DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and all the characters.
Warning: Carlisle is in Coven Leader mode - Discipline discussion and whacks given
A/N: This chapter is very different from normal, as it evolves around the Coven Leader. At the bottom of the chapter is a divider line where I explain this AUs version of how Carlisle plays the two distinct roles. It explains why he is cruel in this chapter.
A/N: FYI - Everyone misbehaved and received punishment in a span of a few months. To continue writing new plots with more mischief, it makes the family seem dysfunctional and out of control. Think of this story as a discipline journal, as it skips all the non-misbehaved areas of their lives.
Point of View: The entire chapter is from Carlisle's POV in a first person perspective.
Nightlife VII - Coven Meeting
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Tonight I dressed the coven leader in a suit and tie, but everything was black. The clothes generally made no difference, but I wanted my family to see a physical contrast between their leader and father. Dr. Carlisle Cullen would never dress so bleak, and this would help my family in the future to avoid negative reminders of this meeting due to my clothing.
I stopped by Renesmee's room, and knocked on her door. My granddaughter promptly answered, and smiled at me in greeting. I embraced her warmly, and kissed her forehead. She returned the greeting, and in a quiet voice I gently instructed, "Nessie, it is time for bed."
Renesmee huffed as she glanced over her shoulder and looked at the clock, and then gazed at me curiously. She wrinkled her nose at my instruction and stated, "You don't have to worry about me Grandpa. Mom and Dad removed my bedtime last month, because I'm fifteen and know when to sleep."
"That was not a request," I stated firmly, and watched as her smile vanished. I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder while I enquired, "May I enter your room?"
Renesmee glanced up at me curiously to the request, but eagerly stepped aside. "Yes, of course Grandpa." She closed the door behind me, and I motioned for her to sit upon the bed. She flopped down, and folded one leg over the other. I smiled at her, and then she patted the bed as an invitation for me to join.
This action earned her a warm smile of gratitude, but I was unable to accept. I shook my head and mentioned, "I will not stay long, but I appreciate the offer." She looked somewhat disappointed, but patiently waited to find out what I wanted. I walked before her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as I spoke gently to her. "Nessie, you are now fifteen. In less than a year you will reach full maturity, and I will treat you no differently at that time than I do my children." She smiled up at me, and I returned the sentiment. I did not wish to scare her, and spoke gently in a soothing voice, "Nessie, do you know how I punish my children when they error?"
Renesmee's eyes widened at my question, and I heard her swallow. Her heart rate sped up, and I mentally kicked myself for having approached this the wrong way. She held her hand out to me, and grabbed my wrist as images filled my mind. I hung my head as I now learned of my granddaughter's vast knowledge in an area I tried to keep from her. Edward's screams from tonight, and those of other memories. I sucked in my breath as I heard of this, and knew Edward realized it all along. My heart tore for my son, as this was something I never meant to happen. The screams would scare anyone, but then she showed images of various children wincing when sitting, and her Uncle Emmett joking about such matters. She knew my methods. She pulled back her hand, and gazed at me innocently while she enquired, "Are you doing that to me for not going to bed?"
I shook my head, and smiled affectionately to her as I admitted, "no child, you are too young for such chastisements." I smirked at her and admitted, "It is the reason I must decline your invitation to sit with you tonight." She wrinkled her brows and stared at me curiously. I clasped my hands behind, and patiently waited while she came to an understanding. Her eyes widened as her lips curled upwards, and her hands pressed against her mouth while she attempted to suppress a giggle. She failed, but at least she tried. I smirked at her while she snickered, "what did you do?"
Admittedly, the conversation could have gone worse. I smirked at my granddaughter and admitted, "I did nothing wrong. I was unable to carry out a task, without first knowing the results. Esme assisted with this, and due to the demonstration, I find myself in a slightly delicate position. Renesmee, our relationship will change when you become an adult. I will make the same agreement with you that I have with my children." I smiled warmly at her confused expression and stated, "It is a good thing."
Nessie looked up at me and quietly enquired, "what if I say no?"
I smiled fondly to her and mentioned, "That is your choice. Our relationship of granddaughter and grandfather will never change. I will always love you Nessie." I placed my hand on her head as I mentioned, "Now off to bed with you. The Coven Leader needs to call a meeting."
Nessie wrinkled her brow and attempted to avoid sleep as she stated, "I'm a member of this coven. Shouldn't I go to that meeting too?" I stood once more to my full height, and gazed down at my granddaughter. "Grandpa, why can't I attend this meeting? Is it just for full vampires?"
I slowly closed my eyes, and reopened them. I gazed once more at my granddaughter, as I calmly stated, "No that is something I am unwilling to consider. You are not yet old enough for this meeting. Nessie, go to bed."
"When I'm tired," Nessie stated with hopefulness in her voice. She peered up at me through her lashes and pleaded, "Please Grandpa, don't send me to bed. I'll stay in my room, and I won't interrupt your meeting."
"You have five minutes, and I expect you in bed with your lights out," I stated, as if not having heard her last request. She pouted sulkily at me, and slowly turned back to her room. "I will return in five minutes to tuck you in, and I do not want you sneaking out to watch the meeting. Is this clear Nessie?"
"Crystal clear, but I still do not think you are being fair. Ten is so unreasonable," she softly protested. I glanced at my watch and she huffed, "ten twenty, but that is still way too early. Grandpa, can I at least read or something?"
"No," I stated. She frowned at me, but obediently walked to her dressing room and placed a hand on the knob. She glanced at me over her shoulders and enquired, "Why don't you want me to hear the meeting?"
I smiled patiently at my granddaughter as I explained, "It is not me who plans to hold the meeting. It is the coven leader, and he is not pleased with my children. Nobody wishes to attend." I glanced at her questioningly. Her eyes widened, and she gave me a slow nod of her head to show that she understood. I let myself out while she vanished into the dressing room. Five minutes later, I had to wait in line behind Edward, Bella, and Esme who all came to say goodnight. It was closer to eleven by the time the adults left the room, and I moved toward my study. Along the way, I checked with my other children to make sure none engaged in private activities. With vampires, that is always a possibility.
I entered my study, picked up the strap, and buried it under my arm while I carried it to the kitchen. I placed it in the cupboard. I stood at the oval island, and folded my hands on its surface. I lifted my head, and called out with the voice of the coven leader. It was deep and I enunciated each word carefully." A Coven Meeting will begin immediately in the kitchen."
It took less than five seconds for the coven to gather around the island. I noticed the odd look of confusion, but none questioned my decision. I looked at Bella and instructed, "Shield my mate and me." I waited until I felt it surround me, and then I began the meeting. I let my gaze land on each member, as I studied him or her for a full minute before moving to the next. Esme was the one exception, as she proved more of a distraction.
I firmly clasped my hands before me, and rested them on the counter as I stated in a deep and clear voice, "The actions of my coven displeases me." I glanced at my members, and watched as the realization settled over the room for the reason of this meeting. They stared at me with trepidation. I continued, "Tonight, I punished one of my own for deliberate disobedience. This was an act for which there was no excuse, and a matter that went above your father's authority." I turned my focus to Edward, and stared at him while I said, "Edward used his full vampiric abilities before mortals. He also growled and snarled, as you heard on the video."
I snapped my attention back to the group and rose my voice as I firmly stated, "This is not acceptable!" I moved to the cupboard and withdrew the strap. Inwardly I shivered, but I kept up my outward appearance as I set it down in the middle of the island. "This substance is harder than your skin. I watched in silence as your Father slowly lost control of my coven. I will tolerate this no longer!" I snarled to my members. With a deep growl I stated, "Your cheating brought about Child Protection Services. Your carelessness in New York caused the Volturi to step in, and endangered all our lives." I picked up the strap, and stepped back a couple of feet. I motioned to the spot I just vacated and instructed, "Jasper, stand before me and lean over the counter."
I called the major first in the hopes that he knew my expectations. I watched as he swallowed, and then with the brave determination of a soldier he approached me. He stood a foot from the counter, and leaned against the surface on his forearms. "Tonight you will know my methods, and what to expect when you break my laws. Your father was too soft. This ends now." With that, I brought down the strap with double the force I used on Edward earlier. I heard Jasper grunt, and watched as his body stiffened for the next. Calmly I stated, "That is all Jasper." I then motioned to the next child and stated, "Rosalie, you are next."
Rose's gaze dropped to the ground, as she moved ever so slowly toward me. I slapped the strap against my thigh, and she practically ran to the counter. Fearful tears ran down her cheek, as she laid her arms against it as Jasper did before her. The strap whistled loudly, and I watched as her body tensed in preparation. The crack of the strap sounded deafeningly, but not nearly the volume of Rose's yelp of pain. The force applied to her was the same as I gave Jasper. I dismissed her, and she hastily moved back to her place. Tears ran down her cheeks when I called, "Bella, take the position."
Bella fearfully shook her head at me, and gasped with her mouth open as her eyes watered. I suspected she would have the greatest difficulty, as the newest adult member of my coven. I folded my arms across my chest and raised my left brow to her. My voice remained deep, "Bella, such disobedience is not acceptable. I will not tell you twice." I watched as Edward and Rose gently assisted Bella with a push in my direction. She faltered, and eventually made it to me. She stared at me. I raised both brows as I glared at her, and watched as she quickened her pace and bent over the counter.
The whistle sounded once more, as I used the same force as before. She squeaked loudly, and rose from her position. In an eerily cold voice I stated, "I did not tell you to rise." She hastily leaned back against the counter. I stated, "I will not tolerate disobedience. You will do what I say, or face the consequences." The whistle of the strap sounded loudly as Bella sucked in her breath. It landed with equal force, and her scream pierced the night air. She sniffled and held her head down to hide her disgrace. The strap cracked against her backside for a third time, and she cried out in agony. Tears fell from her cheeks, and she sniffled in trying to keep back the venom. Calmly I instructed, "You may return." I skipped Edward and motioned to Emmett, "take your place."
Emmett tried to act as if this did not bother him, but he overdid the part and his nervousness showed through easily. He took the position, and I cracked the strap hard against his backside. He gasped loudly with the unexpected pain, and then I dismissed him. I pointed the strap at Alice and said, "Alice, it is your turn." She squeaked and tugged at the hem of her shirt. She briskly walked toward me, and leaned against the counter to accept her warning. I did not disappoint her, and her yelp echoed off the walls. She did not hesitate when dismissed, and ran back to her mate.
I placed the strap in the middle, and informed my members, "You now know the bite of this strap. Edward received ten earlier this evening, and is not in need of this warning. Your father will use his discretion in dealing with your transgressions. He will decide which misdeeds need my attention. I continued to speak as the coven leader when I enquired, "Is this clearly understood?" I made eye contact with each member, and received his or her verbal confirmation.
"Now for other matters," I stated. I watched briefly as Edward attempted to calm down his mate, and then I continued to speak, "Edward and Bella made some foolish decisions. I heard as they cheated on a test speaking at subhuman levels. They went to a party where Edward attacked a human, and then used his abilities before everyone in attendance. Fortunately, no harm came to the human. You all know better than to act in this way, and as punishment I had Edward withdraw from his program. Edward no longer attends University." Emmett glared at Edward, as I could only assume he now envied his brother.
"Each of you now has the choice, as your identities are all over the age of sixteen. I will allow you to drop out of school, if you can offer an activity. You need the approval of your father." I paused to let that settle and then stated, "This concludes tonight's meeting." I picked up the wretched strap, and left without another word. I gladly shed the mantle of the coven leader, and returned to my study. I stood in the middle of the room in contemplation, as I no longer knew where to place the bloody thing. I certainly did not wish to look at it, so hanging it on the wall was not an option.
I caught Esme's scent, and slowly closed my eyes, as I had not told her of my plans. She entered the study and stood beside me as I opened them. I inhaled deeply and turned to face my wife. I glanced at her and stated apologetically, "Esme, I had to warn them."
She placed a hand upon my shoulder as she admitted, "I understand Carlisle. I never enjoy the Coven Leader, but I know he is a necessity." She pressed her lips together in thought, and then enquired of me, "did you have to go so hard on Bella?" I gave her a slow nod of my head. She sighed and looked at what I held in my hand. Curiously, she enquired, "What do you plan to do with that?" I shrugged my shoulders helplessly, as my eyes glanced around the office. She smirked at me and mentioned, "I have some hooks. We can hang it against the wall of your closet, right beside the frame. You won't see it, but if you ran your hand against the wall you will find it."
I smiled approvingly at my wife. She used her abilities and returned in seconds with the needed items. I observed as she worked the wood with the skills of a master carpenter. Esme reached for the strap, and I handed it to her. Her face turned to one of disapproval as she glared at me while she spoke in a volume meant for my ears alone, "Carlisle, I understand the warnings given tonight, but I do not approve of what you did with Bella." She glanced at the strap, and then walked it to the closet where she hung it up.
I watched her anxiously, as I needed to know her thoughts. She returned to my side, and wrapped her arms around me in an affectionate embrace. I smiled warmly at her, and leaned in for a kiss. It was a relief to know she was not angered. We shared gentle affections, and passionately affirmed our love for one another. The morning approached as my wife pulled back and enquired, "Carlisle, have you no homework? The last two nights have kept you busy with the children, how are you with your assignments?"
I smirked at my wife and mentioned, "Sometimes the mother in you is worse than the coven leader in me." She grinned impishly at my confession, and gently pulled away while I moved to my desk and gathered my work. I placed it into the briefcase and walked toward the door when I noticed her enquiring gaze upon me. Sheepishly I motioned to the chair and admitted, "I need to find another place." Esme giggled lightly as I made my way to the door. She well knew my reasons.
I returned to the kitchen and set out my assignments on the island counter. My first class was that languages one I skipped last Tuesday, so I pulled out my homework and began on that. I deeply regretted missing the lecture, as I found the assignment puzzling. I grabbed my laptop from the briefcase and turned to the Internet for help. I heard the approach of another and glanced up to see Emmett and Rose as they stared at me. I stood once more to my full height as I curiously enquired, "are you two heading out somewhere?"
Emmett grinned at me and walked around to look at my laptop as he mentioned, "Yeah pops, Rose and me are going hunting. We might get some private time too." He glanced at me and asked, "Are you waiting for us to speak with you about our activities?" I shook my head, and he stared at me in puzzlement. "Dad, why would you work at the counter? You have your study, the library, the dinning room table, and your bedroom. This does not give you any privacy, and the counter is not at the right height for writing or using the laptop. I don't get it."
I smirked at my son as I admitted, "the strap disgusted me, but the material was unknown. I needed to feel its bite before I used it on Edward. Esme assisted me." I watched as Emmett's eyes widened and he loudly sucked in his breath. I smirked at my son and admitted, "This is the most comfortable spot tonight." He slowly nodded his head in understanding. Within minutes, he and Rose vacated the kitchen and went off for a bit of fun.
Bella came to see me for her appointment, and she too seemed pleased to handle the homework discussion while standing at the island counter. The meeting did not last long, but at its completion, I saw as she glanced at my work. She grinned accusingly at me and enquired mischievously, "It looks like you hardly started on that assignment. Is that your homework for today?"
I grinned at her sheepishly and held my finger to my lips, "let's keep this between us." She snickered at me, and enquired how much I had left. I ran a hand through my hair and admitted, "It will take a few hours."
Bella laughed lightly as she teased, "Dad, we only have a few hours before class. You have not been a good student lately. First, you cheated. Then you skipped all but one class on Monday and some of your classes on Tuesday." I smirked at her in response as she continued to tease, "Now your homework isn't done. Carlisle, I will laugh if you receive an incomplete."
"He better not," Esme teased as she walked into the room.
I playfully grumbled at my wife, as I glanced at my assignment. With a mischievous smirk at Bella I mentioned, "I will blame it on the dog." I thought of my words and groaned, as I lowered my head to the counter. "Ugh, I should have asked them for help with this assignment. It is too late now."
Bella glanced at my work curiously. Esme walked to my side and enquired with concern, "Carlisle, are you having difficulties with the assignment?" She seemed rather surprised by my admission, and glanced to see what it was I worked on. She noticed my scribbles, and the smudge marks from the eraser as I glanced at it sheepishly. This was not the privacy of my study, and I suddenly felt awkward as she looked over my homework. She set it to the side and asked, "What other assignments do you have for tomorrow?"
Bella quietly giggled, and I understood why. Esme might not have realized her actions, but she now went through my work as I did with Bella. I closed my books and mentioned, "Esme, do not worry. I will manage."
Bella placed her hands over her mouth, and stared at Esme as the two women began to giggle.
I rolled my eyes at the women, and motioned to my studies as I admitted, "I do need to work, and this is the only spot where I can do so without needing to sit."
Bella stared at me curiously as Esme explained, "Bella, it was not a punishment. Your father refused to allow the coven leader to punish Edward tonight, until he felt the full effects of the strap for himself. His pain is due to the love he has for his children, as he did not wish to abuse his son."
Bella stared wide-eyed at me as she enquired, "You took Edward's punishment?" I quietly nodded my head, and heard the gasp of my daughter. Hers was not the only one, as I now realized the entire family knew. Bella hugged me tightly, and then she vanished up the stairs.
Esme embraced me warmly, and kissed me chastely on the cheek. "I will leave you alone to work on this." I returned the kiss, and smiled at her words. It took a few hours, but I managed to complete my assignments. I immediately located my wife, and we eagerly shared our affections before I headed off to class.
AU description of Carlisle's coven leader and father roles
He does not have a split personality. In the books and movies, you see Carlisle the carefree and loving family guy during good times, and Carlisle the serious and determined coven leader. He actually seems rather grumpy while in this role. In this AU, I play up on that. In Father Mode, he is loving and compassionate. He prefers that mode, but when necessity strikes, he must take on the coven leader's mantle of authority.
He rarely enters this mode, as he uses it for extreme situations. Due to this, his members have a great deal of respect for and fear of their coven leader. He also enforces different sets of rules, such as none speaks unless the coven leader permits. He will not accept arguments, disagreement, or moments of hilarity in this mode. Punishments are harsh. He is exceedingly dominating and terrifying in his Coven Leader role. Carlisle's coven is very friendly compared to others, but even he needs to vamp it up sometimes. That is what this second role allows. Esme is very submissive to the coven leader, but she holds the father accountable for what the coven leader does.
He is very careful to keep the two separate. For this AU's Carlisle, that means an impersonal and strictly authoritative coven leader. He is all business, and shows no compassion, mercy, or love. It is a very difficult role for Carlisle, and his family respects it even more because of this. He deliberately separates the two, and severely deepens his voice and speaks exceptionally clear and precise as a coven leader. His family understands the roles, and knows his expectations. There is no confusion between Carlisle the coven leader and Carlisle the Father. They fear one and love the other. Carlisle and his family speak as if they are two separate people, although everyone knows otherwise.
The only exception is Esme, as she is the one Carlisle leans on for strength. The coven leader takes a great deal out of him, and she is there for him. She distances herself from the coven leader, so Carlisle can do what he needs. However, once he returns to the father mode she offers comfort, support, strength, advice, and discipline. She obeys the coven leader, but she holds Carlisle the father accountable for anything the coven leader does. No other member of the family would dare question the father about the actions of the Coven Leader. Esme alone has that privilege. They may plead their case to Mom, but Esme is the one who ultimately approaches Carlisle.
