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.

4. Chapter 4

She hadn't thought much about Katrina's kiss. It did only happen two hours ago. She didn't really think much of Katrina's warm lips on hers or her arms around her neck or the mischievous smile that she gave her or the way her cheeks turned a bright red or the fact that she nearly purred-

"Bella?"

She blinked, immensely grateful she couldn't blush, "Hm?" The newborn lifted her foot, shaking her teething wolf pup off of her shoe before providing him a chew toy.

Alice gave her a strange look before asking, "Are you feeling okay?"

Bella smiled sheepishly, trying to push Katrina from her mind, "Erm, yeah, I'm fine, just thinking." She watched Ghost abandon his chew toy and give chase to a grasshopper. I bet he would catch it if he had listened to my hunting instructions.

"Thinking about a special someone?" What the hell? "I'm your best friend, I can read you like a book." She boasted and Bella sighed, how obvious am I?

Truthfully she didn't know what to think of the situation. Katrina's jump from child to young adult was abrupt and surprising. Not long ago the girl had been screaming at her and futilely attacking her shins with a wooden sword. Now she was a young woman, a warrior with faint scars and callused hands and, as Katrina had put it, her body had changed.

It was all confusing, she had been pleasantly surprised by the kiss, but it begged the question of whether or not it was appropriate for her to be with a human.

"Alice."

"Wait! Let me guess...Irina?"

Bella frowned, "No." Irina felt more like a maternal sister than anything else.

"Drat! I was going to say Tanya but-"

"Nope."

"Not Tanya?" Her eyes widened, "Is it Rose?"

She groaned and buried her face in her hands, "Would you please just-"

"That makes so much sense! I don't think Emmett would mind sharing her occasionally. I haven't asked if she likes women, but she could be like you and be a closeted bisexual." She tapped her chin thoughtfully before she looked at her, "Wait, are you bisexual? Do you still like men? Have you ever liked men?" The rapid-fire questions made her stammer as she tried to answer them.

"I...I think I still like men? Bella Swan definitely liked Edward and...Jesus, I don't know, Alice! Why don't you tell me?"

The seer frowned, "I'm not bi." Really?

"Huh...that's news to me."

She spluttered in surprise, "W-What?" Her eyes were comically wide and she looked down at her outfit, a plaid button-up and jeans, as though it was the reasoning behind Bella's confusion, "I'm not...no...I don't think I am."

"You don't think?" Bella squinted at her, "I can't explain it, but you definitely look like you're open to dating either a boy or girl."

Alice frowned, "You're just trying to distract me from your crush on Rosalie. Very clever, trying to seduce me in order to take the heat off yourself. It almost worked!"

Bella's eyes widened, "Seduce? I wasn't trying to...wait it almost worked?"

She giggled, "Edward would throw such a huge fit if he knew!"

"Wait I don't-"

"Don't tell Rose I said this, but I could definitely see her making an exception for you, at least kissing wise." Seriously?

Bella gripped her shoulders and gave her a light shake, "Alice! It's not Rosalie!"

Gold eyes looked at her in surprise, "Well, I'm the last girl...Bella? Why are you moving closer to me?"

She released her and threw her hands up as though surrendering, "I wasn't!"

Alice laughed, gently smacking her arm, "I know! You're just so easy to tease. But I'm also extremely adorable, so I wouldn't be all that surprised if you had the tiniest crush on me." She preened, making Bella chuckle and shake her head.

"And I thought Rose had an ego."

"Oh, she does," realization dawned on her and her mouth fell open, "You have a crush on someone from the past!" She grimaced and the seer squealed, "What's her name! What's she look like? Does she have red eyes or gold?"

Bella looked away from her, "Uh, it's...I don't know if it's a crush. But…" just be honest, "She's human and I'm happy when I'm with her."

Alice stared at her in shock, "Human? You're a newborn, how can you stand to be around her?"

"I just hold my breath."

"No, it's not that simple. Everything about her should make you want to drain her. Her heartbeat, the blood flowing through her veins-"

"I know. I nearly snapped when I was within a mile of other humans, but she was there and...I didn't. I forgot all about them." She sighed, "When I first met her she was a child, I think six. The next time she was seven, then ten, then seventeen, then she kissed me and I don't know what to do!" She cried, extremely grateful to have someone to confide in.

"Your power, is it all centered around seeing her?"

"I think so."

Alice nodded slowly, putting a hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze, "I don't know about everything else...I have my suspicions but, next time you're with her I think you should make sure it's not your glamour that attracts her."

"Glamour?" Her eyes widened and she slapped her forehead, "Fuck! Glamour!" She hadn't stopped to consider that she was accidentally dazzling Katrina. What if that's all this is? A sexual attraction?

"Hey, it's alright. If my hunch is right, which I think it is, then your glamour isn't what's drawing her in."

"Your hunch?"

"For your sake, I need to keep that to myself." She gave her an apologetic look before stiffening, "Your wolf friend is here." She moved to sit on the porch steps and Bella huffed in frustration before turning her attention towards Paul.

Ghost barked in excitement at the sight of the large, silver wolf. Paul looked at him in confusion, tilting his massive head to the side. Alice watched the two from the steps of the porch with a large grin while Bella stood before them with a grin of her own.

She laughed as the wolf pup ran at the shifter, "I found him in the mountains. Rina says I can keep him if I take good care of him!" Paul gave her a wolfish smile before laying on the ground and letting the white pup jump on his paw.

Ghost sniffed him, tail wagging as Paul lowered his face so they were eye level. The pup touched their noses together before proceeding to jump on his long muzzle. The shifter's tail wagged and he laid his head on the ground, letting the pup climb on him as best as his clumsy paws would allow.

They're so cute. Rosalie appeared from the treeline, looking at Paul in disgust. Bella looked for any signs of the Denali sisters but found none. She must have left the meeting early, like Paul did.

She ignored Bella's chipper wave, "How was the meeting-" Rosalie stalked past her and into the house before slamming the door shut behind her.

The newborn deflated, did I do something wrong?

"It's not you," Alice said, making her turn to her with a frown, "Look, you're a lot bolder than Bella Swan was, but you're both super easy to read." Cool, I can't hide anything from Alice, she sighed, was Rosalie always so difficult to read, or is it harder now?

"If you say so." She grumbled, watching as Paul disappeared behind a tree before shifting back into his human form and putting on his shorts.

"Holy shit." He chuckled as the pup growled at him. His hackles were raised and he looked around futilely for his wolf friend.

"Isn't he beautiful? His name is Ghost." Bella walked towards him, "Ghost," the pup stopped growling at Paul and whined, looking up at her in confusion, "Be nice." Paul held out his fist to the pup, letting him sniff his knuckles. Amber eyes widened and his nostrils flared, recognizing the scent, and he barked happily at him.

Paul grinned and picked the wolf up, looking at him with wide eyes as Ghost squirmed in his grasp, excited and trying to lick his face, "We have a son." He breathed, making Bella look at him incredulously while Alice giggled.

"We?"

He rolled his eyes, "Yes, we. You're white and I'm a shifter, clearly, he's ours." Ghost licked his cheek, making him smile, "See, he knows who the father is."

Bella scowled at him before plucking Ghost from his grasp, "Well, if that's true I'll see you in court. I've gotten zero dollars from you for child support." The pup's tail was wagging furiously and he yipped at Paul before nuzzling into Bella's neck.

Paul laughed, "Child support? When did we divorce?"

"When did we get married!"

"You lost your memory, so you'll just have to trust me when I say we've been married for about five years now." This made Bella laugh and give him a light shove, pleasantly surprising herself and Paul when he didn't go flying backward.

"Wow, thanks for not killing me." Before she could retort he said, "Jake and Leah want to visit sometime this week, just to see how you're adjusting."

Bella gave him a quizzical look, "Leah? The same Leah whose collarbone I broke?"

He chuckled, "The very one. Embry and Jared wanted to come too, but I figured you'd be a little overwhelmed...hell, even Sam asked about you." He fired off the names so quickly it was hard for her to keep up, none of the other names sounded familiar, "And Emily misses cooking with you and Brady and Collin nearly broke the treaty trying to visit you-"

"I don't know any of these people." She told him flatly, "At most I remember Embry's name but that was only because of the memory I had of you and I destroying Edward's room."

Paul deflated slightly, "Uh, right...well...everyone misses you." Nice going, you insensitive ass.

She forced a smile, "I look forward to seeing and remembering them all."

"You don't have to lie to me, Bells." He grumbled, making her sigh and turn away from him. I can't get attached to anyone else, not if I'm leaving for Alaska. She thought about telling him but decided against it. It would only make him angrier with me. I'll tell him when we're in private.

The scents of Irina and Tanya made her perk up and she grinned when they appeared. Irina smiled, racing towards her and stopping just short of her of hugging her. She put both her hands on Bella's cheeks, and the newborn smiled before bowing and letting her maker kiss her forehead.

Tanya walked up to her, "Do I get to give you a forehead kiss?"

Bella shook her head, "Absolutely not. You're a succubus! I'm trembling at the mere sight of you!"

Her coven leader snapped her teeth at her, "How long are we keeping this joke going?"

The newborn jumped in mock fear, hiding partially behind her maker, "Rina, she's doing it again!"

Irina gave her older sister a disapproving head shake as she stood protectively in front of Bella, "I can't let you eat her, you deviant." Tanya growled before going to the porch steps, crossing her arms over her chest and sitting grumpily next to Alice.

The seer patted her shoulder, "It'll get better in…" her eyes glossed over for a moment before she blinked rapidly, "Give it a month, maybe two."

"Two months?" She scowled, "I'm the leader of this coven, I should be treated with more respect!"

Irina ignored her and turned to a laughing Bella, "The meeting went well. They were very understanding about Laurent attacking you and causing you to turn," right, gotta keep that lie up. She glanced at Paul for a moment before nodding, "We can go on some of their land, only if we're invited or we're chasing Victoria, and the same goes for them. And we're not to go near any of the humans on the reservation."

Bella nodded, "Yeah, well, I didn't plan on going near walking talking blood bags." This earned her a chuckle from the vampires, but the shifter wasn't amused.

Paul looked perturbed and scowled at her, "They're people, Bella."

"Uh, yeah? I know. Anytime I'm around one my throat feels like it's on fire." She realized her slip too late, and the strange looks Tanya and Irina gave her made her jaw tighten. Shit.

Luckily, Paul kept talking, "Then don't compare them to blood bags!" Is he serious? She thought of Katrina, feeling insulted by the shifter's insinuation. She's always been more than blood to me, not once have I wanted to drain her.

Her newborn anger flared and she set Ghost down quickly, mindful of what happened when her rage got the best of her. Alice, her personal angel, zoomed forward, grabbing the pup before returning to her spot on the porch.

"It was a joke."

"It wasn't funny."

Irina smiled blithely at him, "I laughed."

"Irina, don't start a fight, not after we've aligned ourselves with them," Tanya warned but her younger sister didn't so much as glance in her direction.

Paul trembled slightly as he turned his glare at her maker, "I know you laughed, leech."

Bella hissed at him, about to lunge forward but was held back by Irina's hand slipping into hers, "Don't you fucking call her that! What the hell is your problem?"

"Please, let's not start this-" Alice started, but was cut off by Paul's snarl.

"You! You're my problem!" He yelled, "You're already talking like them. It's not right!"

"It's a joke for god sake!" Don't attack, you'll make things worse.

He shook his head, "That's how it starts, isn't it? Trivializing the lives of humans? Seeing them as nothing but a food source?" Unbelievable, "You were one of them not even a month ago. You hated those kinds of jokes-" how many times do I have to say it?

"I don't remember that part of my life," she growled, "I'm not the same person, I'm stronger and better now." She could see some of the beauty in humanity, but she was dumbfounded by the way stronger creatures propped humans up on such a high pedestal. I was weak and constantly needed protection, but now I'm stronger, and I'm learning how to protect myself.

"Better? You call this better? You can't even leave the woods or you'll kill someone!" He snarled, "You were attacked by vampires multiple times, how could you be okay with being one?" The loud snap of bones nearly made her flinch and her hold on Irina's hand tightened, you're hearing things. It's not real, you're safe here, "You deserve better than this!" He gestured at her and Tanya hissed at him, making him snarl in return.

Bella released Irina's hand, fearing she'd hurt her, and instead balled her hands into fists, "And being a frail human is what I deserve? Blubbering over the fucking Cullens and never feeling good enough is better than what I am now?"

He gave her a sad smile, "Frail? You were clumsy but never frail. And you were always good enough for our pack." He gestured towards Alice, "If you had your memories you wouldn't even be associating with the two that came back. You don't remember how they tore you apart, but I do and I don't want to see that happen again-"

"It won't." Alice stood to her feet, handing Ghost to Tanya before stalking closer, "It was a mistake to leave her in the first place, one that won't be repeated."

Paul scoffed, "A mistake is leaving a hairbrush behind, not a whole fucking person." Bella wanted to jump to their defense, but she found herself speechless as Paul continued, "You and your entire bullshit family lied about loving her and making her a Cullen. But now that she's a vampire, I bet it's real easy to promise to stick around since you don't want to eat her all the time." She felt Irina slip her arms around her shoulders and she leaned into her gratefully. This was supposed to be a fun day.

"We never lied about loving her." Alice snapped, "That's why we left! Because we loved her and wanted to keep her safe."

"It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to and accept you for what you are," Edward murmured, sounding in awe of Bella Swan, as though he couldn't comprehend how she could love someone like him.

Bella sighed, Edward, you pick awful times to speak up. He sounded incredibly endearing; a vampire who had lived such a long life but had never experienced love before he met her. But I'm not his mate, it never would have worked out.

Tanya laughed, standing to put Ghost in the house before crossing her arms over her chest, "Well, I think I have to agree with the mutt, you lied about making her one of you and then you left. That doesn't seem very loving to me." She directed her glare towards Paul, "But don't think I've forgotten about your little tantrum."

He bared his teeth at her, "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."

As if things couldn't get any worse, Rosalie appeared next to her sister, "It's very difficult to work with your constant squabbling," she had been in the garage, her gloves were splattered with oil and she had black streaks on her overalls, "And then I hear the unprovoked attack on my family and, well," she took off her gloves and tossed them aside, "I would love to be present for that conversation."

Paul smirked, eyes glinting with rage, "I have all day."

"As do I." Irina grumbled, resting her chin on Bella's shoulder before sighing, "However, for the sake of maličký, I'll behave."

Rosalie sneered at her, "I'm certain your loud mouth will still make an appearance. Why wouldn't it, when Bella would so stupidly throw herself at anyone or anything in order to protect you." How was I dragged into this?

Bella frowned and looked at everyone in confusion before her gaze fell on Rosalie, "What the hell did I do?"

She was ignored and her maker held onto her even tighter, "My my, Rosalie, green really is your color." She's envious? Bella watched as gold was engulfed with black, what is she jealous of?

"And grey is yours. I've always thought you'd look much better as a pile of ashes."

Tanya growled, "Careful, cousin, or you'll have no allies left." Bella tensed, unsure of what she was supposed to do. If it comes down to a fight, I'll always protect the Denali's. But she wasn't comfortable with the idea of attacking Rosalie or Alice.

Rosalie snorted, "You two already openly slander my family. You sit back, knowing absolutely nothing about who Bella was to us, who she was to me, and you constantly berate us for a family decision. I personally didn't want to leave, I thought it was the right thing to do but I didn't…" she trailed off and shook her head, "My mate was leaving, as was the rest of my family-"

"Bella was supposed to be part of your family." Paul laughed in disbelief, "You dangled that shit in her face and your asshole of a brother left her alone in the fucking woods!"

Alice's eyes widened and Rosalie froze, "He what?" Bella blinked in surprise, Swan, why the fuck did you like this guy? The dull ache appeared and she nearly snarled. Cut that out, we're over him.

Irina growled, "And Carlise allowed this?"

"None of us knew." Alice defended, "If we did, we wouldn't have let that happen."

"Doesn't make much of a difference, does it?" Paul sneered, "He took her into the woods, told her that he didn't want her, that she wasn't good enough for him, and left her to find her way home in the dark. She passed out, and if Sam hadn't been there, she would have died from hypothermia."

Was I a toy to him? Her mind was racing and she stared at the ground, why else would he keep a human around? Her jaw tightened as she processed all she had learned. Rosalie wanted to stay, Alice regrets leaving, Edward left me to possibly die, he didn't tell them how he left me, Sam saved my life.

It was too much, it was all too much, and above all else, she felt an unquenchable rage build up inside of her.

Paul wasn't finished, "And that wasn't even the best part of your family's bullshit charade. No. The best part was her nightmares of being attacked by the blonde leech. What a great parting gift." Black eyes, sharp teeth, crushing grip. She blinked rapidly as she tried to dispel the visions.

"Maličký?" Irina murmured, but it was difficult to hear. Too much was happening, too many whispers and noises and feelings. She felt as though she were going to explode.

"Bella! Hey, it's alright, it's a dream!" Leah soothed, "I don't know what's hurting you, but whatever it is, it's not real."

Bella Swan was panting, her voice was thick and hoarse, no doubt from screaming, "Please don't leave. I can't...I can't do this alone."

"You don't have to."

"Jake said the same thing and he left. Paul hasn't talked to me in days...what keeps you from leaving?"

Leah snorted, "I don't know what Sam did to them, but he doesn't have shit on me, alright?" Her voice lowered, and it sounded gentle, "We don't have to talk about it...not yet, not now. Just know that, whatever it is, it can't hurt you, not while I'm here."

Bella Swan let out a weak laugh, "You sound so mushy right now, and your skin feels like it's on fire. You're like a bowl of oatmeal."

"You're such a fucking weirdo. Shut up and go back to sleep."

Bella Denali felt everything within her settle, and her mind was no longer a cacophony of anger and fear and sadness. Jake left, Paul was ignoring me, but Leah stayed? She was confused. Bella didn't know what it felt like to be mentally exhausted, but she had to guess that if she were human she would have collapsed by now.

"I'm good." She murmured, giving her maker a reassuring smile, "Just...this is a lot of information."

Her brow furrowed, "Would you like to leave? We could go to the mountains."

She smiled appreciatively at her, "No. I can't keep running off when I hear things I don't like."

Paul froze, looking at her strangely, "You don't remember...dammit." He glared accusingly at the Cullens, "I bet you two didn't even tell her what that bloodsucker did-"

"Paul." Bella said, quickly garnering his attention, "Jasper was my second memory. But he didn't mean to-"

"Who gives a shit if he didn't mean to? He still hurt you!" He roared. I don't blame Jasper for losing control, I understand the bloodlust, she nestled closer to Irina, but I'm more than okay with never seeing him again. Jasper terrified her, and she was beyond grateful that she didn't constantly hear his voice.

"That wasn't his fault!" The seer yelled, "He never wanted to hurt her, they were friends. Jasper's an empath. He felt all of our bloodlust when she cut her finger-"

"A group effort, even better."

Tanya frowned, "No…" she shook her head, "There's no use explaining bloodlust to a wolf." She gave Alice a nod, "No one here blames Jasper for what happened."

"Speak for yourself." Paul snorted, "If it was such a temptation then why the fuck was Bella around your kind at all?"

"You should stay away from me," Edward warned her, "I'm not someone you want to befriend."

Clearly.

"She shouldn't have been." Tanya agreed, "They should have turned her sooner, then none of this would have happened."

Rosalie finally spoke, "Turn her, a teenage girl who has no idea what she wants, and curse her with immortality? Curse her to be one of us?" She looked at Bella, eyes filled with anger and nearly making the newborn flinch.

My transformation disgusts you that much? She had thought her relationship with Rosalie was improving, especially after the vampire's confession of liking Bella Swan. But she said she liked the humanity that she had. This unsettled her. Does she prefer human Bella?

"She should have remained a human, it would have been better that way." If I remained human I'd still be weak, she looked away from Rosalie, you all would have stayed away and I would have died hating myself and my mortality.

"Is it not enough to have a long and happy life with me?" Edward begged, making her grit her teeth. I can see how he had you fooled, Swan. I'm certain he even fooled himself. Would Edward be disgusted by her? Just as his sister was?

"You wanted us to take away her life all because she was lovestruck by a vampire who lied to himself and her about being his mate?" Rosalie laughed, "It's nice to know you're the brains of the Denali's, Tanya."

Alice glared at her sister, "That's not helping, Rose. Tanya's right, we should have turned her. Edward wasn't her mate, but he wasn't the only one that loved her. We all did, and she loved us. My visions were of Bella being a happy vampire, but we took that choice from her when we listened to him."

"If you had turned her, my pack would have killed your entire family. Your kind should have left her alone." Paul growled, "I agree with the blonde Cullen, surprisingly. Bella should have remained human."

"I love you, but I won't damn your soul. I won't turn you into a monster."

A monster? Is that what I am? Is that how Rosalie and Edward see me? Is that how Paul sees me?

Something within her snapped, "You know what I think?" She moved away from Irina, "Not that it actually fucking matters, right? Because you all like to talk about me as though I'm some moronic vampire who can't possibly understand the complexities of making such a huge decision."

Rosalie sighed, "Bella-"

"I'm sorry you and Paul hate what I am." She shrugged, "But quite frankly, I don't recall asking for either of your opinions on the matter." Bella turned to Paul, "I love being a vampire, and I'm not going to let you or Rosalie or Edward or anyone else take that away from me."

It was silent for a moment, but her detection of a new vampire put her on edge. Before she could move Irina grabbed her hand, pulling her against her body and giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Relax, maličký, it's only Eleazar." She soothed, making Tanya laugh.

"Bella, were you getting ready to attack?"

"No." She grumbled. Sue me for wanting to protect everyone.

Alice frowned, "I saw him coming, but I don't understand why he's here." For now, the air was cleared, and the battle lines that had been drawn were temporarily forgotten.

Tanya shrugged, moving to stand next to Bella and Irina, "Your guess is as good as mine."

Paul growled, "Another one?" He then looked at Bella, "I know you're mad at me right now...I kind of made an ass of myself, I get it. But our pack loved the human you...klutzy and all. We loved you when they couldn't and that should mean something." She knew exactly what he was saying. The Cullens ran from Bella Swan but the pack embraced her.

Bella's anger towards Paul faltered, and she grew frustrated with herself for the conflicting emotions she felt towards the wolves and the Cullens. Their arguments are valid but none of them ever listened to Bella Swan. Shouldn't her input have mattered?

"I'm still not happy with you."

"I know...but I'll still see you in a couple days, right? I'll bring Jake and Leah." Leah. Their past conversation had surprised her, and if there was anyone she wanted to learn more about it was the female shifter.

"I guess," Bella grumbled, ignoring his hopeful smile and watching him burst out of skin. The silver wolf trotted up to her, head lowered and ears flat against his skull as his tail wagged nervously. Irina scoffed at him but Bella could only sigh and scratch beneath his chin. I can't be mad at that face. She frowned, wait, yes I can.

Nevertheless, she planted a kiss on his forehead, "Now shoo. And when you come back you better have a good apology for me." She scolded, fighting back a smile as he gave her a small lick on the cheek, yipping at her before turning and bolting off into the forest.

Irina sighed, leaning her head against Bella's shoulder, "You're too nice...I was close to killing him."

Tanya shook her head before grabbing her sister's hand, "None of that, Rina." She chided, "Killing Bella's puppy would break the treaty and-"

"Yes, yes, I know." She grumbled, shaking herself out of her foul mood and smiling slightly, "I'm grateful Eleazar is here. He'll be helpful with the hunt for Victoria."

Rosalie turned on her heel and began to walk into the house, "I trust your brother will spare us the lectures?"

"Rose." Alice hissed, "Being an instigator isn't helpful."

The blonde turned and gave her sister a thin smile, "Oh, but I find it quite helpful. Quite therapeutic, actually."

Tanya bared her teeth at her, "Yes, you've always excelled when it came to being a bitch-"

"Tanya." Bella snapped, surprising everyone, herself included, "Just...I don't know, don't name call. You and Rose should try to get along."

"Being civil has never been my strong suit," Rosalie chuckled, "To sit there and be polite to someone I detest has always sounded ridiculous to me."

Bella Swan grumbled, "Civility better suits a bear."

Rosalie rolled her eyes, "A truly rousing speech, Bella, thank you for that. I'll be sure to make Tanya a friendship bracelet in my spare time."

"Okay, I don't know what your deal is." The newborn threw her hands into the air in exasperation, "What did I do to make you so pissy at me?"

"Don't push it, human. Just because I no longer want you dead doesn't mean I'm willing to engage in any form of banter with the likes of you."

Her human self laughed, "Right, well, I look forward to when we finally get there."

"You're so overwhelmingly optimistic when you have no reason to be. Alice must be rubbing off on you." She sneered.

Bella didn't miss the way gold eyes flitted to her and Irina's intertwined hands before they looked back up at her, "You must think very highly of yourself if you believe you have any influence over my emotions."

"You haven't thrown me out of your room yet...seems the entire family is rubbing off on you."

"Well, you like me, which means you care for me, which means I do influence some of your emotions." Bella pointed out. You hate what I am, but not who I am, right? She averted her gaze from Rosalie's glare, something bothers her about me and Irina holding hands, or maybe I'm jumping to conclusions.

"Don't flatter yourself. The family's gone and I got stuck babysitting you."

"I never said I liked you."

"Oh? What's this? Are we...bantering?" Bella Swan admonished, laughing when Rosalie snarled at her.

Her maker shook her head, "Don't bother, Bella, you can't get through to her when she's like this." She bared her teeth at her, "Though, I believe you should be far angrier with her than she is with you."

"Don't tell her how to feel."

"You're the one that doesn't believe she can think for herself!"

"I never said that. I said her naivety would have distorted her decision."

"Gee, thanks," Bella grumbled, though she knew Rosalie's point was valid.

"It's still her decision. Not yours." Irina snarled. Also a good point.

Rosalie sneered at her, "No, it was your decision. You turned her-"

"To save her life. Unless you think she's better off dead."

"Don't be an idiot."

"Then don't be an ass!" Irina shot back, "Though I suspect you wouldn't be nearly as agitated if you were her maker." She slipped her arms around Bella's waist, and the newborn could only frown in confusion. What does that have to do with anything?

Rosalie's jaw tightened and she bared her teeth at her, "If I was her maker, she wouldn't have been bitten by a goddamn mongrel or Victoria." She gestured at Bella's scarred arm and throat, "I would have kept her safe! No one would have touched her!"

Bella shrunk in Irina's arms, greatly disliking their quarreling, "Uh, to be fair, I ran off when Victoria got me and I jumped in Tanya's way when Leah attacked."

Irina held her tighter and snarled lowly at the other blonde, "If you were her maker all you'd do is make her feel terrible about herself! You hate what we are, so how could you ever give her the encouragement she needs to be better? To teach her the joys that come with being a vampire? Your hypotheticals are pointless anyway. She's my newborn."

Tanya stepped forward, putting a hand on her shoulder, "That's enough."

"She doesn't belong to you," Rosalie growled.

Irina jutted out her chin, eyes filled with pride as she pressed a kiss to the sheepish newborn's temple, "I'm her maker. She belongs to my coven-"

Bella grimaced, "I'm sure you both make equally great makers." She still didn't understand why they were arguing about this in the first place.

"Don't be rude." Rosalie huffed and Irina hissed at her.

"If anything, she was being nice to you. She's very kind like that-"

"I know she is. We were well acquainted before you and your succubus of a sister showed up."

Tanya threw her hands up in disbelief, "Irina was one too! How did I even get dragged into this!"

Alice patted her shoulder, "It probably has something to do with you trying to seduce Bella."

The oldest Denali crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, she hasn't complained." She grumbled, shooting Bella a flirty wink before pouting once again. The newborn hid her amused smile, which quickly dropped when she realized Irina and Rosalie were still fighting.

"My sister may be a succubus-"

"Irina!"

"But she's taken good care of Bella, better than you ever could."

Alice snarled in annoyance and stepped in between the bickering blondes, "Ugh, can we fight over Bella another time? As funny as this is, I'm tired of all the arguing." Irina growled under her breath. She rested her chin on Bella's shoulder and glared at Rosalie who bared her teeth at her.

Bella rested her arms on Irina's and she looked at Alice in confusion, "Okay...why are they fighting over me?" They were obviously fighting over who would be a better maker, for some reason. Tanya snickered into her hand while the seer looked at her in disbelief.

"Bella, you can't be this oblivious." She was about to defend herself when Alice cut her off, "No, you can't blame this on memory loss."

She rolled her eyes, "Well, would you please enlighten me as to why Rosalie and Irina are fighting over me?" Should I be flattered? Scared? Both?

"I'm not!" They said in unison, glaring at each other and making Tanya laugh even harder.

"You seem to have forgotten yourself." Rosalie snarled, "Don't get comfortable with me. Don't be dense enough to equate me saving you to me liking you, because that's far from the truth. You should still very much fear me. The knowledge that I could kill you whenever I want, should deter you from pursuing whatever trivial 'friendship' you hope to have with me."

Bella frowned, tuning out the heated argument between the blondes as Bella Swan continued to converse with Rosalie.

"Kill me? I was never afraid that you'd do something like that."

"Then you're dumber than you look."

She cleared her throat awkwardly, sounding mildly upset when she spoke again, "Yeah, you're probably right. But...don't you want to know why I was really afraid of you?"

"I don't care."

Bella Swan's dismayed sigh was loud in her mind, "Well, uh, if you ever find that you do...I think you'd be surprised by the answer-"

"Bella. Stop talking, stop trying to connect with me, and let me read in peace. Grab a book if you get bored, play on your phone, do something other than waste the air you breathe by trying to get me to engage in some meaningless conversation." She snarled.

"A-Alright...I didn't mean to upset you." Her voice was shaky, almost thick with emotion and it made Bella Denali grimace.

"Upset me? Emmett is right, you are funny," she snorted, "You're not five, you're seventeen, so start acting like it. You know where the tissues are if you can't handle a few harsh words."

She released a shuttered breath, "No I'm…" she cleared her throat, "I'm okay...I can handle it."

"I should hope so. Now hush, I'm trying to read."

Bella Denali blinked, not sure if she should be put off by Rosalie's harshness or grateful for it. She recalled her fight with Victoria, and how Rosalie had yelled at her for being spineless.

Was she being mean to toughen me up? Or was she being mean for the sake of being mean? She suspected it was a mix of both. Rosalie saved me, her red eyes found Rosalie's black ones, but from what? Or who?

She had been the first one to intervene when Jasper attacked, but from their conversation, there was no way that could have been what Rosalie was referring to. Should I ask her? Does she even want to talk to me?

Why was Bella Swan actually afraid of her?

Alice clapped her hands together loudly, effectively silencing both Irina and Rosalie, "Eleazar! It's wonderful to see you!"

The man stepped out from the treeline, smiling in slight amusement, "I apologize for intruding. I tried to wait until the...disagreement was finished before I arrived." Eleazar was tall with jet black hair and his pale skin had an olive cast to it. He had broad shoulders but looked very lean, resembling a dancer, and his sharp and angular facial features made him look stern, even with his small smile.

Tanya embraced her brother before gesturing towards Irina and Rosalie with a laugh, "Oh, their disagreement is far from over," she smirked, "As is my entertainment." Rosalie growled at her but said nothing. Instead, she disappeared into the house.

Eleazar's amusement seemed to grow at the sight of her frustration, "It seems I've chosen a good time to arrive."

"It's never dull, that's for sure." Alice agreed with a strained laugh, "Why are you here? If you don't mind me asking."

He smiled at her, "I don't mind at all. I came to meet my new sister, and to help out with the pesky vampire situation." He glanced at Tanya, "I know you said we weren't yet needed, but I had to sate my curiosity!"

Irina removed her arms from around Bella's waist and took her hand again, guiding her towards her new coven mate, "Come meet our brother, maličký." She encouraged gently, and while Bella felt nervous she was also excited to meet another Denali.

The moment he looked at her he froze, eyes wide and mouth agape as he took her in.

"She's here? But...no...you're not her, are you?" He smiled sadly at her before shaking his head, "Forgive me, you look very much like an old friend of mine." Who the hell was that woman? She wondered, annoyed that she was apparently the spitting image of her.

Bella gave him an easy smile, biting down her irritation and sticking out her hand, "I get that a lot. I'm Bella...uh, Bella Denali."

He chuckled and took her hand in his, "Yes, Irina and Tanya seem quite taken with you." His eyes widened for a moment before he grinned, losing all formality as he stepped closer to her, refusing to release her hand, "Your power, it's different, it's delightful."

Irina perked at the mention of this, "My maličký has a power?" Bella shot a nervous glance at Alice. The seer gave her a reassuring smile, though she appeared to be slightly worried as well.

"Two." What?

Tanya's eyebrows shot upwards, "Two?"

"I can't decipher the first one. It's all over the place, constantly moving and distorting and...I've never seen anything like it." He frowned, before realization flashed in his eyes, "No. I've seen it once before but...no. An impossibility."

Bella sighed, laying on her disappointment as thick as she could, "Awesome, a power we don't know, that's useful." I'm so fucking lucky, "What's my second one?"

"A mental shield. A very powerful one at that."

Alice gasped in delight, "That's why Edward couldn't read your mind!" She clapped her hands together before throwing herself at the newborn. Bella's eyes widened and she quickly released Eleazar's hand in order to catch the small vampire, "That's why you're so weird!"

Bella laughed, "Not as weird as you."

Alice grinned and kissed her nose before releasing her, "You might be right. Edward was certain I corrupted you at one point."

Irina looked at Eleazar in disbelief, "A shield?" Her hands balled into fists, "Can we stop pretending this is a coincidence!"

Her brother frowned, "Bella's a newborn, it can't be anything but a coincidence."

"Calm yourself, sister. You're her maker, so Eleazar is right. If anything Bella's one of her descendants. There was a lot we didn't know about her, and we've made these types of mistakes before." Though Tanya seemed somewhat unconvinced and was now staring at Bella curiously.

Bella scowled at them, "Who are you even talking about-" the familiar tug in her gut made her freeze before she turned to Alice, "I need to go. Will you please take me hunting?" Why is this happening so quickly? Why twice in the same day?

Alice looked confused for a moment before her eyes widened, "Of course." She scooped her into her arms and dashed into the forest, "We'll be back!" She yelled, ignoring the questioning vampires as she ran even faster through the foliage, "Goodness, you have impeccable timing! I have no clue how I'm going to explain this to them."

Bella's body shuttered and distorted as time began to take her, "Fuck me."

"Wrong vampire, I'm not Tanya." Bella threw her head back and laughed as the world around her was engulfed by darkness.

---

She appeared at a hot spring somewhere up in the mountains. There were many small pools of bubbling water and she frowned, holding her breath when she heard the light footsteps of a human.

Katrina.

A broad smile spread across Bella's face, she thinks she can sneak up on me? Her heart was as loud as her footsteps, and Bella felt all the tension of the day's events disappear.

She pretended to be unsuspecting, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked out at the hot springs with feigned interest. Katrina shimmied up a nearby tree, deftly jumping from branch to branch with surprising swiftness. If I were human I don't think I would have heard her.

Bella heard Katrina launch herself off the branch and was now flying towards her. She grinned, moving too fast for the human eye and appearing behind the blonde. The vampire jumped, gently wrapping her arms around the human while she was in midair.

"Ahoj, Katrina." [Hey, Katrina.] She squealed in surprise and Bella laughed loudly, only releasing her when they landed safely on the ground.

She was still as beautiful as she was the last time, with her deep blue eyes and bright blonde hair. Her face was slender, cheekbones high, and skin smooth, save for the light scratches that marked her. Her bottom lip had been busted recently, and the wound was a dark red, in the process of healing as it scabbed over.

Bella had to stop herself from fretting over the girl. If she loves being a warrior, I won't scold her for it or guilt her into quitting. She only wished her human had found joy in something less dangerous.

"Ty hlúpy démon! Skoro som ťa mal!" [You stupid demon! I nearly had you!] Katrina huffed, before her eyes widened and her jaw went slack, "Bela, tentokrát si sa vrátil oveľa rýchlejšie." [Bela, you've come back much quicker this time.]

She smiled, "To je dobré. Ako dlho som bol tentokrát?" [That's good. How long was I away?]

Her cheeks reddened, "Len pár mesiacov...Teraz mám osemnásť. A podľa zákonov pekla, som oficiálne žena!" [Only a couple months...I'm eighteen now. And according to the laws of Hell, I'm officially a woman!] She boasted.

"Oh, uh, happy late birthday." Bella was so grateful she wasn't capable of blushing. Katrina wound her arms around her neck and she stiffened, "Prečo ste tu?" [Why are you here?]

The tension was there, as well as the anxiety she felt that came with the unspoken kiss. Do I bring it up? Their proximity didn't help in the slightest, and Bella kept her hands at her side as Katrina glanced at her lips. Why am I so fucking awkward?

She smiled mischievously at her, "Bela, sú to horúce pramene, prečo by som tu inak bol?" [Bela, they're hot springs, why else would I be here?] She moved away from her, removing the buckle that held her sheathed sword in place.

"Oh, I get it, a hot tub situation-" she looked away quickly when Katrina pulled off her tunic, "Fuck." She turned her back to her, fighting her newborn impulses as best she could. She's undressing right behind you! Look! Look goddammit! It shouted and she squeezed her eyes shut. Would you please chill out?

"Bela," she cooed, the rustling of pants being pulled down nearly made her growl, "Môžete sa pozrieť, či chcete." [You can look if you want.] Okay, she likes me...or she at the very least wants to sleep with me. However, she was a newborn. Sleeping with her could kill her, and I still don't know if she's attracted by my glamour.

She squeezed her eyes shut, "To by bolo neslušné." [That would be rude.] Warm, bare arms wrapped around her from behind, and a distinctly soft chest pressed against her back, "Katrina."

"Chcela by si ísť so mnou?" [Would you like to come with me?] She asked innocently, making Bella's eyes snap open as callused fingers toyed with the hem of her shirt. And I thought Tanya was bad?

Her vampire side adored Katrina's aggression, it wanted to match it, but she knew that the outcome could have dire consequences and that was enough to quell some of the heat that pooled in her stomach.

She sighed, pretending to be unfazed by the human, "Pochybujem, že horúci prameň sa bude cítiť tak dobre, ako sa mi. Peklo je dosť horúce, ako to je." [I doubt the hot spring will feel as good to me. Hell is hot enough as it is.]

This made Katrina laugh and she pulled away, grabbing Bella's hand and leading her towards one of the springs, "Sotva ťa vidím, Bela." [I hardly get to see you, Bela.] Red eyes stared at the sky, and she didn't have to look at Katrina to know she was pouting, "Mohol by si ísť so mnou, prosím? Bude sa to cítiť pekne." [Will you please get in with me? It'll feel nice.]

She's a deviant.

"V poriadku...ale chcem sa uvoľniť. Chcem sa s tebou len porozprávať." [Okay...but I want to relax. I just want to talk to you.] She said sternly, keeping her eyes on the clouds above.

Katrina hummed, releasing her hand and grabbing the hem of her shirt, "Potrebujete pomoc?" [Need help?]

Bella scowled, swatting her hands away, still refusing to look at her when she grumbled, "You know, I think it's you that needs to chill out. You need a cold shower, not a hot spring." She turned away from her and began to lift up her shirt.

"Hmm, môžem sa pozerať?" [Hmm, can I watch?] Way worse than Tayna, holy shit. What's a good substitute for a cold shower?

"Go roll around in the snow, pervert." Maybe I shouldn't undress at all.

She dropped the hem of her shirt, staring straight ahead as she passed her rambunctious human and got in the hot spring. She knew the water was hot, but it didn't quite register against her skin. It just felt like water and did little to relax her, especially when a naked Katrina was two feet away.

"Zbabelec." [Coward.] Katrina grumbled, getting in beside her and making her tense up. How is this relaxing at all?

"Ako ste boli?" [How have you been?] She asked, keeping her gaze on Katrina's flushed face. The water came to the top of her chest, but did little to actually shield her body from Bella's sharp eyesight. But the newborn was good, focusing only on her human's eyes as she spoke.

"Veľmi frustrovaní, ale inak som bol dobrý." [Very frustrated, but otherwise I've been good.] Oh, you're frustrated? "Ako sa má peklo? Máte démonov?" [How's Hell? Do you have demon friends?]

Bella chuckled, "Ano." [Yes.] Again, she thought of her kiss, and her lips tingled at the thought. No, bad Bella!

Katrina looked intrigued, "Povieš mi o nich?" [Will you tell me about them?] Bella frowned, do I tell her their names? Does it matter? Could I possibly alter the timeline by divulging in the true names of my friends? Am I just overthinking it because I watched Back to the Future recently?

"Je tu Rose a Rina, obaja sú veľmi pekné a veľmi pekné." [There's Rose and Rina, they're both very pretty and very nice.] Okay, Rose isn't very nice but she's pretty.

Katrina frowned, "Sú pekní ako ty?" [Are they pretty like you?]

"Krajší." [Prettier.]

Her human seemed disturbed by this information, though Bella wasn't sure why, "Ako vyzerajú?" [What do they look like?]

"Blondínka a... krásna?" [Blonde and...pretty?] I'm not a writer, I don't know how to describe them.

The warrior looked nervous, eyes falling to the water as she asked, "Myslíš si, že som pekná?" [Do you think I'm pretty?] She's insecure? Bella found her to be unbelievably adorable.

"Áno, myslím, že si veľmi pekná." [Yes, I think you're very pretty.]

Katrina glanced at her, "Krajšie ako Rose a Rina?" [Prettier than Rose and Rina?] Bella was glad she couldn't remember being a human teenager, especially when she was constantly around the Cullens. My self-esteem would have been decimated.

Bella smiled warmly at her, "Oveľa krajšie." [Much prettier.] Hot water was splashed at her face and she nearly growled.

"Klamár!" [Liar!] Women, I swear to god, "Ak si myslíš, že Rose a Rina sú krajšie ako ty, potom nemôžem byť krajšia ako oni!" [If you think Rose and Rina are prettier than you, then I can't be prettier than them!]

She scowled as she wiped at her face, "Pochválil som ťa a ty ma nazývaš klamárom?" [I compliment you and you call me a liar?] More water was splashed in her face and she grit her teeth, "You look a lot less pretty now, asshole!" She wiped her face again, "Okay, you don't actually look less pretty, but personality counts for something, sweetheart, and your's isn't looking so attractive right now!"

Katrina glared at her, "Prestaň hovoriť týmto jazykom, vieš, že ti nerozumiem!" [Stop speaking in that language, you know I can't understand you!]

"That's the point! You're infuriating!" Bella got out of the hot spring and her wet clothes began to stiffen due to the cold, "Neklamem, myslím, že si krásna, dobre!" [I'm not lying, I think you're beautiful, okay!] She sped to Katrina's clothes and back to the hot spring, keeping her gaze averted as she set them down next to her.

The human was oddly silent as she clambered out of the spring. Her teeth chattered as she hastily dried herself off with her cloak before trying to put her clothes back on. Bella had her back to her, trying to ignore her growing concern as trembling fingers fumbled with her pants.

Finally, she turned around, keeping her gaze lowered as she unlaced Katrina's breeches with ease before holding them out to her. She put them on without a word, then Bella aided her with her tunic before grabbing her boots.

She got on her knees, still not looking up at Katrina as she busied herself with making sure the warrior wouldn't freeze. At this point, her heart was thundering in her chest, and Bella wondered if it had something to do with the cold.

Her feet were still wet and bright red from the snow. Bella tore off the hem of her own shirt and wrapped one foot before sliding the boot on, and she repeated the process with the other foot.

Katrina's fingers were also bright red and Bella hoped the gloves were thick enough to remedy that. She stood to her feet, gently taking her wrists and slipping the gloves on before she turned her attention to her cloak.

"Je mi ľúto." [I'm sorry.] She said quietly, making Bella look at her as she put the furry cloak around her shoulders. Her entire face was red and blue eyes were filled with regret, "Nemal som na teba kričať. Bolo to odo mňa veľmi detinské." [I shouldn't have yelled at you. It was very childish of me.]

She wasn't sure what to say to that, "It's okay...sorry I was shit-talking in another language." The vampire paused, "Tiež ma mrzí, že som kričal." [I'm also sorry I yelled.]

"...naozaj si myslíš, že som krásna?" [Do you really think I'm beautiful?] Do you own a mirror? Thankful she couldn't blush, Bella fixated on the clasp of Katrina's cloak, unnecessarily fiddling with it to make sure it was secure. She then retrieved her sword and buckled it around her waist.

"Ano." [Yes.]

"Aj ty si krásna." [You're beautiful too.] Her face resembled a tomato, and Bella quickly looked around for her hat. How cold is it out here?

"Stále ti je zima." [You're still cold.] She mused, locating her hat with a triumphant smile. She moved to Katrina, placing the hat atop her head snugly and making sure it covered her ears.

"Ďakujem." [Thank you.] She murmured, putting a gloved hand on her wrist.

Bella smiled gently at her, giving her cheek a light pinch before pulling away. The loud crunch of footsteps crushing snow alerted her, and she bolted in the opposite direction as quickly as she could.

"Bela!" The loud heartbeat of another human grew closer and she growled, putting herself on the other side of one of the large, snowy hills that enclosed the hot springs.

She wrestled with herself, wanting to leave the area completely but not wanting to leave Katrina behind. Go hunt. Stay away. She left, making sure she could still hear Katrina's voice as she sought out her prey. She didn't risk using her sense of smell, deeming it too unsafe for both the new human and Katrina.

The burn in her throat wasn't quenched by the two mountain goats or the black bear. It was as though it knew an edible human was nearby, yet it hadn't flared up once since she had been with Katrina. Strange, but everything about the Katrina situation is strange.

Bella only inched closer when she heard Katrina call for her. The other human must be gone, but she still felt wary, and at a slower run she returned to the warrior.

"Bálsi sa, že ho zješ?" [Did you fear you'd eat him?] She nodded, "Aj tak je dobré, že si utiekol. Ak by ťa môj kmeň videl, zabili by ťa. Bolo by im jedno, či si milý démon." [It's good you ran anyway. If my tribe saw you they'd kill you. They wouldn't care if you were a nice demon.] She sighed and Bella snorted.

"Ľudia ma nemôžu zabiť." [Humans can't kill me.] Okay, tone it down you cocky shit.

"A čo kňazi?" [What about priests?]

"Ani oni nemôžu. Len môj druh ma môže zabiť." [They can't either. Only my kind can kill me.]

"A čo anjeli?" [What about angels?] Angels fuck demons up in different religions, right?

Bella sighed, "Áno, anjeli môžu tiež." [Yes, angels can as well.] Katrina grabbed her hand and gave it a tug, indicating she wanted the vampire to follow her.

She let herself be dragged along as her human continued to ask her questions, "Videl si niekedy anjela?" [Have you ever seen an angel?]

"Ja nie, však?" [I haven't, have you?]

Katrina shook her head before looking down at her arm, "Čo ti to spravilo?" [What did this to you?] She glanced at the dark teeth marks left behind by Leah and she sighed.

"Pekelný pes. Nič vážne." [A hellhound. Nothing serious.] She looked at her with wide eyes and Bella couldn't help but add, "Chcela zaútočiť na môjho priateľa, ale skočil a namiesto toho ma pohrýzla." [She was going to attack my friend, but I jumped in the way and she bit me instead.]

"Bolelo to?" [Did it hurt?]

Gloved fingers gently traced the scar, "Trochu. Ale zlomil som jej kľúčnu kosť päsťou." [A little. But I broke her collarbone with my fist.] Classy, using Leah as a way to impress Katrina.

It worked, and Katrina looked at her in awe, "Bojoval si s pekelným psom! S čím si ešte bojoval?" [You fought off a hellhound! What else have you fought?] They came upon a small, crudely made hut perched on a cliff. She suspected it was a lookout post. There was a small stable that housed a large, white horse, and it knickered nervously at the sight of Bella.

"Bojoval som s ďalším démonom, ale bola skúsenejšia ako ja." [I fought another demon, but she was more experienced than me.] She wasn't keen to admit her loss to Victoria. But is it really a loss if I lived?

"Ublížila ti?" [Did she hurt you?]

"Trochu, ale utiekol som." [A little, but I escaped.] She released her hand, slowly approaching the horse, making sure to keep her hands within its eyesight, "Kľud, som milý démon." [Easy, I'm a nice demon.] It whinnied, shifting on its hooves as she got closer.

Her human watched her, "Ješ zvieratá, chceš jesť Dalibor? Vyzerá chutne?" [You eat animals, do you want to eat Dalibor? Does he seem tasty?] Bella shook her head, cooing gently to calm the horse before she rested a hand on his flank.

"Vidíš, Dalibor? Len ťa chcem pohladkať." [See, Dalibor? I just want to pet you.] She stroked his fur, smiling as Katrina joined her.

She smiled back, and her touch instantly relaxed her horse, "Dalibor je najlepší kôň, akého som kedy mal. Je nebojácny v bitke, a ja som zabil veľa Vlci a Medvede na chrbte!" [Dalibor is the best horse I've ever had. He's fearless in battle, and I've killed many Vlci and Medvede on his back!] She enthused, going to her horse's long face and gently petting his nose.

Bella bit her lip for a moment, torn between wanting to sate her curiosity and wanting to remain ignorant of Katrina's battles. She could die, but who am I to lecture her? She fought off her protective urges, she asked about my life, I could ask about hers.

"Prečo s nimi bojuje tvoj kmeň?" [Why is your tribe fighting them?]

Katrina seemed surprised by her interest, "Vlci a môj kmeň, Tigre, majú dlhú históriu súperenia. Začalo to skôr, ako som sa narodil, keď Vlci zavraždili nášho vodcu, Emila. Tvrdili, že to bola pomsta za zabitie manželky ich vodcu, ale žiadny Tigre by niečo také neurobil." [The Vlci and my tribe, the Tigre, have a long history of rivalry. It started before I was born, when a Vlci murdered our leader, Emil. They claimed it was vengeance for killing their leader's wife, but no Tigre would do such a thing.]

Katrina insisted, "Sme čestný kmeň a v tom čase sme sa nehádali s Vlic." [We're an honorable tribe and we had no quarrel with the Vlic at the time.]

Bella frowned, "Bol mier pokus?" [Was peace attempted?] She moved up Dalibor's side, petting his thick neck, "Môj druh má zmluvu s našimi nepriateľmi." [My kind has a treaty with our enemies.]

Katrina's eyebrows raised, "Zmluva s anjelmi?" [A treaty with the angels?]

"Je to viac ... zložité, než to." [It's more...complicated than that.] It's getting really hard to keep these lies up, but they're to protect her.

The warrior shook her head, "Možno nikdy nepochopím pekelnú politiku, ale politika Zeme je jednoduchá. Nespravodlivo zabili nášho vodcu. Žiadosť o zmluvu alebo zabezpečenie mierových rozhovorov by sa považovala za slabinu." [Perhaps I'll never understand the politics of Hell, but the politics of Earth are simple. They unjustly killed our leader. Asking for a treaty or arranging peace talks would be considered a weakness.]

"Myslím, že. Ale čo Medvede?" [I suppose. But what about the Medvede?]

This made the blonde roll her eyes, "Novšie kmeň, ktorý sa chce usadiť. Sú vedení pochabý vodca, Klement, ten, ktorý používa hrubú silu ako odpoveď na všetko. Medvede nie sú nič pre Tigre alebo Vlci." [A newer tribe that wishes to establish itself. They're led by a foolish leader, Klement, one that uses brute strength as an answer for everything. The Medvede are nothing to the Tigre or the Vlci.]

She nodded slowly before eyeing the lookout post that stood precariously close to the cliffside, overlooking the wide gorge below, "Táto vojna, kedy to skončí?" [This war, when will it end?] When will you be safe again?

Katrina shrugged, "Čoskoro? Nikdy? Ako by som mal vedieť a prečo by ma to malo zaujímať? Pokiaľ budem mať meč v ruke, budem šťastný." [Soon? Never? How should I know and why should I care? As long as I've got a sword in my hand I'll be happy.] As long as you have a sword in your hand you'll be in danger.

Bella acted as though she weren't bothered by her excitement, "Pokiaľ si šťastná." [So long as you're happy.] She grumbled, and Katrina gave her a strange look.

"Ja som." [I am.] She moved away from her horse, "Počkajte tu." [Wait here.] She disappeared into the hut for a moment before she came out with another sword, "Zober si toto." [Take this.] She held the sheathed blade out to her and Bella took a step back.

"Prečo?" [Why?]

"Chcel som sa s tebou posmievať odkedy som ťa prvý krát stretol." [I've wanted to spar with you since I first met you.]

Bella blinked owlishly at her, "Pokúsil si sa ma zabiť keď si ma prvý krát stretol." [You tried to kill me the first time you met me.] Katrina's cheeks reddened and Bella laughed, "Bola si taká rozkošná! Hojdanie sa na mňa s dreveným mečom-" [You were so cute! Swinging at me with a wooden sword-]

"Pokojné!" [Quiet!]

"A tvoja helma bola pre teba príliš veľká!" [And your helmet was too big for you!] She gushed, smiling broadly as Katrina looked away from her in embarrassment, "A tvoje bacuľaté líca boli také-" [And your chubby little cheeks were so-]

"Bela! To by stačilo!" [That's enough!] She threw the sword at her and Bella caught it on instinct while laughing; and Katrina unsheathed her own blade, "Bojuj so mnou!" [Fight me!]

Her laughter died in her own throat, "Are you some kind of maniac? I know you can't understand me right now, but I'm genuinely asking out of a place of concern."

Katrina growled before rocketing forward and taking a swing at her. Her movements all appeared to be in slow motion, and Bella blinked before catching her blade with ease. The loud clang of steel against stone made her grimace, and the vibrations made Katrina's arms shake.

Blue eyes widened before they narrowed, "Nakresli meč, do čerta!" [Draw your sword, dammit!]

She scowled at her before pushing the sword away, "Nehádam sa s mečmi, neviem o nich nič." [I don't fight with swords, I don't know the first thing about them.]

"Tak bojuj päsťami!" [Then fight with your fists!] She swung at her again, quick and precise, deadly to a human but nothing to a vampire. Bella dropped the spare sword before taking a step back, watching as the blade cut through the air.

"Neublížim ti." [I won't hurt you.] Why can't she see how dangerous this is?

"Tak to nerob! Len sa so mnou posmievajú!" [Then don't! Just spar with me!]

"Nie!" [No!] Bella snarled, "Si človek! Mohol by som ťa zabiť, však?" [You're a human! I could kill you, don't you get that?] She backed away from another swing of Katrina's blade, "Stop it! What the fuck are you doing!"

Her face reddened in anger, "Si zbabelý démon! Každý iný démon by sa žiadny problém zápas so mnou!" [You're a cowardly demon! Any other demon would take no issue sparring with me!] She attempted to stab her but Bella stepped to the right, avoiding her attack with ease. What the hell is her problem? First she had flirted with her, now she wanted to fight her? I'm getting whiplash.

"Katrina-"

"Nie som slabý!" [I'm not weak!] She snarled, pointing her blade at her throat, "Nie som slabý a nie som krehký! Nie som taký silný ako démon, ale budeš sa ku mne správať ako k sebe rovnej!" [I'm not weak, and I'm not fragile! I'm not as strong as a demon, but you will treat me as your equal!]

Her eyes widened in surprise. Oh. Katrina wanted to be respected, she wanted to be taken seriously. Bella couldn't help but see some of herself in her human, and the thought saddened her. I never wanted to make you feel like you were less.

"Katrina-"

"Prestaň ma zahrávať a bojuj!" [Stop coddling me and fight!]

"Katrina!" She yelled, making the warrior flinch in surprise. With a snarl, Bella batted the sword away with ease before closing the distance between them.

Blue eyes widened, "Bela?"

"Viem, že si moja rovnocenná." [I know you're my equal.] She put her hands on her shoulders, "Nikdy som ťa nevidel asi menej." [I've never seen you as less.] Katrina relaxed slightly, though she still regarded her with a wariness she disliked.

"Som mladý démon a moja sila je ťažko ovládaná. Nemyslím si, že si krehký alebo slabý, myslím, že by som mohol náhodne stratiť kontrolu, a nikdy by som si neodpustil, keby som to urobil." [I'm a young demon, and my strength is difficult to control. I don't think you're fragile or weak, I think I could accidentally lose control, and I would never forgive myself if I did.]

Katrina looked away from her, but not before she saw the shame that flickered in her eyes, "To je druhýkrát, čo som na teba dnes kričal." [That's the second time I've yelled at you today.]

Bella chuckled, "Často som kričal, som na to zvyknutý." [I'm screamed at often, I'm used to it.] She shrugged, trying to lighten the mood.

The warrior's eyes flashed with irritation, "Kto na teba kričí?" [Who screams at you?] She cursed under her breath before shaking her head, "Bela, Nechcem byť niekto, kto na teba zaťažuje, nechcem, aby si na to zvykol. je mi ľúto. To nie je to, kým chcem byť." [Bela, I don't want to be someone who yells at you, I don't want you to be used to that from me. I'm sorry. That's not who I want to be.]

Her maturity surprised her, and she smiled slightly, "Aj ja mám náladu. Kričal som na teba dosť často-" [I have a temper as well. I've yelled at you quite often-]

"Väčšinou z obáv. Kričal som na teba z hnevu." [Mostly out of worry. I yelled at you out of anger.] Blue eyes pierced red ones, not just blue, but cyan, "Neospravedlňuj sa za mňa. Mal by som byť lepší. Zaslúžiš si niečo lepšie." [Don't make excuses for me. I should be better. You deserve better.]

The intensity in her voice nearly made her take a step back.

"You're no good for me."

"You deserve better."

I deserve better? Katrina wanted to fix herself for her, she wanted to be kinder without Bella even asking, and that was somewhat overwhelming. Edward's voice was often condescending, as though he knew better than she did. Whereas Katrina was quick to recognize her own flaws, and she wanted to be better for her.

She didn't remember Edward, not well, but she remembered that he made Bella Swan feel worthless. Katrina doesn't make me feel that way, cyan-colored eyes stared at her with a mix of shame and adoration. Katrina makes me feel good. She makes me feel worthy.

Bella smiled slightly, "Som démon." [I'm a demon.] She reminded her, making Katrina scowl.

"Si môj priateľ...ste môj...vy ste Bela." [You're my friend...you're my...you're Bela.] She stammered, heart stuttering in her chest and making Bella think back to their kiss. Katrina's heart had stuttered then too, and the vampire was certain if her heart could still beat, it would have stopped altogether.

Bella wonders if she and Edward had ever had talks like this. She wonders if he ever made her smile as frequently as Katrina did. Did he ever make me feel so alive?

"Áno, som Bela, tvoja priateľka." [Yes, I'm Bela, your friend.] She murmured before grabbing Katrina's fists and putting them up, "Nemôžem sa s tebou posmievať, kým si nebudem istý, že to dokážem bez straty kontroly. Ale môžem ťa naučiť pár lekcií, ktoré som sa naučil." [I can't spar with you, not until I'm sure I can do so without losing control. But I can teach you some lessons I've learned.] She offered, making her human smile gratefully at her.

"To by sa mi veľmi páčilo." [I'd like that very much.] Bella nodded before she moved away from her. She speedily made three snowmen, all were a bit taller than her human, and she made sure to pack them with plenty of snow.

When she finished she gestured towards the first one, "Rina hovorí, že je dôležité byť rýchly. Vždy je niekto väčší a silnejší ako ty, takže musíš byť rýchly na nohách." [Rina says it's important to be swift. There's always someone bigger and stronger than you, so you have to be quick on your feet.]

"Čo ak sú rýchlejšie ako ty?" [What if they're faster than you?] I'm a rookie, don't ask me.

She shrugged, "Nie som si istý, ale išiel by som si po nohy." [I'm not sure, but I'd go for the legs.]

Katrina frowned, "Nie, mal by si ísť do hlavy." [No, you should go for the head.]

She glared at her, "No, keď je hlava príliš malá, pôjdeš po nohy!" [Well, when the head is too small, you go for the legs!] Katrina laughed and Bella rolled her eyes, "Ak sú väčšie ako vy, je ťažké ísť do hlavy, a ak sú rýchlejšie ako vy, potom ísť na nohy, je dobrý spôsob, ako spomaliť." [If they're bigger than you it's difficult to go for the head, and if they're faster than you, then going for the legs is a good way to slow them down.]

Her human nodded before retrieving her sword and approaching a snowman, "Ako toto?" [Like this?] She stabbed the base and Bella smiled slightly.

"Áno, aj keď Rina hovorí, že je lepšie zamiesť nohy namiesto toho, aby ich bodol." [Yes, though Rina says it's better to sweep the legs instead of jab them.]

"Táto tvoja Rina, je naozaj bojovníčka?" [This Rina of yours, is she truly a warrior?] She asked skeptically, and Bella sighed. I don't know who's more difficult, you or Rosalie.

"Zamiesť robí lepšiu prácu chytať je mimo stráže. Budú musieť skočiť, čo vám dáva otvor, inak ich zabijú." [A sweep does a better job of catching them off guard. They'll have to jump, which gives you an opening, or they'll get hit.] I'm not that good at fighting, please stop asking questions, "Úder je ľahšie sa vytekať." [A jab is easier to evade.]

This continued for a while, Bella taught Katrina what little she knew about fighting and Katrina listened to her, grumbling on occasion, but hacking away at the snowmen with her sword. When the snow dwindled away, Bella would add more and they'd start again.

Her human was clearly well versed when it came to sword fighting. She moved like water, fluid and nimble, despite the thick gambeson weighing her down. When she finished she was panting, face flushed and body sagging slightly from fatigue.

"Si rýchly študent! Viedol si si dobre!" [You're a quick learner! You did well!] The sun was beginning to go down and Bella slipped an arm around her waist, helping her wobbly-legged human inside the hut.

"Ďakujem." [Thank you.]

Once inside she pulled away from the vampire, shucking off her gambeson and most of her attire except for her tunic and pants. Her skin was flushed and Bella had to force herself to avert her gaze.

Her voice was a little ragged from exertion, but she was recovering quickly, "Ten démon, ktorý na teba zaútočil, toho, ktorý si utiekol." [That demon that attacked you, the one you escaped.] She said, "Keby som bol démon, zabil by som ju pre teba." [If I were a demon, I'd kill her for you.] She declared, brushing past her to light the hearth.

Bella chuckled, "O tom nepotrebujem." [I don't doubt that.] Flames erupted from the hearth and Katrina stood to her feet, wiping the sweat off her brow before looking at Bella curiously.

"Je to možné?" [Is it possible?]

She already knew what she was asking, but she decided to play dumb, "...čo?" [What?] She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep lying to her, and the question left her somewhat frazzled.

Would I want her to be a vampire? She frowned, would it be such a bad thing if she turned?

Obviously she couldn't be the one to turn her. She was a newborn, and while she wasn't interested in draining Katrina, she did worry about what her human blood could do to her. And her time traveling was inconsistent, which wouldn't suit her, since every newborn needed a maker to guide them.

But it would be nice, she mused, I wouldn't have to worry about hurting her. Her eyes widened, but what if she hates it? Just like Rosalie and Edward? What if she thinks I damned her? Bella knew she couldn't risk turning her, but she feared Katrina's experience would differ from hers when it came to vampirism. I don't want her to regret it and hate herself.

Katrina looked uncharacteristically hesitant and unsure of herself. She seemed like she wanted to approach her but she didn't.

"Si v poriadku?" [Are you alright?] Bella moved closer to her, reaching out but quickly withdrawing when Katrina looked at her. Do I give her space? Do I hug her?

Her human chuckled, noticing her awkwardness before she embraced her, holding her close for a moment before pulling back slightly to look at her.

"Démoni nemôžu dýchať?" [Can demons not breathe?] She asked, laying a hand on her chest. While Bella was grateful she had changed the topic, she was now faced with the glaring issue that she was painfully attracted to Katrina, and her human seemed to have no idea what personal space meant.

The vampire tried to keep her facial expression blank and her hands tucked to her sides, "Môžeme, ale rozhodol som sa, aby som nebol v pokušení jesť ľudí." [We can, but I choose not to so I'm not tempted to eat humans.]

She looked at her curiously, "Sme tu jediní dvaja a ty ma nechceš zjesť." [We're the only two here, and you don't want to eat me.]

"Ja nie." [I don't.]

"Nemôžeš teraz dýchať, pretože sme tu len my?" [Can't you breathe now, since it's just us?] She's going to kill me.

Bella clenched her jaw, "Nebudem riskovať, že ti ublížim." [I won't risk hurting you.] She knew she sounded like a broken record, but she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she had caused her human any harm.

"Preto ma teraz nedržíš?" [Is that why you won't hold me right now?] Katrina took both of Bella's arms and wrapped them around her waist before she slipped her own around her neck once again, "Si môj démon, neublížiš mi." [You're my demon, you won't hurt me.]

Her eyes turned black as she tightened her arms around her human, "Neublížil by som ti schválne, ale to neznamená, že ti nemôžem ublížiť pri nehode." [I wouldn't hurt you on purpose, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable of hurting you on accident.]

"Bela, nebojím sa ťa. Udržuj ma v bezpečí a nechceš ma zjesť. Len dýchaj." [Bela, I'm not scared of you. You keep me safe, and you don't want to eat me. Just breathe.] Katrina urged, making her scowl and move away from her.

"Prečo ti na tom tak záleží? Prečo sa vždy chceš vystaviť riziku?" [Why does it so matter so much to you? Why do you always want to put yourself at risk?] She demanded, "Nepotrebujem dýchať, aby som mohol žiť." [I don't need to breathe in order to live.]

Katrina frowned, sounding somewhat timid when she answered, "Viem. Nechcem, aby si sa cítila na mňa obmedzená, chcem, aby si sa cítila slobodne a šťastná." [I know. I don't want you to feel limited around me, I want you to feel free and happy.]

Bella looked at her in awe for a moment and warmth bloomed in her chest. Everyone was so eager to throw their opinions at her, to tell her what to think and how to feel, but not Katrina. Her human wanted her to be comfortable, and she was willing to risk her own safety so she'd feel happier. It made her smile.

"Nepotrebujem dýchať, aby som sa s tebou cítila slobodne a šťastná." [I don't need to breathe to feel free and happy with you.]

The warrior's eyes widened before she moved forward, throwing her arms around Bella's neck and kissing her. She stiffened, warmth flooded her chest once again, a raging heat that felt comforting and made her senses heighten, and she had to stop herself from giving in to the kiss.

It could be glamour, I have to be sure. Bella pulled away, putting her hands on her shoulders and clenching her jaw as Katrina looked at her with sad eyes.

"Nechceš ma?" [Do you not want me?] The blonde moved away from her, "Nerozumiem. Som dobrý bojovník, som dospelá žena, myslíš si, že som krásna, a ty si povedala, že sa cítiš so mnou šťastná." [I don't understand. I'm a good warrior, I'm a grown woman, you think I'm beautiful, and you said you feel happy with me.] Her eyes widened, "Keď som ťa prvýkrát pobozkal, nepáčilo sa ti to?" [The first time I kissed you, did you dislike that?]

Bella shook her head vehemently, "To nie je ono! Môj druh prirodzene priťahuje ľudí. Ľudia sú zvyčajne našou korisťou, takže sme navrhnutí tak, aby boli čo najpríťaživí, aby sme vás odlákali, aby sme ťa mohli zjesť. Čokoľvek cítiš, môže to byť moja vina." [That's not it! My kind naturally draws humans in. Humans are typically our prey, so we're designed to be as appealing as possible in order to lure you away so we can eat you. Whatever you're feeling could be my fault.]

She sighed, blinking rapidly and holding her hands behind her back in order to stop herself from embracing the blonde once again. If it was glamour then she'd stay far away from her human so she could keep her own emotions in check. The last thing I want to do is take advantage of her.

Katrina looked at her incredulously, "Mýliš sa!" [You're wrong!] She looked insulted, as though someone had spit in her face.

Bella frowned at her, "Ako si môžeš byť istý?" [How can you be sure?] The warrior moved forward, placing a hand over her un-beating heart before taking Bella's hand and putting it on her own beating heart. Thump, thump, thump, thump. It sped up the moment she touched her, and the vampire blinked in surprise, enamored by the feeling of her human's heart.

"It must get annoying, dating a human and all." Bella Swan murmured shyly, making Edward chuckle.

"It's actually quite fascinating. You're warm and your heartbeats and your cheeks blush. Your humanity is beautiful, just as you are."

"Je tu remorkér, cítil som to odkedy som bol dieťa. Tiež to cítiš, preto vždy chodíš za mnou." [There's a tug here, I've felt it since I was a child. You feel it too, that's why you always come to me.]

Katrina looked at her imploringly, anger melting away as she spoke, "Nie som dobrý v slovách, veľa zaťažujem, a môžem byť veľmi hlúpy," [I'm not good with words, I yell a lot, and I can be extremely foolish,] her cheeks burned red, "Ale viem, že chcem, a to si vždy bol ty." [But I know that I want, and that's always been you.]

Bella stared at her, watching as more blood found its way to her cheeks and listening to the shaky breath that escaped her as she gently cupped Katrina's face in her hands. Her heartbeat quickened and the vampire marveled at the warmth beneath her fingertips as she traced the blush across Katrina's face. There were a couple of freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose, a small scar above her eyebrow, and Bella couldn't stop the smile that unfurled on her lips as she studied her.

I find little beauty in humanity, Katrina's eyes dilated and warm hands grabbed her wrists, but I find so much beauty in you.

She wonders if this is the beauty Irina had been talking about. Maybe not, she mused, smiling gently as Katrina moved closer. The last thing Irina wants to hear is how my appreciation for humanity came from a woman's body lighting up for me. But it was Katrina, and that made it all the more beautiful.

"To je zlý nápad." [This is a bad idea.] Bella murmured, trying and failing to find the strength to pull away from her, "Démon by nemal byť s človekom." [A demon shouldn't be with a human.]

"Je mi jedno." [I don't care.]

"Nemyslím si, že ani ja." [I don't think I do either.]

A purr rumbled in her throat, making Katrina jump in surprise and look at her with wide eyes, "Démoni purr?" [Demons purr?] Shit.

Her purr tapered off and she tried to fight back her embarrassment, "Keď sme uvoľnení alebo šťastní." [When we're relaxed or happy.] She grumbled, making Katrina laugh loudly.

"Potrebujem že ťa upokojujem." [I doubt I relax you.]

Bella rolled her eyes, "Quite the opposite actually. You're extremely exasperating and stress-inducing." Her human frowned at her, just as she always did when she spoke English, but she didn't comment on it.

Instead, she pushed Bella's hands from her face and wrapped her arms around her neck. She leaned forward so their foreheads were nearly touching and she smiled widely at her.

"Purring, pretože som ťa šťastný." [You're purring because I make you happy.] Bella slipped her arms around her waist and held her close, "Páči sa mi to. Urob to znova." [I like it. Do it again.] She then smiled at her mischievously, one hand sliding from her neck and down her chest, "Alebo ťa musím prinútiť, aby ste-" [Or do I have to make you purr-] Jesus Christ. Bella grabbed her hand, interlacing their fingers before she pressed a kiss to Katrina's lips. She gasped in her mouth before kissing her back roughly.

Bella's purr made a reappearance as a warm tongue invaded her mouth, and she let her human explore uninterrupted. Her pulse quickened and Bella smiled into the kiss. She felt as though she had been struck by lightning. Her skin tingled, and a jolt went down her spine at the feeling of Katrina's lips on hers. It's perfect. She made sure she was gentle, not wanting to reopen the wound on her human's lip, and fighting the urge to match her aggression.

Katrina's free hand dropped to the button of her jeans, fumbling slightly before she undid them. Swan, have we had sex before? The newborn was able to snap out of her lust and she pulled away, nearly snarling in frustration when warm lips found her throat.

"Katrina-"

Her thumb grazed her zipper and she frowned, moving back and staring at the zipper in confusion, "Čo to do pekla je?" [What the hell is this?] Bella burst out laughing, resting her forehead against Katrina's shoulder as the warrior grumbled angrily.

"Bela, myslím to vážne, čo je to? Prečo sa smeješ?" [Bela, I'm serious, what is this? Why are you laughing?] I break rocks with my hands, run faster than anything in the world, and jump to the clouds, but she's startled by a zipper? Another peel of laughter escaped her and she moved back so she could see her confused human's face.

It was then she realized how heavily she was breathing. Zipper forgotten, Katrina wore a dreamy smile despite breathing raggedly, making Bella's eyes widened and her hands hover over her. Okay, humans need to breathe, right.

"Prečo si sa nezastavil? Alebo ma odstrč, aby si mohol chytiť dych!" [Why didn't you pull back? Or push me away so you could catch your breath!] Katrina's breathing was still heavy and her cheeks were still flushed. She gave Bella a peck on the lips before moving away.

With a wild grin, she said, "Bojovníci vydržať dostať to, čo chcú!" [Warriors endure to get what they want!]

"Nemôžeš vydržať, ak si mŕtvy." [You can't endure if you're dead.] Bella sighed, smiling fondly as Katrina rolled her eyes.

"Snažím sa ťa okúzliť, ale ty to zničíš praktickosťou." [I try to charm you but you ruin it with practicality.] She flopped onto the bed, "Poď si ľahni so mnou, Bela. Blanka hovorí, že studená posteľ je horšia ako smrť." [Come lay with me, Bela. Blanka says a cold bed is worse than death.]

Bella frowned at her, "Ale moja koža je veľmi studená-" [But my skin is very cold-]

Katrina groaned in annoyance, closing her eyes and sticking out her arms, "Ako sa máš tak chytrý, ale zároveň taký hlúpy?" [How are you so smart but so stupid at the same time?] How am I stupid?

"Som hlúpa? To to pochádza z dievčaťa, ktoré by vyliezť na stromy a hrať na konársku s nožom?" [I'm stupid? This coming from the girl that would climb trees and play on branches with her knife?] She grumbled, but relented as she gently laid in her arms.

She tensed for a moment, putting her head on her human's chest and listening to the steady rhythm of her heart. She liked the feeling of Katrina's warm body beneath hers, it was comforting, and it made her relax and soak in the heat she emitted.

"To nie je fér, bol som dieťa!" [That's not fair, I was a child!]

"Hlúpe dieťa." [A stupid child.]

Katrina laughed, wrapping her arms around Bella and holding her close, "Hlúpy démon bol pripútaný k hlúpemu dieťaťu, ako som prežil?" [A stupid demon was tethered to a stupid child, how ever did I survive?] Her voice was becoming groggy and her heartbeat began to slow.

Bella listened, fascinated as she half-heartedly responded, "Bola som menej hlúpa ako ty, tak." [I was less stupid than you, that's how.]

A content sigh escaped her and her breathing slowed, "Nebudem sa s tým hádať. Dobrú noc, Bela." [I won't argue with that. Goodnight, Bela.]

She closed her eyes, unable to stop the purr that rumbled in her chest as slender fingers buried themselves in her hair, "Dobrú noc." [Goodnight.]

---

When she returned an excited Alice jumped on her, nearly taking her to the ground, "Tell me everything! Who is she? What's she look like? Why were you purring?"

Bella blinked in surprise and groaned, wishing she was back in her meditative state with Katrina, "Can't a girl have her secrets?" The ache in her chest had intensified and she grimaced before rubbing it. The ache slowly began to subside but the longing to be with her human remained.

If Alice noticed her discomfort she didn't comment on it, "Not when it comes to her best friend!"

She grinned widely, "I kissed her this time!"

Alice gaped at her and released her shoulders, "And you didn't fracture her skull?"

Bella scowled, "No! I was gentle!" She squirmed under her friend's intense gaze, "It's very...easy to be gentle with her. I barely have to think about it."

The seer nodded slowly, "Alright...and it wasn't glamour?" Bella shook her head and the smaller vampire grinned, "That's so cute! You guys are so cute! What's she look like?" Again with the descriptions.

"Uh, blonde hair, blue eyes, very pretty."

She rolled her eyes, "How could I have guessed that she was blonde." Before Bella could defend herself Alice sighed in exasperation, "What a boring description of her! Come on, Bella! I need the juicy details!" She enthused, "What's her body like? Does she have dimples? Any scars? Perky breasts? Broad shoulders? Callused hands or smooth hands?"

Bella frowned at her, "And you're positive you're not bi?"

"Bella!"

"It's a valid question!"

The sound of deft footsteps running in her direction made the two quickly become quiet. The smell of roses filled the air and Rosalie appeared, looking aggravated and suspicious as she looked between Alice and Bella.

"Any reason you two are out here alone?" When neither answered she raised a brow at the newborn, "I'm surprised Irina isn't with you."

"Rose," Alice sighed, "Don't start this up again."

Bella acted as though Rosalie's coldness towards her wasn't infuriating, "Alice and I were just catching up." She slung an arm around the smaller vampire's shoulders, "Just like the good ole days that I can't remember!" She gave the blonde a chipper smile and gold eyes narrowed.

"You couldn't catch up at the house?"

Alice scoffed, "Of course. We could catch up at the house while Tanya tries to seduce Bella, Eleazar consumes her time with his charming personality, Irina hovers over her like a helicopter parent, and you give her mean glances and make her hopelessly question what she could have possibly have done to agitate you." She rattled off with ease, a smug smile on her lips when she asked, "What are you doing here, Rose? Why are you interrupting our best friend time?"

Rosalie glared at her sister before averting her gaze, "Bella needs to get back to the house. Victoria was spotted on our side of the border. Alice, Eleazar wants you to join them, and I'll stay behind to keep Bella safe."

Alice narrowed her eyes, "Does he really want my help, or did you volunteer my help so you could protect Bella-"

"Shut up and go help them." Rosalie snapped before turning to Bella, "Keep up." She took off and Bella gave Alice a hopeless shrug before following her. Victoria's back, but she can't possibly believe she can get through the vampires and the wolves? She didn't feel nervous, not with Rosalie there.

When they got to the house she was greeted by Ghost, who whined and whimpered at the sight of her. His front paws scratched at her shins, making her coo as she swept him off his feet and cuddled him to her chest.

"Ohhh, my sweet son!"

Rosalie's lip curled in disgust, "Son?"

Bella frowned at her before she began walking up the stairs, "Yes, he's my son and Paul might be the father but I'm getting a paternity test." She huffed, "I don't want to talk to you if you're going to be mean!" She went into Rosalie's room and sat on the ground, smiling as Ghost yawned and nestled closer to her, closing his eyes and sighing as he drifted off to sleep.

"I wasn't being mean." Rosalie grumbled from downstairs, "And how can you expect me to be nice when you say such ridiculous things?"

"You could at least pretend-" the world around her darkened and she frowned, looking down at her hands to see that Ghost had disappeared, "What the fuck?" She was outside, and the streetlamps outshined the light of the stars, "Rose?" She called, but, of course, she wasn't with her.

A loud bell sounded when a shop door opened.

Bella Swan waved goodbye to her friends, two more faces Bella Denali couldn't make out, and promised to meet them after she went to the bookstore.

Bella Denali frowned, watching as her human self walked away, and she awkwardly jogged so she could catch up and walk beside her, "Well, this is fucking weird." The humans that had been milling about seemed to be dwindling by the second. Many were going to their cars and exiting shops.

"Where are we?" She asked, but Bella Swan didn't answer, "Okay." It looked as though they were at a strip mall. On one side of them was a nearly empty parking lot, and on the other was sleepy-looking shops with hardly a person in sight.

Bella walked with her head lowered and her shoulders drooped, keeping her gaze glued to the ground as she shuffled along.

"Hey, I know you can't hear me, but, would it kill you to watch where you're going?" She asked, blinking in surprise as a man walked right through her body, "Uh...right. Nevermind, I guess."

Bella had never experienced a memory like this. She had been a spectator, then trapped in Bella Swan's body, and now she walked alongside her as though she were her shadow. It was disorienting.

Bella stopped abruptly, looking to her right and noticing an alleyway, "If I cut through here I'll make it to the bookstore faster...well, that's what Angela said." She mused.

"Are you kidding me? Who the hell talks to themselves like that!" She stepped in front of her human self, putting her arms out in an attempt to stop her from moving forward, "Swan, everyone knows you don't walk through an alley, especially alone! Especially for a bookstore!" She cried, "God, I thought we were cool, but we were fucking nerds?"

She hesitated before walking forward.

"You dumb bitch." She growled, rolling her eyes as her human self walked through her body, "I can't believe this." She caught up with ease, shoving her hands into her pockets as they continued to walk through the alley.

Bella kept her head down as she passed by two more men.

Bella looked back at them warily as they slowly started in her direction, "Swan, can we pick up the pace?"

Three men appeared from the end of the alleyway, making Bella look up in surprise and quickly turn around, only to be boxed in by the two men from earlier.

"Shit!" Bella bared her teeth, feeling rage bubble up in her chest as she watched her helpless past self be circled by the malicious looking men. They resembled wolves, snickering and joking with each other as they surrounded their prey.

"Hey, baby, why're you out here alone?" One of them asked.

Bella kept her head down, "I...I'm not alone. My friends are waiting for me." Her voice wavered, lacking confidence. Her legs trembled slightly as she moved away from the hand that tried to grab her.

"They won't mind waiting a little longer, right?" Another laughed, slapping her ass and making her yelp and jump forward.

Bella was trembling, and snarled as another man made a move to touch Bella Swan, "Leave her alone!" She wished she was really there, she wished she could tear them apart and spit on their corpses.

"I think they'll be understanding."

Bella's bottom lip quivered and she shook her head, "I can't be late, please let me go."

"We're not holding you hostage, baby! We all just want to have a good time, and we want you to have one too."

"I'll fucking kill you!" Bella roared, trying and failing to make out their blurry faces. Another man grabbed Bella Swan's waist and she snarled, lunging forward but catching air.

"Stop!" She screamed, "Don't touch me!"

She had only felt this helpless when she saw Jasper attack her. Bella Denali growled, lunging forward and trying to attack the one that held Bella Swan. Again, it was futile, and her body went straight through his.

"Let her go, you bastards!" She hissed, swinging helplessly at him again and again and again before she backed away. Her eyes filled with venom as she watched Bella Swan thrash against the man's strong grip.

"We got a fighter!"

"Swan, I'm sorry!" She croaked, looking away as Bella Swan screamed for help, "I'm so sorry! I want to help you but I don't know how!"

"So ungrateful!"

"Help!" The man squeezed her waist tightly, preventing her from moving, and laughing as she smacked his arms and tried to escape. She kicked backward, trying to hit his shins but he didn't seem to notice.

"Shut the fuck up! No one can hear you, no one gives a shit!"

Bella Denali began to pace, casting nervous glances at her human self before she tried to make out the faces of the men, "I'll find them. I'll kill them for you. I'll kill them for us." She promised, but her words felt hollow. Bella Swan couldn't hear her, and nothing she did would alter the past. Even if it would bring her some retribution, she couldn't even see what the men actually looked like.

The loud rev of an engine and the blinding glare of headlights made all the humans jump in surprise. The one that held Bella's waist, the same one that had slapped her ass, released her.

"Rose."

"R-Rosalie?"

Rosalie approached them, ignoring the men and speaking to the girl, "Bella," her voice was soft and calm, "Please wait in the car."

Bella watched with wide eyes as her human self scurried past the men and behind Rosalie. She moved so she waited in front of the car but didn't get inside. Instead she hovered nervously, looking worried for Rosalie and making Bella frown.

"You don't know about vampires yet?"

Rosalie looked like she wanted to chastise Bella for not listening but instead, she turned her attention back towards the men.

"Another bitch joins the party! We got enough to go around-"

"You touched her," her voice was no longer calm but chilling and dangerous. Black eyes glared at the one who had touched Bella, "I'm going to break your hand."

His mocking laughter was cut off by the loud snap of bones and he screeched, falling to his knees as Rosalie held his hand tightly in her own. A heel slammed down on his ankle and a sickening crack filled the air, along with another piercing scream.

She smiled and released his hand as another man lunged at her, going for her face.

"Kick his ass, Rose!" Bella yelled, watching in giddy admiration as Rosalie swatted his hands away with ease before grabbing his throat.

He gagged and stopped in his tracks, and with a swift kick she swept his legs out from under him. She shoved him backward, releasing his throat as he toppled over and slammed into the ground.

His head was bleeding and he stumbled to his feet, legs quivering as he held his wound and ran off. The remaining men backed away, all looking stunned by her strength, and they practically reeked of fear.

"If I see any of you again I'll make you wish you were dead." She growled, voice low and filled with promises of death, "The word stop has no bearing on your conscience, so it will have no bearing on mine." That's all they needed to hear in order to hightail it out of there, leaving their friend behind.

Bella watched her with wide eyes before she scurried into the passenger seat of Rosalie's BMW.

The vampire looked down at the man before her and delivered a swift kick to his stomach. He groaned and fell on his side, crying out as she kicked him again, and again, and again before he passed out from the pain.

Rosalie turned on her heel, walking back towards her car and Bella hastily followed her. She turned to face the man, only to flip him off before she caught up with Rosalie.

"Thank you, thank you so much." Bella knew she wouldn't have been able to handle seeing something like that, whether it happened to her or anyone else; just the thought of it disturbed her.

Rosalie got in the car and Bella awkwardly phased through one of the doors, sitting in the back seat and looking between the two.

Bella stifled a sob, wiping away tears and looking at the fallen man in disbelief before wide eyes looked at Rosalie. She was still trembling, eyes puffy and skin paler than usual.

Rosalie backed her car up and began to drive away, hands tight on the wheel and jaw clenched as she drove at a startlingly fast speed.

Releasing a sigh she relaxed, and black eyes reverted to gold before she looked at Bella, "How are you feeling?" Her voice was almost a whisper, and the gentleness she exuded surprised the girl.

She bowed her head in shame, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone that way, it seemed dangerous but I wasn't thinking."

"Bella." She looked at her, "None of what happened was your fault, do you understand me?"

"But-"

"It's always good to be cautious, but even when you aren't, that in no way means you're to blame. They are the only ones responsible. They're grown men, predators, and they knew exactly what they were doing." Rosalie was patient with her, understanding, even, "You did nothing wrong."

Bella looked at Rosalie in awe for a moment. She had never known the vampire could be so gentle, and the fact that she was comforting a rattled Bella Swan made her smile softly.

"Thanks, Rose." She wasn't sure she could thank her enough.

Bella released a shuttered breath before she nodded, "It's not my fault."

"It's not."

She gnawed on her lip for a moment before saying, "You're very strong."

A surprised chuckle escaped the blonde, "Yes, I suppose I am."

Bella squinted at herself. The girl's cheeks were flushed and she couldn't tell if it was from crying or something else. She no longer looked fearful, but undoubtedly her body was still shaking due to the adrenaline.

"Oh! Uh, thank you." She breathed, staring at Rosalie in awe, "For saving me, I mean."

She was silent for a moment before looking at her again, "Are you cold?"

Bella held up a quivering hand and croaked out a bemused laugh, "Uh, no...I think I'm uh…" she trailed off, putting her hands in her lap and slumping in her seat, "Why did you save me? How did you know where I was?"

Gold eyes were just as gentle as her tone of voice, "Why did I save you?" She repeated, "Do you truly think me so cruel as to leave you with them?"

She sat up, shaking her head vehemently, "No! I just, I don't know, I guess I was just curious." She then hummed, "But maybe you're trying to deflect from my other question. Edward and Alice do that a lot too."

Rosalie looked surprised for a moment before she schooled her facial expression, "No. I don't deflect from questions I don't feel like entertaining, I simply ignore them."

"So you've always been difficult," Bella groused, "Good to know."

"I saved you because...well, that's a silly question on your part, isn't it?" She murmured, "Who wouldn't attempt to save you from such a fate?"

Bella looked down at her hands, "I think you overestimate people. Not many would try to get in the way of five men."

Rosalie faltered, brow furrowing as she turned to Bella, "No...not many would."

There it was again, the same disturbed look Rosalie had worn when Bella had her freak out about Jasper. It was as though she knew exactly how she felt, and the sight of her discomfort made Bella's eyes widened.

"Fuck, Rose," her own voice was thick with emotion and she found it hard to look at her. Bella hoped she was wrong, she hoped she misread the situation, but a part of her knew she hadn't.

"But you did. You could have been hurt, but you still went up to them and saved me." She sniffled, "They could have gotten us both and...why did you save me?" She all but whimpered, "They could have had guns or knives...they could have killed you."

"They didn't."

"But what if they did? I don't want you or anyone else getting hurt because of me."

"You'd rather I left you there so they could do god knows what?" She lost her composure, nearly snarling as she yelled, "I would kill them before I'd let that happen!" Her grip on the steering wheel tightened and her eyes turned black.

She squeezed her eyes shut, nearly flinching at the anguish in her friend's voice, "I'm so sorry."

Bella shrunk back into her seat and Rosalie cursed, releasing a calming breath before reaching out and gently taking her hand, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout."

She stared at their hands, "It's alright-"

"No, it's not." Her voice was gentle once again, "You were worried about me and...I'm not used to that." Before Bella could say a word she abruptly asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Uh, no. I was supposed to meet Angela and Jessica at a...oh!" She pulled out her phone, using one hand to text while the other remained in Rosalie's grasp, "What do I even say to them?" She grumbled, casting a shy glance at Rosalie who kept her gaze focused on the road.

Bella watched in disbelief as Bella Swan's cheeks turned a bright red, "How did no one notice that you liked girls?" The human fumbled with her phone and the vampire groaned in frustration, "Seriously! I don't even need to look at you to know you're about to have a fucking heart attack!"

"What food do you like?"

Bella put her phone away and looked at her in surprise, "Oh, um, I'm alright. I lost my appetite." Her stomach growled and she sighed.

"You're a poor liar." Rosalie mused, "Do you like Italian food?" When Bella looked at her in confusion she shrugged, "Bella's Italian."

"Rosalie's Latin. Does your name's origins affect your palate?" She asked innocently with a small smile on her lips.

Rosalie and Bella looked at her in surprise, "Damn."

"You can be very surprising."

"Is that a good thing?"

"No. I prefer consistency."

"Is that why you're still holding my hand?"

"Where was this sass twenty minutes ago!"

Rosalie's lips quirked upward and she released Bella's hand, "I was trying to provide comfort. I'm not very good at that."

"Well, you calmed me down...thank you." When Rosalie remained quiet she said, "You don't have to take me to get food. I don't have any money-"

"Money has never been an issue for me." She opened her mouth to argue but the blonde shook her head, "Don't argue. You need to eat."

"Rosalie, I can make something at home. It's late, I don't want you to feel like you have to-"

"I know I don't have to," she snorted, "I don't do things out of obligation, not if I can help it. I do things because I want to, I'm taking you to dinner because I want to, I saved you because I wanted to." Bella was stunned into silence and Rosalie rolled her eyes, "Now, if you're quite finished trying to be courteous, please tell me where you'd like to eat."

"...okay, so maybe I like Italian food…"

"Of course you do." She paused, looking at Bella seriously for a moment, "If anyone at our school does anything to make you feel uncomfortable, whether it be verbally or physically, I want you to tell me." She said, "I don't care if it's Mike, I don't care if it's Edward, just know that I will put a stop to it."

"That's why you yelled at Tanya." Bella realized, staring at her friend in a new light, "You never wanted me to feel like I did that night."

Bella looked at her with wide eyes before she nodded slowly, "Because you want to."

"Yes."

"Bella." The memory around her began to dissolve, taking her from the car back into Rosalie's room. This is bogus, I don't get to see them eat at the restaurant? She wanted to see more, to see what else was discussed between the two of them, but maybe I should be grateful for what I did see. I know a lot more now than I did earlier.

Bella frowned as she sat up from the floor. Ghost was curled up in her lap and Rosalie stood over her.

She didn't know what to say to her, so she only looked up at her until she spoke, "I owe you an apology."

Bella knew why she came to apologize, but she didn't find it necessary, and she was still reeling from her flashback, "It's okay, I'm not mad."

Rosalie scowled, "No, it's not okay. You were right, the choice was yours, even if I disagreed with it." She hesitated, looking oddly small at that moment as she tore her gaze away from the newborn, "I don't hate what you are." What?

"I know."

Gold eyes bored into her red ones, "Do you?" She thought back to the look of disgust Rosalie wore when she stared at her, and she turned away from her, "I don't hate what you are, and I don't want you to hate what you are."

"Okay." Self-doubt lingered but she chose not to voice it, not wanting to prolong this awkward conversation. Her mind was still on the memory.

"I mean it."

"I said okay." She muttered, "I get it." Rosalie shook her head, her movements unnaturally stiff, something Bella perceived to be a sign of discomfort.

"I don't think you do." She moved over to her bed and sat down, "I'm assuming you don't remember most of our conversations, but we talked about vampirism quite often when you were a human." Rosalie said, her voice quiet and unsure, "I feared that, if you became one of us, you'd grow to hate what you'd become, just as I have. I thought you'd hate yourself when you realized just how long eternity truly is."

"Rose-"

"Let me finish." Bella nodded, fingers threading through Ghost's white fur as she listened, "I thought you'd regret your decision, especially when it came to light that Edward wasn't your mate." Her jaw clenched and she met Bella's gaze, "I saw so many things that could hurt you...and I should never have let one of them be me."

Her eyes widened, and again, she didn't know what to say. Rosalie's vulnerability was staggering, especially when it came to some of the dialogue she had heard between the two; Rosalie's cutting words and Bella Swan's defeated sighs. Rosalie cares, she stared at her stoic friend, she cares so much and I don't know how to react.

Bella contemplated hugging her, or thanking her for wanting to take care of her, or doing both, but she found herself glued to the spot.

Rosalie isn't difficult. I just forgot how to read her.

Rosalie sighed and stood to her feet, "I'm not apologizing out of obligation. Alice didn't send me, neither did Irina or Tanya. I'm apologizing-"

"Because you want to." Bella finished, looking up at her knowingly, "Just like you wanted to take me to dinner," Rosalie's eyes widened, "Just like you wanted to save me from those men."

"...you remembered."

"I did...thank you so much."

Her jaw clenched, "Of all the memories, I had hoped Jasper's attack and the night at Port Angeles would remain forgotten."

She smiled sadly at her, "I know." With Ghost cradled in her arms, she slowly stood to her feet. She thought about telling Rosalie that she understood now, that she understood her protectiveness, that she understood something horrible had happened to her.

But she didn't, because she knew better, and if Rosalie wanted to tell her, she would, "Earlier you said I would stupidly throw myself at anyone or anything to protect Irina." She smiled slightly, "I hope you know I'd do the same for you."

Were she human she would have missed the smallest, pleased smile that touched Rosalie's lips for a millisecond, "Then you're dumber than I thought."

Bella tilted her head back and laughed, loud and jovial, startling Ghost awake and making Rosalie roll her eyes, "Yeah, you're probably right."

"I am." She grabbed Bella's arm and gave her a tug, "I found a movie I thought you'd like."

The newborn perked, "Is it another singing movie? Did you bring me Pitch Perfect 2-"

"So I can listen to you try to sing along to the songs? Or occasionally whine about Becca looking familiar? Or hear you gush about that Chloe girl, who isn't even that pretty?" She snorted, guiding her downstairs and towards the couch, "I'd rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon."

Bella spluttered as she plopped down on the couch, handing Ghost a chew toy as she looked at her friend in disbelief, "Isn't that pretty? She's gorgeous!"

"She's not even a natural redhead."

The newborn rolled her eyes, "Yeah, it's her hair color that seals the deal for me." She then looked at her curiously, "What's her natural hair color?"

"Blonde." Bella's jaw dropped and she could actually hear Alice's taunting laughter in her head. Son of a bitch, Swan, are we that predictable?

Emmett's laugh echoed in her head, "Blondes are hot, Bella!"

"Sure, Em, whatever you say."

"You doubt me? Have I ever led you astray?"

Bella Swan sighed, "You lied and told me that vampires could turn into bats."

His booming laughter made Bella Denali smile, "I did! I did do that! But listen, blondes have the most fun! And therefore they're the hottest!"

A soft chuckle was heard, "He's only thinking about Rosalie, so of course he's biased." Edward said, "Brunette's are far superior."

Emmett snorted, "Edward, you make brunettes take three steps back on the hotness scale. Bellsy, listen, when you dump this loser get yourself a blonde, alright? Preferably a vampire, boy or girl I could care less."

"Boy or girl?" Bella stammered, "Where did that come from? And why a blonde?"

"Emmett just likes to tease you. There's no rhyme or reason, he just wants to disparage me." Edward mused, voice tinted with amusement while Emmett scoffed.

"Bella, you've seen my wife, right? Hotter than hell, right?"

Bella Swan sounded sheepish in her reply, "Uh, yeah, she's uh, beautiful."

"Aww! You're blushing! You must think she's really gorgeous, huh?"

Edward sighed, "Don't be so childish, Emmett. Bella is easily flustered."

"Bella?" She blinked, the voices faded from her mind and she noticed Rosalie staring at her, "Memory or voices?" I'm not easily flustered!

"Voices."

"Mine?"

"Emmett and Edward's."

She looked at her curiously, "What were they saying?" Nothing good.

"Erm, uh, nothing. It was stupid!" Rosalie frowned at her and Bella cleared her throat awkwardly before gesturing towards the television, "What are we watching?"

By the time Alice and the other Denali's arrived, Bella and Rosalie were well into Kill Bill. It surprised her that Rosalie was actually invested in the movie, but she was glad that she was, even though the blonde got snippy at her when she asked questions.

"Why is this Bill guy such an asshole? Do you think he's upset about their dead baby? Do you think The Bride will actually kill him-"

Rosalie slapped a hand over her mouth and glowered at her, "For the last time, I didn't direct the film or write the script. If you shut your massive mouth and pay attention, we might be able to get your many questions answered."

Bella blinked at her before glancing back at the movie, "Rose?" Her voice was muffled, and gold eyes narrowed.

"Choose your next words very carefully."

"...don't you think she'd be even more dangerous if she had guns? Do you think Copperhead's daughter will come back and get revenge on The Bride?" Her smirk quickly vanished when Rosalie's eyes turned black.

"Ugh! You insufferable child!"

She squealed when Rosalie raised a hand to smack the back of her head, "No, please! I have a son!" She clutched Ghost to her chest, who barked feebly at Rosalie and made her falter.

"Calm yourself, sister." Tanya muttered, "They're just playing."

"I'm very calm," Irina growled, and Bella almost turned to reassure her, only to get distracted by Rosalie.

"Fine. But only because I don't want that mutt thinking it's acceptable to begin barking."

Bella stuck her tongue out at her before kissing Ghost's furry cheeks, "Aw! Who's my good protector? You are! Yes you are!" She cooed, making his tail wag furiously and his tongue hang from his mouth.

"I'm glad Rosalie and Bella get along so well!" Eleazar enthused, "What are we watching?" He sat in the open chair while the other vampires drifted into the living room.

"Kill Bill," Rosalie grumbled.

Alice clapped her hands gleefully, "I love this movie!" She sat on Bella's other side, sandwiching her between herself and Rosalie.

The moment Irina came into view Rosalie glared at her, abruptly pulling Bella into her lap, wrapping her arms around her waist, and making Irina growl quietly.

Bella was startled, "Rose-"

"If you value your life, you won't say a word." Huh, this is strange, but Rosalie secretly likes me a lot so I guess it makes sense.

Bella blinked before leaning against her chest and laying her head on her shoulder so Rosalie could still see the movie, "You got it...bestie."

A low growl rumbled in her throat, "Stop. Talking." Alice giggled, sliding closer to them and leaning against the two.

"Rosalie is definitely your begrudging bestie." The seer chimed in, making the blonde glare at her.

"Don't encourage her." She glanced at Tanya, "I trust you handled Victoria?"

She sat next to Alice, and Irina propped herself up on the arm of the couch, "No. She escaped." Tanya sighed, "I don't like this. It's like she's testing us, seeing what we can do and how many of us there are."

Bella shrugged, surprisingly unbothered by the Victoria sightings, "She is." All eyes were on her and she scowled, sitting up to pause the movie before looking at them, "What? She's smart and evasive. That's how she stayed alive for so long."

Eleazar looked at her curiously, "It's not that...you just seem extremely nonchalant about this."

"Yes, well, I find it difficult to be scared of her when there's a lot of strong vampires and shifters that want to protect me." She grumbled, "And, she's not that scary-"

Rosalie's arms tightened around her, "She hurt you last time. Don't underestimate her."

Bella smiled and patted her arm, "I'm loving the concern, bestie-"

"Bella-"

"But, really, it's not necessary." She assured her, "Irina, Tanya, and Eleazar are going to teach me how to kick her ass."

Tanya grinned, "Of course."

"I'll help too!" Alice cheered and Rosalie snorted.

"Obviously I'll help as well." Bella beamed at her and Rosalie bared her teeth, "It's not because I like you."

"I mean, I didn't say anything."

"No. But you have that insufferable smirk on your face, so I know you were thinking something outlandish."

The newborn's smirk only broadened and she turned to her maker, "See? I'll be fine! I'll be kickass, like Black Mamba!"

Irina grimaced, "I just wish you'd be a bit more concerned about your own safety." Bella tried to get up in order to comfort her maker, but Rosalie's grip was strong. Alright, sitting here is good too.

She slumped against her surprisingly clingy friend and gave Irina a reassuring smile, "It'll be alright, Rina, I just have to train more often." Her thoughts drifted to Katrina. I can teach her everything I learn, but she's an actual warrior, I bet she has a lot she can teach me.

"Alright...I just didn't want to push you too hard."

"Do you see," Tanya gestured towards Eleazar, "Our sister is too soft on Bella."

Bella stuck her tongue out at her, "She is not! She's very firm with me." She then smiled at her maker, who puffed out her chest slightly and smiled back.

"Yes! I'm very firm with her!" She insisted, "Bella has two more wolf friends coming over with Paul later this week. And I put my foot down and said they weren't allowed in the house-"

"Finally-"

"In their wolf forms." She finished, still looking proud of herself.

"Irina!" Tanya balked, "How is that not already a rule!" Alice and Eleazar laughed while Bella rolled her eyes.

"It is a rule, now, because Rina said so!"

Tanya glared at her, "Quiet, you! I'll deal with you later!" She turned towards her sister, "You said that we'd only be having one wolf over. She tricked you into making it three!"

Irina looked affronted, "My maličký did no such thing! She asked politely and I said yes."

Rosalie narrowed her eyes, "How hard is it to say no to her? How many strays are you going to let her have at the house?"

The newborn grinned, shifting so she could better face her friend, "You'd be a nice maker to me too, because you're secretly a big softie, as well as my best friend." Alice cleared her throat and Bella smiled sheepishly, "Whoops, my second best friend." Alice nodded her approval.

Rosalie frowned, "Second-" she stopped herself, shaking her head, "I'm not your second best friend or your first-" Bella kissed her cheek, making her freeze up in shock and her eyes widened.

Her smile was triumphant, "See that? Your second best friend just warmed the cockles of your cold, dead heart-" a hand slapped over her mouth, muffling her giggles as Rosalie glared at her.

"If you do that again I'll drain your puppy like a Caprisun." Ghost tilted his head, eying Rosalie's hand for a moment before he licked it. She pulled away with a hiss and Bella couldn't resist kissing her cheek again.

"Bella!" She laughed, holding Ghost tightly to her chest and darting out of Rosalie's lap.

"Oh, sure, Rosalie gets kisses despite being mean. But I'm very nice to Bella and I don't." Tanya muttered.

"The kisses would turn into nibbles." Alice teased.

Irina nodded, "She's much like a piranha."

"Gross," Rosalie grumbled.

Eleazar furrowed his brow, "Oh, are we talking about her succubus tendencies? Interesting! A good way to lure prey is with sex. Her methods were very innovative at the time! The poor humans didn't know what'd hit them."

"Poor humans and poor newborns," Bella sighed, setting Ghost down and going into the kitchen, "She looks at me like I'm a piece of meat."

Tanya looked like she was about to explode, "Irina was a succubus too! God, I hate all of you." She glared at her sister, "Especially you for encouraging this nonsense and letting Bella do whatever she pleases. You'll turn her into a spoiled brat!"

Irina looked affronted, "She's an angel. There's not a spoiled bone in her body! You're too tough on her!"

Bella smiled happily as she opened the fridge and pulled out a chunk of deer meat. She put it in the microwave and called for Ghost, who yipped excitedly and tripped over his large paws as he ran to her.

"Well someone needs to be! Now, look at her, a wolf pup at her heels, and three more arriving to stink up the house!"

Rosalie sighed, "For once I agree with Tanya." The microwave beeped and Bella pulled out Ghost's food, setting it down for him to eat before speeding over and jumping into Irina's arms.

"Don't listen to them, Rina, you're a great maker." The youngest Denali smiled fondly at her, kissing her cheek as Bella rested her head on her shoulder. However, Bella didn't miss the sly smile her maker shot at Rosalie, who glared at her in return. I love them both, but I wish they'd stop fighting.

Eleazar smiled, "I have to agree with Bella, Irina seems to take really good care of her. Not many makers would allow their newborns to be around shifters." His smile broadened, "I'm excited to meet more of the pack. I'd love to see more of their capabilities."

Bella nodded enthusiastically, "They're really fun when they're not angry at you for your existence."

Eleazar laughed, "Delightful! I'll make them food. Carmen cooks all the time and I'd like to improve my cooking skills in order to surprise her and Kate when they arrive."

"Wait, Kate is coming here?" Rosalie's brow furrowed and her eyes flashed with agitation, "Must she?"

Alice's eyes glazed over for a moment before she blinked, "In two to three weeks." She gave her sister a cheery smile, "You have until then to mentally prepare for her arrival!"

"I'd need a year to prepare for her arrival." Rosalie scoffed, "If the rest of the Denali's are coming then I want some more Cullens here."

Bella frowned, "Uh, why?" Please don't be Jasper. She tensed up, and then felt guilty for disliking fearing the vampire as much as she did. If I hadn't gotten that stupid paper cut then we wouldn't be having this problem.

"None of what happened was your fault, do you understand me?" Rosalie assured her, making her relax slightly in Irina's arms.

Yeah, I understand.

Tanya looked at Rosalie suspiciously, "You think bringing them here will change the fact that Bella is a Denali? That Bella and us would forget the pain you caused?"

Alice grimaced, "Maybe we should start the movie again?"

Bella jumped, zooming to grab the remote before plopping down on the floor in front of the television, "Great idea!" Alice was at her side, head in her lap, and a grin on her face.

"Feel free to ask me any questions. I'm not a grumpy Rose, so I'll answer them to the best of my ability!"

Bella laughed before playing the movie, "You're my angel."

The seer smiled, "Yeah, I know."

AN: 22k, Jesus. For The Hybrid fans, the chapter is ALMOST finished. It's at 22k and I got more to put into it :/ so hopefully a Thursday/Friday update. Your Rosella fix will be here shortly.

Plot twist, I'm actually not partial to blondes myself. So no, I'm not projecting onto Bella. (Liking Rosalie doesn't count, okay, she's an exception.) But I'm a dumbass so I'm projecting in that sense.

I was a teen all of three years ago, my emotions were and are still all over the place so I tried to have that reflect more in Katrina. I felt that it would make her a bit more realistic. Just the whole quick to act and slow to think kind of situation. It's all a maturity thing that she's growing into and Bella's kinda there with her because she out here being reckless as hell.

Horseshoe (AKA HOE): Stop encouraging Rosella! You're hurting my fucking feelings! Go read Hybrid like everyone else if you want that shit! This fic is STRICTLY two dumbasses being in love!

LenaLuthorsBrother: Brilliant story.. can't wait for the next chapter

Thank you! Your name had me tripping for a hot minute and I was like, "Who tf is Lena Luthor's brother?" LEX! I got it! Just took me twenty seconds! Hello Lex!

OllyOllyOxycontin: I can't get over how amazing this is. I just never expected to find something THIS good when I searched for a Twilight fanfiction on a whim. I'm in shock. I very much look forward to the next chapter

Olly, my jaw dropped when I saw this review from you! My cynical Hybrid reviewer that made me want to Olly Olly Overdose! I say this all in good fun I promise! I'm really glad you like this story and I hope this chapter did it for you. Lmao, I know you'll be sure to tell me if it doesn't :D much love boo!

Magic2488: I'm very curious on what happened between rose and Bella to make them so close. Maybe rose saved her instead of Edward that night in Port Angeles? So many possibilities. Can't wait to read more. This is amazing!

I was PISSED when you guessed correctly! Damn you I wanted it to be a surprise even though it's not a huge surprise! There's some other stuff that makes them closer but still! You clever clever Magic 2488! I can't believe this is my origin story.

I love all of you, thanks for giving this story so much love :D I hope you're all staying safe out there! Keep the reviews coming, they increase my productivity :) and keep the criticisms soft because I'm fragile :( and it's nearly 1 AM here and I've been editing and working on this since 6 PM so I promise I'm giving you all I have!