All is fair in love and war, my love," warned Zach and Allie blew him a kiss.

"Bring it, Cullen," she giggled and Zach winked at her as Josh started the game over.

That evening, Connell and Tia arrived with Sam and Emily. Garrett was ecstatic when Keegan and Benjamin started the night off with a fire display. Afterwards, the humans ate dinner and everyone gathered around in the large media room to watch It's a Wonderful Life. Allie fell asleep during it and Zach carried her back to the cottage before joining his family and the Denalis for a hunt in Canada, which resulted in a massive snowball battle while the others slept. They returned at daybreak and Zach showered and slipped into bed with Allie for a couple of hours of peace and quiet with his mate. He smiled when her eyes fluttered open and she snuggled closer to him.

"Your shirt is soft," she mumbled as she rubbed her cheek against it.

"It is the fleece sweater Aunt Alice wanted me to wear for the day."

"I like it," she said as her eyes slid shut again and he stroked her hair.

"She said you would. Merry Christmas, my love," he whispered and she wiped the sleep from her eyes as she sat up in bed.

"Merry Christmas," she said before sweetly kissing him. She rolled out of bed and he chuckled.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to get ready. Your grandma promised to make me gingerbread pancakes."

"Come with me first, I want to give you one of your presents," he informed as he held out his hand and she happily accepted it. He led her out of the room and to the piano and she beamed with happiness.

"Are you going to play something for me?" He kissed her tenderly and gave her a wink.

"I am going to play something I wrote only for you," he revealed and tears filled her eyes as he played a mesmerizing melody. She stared in awe as his fingers effortlessly fluttered over the keys and he flawlessly played the piece that conveyed all the love and devotion he had for her. As soon as he played the last note, she climbed into his lap and affectionately kissed him. He chuckled at the response and nuzzled her neck.

"Does that mean you liked it?"

"I love it so much."

"Good because it is your lullaby. Not many people in this family can say they have one, so consider yourself extremely loved and special," he informed.

"I already do. I have your gift in my suitcase, be right back," she called as she ran back into his bedroom. She bit her lip nervously as she returned with the small, black ring box and handed it to him.

"Your Aunt Alice helped me find it. I didn't even know where to start," confessed Allie and his eyes widened as he opened the box to find a black, titanium band. The inside had an inscription and Zach's dimples deepened as he read it.

"Il mio amore per te è infinito. My love for you is infinite. I love it, Allie." She sighed in relief as he slipped it on his ring finger.

"It is a promise ring. It took me forever to figure out what I wanted to get you for Christmas, but I knew it needed to be something special. I had money saved up, but that's why I took the job at the comic book store. I wanted to give you something from my heart."

"Allie, anything you give me is something I will treasure. This is amazing," he said as he marveled at it.

"Alice had one of her friends from Italy create it for me. Zach, I know I am not a vampire, but I know the significance of mates. Being here with you and your family and friends these past days made me realize even more how special that connection is. I am proud to be your mate and even if I am not a vampire yet, I want you to know that I am committed and vow to be only yours for eternity," she explained and he wrapped her in his arms.

"You make me so happy. No one else in the entire world could ever mean as much to me as you do. I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered against his lips before kissing him. She sat back down on the bench and looked down at the piano.

"Will you play my song for me again," she asked hopefully and he chuckled.

"As much as you want, my love," he assured as her lullaby filled the room once more.

An hour later, everyone gathered in the main house to celebrate Christmas. Esme put platters of food in the living room so the humans could eat breakfast while everyone opened their gifts. Zach showed off the ring Allie gave him to all of his family members, even Alice who undoubtedly already saw it. Everyone exchanged gifts and talked amongst themselves as Christmas films played in the background. Seth hugged Zach and Allie in thanks for the blue controller with his name engraved. Allie snuggled into Zach's side as they waded through all of their gifts and Rosalie sat on a couch with Emmett as she watched her son with his mate. Emmett kissed her forehead and winked at her.

"She fits in well, doesn't she," said Emmett and Rosalie giggled as Allie dove for a bag of Seth's cookies. Zach cheered his mate on.

"I told you not to talk about her bike, big bro. She loves that thing," laughed Zach and Seth put his hands up in defeat.

"Alright, be cool, no one needs to do anything drastic. Put the cookies down," said Seth. Allie giggled.

"And my bike is a fine piece of machinery," she challenged and Seth smirked.

"I worked on it. It is a piece of something but..."

"Seth," warned Allie as she slowly started to open the bag and he groaned.

"Fine, yes, you win," laughed Seth and Allie gave his cookies back to him. She high fived Kaya and Seth playfully glared at his mate.

"What, you disrespected her bike, and besides, us girls have to stick together," defended Kaya. Seth chuckled and gave them each a cookie.

"Fine, you each get a cookie as a peace offering. I can't have my mate and my bro's mate conspiring against me," said Seth and Allie kissed his cheek in thanks before sitting back down beside Zach. Leah winked at Rosalie as she and Jacob joined Rosalie and Emmett on the couch.

"I like her. Any girl that can pick on Seth is a keeper," teased Leah and Rosalie smiled at Allie.

"Definitely a keeper," admitted Rosalie and Zach winked at his mom as he heard the comment. It was Allie's first Christmas with the family, but most certainly would not be the last.

AN: The End…..for now! Hope you enjoyed!