"What about this one?" I gestured to a light silver floor length gown that was one shouldered and had a bow wrapped around the front. The text I got from Hannah asked me what I was going to wear to the wedding, and I said I didn't know yet. Frankly, I haven't even given it a single thought since I got back from Italy. She then informed me that there was a very strict dress code. Not only did the women have to find a nice dress suit for the ceremony, but we also had to find a very formal gown for the reception. Oh, and did I mention we had to find a mask to go with it? Supposedly it's also a masquerade for some reason. I actually had to call Hannah to make sure she wasn't kidding. We spent almost a half hour trashing the whole ordeal we would have to face. Petty, I know.

"Maggie, no! You never wear white to a wedding. It's just common courtesy." I acquired the help of Alice and Rosalie, who knew more about fashion than anyone else I knew. But I was starting to regret that decision. Whenever I found something I liked, Alice always found fault with. And whenever Alice showed me something she found, I dismissed it as ridiculous and too outgoing. Rosalie only watched us bicker in silent bemusement. There was something that I did find that we both agree on, for the ceremony. It was a black shift dress with a bow on the chest and white trimming. With a black blazer, and a wide brimmed, Audrey Hepburn style hat, we both agreed it was perfect for the ceremony. Despite Alice's reservations about me wearing black.

Scoffing, I replied back in semi-sarcastic tone. "I'm pretty sure it's silver, but ok." Alice just sighed as we continued to sift through the racks. "Besides, wouldn't you think it rather hilarious? I mean, I can only imagine Georgiana's face!" I began to snicker uncontrollably, only making Alice sigh harder. "Oh come on! Don't tell me that you didn't find that funny."

"I thought it was funny." I looked over at Rosalie, who was smiling at herself. Upon closer inspection, she looked like she was recalling some pleasant memory.

"Thank you!" I added with dramatic effect.

"Rose, don't encourage her. We don't need her to make a spectacle of herself like you." Both Rosalie and I rolled our eyes.

"Well excuse me for wanting to get a little revenge on a high school rival that made my life hell."

"Gee Maggie, you're sounding a lot like a certain somebody who's currently residing in the underworld of Volterra." I stopped sifting through the racks and looked up sharply at Rosalie. I gave her one of the meanest glares I could find, but she only smirked.

"Excuse me?!" Even Alice was smiling a little, despite herself.

"She's right, Maggie. You do sound a lot like Aro." And just like that, I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Look Alice, she's turning red!" I turned to glare at Rosalie again.

"I am not!" Which was a lie. I could feel my face burning up. "And for your information, I am nothing like that arrogant, egotistical maniac!" Feeling embarrassed, I walked out of the store, annoyed by the fact that my feelings for Aro were becoming more apparent.

Despite the many shops in Tacoma, we could not find a single gown that Alice and I could agree on, so we left discouraged. Then, on the ride back to the Cullens' place, Alice lit up as if some brilliant idea came into her pretty head. She mentioned that she had several degrees in fashion design and would be more than happy to make my dress for me. I contemplated the idea, recalling what Bella told me about Alice's eagerness and extravagance when it came to parties and clothing. I was hesitant, but I decided I'd allow it, given the fact that Alice did have exceptional taste and was experienced in the field. And I thought why not have a little fun. Besides, what could make Georgiana more jealous than a customized dress that was made for only for me. The thought delighted me, and I smirked a little as I gazed out the window of Alice's Porsche. Good god, I did sound a little like Aro. And I didn't know if that disgusted me or not.

Back at the Cullens, the three of us went up to Alice and Jasper's room, which had a walk in closet larger than the room itself. And in the closet, besides Alice's many clothes, was a design table and everything she needed to take my measurements. I told her I wanted something red, my favorite color, and that it had to cover my back. When Alice asked why, I shyly told her of the scars on my back. Both her and Rosalie gasped when I showed them my back. "Well, that can be fixed with a little makeup." Despite her optimistic tone, I think even Alice doubted that as well.

"I don't think that's going to work. Trust me, I tried." She patted my shoulder gently.

"Don't worry, we'll think of something."

After discussing what I wanted, we went back downstairs. Somehow, Rosalie and I ended alone for a while. We didn't talk for awhile as we stood out on the porch, listening to the nature that surrounded the wonderful house that Esme had worked so hard on. We'd look at each other every now and then, but neither of us could find the words to speak. Rosalie eventually was the one to break the silence. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Her voice was quiet, and not in her usual snobby tone.

I looked down at my feet awkwardly. "It's alright," I mumbled. She looked at me sharply.

"No, it's not alright. He could've killed you! And the baby." I flinched at her harsh tone, which she immediately regretted. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound harsh. It's just…" It got quiet again, and I sensed a change in her mood. She looked like she could cry, if it was even possible for vampires could cry. I awkwardly fiddled my thumbs as she tried to compose herself. "I know what it's like. To be taken advantage of." I know I really shouldn't pry, but I was curious. And that she seemed willing to tell her story.

"You do?"

"Yes. My life was absolutely perfect, before it all happened. I had the most eligible bachelor in town as my fiance. I wanted to be married, have a nice house with a husband to kiss me when he came home. A family of my own," she glanced at my stomach briefly, before returning her gaze to the forest. "I barely knew my fiance, but I was young. I was in love with the idea of being in love. I thought everything was perfect." Now I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Maybe I shouldn't have asked.

"But something went wrong, didn't it?" Damn it, Maggie! She nodded slowly.

"I left a friend's house late on the last night of my life. She had the most adorable baby boy, with dimples and curly hair," she smiled at the memory. "I was jealous of her. Her marriage was perfect and filled with love, while my relationship with Royce seemed cool and distant. I didn't find out that he was an alcoholic and only cared about my looks until that night."

"Rosalie, you don't have to continue-" But she ignored me.

"I was walking home late that night, when I passed Royce and his friends. They were drinking. He called me over and introduced me to his friends. They made lewd remarks and Royce tried to undress me. I said I would see him the next day when he was sober, and tried to leave. And that's when it happened." I looked away, assuming the worst.

"How did you end up with the Cullens?"

"Carlisle was the one that found me. There was so much blood that he couldn't help it. I thought he was helping me."

"I'm sorry Rosalie." She looked at me and smiled ruefully.

"Don't worry, I got my revenge on them. One by one. I saved my fiance for last, so he would know I was coming. I ended up stealing a wedding dress for the occasion. I guess you could say I was a little theatrical back then."

"Is that why you found my idea of wearing white to the wedding so funny?"

"Yes," she laughed a little before pausing. "We're alike, you and I." I quirked an eyebrow at her.

"How so?"

"Well, we both don't want your sister to ruin her chance of living. You have the same distaste for immortality like Edward and I. That's what I most like about you." She turned to look at me and smiled. "I envy Bella, for having the choice to stop herself for making the wrong one. She thinks I hate her, but I don't. I don't particularly like her, no offense." I nodded slowly. "You and her are so alike, but so different. You don't have a choice."

"I don't know, Alice told me that Aro would be willing to let me be human as long as I want." She scoffed.

"You really think he's going to let you stay human? Maggie, he's one of the most powerful individuals of our kind. What he gets, he wants. Eventually, he'll have his way." We didn't say nothing more as we stared at luscious trees that surrounded us. I don't know how long we stood there, but we eventually closed the gap between us. I could've sworn I felt her squeeze my hand. Whether in reassurance or pity, I'll never know.

When I got back home, I decided it was time to read my texts from the guys. During my little trip with Alice and Rosalie, I could feel my phone buzz non-stop. They were only from Quil and Embry. They begged me to come back so we could talk, saying how Paul was being mopey and apologetic. Somehow, I didn't quite believe them. And I didn't think I was ready to forgive them quite yet. But Quil said they were having a bonfire tonight, and that I was welcomed to come. Despite my better judgement, I groaned before walking back out to my car and pulling out of the driveway.

Everybody was at Jake's house. And when I meant everybody, I meant everybody. Not only were the guys there, but so was Billy, Sue Clearwater, Quil's grandpa, and Leah. Quil and Embry were the first ones to come running over when I got out of my car. "Maggie! Bout damn time girl!" Embry tried to pick to pick me up, but his efforts were only in vain due to my ever growing stomach. I have to admit, I had to laugh at his struggle.

"Damn Maggie, you're huge! Are you sure you're only having one?" Before I could answer Quil, I heard a familiar voice coming from behind where Quil was.

"Hey, how come when I said that she was fat, I got beat up?" My smile vanished. Embry let me go as I peered over Quil's shoulder. Paul stepped forward sheepishly. We stared at each other in silence as Quil and Embry stood around awkwardly.

"Hey." I decided to break the ice first.

"Hey." We didn't say anything else as we stood and stared at each other. Slowly, we both walked over to each other and he pulled me in for a hug. Resting my forehead against his chest, I hugged him back.

"You know I don't completely forgive you, right?"

"I know. I'm sorry for being such an ass."

"Well, that's normal for you, isn't it?" I teased, playfully hitting him in the shoulder.

"Hey!" But he laughed along with Quil and Embry. After a few minutes, everything was quiet again except for the crackle of the fire and the sound of the council leaders talking quietly.

"So what's going on?"

"Council meeting tonight." I looked at Quil before backing up a few steps.

"Woah, woah. You told me it was just a regular bonfire."

"Maggie, are you blind? It is a bonfire!"

"Yeah, I shouldn't be here. I don't want to crash anything." I turned to leave, but Quil grabbed my arm.

"Hey, it's ok. Jake invited Bella so you're good."

"Yeah, they thought it would be good for you and Bella to hear the histories of the tribe?" I looked at Embry.

"But aren't those secret though? You guys were so uptight about keeping your wolf thing a secret."

"Yeah, but that was before we knew you and Bella were involved with the bloodsuckers." I flinched at Paul's words, which made him seem a little regretful at his choice of words.

"Besides. We all have a role in this. Including you. And besides, it's my first time here too! Now come on, let's roast some marshmallows!" I laughed as the guys dragged me over to the circle of logs. I said hi to everyone as I took my place on a log, in between Quil and Embry. But I felt uncomfortable. Billy kept looking over at me, as if he already knew. But I did my best to pay him no mind as the guys and I ate some burgers and roasted marshmallows. Not long afterwards, Bella and Jake joined us, my sister seemed surprised that I was here as well. After everyone was well fed, Billy began to tell us the stories of the tribe.

"The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning, but we've always had magic in our blood. We were great spirit warriors. Shapeshifters that transformed to the powerful wolf." So they weren't actually werewolves? What the hell?! I sat entranced by Billy's words, drinking in every detail. "This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe. One day, our warriors came across a creature. It looked like man, but it was hard like stone. And cold as ice." Oh fuck. It had to be the only thing I was thinking of.

I felt a shiver go down my spine, and Quil grabbed my hand. "It's ok," he whispered.

"Our warriors sharp teeth finally tore it apart. But only fire would completely destroy it. They lived in fear that the Cold Man was not alone." Billy paused and took a long gaze into the fire. "And they were right. She took her vengeance out on the village. Our elder chief, Taha Aki, was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe, after his son was killed. Taha Aki's third wife could see that he would lose. The third wife was no magical being, having no special powers but one. Courage."

Now I was starting to sweat bullets. And I don't know if it was from the fire or from fear. Billy went on to describe how the Cold Woman had Taha Aki in a power struggle, and how he was failing. I shut my eyes and bit my lip as Billy described the third wife stabbing herself in the abdomen as a sacrifice, her blood attracting the vampire. "The third wife's sacrifice distracted the Cold Woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe. Over time, our enemies disappeared. But one remains." Both Bella and I looked at each other nervously as Billy glanced our way. "The Cold Ones. Our magic awakens when they're near. And we sense it now. We feel the threat in our blood. Something terrible is coming. And we must all be ready. All of us." Billy looked at us again, and I felt both Quil and Embry squeeze my hands.

As the gathering started to disperse, I found that I couldn't move from my seat on the log. "Hey Maggie, are you alright?" I heard Embry's words, but I couldn't react. I was too numb. I looked Bella in the eye, sensing that we shared the same feeling. That's when I felt someone shake me roughly.

"Hello? Earth to Maggie!" Of course it had to be Paul.

"Dude, what the hell?!" He threw up his hands in the air, feigning surprise.

"Sorry, but you looked pretty out of it. Are you sure you're ok? I mean, you look like you're going to throw up." Feeling defensive, I stood up, nearly losing my balance.

"I'm fine, ok? I'm just tired." I could feel others staring at me as I rubbed my stomach, not sure how I feel. "I need to go," I mumbled as I walked towards my car. But before I could far, I heard Billy come up from behind me.

"Maggie." I turned to look at him, feeling apprehensive. From the way he looked at me, I was 100 percent sure he knew about me and Aro. "Are you alright?" I nodded my head slowly.

"Y-yeah," I managed to stutter. "Just tired." I could hear the guys goof off in the background as Billy and I stare at each other. I could see Jake and Bella coming closer, no doubt he was going to bring her home. My sister looked at me apprehensively.

"You know I care about, don't you, Maggie?" I nodded again.

"Yeah. You were always like another father to me."

"And you understand that I'm concerned about the situation you're in?" Damn, he does know.

"Yes." My voice was barely a whisper now. Before Billy could say anything else, I found my voice and jumped in. "You know I don't have choice, Billy." His eyes darkened.

"I know. I just want to warn you about what you're getting into, and the consequences if you decide to become more involved with them." I looked down at my feet, body trembling slightly.

"I know that too." I stiffened as Billy grabbed my hand gently.

"No matter what happens, I'll always care for you Maggie." That surprised me. I looked up and saw a small smile on Billy's face, but his eyes told another story. I offered a small smile before I turned and headed back to my car. I headed home with a mind full of information and a heavy heart, unknown about the growing threat in Seattle.

Meanwhile, in Seattle.

The group of newborns were getting out of control, and Riley knew it. Many of the newborns he gathered already lie dead before him, victims of their own kind. They needed to control their anger and thirst. Especially a young one he found cowering in a corner. Riley could only watch in shame as one newborn busted open another one's head off. That's when he had enough. He grabbed a piece of a broken car and slammed it on the ground. "Something's coming. Something bigger than any one of us alone. And if you can't...Control yourselves, we're all going to die." He took a moment to observe chaos that had occurred. Someone already set the wrecked car on fire. "What's done is done. Just...Clean up after yourselves."

Unbeknownst to Riley or any of the newborns, the Volturi had already sent some of their guard, and four of them were watching the chaos from above.

"They've already drawn too much attention," muttered Demetri, who was relieved that he was temporary reassigned to another mission. Following his master's mate was getting tiresome. Especially when she would always make it hard for him to follow her.

"So is our inaction. Other may begin to question the Volturi's effectiveness." Felix, the biggest one of them all, turned to look at Jane, the most dangerous of the Volturi guard.

"Let them." Felix, upset that his coven's reputation was on the line, was not pleased to hear what Jane had to say.

"Maybe we should consult with Aro." Jane turned to cast her gaze on Felix, and sent him crumbling to the ground.

"Aro's decisions are being watched. Besides, he's on a mission of his own. It would be unwise for us to interrupt him while he's on his way to check on his mate." Taking her gaze off Felix, Jane turned back to watch the chaos below. "Either we let them do what they were created for, or we end them. Decisions, decisions.