BooksEnPointe: Thank you so much for the review. I am hoping her reaction lives up to expectation for you. Glad you are enjoying it!

Twin68: Oh thank you! For your reviews as well, they always make for a wonderful read. In response to your question it's so hard to answer that one right now without giving it all away! My aim is to give you all a clearer picture as time goes on. So fingers crossed the more you read, the more you understand. I hope that makes sense and that you continue on!

CrackHeadBlonde: Haha in a way I am so glad you weren't expecting it! Sometimes these stories need something a little out of the blue. If you read back I have been dropping hints - Just didn't want to make it really obvious it was coming! Thank you for your review and glad you're enjoying the story.

2021: Thank you, I am glad you think so!

Anyway on with the story.

Third Person POV

24 hours earlier…

"Who are you?" the man's head spun as he was dropped unceremoniously to the floor, mere minutes after he had been taken. Lifting a hand to his head as though that would help ease the spinning, he hurriedly pushed himself onto all fours.

"My name is not your concern" the low voice replied "nor will you look at me."

"Now hang on-" the man was cut off as pressure was exerted into the centre of his back, forcing him back onto the floor. His forehead pressed into the muddy floor, the texture and smell of the dirt the only indication that he currently lay in a forest.

Although where that forest may be went beyond him. They had moved so fast, after all. It was as though they were flying.

"You went after the girl. Why?" the voice was crisp and smooth, yet laced with a hint of curiosity neither of them could ignore.

"I dunno what'cha mean" the man automatically went onto the defensive, his years of acting innocent kicking in full force. I mean after all this could be some rogue cop with a vendetta, for all he knew.

No, it is better to stay quiet. Deny it at all costs.

"Do not lie to me, mortal" the voice almost spat. The man couldn't help but stutter, his breathing becoming uneven as he took in the strange wording. Mortal?

"I have a gift" the voice continued "call it self-preservation if you will. Yet that is the only thing which saved your life or I would have drained you dry. So now, human, you owe me."

The man couldn't think of anything to reply to that. The thundering of his heart pounding deeply in his ears as he concentrated to remembering to how breathe.

"What do you know of her, the woman you were stalking?" the voice continued curiously.

The man stuttered as his brain tried to piece together information, something which would get this terrifying individual off his back. So far he hadn't so much as taken a glimpse at their face yet something screamed at him in his very soul. This person is dangerous…inhuman.

They would kill him before he so much as moved an inch out of place.

"I found her in a bar once, months ago" he began shakily "I remember thinking she was pretty. That was all."

"Do better" the voice snapped "I know you lie. You don't want to make yourself useless to me, if you value your life."

"I tried to take her home with me" his tone of voice alone betrayed his less than savoury actions that night "but her boyfriend got in the way. Yet I couldn't get her out of my head… they say I have an issue you know. I had to have her. I couldn't let them win."

"How did you know where to go?" the voice asked "you waited outside what looked like a professional office."

"It's easy these days" he explained slowly "I heard her friend call her by the name 'Gemma' and she's British. Forks is a small place and it turns out she is a professional woman. Found her online with minimal effort."

"But why leave it so long?" the voice sounded curious once again, as though trying to peace together the inner workings of mortals "if it were months ago?"

"The boyfriend" he answered truthfully, forehead still pressed into the dirt "there was something about him. Now I ain't intimidated often, but the way he looked at me. The way he tossed me around like I weighed fuck all. It weren't human."

"Not human?" the edge was back, the pressure in his back increasing to the point the man groaned "tell me everything you know."

"I don't know nothing!" he insisted, hands curling into fists on the floor "only that he was impossibly tall and strong. I swear he was gonna kill me. He fucking growled at me! Yet one word from her and he stopped. Took her away in less that a second."

"So it is true" the unknown figure breathed "I have heard whispers and rumours but thought that to be all they were. Last time I visited I caught scent of them but saw nothing. I couldn't be sure."

"What?" the man couldn't help but ask

"None of your business" the voice snapped, now right next to his ear "but if you value your life, you will do exactly as I say."

"What do you need me to do?" the man asked fearfully, sweat forming on the back of his neck and trickling down onto the floor below.

"They took my friend from me" the voice stated softly "First my mate, then my loyal friend. Now I want something from them in return. I want her, and all the other women who are connected to them. They will suffer just as I have, when I tear those human women limb from limb."

"You want them dead?" the man gasped. He's not sure about going that far after all. He only wanted her, the blonde one. It has become his sick obsession in a way, fantasising about how he would eventually ensnare her. How he would force her to submit to him as he pried her slim legs open and took what was rightfully his.

"You can have your fun first" the voice replied dismissively "only this time the mutts will be forced to watch as we take everything from them. They will be powerless."

At these words the man swallowed heavily, his thought shamelessly wondering to darker places. Oh he had dreamed about how she would scream. Flailing against him just like that night in the bar. Yet with no boyfriend to come and save her, she would be his to do with as he pleased.

It has become his obsession, his personal game. Never before had he had anyone get away like she had. He didn't like that.

He thought she had her, watching in sick pleasure as she cowered under the desk. As though one sheet of glass could protect her from him.

Yet if this woman was after the man who overpowered him…that would make all his problems disappear, he would once again have the upper hand.

The man liked that idea.

"Perform your task well and I will see you well rewarded" the voice practically purred "I will make you beautiful and strong. You will live forever and no one will ever be a match for you."

The mans eyes widened at her words and their implications. If he could somehow become like her, the speed at which she moved and the strength she carries… no one would ever be able to stop him. He would become King of his own little world.

What this man wanted more than anything was a bit of power.

"I will do whatever you need." He vowed. And in that moment, the most unlikely alliance was formed. A vampire and a mortal united, born out of hate and anger at the world.

And now the pieces are set. They would bring about their destruction and he would claim his prize.

Let the games begin.

Gemma's POV

Present Day…

"Gemma Mitchell, will you marry me?"

My breath caught as my eyes lurched wildly between the gorgeous ring presented to me, and the hopeful dark eyes of Paul. Still he remained on one knee in front of me, both of us stood in the middle of the gorgeous glade on what was quickly become the most surprising day of my life.

Upon his words I couldn't stop myself folding over at the waist, the tears spilling down my face before I had the chance to stop them. Before I had registered their movement my hands flew up and clapped over my mouth in shock, time slowing in its enormity as I tried to sort through the series of thoughts flying around my head.

Did he really just ask that? Did he plan all of this, the entirety of the day, around this question?

By the hopeful look on his face, I'd say he did.

"Gem?" he looked concerned "are-"

"Yes" I managed to cut him off with a sob, nodding my head.

"Yes?" he repeated, his own voice a little more than a whisper.

"Of course I will." I reaffirmed through my own shock "yes yes yes!"

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Paul's face cracked into a huge grin, his arms opening just in time to catch me as I launched myself into them. He shifted to sit on the floor, pulling me into his lap and burying his nose into my neck, arms tight around me as we rocked back and forth, giggling like children.

"Fuck me Gem, you had me worried for a second!" he mumbled into my neck.

I didn't reply, only clung tighter to him as I sobbed with happiness.

He asked me to marry him!

After a couple of minutes, once I'd managed to stop crying for long enough, his arms loosened. He gently caught my left hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles before slipping the ring onto my finger.

Amazingly it fit perfectly, making me believe that he and Emily were far more organised and sneakier than I ever gave them credit for…after all, I had absolutely no indication this was happening.

The ring is also stunning.

Its delicate strip of platinum lined with diamonds sparkled in the light, encasing the most beautiful white diamond I have ever seen. I could only watch entranced as it glittered in the sun, already sitting on my finger as though it was made to be there.

I mean I know I am going to gush about it given that this ring is now mine, but this thing is incredible.

"Wow" was all I managed to get out as I eyed the rock in amazement "you did an amazing job"

"Oh thank fuck for that" he breathed, resting his forehead on my shoulder "honestly if you think Sam was bad when you took him shopping, I absolutely put him to shame. I feel bad for Emily, I have a lot of making up to do there."

"When did you even go?" I asked in shock as my mind tried to think of a time he was out without my knowing. Although having said that with the amount of time he has spent at the garage or on patrol, I wouldn't have even noticed if he did go shopping for a day.

I am more impressed that Emily didn't give a single thing away. I guess it turns out we can both be pretty low key and secretive, if the situation calls for it.

"Oh ages back, a little while after my birthday in fact" his eyes glistened as his arms tightened around me "I have been staring at that thing for weeks, but I needed to know that you were ready for this too."

"You even asked my dad?" I remembered the start of his speech in shock, still staring at the ring "as in my actual dad?"

"Yes Gem" he laughed "I would never disrespect your family that way. I felt a little bad as I got his number through your phone and I wasn't quite sure how you'd feel about it. I mean I know we have spoken to your family on facetime before so they know who I am, but –"

I cut him off with a kiss, immediately opening my mouth to him as I tried to convey my grateful emotions. I mean that must have taken some balls from my boyfr- oh no sorry, fiancé. There is no way I would have had the courage to do that and yet he did. He knows how important it is to me that those traditions are upheld and he made it happen.

Five thousand miles between us and my parents, yet he still made sure he had their blessing.

"Does your mum know?" I asked curiously. Paul and Jennifer are taking their relationship slowly, yet thankfully it still seems to be going strong. He talks to her on the phone relatively often and she has even phoned me a couple of times, just to get to know me better.

"Yeah she does. She was so happy for us" Paul smiled widely "as were your parents, to my relief. Mom is actually going to come and visit over the next few days, if that's alright with you?"

"Of course" I blinked in surprise, before smiling "it will be wonderful to see her. It's just crazy to think the first time she, and you for that fact, will meet my parents in person is at our wedding."

"I know right" Paul stood before helping me up "as if I won't have enough to be nervous about that day! But before you get too comfortable, I have another surprise for you"

"What?" I couldn't mask my shock as I stood on my now shaking legs. I now understand how Paul felt on his birthday. In all honestly I don't think I can cope with anymore surprises today.

It is already the best day I have had, ever! And now he wants to keep going with it?

It's not even 3pm and I am exhausted!

"Let's head back. The guys are already on standby to take all this away" he gestured vaguely at the picnic "so we can leave it here."

"I take it they all know?" I asked curiously, eyeing the forest.

"Oh yeah" Paul shot me a charming smile "I have been driving them crazy with my overthinking and worrying recently. They will just be relieved that I have finally worked up the courage."

"You didn't really think I would say no?" I asked as I tugged him back to me and wound my arms around his waist.

"I had hoped not" he admitted "but there may have been a split second when you started crying I was concerned it was for the wrong reason."

"Then you're an idiot" I said not unkindly "It would be the biggest honour to be able to call you my husband."

He groaned, a low sound in the back of his throat as he pressed his lips against mine.

"I never thought I would want to be anyone's husband" he murmured, fiddling with a stand of my hair "but now I can't think of anything better. You, Miss Mitchell, have got me well and truly hooked."

"Well I hardly moved to Washington thinking I would be engaged within a year" I teased back as we finally began walking hand in hand "yet life works in weird ways, doesn't it?"

"It does indeed" he agreed, before swinging me into his arms. I squeaked at the unexpected movement, automatically linking my hands behind his neck. He smiled down at me as I gently massaged the back of his scalp, the weight of the ring still feeling foreign on my finger.

Yet now it is on me, it's sure as hell not coming off again.

"Paul what is going on?" I asked in slight frustration as we eventually made it back to our house, Paul ducking inside for only a few minutes.

"Just stay there" he instructed as he left me with a small kiss "I promise I will be out in 30 seconds"

"Okay" I huffed, looking down at my shoes. Yet my curiosity once again melted away as my eyes instead landed on the ring on my finger, holding my hand out in front of me admiringly.

As if he actually managed to pull this off without me noticing. I clearly don't give him enough credit, he's a genius!

True to his word just a few seconds later Paul reappeared, this time to my surprise dressed in a smart button-down shirt.

"Is that new?" I asked curiously.

"I bought it the same time as the ring" he smoothed out the non-existent creases nervously, making my eyebrow twitch.

"Okay…so I take it we are off out somewhere then?" I hedged my bets. I mean why else would Paul want to dress smart? He is normally a shorts and nothing else kind of man.

"Kind of. As you are well aware it is your birthday in two days" he smiled as my nose crinkled at that particular reminder "and I thought about it for a while, before deciding there is absolutely nothing I can get you to top what you did for me."

"You just proposed to me, Paul" I remarked dryly "I think that is more than enough."

I mean where is he going with this now?

"Hear me out. Gemma…When I said I called your Dad to ask permission, I lied"

His words acted as a bucket of ice-cold water would, pulling me from my happy bliss as I considered the implications of his words. He didn't ask my Dad?

Surely there is no way he wouldn't. He knows how much that means to me! To have my parents blessing is a must, they would see it as a huge slap in the face if not. I appreciate not everyone has the same views, but Paul is fully aware of where I stand on the matter!

"So you didn't ask my Dad?" I asked, trying not to let an edge show. I can't ruin today after all, that would be unfair of me. I just really hope that I have misunderstood him, somehow.

Paul however didn't reply to me. Instead his eyes flicked slightly to just over my right-shoulder, looking beyond me as he stood outside out house.

I felt my eyebrows furrow as I once again tried to work out his odd behaviour.

Yet I didn't have to wait for long.

"Oh he certainly did ask your father" a deep and very familiar voice sounded from behind me "he just had the nerve to get us over to Washington and ask me to my face."

I turned around faster than I thought possible, jaw dropping as I finally pieced it all together.

I was greeted with the best and least expected surprise. Because there stood only a few meters away, is my Mum, Dad and brother.

"Oh my" I couldn't finish the sentence as I once again burst into tears, my legs carrying me forward as I half stumbled into their embrace. My father's strong arms caught me as I finally made it to him, wrapping me up in the familiar hug I hadn't realised I had missed quite so much until now.

I haven't seen them in nearing a year, after all.

And no matter the wonders of technology, seeing them on a screen can never replace them being here for real.

My Dad hugged me to him briefly, before placing his hands on my shoulders and looking down on me with a smile. Andrew Mitchell's once dark hair is now greying around the temples, yet still he refuses to let age get the better of him. Now 52 he still carries himself tall and proud, easily surpassing six foot. He is a strong and proud man, yet also gives of an air of calm and openness as a product of his many years working as a GP in London.

Yet most and best of all, he's my dad.

"What are you doing here?" I half squeaked as I moved onto my mum, who hugged me far more daintily than my father.

"We missed you sweetheart" my mother replied, pulling back to look at me fully. Mum and I are very similar and there's simply no doubting the genes shared between us. Elizabeth Mitchell is a well put-together lady, her elegance only improving with age despite now being 50. She too has blonde hair with the addition of subtle highlights which is constantly maintained in shimmering layers, the longest of which stop just below her collarbone. Only unlike me my mum has stunning green eyes, which to my annoyance she passed onto my brother.

I very much have my father's rich blue eyes.

Then I finally reached Daniel, who ignored all sense of dignity and lifted me straight off the ground, spinning us around repeatedly.

"Ugh put me down you oaf!" I slapped his bicep before I started to get motion sickness, relieved that he actually listened for once.

"Well we had to see what all the fuss was about" my older brothers strong English accent made my eyes water, the familiarity of him acting as a soothing blanket over my frazzle emotions "as well as meet the man who has captured my little sister's heart."

Finally getting a second to look at my brother, it is already clear that despite only being away for a year in that time he has changed. He has always been tall and broad, both of the men in my immediate family are, yet he must have hit the gym. Now, nearing 26 and standing at over six foot, he's no longer the scrawny teenager he once was. I suppose to an outsider my brother could be considered…intimidating?

So I suppose it is a good thing that Paul is a literal mountain of a man.

"You've grown a beard" is all I could think to say, wiggling my fingers at the stubble which sat neatly trimmed on my brother's face, the colour matching my father's dark hair. An odd but suiting change I think, considering that when I left he was always clean shaven.

"Yeah well I work long hours now" he sighed, referring to the fact he qualified as a doctor just before I left "I don't have time to shave every day, so I now model the stubbled look."

"You may keep it." I nodded with a smirk "At least that way you no longer look 12 years old."

"Shut it Gemma" he rolled his eyes; fully aware I am only teasing him "you may be engaged now but you're still my baby sister. Congratulations, by the way. To both of you."

"Oh yes, of course" I blurted as I scrabbled to get my bearings. At the end of the day my entire family is very English – we never like to be considered rude. And by my brother's less than subtle hint, they are clearly waiting for me to formally introduce my new fiancé to the family.

"I know you have met online, but this is Paul." I stepped back as he approached, everything suddenly making a lot more sense. It is unusual for Paul to look quite so well dressed after all, but now I completely understand why he felt the need for it.

"It's great to meet you again Sir" Paul greeted my Dad easily, shaking his hand firmly.

Wait, again?

Clearly my dad must have sensed my confusion as he chuckled, shaking Paul's hand with equal firmness.

"We've confused her" he nodded towards me with a wink "Paul here took it upon himself to get in contact and ask to meet us personally. We had been meaning to come and visit so of course, we agreed."

"You did?" I need to pick my jaw up off the ground. This is getting embarrassing now!

"He did" my dad confirmed "Not only that but I came to me personally to ask for your hand, Gemma. A ballsey move I'll hand it to you. But one which was appreciated all the same."

I almost raised an eyebrow at my Dad's honest words. He isn't usually one to be so open about his emotions and opinions, strongly believing in having a stiff upper lip. Yet it seems even he appreciated the extent my imprint went to so he could secure their blessing.

"It's lovely to meet you Paul" my mum smiled at him as she stepped forward "I am Elizabeth, but of course you know that given our conversations on the phone."

"It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Ma'am" Paul also shook my mum's hand. I held my breath as he finally greeted the third member of my family. Despite my dad being the head of the family Daniel certainly won't keep his opinions to himself. If he decides he doesn't like Paul, I will be hearing about it.

And I don't want anything to ruin this beautiful day.

"I'm Daniel" my brother finally shook hands with Paul, maintaining steady eye contact "I'm sure I don't need to give you the whole hurt my sister and you die speech. But it's implied."

"Dan" I hissed at him, resisting the urge to kick him in the shin. My brother didn't acknowledge my scolding however, merely keeping his eyes steadily on Paul.

My brother may be a lot of things, but I've got to hand it to him, that look could freeze fire.

"If I ever hurt Gemma, I'd want you to kill me." Paul stated back simply, his tone so painfully sincere that even Dan faltered, a genuine smile making his way onto his face as he looked between the two of us. I also had to work to keep my face straight, trying not to flinch at the raw emotion of his words.

There is no doubt in my mind that he means what he says as well. And that is too painful to think about in any detail.

"So" my mum clapped her hands together once, successfully piercing the heavy atmosphere "why don't you show us around Gemma?"

"Of course" I gestured automatically to the house "Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Always, darling" Mum smiled prettily "It's like you read my mind."

"I will put the kettle on" Paul immediately filled in "and give you guys some time to catch up."

"Thank you dear" Mum placed her hand on his arm on her way past "but this evening we insist on taking you both out, our treat."

"Mum you don't have to-"

"Nonsense Gemma" Dad boomed "My only daughter has got engaged. We shall damn well be celebrating."

"There's not much around here" I once again explained, thinking to the distinct lack of restaurants. Sue's diner is about the limit and I am not sure what my parents would think of it. Plus to drive to Port Angeles seems like a bit of an overkill "this is a small town. However I would love to take you for a tour and show you the sights."

"How small is small?" Dan looked confused "there aren't any restaurants?"

"Well there's some stuff" I stumbled slightly "just nothing you may…have in mind. I'd rather stay in."

"What-"

"Well that's okay" Mum interjected and resolved the situation with a firm look towards the men in our family, who immediately shut their mouths "we can rustle something up I am sure, if we are invited for dinner?"

"Of course" I couldn't help but be relieved as she seamlessly glided over the difficult conversation "you are more than welcome. We have a wonderful local fish supply so I am sure we can put something together."

"Excellent" Dad nodded, before gesturing me ahead of him "please, show us around."

And so it was with his word, I led my family into our little home.

That evening we finally all sat back, full and exhausted after the jam-packed afternoon. We had taken my parents over every inch of La Push, Paul and Dan even jogging up the steepest hiking trail to take in the beautiful views.

Mum and I had opted to stick to the easier trails, only waving off the two men. Dad had stuck besides my Mum wordlessly, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm as we strolled along the beach. To begin with I was nervous to say the least, the idea of the older brother and fiancé being alone for such an extended period of time.

Yet it turns out that worry was for very little, as they reappeared half an hour later both out of breath but smiling.

They had treated it as an opportunity to break the ice, so it would seem. And thankfully they both appeared far more relaxed in each other's company for it, much to my relief.

Although needless to say I will be grilling Paul for every little detail as to how he charmed my brother as soon as we are alone.

By the time we got back home all five of us had our arms laden with fresh food, having gone to the local harbour to source the best ingredients money could buy. True to their word, my parents seemed determined to make this evening a nice celebration.

Which is why when they took over the kitchen that evening they ended up cooking enough to feed an entire army, the delicious food enough to make me homesick all over again as my mum's cooking hit me full force.

She always has been the most amazing chef.

Once dinner had concluded Mum gently dragged me to the other side of the room to sit on the sofa, leaving the men to sit and chat a while longer. Truthfully I was glad for the time alone. Despite our differences in some ways I have always known how much mum loves her children.

At the end of the day she wants us to be happy, over anything else.

"Paul. Do you drink whisky?" I watched my dad look to Paul expectantly out of the corner of my eye, holding out a glass of the strong scotch. He must have brought it with him from England, by the looks of the expensive bottle.

"Thank you, sir" Paul nodded, still very much maintaining respect, despite the more relaxed turn the evening had taken. And by the sounds of it that, along with everything else he's done, was very much appreciated by my father.

In all honestly, his next words surprised us all.

"I think it's about time you called me Andrew. Considering you are soon to be my son" my dad clapped Paul on the shoulder.

"Andrew" Paul repeated with a smile in my father's direction. I released I breath I didn't know I had been holding, all but sagging into the sofa as I recognised that for the time being, that kind of praise is the best we could ever hope for.

"Oh sweetie, he is amazing" my mum brought be out of my shameless earwigging, smiling at me joyfully "I must admit we were dubious at first, your father especially."

We both cast identical looks towards my dad, who remained locked in an enthusiastic conversation with both Paul and Dan, all three now holding a glass of the dark amber liquid. Looking at them you would think that Paul and Dan have been friends a while, the way the banter easily flows between the pair.

That sight alone is enough for my heart to melt.

"Yet it didn't take long for him to show to us how much he adores you" she continued with a light sigh "and as much as I didn't want to have to let you go…honey your smile when you are with him, it lights up the entire room."

"Really?" the relief swept through me at my mother's honest words

"Really" she flashed her perfectly white teeth "you two, you're like magnets. Like gravity literally brings you together…"

I kept my face straight, despite her words ringing more truth than she could ever know.

"I just hope you don't hold it against us, that we were concerned" mum continued slowly "We wanted you to end up well supported. Yet we do see we were wrong to assume you want the same. By the looks of it you have a wonderful career and a beautiful home. Moving somewhere so… so humble and different has done you the world of good. Even the way you carry yourself now, you are so happy and self-assured."

"Money isn't everything, Mum" I said firmly, placing my hand over hers when she looked slightly ashamed "We are happy. Pauls' new business has taken off and I have my dream job in a town I love. Everyone here knows the importance of support and of family. Truly, I have never been happier."

"I can see that" Mum cleared her throat, sitting a little straighter in her chair "We can all see how happy you are. Even your father is warming to Paul, that much is clear to see."

"I love him" I spoke plainly "more than I ever thought possible. And I can't wait to marry him."

"My own daughter getting married…Oh I am excited for that! How I can't wait to tell everyone" she clapped her hands, before eyeing me suspiciously "although something tells me we won't have to be waiting long…"

"We haven't even discussed dates yet, mum" I huffed softly, before crumbling under her knowing look "although yes, ideally I won't be waiting long."

"I was much the same" she sighed through her nose daintily "if it wasn't for your grandfathers very traditional views I would have married your father within a month of getting engaged."

"You don't expect me to be as traditional right?" I asked "because I can't wait another year to marry him."

"Oh absolutely not" she waved me off, much to my relief "now let me see that ring again."

And so I held my hand out to her once more, catching Paul's eye over the top of her head as he stood laughing with my brother and father. He smiled at me, his eyes silently asking whether I felt okay.

I could only nod back with a smile of my own.

I haven't been this happy in a very long time.