Chapter 41 – Like Colder Weather, I Was Born For Leaving

Carlisle's POV

Time seemed to move quickly after the big reveal. I don't think I will ever be able to articulate into words how relieved the whole family has been with Amber's acceptance.

While the family and I have fully accepted Amber as Rosalie's mate, I wish the same could be said for Rosalie herself.

The last test for Amber and Rosalie's relationship to prove that they are truly destined to be mates is Amber's embracing Rose's traumatic past that correlates with her turning.

While we all understand Rose's hesitance to fully welcome Amber into her heart as her mate, we also wish that Rose would just accept what's right in front of her.

Alice's POV

As I pull out of my latest vision I'm confused about why I saw us visiting our cousins in Alaska. We try and visit 'our cousins' every decade or so, so it's a confusing vision to see us visiting them after only a few years.

Whatever the reason I am ecstatic to be able to spend time with the Denali's. Their property is so remote that it allows us to be completely free to be ourselves.

A shout of "Esme! Alice!" from the front of the house pulls me out of my thoughts.

Rosalie is practically beaming when I finally see her, which tells me that she has just come from seeing Amber. Those two could give a gummy bear cavities with how sweet they are with one another.

"Amber just told me that she has to leave next week for some scheduled training." Rose starts to explain.

I'm more than confused, because that statement should be followed with a lot less enthusiasm.

Oblivious to my inner thoughts Rosalie continues with her explanation "Amber has to do some Arctic training and it will be taking place in Northern Alaska. So I figured that..."

"That we could visit our cousins and make it a big holiday, what a fantastic idea!" I squeal as I cut Rosalie off mid sentence. From the scowl that I receive from Rose and the motherly look from Esme I can tell that my overzealous behavior needs to be reined in...again.

The three of us began planning our next family gathering.

Amber's POV

I don't think I'll ever feel warm again. I know that sounds dramatic, but 9 days out in the Artic Tundra with temperatures reaching as low as minus 60 degrees will definitely leave you with a chill in your bones.

Thankfully I caught some sleep on the way back to Eielson, A.F.B.

When we finally make it back to the Base I grabbed a looonngg hot shower and some food before I head to the parking lot to pick up my vehicle. Thanks to Alice's visions and tendency to over plan, she was able to arrange for a vehicle to be left in the parking lot for me to drive to the Denali's place.

I followed Alice's instructions that lead me to a truck. I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I notice that it's not just any truck it's a GMC Sierra 2500 Denali.

I couldn't think of a more appropriate way to get to myself to the Denali's.

I settle myself into the truck and prepare for the almost 4 hour drive to get to the remote property.

I had only been driving maybe 40 minutes when I get the complete shit scared out of me when something slams into the inside of the bed of the truck and I almost drive off the road.

Thankfully my driving training kicked in and I managed to stay on the road, but just barely.

When I manage to get my wits about me I notice a lone figure standing in the middle of the road.

I knew for certainty that I was looking at a vampire. The mild glistening of sparkling diamonds on the exposed skin on the arms were kind of a dead give away.

I just froze as I tried to figure out my plan for escape knowing very well that I didn't stand a chance against this apex predator, but I was refusing to go down without a fight.

Tanya's POV

Having the Cullen's here has been such a surreal experience. It has only been a few years, but I never would have thought that someone could change in such a short period of time, but seeing our cousins over the last few weeks has proven that it is possible.

Edward and Jasper have by far have the most noticeably drastic change.

Where Edward is usually uptight and boarderline prudish and Jasper is rigidly reserved they both have not only mellowed out but they seem to both be at peace with themselves and those around them.

The whole Cullen family seems to have found a zestful passion for life and have a tranquility that surrounds them.

Obviously the biggest change has been with Rosalie.

It was hard to pinpoint exactly what was different about Rose. There were little things like her willingness to fully embrace family activities or how she gave out easy and almost carefree smiles and laughter. It's a gentle kind of peace that has obviously become a balm for her soul. This easy going peace that has saturated each and every single one of them and it has filled our hearts to see Rosalie so at peace after such a long struggle with herself and those around her. Whoever this Amber is she has the full support of my coven.

Speaking of Amber I'm assuming that the sound of the approaching truck is the woman herself.

Kate's POV

As I park the truck in front of the house the smile on my face drops as I see the look on Tanya's face. I'm familiar enough with that look to know that I'm in trouble.

The rest of the family starts to make their way outside and by the looks on Carmen and Esme's faces I know that I'm most certainly in a world of trouble.

All eyes land on Amber when she starts to get out of the truck, well more like Amber stumbles/almost falls out of the passenger side.

After managing to get out of the truck we all were surprised by the blonde blur that literally flew into Amber knocking her back into the passenger side door.

It was quite jarring to see Rosalie giving such a public display of her emotions. And by displays of affection I mean having her tongue shoved into someone's mouth as everyone in the family looked on.

Damn. I didn't think Rosalie had it in her.

The mini make out session is halted when Amber's need for air became an issue.

Amber trying to catch her breath says "Slow down darlin'. I'm still recovering from that drive."

"Oh don't be a baby." I offendedly say.

Amber's deadpan reply was "You do realize that I've been in military aircrafts doing evasive maneuvers while being shot at that were smoother rides then the one you just made?"

"I'll have you know I'm an excellent driver and an even better aviator." Was my haughty retort.

Amber replied "Ok, what ever you say Goose." With a roll of her eyes.

I'm beyond offended. I practically yell indignantly at Amber "How dare you! I am not Goose! If anything I'm Maverick!"

Amber who has decided that she's done with the conversation has already walked away and into the house with Rosalie.

"I'm Maverick." I all but pout and stomp my foot.

"Sure you are." Tanya condescendingly says to me.

"Come on Goose, let's go into the house with everyone else." Irina says as she shoulder bumps me with a laugh.

I stomp my way behind my sisters to the house with my arms folded and a pout on my face the whole way.