The days seemed to blur past for Evangeline. Her explanation to Charlie about their absence was easily accepted, ensuring an uneventful return. Charlie greeted Felix cheerily, excited about his daughter finally choosing a program. Evangeline slept for a few hours then didn't seem to stop moving. She wanted to say goodbye to as many people as she could which kept her extremely busy.

On their third day back in Forks, Evangeline had just finished dinner with her father and sister when Felix asked to speak to her alone. They climbed the stairs to her room silently. She hadn't warmed up to Felix but she hadn't made him leave yet. He got to spend more time with her than he originally thought. It was better if everyone heard her excuse for leaving. Felix, with his light olive skin, Italian accent and official sounding word choices, just so happened to be the perfect proof. The only time he wasn't with her was when she was sleeping or the times she went to First Beach on Quileute lands. When he had tried to follow her there, he found himself sitting contentedly in the middle of the forest for several hours instead. He hadn't tried again since.

"What did you need to talk to me about?" Evangeline's tone indicated that she would rather be anywhere else.

"I have spoken to Aro and the other masters." He cleared his throat unnecessarily, averting his eyes. "They all appreciate the quest for knowledge and understand that you are giving up a great many things. It has been decided that you will remain human for an extra six weeks. During this time you will be participating in the Italian Forensic Academy Internship program that you were accepted into."

There was a minute of silence; Evangeline had stopped breathing. Suddenly her soft, warm human body was pressed against his. She had jumped at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her words were muffled by his stone chest but he still understood.

"Oh my gosh. Thank you! Felix thank you so much!" Hesitantly his arms wrapped around her body. She allowed the contact for a moment before releasing her hold and dropping to the floor. Reaching into his back pocket, and ignoring his strangled gasp, Evangeline scrolled through his contacts list. A moment later she picked a name and called it. After two rings, Aro answered.

"Felix? Is there a problem?"

"It's Evangeline, my apologies sir. I only called to express my gratitude, for allowing me to attend the forensics program."

"My dear sweet Evangeline Swan!" Aro's voice had become pleasant and relaxed. "You are most welcome! Felix told us about how badly you wished to attend and gave a very compelling argument. Our only request is that Felix continues to be your guard while you complete your studies."

That wasn't a ridiculous request and the woman agreed immediately. She felt a flicker of warmth, different from her gift, pass through her. She didn't realize that she was feeling the mate bond recognizing that this would be prolonged time with her mate. Felix on the other hand felt that heat pass through him like a wildfire but in a way that made his insides glow. Hopefully this would be the beginning of his mate's acceptance.

The rest of Evangeline's week sped by quickly but easily. She had said goodbye to all of her friends and spent as much time as possible with her family. She became acquainted with the Cullens and even watched them play baseball one stormy afternoon. While leaving wasn't easy, she didn't dread it quite so much now. Six more weeks of being human with the added bonus of completing her forensics program in Italy. Her bag was almost effortless to pack.

"Alright Eves, do you have everything you'll need? Charlie stood awkwardly in the doorway, not wanting to hover but wanting as much time as possible with his daughter. "It's awful expensive to ship things all the way to Italy."

Evangeline laughed as she zipped her suitcase closed. She had never been one for material possessions and the program provided uniforms to each student. That meant everything she absolutely needed fit into a small rolling suitcase. Assuring him that she had it all, her small frame pulled him in for a tight hug. She was really going to miss him.

"I don't think I'll be able to visit often. Felix also told me that many of the students leave the program with amazing job offers." Charlie's arm tightened around Evangeline as he waited for the inevitable blow. She paused, working out how to tell her father he might never see her again. "If someone offers me a great opportunity, I'm going to take it Dad. You understand, right? Please don't be mad!"

"Honey I could NEVER be mad at you for doing that! You're gonna make a name for yourself Eves! I'm so proud of everything you do! I'm just going to miss you is all."

The two spent a few minutes in silence, enjoying the brief father daughter moment. Love ran deeply in Evangeline's heart especially for her family. The doorbell interrupted and they figured it was Felix come to collect her. He had been using the ruse of staying with the Cullens but he hardly left the trees directly behind the Swan house. Charlie answered the door while his daughter took a final glance at her room.

"Uh Eva, I think you need to come down here."

The worried lilt to Charlie's voice put her on high alert. Her steps down the stairs were efficient but cautious. Shifting from foot to foot impatiently behind Charlie was none other than Dave. Once he caught sight of Evangeline, the boy looked as though he might push Charlie down to reach her.

"Evangeline! God you're so gorgeous, I'd almost forgotten." She asked him what he wanted, her expression cold. "Cali said that you were moving to Italy! I'm here to convince you to stay! I love you!"

The woman groaned, mentally cursing her ex-roommate then asked her dad for a moment alone. He cautiously agreed and said he was going to talk to the neighbors about mowing their grass. They watched him for a moment then Dave turned quickly to face her again. She held her hand up to indicate she didn't want him to speak. He didn't get that privilege anymore.

"Yes, I'm doing my exchange program in Italy. Yes, I will accept a job if an opportunity presents itself. There is nothing you can say or do to change it. I'm going. Now, you can leave willingly or I can have you arrested. Your choice."

Dave's expression conveyed shock and confusion. It morphed into anger so quickly that Evangeline didn't have time to react. He lunged at her, his body slamming hers to the hard wooden floor. She grunted in pain when one of his hands wrapped around her throat. Her hands scratched at his and her feet attempted to find purchase on the floor. Screaming into her face, he shook her roughly as he told her she was ungrateful. He shook her again, bouncing her head off the wooden floor, as he shouted that she didn't know what a mistake she was making. His free hand pulled back, ready to hit the girl underneath.

"You're the one who has made a mistake." A low voice, more of a snarl than words sounded behind Dave. The boy was suddenly ripped off Evangeline and she watched as Felix held him aloft by the throat. The hulking vampire pulled the human close, snarling viciously into his face. The sound alone was enough to scare even the toughest of creatures and Evangeline shivered slightly in fear. "If you even consider contacting Evangeline again, know that I will enjoy tearing you apart limb from limb. Slowly and painfully. You're going to leave now and I'm going to give you something to remember me by."

Felix grabbed Dave's left hand, the one that had been wrapped around Evangeline's throat, then broke each bone in the ring and pinky finger. The boy squealed in pain but immediately scurried to his car when Felix released him. His car screeched away, leaving a cloud of smoke and the smell of burning rubber. The erratic driving nearly caused his vehicle to swipe Edward's Volvo. The youngest Cullen had volunteered to drive them to the airport and had just turned onto their street. Suddenly, Evangeline's small hand was holding Felix's much larger one; she squeezed tightly once.

"Thank you."

A.N. Yes, Felix is protective of Evangeline. Yes, if you hurt her you will have to deal with him. Anyway, please review and let me know how you guys like it so far! Any constructive criticism is welcome.