A/N: Hey everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating. Sorry for going MIA. I'm really trying to stay consistent with my updates but life keeps getting in the way. I'm so thankful for your patience with me. Don't worry I haven't forgotten about this story and have no intention to stop writing it! Here's an extra long update, hope you all enjoy it! Feel free to leave a review! Until next time.
xoxo
Adjustments
When I woke up we were already landing. Sebastian was gripping the seat again. We were the last to get off the plane and the four of us walked slowly over to baggage claim where Alice told us to wait. It was really crowded so we decided to just wait by the entrance to the airport.
Sebastian grabbed by hand, "Sorry. Um, it's just...I feel more at ease when we're close." I beamed at him.
"It's no problem, how's the um...thirst."
"Hurts like hell but not as bad as before your…" We smiled awkwardly at each other. There was a sadness in Sebastian's eyes, I wondered if the same sadness was in mine. We weren't in Volterra anymore, we were back in Forks, the place that was familiar to me but foreign to him. I wasn't Shiori anymore, I was Serena and that came with a whole new family and a new love that wasn't him. We both knew this and as we walked hand in hand through the crowded airport, the silent yearning from Sebastian's grip on me made me feel guilty…
Sebastain's POV
Forks, Washington. This was her home. Cold gloomy weather, hardly any sunlight. Completely different from the Italy she once loved. Serena mentioned that her new family was here. I wondered what they were like, were they lost like us?
I was certainly lost as I held her hand walking through the airport. From what I heard from Oliver and Iris, who were a ways ahead of us, someone named Alice was supposed to pick us up with her mate Jasper, Irisviel explained that they were members of the Cullen family, Serena's adoptive brother and sister, Oliver's too he admitted.
Suddenly ahead of us Oliver stopped and looked back at us with a worried expression, a disgusting scent coated the air making my frown, the doors to the entrance opened and someone walked through with a relieved expression on his face.
"Seth!" In an instant Serena had let go of my hand and ran, at a decent enough speed, the rest of the way leaping into the arms of the strange boy who had walked through. I stared at my hand and for the first time since becoming a vampire I felt cold.
I walked the rest of the way to the others quickly and sized up the boy who had weaved his way into the heart of the girl I love.
Seth. He had tan skin short dark hair and from what I could tell was pretty fit. While he did lack many of my qualities, I could tell from the way he looked at her that he loved her. I knew because it was similar to the way I used to look at her. Hell, I still looked at her this way. Serena and him hugged for what felt like an eternity and he planted a kiss on her lips his hand weaving into her hair as he deepened the kiss and his other hand on the small of her back. Instinctively, selfishly I moved to attack but Iris grabbed me and pulled me back in the blink of an eye. She shot me a look that told me she knew exactly what was happening and it wasn't the time to do it. I balled my hand into a fist the heat of the thirst and venom dulling down as I tried to calm down and remind myself that she wasn't mine anymore.
As if finally noticing who was around her, Serena pulled away from Seth blushing furiously, Oliver rolled his eyes. Iris squeezed my arm.
"Um.. sorry um Seth this is Sebastian and Sebastian this is Seth." I could tell that I was the last person he wanted to see, hell, I was the last person he wanted to be introduced to. We exchanged curt nods to one another and Serena did her best to give a real smile but in reality it was a strained as this situation.
"Edward's in the car waiting," Seth grounded out shooting a glare my way. This was going to be interesting…
Edward was one of the oldest of the Cullens in terms of years as a vampire and addition to the family. He was the first that Carlisle turned and he was also the father of a hybrid child like Serena.
"He's a has some trouble with privacy…" She had said on the flight.
"What does that mean?"
"The Cullens are a gifted family like us except well...our gifts are more offensive and theirs are defensive I guess you could say. Edward is a mind reader, Bella a shield, Alice can see the future, Jasper can control emotions and Renesme can project her thoughts and memories through touch."
"Wow, very different from us."
"Exactly, so just know that Edward and Alice probably know everything about you before you even open your mouth."
"Right. And Bella is a shield…?"
"She can defend herself and others against mental attacks...it doesn't really work on Tobias though and I think it's becauase it has something to do with a combination of emotional control and mental...we're still working on it."
"I didn't think the contrast between us would be that great…"
"The only one who lived a lifestyle most similar to us was probably Jasper."
"Why?"
"He used to be second in command in a newborn army…"
"Really? That's interesting, how did he end up with the Cullens?"
"Each of them have different stories but his is mainly because of Alice. She saw and made everything happen."
"Can you take him?"
"Jasper? Yes but–"
"You're still the special case." She rolled her eyes at me.
"I'm just stronger than you. I mean we could each take on Jasper or any of the Cullens really but, that's not their fault it's just how we lived our lives. Not to mention the fact that we have some added assistance," She hissed.
"We don't even need to use our gifts against the Cullens to win, per favore," Iris chimed. Oliver nodded, chuckling.
"I wasn't referring to that…" She looked at the ground and we all fell silent. Right… the venom that tormented us for years without end. I'm sure each of us had been lost in our memories…"Alright then, the point of this conversation is that the Cullens are different so I don't want you acting brutish around them. We're not assessing their weaknesses–"
"Of which there are many." Iris laughed.
"Oh shut it, they'd probably find a way to beat us they have the ability to strategize rather than rely on our brute strength and as I recall Irisviel the last time Emmett challenged you to an arm wrestling match you lost." I choked out a laugh and Iris glared at Serena.
"Beat so easily Irisviel?"
"Oh shut up! It was one time!"
"As I was saying," Serena said, smirking at us, "the Cullens are family so be nice Sebastian. I'm sure you'll love them. Oliver does but he won't admit it." The twin looked at his sister with a warning in his eyes and hers glinted with mischief.
We stepped into the car and I took my shades off. Edward was momentarily take aback by my red eyes which were immensly different from his golden ones.
"Hello Sebastian. Glad you could make it."
"Tell me that after we leave the crowd of people and I can finally breathe," I chuckled but my throat burned with the thirst. I clenched my fist.
"We'll go hunting as soon as we get back and introduce you to everyone."
He got out of the car to hug Serena and ruffled Iris's hair. We all piled into the fancy looking SUV and sped off toward the woods, where the Cullens lived.
Serena and the others talked about the trip, omitting the part about my using her for my meals and our kiss. I'm sure Edward knew but he understood that she wanted to keep this from Seth. I couldn't help but feel great about having shared such an intimate moment with her especially since Seth would never know the euphoria that comes with her blood. I'm sure she'd tell him about the kiss though. That was the kind of girl she was.
I stared out the window admiring the state of Washington. A complete change of setting and pace. The perfect place to start over… but, is that what I really wanted? I mean now I was just a background character in Serena's life. She had this new family, new love, new name. She didn't necessarily need me anymore. So what am I doing here? I growled at myself. I softened though because I knew that the only reason I was here was because of her. I'd be anywhere, be anyone she wanted me to be. In all honesty, a part of me wanted to know the Cullens the way she did. It had been so long since I'd been in a family setting…
"Alice is really excited to have you all together again, she went a little crazy when she was decorating," Edward said loudly interrupting my thoughts.
"Decorating? Oh jeez turn the car around," Serena groaned.
"She'd kill him if he did," Iris laughed.
"Iris is right. Besides everyone is just glad to have you all and it seems right to celebrate a little now. Since well…" He smiled, "you're all together now."
Iris leaned into Oliver's shoulder smiling at me through the rear view mirror. I smiled back, it really was great to be with them again, despite the circumstances that led us here.
"Oh my gosh they're back!" A girl who I assumed to be Alice squealed from the porch, "Places everyone!" Gabriel, same as always ran to meet us and didn't look one bit calm until he saw Serena in one piece. Only then, did he smile slightly. I almost burst into laughter, since he was the oldest technically speaking, he always made sure each of us was accounted for and was especially protective of Serena who I'm sure he thought of himself as her knight and looking at how he acted with the twins it seemed more true than ever.
"Sebastian," he acknowledged pulling me into and embrace, "I'm glad you're alright." Gabriel and I had always been close mostly because of our protectiveness of Serena and in all honesty he was a good friend when he wasn't obeying Akira.
"For the most part," I shrugged walking with the rest of them into the Cullen house. When I saw Carlisle and Esme I was shocked, Esme reminded me so much of my mother. She had the same warmth as her.
"Welcome to the family," she smiled. I smiled back, those were the same words my mother said to Serena when she came to Lancaster house for the first time.
"Sebastian. We've heard so much about you," Carlisle shook my hand and introduced me to his adopted children, Emmett, Rosalie, Alice (who threw her arms around me more excited than anyone else in the room.) Alice and Edward will most likely know everything about you before you open your mouth. Bella was kind and apologized for Alice's abrasiveness.
"It happened to me too you'll get used to it," she winked. Her daughter Renesmee looked just like her and Edward, seeing all three of them together made me sad for Serena and Oliver, who had only Akira to look to. Irisviel, Gabriel, and I had some sort of family. I looked over at Serena who had jumped on Oliver's back while he was talking to Emmett and threw her head back laughing as he spun around.
"She had him…" A voice with a slight western accent whispered extremely quietly behind me. The owner of that voice clasped me on the shoulder and I felt less sorry and more...happy for her. Jasper controls emotions. He probably knows you too.
"Jasper."
"Sebastian, though... I'm sure you knew this," I smirked.
"I did. C'mon we're going hunting…" he shoved me forward playfully. Emmett came over and his eyes glinted with mischief.
"I bet I catch something bigger than he does,"
"Emmett another bet?" Bella laughed.
Serena had joined the conversation Seth following close behind her. "C'mon let's go." Her voice sounded like bells.
"Why do you have to go?" Seth growled. I was about to tell the mutt to watch his tone but Serena just rolled her eyes.
"There's a risk that…"
"Our dear Sebastian could freak out, since the effects of Akira's venom haven't fully worn off yet," Iris interrupted throwing her arm around my neck. Everyone immediately gave me a look of pity except Serena, Iris, Gabriel and Oliver. "Oh relax everyone, I don't have to be Jasper to know you all are of little faith! It's not horrible anymore it's just–"
"The effects of the venom are enhanced when a vampire succumbs to his or her thirst. There's a small chance but if it happens then Serena would be the only one he'd probably listen to." Seth rolled his eyes shooting a glare my way. Serena looked at me apologetically. Everyone was silent for a bit.
"Well Emmett, I guess I'll take you up on that bet." He chuckled rubbing his hands together. He Jasper, Serena and Seth bolted out the door ahead of me and everyone else stayed behind. I followed at a slower pace. "Be back soon!" Alice hollered. I saw Seth shift in the distance and decided it was time to stop holding back and show this mutt exactly who I was. I bolted past him and ran next to Oliver. Serena was ahead with Emmett in an apparent grudge match for speed. Oliver rolled his eyes obviously in a silent conversation with his sister and Serena laughed her twinkling voice echoing throughout the woods, Emmett growled as she soared passed him. Finally we stopped, Emmett was muttering to himself clearly his ego had been bruised by the loss. Serena smiled and Seth came out of a bush and laid in the field still in his wolf form.
"Alright Sebastian, let's see how good you are at animal hunting."
Animals. Serena did mention that the Cullens were vegetarian and I remember even the princess herself hunted animals once upon a time and I went with her once. Compared to human blood, it was an appetizer. My throat began to burn at the thought of human blood. I closed my eyes and forced myself to sniff out an animal.
Emmett and I heard the mountain lion at the same time and immediately bolted after it. I soared past him and lunged for the wild cat sinking my teeth into it my own madness taking over. My senses were heightened my strength at it's peak and while the blood wasn't as sweet as Serena's, it was good enough to make the burning in my throat dull a bit. Serena was in front of me when I threw the animal to the ground staring warily. My vision began to blur as my own thirst started to mix with the madness I could hear her heart beating at it's irregular tune. I wanted more.
Thirsty…
"We're gonna have to work on feeding without making a mess," she said her wind chime voice twinkling, I immediately snapped out of my horrid trance only focusing on her. She smiled in a way that told me she understood.
"Sorry…" I said hoarsely.
"Alice probably saw this and set aside some clothes for you. Maybe you should hunt some more."
Seth growled behind her and she gave me an apologetic smile before moving next to him. Emmett and Oliver smiled at me.
"This time I'll join in," Oliver smirked, "it's best if loses come in twos, wouldn't you say Em?"
Emmett glared at both of us a competitive glint in his eyes as he bolted ahead searching for the next animal. Before following Oliver I looked back at Serena, unsure of my ability to control myself. She nodded at me, mouthing stop worrying.
Seth bared his teeth at me in warning. I turned away and ran for the forest letting the hunt help me forget about the girl who I'd lost.
When we returned from hunting Alice chided me for my sloppy appearance thrusting a black t-shirt and jeans my way with shoes that were my size. She really does think of everything. Serena smirked at me as her and Seth walked over to the balcony his arm was around her waist.
"Sebastian," Carlisle said coughing, "after Alice's party I'd love to learn more about your gift." Gabriel and Iris laughed, Oliver shot them a look that shut them up. Carlisle chuckled, "Gabriel has mentioned it but, I'd love to see it up close."
"Um… sure." I nodded mechanically. Alice grabbed my arm smiling and pulling me into the other room, it was decorated with candles everywhere a banner that said welcome home and a single gift on the table.
"Open it I dare you." She smirked and I was hesitant. What could possibly be in here? "It's actually a gift for all of you, except Oliver and Serena." Everyone else walked in. Iris and Gabriel came next to me curious as to what was in the box so perfectly rapped in midnight blue wrapping paper.
I carefully ripped off the paper and opened the box...inside there were three sets of keys.
"I know since we're all vampires it's not really necessary but we thought you guys should be able to have a place of your own. The twins can stay here or there but, we wanted you guys to be able to warm up to us without having to stay with us all the time…"
"You're giving us…"
"A house?" Iris finished picking up her key.
"Well I know you all wanted to leave as soon as things got settled," Alice said apologetically, "but…"
"We'd love it if you all stayed here," Esme finished smiling warmly at us. Iris and I looked at each other silently agreeing that she was exactly like my mother. We'd grown up together and she spent enough time at my house to know.
We looked at Gabriel since he was technically the oldest, he'd have better judgement.
He rolled his eyes, "If that's what Serena wants…"
"Idiota!" Serena chided smacking him on the back of the head, causing Iris to choke back a laugh. "Of course you're all staying here! I want you all to stay here. Gabriel stop acting so brutish and thank them. Iris and Bash you too, don't make me strangle you three for being idiots!"
"Thank you," We said politely. Alice beamed and yelled for us to follow before running out into the woods. We stopped in front of a modern rustic cottage with glass windows all around. Iris was the first to go in with Alice and she stood in the center of the living room staring in awe at the two story home the Cullens had made for us. We all did, the rooms were fully stocked with clothes and there was a piano and a violin, both instuments that we all loved to play… a fireplace, and a drawing of the five of us…
"Who drew that…"
"Wait Alice did you?"
"I pulled it out of your sketchbook and had it framed! Sorry. I don't have any photos yet so your very realistic drawings will have to do!"
Iris looked at the piano and playing a tune from our past, humming. She immediately shut it and when outside facing away from the house with everyone following behind.
"I'm sorry if you all hate it we can change it!" Rosalie said Alice nodding furiously behind her.
"It's just…" Iris began, Oliver holding her hand, "No one has ever gone this far for us...aside from the twins. I mean, I've never felt so at home with people other than them and you're kindness is really too much. I just… I mean we got Serena and Bash back all at once and then all of you show up and no matter how many times I want to not trust you all a believe that you're somehow out to exploit us you do something like this and well…" She turned around smirking, "It's not fair."
"So you're okay with all this?" Serena asked, looking at the three of us warily.
"Princess, if we were any less okay with this...we wouldn't still be here."
"And Gabriel would have most likely rejected this furiously," Oliver teased.
She looked at me. As if my opinion really did matter, as if she'd leave him if I asked her to. As if we could go back to the time we were together.
"Serena, we're staying as long as you'll have us," she beamed at me and I immediately felt as though my world was ending while it was really beginning. I loved her so much, so immensely, that I simply smiled back as she went to go meet Seth. I was still smiling as she disappeared from my line of sight.
"You know, if you keep watching her she'll keep walking away," Iris whispered.
"Shut it,"
"It's obvious…" She smiled at me.
I followed my childhood friend into the house avoiding the eyes of Edward, Jasper and Alice, who I'm sure understood my feelings. "Thank you all," I said and walked into this new life.
Serena's POV
"I just… I don't like the way he looks at you," Seth said in frustration as I walked across a tree branch. We'd gone to our waterfall for a bit after the unveiling of Alice's surprise. I had just told Seth he should play nice with Bash considering what we'd all been through.
"Seth, c'mon Sebastian...he's okay with us."
"I could care less about that, I care about how he feels about you."
"We have a history Seth and I mean it's something hard to let go of. This'll just take…" I bit my lip, remembering my past, "some adjustment."
"Serena,"
"You know for someone who doesn't like Sebastian, you sure do talk about him a lot." I jumped off the branch and landed on his back my legs were wrapped around his waist and he steadied me on, walking along the trail holding me as if I was as light as a feather.
"Serena, c'mon."
"Seth why won't you just let this go?" I nuzzled his neck and he grunted.
"Because he looks at you and you look at him and it's like no one else is around. It's like you're somewhere else Serena. And you were somewhere else, you left halfway around the world for him. You didn't let me go with you! You didn't want me there. And you still won't tell me what the hell happened that you had to stay almost a fucking week!" He boomed, setting me down. I backed away. He was angry, he had a right to be.
"Seth," I whispered.
"I love you. You're everything and I just...I hate the idea of losing you."
"I'm right here, Seth. I love you too it's just… things are complicated right now."
"Then tell me what happened in Volterra."
"Why does that matter? Seth c'mon can't you just let this go?"
"If it really doesn't matter then tell me."
"Fine! You want to know what happened? He kissed me okay?" I cried.
"And you kissed him back…"
"Seth it wasn't...it wasn't like that!"
"Then what what is like Serena! Please, explain how the hell my girlfriend kisses her first love and it wasn't like what I think?"
"Seth. I pushed him away. I-I told him that I was with you! It didn't mean what you think it meant and the blood that was just because he needed it–"
"The blood?" he growled. Stomping away from me, I bit my lip. Shit.
"Seth this is all coming out wrong. Just wait-just," I followed him, "Can you please wait!"
"Did he touch you? Did he...did he feed from you?" I paused. I didn't want him to know this. "Serena," he grounded out.
"Yes," I said my voice becoming small.
"Why the hell would you let him do that?"
"Because he needed it, Seth!"
"He could have had any other human's blood Serena! Why did it have to be yours?"
"Because...because my blood is special it can help…"
"Why couldn't Oliver just shape shift? He can right?"
"It-his wouldn't have worked. I had to be me Seth," I whispered.
He slammed his fist into a tree with a loud boom.
"Why?" He yelled, "Why Serena? Why did it have to be you? Because you love him? Because you wanted him to? Why? Do you? Still love him? Just spit it out Serena. Just say your reason out loud! Just say it dammit! It's because you love him isn't it?"
"Of course I do!" I yelled back. Shit. In that instant it's like the whole world fell silent. The weight of my words hung in the air.
"Well…" He whispered quietly, "Glad to know this is over." My eyes stung with fresh tears.
"Seth wait that's not what I meant. I love you."
"Oh don't spare my feelings."
"Just listen," I snapped frustrated with this whole situation. "I do love you. And yes, I do still love Sebastian but c'mon Seth. He was my first love. He taught me all the human qualities that I have now that got you to fall in love with me. For so long…" tears fell down my face, "I was just a puppet and then I met him and he taught me about the world, art, society, he made it all clear. He made me want more than anything to be human and have a family. He was my entire world for so long Seth. He was my family. You cannot expect me to just let that go so easily, and throw away all the history between us. Of course I love him." Memories of Bash and I flashed in my head, "I will always love Sebastian. But, the love I had for him then and the love I have for him now are totally different! I came back Seth. Yes, I did leave. I left for him but I came back for you for us," I took a step closer, "this is hard for me Seth, it's hard because I want so badly for us to work. I know Sebastian being here is going to make things change and I know you're not okay with our being friends…"
"Friendship with benefits like him using you as a personal blood bag?"
"Seth that's not fair…"
"No. What's not 'fair' is you defending him when he could have killed you! You said it yourself he was crazy from your dad's venom! Not to mention the fact that you were on the Volturi's homeland."
"And that was my fault!" I snapped, "Don't you get it Seth? I thought he was dead and for so long I blamed myself for that. If he hadn't met me he wouldn't have had to endure all of that! It was my fault. I had to fix it myself! The reason he was in that state was because he was trying to protect me! He risked all of it for me. How could I not do the same for him?" I leaned back against a tree and fell to my knees. "I don't know what you want me to say. That I love you? I do. I want to be with you. I chose you! You're all I want! Isn't that all that really matters?" I sobbed into my hands afraid of losing the wolf who I loved so dearly.
It was silent for what felt like hours until Seth spoke. "You're my imprint. You are all that I am living for Serena. I just want to protect you and selfishly keep you with me forever," he sighed, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you…" He squatted in front of me wiping the tears out of my eyes. "Just, no more leaving to Italy okay?" I nodded and he pulled me into his arms and stroked my hair. We stayed like that just listening to the other's heartbeat for a while before heading back home hand in hand.
When arrived Alice threw her arms around me and pinched me.
"Ow, Alice what the hell?"
"That was for worrying me," she kissed my cheek, "and that was for everything else."
"It's great to have you back little sister!" Emmett said, pulling me into a bear hug.
"Listen, before they all get back, I just want to thank you all for being so understanding and kind. I know you weren't expecting hybrid twins and three sometimes vicious vampires when you guys took me in this year but, I want you all to know that I'm truly grateful and I'm sorry for the trouble I've brought into your home."
"Serena," Carlisle said stepping forward and tilting my chin up so that I could look into his golden eyes, "while it's true we didn't expect five new additions to this family, we're grateful to you for choosing to trust us. And choosing to stay."
"Honey," Esme said stroking my cheek, "we love you and Oliver. We'd do anything for you both. You're all part of this family now. We'd do anything to protect our family. I think of you two as my own. Gabriel, Iris and Bash too. We all protect you because we love you. We're also grateful that you've brought so many kind hearted people into our home. Don't ever be sorry for all of this." She kissed my cheek smiling warmly at me. Rosalie came over and ruffled my hair smiling. Seth plopped onto the couch and I went to the door to meet my brother and the others.
"My closet is amazing! I'll never need clothes again," Iris sighed wistfully hugging Alice who laughed, "at least someone appreciates my keen eye for fashion," she raised an eyebrow at Bella who rolled her eyes in return.
"Jesus Alice when are you going to let that go!" My pixie haired sister only laughed in return.
"Sebastian," Carlisle interrupted, "Do you think you have enough...control...to show us your talent?"
"Of course," He said winking at me motioning for everyone to follow him outside, "it's better if we treat this like a fight."
"Sebastian," Gabriel warned before I could open my mouth, "honestly."
"Oh c'mon Gabriel it's just boring if I use it normally." Seth shot a glare at him. Adjustment. I mouthed.
"Well it does sound fun," Emmett said a competitive glint in his eyes.
"I'm interested as well," Jasper nodded.
"Looks like we have our takers," Bash said beaming.
There was a big space in our backyard where Emmett and I usually arm wrestled. Jasper and Emmett stood on one side while Sebastian stood on the other.
"Serena," Carlisle and Edward came next to me, "Since you understand this better. Do you mind explaining?"
"Sure," I gestured to my brothers and Sebastian at the clearing, "As you know my coven's talents are mainly offensive and separated into three categories,"
"Puppeteers, Nightmares and Chameleons," Bella chimed in by now the whole family was listening in with Iris, Gabriel and Oliver sitting on the ground in front of me.
"Exactly, Sebastian is in the puppeteer category with Iris. My brother and I think this has something to do with being turned at around the same time. Iris is a siren as you all know, she can make you do whatever she wants with her voice, specific tunes do different things. Sebastian is actually more like a puppet master. I've only copied his gift a handful of times. Basically there are this strings or streams of light that he can see and manipulate as he pleases. These connect to any living thing. He can telekinetically move objects with his mind but he doesn't really need to. His gift is basically the ability to manipulate living things to do as he wishes by making them. He can force you to move wherever he wants and occasionally make you say something he wants you to say. Kind of like telekinetically moving people."
"Fascinating," Carlisle looked on waiting to see the gift in action.
I nodded at Sebastian signaling for him to start he smirked, "Alright you two, try and one hit on me." Emmett of course being Emmett laughed at the challenge and immediately charged at Sebastian who only smiled in return. When Emmett was about five feet away he stopped abruptly and Sebastian's hand had moved in front of him. Emmett wasn't moving he just growled in response. "What the hell?"
Jasper presuming that Sebastian's control of him was the extent of his gift immediately launched his own attack but was stopped before he could move. In an instant Jasper was thrust forward and crashed into Emmett who was thrown against a tree and dragged across the ground. Jasper immediately ran toward Emmett who moved to make a fist and punch Jasper who was going to punch back and they both lay frozen only a breath away from one another. Finally Sebastian put his hands down and both my brothers fell to the floor gasping for air that they didn't need.
"That was…" Emmett started.
"Completely messed up," Jasper finished while Sebastian ran over to us.
"You didn't have to fling Emmett against a tree," I admonished.
"I figured with all that brutish strength he could take it," he grinned cockily.
"It was a bit much Sebastian," Oliver agreed.
"As I recall Oliver, you used to be fun. Not as fun as your sister," he winked at me causing Seth to come up next to us glaring at Sebastian, "but fun all the same." He finished backing away slowly as Seth continued to glare.
"Sebastian," I started trying to warn him to stop baiting my boyfriend and he smiled warmly.
"Is two the limit of people you can use it on?" Carlisle asked enthusiastically, in an instant Sebastian had lifted his hands and my whole family was frozen in space and they all started waltzing with one another. Iris burst into laughter at Bella's expression. When he put his hands down they all regained control and glared at him.
"I was trying to answer the question," Sebastian laughed.
"A simple no would have sufficed," Bella said glaring at him.
"But Bella you were actually dancing properly," Emmett said stifling a laugh. She glared at him.
"Anymore than fifteen and it gets kind of tricky. The more people I control the easier it gets to resist," Carlisle nodded understanding.
"Show's over now," Sebastian sighed. "That's all that has to do with my talent. Brute strength is just an added bonus."
"Alright I don't know about that," Emmett scoffed. He pointed to the rock where all the arm wrestling took place. Everyone in my family groaned rolling their eyes.
"Another arm wrestling match Em?" Edward groaned.
"Listen if the kid is any good, it should be quick."
"Accepting defeat already Em? How very unlike you." I raised an eyebrow.
"Oh woah woah little sister," He ruffled my hair, "Have you no faith in your precious big brother?" I slapped his hand away. "I meant that his crushing defeat at the last second."
"Per favore, my money is on Sebastian," Iris threw her arm around Sebastian kissing his cheek.
"Well at least the twins are on my side," Emmett challenged.
"Actually," we both said in unison walking over to Sebastian and Iris.
"What the hell?" Emmett whined.
"Sorry Em, Sebastian is actually a lot stronger than you, without his gift." I shrugged.
Seth clasped Emmett on the shoulder, "Don't worry Em, I'm sure you can take him and make him eat his words." He smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. We all knew that this was part of some sort of pissing contest with Bash but Emmett grinned anyway.
"You know it!"
We all stood on the balcony waiting for the match.
"C'mon Bash," Iris hollered nudging me to do the same. I shot her a stop it look and she shrugged indifferent to the fact that I chose Seth.
The match had begun and Emmett was winning, Bash's arm was lowered slightly.
"Sorry babe it looks like Emmett's gonna take this victory," Seth smirked triumphantly.
"I don't know...Sebastian's really strong," I thought back to all of the times we had sparred, while his brute strength wasn't on the same level as Gabe's it was pretty close. Oliver was the strongest of the three. I was the strongest overall but I had been glad that the Cullens hadn't asked me to back up that fact. I never wanted them to see me fight. To see the girl I used to be.
"Let's go Bash you don't want to embarrass the princess!" Iris teased. In an instant, Sebastian's attitude changed and I saw the look of the warrior I used to know.
"Sorry Emmett, I really wanted to spare your pride but it doesn't look like I can afford to lose this," His arm started pushing Emmett's down, Emmett only growled in response flexing his muscles trying to resist.
"Looks like the match is over," Oliver sighed, "cocky bastard."
"Emmett's arm hasn't touched the bottom yet," Seth argued.
Oliver shook his head, "Doesn't matter."
"I mentioned the princess and when it comes to her," Iris said pointing at me, "he'll never lose." Her eyes were full of challenge. She was trying to warn Seth about Bash.
"Iris," I hissed. Seth glared back at her wrapping an arm around me.
She only smirked in response, "It's only a matter of time." Before Seth could blow up at her warning, there was a loud boom. Followed by a snarl as Emmett lost the match. Iris looked back at Seth, "Like I said, only a matter of time."
"Sorry Em, had to do it for the princess's sake." Sebastian beamed at him and Emmett nudged him playfully. When he shot a wink my way I couldn't help but smile back.
"Great job. For a second there, I thought you were gonna lose," I teased walking down to meet him in the yard.
"Well if it's for you I'll be sure to make it so that never happens."
"How thoughtful," I smirked and he pulled me in for a hug that surprised me, despite his cold immortal skin the embrace felt warm as I relaxed into it. "The Cullens really are great, Serena."
"Yeah they are," I whispered back, a low growl sounded from behind me and I realized Seth was watching. I pulled back smiling tightly at Sebastian.
"Lucky you for winning the match," Seth said.
"Luck wasn't really needed, after all I had the right motivation," He glanced at me and met Seth's stone cold glare.
"Well next time I'd prefer you not touch what's mine, seeing as she's no longer your personal blood bag," he grabbed my wrist his hand felt really hot and yanked me over to him throwing his arm possessively around me.
"Seth," I hissed yanking my arm back and pushing him away, he'd never done something like that before. Sebastian, in a second was a breath away from Seth and Iris had pulled me back so I was no longer in between them. When I tried to move to push them apart, Oliver held me back.
Don't interfere Bambina, they're both unstable right now.
"Watch your grip mutt," Sebastian snarled.
"Mutt? That's rich coming from the blood-thirsty leech!" Seth growled back, "She clearly doesn't want you anymore, after all why would she want the one who couldn't even protect her from her insane father and ran away."
"Watch your mouth!" He roared shoving Seth who immediately shifted in response. The wolf growled at Bash who's red eyes darkened, Shit. With venom the angrier and thirstier a victim became the stronger it was. Those words, angered Sebastian plenty.
"Stop it!" I yelled as Seth tried to lunge for Sebastian his teeth eager to bite into him and Sebastian used his gift to drag the snarling wolf across the yard. Sebastian's eyes glazed over and he moved his hands so that Seth was completely paralyzed and stalked toward him.
"You worthless mutt! How dare you compare yourself to me!" He licked his lips thirst taking over as the venoms effects spread and his gift weakening just enough for Seth to move on top of him. The wolf was about to sink his teeth into Sebastian's head when I instictively shoved Oliver and Iris away and ran toward both of them at a speed much like the one I could travel back then. I threw Seth off of Sebastian and shoved Sebastian against a tree so quick they didn't know what was happening, when Sebastian tried to shove me off of him I flipped him over and pinned him to the ground
"Enough!" I spat at them both when they tried to fight one another again, my voice menancing enough to make them submit to my command. I glared at them both.
"Shift back Seth," I said my voice a low growl. The wolf growled in response baring his teeth as Sebastian indicating he wanted to finish, "Shift back." Seth whined coming back into his senses and dashing in and out of a bush.
"Serena c'mon," he glared at me and Sebastian who was silent my hand was around his neck.
"Shut up Seth," He did and looked with eyes so apologetic I almost ran over and threw my arms around him but then I remembered how they both acted. Sebastian snarled and shot up attempting to bite me and before he could move, I shoved him back hard my eyes meeting his.
"Come back to your senses, Bash," His eyes blazed and he growled at me, "Sebastian Lancaster that's enough. Remember who you are. This is the venom. Wake up" His eyes glazed over again and suddenly he was back.
"Serena...I'm sorry I-I just–when he put his hands on you I couldn't just–,"
"Shut up." He closed his mouth his eyes pleading for me to stop being angry. I let go of his neck and looked back at the Cullens who stood around us, shocked at my outburst. My heart was beating quickly because for that small instant, I liked who I was. I felt a rush from the agression that came with it. You cannot ignore your true nature daughter. My father's voice echoed, I opened my mouth to say something but no words came out and I turned on my heel and ran into the woods saying "Don't follow me," as I did.
Edward's POV
"Holy shit," Emmett said breaking the silence that had fallen on the backyard.
"Emmett," Esme scolded.
"C'mon did you see that?"
"Emmett we all saw it," Jasper said.
"No. But did you see it? Not really because she was so damn fast."
Irisviel and Oliver walked toward us, completely unfazed by what just happened with Serena.
"I told you all the princess might not look it but she's stronger than all of us," the girl sounded almost proud of Serena.
"I didn't think you actually meant that strong," I told her and she smirked at me.
"Serena was raised differently from the rest of us. As I've said before, Akira was the hardest on her, she had a lot she had to prove in order to please him. She's killed more nomads, newborns and won more fights than any of us. Not to mention her tolerance of venom. Dannazione. She was brilliant. Her and Oliver."
"Wait but you had us spar with him," Alice said confused.
"I'm better at teaching, I taught Irisviel and Sebastain." I watched as his memories flashed in his mind. "My sister is too much for that. I still can't beat her."
"Oliver, not to be offensive son but, how is your skill even possible when you're both…"
"Just half breeds?" Oliver smiled but there was pain in his eyes, I heard his father's words echo in his head. The twins had been through so much, yet, they were so strong. Serena especially.
"Well," he sighed contemplating whether or not to tell us, "you all know that Gabriel, Irisviel, my sister, and I have been through a lot with my father. His primary method of discipline...was using his venom. His talent was that his venom could cause immeasurable pain to whoever was bitten or exposed, it could also bind it's victim to my father. There's another thing that my sister and I didn't mention…" Iris shot an encouraging smile at him which made him feel so much more at ease, "We've both been bitten and tormented by doses of venom since we were a few weeks old. Iris, Gabriel and Sebastian since they were turned. Every time he added more. And more and more. We grew accustomed to it. Developed a sort of an immunity since it was in our bloodstreams so frequently. Now, theoretically, the venom is supposed to temporarily affect it's victims, prolonged incjection of it causes the effects to become permanent. Now, venom maddens it's victims, causes them to think of nothing except thirst and the thirstier a person becomes the more maddened they grow to be. With this madness somehow it's like the there was a barrier keeping us borderline beast and human and as soon as the venom kicked in we were just beasts. Nothing held us back we were stronger and faster."
"But it wore off," Emmett interjected, curious about the answer.
"If it was only a few times not over a span of years. Perhaps this was always my father's intention but, because of the constant presence of venom in our bodies, the effects became permanent. We became stronger, faster, and more ruthless than normal vampires.
"I'll take some venom," Emmett grumbled.
Iris laughed, "That's the thing, it wasn't a simple transition for us to become like this we had to be conditioned into these states. Years, and it wasn't as easy as flipping a switch, we almost lost ourselves completely to it."
"Jasper was on the floor with one hit," Oliver pointed out.
Irisviel scoffed, "That was nothing. Jasper how did you feel?"
"If I moved I would have ripped the head off of whoever came near me, without a second thought, not to mention the immesurable pain" He said. I felt my brothers pain, and understood through his thoughts just how potent the effects of the venom were.
"Like I said," Iris smirked, "Conditioning over a span of decades. But, even then, you all saw how the princess reacted to it, she's the most immune to the venom and if she had that kind of reaction, I have no idea what that means for the rest of us. Siamo condannati, we're doomed. Although that was probably a wake up call to it. Her body hadn't been exposed to in in a while so it probably had to rewire itself. Akira's venom is the deadliest weapon to a vampire who enjoys being sane and keeping their humanity." She jumped onto Sebastian's back, "This one's prolonged exposure didn't even get him near the level of the princess which really either points to the amount of conditioning a person needs or the fact that this bruto is really un debole." Sebastian immediately threw her off of him and she quickly recovered landing gracefully on a tree branch, laughing. Based on their thoughts I knew that they had been close as humans and they took responsibility for each other. They were the closest pair of friends I'd ever met.
"So that's how the five of us are a hell of a lot stronger than the average vamp," Oliver concluded and my father stared at him in awe. He was so fascinated with the twins and their coven.
"Do you all speak Italian?"
"Sicuramente," The said at the exact same time.
"The twins are the most fluent, we just learned along the way," Iris said shrugging.
"I'm sorry," Sebastian said suddenly bowing his head, "I didn't mean to cause a scene for you all." Seth laughed in the corner.
"Yeah right. I bet that's exactly what he wanted. He thought Serena would just go running back," Iris hissed in the corner and I heard that she didn't think Serena was going to go back to Seth.
"Shut it wolf," she spat, "we only tolerate you for the princess's sake not because we actually care for you. As soon as that's over so are you,"
"Wait a second," He shouted stepping forward.
"Oh not scared after all that you heard? Allow me to enlighten you–" Both poised for attack.
"Both of you stop it!" Alice and Oliver shouted glaring at them. Iris immediately composed her self shrugging in apology. Seth glared back at Alice who only smiled at him.
"Listen Seth, Serena didn't like your actions in the previous fight so if you want to get in my sister's good graces again I suggest you back the hell off," Oliver growled and Alice hooked her arm around his neck. She was pretty intent on Oliver coming to like her. She had a vision about her and the twins laughing together. It was no secret that Alice and Jasper were Serena's favorites. Alice and Jasper adored her in the way Bella and I adored Renesmee. Living with her actual family was getting complicated for all of us. Iris and Gabriel were loyal to Serena but still too hesitant to fully let us on and while I did worry about that since those two could easily turn on the family if they thought that was what was best for Serena, I tried to keep it at the back of my mind. Adjusting to them was going to be difficult.
Edward's POV
Serena didn't return and everyone was concerned over this but Oliver assured us that she was just blowing off steam.
"She's been through a lot in these last few months, most of it is my fault…" he said somberly. "My sister, she's...she always handles these things on her own. I try to handle things for her but, I realize now that when neccessary we can lean on all of you. I'm grateful for all you've done for us. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention her outburst. She really didn't want you all to ever see her like that. She's trying really hard to leave our troubling past behind us and this thing with Tobias has her worried and guilty…"
"Oliver we don't really care about her outburst in the way you both seem to think we do," Alice said, "We love you guys."
Oliver blushed slightly, "This is just something my sister has to deal with but please don't mention it."
I could tell that Oliver really loved his twin sister. She was the only person he'd ever drop everything for. Their telepathic connection was fairly interesting to listen to. It was like there was this constant wire connecting them to each other. Unconciously the twins would still feel their sibling's emotions and any pain that the other felt. They had mastered the art of muffling what the other sends across the wire only focusing on the urgent things. Conciously they'd always communicate the things they wanted to discuss privately between them. Mostly any concerns they had. Recently their conversations had revolved around Serena's love triangle but now Oliver remained silent simply assessing her feelings so as to keep an eye on her in case anything serious happened to her.
He moved outside to mess around with Gabriel and my brothers. Bella and the rest of the girls were listening to Renesmee play the piano while Iris hummed along. I looked out from the balcony Seth was brooding next to me.
"You know," I said in a low voice, "Serena won't be happy over your bursts of jealousy."
"I know. It's just…" he glanced around. How am I supposed to ignore the fact that this bastard had a whole lifetime with her before she met me?
"It's just one of those things that you have to adjust to...they have history and so do the two of you. He knows things about her and so do you. It's a balancing act…"
He frowned at me. I don't want to balance things out. She's my imprint. She's mine. I chuckled at his selfishness, Seth had always felt odd about the imprint situation. Now he had one of his own and he had completely changed. Serena consumed his entire being. I couldn't help but notice from time to time that he had a hard time actually distinguishing between his imprint and his love for her. He acted very different from how Jacob and the others acted with their imprints, at times it was concerning but, he really did love Serena so I ignored it.
"Well practice makes perfect," I said as Sebastian's thoughts echoed in my head.
What do you mean by––
"I apologize for my outburst," Sebastian said smoothly, "I know that it's not easy for everyone to mingle…"
Seth stared straight ahead attempting to curb his jealousy.
"Serena...she's always been like this…" Sebastian continued, "She really values the idea of family despite what her circumstances were. She attracted everyone around her, while her immense beauty did factor in it was her warmth, that drew us all in latching on and refusing to let go…" Only then did Seth glare at Sebastian, because his voice had changed into a tone similar to Seth's.
"Only she did let go...of you." He growled lowly.
Although he didn't have a problem hiding it I could hear the vicious thoughts that flashed in his mind over that comment. Sebastian surprised me by ignoring them and keeping a clear head.
"Listen, Serena and I were a big part of each other's lives for a long time. All that history, isn't just something easy to let go of. I have no intention of taking her from you. I just…" He paused his thoughts wavering slightly, he was selfless abandoning all of his own desires and wishes for her sake. "I'm not going to just abandon her all together...she's like my family," The boy smiled somberly and I noticed a shift in Seth's thoughts, a memory of a conversation with Serena he had earlier. He's my family Seth. It was interesting that the two said the same thing about the other...both felt bound by the past they shared. Seth grew increasingly irritated since I wasn't the only one who noticed that about their words. I shot a look at Seth warning him to keep a cool head. Sebastian only smirked.
"Edward right?"
"Yes," I answered chuckling when I heard what he was thinking.
"Serena tells me you know just about everything about a person before they can so much as introduce themselves."
"Everyone except my wife,"
"Ironic. You marry the one who is the mystery."
"Yes I suppose it is," I chuckled my thoughts shifting to thoughts of Bella.
"It's not easy you know?" He said interrupting me and staring at my brothers who were trying to get Gabriel to spar with them, the
"What?" I said for Seth's sake.
"For us to be here. You all feel like outsiders in her life. We feel the same way there's this world that's so different from ours here in Forks and Serena...she's adapted so nicely. It's like she's in this other world now. Away from all of us and that's hard to deal with since we don't want t lose her. I know that we're not going to because she's too fond of all of us to do so but, it's still something that requires adjustment on our parts. I know that you're aware of Iris and Gabriel's lack of trust and loyalty to you all. In all honesty I feel the same way they do. We weren't exactly raised to get attached or trust anyone. To us Serena the core of our existence, without her kindness and light we might have turned out to be totally different. Vicious monsters or something. She took care of all of us and while she won't ever admit it––"
"The reason my father tortured her so much was because she covered up for our mistakes," Oliver interrupted, "My sister didn't rebel out of spite it was so she could keep the rest of us out of Akira's sights. She fought him so hard so that she always got the severe punishments. Every time we did something wrong she mocked my father or took the blame. Which is why we're so protective of her. To the point where we don't ever trust anyone outside of our coven." He raised an eyebrow and smirked at me apologetically.
"It's alright. I understand," And I did. When Serena arrived I wasn't exactly very trustful of her motives, upon finding out about her family I wasn't jumping for joy and I did worry about my family when she got her memories back. I never actually realized how similar we were to Serena's coven of nomads until Sebastian. They were protective of their family and understood the responsibility that came with their strengths. "I'm glad you're all staying, truly. We care about all of you as much as we care about Serena," Seth shot me a betrayed glare to which I responded with a shrug. These people made Serena happier than she ever was with us or with Jacob. There was always pieces of her that were missing and now she found them and she's glued together. I really was happy about that, we all were. Carlisle is more than intrigued with the gifts that each of them presents. I felt sorry for Seth of course since I knew as much about Serena's conflicted feelings as Oliver and he did but, this wasn't about him it was about Serena.
"Thanks Edward...Seth…" Sebastian said warily anticipating his reaction.
"For what?" Seth scoffed. I could tell that Sebastian was trying very hard to maintain his composure despite the vicious thoughts
"For taking care of her when…" I couldn't. "We couldn't." Seth moved close to Sebastian and glared at him they were the same height and Seth was about the same size as Jacob now.
"I didn't do it for you, leech," Seth spat and stormed off bumping shoulders with Sebastian as he did. This would take a lot of adjustment and restraint for both families. I thought to myself as everyone else's thoughts flowed into me.