Chapter Nine:

Bite First, Bark Later


After meeting the Cullens, I had truly thought that nothing could surprise me anymore.

Well, I was once again proven wrong.

Very wrong.

"What the hell do you mean the wolves are coming? And that they're already here?" I asked bewildered, growing more irritated by the second as they continued to ignore my questions.

Wolves, as in.. the animal species?

Didn't they eat them?

But I knew that there was something bigger in the picture than just simple wild dogs- they said the wolves were after me. It simply wasn't logical to assume it to be referring to just animals.

Perhaps it was a codeword for other vampires? Another clan in the area?

But what could they possibly want with me?

My mind was flooded with an onslaught of thoughts, and I was barely able to keep myself afloat. If I had to endure another moment longer without an answer I feared I may drown.

Finally, Edward, having sensed my worries and no doubt overwhelming thoughts, turned to me then. His shoulders were tense, and I involuntarily shuddered as it dawned on me that I should probably feel that way, too.

"There isn't much time to explain," he said hurriedly, rushing over to the couch in a blink of an eye, picking up the forgotten food Bella had spilled and set it aside on the coffee table, before gently helping her to stand. He kept the fragile human girl nestled tightly by his side.

He steeled his worried gaze on me then, his jaw flexing tightly, "but there are more... beings in this world other than vampires. There is a pack of them here, and clearly, they have noticed your presence."

I tried to put the puzzle pieces of his words together in my mind, the emphasis on beings was a heavy indicator. And like a light, it clicked in my head suddenly.

"You mean..." I said slowly, not daring to vocalize the remainder of that thought. It felt silly to even consider, too ironic and outlandish. But at Edward's grim nod to confirm my unspoken words, I could only stare at him wide-eyed.

No, it couldn't be.

"Seriously? You mean to tell me that werewolves exist and of all places, they live here too?" I said, barely able to control my pitch, not caring how panicked I sounded.

Had it been any other occasion, I knew my reaction would have earned a laugh from Emmett and Michael, their expressions amused. But the humor didn't quite reach their eyes, steeled and guarded with the arrival of the strange group of creatures.

It was apparent that the relationship between the Cullens and the mysterious group of approaching creatures was anything but friendly.

It frightened them, which meant it should most certainly frighten me.

And with each second that passed, it did.

Incredibly so.

There were very few things that had ruffled my feathers in this life, not once since I had emerged from that wretched warehouse my creator had left my burning body in, the one I emerged from victoriously had I felt such terror.

I had been so meticulous, so very focused on keeping my emotions on a tight leash since that day. With the burning desire to survive Riley's intense training and over a dozen newborns in my care, there was little room for error or outbursts. Fear made you weak, an easy target.

Hell would have frozen over before I would have ever allowed myself to spare even the slightest trickle of the emotion cloud my mind, it's icy tendrils taking hold of the mind. Freezing one in place.

I had seen many newborns fall to it's incapacitating embrace, in reaction to my presence or Riley's. But never did I fall victim to it. I had found their horrified expressions amusing, reveling in their wide eyes.

But now-now, I truly felt it for myself. This wasn't a trick of Jasper's, this came completely from my own mind. It took over my whole body, crippling, and I was sure I couldn't move even if I wanted to.

My mind was void of anything other than the panic-driven train of blurry thoughts and images, flashes of bits and pieces of distant thoughts. What little I knew of werewolves, images of sharp canine teeth, dripped in blood and savage, beady eyes filled my mind. Images from some horror film, pop culture fables that fueled the frightening tales and stories that would keep one up at night.

I sat there for what felt like forever, yet not nearly long enough before I was snapped out my frozen state by the sudden tight grip of a petite hand around my wrist. My ears had fallen deaf to the rushed voice of the person, a light female voice telling me to move.

I could barely register that it was Alice. Her large, golden eyes wide as she looked at me, a worried expression marring her beautiful face.

Move, come on! They're here, they're here.

Suddenly I was hit with a jolt of such a strong surge of electrifying energy I was sure it would have sent me to my knees had I been standing already, the sudden overwhelming feeling of confidence overtaking me, replacing the ice in my veins with an addictive warmth.

I let out a choked sigh as my mind tried to push through the fearful thoughts, now slowly being chipped away by the onslaught of the foreign warmth. Confidence, a pure surge that pulsed through me as I forced myself to my feet.

I visibly shook at the sudden swap in my mind, like a switch going from off to on, and I clenched my jaw in anticipation. Alice released her tight grip on my wrist, and with half a moments glance she fled out the glass sliding door to the back lawn. One by one, the others followed her at a fast speed, Edward choosing to walk slowly with Bella, his firm grip on her shoulders never ceasing as he eased her out of the house and down the porch steps.

It was now just me, and the male presence that hadn't moved from behind me. Watching, waiting for me to move.

But I couldn't.

The loud voice at the forefront of my mind told me to go, to put one foot in front of the other. To react with equal urgency as the others. But the artificial fog that influenced such thoughts couldn't cloud over the coldness that truly took hold there, cowering in the smallest of alcoves of my mind. Small, but enough to make me hesitate.

Jasper sensed it, and after another moment of waiting for me to follow the others, he released a huff of irritation at my lack of response. He walked past me, making his way towards the door.

I noted how that even in an urgent situation his posture was straight, his demeanor an eery calm that alone struck a sense of unease within me. A trait that proved him very valuable in worlds such as the one I had been bred for.

He spared only a small glance back at me, expectantly, never faltering in his step. "Are you going to just stand there or do you want the wolves to come to you?"

His voice held nothing within it for me to pick apart. None of the aggression, distaste it had the day before. Neutral, unbothered.

Like he couldn't care less.

But I knew that was a lie, I wouldn't forget the expression he had worn when he had stormed into the room not thirty minutes before, the deep tone to his voice as he reassured me that I wasn't alone.

This man was an enigma. And it was driving me absolutely insane.

It took all of my willpower not to grab the nearest object and chuck it at his head. But I refrained, remembering the situation at hand.

There were much bigger fish to fry.

I was right on Jasper's heels as he exited the house, down the porch steps and onto the lawn. I slowed a pace behind him as he reached the rest of his coven, their members forming a half circle similar to that of the one they had first greeted me with not too long ago. Only this time, they weren't half as uneasy or poised defensively. If anything, I would have assumed they felt relaxed if I hadn't known any better.

Most shockingly, Bella had weaseled her way out of Edward's grasp, moving a step in front of him, watching the treeline in anticipation. It was the most puzzling, as I studied her behavior as well as those around her, myself standing just three feet behind the center of the loosely-shaped curve. Right at the gap between Edward and Jasper.

I shifted on my feet, the creeping sensation along my spine, the feeling of slight nervousness making me jittery as I watched the treeline. Waiting, listening for the slightest indication of the presence of these supposed werewolves.

I didn't know what to expect, would they be human? From what I could barely recall, it seemed that the legend went that they only took the form of a wolf at the full moon. Did that apply here as well? Or did they take the form of a beast at all times?

My frantic state must have irritated Jasper once again, as I was suddenly hit with a strong emotional cocktail of confidence and calm. He didn't even turn around, and I was glad.

It irked me that he must have assumed I needed to always be coddled and influenced.

It bothered me to no end that in just a short time in his presence I was slowly descending into the state of a true newborn. Weak, skittish, and unable to control myself. I had never fallen to such emotions and traits, not in my natural habitat I had been bred into. But here, it was different. I was the small fry here, the weak link that Jasper just couldn't resist tearing apart.

However, before I could continue my internal rant of distaste for the blond bastard, there was a crack of fallen tree limbs in the distance. And then another one, followed by the drum of multiple heartbeats. All eyes and ears snapped in the direction of the sounds, listening closely. From the echos, it seemed they were only mere yards away.

I was so overwhelmed I had a hard time trying to tally up the number of heartbeats, but by the sound of it, there had to be at least five. Five werewolves.

If this broke out in a fight, would I be able to survive it? I thought.

Before I could move to the next thought, to build a strategy if it came down to fighting for my life, the first creature burst through the treeline, halting any and all thoughts.

I was frozen in place as I assessed the creature, and then the three others as they showed themselves at last.

The beasts' sizes alone sent my instincts flaring to life, the reality of their forms blowing any and all of my expectations out of the water.

There were no fangs, not a single talon-like claw in sight. Yet it was just as equally horrifying that instead of the famously fabled creatures of the night were simply wolves.

Giant wolves.

They could probably snap me in half in one bite. I thought, taking in their muscular forms, the sheer power and strength these beings possessed had to be equal to that of vampires, if not stronger.

I fought the urge to flinch as their dark eyes slide to me, one by one, all locking in on their target. The reason for such a visit. Me.

It didn't go unnoticed that the others around me had moved their positions as well, Edward tightening his grip on Bella, who only wiggled her arm in protest. As if she wasn't frightened at all by their presence, the most bizarre thing of all.

Jasper only straightened his posture, if that were even possible. A wall of stone, unyielding.

I swallowed the venom that pooled in my mouth, the constant flow of confident emotions gripping me strongly even still, and I met the gaze of the large creatures ahead.

I had been so startled by their arrival that I had failed to notice the fifth individual, which was much to my surprise, a human man.

He slowly moved forward, never once breaking our eye contact, stopping to stand between the four wolves, the creatures dwarfing him in size as they flanked him protectively.

I gathered that he must have been their leader, steadying my gaze as he sized me up and down. Studying me, as if assessing how big of a threat I could be.

We stood there a moment longer, the only sound the strong heartbeats of the wolves and man, a faint and slower beat belonging to Bella until finally, Carlisle spoke.

Breaking the bronzed man's focused gaze from me, he turned to look at Carlisle then. Giving the vampire the same tense stare he had given me.

"It is good to see you, Sam, however, I am surprised at such a sudden meeting. Might I ask what the meaning of this visit is?"

He never failed to impress me with the ease at which he spoke, always so calm. I didn't dare move my gaze from this newcomer and his wolves, this Sam character. Carlisle's question rang in my mind.

Me. They are here for me.

Was this Sam a werewolf too?

From the looks of his muscular build and the impossible rate at which his heartbeat in tune with the giant wolves, something that no human heart could manage, it was a good guess to assume so.

Sam only offered Carlisle a short, stiff nod in acknowledgment before turning his gaze back to me. I met it with my own equally firm expression.

His voice was deep and strong, a sense of commanding authority there within the rasp and ruggedness of it.

"Of course, Dr. Cullen. Know that we would not make such a bold move as to approach your coven if there wasn't an urgent matter at hand," he said, his voice tensing at the end as he narrowed his eyes at me. The urgent matter. My arrival.

The wolf closest to Sam on his right, the brown and sandy colored one, bared its teeth at me. The others seemed to share the wolf's hostile thoughts, each shifting on their feet almost in anticipation as they eyed me. As if waiting for the cue from their leader to charge. Rip me to shreds, I was sure it would take no time for them to do their work.

I did everything I could to hold my ground, steady. I hadn't dared to breathe, knowing good and well that the scent of two humans present would weaken my resolve.

"As you know, we run frequent patrols around the perimeters of our land, to ensure the safety of our people from your kind. Trespassing, as you know, violates the treaty our people agreed upon with your coven many years ago. Your coven has done well to keep that promise with few problems-" he glanced pointedly at Edward and then Bella, a look that I was sure to take note of, before continuing, "yet, tonight, as two members of our pack ran the perimeters of the southeastern edge, they came across a scent.

The scent was faint, old from a few days of exposure to the wind, but still, undeniably there, a vampire had crossed into our territory. It was a scent we had never encountered, not from a member of your coven. How it could have gone undetected until now, is still a mystery, but nevertheless, it was present. We were able to track the scent of the vampire to a cave under the mountain, where the scent was strongest. The trail led us here."

I wanted to hit myself upside the head, so very hard at that moment.

I had been so clumsy, stopping for the night on the outskirts of Forks before I had decided to see the Cullens. I could have so easily been caught by these creatures, the wolves. What would have happened had they found me?

I would have been dead, very dead.

The Cullens shared glances amongst themselves, piecing together the information, and I realized an unspoken decision was being made.

Would they try to speak in defense of me? Or feed me to the dogs, quite literally?

At the shared nod between Edward and Carlisle, a decision had been made, and the coven leader gave Sam a small, charismatic smile.

"I believe I understand what has happened. I must apologize profusely, Sam, but I believe there has been a mistake. As you have noticed, we have a guest visiting with us. Clearly, it seems that the rules and outline of our treaty were not explained thoroughly enough to our visitor."

I lowered my head slightly in a show of embarrassment and shame, though the emotions didn't reach me. I would play my ass off along with their story if it would save my head from being bitten off by the giant creatures. I was just thankful Carlisle didn't throw me under the bus.

So, they were going to keep my true origins and reason for coming here in the first place a secret then.

Sam looked from Carlisle to me, as if searching for a lie or deception to be written across our faces.

I met his gaze with a look of feigned apology, doing my best to let go of my instinct to stiffen my posture, instead, I made sure to stand relaxed and like that of a shy young girl.

I didn't need to be seen as more of a threat than I already was.

Sam spoke once again, and his words made the

"While I'm sure you meant no harm in inviting a guest into your home, Carlisle, the violation of our treaty cannot be ignored. No matter how little damage was done. With the return of your coven to these lands, there has been an increase in supernatural occurrences that have put our people at risk. Nomads coming in, killing as they please with no fear of being caught. And not to mention, the added attention the relationship your son has taken up with a human girl has brought to your family...

Do you see where I'm going with this? The decisions and actions of your coven these past few years have brought not only potential but real harm to the people we were created to protect. There must be consequences, Carlisle. We've let the events of the past slide, but we must put our foot down at some point. I must hold someone accountable. If this treaty is to continue to last, something has to be done."

Edward's head dropped in slight shame, Bella's cheeks turning a bright scarlet at being pointed out. As if being scolded by a disappointed parental figure.

Carlisle sighed, a small frown placed on his lips. He looked at Sam apologetically, though Sam's expression showed nothing of forgiveness. Only disappointment.

"It was fortunate that none of our people were harmed when your guest trespassed onto our lands. It was sheer luck that she took a path that was out of the way of our village, what if she had come upon a lone hunter? What would have happened? She isn't a Cullen, not a member who has sworn to the treaty between our people and your coven. Your coven is the only one of your kind we have encountered that has such a peculiar diet. There's no guarantee she wouldn't have killed our people if given the chance, what of her own diet?"

All eyes turned to me then, studying my face. Looking for a shade of red in my eyes that would give me away.

Had I not been in close quarters with Bella that afternoon, the ruby red color of my eyes would have indeed given me away. But they were pitch black, the sudden switch to animal blood the day before and then the close proximity of a human had shocked my system. Not to mention I had never gone so long without feeding, I would normally feed every chance I got. Every eight to twelve hours. It had been more than that by now.

I thanked whatever forces in the universe that saved me this once, that my eyes did not betray me.

"I understand your pack's apprehensions, Sam, this is indeed a terrible situation. But I must reassure you, that our guest is well aware of all that we believe and practice."

"While that might be, it does not quell our concerns," Sam said, turning then to me to speak directly for the first time.

"What is your name, girl?" he asked sternly, and it took everything in me not to glare at him.

I evened my gaze, straightening my posture as I responded.

"Persephone," I said, working hard to keep my tone even and hidden of any ill emotion. I still had much practice to do on mastering the art of civility. I swallowed hard, before continuing, "I apologize for my trespassing onto your lands, I had not realized that it was wrong to do so.

If anything, it is not the fault of this coven that I made such a mistake. I hope my actions do not reflect poorly on them, and their agreement to your treaty."

I said, making sure to leave out any and all indications that I hadn't even known the Cullens beforehand, or that I was, up until hours after my arrival, a treat to all.

I wondered what would happen if these wolves ever discovered my true purpose here, or the deception taking place at this moment.

Sam simply stared at me for a moment longer, as if battling an inner monologue, and for a brief moment I wondered in horror if these wolves had special "gifts" like the Cullens.

That would be just freaking fantastic.

Suddenly, the brown and creme colored wolf, who had been shifting on its feet back and forth since their arrival, darted back into the forest behind them. The other wolves stayed put, including Sam, who only offered a disapproving look over his shoulder before looking back to us. There was a long pause as if the beast would return, before a strange sound echoed through the treeline.

Every single one of the vampires present bristled at the movement, each moving to a more defensive position. Jasper's back went completely rigid, his hands clasped tightly into fists by his side. I didn't miss the small sidestep he took to move slightly in front of me, as if to block an oncoming attack.

This clearly wasn't supposed to happen, if the Cullens reactions were anything to go by. Had I angered the wolf?

Bella was squirming in Edward's grasp now, trying to balance on her tippy toes as if it would allow her to see into the forest better. I wondered what her fascination with this wolf was, it hadn't gone unnoticed how her attention had been on it for most of this encounter, as the beast's own gaze had darted to her ever so often.

Perhaps she knew the wolf-person? What was the proper term for a person who was a werewolf half the time?

I furrowed my brows in confusion at the sound that came from the forest, a cough and sigh echoed, followed by the shuffling of what sounded like clothes. My confusion was only momentarily, because not a minute later a man burst through the tall underbrush of the forest.

Or should I say a boy, upon further inspection. He was simply giant in stature, even in comparison to Sam who was shorter by at least three inches. While his body, which was free of a shirt of any kind just like Sam, resembled that of a bodybuilder, his face kept the boyish charm that came with any stereotypical teen soap star you found plastered all over the gossip magazines. His face was handsome, I could tell, even though at this moment it was marred by a horrible scowl.

Directed right at me.

He marched right up alongside Sam- moving to pass him and charge right up to me- before the leader grabbed him by the arm tightly before he could take another step. He looked back at the leader in distaste, baring his teeth like an animal would- like a wolf would- before turning back at me in pure disgust.

He turned his gaze to Edward then, the growl dying in his throat as he studied the pale vampire in a look that was nothing but pure hatred. Whatever the past between the two, this werewolf must have had horrible experiences with Edward in the past. He spared a look to Bella, who had been eagerly trying to get his attention, and suddenly the evil look vanished, replaced with a soft expression.

Oh. - Ohh.

Suddenly, I was caught up. It truly was like watching a cheesy soap show.

Edward spoke then, his soft and musical voice so starkly different from the haughty look he wore as he stared at the wolf boy. No doubt having read what was on the boy's mind, and it must not have been good.

"Jacob, I promise you, you're jumping to conclusions. This is simply a misunderstanding. Don't pick a fight when there isn't one, to begin with," he said, glancing to his side with a soft expression as he looked at Bella, "Please, for Bella's sake. Don't do this."

Bella was lost in Edward's gaze like he had brought the moon and stars to life for her, and I recognized the look instantly. She was completely dazzled by him. But I knew the look to be more than just a facade. He didn't do it intentionally. It was just her reaction to him. I wanted to vomit.

And so did Jacob, his look of rage now that one of disgust, turning his nose up as if he had smelled something foul. He looked between the two as if battling with himself in his mind, before finally huffing and shaking Sam's grip from his arm.

He stalked back to his place that flanked the leader, arms crossed as he pouted like a scorned child.

No one said anything after that, as if my words had been forgotten in the wake of this Jacob kid's outburst, but slowly, the mood settled when all had decided that Jacob wasn't going to have an outburst again.

Sam looked to me, tilting his head to the side. I could already see the list of questions he wanted to ask me, to interrogate me with. To find out who this stranger trespassing their lands was.

"How long have you been on this... as your kind say.. vegetarian diet?" He inquired, and I internally grimaced.

Great, first question out of the gate and I was already screwed.

"Well, I-" I began, preparing myself to give the biggest performance of pulling complete bullshit out of my ass, but I was immediately interrupted by the deep and serious voice of Jasper.

I was shocked, yet relieved at the same time, hoping that perhaps his word would be received better than my own. They had to have at least known him a little bit. If they didn't like what he had to say, at least they would be more hesitant to attack a true member of the Cullen clan than an outsider.

He crossed his arms as he spoke, his demeanor shifting almost instantly as he gave the wolves my backstory, and I would have given anything in the world to have seen the expression he wore on his face. I was impressed by just how effortlessly- and convincingly- he spun such a tale.

"Persephone is a younger vampire, who until just recently had been living with a group of nomads on the eastern coast. The three of them lived the standard life of the nomadic individuals of our kind, feeding on humans- only, they took great care in only feeding on the evil-doers of human society.

Her creator and his partner are very close friends with our coven, our relations going back centuries, and upon hearing of our enlightened ways, Persephone decided that she, too, wished to try our lifestyle for herself. We accepted her request to visit, at the insistence of her coven, where since her arrival she has taken to our diet."

Not a single sound save for the heartbeats of the mortals present could be heard, it was dead silent as all listened to Jasper's words. I didn't dare look at the wolves, not wanting to know if they were believing this so far, but I couldn't do anything more than to keep a look of awe from my face at the words I was hearing. Why was he defending me with such a story?

He could have just let me struggle, dig myself a hole with trying to explain myself to these creatures. But he didn't. Instead, he vouched for me, creating a false story of my relation to Peter and Charlotte to save my ass.

Regardless of how irritated and completely infuriated I had been with him over the last day, I knew I couldn't let this go unrecognized. At least he didn't totally hate my guts. At least, I think.

Finally, I found the courage to look at the wolves, to Sam and Jacob, who shared glances between themselves, and Jasper and I. Sam's expression was completely unreadable, and I wished I had Jasper's ability to see just what exactly he was feeling.

It was pretty clear that no matter what was said or done here, Jacob would feel nothing but distaste and utter hatred. But I knew that for the most part those feelings were directed towards Edward, whatever the history was there.

"So you see, Sam," Carlisle began, a gentle smile returning to his face, his tone light and hopeful, "I assure you, things are well taken care of here. We only wish to enlighten those who seek a better path, how could we turn someone away with such intentions?"

Esme, heavens bless her, really played up the act along with her husband, giving the warmest smile and nod at his words, leaning her head on his chest lovingly.

Sam hesitated but eventually nodded curtly after mulling over the information presented to him. A wave of relief washed over the Cullens, but before anyone could relax Sam had one last thing to say.

"I will allow this arrangement to remain under one condition," he said eyes darting to each of the Cullens almost as if in warning, before landing on me, speaking directly to me, "you must swear to abide by the treaty, as long as you stay here with the Cullens. Not a single slip up in diet, the trespassing of our lands, or the endangerment of humans will be tolerated whatsoever.

If you break any of the following agreements, we will not hesitate in putting an end to such threats. For good."

We didn't break eye contact for the single moment it took for me to make my decision. So much laid on the line. Was I doomed to fail? Probably, but that was the risk I had to take.

If I was going to put an end to Riley, for good, I was going to have to play by the rules.

"I swear, I will abide by the treaty."

It was settled, then. I had signed away my fate. My life in the hands of the mutts before me.

I only hoped that I was as strong as I believed myself to be. I had to do this.

I had nothing else in this life but to see this through.

Less than thirty minutes later, after the wolves had departed from the property and the Cullens had slowly eased back into their home where a calm and familial aura flowed throughout the large mansion, it was as if the event hadn't even happened.

No one spoke of the event, not even after Edward had made a mad dash for his car, eager to get Bella off the property and away in case any other chaos was to ensue. Or more specifically, me. I knew he saw me as a ticking time bomb, especially now that my own tensions were high with this new threat looming over my head. It only added to the pressure of changing my diet.

It was also as if what had happened didn't exist to Jasper, who hadn't even spared me a single glance once the wolves had left. He had marched straight up to his study in silence, ignoring the looks and questions from his family. As if he hadn't been the key defender of my case, swaying the jury to vote in my favor.

I had a hard time putting those thoughts to rest, settling into a chair by the crackling fire in the den, a book in my hand as I tried to bury myself deep into a fantasy world far from here.

I wasn't sure how much time had past before I was stirred from my book by the light bouncing down the stairs as Alice all but danced her way into the living room, Michael right behind her. I looked around, just now noticing that the sun had long since set, the night pitch black outside the glass walls. A few hours must have passed by.

The pair gave me small, kind smiles in greeting before ducking into the dining room, where Esme sat at the table with Rosalie browsing through a furniture catalog, planning their next big renovations to the already perfectly decorated home.

Alice was planning to go hunting since the other half of the family had gone a few days ago, it was now the other half of the family's turn to go. It was apparently going to be the perfect weather to find great meals, she told Esme, who agreed to go with them.

As they swept through the house, gathering up all members that were going after changing into their "athletic" clothes, they waited at the door. Edward, Emmett, Rosalie, and Carlisle were staying behind as they had already hunted.

I couldn't fathom how they could possibly go so long without hunting, their eyes still golden. I would have jumped at every opportunity to feast.

Slowly descending the stairs came Jasper, changed into an outfit similar to the one he had worn the day before when he had accompanied me on my hunting trip. I did my best to keep my eyes on the book in my lap, but it was simply too irresistible to not glance at the man at the base of the stairs.

He didn't even look in my direction, his eyes trained on the door a few feet in front of him, and at Alice's call that they were all set, he led the way out the door. Alice trailed out last, giving me a small grin and a wave.

"Don't worry, Seph, we'll be back before sunrise!"

I couldn't help but give her a small smile and wave goodbye as she gently closed the door behind her.

It had to have been at least another fifteen minutes that I had sat there after they had left, just staring blankly at the tendrils of fire crackling in the stone fireplace. My book was long forgotten, not with the image of that tall, muscular blond burned into the forefront of my mind.

I was knocked out of my daze by the sound of someone plopping gracefully onto the sofa across from me, and it took quite the effort to lift my gaze from the ember flames.

Edward gave me a small, barely a whisper of a smile, which I met with my own. We sat there in silence for a little while, both finding comfort in the slow, sad song of the burning firewood. Edward was the first to speak, his voice barely that over a whisper, as there was no need to be any louder with our hearing.

"I think someone owes you a bit of an explanation for the events of today," he said slowly, glancing over to me, and I raised a brow. Showing that I was listening.

"There are old legends, from the Quileute tribe, about the great ancestral spirit warriors, who could take the form of the mighty wolf, protecting their people from the evils of this world," he said, a bemused look in his eye, "they called these evil beings the pale ones, vampires.

These tales, come to find out, were true. Over a century ago, Carlisle and those of us were in the coven at that point, came to this land to live as we do now, amongst the humans. This caused a lot of trouble with the tribe, as our kind triggers the reemergence of the wolves, or shape-shifters as we call them.

We struck a deal with the wolves, as we had proved to them that our intentions were not to harm humans, and they agreed to let us stay, so long as we obeyed the terms of our agreement for us. We couldn't kill, bite, or cause any harm to a human. Nor could we cross into their territory, which, as you witnessed today, you seemed to have done already."

I gave him a semi-apologetic look, to which he gave a small chuckle before continuing.

"The treaty has remained unbroken to this day, not counting your accidental slip-up. It's what allows us to live the way we do, the way we wish to, undisturbed."

I took in the information, grateful that he had shared it. He nodded a "you're welcome" at the silent thanks I sent his way.

"What about... I couldn't help but notice the way the young boy acted, especially with you in particular," I said hesitantly, giving him a look, to which he shook his head, a light laugh escaping him. He wrung his hands together. I gave a small, teasing smile, " what's that drama all about?"

"There was a time in Bella and I's relationship where... we had parted ways for quite some time. A huge mistake it was, I must add, but nevertheless, it happened. During that time, Bella had created a friendship with Jacob and his friends, who would later come to join their pack.

Upon Bella and I rekindling our relationship, things between the two had turned sour. Admittedly, it mostly was my fault, but honestly, I don't regret how things happened. We aren't very fond of one another, to say the least, though Bella insists on trying to scheme ways of trying to make her friendship with Jacob and our relationship work."

I sat on the information for a moment, taking it in, knowing it meant a lot that Edward had opened up and said so much. I knew I needed to reciprocate.

"That must have been incredibly difficult for you, and for her," I said slowly, trying to find the right words to say, the most sincere ones. I wanted to be real with him as he had been with me. Something I had never done before in my life.

But I guess now was always the time for trying new things, right?

"I'll be honest, Edward, I know literally nothing about relationships, let alone friendships, but I can imagine it's hard finding a happy medium for both, if the person means enough to you," I said, nodding to myself in slight encouragement that I had said the right thing, what I had meant.

Edward's smile grew a bit bigger at the obvious effort, seemingly glad to hear it. Was this progress, perhaps?

"Thank you," he said, before taking a moment to gather his next words, as if sorting through his thoughts for the right thing to say.

"You know, I know you're overwhelmed right now, with all that has occurred these last few days. And I know I have not made any of it the least bit easier for you... but don't give up just yet. While confusing, I promise the air will clear soon enough," he said pointedly, his words loaded with hidden meaning at his last words, and it took me a moment to catch on.

Oh, he meant Jasper.

I sat back a bit at that, suddenly thankful I couldn't blush like a human or that he could feel the embarrassment radiating off of me. Of course, he knew practically everything that had happened with Jasper, he could read both of our minds, after all. Just how much could he know?

Apparently, more than I did at this point.

I didn't know what was worse, the fact that said something about it, or the fact that he knew everything I knew plus whatever it was that Alice saw.

Could she have seen something happen soon?

I shook my head at the ridiculous thoughts, the fact that I had so easily fallen down the rabbit hole yet again making me frustrated. I gave Edward a look, a bit irritated by the smug expression he wore, knowing good and well how easily he had set me off.

"I don't know what you're speaking of," I said, the lie so obvious that I wasn't even sure why I even bothered telling it, but I continued, my ego and pride too big for me to give in so easily, "but I'm fine. Whatever you think is happening isn't. I could care less about how others think of me. I'm here for one thing only, to put an end to Riley Biers. I'll be out of your hair the moment he's turned to a pile of ashes."

He looked at me as if to say "seriously?", I was fooling no one. I fidgeted in my chair as I turned back to the fire, knowing the longer I looked at him the more my expression would crack and reveal.

"Look, I know there are many, many things you do not know about our kind, or remember the way it feels to be human, but just promise you won't wish it all away without at least trying. You aren't clueless, you have a good head on your shoulders, you notice more than you let on. It may not all make sense to you now, but it will one day.

Just... don't turn away from it right off the bat when you finally figure it out, as I did. You'll regret it for the rest of your long, lonely life."

And with that, he was off. Before I could even turn around or retort to his little musings, I only found an empty sofa where he had sat not a second before. I could hear the door of his second-floor room close softly above me, and I could only simmer there in silence, my own thoughts my only company.

What a cryptic smartass, I thought.

A muffled laugh could be heard through the ceiling at that thought, and I contemplated storming into his room and making him explain what he had meant.

Whatever it was he was teasing about, warning me about, I hadn't a clue.

All I knew was that I didn't need anyone. Not a soul.

I had made it this far alone, why couldn't I make it from here just the same?

As the fire slowly began to dim and the book came to an end, the answer circled the back of my mind, like an eery fog I so desperately wanted to ignore. Just like the dull ache echoing throughout my chest.

I couldn't make it alone, because I no longer wanted to.

It would be impossible.

I had found meaning in this place, in these people.

And I wasn't going anywhere until I got to the bottom of what exactly it was about Jasper that made me want to both punch him in the face and, more strongly, jump his bones.


Seattle, Washington

The days had gone by achingly slow, the hours going by at a snail's pace. It drove him absolutely mad, obsessively counting the minutes that she had been gone. Waiting for her to finally, finally burst through the doors of the old, rundown building.

But alas, the hour of victory never arrived. Much to his distaste.

He could no longer deny it, not after the chime of the old bell tower on the other side of the district filled the air, calling the final hour of that third day.

She wasn't back.

She would never come back.

The one possession he prized more than any, even greater so than any of the safes he had stored away in secret, filled with priceless riches from hundreds of victorious hunts put together.

Nothing could replace the value of his highest ranking creation. The hundreds of hours he had put into grooming, shaping the mind of his second were irreplaceable.

He couldn't do the same again, there wasn't enough time.

They were running out of time.

And Diego could never live up to the expectations, the sheer discipline it took to be his right hand.

He would break under the pressure.

No one could handle the pressure like my precious, cunning pet. So deliciously broken, reformed as the most perfect weapon. Forged from her own pain and fear.

Who would serve him so blindly? So loyally that they would walk into the cold, unforgiving grip of death as she had?

If she couldn't endure the wrath of his enemies and emerge victoriously, who could?

A single, abrupt knock at the crooked door of his office put an end to his silent musings.

He didn't have to move from the window, the door opening not a moment later as the figure stopped just inside the room, waiting to be spoken to.

At least the damn fool knew how to hold his tongue, lest I rip it out. But oh, how fun would that be?

"Sit down, I have news," he called over his shoulder, setting down the wine glass full of dark crimson liquid on the window sill beside him. There was little room for luxury in a hellhole like this, but oh did he love the occasional splurge of keeping a pet on tap.

Only a few more months, then the world would be mine to own. So close, so close to victory!

His newest right hand sat at the desk in the wobbly metal chair, the groan of the seat at his weight the only noise in the room. Ugh, he couldn't help the look of distaste as he studied his second, Diego.

What a disappointment, I wasted a whole warehouse of newborns to keep this one. How did he survive the first purging anyway? He thought, still in disbelief that out of all the members of his carefully cultivated army, this was the best that could be done.

He fingered the edge of the wooden desk, the pressure he applied with his pointer finger enough to bring up splinters of wood shooting out at the force, leaving a large dint in its wake.

He plopped in the plush chair, looking at the tan vampire before him. The shag of dark curls and boyish cheeks on him made him look more cuddly than intimidating. How on earth would he ever fulfill his task?

"As the third day closes on Persephone's absence, it is now time to consider the most obvious," he said, his tone sour and full of the pent up hatred he held for the Cullens, the damned vile creatures who crushed the single best chance he had at holding the upper hand in this war.

Diego bowed his head, shoulders slumping at the words, doing a terrible job at hiding his sadness. It was no secret he had looked up to the girl, taking easily to her leadership early in his existence. It must have been his eagerness to please her that had kept him alive.

She never showed emotion like this fool. How pathetic!

"But nevertheless, we must persist. Her death was only a miscalculation, if only our resources had been more aligned, she would have been victorious," he said, the grin seemingly splitting his face wide open at the thought, painting her like a hero of Greek myth.

"We must avenge her! Must we? Do you wish for her death to have been in vain, Diego?" he asked, eyeing the boy. Diego stiffened his posture, his look of sadness gone, replaced with that of anger and eagerness.

"No, it won't be," he said, voice hard and full of promise. An oath sworn to the memory of his mentor. Riley didn't bother hiding the mischievous smile that overtook his face. Eyes alight with a new fire.

This time, we will not fail. I will not fail my beloved. She will get the revenge she has so longed for.

"Good. Now, call up our greatest fighters, those who know the ways of stealth and defense. I have a mission for them," he said, turning back to the window, picking back up the goblet of blood. He took a sip, spitting it out in disgust at the temperature, the blood had already gone cold. He would just have to get it straight from the source.

He threw the goblet out the broken window, the glass shattering on the ground echoing off the walls.

"You have two weeks to prepare."


A/N: Soo, what did you think? I really would love to hear your feedback! I have had such a terrible case of writer's block, but writing this chapter has given me amazing inspiration for what's to come! I cannot wait to share what's next in Persephone's stay with the Cullens... so many devious things in store ;)