Author note: Thank you for making it this far! 3 chapters left! Please leave me feedback, as I'm planning on writing a sequel to this story.
A few days later I drove back to Wild Horse with Carlisle to speak with Billy, and maybe see Matthew to talk to him about the matchmaking. We drove right onto the reservation this time, knowing that it 'could' upset the tribe, but considering we are here on official business, we justified it.
I park right in front of Billy's house and hop out, Carlisle joining me. "Well this should be interesting," I comment.
Carlisle laughs lightly and nods in agreement.
The door of the home slams open and an angry-looking Stephanie runs out. Her short dark hair in her face, which looks covered in tears. "How dare you!" she shouts, seemingly directing the outburst at me.
I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "How dare I what?" I ask, innocuously.
"Bring 'him!'" she answers.
"STEPH!" Billy's deep voice echoes from inside the house. Stephanie stops and redirects her attention to Billy, who is walking out of the home. A few members of the wolf-pack are outside now, surrounding Carlisle and I.
"I've come back as promised. I technically don't need to have come as its none of your business what I end up doing with my life as a demi-spirit, but I came because you asked me to. And I heard I got matched with Matthew," I announce to him, explaining in detail for Stephanie's sake.
"Oh, you heard about that," he says.
"Yes, word gets around like that," I answer.
"I see you're feeling better," he says, changing the topic.
"I am, thank you," I answer. I feel fully recovered physically speaking.
Stephanie turns to Billy. "Why would a native get matched with this white person?" he asks.
"She's a demi-spirit, Steph. The elders made the decision based on the available selection," Billy answers.
"And more-so, I haven't agreed to anything," I add.
"Billy, we need to discuss the issue with the Volturi," Carlisle steps in.
"That's your territory, you deal with them. Don't let it affect us," Billy answers.
"Well the pack offered protection help for Alex, which means you're now involved too, if you're still the Chief," Carlisle says.
"What do you want from us?" Billy asks.
"Its not what I want, but more of having an understanding about what may happen," Carlisle answers.
"What?" Billy asks.
"Alex's safety is in jeopardy now that they know about us knowing about her, and considering she possesses powers as a human, she's highly sought-out by the guard," Carlisle starts.
"And if you're going to ask for permission to change her into a creature like you, I will say absolutely not," Billy demands.
"I'm not asking for permission," Carlisle says.
"If Alex isn't safe, she can stay here," Billy compromises.
"I'm not a pawn, I make the choice. I'm not going to hide for the rest of my life. I deserve a somewhat normal life, not living in fear," I intervene.
"Chief, understand both sides. The treaty is only valid between my coven and the tribe on this land," Carlisle adds.
"It sounds like you've made your decision. Alex, do you want to be one of them?" Billy asks.
I stutter for a second, contemplating the consequences of admission. "I haven't made my decision yet," I answer.
"If you do, you're bound under the treaty as well," Billy warns.
"And what if that isn't the best option for you?" I ask, provokingly.
"How?" he asks.
"What if turning me into a vampire turns me into a more spirit than expected? What if both sides offer good use to each other? Would you shun me for making a decision for my future?" I answer.
"We don't know what you'd be. If you can even be turned," Billy says.
"Putting that aside, would you reconsider editing the treaty to be more mutual in the event I need to be turned for my safety?" I answer.
"No, absolutely not. I firmly stand on this. There are other options, you're just jumping to the most convenient one," he states.
"The other options are not reasonable for Alex simply because you're inflexible to the treaty. Don't think for just your people, think about Alex as an individual and as a fellow spirit," Carlisle asks firmly.
Billy takes a step towards us on his porch. "Leave now. Matthew, you're no longer matched with this...mongrel," he says, turns around, and slams his door shut.
I look at Matthew, who looks like he's on the brink of tears. I look at him sympathetically, but I also feel confused. Did he imprint?
"You should leave," the pack leader says sternly.
I nod, and without making eye contact, jump back in my car and drive away. I'm holding my breath, trying to process everything.
"Do you want me to drive?" Carlisle asks.
"No, its ok," I answer.
"Alex, if you're upset-" he starts.
"Carlisle, I want to be changed," I interrupt.
"Honey, I know you're upset from what just happened. Making that decision in anger is not the way to go," he says calmly.
"No, I made the decision a long time ago," I answer. "This just solidified it. No matter that happens I won't win. I want to do this while I still have the ability to make my own decision," I say.
"I hear you. Let's talk about this with the whole family at home, can you do that?" he asks.
I nod.
I drive in total silence for about a minute. "Matthew looked extremely upset at the end," I mention.
"Do you think he imprinted?" he asks.
I shake my head. "I don't know, but I'm keeping it in mind. I feel so bad for him," I answer.
"Why's that?" Carlisle asks.
"Because Emmett proposed his feelings for me a week ago, and now Matthew might have imprinted on me," I answer.
"That's a difficult situation," he says.
"Indeed. And its not even the most important issue at hand right now," I answer.
"Alex, you're autonomous," Carlisle reminds me.
"I want all sides to be pleased," I say.
"Well there's nothing you could do to disappoint us, I'll tell you that right now," he says.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"And Billy gave you this opinion on the situation. To be honest, I don't think he sees your safety as an individual compared to the rest of his tribe," he says.
"It makes sense," I answer.
"It seems like the most informed decision has been made, and its been made by you," he says.
"I don't see this situation turning around in any way, shape, or form," I add.
When we arrive, Esme, Alice, and Jasper meet us in the living room. "I can sense your upset," Jasper notes.
"Yes, things didn't go as planned. Billy kicked us off the Rez," Carlisle says.
Esme gives her husband a hug, and then reaches out to me. I accept it full-heartedly.
"What's the tea?" Jasper asks.
"The tea is that the tribe won't accept a demi-spirit that is turned into a vampire, even for safety reasons," I answer.
"That's not surprising," he comments.
"That leaves me to make the decision for myself. And I would like to be changed," I announce.
"Yay!" Emmet yells from somewhere in the house, runs up, and picks me up to hug me.
I smile at him sweetly. For a man so adept to killing, his eyes are incredibly soft.
Edward and Rosalie come downstairs, holding hands. Rosalie looks so displeased.
"Alex, why?" Esme asks curiously, sitting down on the couch. I join her.
"Fear," I answer smugly. "You can't protect me forever, and I want to live independently with as little anxiety as possible," I add.
"This life isn't easy," she says.
"I'm aware. Neither is being me," I answer.
"I'm all for it. Why are you trying to dissuade her?" Emmett asks Esme.
"I'm not dissuading her, I'm trying to get her to think this through," she defends.
"Alex, you could be super powerful," Emmett says.
"Emmett, stop," Carlisle asks his son. Emmett looks at him displeased. "Alex, is this what you really want?" he asks me.
I nod, slowly. "If there is a reason not to, please tell me now," I answer, looking the family straight in the eyes.
Rosalie crosses her arms and puffs her chest out. "If I could turn back the clock, I'd stay human. Immortality is a curse in disguise. Its not for everyone," she says.
"What do you miss?" I ask her.
"Time going the same pace with the rest of the world. And being able to bear children," she answers solemnly.
"If I could give you my fertility, I'd do so in an instance. I'm not having kids," I answer.
"You're too young to say that," she fires.
"I won't allow you to undermine my sexual preference and decision not to have children," I respond sternly.
"Nice roast," Emmett whispers. "I think you'd be a great vampire. Your personality, your old-soul. You seriously act like one of us, just minus the super-ness," he says.
"And trying to kill yourself," Rosalie mutters.
Emmett turns to her and hisses.
"Rose!" Esme scolds.
My body droops from hurt. That was a very personal comment. "How dare you say something so personal?" I ask.
"Rose is just like that. Don't take it personally," Edward says, defending his spouse.
"Oh, that was very personal," I answer. I turn to Carlisle. "Would you change me?" I ask.
Carlisle steps towards me. He's been standing across from us this entire time. Alice and Jasper are sitting across from us on a 2-person loveseat. "Me personally, absolutely. I would like to get a vote from my family though," he answers.
I exhale in worry. There are seven of them total. Carlisle is a yes, Esme is a yes, Emmett is a yes. Jasper and Alice, probably. That leaves Edward and Rosalie. Rosalie I imagine is a no. The probability is still in my favor.
"I vote hell yes," Emmett says, and proceeds to pick me up and give me a big ol' bear-hug.
"I vote yes as well. You're family to me," Esme agrees.
"It would be nice not to want to kill you every time you're home," Edward says
"Same. Plus, you're an amazing little sister already," Jasper adds.
Alice stands up and walks to me. "You're a sister to me already too. Yes," she says and hugs me. I smile at her.
"Rose?" Carlisle asks, looking at her.
She exhales loudly. "Not that it matters, but no. Because if I got a vote, I hope people would've voted no for me," she answers.
I look at her with concern. Carlisle changed her after she was gang-raped, and yet she wanted to stay human with all the scars and trauma? Is she upset with Carlisle but takes it out on everyone else because Carlisle is her father-figure and the coven's patriarch?
"Well then, a six to one win," Carlisle says.
"When would you like to do it?" Esme asks.
"This summer, otherwise after I graduate next year," I answer. "Or as necessary."
Carlisle nods in understanding. He offers me a hug. "I'm so proud to have you in the family," he says.