The flames of a soul
Chapter One
I shivered from the cold breeze as I brought the warm liquid to my lips sighing in relief at the taste. The caffeine warmed my blood slightly, as I was not use to this colder weather. The rays of the sun began to peek through the trees reflecting beautifully off the lake. I could get use to a place like this. I could find peace here without nothing to interrupt the calmness of the air. I took a breath leaning forward as the breeze lifted my hair slightly off my neck.
These woods were the first thing in an exceptionally long time to provide comfort. Despite the young age, I knew loss and the ultimate price in life. I grew up moving around, the only true location I knew was my mother's temple and my father's family home in the south. Everything that still belonged to her and only her because she was the last one standing. The last of two bloodlines, three if you include his ending because of her.
I pushed back the memories of pain from losing the last person I loved six months ago as my aura shivered in warning. Years of experience told her of something approaching causing her to frown. She had chosen this place to stay away from people. Experience told her that there were four of them, all supernatural. From the auras she could tell there were two vampires, easy to identify the lack of bloodlust often seen.
She leaned forward closing her eyes to hide surprise sensing a male shifter, his aura simmering to reveal a wolf. She hadn't seen a wolf one before, a few other types of shifters. She had met a few werewolves; one was responsible for her mother's death. Shaking her head clear of the memory opening her eyes hiding her confusion at the last aura. It was a mixture, a half breed of some kind. One she sensed when she was younger, yet she didn't really recall what it was. Perhaps the journals could tell her.
She offered a smile over the top of her mug as they parked the car wondering why they were all together. Different species together was extremely rare, people looked at her and her protector strangely after. She could tell they were family. A bond shining between them all. Hell, the unknown girl, and the shifter were soul mates. A woman around her age with short pixy brown hair twirled around out of the car, reminding her of a fairy she met once in South America.
"Hello, I am Alice Cullen" She said happily as my lips twitched at her dancing aura.
"Nice to meet you" I offered gently completely relaxed considering I had not doubted about my own ability to protect myself.
"This is Esme, my mother" She introduced motioning to the other job "My niece, Renesmee and her boyfriend, Jacob."
"Nice to meet you, my name is Cassia" I said with ease "Would you like to come in?"
"Thank you" Esme said softly placing a smile of her face, but her aura showed the same deep sadness as the others. A sadness I knew all too well "I made you some cookies."
"Thank you" I said softly knowing she had done so for appearance's sake as I led them into my home "Can I get anyone a drink or something to eat? I have lemonade and tea."
"A glass of Lemonade for me please" Jacob said easily arms around his mate.
"For me as well" Renesmee said softly giving me a strange look.
I nodded walking into the kitchen to set down the plate filling the glasses as requested. I took one of the cookies surprised at the sweetness of it and smiled softly. It tasted just like the ones my grandmother used to make. Despite not being able to taste the food, the vampire knew what she was doing.
"Here you go" I said softly allowing them to take them before noticing Esme looking at the moral on the wall "The cookies are amazing, just like my grandmother used to make."
"Thank you" She whispered with a bright smile looking back at the moral "It's beautiful, who painted it?"
"I did" I stated with a sad smile placing a hand of the image of the temple of my mother's family, my ancestor's birthplace.
"You are so talented" Esme said looking at me pausing no doubt catching the sadness "What was the inspiration?"
"Greek mythology, of sorts" I said softly as I look at the others.
"Are you Greek? You don't look Greek" Alice questioned as I took a seat and I smiled softly.
"Just part technically, my mother was technically Greek" I said honestly shrugging my shoulders.
"That is really beautiful, are you alone here?" Renesmee questioned softly and I nodded in confirmation.
"Why did you move to Mount Hood?" Alice questioned her golden eyes seeming to look through me.
"I just needed a change; I heard good things about Portland and this state. Figure it was a good place" I stated seriously ignoring their questioning glances "How long have you been here?"
"Eight years" Esme answered with a strange sadness once more "Hopefully you will enjoy it here."
"I have been traveling a lot, it will be nice to remain still for a little bit" I said with a forced chuckle knowing I had more reasons than that "Are there more members of your family?"
"My husband Carlisle is a doctor at the hospital. We have adoptive other children as well. Rosalie and her husband Emmett. Alice's husband Jasper is at home with my other son Edward" Esme explained, and I could detect the breaking in her voice.
"His wife Bella passed away a few years ago" Esme whispered brokenly as I understood the aura of pain and sadness, a loss like that would do it.
"Esme" Jacob whispered almost in warning as I shallowed thickly.
"I am sure that it is painful, and I won't pry for answers. I know what it is like to lose someone and don't often appreciate when others push me on the subject. For what it is worth, I am sorry for your loss" I said clenching my hands shaking off the memories easily, I couldn't afford to get lost in a past I couldn't change.
"Oh" Alice said eyes shining with tears I knew she couldn't cry, and I could tell the others felt it as well.
Before I could stop it, she was hugging me shocking me to my very core. I relaxed into the cold body and hugged her back surprised by the comfort. Strangely, I could feel her shaking as if she were letting out all the emotion she had held onto. The others were shocked, and I just comforted her.
I felt the tears pouring from my eyes before I could stop it as my instinct surged to life soothing her. I could suddenly see the pure heart and gentleness in this soul overcome with the desire to save her, save them from the pain I felt. I pulled back still holding her in my arms as we both looked at each other before starting to laugh. The same release of pain was so relieving, I knew it would come back, but it the moment it was the most lightening thing I felt in so long.
"What just happened?" Jacob asked looking like a confused puppy causing Alice to giggle and I smiled as well.
"I am sorry, I just lost it when I touched you" Alice said in amusement "I didn't mean for that to happen."
"It's fine Alice, really I don't mind. Let's just not make it a habit" I said feeling lighter at ease with them, something new.
"We won't" Alice said brightly making her happiness almost contagious "You should come over and meet the others."
"I agree, I am sure the others would like to meet you" Esme said softly giving me a smile.
I thought about the offer for a moment thinking over the possibilities. I understood that from their golden color that they were vegetarian vampires. The eyes that reminded me didn't bring me pain, it brought me strange comfort. I had some negative interactions with vampires before, as well as some positive ones where there was an alliance of sorts.
It made me rather curious about this family. The truth was that I felt comfortable with them in a way I could never feel near normal humans. It was expected that I would feel lonely, I was used to it for the most part. I could welcome the distraction of my pretty little puzzle of a family. Perhaps that strange comfort would remain as well.
"Cassia?" Alice questioned drawing me from my thoughts.
"Sorry, I would love to come over and meet the others tonight. How about after dinner? I already prepped a meal" I said seriously knowing they didn't eat "I can come over around six?"
"That is perfect" Alice chirped happily hugging me again "We will see you tonight."
"Okay" I said softly as she released me before waving to the others.
"It was nice meeting you and it is a very lovely home you have here" Esme said the look in her eyes as if she was debating something before giving me a hug.
"Thank you" I said as Renesmee and Jacob waved to me exiting the front door.
I chuckled after they were far enough away amused by the personality of Alice. She was a breath of fresh air in my very dark world. I went into the kitchen and dumped the coffee beginning the prep work for dinner. I put it in the oven before going upstairs to take a shower. I wondered was other surprised that these vampires would offer to my life. I ate the simple meal of roast with potatoes and carrots before getting dressed.
I went to my walk-in closet picking out a pair of dark blue jeans before choosing a sapphire blouse that matched my eyes. I wrinkled my nose in thought before taking out my boots and putting them on. I looked in the mirror surprised to find my reflection; it had been so long since I care about what I looked like.
I shook my head clearing the thoughts away because it did not matter anymore. I turned away from the path where they were needed. I grabbed my keys from the table before heading to the Cullen's House wondering what other surprises await me. It was a refreshing distraction.
~Alice's point of view~
I could barely contain my excitement at meeting her. Cassia was such a beautiful name, completely unique just as she was. She was really pretty; with soft features and the most amazing blue eyes she had ever seen. The red hair that was wavy and so long it almost seemed like flames were around her. Despite being so young, she had to be an athletic of some kind with the toned body.
Then there was the comfort found simply by being near her. It was strange breaking down like that in her arms. I wasn't sure if it was her scent, the calmness and pleasant scent of Sunlight and Honeysuckle that didn't bring any thirst. It could have also been the air she held around her; a woman that appeared to be so stable. Whatever it was about her, she was no doubt going to be an amazing friend.
I couldn't help but think of the broken family, that she might be able to save us all. I knew that it had been eight years since Bella was tragically taken away from all of us. I tried to stay positive, knowing that bad things happen. It wasn't anyone's fault, but my mate suffered enough dealing with everyone else's pain and I wouldn't add to that. He struggled enough dealing with Edward's ranging emotional state as he felt guilt over failing to protect his wife.
Just maybe this woman would have the power to save him. There was a chance that she could help fix their family. I knew that there was a chance that Bella wasn't Edward's mate, he never ever refers to as such. Just maybe this woman was her brother's true mate and destined to be part of their family. She would have to wait to find out, but she dearly hoped that she could be friends with the woman that moved here. She had a feeling that she needed her.
"Love" Jasper whispered with a smile wrapping his arms around me "What has you so excited?"
"Cassia is coming over to meet you and the others" I explained even more excited that my Jasper would not be in pain.
"Who is Cassia?" He questioned in confusion.
"She is our new neighbor, a young girl a little way down the road. She is amazing, really amazing. She can heal us all, Jasper" I said unable to contain my happiness kissing his cheek.
"Alice" Jasper warned with a frown not liking the implication.
"Don't Jasper! You don't understand because you haven't seen her. I can see it, I could see our family healing because of her and she needs this too" I said seriously "I don't expect her to replace Bella, she couldn't. I am saying that we need her, and she needs us."
"Alice, she is human. Have you ever wondered that maybe it is best we stay away?" He questioned seriously before sighing because of my glare "I don't like this love."
"Don't, you will see" I said with a hiss knowing that he would love her in time as well "you are not going to stop me from being her friend."
He sighed deeply as I kissed him before pulling him out the door to meet her. I knew that she would take my mate by surprise, because of her scent alone. I knew that my future best friend would not cause my mate any struggle with his thirst.
I felt Jasper's doubt as I explained a few things I learned about her. I knew that my mate wouldn't say anything against her or even attempt to stop me. My mate was perfect, and he wanted me to be happy above all, she brought me happiness. I smiled brightly as I entered the home seeing that she would be arriving shortly.