Author's Note:
Life has been crazy...well more so than normal. I've had a promotion, a switch in location, and then an entire shift change. I've had to re-adjust my entire life style around and I think it's safe to finally say I have an actual semblance of a routine as chaotic as it is sometimes. This chapter starts with a time jump.
I was constantly at war with myself nowadays thanks to the vampires around me. Let me explain a bit before it starts to sound too bad.
It's been three months since I met the Denali's and that was probably where I should have definitely known something was fishy. We had moved to Washington as planned but not even a day later, the Denali clan came over to the new house to tell us that they have settled in nicely to the house Esme recommended just eleven miles away. Now, I may be definitely aging quite a bit and forgetting things, but I definitely don't remember the Denali's being in Washington at all during Bella's time here. I mean, granted, I already knew this reality was different but I didn't think it would be this glaringly different. It made me very cautious of the choices I made.
The Denali sisters in particular were very touchy feely. Alice and Rosalie could only be around as a buffer for so long. I didn't want to seem too rude, but I wasn't used to so much physical interaction unless it was fighting. They would sometimes rub my shoulder or arm when I spaced out to get my attention back when they were over, which seemed like a lot. I was nice enough to not pull away immediately but at the same time I wanted them to continue their ministrations.
In the beginning Kate and Tanya would sit on either side of me and I would quite rudely get up and move to a single chair. I still didn't like being between two vampires I didn't trust. It made my heart ache when they frowned and I nearly jumped up to sit between them again. This used to repeat for about a week until I couldn't stand their frowns anymore. After that week I just stayed put sitting between them, but I thanked whatever God was listening that they didn't pop my personal bubble... much. I cursed their succubus powers for working through my defenses.
Irina was the one that seemed to understand that I wasn't quite that comfortable with physical interaction so she would generally sit across from me and just talk with me and smile that pretty smile of hers. I liked seeing her smile, so I would talk for a while with her. Eventually Tanya and Kate would join in the conversation and we would just talk about ourselves. They have lived for over a thousand years and I've lived only four hundred and eighty-seven. They had so much to tell me about like the history of earth with first hand accounts that I never knew or could dream of knowing. As I told them about my previous world, they were amazed by the land and different creatures that lived there.
As the weeks went by my defenses definitely started to weaken and I came to crave their touches more and more. I looked forward to when they would visit by twelve pm and I made sure I was always decently dressed by that time. A few times, I noticed I would get flustered from all their attention on me and I would have to excuse myself for a breath of fresh air. Tanya was generally the one to step outside to make sure I was alright before she would just stand outside with me for a bit then we both would head back inside. Kate was refreshing to say the least. I had forgotten what it was like to just let go and have fun. Kate brought out my inner child; we would joke, have competitions over the most ridiculous things and as time went on her very presence just started to scream easy going and relaxation to me.
These all sounded like good things, but I just didn't want to fall victim to their succubus thrall and do something stupid that I'll regret. I really got to know them on a personal level and they were really nice and awesome people. They told me about their mother Sasha and everything. My body craved them in the most lustful of ways and I couldn't act on them. They had potential mates out there and I didn't want to start something that would just end in me being depressed or angry. Not that I'm not aggravated now to be honest I just know I would be ten times worse.
School was supposed to start in a couple of days and I needed alone time. Sadly, the Denali sisters would also be attending school as Juniors with Rosalie, Jasper and Emmett. Edward, Alice and I were starting school as sophomores. So, I wouldn't get much reprieve from them there.
Carmen and Eleazar would assume the roles of parents which in hindsight would be quite funny. Carmen and Eleazar were quite the devious couple when left to their own devices, so it would be a feat to see them pull off such responsible roles.
Then there was the Cullens; they truly were a family through and through and not like most Vampire Covens that I ever fought. They kind of through me for a loop from what I knew about vampires. I mean it was definitely one thing to read about it a long ass time ago in a book during my human years but it was really different living with a coven of vampires.
Privacy really was almost non-existent unless you trapped yourself in your sound proofed room.
The main issue being Jasper, Alice and Edward. Their powers were consistently on so they had no choice but to feel/see/hear everything. Alice's vision seemed to happen sometimes; about the most mundane things, and she would interfere quite often for the best possible outcome.
Being a seer can definitely weigh heavily on a person and it just confounds me that I meet one that just interferes with life so thoughtlessly; through love, good intent or whatever, I've just never known a seer to get invested with peoples lives so much.
I devoted a couple of hours every morning with Jasper and Edward to meditate and help them with their gifts so they can learn to at least shut theirs off with enough practice. They are quite a long ways from being able to shut off their powers. Unfortunately there wasn't much for Alice I could do, as any type of gift involving visions was from a god.
Each gift from a god is wired differently and one training won't work for another gift from a god. My being a dragon meant my gift was from a god. Even with my own training I had to fight and figure out on my own how to better myself and my powers. It took the better part of two hundred and fifty years before I completely mastered my powers, that's for sure.
It was late in the night almost one a.m. when I got off my bed and left my room. I let the family know I was going out for a hunt. I was in a sports bra and basket ball shorts and didn't bother with shoes. The air smelt crisp but the cold didn't affect me.
I let the partial shift flow over me and my wings come out of my back. My eye sight had sharpened quite a bit and I could feel my extra set of canines grow next to my regular canines. My muscles bulked up just the tiniest bit and my form grew a couple of inches taller. Smatterings of scales popped up all over my skin and let me tell you it was definitely a weird feeling having scales push out through your skin. The scales were a nicely blended mix of different shades of purples and blues. To an observer I no doubt looked like a mutant reptilian like human with wings.
I stretched my wings out and groaned. Not once since I've been here have I flown and I was going to fix that starting tonight. With a powerful thrust of my wings I took to the sky and soared for a bit. My sharp eyes let me see the animals on the forest floor and in the trees. Life at night was quiet and serene and I felt myself minutely relax. I did a few twists and loops in the air to really stretch out my wings. I laughed as I felt the exhilaration of flying again.
Before long I spotted a river and dived straight down into the water. I grabbed a fish in each hand and flew back out of the water until I was just on the river bank. I plopped down and started eating one of the fish. I thanked the gods in my head again for the fact that I didn't have to worry about gutting fish anymore. While I could probably stave off my hunger even longer with a bigger animal, I just couldn't bring myself to really eat any other animals. Fish were plenty enough to stave off my hunger if I ate a few of them and I could always just get frozen fish if anything; even if it probably didn't taste quite as good as fresh fish.
I indulged myself a bit and ate five more fish before I flew back home. Today was the day we met with the La Push Pack to discuss amending the treaty now that the Denali and myself are involved. Oh, that was another thing. It took about two months of us being here before Sam and Paul shifted into shifters and finally met Carlisle, Esme, Edward, and Rosalie at the old treaty line after them going to it everyday and waiting for an hour. Rosalie usually came back grumpy since they never showed.
No doubt they heard me return and I just waited outside for the Denali to arrive. I let my partial form go and reverted back to my regular form. Before long Alice and Jasper came outside to wait with me. Alice gave me a chesire grin and I just lifted my eyebrow in question. She shook her head and I shrugged.
"How was your hunt Lee?" Jasper asked with a thicker southern drawl than normal. Alice and Jasper must have mated last night if he is speaking like this.
I just smiled, "It was refreshing. I was able to eat a trout this time and I spent a little bit of time swimming."
He smiled at me probably feeling my content mood instead of my conflicting emotions. "Sometimes a good hunt is all one needs. Say are you going to go to the meeting dressed like that?"
I made a whatever hand gesture, "I'm very much comfortable and too lazy to change."
Jasper just laughed at my actions. The Cullens definitely got to experience a different kind of me when I was comfortable and in a lazy mood. There was no real changing my mind or getting me to budge otherwise. I swear its the dragon in me; I was never really like this as a human.
Rosalie was the next to come out, "Damn, Mutts. Isn't it bad enough they already wasted enough of our time?"
I was about to say something when Edward and Emmett came out, "Rosie we have nothing but time!"
I laughed because Emmett took the words right out of my mouth. I put my hand out for a high five and a sounding boom happened when our palms connected.
"Nice, Emmett, great minds think alike."
Edward chuckled as Rosalie grumbled and crossed her arms.
It was only a couple of minutes before the Denali's car came up the drive way. They pulled up in a black 2004 Toyota Highlander. It reminded me very much of my great grandparents from my human years because they used to drive a highlander. I could already feel their gazes on me and I unconsciously stopped slouching. I only noticed after Edward commented on it with a shit eating grin. I flipped him off and waved at Carmen and Eleazar who were the first ones out of the car. I almost felt relief just seeing the three sisters and I could feel my self heating under their gazes. Their eyes were black and I could feel my beast stirring in a good way.
Kate whistled appreciatively, "Damn, Lee impressive. I didn't know you were packing a six pack."
Irina practically purred, "Look at her waist her hips are just making her v-line so tantalizing."
I could feel my beast preen and I could feel a rumble slip from my throat.
Tanya's words and actions are what made me snap.
She licked her lips, while giving me the most down right lustful look that heated my body up even higher, "She just looks exquisite period."
I didn't even register that I was moving towards them until Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie, and Alice were pulling me backwards.
I growled at them for stopping me from going to what's mine. Mine. that thought was enough to shake me out of my anger
"Mine?" I asked out confusedly to Alice.
She nodded her head yes and before anything else could happen Carlisle and Esme appeared next to us to get things back on track.
"Lee, you and the Denali's can have a discussion after the meeting. We should head out now as to not be late."
Everyone agreed and I pulled myself out of everyone's hold and followed after Carlisle and Esme. I didn't bother looking backwards as the others followed. There was too much on my mind and I was definitely freaking out on the inside a little bit.
I couldn't help but think I just fucked up them having their true mates or something. What the actual fuck in the Apex's sweaty balls. My mind really couldn't fathom just how different this world was and I may be having a bit of trouble coping with that. If things are this different then my knowledge is useless. All my plans to deal with all of the issues just flew out of the window and it was the same as having the rug pulled out from under me. I don't know how long i was internally freaking out but eventually I started gaining sense. It doesn't matter it's because things are already different that my plans wouldn't have worked anyways. Those were plans for a totally different reality. I will just have to face any threats head on with my new family. I felt determination flow through me as I wouldn't let harm befall any of them.
ThirdPOV
Lee stood in between the Cullens and the Denali lost in thought and no one hand the heart to break said thoughts. Carlisle was doing most of the talking with Sam who seemed to be pretty suspicious of all of them. Paul was actively glaring at them all and there was two other shifters that stood around just eye them cautiously. Alice looked on worriedly at Lee as Jasper kept making faces with her changing emotions. Lee's emotions were like tidal waves on the high sea. To Jasper it was as if she felt emotions quite strongly and it was different but sometimes unfortunate for Jasper.
Edward was keeping track of all the shifters mind in case one of them decided to attack. He didn't feel threatened because the shifters were out numbered but he still didn't want any of his family hurt. Rosalie was feigning disinterest in all of it looking at her nails and occasionally picking at them while talking with Irina quietly.
Everyone else just stood on guard and listened.
"You want to make amends to the treaty, Carlisle. Tell me what amends you wish to make now that I'm up to date on yours and the Denali's recent move and your newest members." Sam said crossing his arms over his chest.
Carlisle, "I would like the treaty to also extend to the Denali as they are our cousins. This next one is more of a request really from our newest addition. She would like to be able to come and go on your land freely incase there are nomads that may terrorize your people."
"We'll never let a filthy leech like you on our lands!" Paul yelled starting to shake.
Sam looked over to him and gave him a warning look, "You know that our treaty is in place for a reason. No vampire is allowed on our lands."
Carlisle, nodded his head in understanding, "Yes, I understand, but Lee isn't exactly a vampire. She's actually part dragon and elf with some vampire venom running through her veins. She used to be human but due to her circumstances she agreed to a ritual that made her supernatural. She protects the balance of all natural and super naturals. Lee isn't even from this world actually."
Sam closed his eyes and considered it for a moment.
Paul roughly grabbed his shoulder, "You can't be taking this leech seriously?"
Rosalie stopped looking at her nails and retorted, "You're quite the mutt aren't you. You keep calling us leeches and act oh so suspicious of us when you can barely control your anger mongrel.
Paul couldn't stop the change and in his anger he lunged. That was his mistake and before anyone else could move Lee had already appeared in her partial form holding Paul by his throat in the air. Lee kept putting pressure on his wind pipe so he was gasping and struggling to get air. Sam was shaking but he was trying to control his anger as his other packmates shifted at the sign of danger.
His voice boomed and washed over his pack, "Stand down! We have come here for negotiations."
His gaze was burning as he glared at Lee. She just looked back at him with boredom.
"You are a young shifter, and I commend you on the control you have over your anger. It generally takes a few years for shifters to be able to stop themselves from shifting. I will warn you now; try to teach your packmates the same control before they hurt those closest to them. Otherwise they will live with that regret for the rest of their lives. I'll give you back this one unharmed if you can keep him in check."
Sam gritted his teeth and hissed a yes through his teeth. Lee glided down and a sigil appeared on her hand turning Paul back into his very naked human form. She unceremoniously dropped Paul in front of Sam's feet. Then she walked backwards until she was with the Cullens.
"Like Carlisle was saying I would like to come and go freely on your lands. I would also like to extend my hand in a tentative friendship. If you let me on your lands I can help you all control your anger better, connect more with your inner wolves, and teach you to shift without destroying your clothes. Out of good will, I would be more than happy to share stories of the many different shifters that I have come across in my travels and about their ways." Lee shook herself and her partial transformation disappeared.
Sam exhaled his breath in disbelief. He was still learning all the things that came with being a shifter and struggling to come to terms that his life was pretty much tied to the reservation when all he wanted was to get out with his girlfriend Leah. Then here comes this little miracle in the hands of his supposed enemies with knowledge of his species and just willingly offers to teach them about themselves no less. He had his reservations about letting an ally to his natural enemy roam the Reservation but the Cullens didn't seem to be lying about her being a dragon. Maybe the council wasn't right on everything they taught him about the cold ones. He was barely able to help train his current pack mates as it was and he'd be a damn idiot to not take this gift. Fuck the council on this one he thought.
"I agree to your amends Carlisle. When do you think you can start training us Lee?" He said helping Paul up from the ground.
"I can start tomorrow night at eight p.m. we can meet here. We'll train until twelve p.m. for the next couple of days until school starts up as I'm sure you guys still attend school?"
Sam nodded his head, "This will be my last year."
"After that it'll just be for the weekends for at least five hours. We will start at six A.M. If you want to do more than the five hours we can discuss it when we meet up."
Sam agreed and did something unexpected he put his hand out for Lee to shake. She looked at him for a moment then stepped forward and grasped his hand tightly. They shook on it.
He gave her a lopsided smile, "To a tentative friendship."
Lee threw her head back and laughed smacking him on the shoulder good naturedly.
"You got it buddy. Keep it up, you are doing a great job as alpha."
Sam thanked her quietly so only they could hear and she gave him a soft smile. She turned back towards her vampires and waved good bye to the shifters over her shoulder.
"See you tomorrow Sam."
Lee's POV
I started walking back towards home at a leisurely pace. Everyone else except Tanya, Kate and Irina blurred back towards the house. We travelled for about twenty minutes before I sat down on the ground against a tree looking back at the Denali sisters. They all sat around me about a foot away. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, "Why didn't you guys just tell me I was your mate?"
Kate looked sheepish as Tanya glared at the ground.
Irina is the one that spoke up, "Honestly, we thought since you looked into Tanya's eyes and was acting the way you were during your shopping trip that you figured out about the bond. You exhibited the signs for newly recognized mates; constant staring, the low growling, and the need to be close. Then we thought maybe you were actively denying the bond, when you tried avoiding our advances. Then when we moved here for the first couple of weeks I just thought maybe you weren't used to that much physical interaction. You exhibited all the signs of a neglected and abused child."
I ran my finger through my hair, "Damn your pretty much spot on about almost everything. That's actually kinda scary how you were able to notice all of that."
Irina looked a little deflated after I said that and I could kick myself in the ass for putting that frown there. I leaned forward and grasped her hand in mine; letting my thumb run over her knuckles.
"Turn that frown upside down. I never said it was a bad thing, I just thought I was better at controlling myself than I was." She smiled a shy smile that had my heart skip a beat for sure. I coughed and looked to the other two that had matching grins. I could feel myself blushing.
"Stop with that, if you guys keep looking at me like that I won't be able to talk." They all laughed at me and I was happy to hear them laughing even if it was at my expense.
"Look I've never been in a relationship never mind having three mates. So all these emotions that come with this are very new to me and unsettling sometimes. I occasionally had a small crush here or there but nothing this intense. It took me a long time to control my inner beast and to have her reacting so strongly is throwing me for a loop. Also this brings up another question... are the three of you mated to each other or is this just a weird your all mated to me thing?"
Kate snorted at that, "Oh please if you were witness to last night you wouldn't think twice about all three of us being mated to each other."
Tanya smacked Kate on the back of her head, "Kate!"
Kate rubbed her head and pouted at her, "What?"
Irina giggled, "You deserve that one Kate you know Tanya doesn't like talking about our bed room activities to others."
"That's only because it turns her on when I mention it. Isn't that right Tatiana?" Kate purred now straddling Tanya's lap and nibbling on her earlobe.
I felt myself heat up and a low rumble left my throat. Tanyas eyes were black as she looked at me with hooded lids. I had to hold myself back from pouncing on the both of them. I watched as one of Tanya's hand slipped down the front of Kate's pants and the other up her shirt.
I could feel my control slipping and I gripped Irina's hand tighter as I looked on because there was no way I was able to look away.
Author's After Note:
Well, there you have it. Here's chapter 3 in a nutshell. I again had something drafted for this but then things changed as I was typing it out , so boom this chapter was born. I hope you all enjoyed it.