A/N: A quick thank you to everyone who added this story in their alerts and/or added it to their favorite list. It truly means a lot to me.

I will be posting three outtakes for this story- all of them covering a different time frame in Peter and Bella's future life. This first one takes places roughly twelve months after Bella's change. I hope you like it and thank you for reading!

Outtake 1- And the waiting period ends

Charlie's POV-

"Are you sure?" I asked, turning slightly to look at her; the nervousness and hesitation thick in my tone.

I could not take any chances today. I had to be a hundred percent sure of this. I could not afford any mistakes that had even the minutest possibility of occurring.

"Yes Charlie," she sighed, in part irritation and part amusement.

What was amusing about this situation though, was beyond my understanding?

But then again- women!

No one could understand them, and I was confident that even millennia would be insufficient to figure them out. I had case studies to prove this fact, not kidding. Both Aro and Caius had admitted to me on one of their brief video calls, that at times they did not understand their mate's reasoning- even though they had been together for as long as they had.

So, apparently, I had no hope remaining. If they couldn't understand their woman after spending three millennia with them, I was a literal infant in front of them.

A hopeless…clueless…infant…..

But, either way, having a mate was still a blessing.

It always would be.

I had been alone for so long, trying to find someone to share my happiness and sadness with, finally settling down on who I thought was a good companion. I had never even imagined that my new life could be this great. I had never even thought that I would find true- lasting love after this long of living alone.

It was like stepping into a parallel universe, a universe I had never even known could exist.

I had opened my eyes- after three days of the worst pain I have ever undergone- and boom- the hottest woman I had ever seen was standing right in front of me, love and adoration shining brightly in her eyes.

I would have been an idiot to tell her no.

And, Charles Swan was no idiot, even if he was a bit shy in his approach.

I had taken my time, getting to know her- her past, her wishes and desires, her strengths and weakness, at the end realizing that I had been a fool to wait as long as I had.

She was perfect- just the way she was.

Then again, my mate had simply smiled when I had admitted to her that I loved her.

Naturally, she had seen it coming.

"Charlie," she widened her eyes in disbelief, shaking her head softly. "We have been over this- several times now. You are ready for this. It will be alright. Nothing wrong will happen today."

I sighed, looking at the ground in anxiety. "I just want to be sure. She is my daughter, Mary. I can't lose her."

That's right. I was finally meeting Bella today- slightly over twelve months after I had last seen her. I still remembered our last conversation- even if it was a little blurred in my mind. She had been going to Seattle to spend her friend's birthday- I could not recollect the friend's name, but Peter was to go with her. She had told me of her plan, assuring me that she would be back in a few hours. Only, she had never returned- our reunion being months too late.

"You were okay when Demetri came with the Masters' orders last month. If you were to lose control by being intimidated by the presence of another vampire, it would have happened then." Mary stated, giving me a pointed look.

I sighed, waving my hand in dry air. "That is different."

"How," she questioned, amused once again.

"Demetri's presence or absence did not matter to my life- not even a tiny bit. Even if I would have growled or taken a step ahead to attack him, I would not have cared or worried about it. But this is my daughter, she is important. She matters to me."

Mary simply rolled her eyes in response. "Charlie, you are worrying for absolutely no reason. You are out of the newborn period. You are perfectly capable of being in the close proximity of another vampire without freaking out and trying to attack them."

I shook my head. "I am not worried about attacking Bella- my instincts recognize her as my daughter, but what about Peter- He had been scary enough while I had been human."

From what I remembered of Peter, he had been a no nonsense guy that looked like he could kill a man with his bare hands, then again he could actually rip a human apart with just his bare hands.

Mary scoffed. "Charlie, your human eyesight was exceptionally weak. The Whitlock men have many more scars than what are visible to humans. Any vampire would think twice before challenging them for a fight."

I gulped, not liking that answer.

"Will Bella be safe?" I questioned, worriedly.

My Mary smiled back at me. "As safe as I am with you. He loves her, more than you and I can even fathom."

I nodded my head, sighing. I had had a clue that something of this sort would happen- back in Peter's protecting Bella days- I was not blind or incapable of seeing what was right in front of my eyes, but still seeing my little girl all grown up was tough.

"I still don't understand why they have to go and live in Antarctica, out of all places. Can't they find a semi-decent place to live in the United States, or even a continent close by? Why would anyone decide to live in Antarctica?"

I simply had no answer to that question, the question being incomprehensible to me.

I had thought Mary had been joking when she had informed me that Peter and Bella had decided to settle in Antarctica- for now. But, apparently, she had been serious. My daughter had naturally lost her mind during her change, with Peter fulfilling every wish of hers, stating that they could live wherever she wanted to live, even if it were an entire continent away. They had even decided to occasionally feed on animals, so as to not hamper the low human population of the continent. Messing with nature and the balance of nature was never a good thing to do.

"Penguin blood is delicious, that can be one of the reasons," Marilyn winked at me in sheer amusement.

I scowled in disgust. Animals, or birds- for that matter, were simply not my cup of tea…or coffee…or even beer. They tasted horrible, and I did not hate myself all that much to do this to myself.

Anyway, on one of my rare phone calls with Bella- we had started having those nearly three months ago, Bella had mentioned to me of how she enjoyed feeding on Penguins. It had a decent taste, and solved the purpose of not completely decimating the low population of the place. She had even somehow managed to convince Peter to occasionally feed on them. They still followed the traditional diet- at large, mixing the two as and when needed.

I, though, had my priorities set.

"Okay, look," I started to speak. "I agree that the constant cold climate of the place does help, but come on, it is Antarctica- it is just so far."

Mary giggled, surprising me. "Charlie, your daughter has grown up. You cannot always wish for her to remain by your side or in the same town as you. It does not work that way."

I pouted, childishly, not liking her answer. "But that is so unfair. I hardly got to spend any time with her. Why does she need to live so far away from us?"

I had a valid point, right?

Mary shook her head, smiling. "You have the rest of eternity in front of you, honey, and don't forget that we can reach their residence in simply a few hours. We can alternate between swimming and running. It is not like we get tired, or have any physical limitations. So whenever you wish to meet her, it is just a matter of a few hours."

I sighed. I knew that she was correct, but still I wished for my daughter to live closer to me. I was a selfish man in that sense. I had hardly got to spend any time with her, apart from those few months that she had stayed with me while attending Forks High. But the fact that there was the assurance of having forever was reassuring and comforting.

"I guess you are correct." I said with a brief nod.

"I am always correct." She playfully spoke with a shrug.

"Yeah- that you are." I teased, wrapping my arms around her and burying my nose in her hair. She smelled like a bouquet of fresh roses- the kind of smell that I could smell forever.

I was a lucky man, no second thoughts on that.

"Charlie," Mary put her hand over mine, soothing me. "They are here. It will be alright, I promise you."

I nodded my head, an unfamiliar scent reaching my nostrils that very second.

I stiffened at my place, my instincts on alert mode. My rational mind took a step back, the thought of being in danger coming to the forefront of my mind, letting my instincts take charge.

I growled- loudly, ready to crouch down and attack as soon as the threat was visible to me.

I had to protect my mate. Leaving her vulnerable was simply not an option. I would fight, if it came to that. I had to get us out of here- safe and alive…..

"Charlie," Mary interrupted my thoughts, lifting my face lightly so that my eyes could meet hers.

Couldn't she understand- this could be a threat?

We had to keep ourselves safe.

There were two of them- two different scents approaching us from the west, their steps now audible to me.

We did not have any time to waste.

We had to…..

"Charlie, they are not a threat." Mary spoke softly, her voice getting through my muddled brain. "That is your daughter; you remember Bella, right?"

I nodded my head in answer, similar to a little child being asked a simple question.

"The scent you are scenting is hers. The second scent is her mate's- you remember Peter. You like him."

I frowned, the rational part of my brain peeping in slightly.

Yes, Bella was going to come for a visit. Bella was now a vampire, so of course that would be her scent. Marilyn had informed me of this.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead in embarrassment.

"Mary, I…I am sorry. I lost control…"

"Shh," she put her finger to my lips. "It is okay. Your instincts were just doing their job. You cannot blame them for doing what they are supposed to do."

I sighed, shaking my head. "What if I lose control again? What if I cannot stop myself in time? I can't attack her. It would kill me to…."

She shook her head, interrupting me. "Nothing will happen; I won't let it happen. I am here. You trust me, right?"

I tightened my grip over her. "Of course I do. You know that."

She smiled. "Then simply trust me on this. Anyway, Peter is no novice when it comes to being in the presence of newborns. Even if Bella did not turn out to be the typical newborn, he has trained enough to recognize the warning signs. He will keep Bella safe, in case something was to happen."

I sighed, nodding my head. That was correct.

Apparently, Bella had turned out to be one of the biggest exceptions of our kind. She had woken up into a vampire, having directly skipped the newborn phase. She could think rationally from the very first minute itself, did not growl or get defensive when surrounded by other vampires, and had absolutely no bloodlust to speak for. It was almost like she had entirely skipped the first few years of being a vampire- behaving more like a decades old vampire instead.

Aro had been surprised and pleased by this fact, having never seen a newborn like Bella before. It was truly strange; I had to agree with him on this. Heck, Bella had had a complete conversation on politics with Aro on her second day of being a vampire. I still could not muster enough attention span to have a serious conversation such as that. Often Mary would have to bring be back to the topic, literally pulling my eyes away from the metaphorical shiny toy.

I don't know how Bella had managed to do it, so early that on.

Anyway, it had only been the threat of crossing the Whitlock's that had stopped Aro from demanding Bella to become a test subject for him to research on. Of course, the fact that her gift was yet to manifest had also turned out to be helpful.

Vampire gifts were a confusing matter to discuss, in my opinion. While some gifts manifested early on- such as the power to read minds or see the future, mental gifts took their own sweet time in being discovered. It fell onto circumstances at the end of the day. For example's sake, Demetri had not realized he was a tracker till a decade after his change, simply because he had no reason to track anyone or anything. The coven he had resided in- back then- was always by his side and he had no other company apart from them, so no one he needed to track. Likewise, our gifts would make themselves known someday, but we would have to wait for that situation to arise.

"Dad," my mental discussion lay interrupted, the sound of ringing of bells clearly audible to my ears. I looked up. I recognized the sound. I had heard it several times before- even if it was not exactly like this. It was somehow more perfect and softer.

My eyes stayed transfixed at the sight that met my eyes, my eyes widening slightly in wonder and disbelief. She looked the same, yet entirely different on a second glance. Her skin was somehow paler and her hair was thicker and longer, all her minute imperfections now vanished. She looked older somehow….was that even possible?

Could turning into a vampire mature your looks?

Or was that the fact that my baby girl no longer needed her father to look after her?

She was an adult- living alone in a completely different continent- the maturity and responsibility clear on her face.

She had her mate, their decisions only theirs to take.

I was her father. I always would be, but she needed me to be her friend more than her parent at this stage of her life. Of course I would still guide her, if she needed the guidance, but my job now would be to be her ear to listen, to be that support system that a young adult needs when they start their life, even if it was life as an immortal. Eternity was a long way to go, and one always required their family.

"Dad," she repeated her spoken one word, her dark crimson eyes staring back at me- a clear sign that they had just fed before coming to meet us.

"Bells," I murmured the one word, my peripheral vision catching the sight of Peter by her side, his hand on her waist as he kept her close to him- no doubt wondering if I was in control or not.

I frowned, testing the waters, so as to say.

My instincts were surely still on alert- I had a feeling they always would be, but I had calmed down from before, Mary's hand in mine doing wonders for my self control.

"Hello Bella, Peter," Mary took a step ahead, smiling at the two of them.

Peter nodded his head back at her, acknowledging her presence.

"Bells," I spoke up. "You remember Marilyn- my mate?"

Of course I was aware that Bella knew of Mary. They had even spoken once or twice on the phone, but Mary was my mate and deserved a proper introduction, one that had to come from me.

"Of course, dad," Bella smiled, her smile, too, surprisingly perfect. "Marilyn had been a great help to me in my last days as a human. I don't remember everything of those days, but from what I remember- I can tell."

Mary shook her head, waving it off. "So, how have you both been?"

X-X-X

Once the introductions were done with and the initial awkwardness had passed, the four of us retired back to the cabin that I shared with Mary. It wasn't very grand or anything, but it was enough for the two of us- having all the basic necessities that one could ask for.

Either way, Mary still had to go back to Volterra, and by default, I as well would have to go- leaving behind the peace and comfort of our cabin.

That was what Demetri had come to tell us on his latest visit, giving us the Masters' orders. Our time was running out. Mary was a guard member and was expected to return to the castle in the next few months. I would not let her go alone, but naturally, the only other option remaining for me being to go back with her. Mary, though, had assured me that life in the castle was not all that bad. She had her own powers- having won Aro's trust, and would be able to get a few basic benefits for us. I did not like it all that much- the place being creepy enough, but I loved Mary and I would happily live however and wherever she wanted, her happiness meaning the world to me.

I turned my attention back to the present, watching Bella's face light up as she spoke of their upcoming short trip to London. Peter's some friend- of the non nomadic variety- had invited them for a visit, this being Bella's first trip to the city, or even country for that matter.

She looked so happy; I could not help but notice. Her hand was engulfed in Peter's, her head leaning on his shoulder as she laughed on the comment her mate had just made.

Her eyes held so much love, trust and admiration in them- all for her mate.

It was obvious to me of how much in love she was.

"Bella," I interrupted their conversation, no longer willing to wait for a private conversation with her. "Can you join me for a quick hunt?"

She shrugged, turning to look at Peter- a silent conversation occurring between them.

"Of course, dad,"

She smiled, getting up from her seat and joining me out of the cabin, our footsteps leading us in the direction of the town.

"What did you want to talk about?" she asked, ten minutes into our walk.

I sighed. I had so much to ask her…so much to talk about, but did not know where to begin or even how to begin.

"Have you heard anything of your mother?"

She gave me a surprised look, quite not expecting my question. That was obvious- even I hadn't expected that question to leave my mouth.

She sighed, shaking her head. "I did not directly try to seek her out, the reasons for that being obvious, but I had kept my email id activated- the same as the one she had. I don't know if she ever heard of our disappearance or not, but she never contacted me for sure."

"Oh," I mumbled to myself, shaking my head. Renee had always been too self- centered for her own good.

"It's okay, dad," Bella gave a small shrug. "It was bound to happen."

I nodded my head, recognizing the truth in her words.

"Anyway," she started to speak. "Marilyn seems like a lovely person. Are you happy, Dad?"

I did not need to think on that. I knew the answer to that- having not even a brief doubt in mind.

"Yes, I am,"

She smiled back at me- her eyes conveying her happiness at hearing my words.

"Are you?" I asked her, hoping that my eyes had not misguided me. She looked happy, but was she truly happy in her life- with her mate?

She came to a standstill, turning to look at me- her eyes lighting up with an emotion I had never seen on her face before, euphoria, I deduced it as.

My daughter had never been the most confident out of the lot, but it seemed like love had given her wings.

She now flew, with Peter by her side.

I had liked the boy before, but if I hadn't, I at least would have thanked him for bringing this side of my daughter in front of me. There was not an inch of guilt or regret on her face at the moment.

"Life is amazing, dad." Bella said, staring into nothingness. "I don't think I can be any happier than this."

I nodded my head, shutting my eyes briefly.

My daughter was happy and satisfied with her life.

What more could a father ask for?