The months soon passed for the Cullens and it wasn't long before the snowy winter days arrived. Katerina had been kept busy throughout, between duties as a new auntie as well as caring for those she'd taken in herself; the vampire hadn't noticed how fast the time had flown.

Despite the excitement of the upcoming holidays and their ever-growing family, not everything within Forks had been all good news. Katerina had spent a few weeks consoling Seth, who had been a crying mess upon the tragic news of Sue Clearwater's death.

It had seemed that after her husband, Harry, had left the world that the woman had never been the same. Leah had confided in Katerina that their mother had never been particularly hands-on, and had often been forgetful towards her children, however, she had genuinely cared for them both and to see her wither away was a hurtful experience.

Seth, once he'd allowed his tears to dry and his initial heartbreak to resolve, had admitted to Katerina in hushed whispers that he was, in a way, relieved that his mother had gone because he'd known she had been miserable and was only hanging on to life for her children's sake. Seth had felt so awfully guilty for feeling a sense of relief for his mother's death but Katerina had reassured him that it didn't make him a horrible person – only considerate and caring, as he cared more for his mother's mental state than his own struggles with their loss.

Of course, this had left Katerina in a difficult position. While she'd taken a fondness towards Seth and cared for the boy genuinely and wholeheartedly, she'd never considered actually taking him in as she had with Lillian. After all, the boy had his own family and Katerina wouldn't dream of interfering in that.

That had all changed now.

Now, Katerina had promised two orphans that she would care and protect them with all her might. Katerina had promised these two vulnerable people care and affection, a family. And if there was one thing Katerina took seriously, then it was her family.

Leah might be able to look after herself, but Katerina didn't think that meant she should have to. The girl had lost everything in the last few years and the last thing she deserved was to struggle through life on her own, worrying over her little brother as well as their involvement in the supernatural. Seth, too, shouldn't have to worry every day about what they'd be eating or where they'd be sleeping.

Of course, the house they'd been living in at the Reservation was still rightfully theirs by law, but that didn't mean either teen could go back. They had split from Sam's pack and to go back to the Reservation at this point could only mean trouble.

Katerina had spoken to her father for advice and Carlisle agreed that it was best for both of the wolves to stay with her, especially as Jacob wouldn't be leaving the Cullen's side anytime soon, allowing them both some comfort and direction.

She'd wanted them both to feel at home and so had had her brothers help to build a small cottage similar to the one gifted to Edward and Bella, which would allow both Clearwater's some semblance of privacy for however long this antagonism would last between Sam and the Cullens. It had been mostly in regard to Leah, who Katerina could sympathise with, as the young woman had been saddled with rough-housing it with the boys for far too long.

The girl deserved a little self-care.


"Seriously, you don't have to do this..." the girl looked away uncomfortably. "I can't afford to pay you back."

"Nonsense," Katerina waved away the concern and continued looking at the passing shop windows in interest. "I don't expect you to pay me back."

"But-" Leah began but she was cut off by her brother's excited shout from up ahead.

"Hey Kat, look at this!" The boy was holding up a yellow basketball jersey that read 'Lakers' across the front.

Seth was grinning widely as he held the jersey to his front, posing with a thumbs-up as Lillian clapped beside him in approval. Katerina held back in cooing at both of them acting so silly, finding their easy friendship a blessing.

"It suits you very much, Seth. Come put it in the basket," she said kindly.

Seth whooped for joy and carefully put the jersey inside the basket Katerina was carrying on her arm before he was pulled along by Lillian who was eagerly pointing towards the novel section, ignoring Seth's whine of protest.

"Seth!" Leah wore a scandalised expression at her brother's flippant attitude towards purchasing such expensive things with someone else's money.

"Don't worry about him," Katerina reassured the girl who looked seconds away from wringing Seth's neck. "I assured him that he could purchase whatever he wanted. He protested much at first, but I believe Lillian reassured him that we could more than afford it."

Katerina smiled beautifully as she watched the two teenagers backs, the redhead attempting to balance a pile of books within Seth's arms, the boy's face slack in boredom as she rattled off animatedly.

"It's nice for them to act their age for once, isn't it? Teenagers love to shop, so what's the harm in letting them run a little...wild?"

Leah grumbled but didn't protest any further. Katerina watched her in amusement. "Now, what do we need to pick out for you? Do you have any particular fashion tastes? A certain aesthetic, perhaps?"

"Aesthetic...?" the girl asked cluelessly.

"Oh dear...this may take longer than I realised. But not to worry, I'm sisters with two of the biggest fashionista's I've ever met," she joked. "I was also born in the late 1700s which was the peak of audacious aestheticism if I do say so myself."

Leah's brow rose as Katerina continued talking about fashion and how to find your own aesthetic, many of the odd words going completely over her head as she instead took to simply watching the vampire float gracefully around the clothing racks, dainty hands flicking through the assortment of clothes with practise ease.

She felt slightly uncomfortable being around the other woman, highly aware of her cut off shorts and worn-out shirt in comparison to Katerina's fitting high-waisted pleated trousers that were a pretty pastel pink and a white, sheer top. She was even sure the vampire had somehow implanted small crystals or jewels within the curls off her hair because whenever she moved slightly to the side, Leah was sure a glitter and sparkle followed from the corner of her eye.

She'd at first thought the vampire had been caught off guard from the sun's reflection – and what a sight that had been the first time she'd seen Katerina and Lillian sparkle like disco balls – but the weather outside was dreary and the sky grey, no sun in sight.

Instead, walking alongside the woman, Leah was sure she'd brought the sun herself.

She was taken from her thoughts when a pair of slim-fitted black trousers were placed by her body alongside a pale blue cami top. The clothes were silky to the touch and looked expensive. Katerina whistled lowly.

"I knew I was good at this but I must commend myself once again," she commented lightly, eyes raking across Leah's form, visualising what the girl would look like wearing her chosen outfit.

The fitted clothing would only highlight her slim yet toned form and bring attention to her long legs, while the open neckline of the cami would show off collarbones and bring attention to her slim neck.

Yes, I truly am a genius. Katerina thought to herself in smug satisfaction.

Fast footsteps alerted both women to the return of their other company and Katerina met the excited face of Lillian with a smile of her own, one filled with indulgence and fondness. Seth shakily walked alongside her, trying his best to carry the skyscraper of books within his arms.

"Even with my wolf strength this is kinda difficult," he moaned aloud, ignoring Leah's snarky 'say it louder why don't you? I'm not quite sure everyone heard you'.

He yelped when Lillian smacked his shoulder, glaring at the redhead wearily.

"Stop whining. We got your basketball jersey, didn't we? And that games console you've been wanting forever," she reminded him, sniffling disdainfully in a very good impression of Rosalie. "Now it's my turn and you can't expect a lady to carry her own things, can you?"

"Lady? Where?" Seth grumbled and yelped again when Lillian smacked him another time, both teens beginning to argue animatedly.

Katerina watched on fondly, knowing that despite their bickering, the pair got along like long lost twins, managing to find things to talk about and bond over despite their very different upbringings and personalities.

It was truly something to marvel over and Katerina was thankful she'd been able to help them both become comfortable enough to enjoy acting their ages. They were allowed to be innocent like real teenagers were and could, even if only for this moment in time, forget the worries of their world and enjoy life like children.


Katerina had continued spending the passing months mostly with Lillian, Seth and Leah, wanting to focus her time and attention on those three while the rest of her family focused mostly on Renesmee. That wasn't to say that Katerina didn't join in, she was just as happy with their newest family member, however, she knew that her family would be around for centuries to come, while the Clearwater's, regardless of their extended lifespans as wolves, were mortal.

"I can't wait until Christmas break," Seth said from his position with his head laid upon her lap.

The boy had denied her request at first, flustered at being coddled like a baby but had soon given in, making a big show of sighing as though put upon when Katerina knew just as well that the boy enjoyed her affectionate gestures.

"Is there anything, in particular, you wish for the holiday?" she asked.

Seth pursed his lips, looking up to meet her golden eyes. Katerina had been relieved that her eye colour had finally changed back once Bella's blood had been completely flushed out of her system as well as her renewed vigour of intaking animal blood.

"I'm not sure...you've spoilt us too much recently I can't think of anything."

Katerina laughed at his answer, brushing back the dark bangs that covered his forehead. Her touch was cool against his naturally high temperature.

The weather had taken a turn for the chillier, with snowfall a regular occurrence during the days and nights. Nobody was particularly affected however, as the vampires didn't feel the chill whatsoever and the wolves' internal temperatures ran so high that the cold was more an annoyance than a real issue.

"Well, there was one idea I had..." she trailed off as she took in his expression. Seth rose both brows and sat up from her embrace, turning his body fully towards hers. "What?"

"Jasper and I were discussing possibly taking an extended holiday sometime soon. Perhaps we could schedule the beginning to coincide with your holiday break? I can assure that you'll get back in time for the start of school."

Seth's eyes went wide and a brilliant smile bloomed onto his face. "Really? Woah, that sounds awesome! Who will be going? Is Lillian coming, too? She would be, right?" he babbled on and on excitedly. "Wait, is Leah coming too?" he asked with a scrunched-up nose. "Does she have to?"

Katerina flicked the boys scrunched nose in reprimand. "Don't be harsh towards your sister, she only wishes the best for you. And yes, she will be coming...if that is what she wishes."

Seth grumbled good-naturedly but soon the thought of a holiday turned his mood back around. He paused before turning to Katerina with a tilted head, looking like a puppy awaiting its treat. "Where are we going?"

Katerina laughed and ruffled his soft hair. "Well, seeing as though myself and Aleksandr are from Europe, I thought travelling back to my roots would be fun."

Seth's mouth hung open in shock. "Europe? Really?!"

"Yes...is that an issue?" she asked in concern.

"No! No!" Seth shouted quickly. "I just- I just thought we would be staying within the US...I've never travelled outside of Washington so I was excited...but to another country? Awesome..."

"I'll leave it to you to decide where you'd like to visit first, then, as you will only have a couple weeks off for Christmas break." At Seth's frown, Katerina laughed, already guessing the reason for his pout. "Don't worry, we can travel again on your next break and for as long as you like once you finish school," she reassured.

Seth whooped in joy, jumping to his feet and beginning to dance on the spot. Katerina laughed at his silly antics, finding the boy's unabashed enthusiasm endearing. She heard a soft patter behind her and tilted her head slightly to spot their visitor.

Arms wrapped around her neck sneakily and a firm body pressed up behind her, a chin resting against her shoulder as they watched Seth continue to dance unaware in front of them.

"He's certainly a funny one," Alex whispered softly against the side of her face, too quiet for even the wolf to hear, especially with his current volume.

Katerina giggled softly, agreeing with her brother's words. "He's very...cute."

"Mama Katerina and all her itty-bitty supernatural children," he cooed into her ear. Katerina swatted at his face, pinching the boy's ear between sharp nails.

"Don't think yourself above a scolding," she reminded him with a raised brow. "I remember playing mother to you plenty of times during our first couple decades. Who would've thought a grown man turned immortal being couldn't look after himself without his sister's help?" she mocked.

Alex puffed his cheeks out and averted his eyes in embarrassment, refusing to acknowledge the truth. "You said you'd never speak of that again," he hissed.

Katerina animatedly looked around them, exaggerating the obvious; other than Seth, they were completely alone.

"Whatever," Aleksandr gritted out. "I'm not a baby anymore, haven't been for literally centuries."

"You'll always be a baby to me."

"We're twins," he stressed.

"Physically? True. Mentally? I still hold the belief that you're less mature than me by at least...half."

Alex snorted doubtfully, gazing at her from the corner of his eye. "Half," he repeated scornfully. He looked away with pursed lips. "Half..." he repeated again, as though unable to grasp the concept.

Katerina smothered her laugh, wanting to point out that he was currently proving her point right at this very moment.

Honestly, all the men in my life are idiots...no wonder I'm always so stressed out. She thought in amusement as she watched her brother mutter petulantly to himself and Seth dance excitedly as he sang about all the places they'd visit and all the great food they'd eat.

Katerina let out an airy giggle of pure happiness and let herself enjoy the happy atmosphere that surrounded her family.