Out of Time

by KorKor11

Bella Swan lost her life and then her memory, creating a confused newborn trying to put together the pieces of her missing past. With the aid of Tanya and Irina, she learns to control her vampiric abilities while avoiding the murderous Victoria. But no one can control when time rips her from the present and brings her to Katrina. Kate/Bella. Katella.

3. Chapter 3

"Wait, you remember Rosalie?" Alice asked, eyes wide as she looked between the two of them.

Bella blinked, withdrawing her hands from the blonde's face and shaking her head, "Not really. It's her voice. She has the most to say."

Irina let out a disgruntled growl, "She always does."

Rosalie glared at her but Alice spoke before she could, "That's not fair! Rose was mean to you!"

The newborn chuckled, "I'm well aware," she fixed her gaze on Rosalie again, "Huh, I should have known you'd look like this."

She raised a brow, "Like what?"

Beautiful, untouchable, angry, "Like you." She turned to Irina, "Paul can still come over tomorrow, right?" Seeing Rosalie made her excited and anxious, but I'm not a spineless human anymore and I need her to know that. This made her frown, why do I care what she thinks? She should still be furious with the Cullens for leaving but seeing Rosalie had somewhat diluted her anger.

Irina nodded, ignoring Tanya's grumblings, "Of course."

"He's not one of those mongrels, is he?" Rosalie's cutting voice made her stiffen for a moment. Hearing her in person was strange, it was a lot more intense knowing she'd have to actively respond to the woman she literally couldn't get out of her head.

"He's a shifter." Tanya said, surprising Bella by coming to her defense, though she suspected it was only because her coven leader disliked Rosalie more than she disliked Paul, "He's good friends with Bella. He protected her when your family left."

Rosalie sneered, lip curling in a snarl as she looked Bella over, "Well, he did an excellent job, didn't he?" Rosalie hated her vampirism, she didn't want me turned. She wanted me to find contentment in humanity the way she wished she could have.

But Bella liked being a vampire, loved it, even. The burn in her throat was aggravating and her strength could be overwhelming, but ultimately she loved vampirism, it was all she'd ever known.

Irina snorted, "If you were really so concerned you have stayed. At least the wolves tried."

"You talk so much for someone who understands so little."

Bella narrowed her eyes, "What is there to understand? You left. You broke the laws of the Volturi." She stepped away from her, "You told a human of your existence. You should have killed me or turned me before you left Forks-"

Rosalie laughed, quiet and hollow, "You've trained her well." She looked at the sisters, "She's a Volturi loyalist, which is more suitable for a Denali than a Cullen." Her eyes widened and a sharp pain stabbed her chest as black eyes glared at her, "It's for the best that you run off to Alaska when all this is said and done."

"What is she to me?" Rosalie snarled, "Except a menace–a danger you've chosen to inflict on all of us."

"Watch your tongue!" Tanya snarled, putting her arm out to prevent Irina from lunging at Rosalie.

"Rose!" Alice reprimanded, stepping towards the newborn, "She didn't mean that she's just-"

"No! This is about my soul, isn't it?" Bella Swan yelled, "Carlise told me about that, and I don't care, Edward. I don't care!"

Her head was pounding and she hissed, stepping away from them and squeezing her eyes shut.

"Maličký?" Irina was at her side in an instant, gently grabbing her arm.

"Bella, I don't want you to come with me," Edward said, voice flat and uncaring.

"You...you don't want me?"

Her eyes snapped open, "No."

Bella's hands curled into fists and she snarled at the Cullens, "I know what she meant." Rosalie was taken aback by her anger, and a flicker of guilt flashed through her eyes. Edward didn't want me, and neither did she. Her hands balled into fists and a growl escaped her, memories are a hassle, the Cullens are a hassle. They shouldn't have come back.

Alice shook her head, "Bella, please listen-"

"Why should she?" Irina challenged, "She has every reason to hate the entirety of your family."

Rage flooded her body and she turned on her heel, "I can't hate people I don't know." She snarled, "I'm going for a run."

"Bella-" Tanya started but she waved her off.

"I won't go too far from the house. I promise. I just need to punch something, or whatever." She ran deep into the woods, and it wasn't long before the familiar tug ripped her from the present.

---

Time spat her out and she growled, "Great." She was on a snow-covered mountain, and snowflakes swirled around her as she tried to gain her bearings.

Bella heard the clang of steel and grunts of exertion. The heartbeats she heard were loud and erratic and it made her tense and hold her breath. Shit. She could hear the blood pumping from the heart and into the body and she snarled.

They're within a mile of me, I could make quick work of them. Her body shuddered, humans are so weak and fragile. I wouldn't expose myself, the dead can't speak, they wouldn't even know what hit them.

She heard the sharp laugh of Rosalie, "You don't want to be rash about such permanent things, Bella." It was maddening, "When you're a vampire there's only one thing you'll want, one thing you'll kill for."

Bella swallowed thickly, trying to keep the venom from flooding her mouth as she took a step towards the humans.

"Blood."

"No." She growled, "I'll never regret this, and I'll never give in." But it's so close, and I bet it smells so good.

"So eager for eternal damnation." Edward chided, making her fall to her knees and dig her fingers into the earth, trying to root herself to the spot.

"Wow! You do smell good!" The teasing voice of Alice did nothing to calm her, if anything it made her even more infuriated. She was on the verge of breaking, of descending upon the humans and draining them dry. I'll make it quick, no one will have to know.

"The taste of human blood was never worth the humanity I lost when indulging in it." Carlisle's soothing voice made her shoulders sag, "Animal blood will never be as sweet, but human blood will never be as freeing."

"Human blood equals no soul, awesome, got it." She growled, knowing Carlise was right but knowing she'd regret slaughtering the humans.

Bella squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to move as the humans continued to fight with their steel weapons. They were speaking Slovak, and from what she was able to put together from their conversations, she discovered that they were sparring, preparing their young warriors for the day they'd see battle.

I must be close to Katrina.

The sound of a heartbeat came closer towards her, and she hissed as she dug her fingers deeper into the frozen ground. Maybe they don't see me. She feared what she would do if she saw a human. What if I can't stop myself?

She heard the notch of an arrow before it whizzed through the air, flying directly towards her. The newborn in her snarled, they have the audacity to attack me? Bella didn't bother looking up as she caught the arrow with ease, right before it struck her temple, and she crushed it between her fingers.

She was about to yell at her attacker when a familiar, delighted laugh filled her ears, "Bela! Som rád, že si to ty! Myslel som, že to bolo, ale chcel som si byť istý!" [Bela! I'm glad that's you! I thought it was but I wanted to be sure!]

The vampire was on her feet in an instant, looking at Katrina incredulously and fighting back her fond smile, "Ale strieľaš na mňa?" [But you shoot at me?]

Katrina was somewhat taller than the last time Bella had seen her. She came to Bella's chest and her limbs were more gangly. Her long blonde hair was covered in snowflakes, her face had slimmed down slightly, and her smile was just as large as it always was.

She wore a fur cap and a long, black cloak. Her clothing was padded to endure the freezing temperatures, and her large brown boots were lined with the same brown fur as her cap. Strapped to her waist was a real sword, small and thin enough for her to wield, and sharp enough to kill. A wooden shield was on her back and a knife was strapped to her thigh.

Deep blue eyes were looking at Bella with mirth and relief and that's when she noticed the deep cut that marked her cheek. It was recent and oozing a thin stream of blood. The sight of the wound made her freeze.

Katrina didn't seem to notice her discomfort as she nodded vigorously, "Šípy nemôžu ublížiť démonovi, a ty si veľmi rýchly." [Arrows can't hurt a demon, and you're very fast.] Just as last time she only understood pieces of what the girl told her. Something about hurting a demon and being fast.

Bella could only stare at her, hand reaching out and thumb brushing some of the blood away, "Bolí ťa." [You hurt.] Katrina shivered and she quickly withdrew her hand, "Prepáč." [Sorry.] She looked down at her shirt and ripped a piece off before using it to wipe off the blood smear she had left.

The sight of her blood didn't make her throat burn and it didn't call to her in the slightest. What does that mean? She didn't risk breathing, not keen on testing her control on the child.

Katrina leaned into her touch, cheeks bright red and eyes wide as she averted her gaze, "Stalo sa to počas tréningu. Nevenoval som pozornosť a Claus dostal dobrý švih." [It happened during training. I wasn't paying attention and Claus got a good swing.]

"Claus? Claus ti ublížil?" [Claus hurt you?] She growled. Being a warrior is unsafe, she's already been hurt and she hasn't even seen battle yet. What if she dies-

A gloved hand gripped her wrist and red eyes clashed with blue, "Som silný. Bojovníci stále krvácajú." [I'm strong. Warriors bleed all the time.] Her voice was firm and for a moment Bella was stunned, not used to the seriousness the girl was now displaying.

Then, in true Katrina fashion, she smirked, "Urazil som Clausovu tvár so svojím štítom! Urobil mu krvácanie z nosa!" [I bashed Claus's face in with my shield! Made his nose bleed!]

Bella rolled her eyes, dabbing the fabric on her cheek once more before pulling away, "I don't know what you said, but I'm sure it was something violent or rude. Or both, I'm sure."

"Ty a ten zvláštny jazyk. Myslel som si, že cvičíš slovenčinu, ale bol si preč tri roky a neznieš lepšie." [You and that strange language. I thought you were practicing Slovak, but you were gone for three years and don't sound any better.] Katrina said accusingly, making Bella frown.

"Neviem." [I do not know.] She said, struggling to put all the words together, "Bol som tri rokov?" [I gone for three years?]

The girl scowled at her, "Teraz mám desať." [I'm ten now.]

Her eyebrows raised, "Teraz si veľký." [You big now.] I missed three years? "Je mi ľúto, že som bol dávno preč. Už sa vrátim." [I'm sorry I gone long time. I come back now.] Her poor vocabulary in Slovak frustrated her, despite her constant practicing it took longer than she wished. She could understand the girl a little better but speaking the foreign language was another challenge.

Katrina sighed, shoulders slumping as she threw her arms around Bella's middle, "Vy ste... chýbal si mi." [You did...I missed you.]

She gently hugged her back, resting her chin on her shoulder and smiling slightly, "Miss vás taky." [Miss you too.] And she did. The girl was a lot, very loud and excessive, but Bella found it charming. She felt a strange sense of calm around Katrina, despite the child frequently frustrating her, and being around her always elevated her mood.

There were no Cullens, no Edward or Rosalie. Only Katrina.

They pulled away and Katrina poked her chest, "Povedz diabla, že ťa tak dlho nedrží v pekle. Si môj démon." [Tell the devil he can't keep you in hell for so long. You're my demon.]

Bella chuckled, patting the top of her head with the utmost care, "Poviem mu to." [I tell him.] Katrina nodded, pleased with her answer, "Ako vieš, že som tu?" [How you know I here?]

She frowned, as though Bella had asked her a ridiculous question, "Je tu a...remorkér. Cítim to tu." [There's a...tug. I feel it here.] She touched her chest, "Ale to preto, že si môj démon, takže ťa musím sledovať a uistiť sa, že nikoho neješ a musíš ma chrániť." [But that's because you're my demon, so I have to watch you and make sure you don't eat anyone, and you have to protect me.]

Her brow furrowed, startled by the validity of her claim. Stop me from eating anyone? Her eyes widened, she distracted me from the humans that were sparring. The vampire listened closely, surprised that it was now silent. She mentioned a tug...like what I feel when I'm taken from the present. Bella looked at Katrina with a furrowed brow, we're connected, tethered, but why?

She opened her mouth but Katrina cut her off, "Poďme rozbiť veci!" [Let's break things!] That's all this little maniac likes to do.

Bella rolled her eyes, "Robíme to vždy. Urobme niečo iné." [We do that always. Let's do different thing.]

"Ako čo?" [Like what?] The vampires looked around, oh, what to do on a snowy mountain?

An idea came to mind and she grinned, "I don't know the word for it in your language, but what about a snowball fight?" Did Bella Swan like snow? Did she like snowball fights? I bet not, she thought bitterly, she was clumsy and scared, I bet she couldn't even throw a snowball.

Katrina tilted her head to the side in confusion and Bella scooped up some snow before lightly tossing it at her. Please don't put a hole in her. It struck her torso and blue eyes looked at her in shock.

"Tá hra je pre deti, nie bojovníkov! Nie démoni!" [That game is for children, not warriors! Not demons!] She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and making Bella roll her eyes. The wild child trying to be mature? Please.

She smirked, picking up another snowball, "Zbabelec." [Coward.] She threw it at the girl, hitting her smack in the face, and the vampire couldn't help but laugh as she squealed in surprise.

Katrina staggered backward, wiping the snow from her face and glaring at her, "Nie som zbabelec! Ukážem ti to, hlúpa Bela!" [I'm no coward! I'll show you, stupid Bela!] She scooped up a handful of snow, packing it tightly before throwing it at Bella's face.

The vampire let it hit her, laughing as the girl went for more snow, "Dobrý!" [Good!] She brushed the snow off her face, ducking and laughing again as the next snowball came in her direction. Bella grabbed more snow, darting behind a tree as Katrina made two more snowballs.

"To nie je fér! Hýbte sa príliš rýchlo!" [No fair! You move too fast!] Katrina complained, running towards the tree Bella hid behind.

"Katrina je príliš pomalá!" [Katrina too slow!] She goaded, letting the girl find her, and grinning as she jumped over her head. Katrina watched her in the air, jaw slack, and eyes wide. Bella let her snowball fall on her face and snickered as she yelled in rage.

"Podvodník! To je dôvod, prečo idete do pekla! Nehráš fér!" [Cheater! This is why you go to hell! You don't play fair!] Bella, taking pity on the girl, let her hit her with both snowballs.

They played like this for a while, Bella trying to move at the human pace while laughing and ducking between trees. Katrina chased after her, giggling as she threw her snowballs wildly and made empty threats at the vampire's expense.

When Bella was hit in the forehead she fell to the ground dramatically, "Silný bojovník ma zabil! Príliš silný! Je príliš silná!" [Strong warrior killed me! Too strong! She is too strong!] She cried, putting an arm over her face and playing dead.

Katrina giggled, and Bella peeked from beneath her arm. The blonde stood next to the trunk of the tree that towered over them, with a smirk she kicked it, and Bella's mouth fell open as the branch above her shook and dropped the snow it had been holding.

It buried her in snow, and she was beyond grateful she couldn't feel the cold. Laying it on thick she spluttered, popping her head out of the snow mound to see Katrina now standing over her.

She drew her sword, smiling triumphantly as she stood atop the pile of snow and raised her sword in the air, "Fuck ass!" She'll never let that go and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for being so stupid.

"Katrina, you've got to stop saying that!" Bella groaned. She knew reprimanding her would only encourage her to say it, but she had been hoping after three years the girl wouldn't remember her slip up. But she did, probably just to spite me.

She gave Bella a wild grin before looking up at the sky, "Dobyl som hrôzostrašného démona Bela! Teraz ju odovzím a pošlem ju späť do pekla!" [I've conquered the fearsome demon Bela! I will now slay her and send her back to hell!]

Bella smiled in amusement as Katrina slowly brought the tip of her sword to her forehead and gave it a light tap, "Blegh," she made a dying noise, "Zomriem." [I die.] Her tongue stuck out of her mouth and she closed her eyes before letting her head go limp.

Katrina sheathed her sword, breathing heavily from exertion and a breathless laugh escaped her, "Si hlúpy démon, Bela! Zábavný démon! Rád sa s tebou hrám." [You're a silly demon, Bela! A fun demon! I like playing with you.]

Bella peeked an eye open, "Nie som hlúpa, desivá démonka!" [I not silly, I scary demon!]

The girl shook her head, a smile on her lips, "Nie si strašidelný démon, si môj démon." [You're not a scary demon, you're my demon.] She was shivering now, cheeks a bright red, and matching the color of her nose. Katrina sniffled and Bella burst out from beneath the snow mound.

"Ti je zima. Kde zostaneš?" [You cold. Where you stay?] The vampire asked, once again frustrated with her poor vocabulary and hoping Katrina understood her question. But if she's staying with all her peers I can't go with her, not without tearing out all their throats.

As though reading her mind, Katrina said, "Naše stany sú oddelené. Môj nie je ďaleko." [Our tents are separate. Mine isn't far.] She took Bella's hand and led her through the deep snow. Her hand trembled from the cold and the familiar worry Bella felt around the girl reappeared. What if she gets hypothermia? I'm too cold to keep her warm and I run too fast for her to give me instructions to her tent.

There were other humans out here, and she couldn't risk using her scent to find where Katrina's tent was, not without putting everyone else's life on the line. But if it comes to that, she found herself thinking, I would. She looked down at the shivering form of the child, I'll risk everyone's safety to ensure her own.

Thankfully, Katrina was right, and her tent wasn't far from their location. The brown tent was lined with various animal pelts. And while her tent wasn't too close to her other companions, it was still close enough that Bella could hear various heartbeats. However, she was far too focused and worried about Katrina to pay the other humans any mind.

Katrina bent down to enter but Bella hesitated, "Moja koža je studená. Bude ti zima." [My skin cold. Will make you cold.]

She rolled her eyes and gave her hand a tug, "Je mi jedno." [I don't care.] Of course you don't, she thought, refraining from lecturing her as she ducked into the tent.

It was surprisingly spacious and the ground was covered in more animal pelts. In the middle of the tent was a small fire pit that was surrounded by stones. The kindling laid atop dirt, and no animal skins were near it.

Katrina released her hand, reaching up to the top of the tent and removing a metal clip. The deer pelt opened a hole for the smoke to filter out. The child worked quickly, shaky fingers made the fire with impressive speed and she shuffled next to Bella.

Before the vampire could protest, Katrina draped herself in her lap. She shivered again but refused to move. The fire crackled, and Bella moved them closer towards it, annoyed that her naturally cold skin was only making the girl colder.

"Je mi zima. Zmizni." [I cold. You get off.] She nudged her, scowling when Katrina scoffed and smacked her hand away.

"Oheň ma robí teplým, hlúpym Bela, nemusím sa hýbať." [The fire is making me warm, stupid Bela, I don't have to move.] She said, making Bella roll her eyes.

"Well, excuse me for giving a fuck." She grumbled, making the now sleepy girl crack a smile.

"Fuck."

Bella sighed, watching as the girl shifted in her lap and laid her head on her thigh, "Awesome."

Her shivering subsided, eyes drooping and a yawn escaped her, "Awesome." She repeated, "Ďalšie podivné slová...ak budem spať, odídeš?" [More strange words...if I sleep will you leave?]

The vampire grimaced, resting a hand on her arm, "Neviem." [I do not know.] She sighed, not knowing how to properly convey her feelings, "I hope not. You're a little shit but I like you." She smiled slightly, "Vrátil som sa. Ak ma zastavíš, nejem ľudí a držím ťa v bezpečí. Som tvoj démon." [I come back. You stop me, I do not eat people, and I keep you safe. I your demon.]

Katrina smiled at this, eyes closing, "Skús ma neopúšťať." [Try not to leave me.]

Her jaw tightened, torn between telling the truth and giving her a sweet lie. I'll always leave, but I'll always come back, she thinks of telling her, but decides against it. I can't know that for sure, she thinks, even though she feels the truth behind it.

Instead, she pats her arm, "Dobrú noc, Katrina." [Goodnight, Katrina.] Her breathing slowed and she fell asleep. Just as she did, Bella was ripped from the past.

---

When Bella returned to the present she was in Rosalie's room. Venom filled her eyes but she blinked it away quickly and shook her head. I'll be back, just as I told her I'd be. She winced, rubbing her chest, futilely trying to soothe the ache. It was similar to what she felt with the Cullens, but it felt stronger this time, and that worried her.

I would ask Irina but I can't, not without giving away my secret. She laid on the floor, and despite her current anger towards Rosalie, she still found solace in her room. Pushing Katrina from her thoughts, she closed her eyes, trying and failing to fall into her meditative state.

Her frustration reached a climax when the scent of roses washed over her, "Alice went with Tanya and Irina to search for any signs of Victoria." She said before raising a brow, "You've been staying in my room, on the floor." The universe surely hated her.

She didn't bother sitting up or opening her eyes, "Yeah."

"Why." It wasn't a question but a demand, and it made her grit her teeth.

"Can you just...go away?" She growled, refusing to look at the blonde as she squeezed her eyes shut.

"Don't be so intimidated by me." Rosalie told her, voice tinged with amusement, "I don't hate you. I mean, I don't particularly like you-"

"That's a lie," Bella Swan challenged.

"Is it? You can read minds now? Or are you an empath?" She snarked.

"You want me to leave my own room?"

"Yes." Bella still refrained from opening her eyes, "Do you really want to be here, now of all times?" Or are you just here to piss me off?

"You let me help with your cars. You let me hang out in your room. You even talk to me at school." The smugness was thick in Bella Swan's voice, "Admit it, you like me."

She could feel Rosalie's intense stare on her, "I do."

"I'd rather choke on glass than tell you such a ludicrous lie."

Bella Swan laughed, "Whoa, you like me! This must be so embarrassing for you!"

"You're absurd. I don't have time for your nonsense." She growled, "Now get me the floor jack. Unless that's too complex for you."

"Not too complex, I'm on it, bestie!"

Bella Denali snorted, "Fine, then be quiet."

"I don't want to be."

She sat up, glaring at her, "Holy shit, what do you want!" The voices of Bella Swan and past Rosalie were taunting her, throwing their past relationship in her face. Now she's disgusted by my vampirism and wants me to move to Alaska.

"That's it. Get the hell out of my garage."

"Okay! Okay! I'll be good! I already have the floor jack."

"No more talking!"

Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest and met her glare with her own, "Clearly I want to talk, but if you'd prefer to act like a child and pout, then by all means."

"...for what it's worth, I like you too, Rose."

"Well, I don't want to talk to you."

"What did I say about talking?" Rosalie growled, and Bella Swan's laughter echoed in her mind before it faded into silence.

"I don't care if you actually want to talk or not. I wasn't really giving you a choice." Rosalie walked closer to her, sitting on her bed and staring down at her, "I apologized to you once for being such a monster, and I told you I'd tried to behave myself, which you clearly remembered me saying." Bella's jaw tightened, "I was trying to be polite, you see." She tilted her head, "So under the guise of politeness, I'll ask you again, why do you come to my room? Why do you lay on the floor like a household pet?" Why can't you let it go?

Her anger got the better of her, and the vampire was on her feet, hands balled into fists, "I come to your stupid room because I feel safe here, okay? It's familiar to me. I stay on the floor and I don't touch anything because I don't want to break anything." Rosalie was taken aback by her answer, she could see it in the way her eyes widened slightly.

"Well...you spent a lot of time in here."

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders, "Sure."

They were quiet for a moment before Rosalie said, "I suppose you not wanting to talk to me is better than you being outright angry with me. Edward's room is-"

"Don't pretend you give a shit. He annoys you."

This earned her a small smile, "Yes, he does. I thought the destruction of his stereo was a nice touch, but the writing was a little crass for my taste." There was a moment of vulnerability, she could see that in the way Rosalie hesitated and averted her gaze, as though she had spotted something more interesting to look at, "You hear my voice the most...what do I say?"

Bella's brow furrowed, "You're kind of mean, but maybe Bella Swan was a masochist because I feel all of her nervous excitement when I hear you. But you've given me some good advice and a lot of times your voice makes me smile."

Rosalie rolled her eyes, and had Bella been human she wouldn't have noticed the slight curl of her lips, "You refer to yourself in third person now? How dreadful." And while the blonde appeared amused by her, Bella could detect the condescension in her tone.

I open up and all you do is deflect, "No. I'm not her, I'm Bella Denali." She couldn't keep the growl out of her voice, "You don't have to act like an ass, I already know you like me!" Her eyes narrowed, "Or, at least, you liked Bella Swan."

Gold eyes widened slightly and the blonde grew defensive, "Just because they slapped Denali on your last name doesn't mean anything." She said with a scowl, "You're still Bella Swan."

"But I'm not." Bella snapped, "I don't have her memories. I'm not a human anymore, I'm not weak and spineless." Rosalie looked affronted, "I don't even remember my humanity, so my change shouldn't bother you."

Her jaw tightened, "Just because you remember some out of context dialogue, doesn't mean you understand anything."

"I understand that you hate vampires." She said, "You didn't want me to be one, but I don't know why that matters now. You said it yourself, I belong in Alaska with the Denali's."

Rosalie snarled at her, standing to her feet and making Bella step back in surprise at her change in demeanor, "I was lying, obviously!"

Her own rage flickered back to life, "How's it obvious? You left!" She roared, "Edward said he didn't want me, and I'm assuming that goes for all of you. It clearly had something to do with me being human."

The blonde looked taken aback, anger giving way to confusion as her brow furrowed, "Wait, what exactly did he say to you?"

"It doesn't matter. None of that matters, not anymore." I take it none of them bothered to say goodbye.

Rosalie rolled her eyes, "Yes, it does." She quieted for a moment, looking at Bella regretfully, "I didn't leave because you were human...I actually liked that about you. I left to protect your humanity, to allow you to live a normal life," she looked away from her, "I thought I had to leave to keep you safe," she clenched her jaw before meeting her gaze, "But I never wanted to leave you."

The confession made her eyes widened and her mouth fell open, "Oh." That's all she could say, she had no words that could adequately convey how she felt. It was confusing and frustrating and relieving to hear that Rosalie hadn't left for the same reasons as Edward. She didn't leave because I wasn't good enough for her, she tore her gaze from the blonde, she left because she thought I'd be better without her.

"Oh." Rosalie mocked, wrinkling her nose, "That's all you have to say?" She rolled her eyes, "I open up and all I get is some stupid-" Bella slammed into her. In retrospect, she came at her too quickly, and her poor strength adjustment made them both fly out of the room and slam into the wall.

Cracks rippled up the wall and Rosalie squirmed in her grip, "You idiot, let me go!"

Bella hugged her tighter, laughing as she said, "Not until you admit you like me!"

Rosalie sighed, no longer fighting her embrace, "You're such a child, it's a wonder I can stomach your presence at all." She begrudgingly hugged her back, resting her cheek on her shoulder, "I don't like you. At most I tolerate you."

The newborn pulled away so she could look at her, "Uh-huh. You tolerate me. That's why you came with Alice to find my corpse." She gasped, "Did her vision make you sad, Rose?" She looked at her with wide eyes, pretending as though she were utterly scandalized as Rosalie averted her gaze.

"Sad that I'd have to waste my weekend digging your grave, all the while dirtying my outfit."

Bella laughed again, resting her chin on her shoulder, "Well, I'm glad I'm not completely dead, then."

"...I'm glad you're not either."

After she released her they went to the living room. Bella wanted to watch television while Rosalie claimed she had left her book downstairs. She couldn't remember if she had seen any movies and she was eager to catch up.

When she sat on the couch, Rosalie sat right next to her, just as besties do, but she thought better than to tease her, at least right now.

Bella picked up the ceramic mug that was left on the table and began to toy with it, practicing to keep her strength in check as she watched her movie. It was an odd sort of contentment, a familiar one, to just sit in silence with Rosalie. On occasion, Rosalie would make a quip about the movie she was watching, Pitch Perfect, but other than that they remained rather quiet.

Becca looks so familiar, "Did I know her?" Bella asked, pointing at the brunette on screen.

Rosalie glanced up from her book before she snorted, "You think you knew actresses?"

"No I just…" she trailed off when it appeared Rosalie was ignoring her, "You know, you're lucky I was and currently am a masochist because talking to you is exhausting."

"Oh, I'm the exhausting one?" She retorted, "You spent five minutes trying to get me to confess that I liked you, get a grip." Bella laughed and Rosalie grumbled, "You're clearly a masochist, or else you wouldn't have dated my insufferable brother."

The newborn hummed in agreement, watching in annoyance as her movie was interrupted by a commercial, "So...what's your favorite color?"

Rosalie shot her an irritated glare, "Really? Are we on a middle school date?"

If she could have blushed she would have, "Well," she gestured at the television, "The commercials are really boring and I don't exactly remember-"

"Purple, red, and gold." She listed, turning her attention back to her book, "Red and gold look the best on me and purple's the color of royalty." She does look regal enough to be royalty.

Bella stared at her for a moment before nodding, "Okay, makes sense…do you remember mine? Or did I ever tell you mine-"

"Cyan and various shades of blue. But you were always indecisive when it came to turquoise, you thought there was too much green." Rosalie answered without hesitation, still not looking up from her book, "Don't ask me any more of those silly questions. Alice will be more than happy to entertain you."

She remembers stuff about me? Bella tried not to grin at her, lest she further agitated her bestie. I should know things about her.

"How'd you and Emmett meet?" She set the mug down and looked at the blonde intently.

Rosalie sighed in exasperation, "I'm sorry, I forget you're not playing dumb, you're actually dumb."

"Would you stop being catty for two seconds? Jesus," she got to her feet and turned on her heel, "I try to get to know you again and-" a hand grabbed her wrist and she fought back a smirk. Rosalie dragged her to her side, so close their thighs were touching and the blonde held her hand tightly.

"I'm sorry."

She sounded genuine and Bella couldn't keep the amusement out of her voice, "I'm sorry too. Sorry that you like me so much-" she laughed as Rosalie palmed her face and shoved her off the couch. She fell on her ass with a thud, laughing harder as the blonde glowered at her.

"Just because you're harder to break doesn't mean I won't try!"

The newborn flopped back onto the couch, grinning as she put her hands up in surrender, "Okay! Okay! I'll be good, yeesh. So touchy." She leaned against the cushions, "So, how did you two meet?"

Rosalie turned her attention back to her book, "He was being mauled by a bear, I saved him, Carlisle turned him, and we mated." She said in a monotone voice, and Bella suspected it was to prevent herself from becoming emotional.

"That's...really sweet." She smiled, "How does mating work?" Rosalie refused to look at her, though the newborn could tell she wasn't actually reading, "Does it make it hard to be away from him? Does it make it-"

"Again, I can't believe you had the audacity to say that I'm exhausting to talk to." She muttered, "Emmett was a human, but I felt a strong pull towards him. When he was turned we mated. We've been mates for a while so it's not as difficult to be away from him."

Bella hummed, frowning for a moment before asking, "So humans and vampires kind of mate, but not fully?"

"Correct."

A flash of panic shot through her, "I'm not Edward's mate, right?" She didn't remember Edward. Bella Swan may have wanted him, but she had no interest. From what she had gathered he was somewhat mean and condescending, and while it seemed to come from a place of concern, she didn't appreciate how he spoke to her.

Rosalie glanced at her, "Do you want him to be?" Bella Swan loved him, but I'm Bella Denali.

"No."

She nodded, turning her gaze back to her book, "Good. Because you're not his mate. He can lie to himself all he wants, but our family knows the truth." She turned the page, "I love my brother, but he wasn't good for you."

"You're no good for me."

Fuck you.

Bella was relieved to hear the news, "He was controlling."

"How well do you remember him?"

"Not well...I only knew he was controlling because you told me. Or, at least, your voice did." Another advertisement popped up on the television and she couldn't help herself, "Where have you been?" She didn't want to talk about Edward anymore.

"London."

"Oh, cool, I guess, if you're into that sort of thing." She shrugged, fighting back a smile as she heard Rosalie snort. Have I always liked aggravating her? It's so fun.

Gold eyes narrowed but she didn't remove them from her book, "Where would you go? Since you're apparently too good for London."

"Somewhere with lots of snow."

"You hated snow."

She thought of red-cheeked Katrina with snowballs in hand and snowflakes dancing around her, "Well, I was pretty silly back in the day."

"Imagine that," she said dryly, "A silly eighteen year old."

Bella couldn't help but grin, "Surprising, I know." Her movie came back on and she found herself frequently watching the red-headed actress. She's so pretty and her voice is pretty and her eyes and her body-

She blinked and turned to Rosalie, not quite registering the return Alice and the Denali's as she asked, "Have I always liked girls? Or am I just now finding this out?" This caused Rosalie to close her book, looking at Bella in surprise and causing the newborn to grimace, "Ah shit." She looked down at her hands, "Sorry, Swan, I think I just outed us."

She was startled by the anxiety that coiled in her chest, were you scared to come out before? Or had you already come out and been treated differently because of it?

Bella glanced at Rosalie to see the vampire staring at her, face inexpressive as she processed the information, "You did stare at me an awfully long time when we first met." She said, the barest hint of a smile on her lips, "I thought you'd catch flies."

Bella looked at her incredulously, "Have you seen yourself? I don't have to be attracted to women to know that you're gorgeous."

Alice sighed, "Please don't fuel her ego-"

"Shut up, Alice." Rosalie said, but it lacked any heat behind it and her eyes danced with amusement and appreciation for Bella's praise, "It's not fueling my ego if Bella tells me what I already know."

"And you call me egotistical?" Tanya grumbled to Irina, "Rose gives Kate a run for her money."

This made Rosalie roll her eyes, "Don't compare me to that maniac."

Irina scoffed, "No one gives Kate a run for her money."

Alice jumped in Bella's lap and smiled widely at her, "Well, no matter who you like, obviously it doesn't make a difference to us. We love you regardless." She felt so relieved that no objections were made that she laid back on the couch and sighed. Not that Tanya or Irina would have cared about my sexuality, but I couldn't be sure about the Cullens.

"Cool...thanks…" She closed her eyes, surprisingly not bothered by Alice snuggling into her. We've done this before. It was the same tenderness she had felt when she hugged Paul, the same comforting familiarity.

In a flash Tanya was behind her, smiling mischievously as she wrapped her arms around her shoulders, "If it makes you feel better, I already knew you were attracted to me–hey! Irina!" Her younger sister had her by the arm and yanked her off the newborn.

"I'm not letting you or Kate sink your claws into her. She's a newborn, let her gain more control of her emotions before you start hounding her."

"Or," Rosalie sneered, "Don't hound her at all." She turned to Bella, "If she does anything that makes you uncomfortable, you come to me, and I'll deal with it." Her voice nearly made her shiver. Its calmness was laced with malice and a deep hatred that made her eyes widen.

Tanya hissed at Rosalie, "You know I wouldn't-"

Her low growl cut her off, "No, you won't, and I'll see to that." There was something there, something deep and personal and uncomfortably familiar. Bella Swan knows but I'm in the dark. It was infuriating, but she knew better than to ask.

Bella cleared her throat awkwardly, "She, uh...it's not uncomfortable, well, at least not like that. It's just...frustrating." God I wish I were dead. She was incredibly grateful she couldn't blush.

Alice, who was apparently their peacemaker, was quick to change the subject, "I love what you and Paul have done with Edward's room." The tension in the room dissipated, and Rosalie shot Tanya another glare before turning her attention towards Bella and Alice.

The newborn grinned, "Thanks, that's the one memory that came back to me."

"The writing was a nice touch."

Bella cast a smirk at Rosalie, who rolled her eyes, "I thought so too, but Rose is a prude so that's why she didn't like it-"

"I didn't like it because it was juvenile."

"Or," Tanya offered, "You have a terrible sense of humor."

"Tanya." Irina chided, but Alice was quick on the draw to prevent a fight from breaking out.

"So, Bellyache, what other voices have you heard?"

Rosalie bared her teeth at Tanya in a silent warning before looking at the newborn expectantly, "I've heard yours. I've heard Carlise and Emmett and another woman...who I'm assuming is Esme." She hesitated, "Edward, I hear him almost as much as I hear Rose. Then there's a voice I haven't put a name to. He has a southern accent, but I've only heard him once."

Alice perked up while Rosalie frowned at the Denali's, "You two haven't told her about us?"

Irina snorted, "She didn't want to remember, she didn't want to know. The only reason she knows your names is because we mentioned them before we knew who she was." Rosalie seemed aggravated by this information but said nothing, and she refused to look at her.

Alice took it in stride, breezing past that point of tension and saying, "That voice belongs to my mate, Jasper." Jasper.

She saw black eyes, teeth bared, and arms outstretched to grab her. She heard a startled scream, vicious snarls, and the shattering of glass.

"Bella!"

"Bella?"

"Jasper, stop it! This isn't you!"

Bella could feel her throat constrict and that's when she saw his face perfectly. Black eyes promising to rip her apart, wild honey blonde hair, mouth opened wide, exposing sharpened canines ready to tear out her throat.

Jasper.

She didn't realize she was quivering until Alice cupped her face in her hands, "Bella?"

Bella snarled, pushing the smaller vampire off her lap and jumping to her feet, "What the fuck!" The anger was muffled by her fear as she was overwhelmed by the image of Jasper's murderous glare locked on her.

"I vote yes." Jasper chuckled, "It would be nice to not want to kill you all the time."

His voice made her skin crawl, just as it had when she first heard him say that. She could feel a phantom grip on her wrist, squeezing so tight she was certain Bella Swan's wrist would have broken. She was breathing heavily, clutching her wrist to her chest and trying to regain her bearings.

Rosalie was on her feet, reaching for her, "Bella." He attacked me.

Bella flinched away from her, making the blonde freeze, eyes wide and filled with hurt as she quickly withdrew her hand. Irina reached out to her instead, pulling Bella into her comforting embrace and making her release a shaky breath.

Tanya glared at the Cullen sisters, "What happened? What made her react like that?"

Alice clenched her jaw, looking ashamed when she said, "Bella was here for her eighteenth birthday party. We were opening presents when-"

"Ouch, papercut." Bella Swan grumbled.

"Jasper, don't!" Alice screamed.

Bella Denali was trapped in Bella's Swan body, no longer a spectator as she watched in horror as Jasper lunged at her, grabbing her wrist and crushing it in his tight grip.

"Bella!"

She screamed in agony as her bones snapped, and Rosalie was on the feral vampire in an instant.

She wrapped her arms around his throat and pulled, making skin crack as she snarled at him, "Jasper, stop it! This isn't you!" He released Bella's wrist and snarled, reaching to rip Rosalie off him. His murderous, black eyes remained fixed on Bella. He almost grabbed her again when another vampire swatted his hand away.

The stranger turned to her, his face was blotted out, murky and hard to see. He put a hand to her chest and shoved her backward, sending her flying.

She slammed into the wall, the wind was knocked out of her, and she fell into a glass table, shattering it with her body. Blood flowed down her arm, and she could only watch helplessly as a burly vampire jumped into the fray.

He and Rosalie held Jasper back while Alice tried to calm him. The vampire that had shoved her was standing in front of her protectively. A different blonde vampire was speaking gently with Jasper while a woman stood back, staring at Bella's arm with black eyes. At that moment, Bella feared her too.

Jasper was too fixated with trying to drain her dry, straining against the vampires that held him back, and snarling as he tried to break free.

"Edward! Get her out of here!" Rosalie snarled, not budging an inch as Jasper fought against her grip.

"Knock it off, Jasper! It's Bella!" Emmett bellowed, roughly shoving him backward, "She's family!"

"Let me go!" He roared, attempting to lunge at her again-

"Stop!" Bella snarled, squeezing her eyes shut, "Stop it!" She put her hands up to fend Jasper off.

"Maličký!" Irina's voice brought her back to reality and made her freeze, eyes wide as she looked around the living room. Her maker held her tightly and she sagged against her, it's just a memory, you're safe now, he's not here.

"You remembered...I'm so sorry." Alice looked heartbroken whereas Rosalie looked greatly disturbed by her reaction. It was as though it pained her to look at the newborn.

Bella fisted the back of Irina's shirt, trying to calm herself. I saw him as Bella Swan, and that's what made everything so harrowing. Experiencing her helplessness, her pain and fear first hand had been overwhelming.

"Remembered what?" Irina growled, rubbing her back in an attempt to soothe her.

Tanya shook her head, "No, not now." She looked at Bella, "She knows what happened, and she doesn't want to talk about it, clearly." She gestured towards the door with her head, "Irina, Bella, let's go."

Bella blinked, pulling away from her maker to look up at their coven leader, "Go?"

"We're going to take your mind off things."

Irina caught on quickly, smiling appreciatively at her sister before kissing Bella's cheek, "Come, maličký, it's time for you to partake in your first Denali ritual."

---

"We came all this way for sledding?" She was relieved to see that Bella seemed open to the idea. She was more curious than anything.

Irina smiled at the newborn, "Washington has nice mountains, they're nothing compared to the ones Alaska, but this one will do just fine."

Tanya nodded, looking just as excited as she was, "Kate was the one that insisted we do this whenever a member of our coven is upset. Works every time."

Bella chuckled, relaxing slightly, "I don't know what to make of your sister. She has good ideas, but you two make her sound crazy."

"She's a crazy vampire with good ideas," Irina said, holding out the makeshift log sled to her and Bella all but pouted.

"What! I already knocked down my own tree!" She cried, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

Irina couldn't help but chuckle, "I'll let you make the next one." Bella accepted the sled, begrudgingly, but not before uttering a thank you as she accepted the sled.

Bella nodded, a grin unfurling on her lips and making Irina blink. She looks so much like her it's uncanny. Tanya was staring at the brunette as well, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. But it can't be her, she had gold eyes when we met, and she had already been a vampire long before us.

Irina wondered if their old friend had any descendants. Any siblings that had carried on her DNA. Or maybe Bella's her doppelganger. A freak coincidence that would only break Kate's heart, just as it had broken hers and Tanya's. She couldn't deny that even the newborn's mannerisms were similar to that of their friend's, but she was brasher and less experienced due to her age.

She loved Bella, she was refreshing and caring and incredibly endearing. She had loved Laurent, but he had clearly been feeding her lies, and she hadn't once regretted killing him in order to save her newborn. I love Bella, she just makes me miss her.

Shaking herself from her musings, she said, "We'll go whenever you're ready-"

Bella threw herself off the top of the mountain, cheering as she clutched the log sled and flew down the snowy slope. Tanya laughed and followed her and Irina rolled her eyes fondly before getting on her sled and pushing off the snowy peak.

She weaved between the trees, smiling widely as she watched Bella do the same. The brunette laughed loudly, turning to look at her and Tanya with a large grin of her own.

"This is so cool!" Irina was relieved to see the newborn so at ease.

She had been so shaken back at the house, so angry and fearful, fear looks wrong on her. It made her look small, and Bella was anything but. Bella had left them at that moment, eyes looking far away and body trembling.

For a brief moment, Irina had seen the human Bella that she and Tanya had saved. The panic, the fear, the helplessness. It had enraged Irina in a way she hadn't felt in quite some time.

Jasper. The mere mention of his name had caused the newborn to lash out before caving in on herself. He attacked her, that was the only logical explanation. Perhaps that's why the Cullens left.

"Bella! You're getting too close!" Tanya snapped, putting her hand out to prevent Bella's sled from hitting her own.

The brunette smirked at her, voice becoming sultry as she said, "Oh, diet'a [baby], I thought you liked when I got close." This stunned both the sisters, giving the newborn the opening to slap Tanya's hand away and ram her sled into hers.

The force of the impact caused their sleds to crack and splinter while the vampires flew out of their seats. Bella laughed as she soared through the air, putting her hands behind her head as she came hurtling back towards earth.

Irina turned her sled to go towards the newborn, laughing just as loudly when she heard Tanya's cry of surprise as she crashed into a tree. Bella fell to the ground with a loud thud, popping up with a wide grin and a loud laugh.

She had a small pile of snow atop her head, as well as leaves and twigs sticking out of her hair. Bella shook out her hair, much like a dog, and laughed as Irina came to a stop in front of her.

"How'd I do?"

She could hear her sister racing towards them and she smiled, "You did an excellent job, though I believe our fearless leader doesn't agree."

"I think you're right-" she squealed when Tanya barreled into her, sending them flying through a large pine tree. Irina sighed, putting her hand out and catching the falling tree before it hit her, and she gently laid it on the ground before she approached the two.

She fought her instincts, Tanya won't hurt her, she growled softly as she got off her sled, don't attack, they're only playing.

The two tussled in the snow, Bella laughing while Tanya growled playfully at her. Quickly her older sister gained the upper hand, straddling the newborn and baring her teeth at her.

"Tak odvážne pre niekoho tak neskúsených." [So bold for someone so inexperienced.] Her hands pinned her wrists and Irina watched as Bella's eyes were engulfed with black.

"Som vtipný a ty si ľahký. Teraz vystúpte, chcem sa znova zviesť!" [I'm funny and you're easy. Now get off, I want to sled again!] Bella chuckled, her Slovak is much better now.

To Irina's relief, Tanya complied instantly. Rosalie's words reached her in a way mine never could. Tanya would never cross such lines, but she had always been the most forward, even more than Kate. Well, unless Kate was around–stop it. Thinking about her only upsets you.

Her black eyes reverted back to their usual gold color and they rolled, "You started it." She held her hand out and Bella accepted it with an amused smile, eyes slowly turning back to their normal red.

"I started it by attacking you with my sled?"

"You flirted with me first."

She snorted, "I did that to drop your guard!"

"Sure." Tanya winked, "You can't deny me for long, Bella, I'll wear you down yet."

Irina shoved her sister away, "No, you won't." She ignored her grumblings and turned to her newborn, "Would you like to make your own sled this time?" Bella nodded enthusiastically, "Alright, let's go."

They continued to sled until the sun was swallowed by the moon. Their races provided them a fun challenge. The newborn still struggled to completely control her strength, especially when she was doing something at a quicker pace. Sometimes she'd turn too sharp and she'd tip her sled, or, in an effort not to turn too sharp, she wouldn't use enough pressure when turning and she'd hit a tree.

The sisters laughed often at her expense, and at their own as they all constantly tried to ram into each other in an attempt to win the races. Kate would love this, Irina watched as Tanya slammed into Bella, payback from earlier, and the newborn collided into the snow.

Bella laughed, about to get up before she noticed the view of the bright stars. Her eyes widened and she flopped back down, content with being still and staring up at the night sky. Kate would love her.

Irina jumped off her still moving sled and made her way to her newborn, "Do you feel better?"

Bella smiled up at her, "Yeah...thanks for sharing this with me."

"Of course." Tanya came up from behind her, "There's nothing more relaxing than throwing yourself down a mountain on a crudely made sled."

"Exactly."

A sharp whine came from afar and Bella was on her feet, head tilting to the side as a small howl pierced the quiet air.

"Oh, no you don't-" Tanya started but Bella had already taken off in the direction of the tiny howl. Irina chuckled while Tanya cursed and they chased after her.

They came to a stop when they saw Bella crouched near the body of a dead she-wolf. Her white fur was matted with blood and it appeared a deer antler had punctured her chest, leaving a large hole behind.

Irina could hear the small heartbeat of another animal, no doubt the wolf pup that had howled in distress. She moved closer to see the pup was nestled into his mother's back, whimpering loudly and making her sigh. Poor thing.

"Aw, come here, baby." Bella cooed, moving closer to him, "I won't hurt you." To Irina's surprise, the pup moved away from his mother and looked up at Bella with amber colored eyes. He wants her comfort. He whined, slowly moving closer to her and sniffing her outstretched hand. After some deliberation, he gave her knuckles a lick before moving closer to her.

Bella smiled, "Can I pick you up? I'll be really careful, is that okay with you?" She waited, as though genuinely thinking she'd be given a response, before picking the small pup up. He whimpered, squirming in her grasp until she brought him to her chest. He stopped, ear twitching as he exhaled softly through his nose and nestled into her chest.

Tanya sighed, "While this is very touching, we can't keep him."

"I wasn't going to ask you that." The newborn grumbled before turning to Irina, "Can I keep him? Please!"

Irina ignored her glaring sister and grimaced, "I don't think that'd be a good idea-"

"Please! I'll take care of him!" She gently stroked the whimpering wolf's head. Her eyes were wide, pleading, and Irina felt her resolve begin to crumble.

"He's a wild animal," she tried to remain firm.

"That's why it's perfect that he lives with us! Our house is in the forest!" She moved closer to her maker, holding the pup out, "His mom's dead, we can't leave him here."

"Don't you do it," Tanya growled at her, "Don't you dare pet that-" Irina stroked the wolf's soft fur, "Irina!" Ghost cowered away from her touch, looking at her warily and burrowing deeper into Bella's arms. He knows we're predators, but he finds comfort in Bella.

Irina frowned at her sister, "Let me handle this, Tanya, stop yelling at me." She turned back to her newborn and put her hands on her hips, "If you keep him, he's your responsibility."

"That's your idea of handling it!"

Bella nodded vigorously, "I'll feed him and potty train him."

"And I expect you to clean up after him."

"I will!"

Tanya stared at both of them incredulously, "It's a wolf! A wild animal!"

Irina winced, "I know it's not ideal, but this could be really helpful in terms of Bella's human practice." She gestured at the pup, "She'll have to be more conscious of her actions and impulses."

Her sister narrowed her eyes, "Honestly, Irina, you spoil her." Bella smiled at them before gently rocking the white pup in her arms, "You think Rosalie will accept that creature in the house?" I think Rosalie is wrapped around Bella's finger.

"She'll throw a little fit and be fine." Irina shrugged before turning to her newborn, "Can you handle running with him? You'll need to hold his head close to your chest."

"I can do it, I'll just run a little slower." She assured them before grinning widely at the sisters, "Thank you!"

Tanya ran a hand down her face, "Thank my weak sister. I'll have no part in this."

The run back took a little more time. The wolf whined nearly the entirety of the way, only stopping when Bella spoke gently to him.

Irina stayed by her side while Tanya ran ahead, clearly exasperated with both of them, "What will you name him?"

"He's all white, so I was thinking...Ghost."

She smiled, "A fitting name."

It was no surprise that, when they returned home, a grinning Alice and scowling Rosalie were waiting for them.

"I tried, but I was overruled." Tanya shrugged.

"That better be a snack," Rosalie growled, making Alice slap her arm.

"He's a baby! Leave him alone." She was at Bella's side in an instant, "Aw, he's so cute!"

The newborn eyed Rosalie warily before smiling at Alice, "He is. We found him in the mountains."

The smaller vampire winked at her, "I saw." She turned to the pup, "Hi, Ghost. You're so handsome." She cooed, petting him gently.

Bella's eyes widened and she chuckled, "Your future vision is so awesome."

"Why, thank you." Ghost seemed a little on edge around Alice, just as he was with Irina. He allowed her to pet him but he curled deeper into Bella's arms.

"Oh, none of that." The newborn hummed, setting him down, "You're a big, scary wolf! You can't be shy." Ghost looked up at her before whining again, butting her shin lightly with his head and making her laugh.

She sat on the ground, smiling as he clumsily jumped on her legs and proceeded to lay on her lap. Ghost let out a small yawn and shook his head before curling into her.

Rosalie made her distaste known, "You're not seriously bringing that animal inside."

Bella frowned up at her, "Well, yeah. Rina says it's okay." She scooped him into her arms, "Don't worry, I'll give him a bath." With great patience she walked inside the house at a human pace, making Irina smile until she realized Rosalie was glaring at her.

"Why would you let her keep that thing?"

Alice jumped to her defense, "It's just a baby wolf. I'm sure Bella won't let him tear up your room."

"That's not my concern and you know it." She snarled, keeping her glare on Irina, "She's very much a newborn, and now she's attached to a fragile animal."

The bathwater was running and Bella chimed in, "She's just worried I'll snap his neck or something. But it's because she likes me so much and doesn't want to see me hurt." Alice laughed and Rosalie looked borderline murderous, "Rina, will you help me with this? Just to make sure I'm careful."

"Sure-"

Rosalie shook her head, "No. I'll help." She all but snarled, surprising Irina and Tanya with her aggression, "Maybe I can talk some sense into her." Bella snorted and Rosalie growled as she disappeared into the house and joined the newborn in the bathroom, "You're right. Trying to speak rationally with you is like speaking to a brick wall."

"I am very sturdy."

"Shut up and wash behind his ears." Ghost whined and the blonde snorted, "You shut up too."

Tanya looked at Alice with wide eyes, "Just how close were Bella and Rosalie?" She spoke quietly, and due to the running bath water and bickering vampires, neither of the two could hear her inquiry.

The seer shrugged, "Extremely. It was...surprising. But given the circumstance that brought them together-" she stopped abruptly before shaking her head, "Rose will tell you that story, or Bella if she ever remembers. It's not for me to talk about."

Irina looked at her curiously but knew better than to push, "Did I do something to anger her earlier?" Not that she genuinely cared. The Cullens were on thin ice as far as she was concerned. If I'm right and they left because Jasper attacked Bella, then they're bigger idiots than I thought. If anything that was a wakeup call so that mishap wouldn't happen again.

Alice shook her head, "Nope. She's jealous of you, but she'll get over it...I think."

Irina frowned, "Me?"

"Tanya too, but mostly you." Alice explained, "Bella trusts you the most, and finds more comfort when she's with you."

This is ridiculous, "I'm her maker." She should trust me more than anyone. The same possessiveness that Rosalie displayed was present, but at least I have a reason. She was Bella's maker and Bella was her newborn, it was natural for them to be so close and a bit possessive when it came to one another.

"Rosalie doesn't care." She said, "She's jealous and territorial by nature." The bathwater stopped and Alice straightened her posture, smiling as though they had been discussing something as simple as the weather, "I want to help dry him off!" She ran into the house.

"Bella! Make him stop shaking! He's getting my clothes wet!" Rosalie growled.

"Are you shitting me? You could literally leave the bathroom if you wanted to stay dry."

"Rose is just a big baby." Alice laughed before she squealed, "Bella! Make him stop! This is Valentino!"

"Who the fuck is Valentino?"

The offended gasp was enough to make Tanya chuckle as the sisters entered the house, "It's designer! Jesus, we need to work on your appreciation for fashion."

"It sounds like a name!"

"It's the name of the designer who started the Valentino fashion line!"

"Stop yelling you're scaring Ghost!"

"You're yelling too!"

Rosalie snapped at both of them, "Both of you are squawking like birds! Alice, get the wolf a towel, Bella, hold him so I don't get wet again."

Bella scoffed, "Again, you could leave the bathroom. I asked for Irina so you wouldn't yell at me." Her voice was playful but Rosalie didn't sound amused.

"Whatever. I'd yell at you regardless." Oh, she is jealous. There was a bite in her voice, one that silenced the newborn until Alice returned with a towel.

"Thanks, Alice." She murmured.

Irina was still thinking about Rosalie's jealousy and what that could mean for their own relationship. Does she dislike me? Will she try to take Bella from me? This gave her pause, Bella doesn't belong to either of us, maker bond or not. She sighed, sitting on the couch next to Tanya and turning on the television.

She's just upset Bella forgot her and the memories they shared. She rationalized, fingers tapping against her thigh as she mindlessly watched the television. But she left her...maybe that's what she deserves.

Neither Cullen had provided a proper explanation as to why they had left, and Irina could only assume it was due to stupidity. Edward believes vampires have no soul. Jasper attacked Bella, and maybe that was the last straw. But they wouldn't have had that issue if they had turned her sooner.

Her newborn came down the steps slowly, followed by Alice and Rosalie. A sleeping Ghost was in her arms, wrapped in a towel, and she made her way over to the sisters. Bella looked happy, red eyes soft and a small smile on her lips as she cradled the wolf close to her chest.

Bella plopped down in her lap and propped her feet up in Tanya's. The smell of wet fur made Irina wrinkle her nose but she didn't complain, and neither did Tanya who absentmindedly rested her forearms on Bella's shins and uttered a greeting before turning her attention back towards the television.

"I'll buy him some chew toys tomorrow after we speak with the shifters." Irina said, resting her arm on Bella's waist, "You'll have to hunt for him, make sure to rip off whatever part of the animal you give him to feed on. Our venom can't be consumed by living creatures."

"...so I can't have a vampire wolf?"

"Absolutely not." Not that such a hybrid could ever exist.

She sighed but nodded, "Alright."

Irina beamed at her before looking at Tanya, "See? I don't spoil her. I very firmly told her no."

Her older sister rolled her eyes, "Aren't you incredible."

Bella played along, "I've been thoroughly, and firmly dealt with. Irina is doing a great job."

"Don't listen to the newborn," Tanya sighed, "She merely says sweet nothings."

"You're still upset about the sled thing?" Bella laughed, making their coven leader scowl at her, "You're like those...what are they called?" She snapped her fingers and grinned, "Oh! You're like a succubus, but your seduction didn't work on me." Irina had already informed Bella of their past, unbeknownst to Tanya, and she hid her smile into her newborn's hair as Tayna's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"You say sweet nothings and act as though you didn't toy with my heart. Who's the real succubus here?"

The newborn gave her a deadpanned stare, no longer playing dumb, "Still you. You killed people after you had sex with them. You literally created the myth of the succubus."

Her eyes widened, "Wait, how did you...Irina!" A peel of laughter escaped Bella as she leaned her head back against Irina's shoulder.

Irina gave her sister a sheepish smile, "She asked about our past and-" the door to the garage slammed shut and their conversation ceased. Rosalie had disappeared in her garage and Alice had gone to her room, leaving the Denali's alone. You brought this on yourselves.

Bella seemed dishearted by this for a moment before she shook her head and turned her attention back to Tanya, "Just how many men did you sleep with? Not judging, just asking."

Her sister looked affronted, "Don't be sexist, I slept with women too."

"An equal opportunity murderer, you don't see those every day," Bella replied dryly.

Tanya gestured to a laughing Irina in exasperation, "Irina did it too!"

She looked at her maker and Irina scoffed, "Maličký, do you truly think I'd ever do such a thing?"

Bella wore a teasing smile and patted her cheek, "Of course not."

"Unbelievable."

The brunette shrugged, a small smirk in place as she turned her attention on the television, "Maybe you should spoil me more. Irina let me have a puppy, and she lets me play with Paul whenever I want."

Tanya's jaw dropped, "I've offered to spoil you in other ways but you refuse!"

"She's probably afraid you'll kill her when you're finished." Irina chimed in, "Such a nasty habit, dear sister."

Bella nodded, "That's exactly it, Rina. She's absolutely terrifying." The two burst into a fit of giggles as Tanya swatted at them.

"You're both so annoying!" A begrudging smile found its way on her lips and Irina chuckled.

"Imagine if Kate was here."

Tanya rolled her eyes fondly, "I think Bella would be just as annoyed with her."

"Why is she annoying?" Bella asked.

Irina snorted, "Tanya exaggerates. Kate isn't that bad."

"Rose called her a maniac."

She rolled her eyes, "You may not remember Rosalie, but you've had enough conversations with her to know that she also exaggerates." She paused, "Though, Kate is a bit of a maniac."

Bella hummed, stroking Ghost's fur as she asked, "Will she like me? Will I like her?" She sounded nervous and Irina chuckled.

"She'll love you. You're just the right amount of brash to keep her entertained." Bella scoffed but Irina paid her no mind, "Kate's loud and annoying and reckless...but she's also fun and loving and fearless." She smiled widely at her newborn, "Whenever you finally meet, I know you'll love her."

---

Bella didn't go to the meeting with the shifters. Rosalie had pointed out that her being there would aggravate them since they were all once good friends. She stayed at the house, babysitting Ghost while Alice babysat her. Paul was coming over after the meeting and she was absolutely thrilled to introduce him to Ghost.

Alice was fun and much less stressful to be around than she thought she'd be. Not once did she mention Bella's freak out or Jasper. It was almost like nothing had happened. Instead, she watched Bella in amusement as she tried to train Ghost. The vampire was on all fours, crouching low to the ground and trying to get the wolf pup to pay attention.

"See? You have to stay low so–hey! Ghost!" The pup barked and chased after a butterfly, tail wagging furiously as he stumbled after it on clumsy paws, "I'm trying to teach you survival skills!" He ignored her, tripping over himself and snapping his small jaws at the flying insect.

"You're doing great!" Alice enthused, making Bella sigh and flop on her back.

"Motherhood is hard."

This earned her a snort from the seer, "Right...well, be glad Rosalie wasn't here when he peed in the house."

Bella hummed, "She's cranky about everything. I can't believe past me used to be scared of her."

"Rosie is all bark and no bite," Emmett assured her, "Well...actually, she'll bite too, but she doesn't hate you, not really."

Alice laid onto the ground next to her, uncaring of the leaves that now clung to her short brown hair, "In all fairness, she did want you dead for the longest time."

"I'd prefer if you stayed away from her," Edward sighed, "Her thoughts are...aggressive."

"She's your sister, I want her to like me."

"Rosalie likes very few people. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Makes sense. I was dangerous." She then frowned, "What changed her mind?"

"She likes you, don't be fooled by her harsh words," Esme's warm voice was soothing in a way that was similar to Carlise's, "My Rose has her thorns, so you have to be delicate when dealing with her."

The seer sighed, "Ask her about it. It's not my place to say." Of course. She heard the playful bark of Ghost and she laughed when he pounced on her face.

"Oh, my strong wolf caught me!" She lightly grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him off, "All that butterfly chasing and you have nothing to show for it." She set him down, smiling as he got distracted by yet another insect, "If you had listened to me, you would have caught five butterflies by now!"

She stiffened, sitting up as her form began to shutter and she felt the familiar tug pulling her from the present.

"Bella?"

Her eyes widened as the world around her began to turn black, "Don't tell-"

---

Katrina sighed, ripping off her gambeson and tossing it to the floor as she slammed the door shut behind her. The chill of the mountain air seeped through the cottage and the sweat that clung to her skin and tunic only served to make her colder.

"Sakra Yusef za to, že ma dával pozor. Nikto sem nepríde a to sa nezmení." [Damn Yusef for putting me on watch. No one comes here and that won't change.] She was supposed to be watching for any enemy tribes, but no one in their right minds would trek the mountain pass in order to reach her village.

Her tribe, the Tigre, had been in border skirmishes with the Vlci for quite some time. Now the Medvede were getting hostile, putting everyone on edge and making Yusef act out of fear rather than rationality.

Ale po Aleksander, chápem. [But after Aleksander, I understand.]

She still had nightmares of his death. His gurgled cries as blood spewed from his lips, his wild blue eyes that pleaded for help, the way his fingers clawed at her tunic and dragged her towards him. She could still feel the splatter of hot blood on her cheeks as she held him, trying her best to ease his suffering and show he wasn't alone.

"Sakra!" [Dammit!] She screamed, slamming her knuckles into the stone wall, frustrated by the hot tears that welled in her eyes. The pain that shot through her hand made her freeze, and the harrowing images of Aleksander disappeared.

Bolesť je uzemnenie. [Pain is grounding.] That's what Yusef told her, and she found it to be true. She hadn't been close to Aleksander, he was Yusef's lover and at most they were acquaintances. But even then she had mourned with her friend, just as he would if she had lost someone she loved.

The warrior sighed, examining her throbbing hand and wincing at the sight of swollen knuckles. They were gaining a purplish tint and she cursed under her breath as she pushed the ordeal from her mind.

"Som bojovník. Ak nedokážem zvládnuť smrť, čo dobré?" [I'm a warrior. If I can't handle death, what good am I?] Yusef had grieved and now acted as though he hadn't lost the love of his life, tak prečo nemôžem? [so why can't I do the same?]

The guilt she felt from having survived the Vlci ambush was overwhelming. Some days she felt like she was drowning in it. Blanka had done her best to convince her otherwise, but it felt wrong that she got to live when many in their patrol did not.

Katrina unbuckled her sword's sheathe from her waist and placed it against the wall, taking time to draw her knife and slip it beneath her pillow. With a frustrated huff, she tossed her shield aside with a loud clang and shuffled over to the hearth.

The fire warmed her skin and made her sigh. She was fatigued from trekking through the snow in search of the enemy that wouldn't be stupid enough to come her way. Now it was Claus's problem, and he'd have to run around with that stupid horn.

The familiar tug pulled at her chest and her eyes widened. It had been seven years since she'd last seen Bela, seven years since her demon had visited her. She stumbled to her feet, ignoring her shaky legs, and following the pull to the center of the cottage. She smiled widely as her demon began to flicker into existence.

When her form solidified she had her back to Katrina, looking around with a growl, "Shit!" She wore her usual strange clothes, a red long sleeve tunic that hugged her lithe body tightly and her strange black, baggy trousers.

When she saw her demon all thoughts of Yusef and Aleksander and her own inadequacies vanished. There was only Bela.

Katrina grinned, "Shit!" Bela whirled around, eyes wide when she saw her and lips pulling into a warm smile. Bela hadn't changed, she never did.

Her skin was still a ghostly white, and her eyes were still the color of rubies. Sometimes they'd change in color, going from red to black, or sometimes they'd be a dark red as they were now. As always, her demon looked beautiful. Her long brown hair flowed a little past her shoulders, perfectly framing her slender face. She looked deceitfully delicate but Katrina knew better, she had seen Bela's strength.

The demon's smile lit up her whole face and a shaky breath skittered from Katrina's lungs. If possible, her legs became even more wobbly, and she swallowed thickly as Bela stepped closer.

Katrina felt her heart hammer in her chest and blood rush to her cheeks as her demon pulled her into a gentle embrace. She clung tightly to her, sighing at the odd comfort her cool skin brought to her. Gooseflesh erupted on her arms and she shivered, but she refused to pull away.

The priests had warned her about the dangers of demons. They were deceitful spawns of Hell, fearful of both God and the Devil, and would do and say anything to avoid damnation. But Bela was different.

Je to môj démon. Sme viazaní. Nikdy mi neublížila. [She's my demon. We're bound. She's never hurt me.]

"Katrina...Vrátil som sa." [Katrina...I came back.] Bela pulled away, her warm smile still in place as she looked her over, "Je mi ľúto, že to trvalo tak dlho...Dostal si vysoký!" [I'm sorry it took so long...you've gotten tall!] Her eyes were wide and Katrina couldn't help but preen at her demon's attention.

She had gotten taller, now she was only an inch or two shorter than Bela, "Teraz mám šestnásť, ženu." [I'm seventeen now, a woman.] She tried to sound confident, but being so close to her demon made her head fuzzy, especially when she smiled at her like that. Bela didn't smell like sulfur, as the stories claimed demons smelled, but she had a floral scent that drew her in.

Bela laughed, ruffling her hair and making her scowl, "Tam, odkiaľ pochádzam, si stále dieťa." [Where I'm from, you're still a child.]

"Môj kmeň sa neriadi zákonmi pekla! Koľko má byť človek mať byť považovaný za ženu?" [My tribe doesn't follow the laws of Hell! How old does one have to be to be considered a woman?]

"Osemnásť." [Eighteen.]

"A koľko má tvoje ľudské telo rokov?" [And how old is your human body?]

Bela gave her a sheepish smile, "Osemnásť." [Eighteen.]

Katrina threw her hands up, "Koľko sú dva roky?" [What's one year?] She gestured to her sizable bust, "Teraz som žena, viete, moje telo sa zmenilo." [I'm a woman now, you see, my body has changed.]

This didn't produce the effect she wanted, instead, it had the opposite effect, and Bela looked away from her, "Myslím, že." [I suppose.]

Deti nezabíjajú, nie tak ako ja. [Children don't kill, not as I have.]

Katrina narrowed her eyes, "Už nie som dieťa Katrina, už nie! Som žena a ty sa ku mne budeš správať ako k takému!" [I'm not baby Katrina, not anymore! I'm a woman, and you will treat me as such!]

Her demon looked at her in surprise, "Viem, že nie si dieťa, prečo si nahnevaný?" [I know you're not a baby, why are you upset?] Katrina crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from her.

She had been enraptured by Bela since the moment she first laid eyes on her. She had never met a demon before, and her demon, in particular, had always been strange. She'd dream of her frequently, and it wasn't until she had gotten older that the dreams had shifted from childish fantasies into more adult ones.

Bela was her friend, her demon, and she had missed her so terribly during the years she had been gone. There was a constant, dull ache in her chest, one that was only soothed by her demon, and she knew it meant something she just didn't know what.

Katrina wanted to tell Bela how she felt, but she didn't know how. Warriors were supposed to take what they wanted, but how could she take what she wanted from a demon? Especially one that still viewed her as a child?

"Som nahnevaná, pretože si hlúpa a unavená." [I'm upset because you're stupid and I'm tired.] She grumbled, finally meeting Bela's concerned gaze.

"Tak spi. Aj tak musím loviť." [Then sleep. I need to hunt anyway.] She rolled her eyes and grabbed her hand before tugging her towards her bed, "Katrina-"

"Ráno môžeš loviť. Neodvažuj sa odísť, keď zaspím, inak pôjdem do pekla a sám zrežem diabla." [You can hunt in the morning. Don't you dare leave when I fall asleep, or I'll go into Hell and cut the devil down myself.] Bela sighed but allowed herself to be pulled to the bed.

Katrina laid down first and looked at her hesitant demon, "Mal by som loviť teraz...Už dlho som to nerobila." [I should hunt now...I haven't in a while.]

"Démoni jesť ľudské telo, je to to, čo potrebujete loviť?" [Demons eat human flesh, is that what you need to hunt for?]

She shook her head, staring at their interlaced fingers, "Mnohí démoni áno, ale živím sa zvieratami." [Many demons do, but I feed on animals.]

Katrina frowned at her, "Si naozaj zlý démon." [You really are a bad demon.] Bela rolled her eyes, "Zajtra ťa vezmem na lovecké miesto, je príliš tma." [I'll take you to my hunting spot tomorrow, it's too dark to go now.] She then realized that darkness is where demons thrived, but before she could correct her mistake, Bela laid next to her.

Her demon sighed, "Taký tvrdohlavý. Mohol by som ťa zjesť a spraviť, ak by som chcel." [So stubborn. I could eat you and be done with it if I wanted.] Bela tensed when Katrina slipped an arm around her waist and dragged herself closer. She wondered if all demons felt as though they were made of stone.

"Nie, to si nemohol. Si môj démon, moja Bela." [No, you couldn't. You're my demon, my Bela.]

Bela remained silent as Katrina curled into her. Her cold body didn't deter her from clinging tightly to her, and she huffed impatiently when Bela didn't reciprocate her hold. She picked up her arm, or, Bela allowed her to pick up her arm, and put it around her stomach.

Her demon sighed, tensing even more when Katrina nestled under her chin and pressed her ear to her chest. There was no heartbeat, and that's when she noticed Bela wasn't even breathing.

Before she could ask, Bela tightened her grip slightly. Katrina had never felt as safe or at ease as she did in Bela's arms. She sighed in contentment and closed her eyes as exhaustion washed over her.

"Dobrú noc, Katrina." [Goodnight, Katrina.] Warmth erupted in her chest, despite her demon's cold body temperature, and she smiled before sleep overtook her.

Her peaceful sleep was abruptly disrupted with images of Aleksander. He stood before her, the killing arrow was stuck in his throat, and his blood spewed from his lips as blue eyes pierced her own. Sweat matted his brown locks, and he looked just as he did before he died, but there was no helplessness in his eyes, only hatred.

Katrina felt tears stream down her cheeks, "Aleksander, je mi to tak ľúto." [Aleksander, I'm so sorry.]

His voice was a rasp, mixed with the thick crimson that seeped from his open lips, "Mal si to byť ty." [It should have been you.] The haunting gurgle filled her ears and she felt her bottom lip quiver.

She bowed her head, balling her hands into fists, "Viem." [I know.] If it had been her, Yusef would still have the love of his life and she would no longer be haunted by Aleksander. Viem. Viem. Viem.

"Katrina!" The familiar voice caused her head to raise.

"Bela?" Her demon looked at her with unbearable sadness in her eyes, brow furrowed in worry and hand outstretched to her.

"Je to sen." [It's a dream.] Aleksander's form flickered out of existence as Bela moved closer.

Možno je to môj anjel. [Maybe she's my angel.]

"Vráť sa ku mne." [Come back to me.] A relieved sob escaped the warrior as she grabbed Bela's hand.

"Vždy." [Always.]

Her eyes flew open to see Bela crouched over her. Bright, red eyes stared down at her in concern and a cold hand gripped her warm one. The lingering images of Aleksander disappeared when cold lips pressed against her forehead. She couldn't believe this was happening, now if only she could convince Bela to kiss her on the lips.

"Je mi to tak ľúto. Odišiel som loviť a vrátil sa hneď, ako som ťa počul kričať." [I'm so sorry. I left to hunt and came back as soon as I heard you scream.]

Vždy odchádzaš. [You always leave.]

"Katrina?" She hadn't realized she was crying until cold fingers gently wiped her steady stream of tears away, "Čo môžem urobiť? Ako môžem pomôcť? Čo potrebuješ?" [What can I do? How can I help? What do you need?]

Vždy odchádzaš. [You always leave.] Bela cupped her face in her hands, looking at her worriedly. Ale vždy sa vrátiš. [But you always come back.]

She lunged at her demon, holding her tightly and burying her face in her neck. Bela didn't hesitate this time, wrapping her arms around her and holding her close. She rubbed her back in a soothing gesture and let Katrina cry into her shoulder for a moment before the warrior abruptly pulled away from her.

Yusef je statočný, a ja by som mal byť taky. [Yusef is brave, and I should be too.] Bela quickly moved back, giving her space and watching her closely. Pýtalsi sa ma, ako môžeš pomôcť. [You asked how you could help.]

She rubbed her eyes, embarrassed by her tears, "Katrina?"

Len ma drž. [Just hold me.]

"Som v poriadku, hlúpy démon." [I'm fine, stupid demon.] She gave her a forced smile, one she knew Bela could see right through.

However, to her surprise, she didn't push, "Dobre...vieš, čo robím, keď som smutný?" [Alright...do you know what I do when I'm sad?] She looked at her demon curiously, "Chceš, aby som ti to ukázal?" [Would you like me to show you?]

She understood now, Bela was trying to distract her, and it was working, "...áno." [...yes.]

After Katrina dressed for the cold, they left the cottage. It was still dark out, but Katrina could make out a sliver of light on the horizon.

Bela let her ride on her back, a thrilling experience that nearly made her sick to her stomach. The forest was going by so quickly she had to shut her eyes, but her laughter couldn't be suppressed as they raced further up the mountain.

When they stopped she opened her eyes, slipping off her back and looking around in surprise. The ride hadn't been long, in fact, Bela had taken them to a hill that was in viewing distance of her cottage.

She watched in awe as her demon gave two hard strikes to an oak tree and brought it crashing down. Katrina didn't think she'd ever get tired of seeing Bela break things. She made alterations to the tree's trunk, using more precise punches to break it down so it was the length of her body.

When she finished she grinned, presenting the long log to her, "Sánkovanie!" [Sledding!] Bela sounded so excited and looked so proud of her work that Katrina couldn't help but smile. She liked how silly her demon could be.

"Nevedel som, že démoni majú radi sánkovanie." [I didn't know demons liked sledding.] However, she could feel her excitement build as Bela set the log sled on the ground by the hill's drop.

Red eyes rolled to the sky, "You know, you're very presumptuous about demons. It's kind of rude." She grumbled, making Katrina scowl.

"Prestaň s tým." [Stop that.] She sat behind her demon and held her close, trying to calm her pounding heart at being so close to Bela, "Poďme sa záhon!" [Let's sled!] She cheered, trying to ignore how nice it felt to hold her demon in her arms.

"Drž sa pevne." [Hold tight.] She warned before she kicked off the top of the hill with her foot.

Katrina rested her chin on her shoulder, her laughter mixed with Bela's as they flew down the hill at an incredible speed. Snow flew up from around them, striking her face and getting in her eyes, but she didn't care whatsoever. Aleksander and Yusef were the furthest things from her mind.

"Fuck ass!" She cheered, not knowing what that meant but knowing it made her demon look at her with fond exasperation. She liked the look she wore, as though Bela couldn't stand how endearing she found her.

Instead, Bela threw her head back and laughed, "You claim to be a grown woman but you still act like such a little asshole." Katrina didn't know what she said, but she laughed as well and hugged her tighter as the world flew by them in a blur. It wasn't nearly as fast as when Bela ran, and for that she was glad. She could actually keep her eyes open.

When they reached the bottom Bela put her foot down so they skid to a stop in a spray of snow. Katrina jumped off first, heart pounding in her chest and warmth filling her cheeks as Bela stood to her feet and gave her a dazzling smile.

"Znova?" [Again?]

The sun peeked over the horizon, beams of light stretching across the sky and Katrina's eyes widened when the sun shone on Bela. She glittered like diamonds, looking even more beautiful than she normally did. Her skin gave off a soft glow and her red eyes brightened under the sun's rays.

"Démoni nemajú trblietky." [Demons don't glitter.] She reached up, gently stroking her demon's cheeks and staring at her twinkling skin, "Si si istý, že nie si anjel." [Are you sure you're not an angel?]

Bela's dark eyes watched her and she allowed her fingers to explore her cold skin, "Nemám krídla, takže neverím, že som." [I don't have wings, so I don't believe I am.]

She smirked, feeling bold as she said, "To je asi tak najlepšie. Mohol by som ísť do pekla za to, že som poškodzuje anjela." [That's probably for the best. I could go to hell for corrupting an angel.]

To her disbelief, the demon tilted her head in confusion, "Prečo by si chcel skorumpovať anjela?" [Why do you want to corrupt an angel?] How did a demon completely miss that she was flirting with her? Why was she surprised at all that Bela was oblivious when it came to such things?

"Nechcem...ugh, hlúpa Bela. Zasa sa sánkujme." [I don't want to...ugh, stupid Bela. Let's just sled again.]

She pulled away from her, though it was very difficult to tear her gaze off her demon. Katrina squeaked when she was abruptly swept off her feet and on the top of the hill in the blink of an eye. Her glittering Bela chuckled, putting her down and not seeming to realize how their proximity was affecting Katrina. She had picked her up with one arm and held the sled in the other, and her strength made the blonde's cheeks burn.

Katrina leaned towards her, making Bela frown and catch her by her shoulders, "Si v poriadku?" [Are you alright?] With a frustrated huff the warrior pulled away from her, saying nothing as she snatched the sled from her and sat on it; waiting impatiently for Bela to get on.

They went down a couple more times before Katrina insisted on going down once on her own. Instead, Bela made herself another sled, which she hadn't wanted her stupid demon to do. She liked holding her and keeping her close, but she didn't complain.

They raced down the hill side by side, weaving through trees and laughing loudly as they taunted one another. When they got to the bottom, Bela would run them back to the top, and Katrina couldn't remember the last time she had had this much fun.

"Bela, pozrite sa na to!" [Bela, watch this!] She left her sled near the drop of the hill, getting a running start, she jumped on the sled with both feet. Her momentum brought herself and the sled racing down the slope, earning her a panicked cry from her demon.

"Katrina, prečo si vždy tak ľahkomyseľný!" [Katrina, why are you always so reckless?] Bela was at her side with her own sled, choosing to remain seated rather than stand, and making the warrior roll her eyes.

"Som žena, nie dieťa, prestaň sa ma báť!" [I'm a woman, not a child, stop babying me!] Her legs wobbled slightly and she uttered a curse. If she lost her balance she'd never hear the end of it.

Bela groaned in anger, "Ja ťa nepochovám! Bojím sa o teba, pretože mi na tebe záleží!" [I'm not babying you! I worry about you because I care about you!] Katrina looked at her in surprise. It was obvious the demon cared for her, but to hear her say it was startling, "How are you surprised? Of course I care about you, you jackass!"

"Bela-"

"Strom!" [Tree!] Her warning came early but Katrina's attention came too late.

Her sled clipped the tree and she was thrown off, flying into the air and down the large hill. Before she could even scream she saw Bela running beneath her before her demon launched herself into the air.

A startled laugh escaped her when she saw how high she could jump, though Bela didn't look so amused. She grabbed her, holding her tightly to her own body and turning them just as they struck the ground.

Katrina was safe in Bela's arms as they skidded down the hill, and her eyes were wide and mouth agape as they came to a stop. She didn't have time to comprehend what had happened when Bela lifted them both to their feet and began scolding her.

"Mohol si zomrieť! Prečo by si to robil? Si zranený?" [You could have died! Why would you do that? Are you hurt?] Anger shifted into worry as she looked Katrina over, who was looking at Bela with the same concern. Her demon was unscathed, despite the small crater in the earth that her body had created, and her back was covered in mud and snow.

A small smile unfurled on her lips, "Vždy ma zachrániš." [You always save me.] Whether it be from herself or nightmares, Bela was there. Her demon and protector and friend and…no, that wasn't enough.

Bela sighed and gave her a small smile, "Niekto musí, a ja som tvoj démon, takže to je moja práca." [Someone has to, and I'm your demon, so that's my job.]

Katrina had never been good with words. Her parents had often called her impulsive, too brash for her own good, and she hadn't realized what they meant until now. It was the adrenaline mixed with her overwhelming attraction to Bela that caused her to throw herself into her demon's arms.

The warrior wrapped her arms around Bela's neck, "Kat-" she cut her off by slamming her lips against hers. Something clicked in her mind and heat flooded her chest. It all felt right. Perfect. Katrina kept the kiss brief, just long enough to memorize the feeling of Bela's hard, cold lips on hers before she quickly pulled away.

Bela hadn't moved. Eyes wide in shock as she stared at Katrina.

"Holy shit." Her form flickered, but she was still frozen and looking at Katrina in disbelief.

The warrior smirked at her, feigning confidence as she said, "Vidíš? Deti sa takto nebozkávajú! Pobozkala ťa žena!" [You see? Children don't kiss like that! You've been kissed by a woman!] Bela barked out a surprised laugh before she vanished.

---

Swan, have we kissed a girl before?

Bella didn't have time to register anything when Alice pounced on her. Making her yelp in surprise as they were both taken to the ground. The small vampire straddled her, strong hands bracing her shoulders while she stared at her with narrowed eyes.

They were still outside the house, and her reappearance made Ghost whine and race towards her.

Bella huffed when he jumped on her face, "I missed you too, little guy." Ghost whined again and licked her face, making her laugh as she tried to move her head away.

"Sorry, cutie, but I need to talk to your mom." Alice gently pushed him off before picking up a leaf and waving it in his face. Amber colored eyes became transfixed and he snatched the leaf in his teeth before running off. Traitor.

Bella grimaced as the seer stared down at her, "How long was I gone?"

"Twenty minutes. Where'd you go?" She was silent for a moment. This is Alice, she's already broken the laws of the Volturi, maybe she won't say anything if I tell her.

"I've been traveling to the past and I don't know how to control it and you can't tell anyone!" Bella rushed out, bracing herself for the worst possible outcome.

Alice's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open, "You...are you serious?"

"Yes. You're the only one that knows so I need this to stay between us." She stressed, making Alice nod slowly before a mischievous smile played on her lips.

"I know something Rosalie and Irina don't? This is too good to be true." She got off the newborn and helped her to her feet, "You have to tell me everything!" She was bouncing in excitement, taking the news far better than Bella had expected her to.

She nodded, smiling slightly, "Uh, sure…" she thought about Katrina's kiss and was immensely grateful she didn't have the ability to blush, "Can I tell you later? We could go for a run after Paul and I hang out." I just have so much to think about and it's all because of that little asshole.

"Of course!" Alice threw herself at her, making her stumble backward from the momentum.

"A lot of people, vampires included, think I'm weird." Alice confessed, "But you never did."

Bella smiled, hugging her just as tightly, "Thanks."

"We should come up with code names and phrases. So if you're ever about to time travel I can cover for you or get you away from everyone."

Bella Swan laughed, "I'm a little weird too. Edward can't read my mind and Rosalie calls me a stupid, defective human."

"A future seer and a time traveler, what a pair we make, huh?"

"You're not stupid, don't let Rose get to you. She's mean by design." Alice assured her, "You are weird, now that you mention, really weird. So weird that you voluntarily hang out with vampires. But that's probably why we're besties."

"That's definitely why we're besties. Weirdo."

A laugh escaped the seer, "Bigger weirdo."

Bella's smile grew, "Yeah, we make a great pair."

AN: 17k don't touch me. Poorly edited cuz I was up until 2 and then had to get up at 6:30 so I'm dying please just let me go.

Spoiler: I'm not gonna kill Ghost off cuz that shit isn't cute. Victoria isn't gonna be out here murdering him I promise. Also, yes, Game of Thrones reference, and yes I'm still very traumatized by season 8.

Slowburn? Katrina doesn't know her. Before you all go up in arms about the age jumping, I don't want Bella spending a ton of time with Kid Kate, I personally think it'd just make things a little more awkward than they need to be. She'll have a lot of moments with teen/adult Kate because yeah. Also, I'm a slut for Rosella anything, friendship included. If you've read Hybrid, you know I can't pass up a jealous Rosalie :)

ciarac21: i absolutely love these time-travel themed fics. temporal tide was one of the first tanya/bella fics i read and i'm sure i'll love this one just as much. kate as a child is so adorable, like those tiny dogs that think they're tough. i really love the friendship between rose and bella so i can't wait to see more of that. i can't wait for the next update!

And I absolutely love you. Temporal Tide was the first Tanya/Bella fic I liked. I don't think mine will really be out here being that good cuz that shit is magic but thank you. Kid Kate really is a small yappy terrier. And I'm glad you like the Rosella friendship! I'm on thin ice because, uh, I love them and ship them the most so it's a dangerous game I'm playing.

Tsurugi: I love you, all your reviews crack me the fuck up, I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Horseshoe (however the fuck you spell fifheoihsf): As always your review watered my crops and cleared my skin and I love you because you're amazing, even though you're a pancake loving piece of shit that doesn't appreciate proper breakfast food, such as waffles.

Nyaaaaaaah: I enjoy irina spoiling bella

I do too but not as much as I enjoy your username.

You guys are so damn nice about this story I really appreciate it! More bitch ass Victoria next chapter and a new arrival? Possibly? HAHA who can say? Please leave reviews so I can show my momma how cool I am for writing lady-loving twilight fics :p