Jacob POV

Cullen's bought me a plane ticket, I didn't even want to know how much a round trip last minute plane ticket across the country costed. I don't know how they did but it was a nonstop flight, so no layovers either, it was like Carlisle knew how to work soon as I left Embry's house I raced to Seattle, my flight left at 11 pm so I had a little over 5 hours to make it and it takes 4 hours to get to Seattle. I made it to the city, but traffic was terrible for 10 pm on a Sunday night. Security took the longest time, but in a way I was lucky because my flight had actually been delayed 2 hours. At least I made it, I was thankful. Boarding the plane at 1 am, I feel asleep right away. I know it was really my only chance to sleep, once I got to the city, I was going to be busy.

About 7 hours later, I was leaving the airport and felt bad for everyone else arriving in the city, it was cold and windy, with patches of snow left on the ground. As soon I was outside, I took a big whiff, for any sign of Raena, but no luck; the air smelled cold and harsh mixed with chemicals. I hailed a cab and went into the city to where I had a motel, a place called STRB Quarters on Broadway. Then my first stop would be Salem.

Raena POV

Apparently at some point in the night I fell asleep, but it wasn't for long, because I was woken up all too soon. Sue knocked and came into my room.

"Good morning, my neptem," she sang sweetly. "Time to get up and get the day started."

I groaned and rolled over," No."

"Oh ," she pulled off the covers," Not today."

I sat up quickly, realizing that this was not in fact Charlie's house and that was not in fact Sue.

"That's more like it," Cassia smiled. "Breakfast is ready on the table," she hummed as she took the comforter out of the room with her.

Before I passed out last night, I made a small decision, I was going to give it the day. See how everything went and give this family a chance because what Kalem said really stuck with me. I didn't want to run away and regret it later, not giving this different world a real shot. I gave Embry a shot when he told me he was different and it's been one of the best things that had happened, so why turn them away because they are witches?

I looked in my wardrobe, it was all so dreadful old and ugly I didn't want to wear any of it, I chose the best out of all the bad options and went down to breakfast. Adrian and Valerian were at the table and I saw a plate in the spot I sat in last night. It had bacon, eggs, toast and some strawberries, it looked good.

"Good morning," Adrian greeted me.

"Good morning," I gave a small smile, trying my best. Give it a chance.

"Are you ready for a day of fun," Adrian, looked to Val then me.

"Yeah, pater," Val said with his mouth full which Adrian scowled at, I let a small smile slip again.

Adrian turned back to me," Valerian has always loved the aquarium in Boston, it's quite marvelous."

"Their shark exhibit is so cool!"

"Boston is also rich with history, a lot of historical sites. Do you like history," Adrian asked.

I shrugged, while eating," It was always easy for me to get a good grade in school, all the answers were online."

"We have to take her to the skywalk, Pater!"

"Oh, what a great idea, it's such a lovely view from up there. There are some gorgeous areas in Boston, but not so beautiful in March."

"Why not?"

"Too cold," Val answered.

"It wasn't so bad the other day."

"That's because we have our own environment here," Adrian explained. "We live in our sort of bubble."

"Really?,"I was caught off guard again, I looked behind me out the window. The day looked warm and sunny, the wind was blowing through the trees. A bubble? What all can these people do? "So, it's really cold outside?"

"Yeah about 35 degrees," Adrian told me.

I looked down at my parachute shorts and snug t-shirt, "So I should probably wear something else?"

Cassia came in a took a seat beside me, she chuckled," I'm sure Eva or Charlotte could lend you something."

"And I'll take you shopping today while we're in the city. Get you some new clothes," Adrian offered.

"Oh, you don't have to do that," I tried to tell him but Emelie came in laughing as Kalem chased her around the corner and into the other room.

Adrian chuckled and took his last bite," All right, eat up, we're leaving in 10," he took his plate into the kitchen.

I finished my bacon and went back upstairs to find something else to wear, luckily Eva was just getting out of the bathroom.

"Hey! Can I borrow something to wear?"

She looked down at my outfit and smirked," Yes, girl... you need it." She dragged me into her room and opened her closet, full of jeans, leggings, sweaters, and hoodies. I picked out some leggings and a large sweater. I picked it because Eva was smaller than me and I didn't want to have to try on everything in her closet.

"Let's go!," I hear Adrian calling.

"Thanks," I said and went down the steps as everyone was putting on their coats.

Oh shit, I don't have a coat.

"Here neptem," Cassia handed me a long black fur coat that almost dragged me to the ground, it was so heavy. I played it off and put the coat on, the fur was so long it was brushing into my face. Then I whisked outside, into the sun, it seemed to get hot instantly under the pounds of fur I had on. Adrian and Cassia went around and drove up a large minivan, Cassia sat in the front with Adrian driving, Kalem and Valerian got in the second row while I saw in the last row with Emelie. She hooked herself up in her booster seat and put her headphones on, playing some game. I shed the coat and put it between us and looked out the window as we drove down the extremely long driveway. The car approached the the road and I felt a relief of tension in my shoulders as we drove out, I felt free. The feeling lasted 2 seconds because then I was overcome with shock as I saw it was snowing.

"Is that snow?," I asked as the light fluffy puff hit my window.

"Yes," Adrian laughed. "I told you, we live in our own bubble."

"Yeah," Valerian turned around. "But it's a secret and we can't tell anyone."

I looked to him and nodded," Sure, my lips are sealed."

"So have you really never been to a baseball game before?," he asked.

That was the question that lead my 30 minute car ride into the crash course of american baseball history. Val knew crazy facts about player and stats, homeruns and gossip about the players personal lives. It was hard to tune him out, he was just so intrigued with the topic with so much passion about everything he was saying. I never spent much time with kids before talking with Val, so it was kind of unsure how to tell him that I didn't care about anything he was saying and that I also wouldn't remember a word of it, so he just rambled on and I kept nodding. Everyone else in the car seemed to tune him out, Adrian had the radio on low, humming along while Cassia seemed deep in thought, Kalem and Emelie had headphones in and I was stuck here. It felt like he was going to drag on forever until we got into the city and I watched the building pass my by, it was a sad replacement for Chicago but it gave me a small glimpse of my home.

Adrian took us into the aquarium, it was actually kind of fun, Valerian was right, the shark exhibit was cool. I liked the seals best, we even got to go and meet one, he gave me a kiss on the cheek and when he tried to kiss Emelie she squealed and cried. I was watching the lionfish when Cassia came up to me.

"Very beautiful," she remarked.

"Yeah," I agreed.

"In a way, fish are just as magical as we are," she told me. "Breathing under water."

I turned to her," You can do that?"

"I can do most things," she gave a half smile. "I just wanted to thank you."

"For what?"

"I see the way you are here. I can see you with your siblings and...," she grabbed my arm. "It means so much to me," she almost choked up.

"Come one Raena! We're going to the gift shop!," Val came and grabbed my hand tugging me with him.

Walking through the shop I saw a security guard, standing at the doors, surveying for shoplifters, I looked over my shoulder to see Cassia laughing with Kalem as the looked through the trinkets. I could go now, they would have no chance to stop me. I could be done with this. Go back home. I set down the the necklace I was holding

"Raena! Look, Pater said I could get this shark!," Valerian showed me a stuffed animal and snapped me from my trance. He held the shark up to me, gleaming happily about his prize.

"Wow, that's cool," I smiled, then took a final glance at the security guard, before pushing the thought away. I said I would give this a chance.

"What do you want?," Adrian stepped up to both of us.

"Oh, I'm okay. All this stuff is so expensive," I said, checking the tag of a small seal figurine being $35.

Adrian picked it up," Nothing is more precious than memories," he told me and took the figurine to the check out desk. Valerian got his stuffed shark, Emelie wanted a sea turtle, while Kalem picked out a shark tooth necklace.

After the aquarium, Cassia suggested going shopping so I could get some clothes for my stay. I squirmed at the thought, that would mean I was staying here. Adrian jumped at the chance and we went to the Prudential Center.

"Prefect," Adrian parked the car. "And the skywalk is just around the corner."

We walked around, none of the stores were really for me, but Cassia suggested going into Loft. I found some cute sweater and a pair of jeans. I really didn't like them enough to spend that money on them, but Adrian said price was not important. I loved shopping, it was one of the few things I was good at. I like tight, short outfits, something to catch the eye; but there was a feeling inside me that Adrian would not buy me things like that. Cassia then took Valerian and Emelie to some kids store to look for some new clothes for school. Kalem left to go to a store called Bonobos which left me with Adrian.

"This is nice," he picked up a black leather jacket.

"It's cute," I was surprised. Whenever I shopped with my mom, she would almost pick up the most horrendous things, telling me they were cute or in style and I would cringe and walk away.

"Try it on," Adrian took my bags and helped me slip into the jacket. I found a nearby mirror, it did look good, like I was a spy or villain.

"Well that settles it, you need that jacket," Adrian laughed as I posed.

"It's really nice," I took it off.

"Which reminds me, we probably need to get some dresses and stuff."

"What for?"

"Do you want to keep wearing your grandmothers?"

"True," I agreed.

Adrian bought the jacket while I made sure to walk away to ignore the price and then we went to a store called White House Black Market and it was full of formal clothes. It wasn't really what I had in mind when Adrian said dresses, but I should have figured this was his style. I saw this beautiful knee length fitted olive green dress and immediately went to try it on, it fit perfectly, hugging my curves yet keeping it professional.

I stepped out and Adrian nodded," That is outstanding," he came closer. "That color is perfect on you," he smiled.

"Thanks. I admit, when we came in I did not thing I would find something I liked."

"Well, you've sold me. What about this," he handed me a purple dress covered in ruffles.

"Do I look like Barney?," I made a joke.

Adrian laughed and took the dress back," I guess it does resemble the dragon."

"Dragon? He's a dinosaur."

"Is he? I suppose I should know with how often Emelie watched the show."

"Pater," Kalem came in with some bags. "Glad I found you. I'm starving."

"I call to see where the others are," Adrian pulled out his phone and continued browsing through the racks.

I took the green dress off and put back on my other clothes and came out to find Adrian had picked out a few more dresses. None of them spoke to me so I browsed for myself, but nothing else really stuck out to me either. We bought the green dress and met Cassia at the Cheesecake Factory. I had never been there before but it was okay, afterwards the shopping continued. I went in to nearly every store, it took a few more times of Adrian reminding me that there was no limits before I really broke loose. Anything I thought was even slightly cute, he bought for me, the real trouble was when we to Sephora; I spent almost 400$ in that store alone, but Adrian didn't bargainn with me to put things back or fight me on the prices, he just smiled and asked me what else I wanted. The day was coming to a close and I could tell everyone was getting tired, even though Cassia, Adrian, Kalem, Val, and Emelie all got some things, the majority of the purchases were mine. I could have went on until the mall closed, but we chose to head back to the house.

"Pater, what about the skywalk?," Val asked.

"Perhaps another day," Adrian smiled as they loaded up the car.

Val and Emelie fell asleep in the car while Kalem played on his phone.

Adrian looked at me through the rear view mirror," I had a wonderful day with you today," he smiled.

"Yeah, it was fun," I agreed.

"It means so much to your father and I to have the whole family together," Cassia spun in her chair.

I nodded, not really knowing what to say. I had spent they day with them watching Valerian try on shoes and Kalem try to convince Adrian to buy him his own laptop; I saw the way Adrian disciplined Emelie when she threw a fit in the store over a barbie doll, seeing them out in the real world made them feel, way more real. I could see them as the family that they were, they weren't as perfect as I thought.

But they aren't really my family, are they? I didn't grow up with them, I'll never have childhood memories with Adrian or Cassia, I don't think like they do or even speak the same languages. Can I really consider them family?

Back at the house, I was putting away all of my clothes when Eva and Charlotte came in.

"Hey," Eva smiled.

"Hey," I nodded to her and Charlotte.

"Woah, look at all of this," Charlotte whistled.

"Wow, this is so cute!," Eva squealed picking up the purple sequin top I got. "You should wear it tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yeah, you have that dinner with the Coven of the Sacred."

Oh right... The other coven is coming?

"Oh," I shrugged," I forgot about it."

"Oh"," Eva mocked me. "Raena, the coven of the sacred is a big deal. Not just a 'oh'!"

"So you say," I hung up another shirt and put it in the closet.

"They really are," Charlotte agreed. "They are like the Greek Gods of witchcraft."

"How was today?," Eva switched topics.

I paused," Today was okay."

"Okay," Charlotte scoffed looking at the bags of clothes littering my floor. "By the looks of things, I would say things were better than okay."

"Leave her alone, Char," Eva whispered.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes.

"Well, you have to tell me everything!," Eva jumped on the bed.

I told her about my day, the aquarium and shopping and she listened, intrigued by it all. "Sound like fun! I remember when I would go on day trips with my family like that. Ahhh, the memories."

"Yeah, it was kind of fun," I admitted.

"Eva," Charlotte nudged her. "We gotta go."

"Oh right," Eva jumped up. "You'll have to tell us everything about tonight," she grinned.

"What? Wait, you aren't coming?"

"No, it's bloodline only. But I can't wait to hear all the details!," she finished before Charlotte dragged her out the room and shut the door.

I finished putting everything away, my closet was now limitless with options for me to choose from and I had me makeup scattered in bags. I thought about what Eva said, this was apparently a big deal that these people were coming, so I decided to wear my new olive green dress. Every since I put it on, I couldn't stop thinking about it, it was just so strange for me to like it so much. I paired it with the leather jacket and it was such a perfect combo I was shocked at how amazing it looked. I looked like a bad-ass business bitch who knew her shit and didn't take anything from anyone. I put on some cute new black booties and did my makeup. I went darker than normal, it was just the mood I was feeling, I gave myself some sultry black eyeliner and blended it out making my eyes smoky and mysterious. I put on some nude lipgloss and did a final once over before heading down the stairs.

Adrian was in the entry and he beamed happily when he saw me. "Filia mea, perfecta." (My daughter, perfect)

"Perfect? That's a good thing right?," I hoped.

"You look beautiful," he smiled and his compliment made me surprisingly feel warm. "That jacket looks good on you."

"Thanks," I smiled back. "So," I turned towards the door," The sacred people are coming or something?"

"They are already here," he told me.

"What?," I whipped around. I thought I was early.

Adrian chuckled," I was just about to come get you, come on, were in the lounge," he guided me to the room on the left on the staircase. Inside, there weren't many people; Cassia was in a long evening gown sitting in the far chair, she looked lovely. On the couch sat Kalem beside a man I'd not seen, in the other chair sat the older man I remembered from the feast, he was the priest of the famous coven.

I followed Adrian's lead as he guided me to the other couch across from Kalem and the guy, I sat next to him.

"So good to finally get a chance to speak with you, Regina," the old man looked me up and down. I didn't like his beady eyes that were sunken into his head and covered with wrinkles, he looked so old. Ancient.

"A proper introduction," Adrian turned to me. "Regina, this is Priest Nathaniel, leader and guider of the Coven of the Sacred, one of our most loyal and trusted allies."

Nathaniel didn't even flinch at all the praise Adrian gave him, he just sat there leaning over his cane, his eyes drilling into me.

"And this," Adrian Gestured to the one beside Kalem," is his first born son, Caio, the next great Priest."

I turned to Caio, he looked a little older, maybe in his mid twenties, but he was still cute. His jaw was chiseled and he was buff while he golden blonde hair was pushed back behind his ear, and his green eyes were dazzling. He was also in a suit, which made me feel good that I didn't follow Eva's advice and wear the sequin top. How did this guy come from that old dirtbag, he's gorgeous!

"Pleasure to meet you," Caio stood up and reached for my hand. I extended it to shake his hand, but he turned my palm down and lightly kissed my knuckles. I pulled away a little forcefully, not expecting that greeting, but no one seemed to notice.

God these people are getting weirder and weirder.

"Come, we must discuss," Nathaniel stood up, largely relying on his cane to stand.

"Yes," Adrian jumped and guided him out of the room across the hall and into the study.

"Caio," Cassia took the lead. "How are your studies?"

"Very well, Magnum sacerdos, I improve everyday."

"How lovely to hear," Cassia smiled charmingly. "But I do believe your reputation speaks for itself."

Caio smiled," Yes, but not all the stories are true. Word of mouth does seem to make me sound better than what I am."

"I doubt that to be true," Cassia turned to me. "Caio is studying to be the new Priest of his coven."

"Oh," I turned to him. What the fuck does that mean? I don't know any of this. "I'm in high school."

Caio nodded," I certainly don't miss that."

"It does really suck," Kalem added, then Cassia gave him a firm look. "So, Caio, have you mastered Lux yet."

Caio smiled," Not everyone can be as talented as you," he nudged Kalem.

"You'll get there someday," Kalem joked, then he stopped. "Avia, is something burning?"

"Will you go check," she asked him, keeping his eyes on Caio.

"I don't know much about cooking," Kalem told her.

Reluctantly, Cassia stood and went to the kitchen, I could now smell the faint whiff of char and smoke.

"Regina," Caio turned to me," I was-..."

I cringed," It's Raena, actually."

"What?," he stopped.

"My name is Raena, not Regina."

"Oh... my apologies."

"It's okay, it happens a lot," I looked to Kalem who had a small smirk on his face.

Adrian walked briskly out of the study and into the lounge, only poking his head in and looking at Kalem," Kalem, come with me for a moment. Excuse us."

Kalem got up and followed his father into the study, leaving me alone with some witch stranger. It was weird. I didn't know this guy and he didn't know me, we came for completely separate worlds, he was studying to become some witch and I was missing my Monday homework in Forks. Caio looked equally unraveled, he was leaning forward, his leg bouncing with nerves with his hands clasped in his lap as he looked around the room, anywhere but me.

Well, fuck it, I thought. They shouldn't have left me alone with this guy.

"So," I tried to break the silence then paused. "What makes your coven so special? I mean, basically everyone has told me that your coven is powerful or whatever, but is that it?," I asked.

Caio sat up straighter and rested his green eyes one me," Yes. We are the most powerful coven in the states."

"But not the world?," I asked feeling malicious.

I almost expected Caio to get angry, he seemed so formal and proper, he kissed my knuckles and said things like 'my apologies', but instead he laughed.

"No, we won't know until the Great Gathering, where witches will come from around the world, to battle for the title. It's quite amazing, the time is near. The celebration happens every 100 years, it's quite the even to witness. Every coven in the world will attend and in honor of our forefathers each coven will bring a blood sacrifice."

I was interested until I heard sacrifice, then the blood drained from my cheek and Caio laughed loudly.

"Oh, I see how it is," I smiled. That better be a fucking joke.

"The look on your face was worth it," he couldn't stop laughing.

"So no blood sacrifices?," I had to clarify.

"Of course not," Caio finally controlled himself. "But it's not everyday I get to run into someone who I can speak freely to and has limited knowledge."

"So, I'm an easy target."

Caio kept his eyes on me," Yes," he answered softly.

"Good to know," I nodded," crossing my legs and looking towards he kitchen. "I wonder if Cassia really burnt something."

Caio looked to the door and then to me with a furrowed brow," You call your avia by her first name?"

Avia? Oh.. grandma.

"Well... yeah I just met her a few days ago."

Caio nodded and brushed his hair back behind his ear," I get this is all... kinda of a lot for you."

"That's an understatement," I muttered.

"Well, I know your father is very excited to have found you," Caio looked to the study.

"Did he pay you to say that?," I joked.

"No," Caio missed the joke and shook his head, shaking some strands of hair loose.

Embry would have laughed, I thought. I miss him. I need to call him again, I bet he is worried sick. Charlie has to know by now...

"Are you alright?," Caio asked. "You look worried."

"Yeah... I just," I glanced to the study. "Has there been anything on the news about me missing? I mean, I'm not from this area, but..."

Caio shook his head, the looked me up and down," Are you missing?"

I felt a slight panic, how do I respond to that? I am missing! But... yet, I'm still here. I'm giving this all a try... but I'm still not where I'm supposed to be.

"That's... complicated," I responded and then looked to my lap.

There was a awkward silence hanging in the air until Caio said," You're dress is lovely."

"Thanks, I just got it today," I pulled down the hem to straighten it out.

"I thought the blue dress was very beautiful," Caio stated.

"Blue dress?"

"From the feast," he clarified.

"Oh... you were there that day?"

Caio face lit up with a smile," Yes."

"Sorry, it was such a busy day. I didn't really notice anyone."

"Well, it would have been rude to approach you."

"Rude? Really?"

"I guess I should say not customary."

"Oh, yeah I think Eva mentioned that."

Caio sighed loudly then faced me,"You seem like a lovely girl, Regin-...," he stopped himself. "Raena."

"Thank you," I meant it, he at least tried to get my name right.

"You seem like an honest person."

"Is that just a nice way of calling me a bitch?," I grinned.

Caio smiled and looked down," No, I mean it as a compliment. It's why I feel like I can be open and say it's so weird to think that-...," Caio stopped talking when the doors to the study opened.

Adrian and Nathaniel came out followed by Kamen; Adrian smiled," Is dinner ready?"

I shrugged," I don't know."

"Well, let's go see," he laughed and we followed him into the dining room, where Cassia was instructing Val on how to arrange the table.

"I was just coming to get everyone," Cassia smiled, then looked to me pausing on my me before looking at everyone else.

"Shall we?," Adrian pulled out Cassia's seat.

I went to sit by Cassia, but she shook her head not nodded toward the seat across from her. Okay? I went around the table and went to sit down when Caio pulled my chair out for me.

"Oh... thanks?," I sat down.

"Of course," he smiled and sat in the chair next to mine.

Adrian sat at the head of the table, I was on his left, Cassia was on his right. Kalem and Val sat beside Cassia and then Nathaniel sat a the other end of the table across from Adrian, leaving Caio beside me.