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.

6. Chapter 6

It was the second day when Katrina stopped screaming. She was deathly silent, worrying Bella immensely as she listened to her heart begin to slow. Even in her sleep, the vampire was certain she'd never seen her mate lay so still. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slowed, just as her heart rate had, and Bella held her hand tightly.

Sasha had moved them to her home, a decent-sized house in the woods. Location-wise, it was reminiscent of the Cullen household but far less lavish. There were no windows, no kitchen, and no living room. There were only two beds and two dressers in separate rooms.

It was clear to her that Sasha and Tatyana didn't play human, and even the hearth looked untouched. Bella wondered if she could ever convince them to invest in some furniture. Sure, they didn't need it, but the house felt so empty without it.

Bella hadn't spoken much with either Tatyana or Sasha since they arrived. It was difficult to focus on anything that wasn't her mate, who twitched occasionally on Tatyana's bed, but remained still otherwise. The two gave her and Katrina space, but they always remained in the vicinity, either in the house or somewhere nearby.

She wished Irina was with her. She was terrified at the prospect of something going wrong with Katrina's turning. What if she's not actually Kate and she ends up dying? What if she wakes up and hates me? What if-

A gentle hand gripped her shoulder and she flinched, surprised to see Sasha standing next to her. The older woman's face was stern, but she spoke softly when she addressed her.

"Príliš sa bojíš. Katrina bude v poriadku." [You worry too much. Katrina will be fine.]

Bella stared at her, "Ako si to vedel?" [How did you know?]

"Je to tvoja kamoška, je celkom jasné, že sa bojíš o výsledok jej premeny." [She's your mate, it's quite obvious you're worried about the outcome of her transformation.]

She nodded before looking at Katrina, "Aká bude, keď sa prebudí?" [What will she be like when she wakes up?]

"Aký si bol?" [What were you like?]

The newborn paused, "Smäd." [Thirsty.]

Sasha hummed, "Tu to máš. Bude smädná a...No, bude nadšená, že ťa vidí." [There you have it. She'll be thirsty and...well, she'll be thrilled to see you.] Bella ducked her head sheepishly and the older vampire sighed, "Prosím, snažte sa zničiť dom." [Please try not to destroy the house.] Tell that to Katrina.

"Keď sa prebudí, vezmem ju na lov." [When she wakes up I'll take her hunting.] She eyed Bella curiously, "Lov pre ľudí, samozrejme. Trápi ťa to?" [Hunting for humans, of course. Does that bother you?]

She pondered this for a moment before shaking her head, "Nie zvlášť...aj keď predpokladám, že ma to rozrušuje, keď si spomeniem na nevinných ľudí, ktorí sú zabití." [Not particularly...though I suppose it unsettles me to think of innocent humans being killed.] Does it actually unsettle me? Or am I just reciting what Irina says?

"Potom navrhuješ, aby sme pili zo zvierat?" [Then you suggest we drink from animals?] She mocked, and Bella frowned.

"Nie... môj tvorca hovorí, že všetko je zložitejšie, než to. Ona sama bola kedysi ľudskou pijanky." [No...my maker says everything is more complex than that. She was once a human drinker herself.]

This seemed to take Sasha by surprise, "Čo ju prinútilo zmeniť stravu?" [What made her switch her diet?] I never asked. Thinking about it now, she felt embarrassed that that question had never come to mind.

"Nie som si istý." [I'm not sure.]

"Hm…" Sasha sat on the bed next to her, placing a comforting hand on Katrina's leg, "Chceli by ste, aby Katrina pila zo zvierat?" [Would you want Katrina to drink from animals?]

"Je mi jedno. Len chcem, aby bola šťastná a milovala život, ktorý si vybrala," [I don't care. I just want her to be happy, and to love the life she's chosen,] she confessed, "Nepamätám si, že by som bol sám človekom. Katrina je vlastne moje jediné stretnutie s človekom." [I don't remember being human myself. Katrina is actually my only encounter with a human.] Blanka doesn't count, does she?

"Naozaj?" [Truly?] The woman stared at her, "Ako divné je to, že jedno stretnutie máte s človekom, sa ukáže byť váš kamarát." [How odd is it that, the one encounter you have with a human, they turn out to be your mate.] Her eyes fell on Katrina, "Boh ťa musí uprednostňovať." [God must favor you.]

Swan, did we believe in God?

"Mám veľké šťastie." [I'm very fortunate.] When Sasha looked at her she said, "Jediný človek, s akého stretnem, je môj kamoš, stretneme sa s tebou a Tatyanou, a ty sa o ňu postaráš, keď nemôžem." [The one human I meet is my mate, we meet you and Tatyana, and you're going to take care of her when I can't.] She smiled, "Veľmi pekne ďakujem, Sasha." [Thank you so much, Sasha.]

Sasha was quiet for a moment, red eyes narrowed and Bella felt herself stiffen under her scrutinizing gaze. I fucked up, but how did I fuck up?

"Nepamätáš si svoj život ako človeka, preto si nepamätáš svojich rodičov, správne?" [You don't remember your life as a human, therefore you don't remember your parents, correct?] Bella nodded.

The gentle voice of Esme invaded her mind, "Your drawings are beautiful, Bella." Bella tried to keep her face neutral. Swan, we used to draw? That must be why Rosalie asked if I was interested in drawing.

"A tvoj tvorca, vidíš v nej matku?" [And your maker, do you see a mother in her?]

Irina was very maternal with her, but she felt more like an older sister than anything else.

"Nie." [No.]

"I, um, I actually got you a Mother's Day gift," Swan stammered, "I know you're not my mom or anything, but I thought...I don't know."

"Bella, this is amazing," the vampire sounded choked up, "You're so talented, I couldn't have asked for a better gift."

Swan cleared her throat, "It's nothing, uh, happy Mother's Day. I really appreciate how nice you are to me all the time, and how good of a mom you are to your kids."

Sasha looked surprised by this, "Nemáš žiadnu spomienku na matkinu lásku, nie je ťa to zarmútené?" [You have no memory of a mother's love, does that not sadden you?]

"I know your relationship with your mother is estranged." Esme's voice was tinged with sadness, "I don't know the details, and I don't need to know them. You needed her and she neglected you, but...I hope you know that you have me."

"Oh," Swan's voice was soft, surprised, even, "You don't...I can't ask you to-"

"You're not asking, Bella, I'm offering. I don't mean to overstep, but I already consider you to be one of my own."

Bella blinked, "Nemôžem byť smutný, ak si na to nemám pamäť," [It can't make me sad if I have no memory of it,] she rationalized, "Neviem, čo mi chýba." [I don't know what I'm missing.]

Sasha sighed, "Láska ktorú matka poskytuje, je kľúčová. Nechceš vedieť, aký je to pocit?" [The love a mother provides is crucial. Don't you wish to know what that feels like?]

"It means a lot that you care." Swan murmured.

"I love you, Bella, and so do my children," her voice was thick with emotion, "I may not be your birth mother, but I truly consider you to be one of my daughters."

"T-Thank you," Swan sniffled.

Bella shrugged, looking away from the older woman as she spoke, "Neviem. Nikdy som o tom nepremýšľal." [I don't know. I never thought about it.]

"Oh! I didn't mean to make you cry!"

"It's not your fault," Swan assured her, "I just, uh...this is nice."

Sasha clicked her tongue, "Existuje len málo vecí smutnejšie ako dieťa bez matky." [There are few things sadder than a motherless child.]

"I know my love for you won't heal the pain your mother caused, only time can do that. But we'll have eternity, and I'll be by your side every step of the way."

"Promise?" Swan sounded small and fearful.

"I promise."

Liar.

Bella felt her eyes fill with venom and couldn't fight back her scowl, "Hádam." [I guess.] Don't be stupid, she scolded herself, you don't even remember Esme. But the pain was present, she hadn't realized who Esme was to her, who she was to Swan.

Bella knew she should have come to terms with the Cullens leaving, she truly thought she had, but this felt different. Rosalie and Alice explained themselves, their reasons for leaving were logical and the hurt wasn't present because they were back now. With Edward, it had been easier to dismiss since Katrina was her actual mate. But the pain of Esme's departure hit hard, and she wasn't quite sure why.

Our birth mother was no mother at all, was she, Swan.

Sasha knelt next to her and took one of her hands in her own, "Ah, tam to je." [Ah, there it is.]

Bella chanced a glance at her, "Co?" [What?]

"Smútok," [The sadness,] she murmured, "Rovnako ako moja sladká Tatyana." [So much like my sweet Tatyana.] Tatyana was also motherless?

She clenched her jaw, "Oceňujem vaše obavy, Sasha, ale som v poriadku." [I appreciate your concern, Sasha, but I'm fine.]

The red eyed vampire hummed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "Povedz mi, veríš, že je vhodné, aby dieťa zavolalo svojej matke podľa jej mena?" [Tell me, do you believe it appropriate for a child to call their mother by her first name?]

Bella frowned, "Nemyslím si, že je to zlá vec, ale-" [I don't think it's a bad thing but-]

"Ja áno." [Well, I do.] Her disapproving look made the vampire avert her gaze, "Nie som Sasha, pre teba, som matka, rozumieš?" [I'm not Sasha, to you, I'm mother, do you understand?]

She could vaguely remember Sasha telling Tatyana that she had gained two daughters, but she had hardly thought anything of it. Bella had been too concerned about Katrina to think of much else.

She blinked, "Nerozumiem." [I...I don't understand.]

Sasha gestured at Katrina, "Je to moja dcéra, a ty si jej kamarát," [She's my daughter, and you're her mate,] an amused smile tugged on her lips, "To by z teba urobilo aj moju dcéru, však?" [That would make you my daughter as well, wouldn't it?]

Bella shifted awkwardly, "Ano." [Yes.] What if she leaves like Esme? Her panic quickly fleeted, and she wasn't sure why, but she trusted the older woman to take care of her. It was an odd feeling, but one she took comfort in.

"Ano. Takže ma budete riadne oslovovať, pretože dcéra by mala osloviť ich matku. Rozumieš tomu teraz?" [Yes. So you will address me properly, as a daughter should address her mother. Do you understand now?] Bella nodded obediently. She doesn't know what it is about Sasha that makes her want to comply with her demands, but she does.

"Rozumiem, matka." [I understand, mother.] She was gifted with a gentle smile and a pat on her cheek. Bella was surprised to feel a rush of affection for Sasha.

"Dobrý," [Good,] she then trapped a lock of brown hair between her fingers, "Nevyzeráš ako moja Tatyana, ale na tom nezáleží." [You don't look like my Tatyana, but that matters not.] She stood to her feet, "Si dosť pekná a silná na to, aby si bola jednou z mojich dcér," [You are pretty and strong enough to be one of my daughters,] she turned to leave, "Už nie si sirota a tvoj kamarát už nespí. Dám vám dve minúty, kým pôjdeme na lov." [You are no longer an orphan, and your mate is no longer asleep. I'll give you two a moment before we go hunting.]

Before Bella could register what Sasha had said she was on the ground. Her eyes widened when lips slammed against her own, and a purr rumbled in her throat as the scent of lavender and ozone filled her nose. Katrina pulled away, looking down at her with red eyes and making Bella's breath hitch.

Everything clicked into place and she could see nothing but Katrina. Mine. It was perfect, everything was perfect, Katrina was perfect. Venom filled her eyes and she felt immensely overwhelmed as Katrina stared down at her in wonder.

"Bela." She murmured, her voice was lighter now, music to her ears, and she closed her eyes as pale fingers explored her face. They traced from her forehead to her cheeks to her lips.

Her thumb ran across her bottom lip and Bella began to purr as she continued her exploration. Katrina's other hand slid down her jaw, tracing her throat and stopping when she felt the two bite marks on her neck.

Katrina snarled and her eyes snapped open. She looked furious, but Bella was too distracted to notice.

She could only stare up at the newborn in shock, in awe of the beauty she radiated. Her human had always been beautiful, but she was even more so due to the perfection caused by vampirism.

Pale skin was flawless, unmarred by the light scars she had received from her years spent as a warrior. The freckles on the bridge of her nose remained, her cheekbones were more prominent, her jaw more defined, and pearly white teeth were on display as the newborn exhibited her anger.

Bella would miss the scars and the way Katrina's cheeks blushed when she was embarrassed. She would miss her bright cyan colored eyes, but she found that red suited her mate. She was beyond excited that they now had eternity together. There was no longer the fear of harming her, and she no longer had to lie about what she was.

"Bela, prečo máš toľko uhryznutie?" [Bela, why do you have so many bite marks?] Her other hand found her wrist and held it up, "Kto to urobil?" [Who did this?] Her voice was drenched in anger as she ran her thumb along the bite James had left behind.

Bella collected herself when she realized Katrina wanted an actual answer, "Ďalší dvaja upíri, s ktorou som bojoval. Ten druhý na mojom krku je od môjho tvorcu." [Two other vampires I fought with. The other one on my neck is from my maker.]

Katrina's eyes narrowed before she sighed and leaned down, "Teraz som ako ty," [I'm like you now,] Bella couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her lips, "Teraz ťa môžem ochrániť. Nedovolím, aby ti niekto ublížil." [I can protect you now. I won't let anyone hurt you.] Soft lips pressed against the bite marks on her neck and Bella slipped her arms around her shoulders, holding her close and purring quietly.

She felt overcome with the amount of love she felt for Katrina. She liked how gentle she could be, even as a newborn, and how eager she was to keep her safe. Her mate took her wrist, pressing a soft kiss to the mark James had left behind.

"Ochránim aj teba." [I'll protect you too.] Bella breathed, eyes burning black as Katrina kissed up her arm, "Lúbim ťa." [I love you.] She blurted out, making Katrina stop and give her a breathtaking smile.

"Aj ja ťa ľúbim." [I love you too.] Katrina's own purr rumbled deep in her throat and Bella was transfixed by her beauty. She wondered if this is how Katrina felt when she had been human, overwhelmed with her physical perfection.

She threaded her fingers through light blonde hair, "Myslíš, alebo vieš?" [Do you think, or do you know?]

Katrina laughed quietly, leaning closer to her, "Stále si môj hlúpy démon." [You're still my silly demon.] Bella smiled when lips slammed against her own, and she sighed into the kiss as the scent of lavender and ozone filled her nose.

She was beyond thrilled that her mate had awakened, but it quickly turned into arousal when Katrina ground her hips against her own. A soft growl escaped her as Katrina reached down and shoved her hand down her sweatpants.

Bella couldn't help herself, and she pulled away with a smirk, "Lucky for you I didn't wear jeans, I bet that zipper still would have kicked your ass-"

Katrina snarled, too impatient to listen. She lunged forward and latched her teeth onto the mark Victoria had left on her throat. She bit down hard and Bella hissed, gripping her thighs tightly as heat roared to life in her abdomen. A rough hand grabbed her underwear and ripped it away and Bella's eyes widened. Sasha's downstairs and is hearing all of this.

"Katrina," she murmured, shivering when a tongue licked over the cracked skin on her neck, "Mali by sme prestať-" [We should stop-]

"Prečo?" [Why?] The blonde growled, removing her hand from her pants and running it down Bella's clothed torso, itching to tear it off, "Chceš aby som to urobil?" [Do you want me to?] No.

She felt her own newborn aggression rise to the surface, and she grabbed Katrina's arms. She twisted her body, flipping her mate to the side and slamming her into the bottom of the bed. It groaned and split in two as Bella straddled the grinning Katrina.

"Bela." She whispered, rubbing her hands up her thighs, hissing, and arching into her body as Bella bit down on her neck, "Ťažšie!" [Harder!] She demanded, and Bella growled and compiled, stopping when she heard the crack of skin.

Katrina was panting beneath her, black eyes devouring every rational thought she had left. Bella licked the cracked skin, extremely satisfied with the mark she had left behind.

Suddenly she was being thrown into the dresser, which exploded when she made contact. Clothes and splinters of wood fell around them as Katrina covered her body with her own, kissing her hotly and licking her way into her mouth. Her hand went down the front of her pants again and Bella closed her eyes-

"Myslel som že som povedal, že ničím dom." [I thought I said no destroying the house.] The stern voice of Sasha made them freeze, and they looked up to see her standing in the doorway. Her hands were on her hips and she gave them a disapproving glare.

Bella smiled sheepishly, "No, v skutočnosti sme nezničili dom. Len...posteľ a komoda-" [Well, we didn't actually destroy the house. Just...the bed and the dresser-]

Katrina growled at Sasha, covering Bella's body protectively and making her roll her eyes, "Už stačilo, dieťa. Bela je moja dcéra, tak ako ty." [Enough of that, child. Bela is my daughter, just as you are.] This made the blonde relax and Sasha gestured for her to get up, "Pozriem sa na teba." [Let me get a look at you.]

The newborn seemed torn between listening to Sasha and staying with Bella, "Je to tvoja stvorinka, Katrina, postará sa o teba." [She's your maker, Katrina, she's going to take care of you.] Bella assured her, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips, "Vezme ťa na lov, nie si smädný?" [She's going to take you hunting, aren't you thirsty?]

Katrina frowned before her eyes widened and she hissed, rubbing her throat and clambering off Bella, "Čo do pekla?" [What the hell?] She choked, and Sasha chuckled.

"Je normálne, že novorodenec sa zobudí do extrémneho smädu... a to je tiež normálne, aby sa rozptyľovať," [It's normal for a newborn to wake up to extreme thirst...and it's also normal for them to be distracted by,] she glanced at Bella, who looked away awkwardly, "Iné veci." [Other things.] Katrina swallowed, going to her maker quickly, and relaxing when Sasha began to stroke her hair, "Tatyana sa čoskoro vráti-" [Tatyana will return soon-]

Bella got to her feet just as the eldest Denali appeared in the room. She wore a tight, green dress made of silk, and Bella was surprised by how well the color suited her. It would go really well with gold studs and a pearl necklace. She frowned, okay, I've been spending too much time with Alice.

"Malý tábor vojakov je západne odtiaľto." [A small camp of soldiers is west of here.] Katrina looked hesitant and Tatyana rolled her eyes, "Sú to Medvede. Nebojte sa, nedotkli sme sa žiadneho z tvojho vzácneho kmeňa Tigre." [They're Medvede. Don't worry, we haven't touched any of your precious Tigre tribe.]

Sasha took Katrina's hand, "Poďme," [Let's go,] she then looked at Bella, "Mal by si tu zostať. Aj keď som nájsť svoj jedálniček je divné, rešpektujem vaše sebaobrana...ak si myslíte, že zvládnete byť okolo toľko krvi." [You should stay here. Though I find your diet to be strange, I respect your self-control...unless you think you can handle being around so much blood.] She didn't want to leave her mate, but she knew Sasha was right.

"Počkám tu." [I'll wait here.] She agreed, stiffening when Tatyana appeared behind her, running her hands along her shoulders before wrapping her in a loose hug.

"Počkám s ňou." [I'll wait with her.] She purred, nestling into her neck and making Bella grimace. Katrina's eyes turned black and Sasha sighed before releasing the newborn's hand. Gold eyes bulged, this is bad, this is so bad.

Bella tried to reason with the other vampire, "Tatyana, Som párený-" [Tatyana, I'm mated-]

"Takže? Nič nerobí že? Nič nerobím." [So? I'm not doing anything.] She hummed, "Ja som len-" [I'm just-] Katrina snarled and rushed forward. However, instead of trying to go through Bella to get to Tatyana, she jumped and bounced off the wall before propelling herself at Tatyana.

She came at her diagonally, grabbing the older vampire by the throat and taking them both to the ground while Bella remained standing, completely unscathed.

Tatyana growled and grabbed Katrina's arms, "Vyzliš sa zo mňa-" [Get off me-] she shrieked before convulsing, and Bella moved quickly. She had completely forgotten about Katrina's gift, and she cared little for her own safety as she grabbed her shoulders.

"Katrina!" She yanked her off, holding her close as her mate snarled at Tatyana again, who had gone still on the ground.

"Dotknite sa jej znova a ja budem mať tvoju hlavu!" [Touch her again and I'll have your head!] Her body crackled with electricity, and Bella was stunned that she wasn't at all affected by it.

Sasha was also surprised, and she moved closer before reaching out and touching Katrina's arm. She jumped back with a hiss and looked at Bella in disbelief.

Katrina's electricity stopped when she noticed she hurt her maker, "Prepáčte, ste v poriadku!" [I'm sorry, are you alright!] Bella released her, but before Katrina went to check on Sasha, she turned to her in surprise, "Ako sa máš...Neublížil som ti?" [How aren't you...I didn't hurt you?] She sounded relieved, yet red eyes still looked her over worriedly.

Eleazar had said she was a shield, but she had believed it to only be a mental one until she created a physical barrier around Katrina. Her gift can't hurt me. The knowledge of that made her smile, she liked that she was the exception to her mate's powerful gift.

"Neublížil si mi." [You didn't hurt me.] She took her hands in hers and gave her a wide smile, "Si naozaj moja osobná búrka. Moja blesková skrutka." [You really are my own personal thunderstorm. My bolt of lightning.] Katrina looked thrilled, kissing the back of Bella's hand.

"Aké hlúpe zo mňa myslieť si, že môj silný démon by bol zranený," [How silly of me to think that my strong demon would be hurt,] she said proudly, making Bella's smile broaden.

Sasha had gone to Tatyana's side and was helping her to her feet, "Čo som ti povedal, ty hlúpe dievča?" [What did I tell you, you foolish girl?] She scolded, making her daughter growl.

"Ako som mal vedieť o jej darčeku?" [How was I supposed to know of her gift?]

"Nebol si. Ako vždy, ste si nemyslel, že ste len provokoval!" [You weren't. As always, you didn't think, you only provoked!] She snapped before gesturing towards Katrina, "Ospravedlň sa svojej sestre, hneď." [Apologize to your sister, now.]

Her eyes widened in disbelief, "Chceš, aby som sa ospravedlnil? Napadla ma-" [You want me to apologize? She attacked me-]

"Už ti to viac nepoviem." [I will not tell you again.]

Tatyana glowered at Katrina, who matched her glare with her own, "Je mi ľúto." [I'm sorry.] She snarled, and Sasha sighed in exasperation before approaching Katrina and Bella.

She gave Katrina an approving smile, "Vedel som, že mám pravdu, keď som ťa obrátil. Si veľmi silný," [I knew I was right to turn you. You've very powerful,] the warrior beamed at her praise, "Rovnako ako váš kamarát," [As is your mate,] Sasha patted both of them on the cheek, "Moje najnovšie dcéry, obaja ukazujete taký sľub. Môj meč a štít." [My newest daughters, you both show such promise. My sword and shield.] She then gave Tatyana a teasing smile, "A moje ústa." [And my mouth.] Her eldest daughter rolled her eyes but cracked the smallest smirk, "Poď, Katrina, poďme loviť. Tatyana, správaj sa slušne." [Come, Katrina, let's hunt. Tatyana, do behave yourself.]

Katrina gave Bella a deep kiss, glaring at Tatyana all the while before following Sasha out of the house. It was silent for a while when they left, Bella watched Tatyana warily, who watched her expressionlessly in return.

"Si v poriadku?" [Are you alright?] Bella finally asked, making her eyebrows raise.

"Prečo ťa to zaujíma? Prečo si ju zastavil?" [Why do you care? Why'd you stop her?] Tatyana questioned, making Bella shrug.

"Teraz sme sestry." [We're sisters now.] This made the older vampire wrinkle her nose, and she laughed, "To ťa trápi?" [That bothers you?]

"Katrina je otravný škodca. Vždy som bola jediná žena, ale predpokladám, že mladší súrodenci majú byť rovnako nepríjemný ako ona." [Katrina is an annoying pest. I've always been an only child, but I'm assuming that younger siblings are supposed to be as obnoxious as she is.] She raked her eyes over Bella's form, "Ale chcem s tebou mať, tak ťa volám moja sestra sa mi zdá zvláštna." [But I want to have sex with you, so calling you my sister seems odd.]

Bella nearly choked on air at the admission. Tanya isn't even this forward, and Tatyana was just electrocuted but she persists.

"Nemôžeme." [We can't.]

"Viem." [I know.] She snorted, "Ale to neznamená, že na to nemôžem myslieť." [But that doesn't mean I can't think about it.] She then smirked, "Budem na teba často myslieť-" [I'll be thinking about you often-]

"You've got to chill out. Holy shit."

"Shit?" Tatyana repeated, "Co to znamená?" [What does that mean?] Am I the one that teaches everyone how to curse in English? She nearly groaned in exasperation before she shook her head.

"Je to prekliate slovo." [It's a curse word.]

"Shit." Tatyana said again, before she smiled, "Páči sa mi to. Nauč ma ešte slovo." [I like that. Teach me another word.] Better than her flirting. Bella sat on the ground and crossed her legs, relieved when the other vampire did the same.

"Sakra znamená damn." [Sakra means damn.]

"Damn. Shit." Her smile grew, "To sú dobré slová." [Those are good words.]

"Ano." [Yeah.]

She then looked at her curiously, "Váš druhý dar vás donútil zmiznúť, ale kam?" [Your other gift makes you disappear, but where to?]

Bella struggled with answering, "Neviem. Odtiaľto preč." [I don't know. Away from here.]

Tatyana pouted, "Dobre, nehovor mi to." [Fine, don't tell me.] She was quiet for a moment before asking, "Ako ste sa obrátili? Povedal si, že si nepamätáš svoj ľudský život, ale kamkoľvek cestuješ, máš tam coven?" [How were you turned? You said you don't remember your human life, but wherever you travel to, do you have a coven there?]

She furrowed her brow, "Bol som napadnutý, ale zviera pijan ma zachránil a otočil ma." [I was attacked, but an animal drinker saved me and turned me.] She spoke carefully, "Mám malú kolu." [I do have a small coven.]

"Menšia ako naša kolu?" [Smaller than our coven?] This made her smile, she liked that Tatyana and Sasha had been so quick to take her and Katrina in. It reminded her of when she first met Irina and Tanya.

"Moja druhá coven je trochu väčšia...Myslím, že to nie je až také malé." [My other coven is a little bigger…I guess it's not all that small.] She confessed, and Tatyana looked at her with wide eyes.

"Koľko?" [How many?]

"Vrátane mňa je ich šesť." [Including myself there's six.]

"Sesť!" She looked at her in awe and Bella nearly laughed, "To je toľko!" [That's so many!] My fearless leader is adorable in her early years.

"Je to," [It is,] she agreed, "Pamätáš si svoj ľudský život?" [Do you remember your human life?] She asked, eager to change the subject.

Tatyana nodded, "Bola som šľachticka donútená k manželstvu bez lásky pre dobro môjho Domu." [I was a noblewoman forced into a loveless marriage for the good of my House.] She bit her lip, "Moja matka nebola vôbec skutočnou matkou, nie ako Sasha." [My mother was no true mother at all, not like Sasha.] It was clear she didn't want to discuss it anymore, so Bella let it go, though her friend's reluctance worried her. Is that what Tatyana and I have in common? Terrible mothers?

"Páči sa mi Sasha...Mohli by ste mi povedať, ako ťa našla?" [I like Sasha...would you mind telling me how she found you?]

"Je to vlastne moja skvelá, prababička. Ale nehovor jej, že som ti to povedal, cíti sa stará, a potom je mrzutá." [She's actually my great, great grandmother. But don't tell her I told you that, it makes her feel old, and then she gets cranky.]

Bella leaned forward, "Ako stará žena?" [Like an old woman?] She whispered, making Tatyana laugh quietly.

"Presne. Potom sa na mňa veľmi rozčuľuje." [Exactly. Then she gets very upset with me.] Her eyes brightened, "Raz som jej dal tušku, ktorú som našiel, a ona mi ju zlomila nad hlavou." [One time, I gave her a cane I had found and she broke it over my head.] Bella burst into a fit of giggles and Tatyana joined her, "Bola taká naštvaná." [She was–she was so mad,] she said between laughs, "Naháňala ma po lese a vyhrážala sa mi, že ma oživí." [She chased me around the forest and threatened to skin me alive.]

"Chytila ťa?" [Did she catch you?]

Tatyana puffed out her chest, "Samozrejme, že nie, Bela! Práve som ti povedal, že je stará!" [Of course not, Bela! I just told you, she's old!] She then straightened and put her hands on her hips, "Rozmaznával si brata!" [You spoiled brat!] She mimicked Sasha's voice by making hers deeper, "Keď som bol v tvojom veku, môj otec by dal pádlo na môj zadok, keby som mal hovoriť tak hrubo!" [When I was your age, my father would put a paddle to my backside if I were to speak so rudely!]

They laughed again and Tatyana's grin broadened, "Potom som jej povedal, že urobím všetko pre to, aby som rešpektovali svojich starších." [Then I told her I would do my best to respect my elders.]

Bella chuckled, "Som si istý že to prešlo dobre." [I'm sure that went over well.]

She sighed, "Myslel som, že je všetko v poriadku, keď ma prestala prenasledovať. Potom mi položila celý strom na zadok, pretože nemala pádlo." [I thought everything was fine when she stopped chasing me. Then she put an entire tree to my backside because she didn't have a paddle.] Bella laughed again when she imagined Tanya getting smacked with a tree and flying into the air, "Áno, veľmi vtipné," [Yes, very funny,] she grumbled, "A čo tvoj tvorca? Je na teba prísna?" [What about your maker? Is she strict with you?]

Bella rested her chin on her hand, "Je ku mne veľmi milujúca a pevná. Je dokonalá tvorca." [She's very loving and firm with me. She's the perfect maker.] She smirked, "Ale ona ma tiež trochu rozmaznáva, takže je to pekné." [But she also spoils me, just a little bit, so that's nice.]

Tatyana rolled her eyes, "Našťastie si želám, aby ma matka viac rozmaznávala. Ponúkol by som tvorcom obchodu, keby som nebol tak pripojený k mojej vlastnej už." [Lucky, I wish mother would spoil me more. I'd offer to trade makers if I weren't so attached to my own already.] She chuckled, "Ako sa volá? Vie, že si sem prišiel?" [What's her name? Does she know you come here?] I can't say Irina, it's a very distinct name.

"Jej meno je...Rosina! A uh, že sem prídem." [Her name is...Rosina! And uh, she knows I come here.] She said quickly before looking around the room, "Čo robíte pre zábavu?" [What do you do for fun?]

Bella didn't like that she'd have to continue lying to them. It's best to be secretive, say as little as possible.

Rosalie's voice garnered her attention, "Stop with all the secrets."

"Secrets?" Bella Swan sounded like a poor liar.

"You and Alice always go off somewhere to talk."

"You don't like that we have our girl talk?"

"That's not the problem."

"Rose, I don't understand-"

"Stop avoiding me!" She snapped, losing composure in a way Bella had never heard, "Just...just tell me what's wrong! Tell me what I did!"

Bella Swan sighed, "It's nothing, Rose, it's just me being stupid-"

"You're not stupid, Bella, and neither am I." Her voice wavered, lingering with desperation as she tried to appeal to her, "I can't fix this if you don't tell me what's wrong."

"Bela?" She blinked, looking at Tatyana who now sat beside her. The blonde's hand was on her leg, and red eyes peered at her worriedly, "Snažil som sa upútať tvoju pozornosť, ale akoby si ma nepočul. Ste v poriadku?" [I was trying to get your attention, but it's like you didn't hear me. Are you alright?]

"You're extremely infuriating, do you know that?" Rosalie sighed, "Friday I'm taking you to dinner, we can talk then."

"Uh, are you sure that's a good idea?"

"No." She mused, "I'll be over at six, be ready."

"...alright."

Bella strained to listen for more, for any clues of what caused their falling out, but the voices were now silent. Swan was avoiding Rose, but why?

"Bela!"

She jolted back to reality and gave Tatyana an awkward smile, "Prepáč. Niekedy som...Nevadí." [Sorry. Sometimes I...nevermind.]

Tatyana looked at her thoughtfully, "Je to niečo s tvojim darčekom?" [Is it something with your gift?]

"Neviem." [I don't know.]

She hummed, taking her hand off her leg and standing up, "Tvoj štít, môžeš to dať okolo seba?" [Your shield, can you put it around yourself?] A good question.

"Huh, neviem... Mali by sme to skúsiť." [Huh, I don't know...we should try it.]

They were outside in seconds, and Tatyana had gathered things to throw at Bella for their experiment. Bella was excited, glad that they could bond despite Tatyana's sexual attraction towards her.

"Bela," Tatyana purred, holding up a rock larger than her fist, "Jediné čo by som na teba rád hodil, je moje telo." [The only thing I'd truly like throwing at you, is my body.]

She pinched the bridge of her nose, "There it is."

For the next few minutes, Tatyana threw a variety of things at Bella, who did nothing but get smacked in the face as she tried to manifest her shield.

"Ugh!" A tree limb hit her mouth and left splinters, "Son of a bitch!"

"Poďme, Bela! Ani sa nesnažíš!" [Come on, Bela! You're not even trying!] A large tree branch was launched at her, and she focused as hard as she could to create a shield. Instead, she got a faceful of wood and she snarled.

"Som! Proste to nefunguje!" [I am! It's just not working!]

"Snažte sa viac!" [Try harder!]

"Práve som ti povedal-" [I just told you-] she growled as a large log was thrown her way. Shield! Shield! Shield! She tried picturing Captain America's shield, but even that didn't work, and the log exploded when it slammed into her body.

Tatyana sighed, "Tvoj štít ťa chráni pred Katrinii darom. Iste si môžete vytvoriť bariéru pre seba." [Your shield protects you from Katrina's gift. Surely you can create a barrier for yourself.]

"To by ste si mysleli!" [You would think!] A rock bounced off her temple and she grunted. This is stupid, why am I doing this? Tatyana laughed on occasion but took their training seriously, looking just as invested in her success as she was.

The blonde stopped, tossing her next projectile aside and putting her hands on her hips, "Toto nefunguje." [This isn't working.]

Bella sighed, "Viem. Nemyslím si, že môžem urobiť štít pre seba-" [I know. I don't think I can make a shield for myself-]

"Urobil si jednu pre Katrina, pretože si si myslel, že ju zabijem," [You made one for Katrina because you thought I was going to kill her,] Tatyana rationalized, "Me hádzanie vecí na vás nefunguje, pretože neexistuje žiadne skutočné nebezpečenstvo, ak nemôžete vytvoriť štít..." [Me throwing things at you isn't working because there's no real danger if you can't create the shield…] she trailed off and Bella eyed her warily, not liking the broad smirk that stretched across her lips.

"Co si-" [What are you-] she yelped when Tatyana barreled into her, taking them both to the ground. She straddled her, smiling deviously as gentle fingers ran down her throat.

"Bela," she purred, "Nechceš rozhnevať svoju malú Katrina, však?" [You don't want to make your little Katrina angry, do you?] Bella grabbed her hand as it reached her chest and flung Tatyana aside. She landed on her feet with ease as Bella rolled into a defensive stance.

"Snažíš sa mi pomôcť alebo ma potápať!" [Are you trying to help me or grope me!]

She laughed, "Obaja." [Both.] She lunged at her again, and Bella jumped out of the way, trying and failing to manifest her shield. I'm not in danger. Tanya tackles me all the time and Tatyana is just the younger and hornier version of her.

"Tatyana, toto nefunguje-" [Tatyana, this isn't working-] without warning a fist slammed into her gut and she flew backward, crashing into a tree and making it topple over. Bella cursed before jumping to her feet, staring warily at the now serious-looking blonde.

"Očividne nemáš žiadne výčitky že sa ťa dotýkam," [Clearly you have no qualms with me touching you,] she hummed, sounding smug for a moment before taking on a serious tone, "Takže sa ťa pokúsim zabiť, a ty použiješ svoj štít aby si sa ochránil." [So I will try to kill you, and you'll use your shield to protect yourself.]

Before she could speak Tatyana launched herself at her again, and while Bella was able to duck her next punch, she was unprepared for the surprise uppercut that made her head snap upward.

"No tak, Bela, myslela som, že budeš skôr výzvou!" [Come on, Bela, I thought you'd be more of a challenge!] She taunted, lifting her foot and kicking her chest.

Bella slid backward, able to stand on her feet but grimacing from the hits she'd been taking, "Toto nebude fungovať. Nevidím ťa ako hrozbu!" [This won't work. I don't see you as a threat!] Red eyes turned black and she bared her teeth.

"Potom ťa urobím." [Then I'll make you.] She attacked her with a flurry of blows, all of which Bella either deflected or dodged. It was clear Tatyana was holding back, but Bella wasn't sure for how much longer.

"Zastaviť! Toto nebude fungovať! Nechcem-" [Stop! This won't work! I don't want-] she hissed when sharp teeth latched onto her bicep and cracks ran up her skin. She had bit her just above the scar Leah had left behind, and pain and fury made her roar and grab Tatyana by her neck.

She held her in the air, eyes black and teeth bared as she glowered at the blonde, who wriggled feebly in her grip.

"Povedal som ti aby si prestal!" [I told you to stop!]

Tatyana stopped moving, dark eyes stared down at her and an insufferable smirk appeared on her lips, "Ooh, Páči sa mi, ako vyzeráš, keď si nahnevaný. To je pre mňa-" [Ooh, I like how you look when you're angry. It makes me-] Bella threw her as hard as she could, sending the vampire flying deep into the forest.

A loud crash was heard but Bella paid it no mind, panting slightly as she used her venom coated tongue to heal the cracks on her skin. Why can't I make the shield? She wondered if there was something wrong with her.

"Goddammit, Bella!" Leah's angry voice made her flinch, "How many times do I have to tell you to take care of yourself!"

Bella Swan's voice sounded just as frustrated, "I'm just not hungry! Stop yelling at me!"

"I will when you stop being stupid! You haven't eaten in two days-"

"Because I'm not hungry-"

"I don't give a shit!" She snapped, "God, don't tell me this is because of those two dipshits."

"Shut the fuck up, Leah! Just shut up!"

Tatyana came racing back towards her and Bella bared her teeth.

"Not until you get over yourself! She didn't love you, and neither did he. And I'm sorry, that sucks, it really does, but they're not worth it."

She tried not to get sidetracked, but the new information nearly had her reeling. Swan, we loved someone else?

Swan let out an angry sob, "I know, okay? Jesus. Why can't you and Paul just let me be sad!"

Tatyana launched herself into the air before hurtling down towards her like a comet. Bella met her fist with her own, and the loud boom that sounded was similar to thunder. They were both knocked to the ground, Tatyana flew backward while Bella rolled in the opposite direction.

Leah sighed, "You can be sad it's just...Bella, I know you don't think much of yourself, but I think you're really cool, and I hate seeing you like this."

"Leah-"

"I'm serious. They left you, and they're assholes for that, but you have to take care of yourself. If not for you, then for me and Charlie and the pack. We all love you and we're all worried."

Bella Denali jumped to her feet, bracing herself for Tatyana's next attack while trying to focus on the conversation. Caring about myself. Is that what she had been missing?

Swan sniffled, "I'm sorry!" She sounded so distraught, as though she were crying even harder now.

Leah's voice came out in more of a panic, "Why are you crying!"

"Because I was being selfish and not thinking about how I was affecting everyone else!"

Bella thought about Alice and Rosalie. They returned to Forks because they thought she was dead. She imagined Irina's distress at her death, and Tanya's and Eleazar's. She thought of Katrina, of her mate spending eternity alone.

She felt something in her mind stretch, as though encompassing her. Bella squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on the barrier and trying to maintain it. With Katrina, it had been simple, but with herself, it was immensely difficult.

Tatyana slammed into the barrier, bouncing off and falling flat on her back. Bella groaned, collapsing to her knees and dropping the shield. Her mind felt hazy, and before she could move Tatyana crashed into her.

She laughed loudly, "Bela! Ty si to urobil!" [Bela! You did it!]

"God, you're such a mess." The shifter chuckled, "Come on, let's go get some pizza."

"...with olives?"

"...does there have to be olives?"

Swan sniffled again before clearing her throat, "Yes please."

Leah sighed in exasperation, "You're such a sick fuck. Alright, fine, we can get olives...but only if you promise to start caring about your own wellbeing."

"I pinkie swear."

Bella Denali let out a breathless laugh as she stared up at the sky, "Urobil som to...Ďakujem, že ste mi pomohli." [I did...thank you for helping me.] She felt she owed Leah. The shifter had been there for Swan when no one else was, and while Bella was sad she had lost their memories, she was more than willing to make some new ones.

But she understood that Leah needed her space, so she would give it to her.

Bella hugged Tatyana back before the two got to their feet. "Samozrejme. Len preto že s tebou chcem mať, neznamená, že nemôžeme byť priatelia." [Of course. Just because I want to have sex with you, doesn't mean we can't be friends.]

"It's amazing how you still managed to spin that to be provocative." Tatyana rolled her eyes at her use of English and she nearly laughed. I hope it's a long time before they all learn English.

Bella's strange fatigue faded and she smiled when she heard the returning footfalls of Katrina and Sasha. However, with it came the overwhelming scent of blood. She was quick to hold her breath, making Tatyana give her a strange look.

"Tvoja strava ma stále zamieňa." [Your diet still confuses me.]

She propped her arm up on Tatyana's shoulder, "Ano." [Yeah.] Bella wasn't concerned about the human drinking diet, she didn't believe it to be her place to lecture them, especially when they were presently animal drinkers.

And she found it, oddly enough, bothered her in no way. Perhaps it was due to her forgetting what it was like to be human, or maybe it was the simple fact that they fed from humans to survive and it was all they knew.

Katrina and Sasha appeared from the treeline, both looking at the small craters in the earth and the destroyed trees in surprise.

"Dievčatá, čo sa tu stalo?" [Girls, what happened here?]

Bella glanced at Katrina, swallowing thickly when she noticed her blood-covered gambeson. Her lips were stained red, and her cheeks were splattered with crimson, matching the dark red of her eyes. Platinum blonde hair was disheveled, and Bella had to look away in order to control herself.

It's fine, I'm just insanely attracted to her when she's covered in blood. That's completely normal for a vampire. She wanted to lick it off–stop that, Denali, you're killing us.

Tatyana stepped forward, smiling widely as she spoke, "Bela a ja sme cvičili s jej štítom. Teraz si môže urobiť jednu pre seba, vďaka mne." [Bela and I were practicing with her shield. She can make one for herself now, thanks to me.] She boasted, making her chuckle.

Katrina narrowed her eyes, "Mal by som jej s tým pomáhať. Mala by si sa od nej držať ďalej, sladká sestra." [I should be helping her with that. You should stay away from her, sweet sister.] She hissed, appearing at Bella's side in the blink of an eye and grabbing her hand.

Tatyana hissed at her as Katrina pulled Bella into her arms, "Len som jej pomáhal, ty nevďačný sráč!" [I was only helping her, you ungrateful brat!]

"Helping and groping," Bella muttered in English, before switching to Slovak, "Bola veľmi užitočná-" [She was very helpful-]

The warrior grunted, grabbing her hips and pulling her body flush to her, "Čo to do pekla je!" [What the hell is this!] She snarled, examining the bite mark on Bella's arm. The gold eyed vampire blanked, overwhelmed with being so close to a blood-covered Katrina, who's heated voice was incredibly attractive and pull it together Denali, you're so fucking useless.

Tatyana snorted, "Hádali sme sa, ako inak si myslíš, že sme prišli na to ako spustiť jej štít?" [We were fighting, how else do you think we figured out how to trigger her shield?]

"Za toto ťa zabijem, prisahám-" [I'll kill you for this, I swear-]

The older vampire pointed at her, "Damn shit!" For the love of god.

Katrina gawked, looking at a now sheepish Bella before glowering at Tatyana, "Fuck ass!"

Tatyana's eyes widened and she glanced at Bella, "Co to znamená?" [What does that mean?]

"Je to viac prekliatie slová, ale naozaj by sme mali len upokojiť-" [It's more curse words but really we should just calm down-]

Katrina then tilted her head up proudly, "Fuck ass shit dick!" Flexing her superior English vocabulary and making Bella groan in exasperation. This can't get worse.

"Neviem čo si povedal, ty hlúpy, ale vezmi si to späť!" [I don't know what you said, you stupid brat, but you take it back!]

"Lepšie byť ako kurva! Zohnať si vlastného kamoša, neviestky!" [Better to be a brat than a whore! Get your own mate, harlot!] It did get worse, holy shit.

"Dosť!" [Enough!] Sasha snapped, turning her glare towards Katrina, "Nikdy sa takto nerozprávaš so svojou sestrou, rozumieš?" [You don't talk to your sister like that, ever, do you understand?] Her younger daughter lowered her head and averted her gaze, disgruntled at being reprimanded by her maker. "Katrina, rozumieš?" [Katrina, do you understand?]

"...ano, matka." [...yes, mother.] She grumbled.

Sasha then turned to the smug Tatyana, "A ty, utri si ten úškrn z tváre," [And you, wipe that smirk off your face,] the blonde winced, "Budete rešpektovať svoju sestru a jej kamaráta a držať ruky, a vaše nemravné komentáre, pre seba. Rozumieš?" [You'll respect your sister and her mate and keep your hands, and your lewd comments, to yourself. Do you understand?]

"Áno, matka." [Yes, mother.]

"Dobrý. Teraz sa ospravedlňte jeden druhému." [Good. Now, apologize to each other.] They muttered their half-assed apologies when Bella perked up, an idea came to mind and she smiled widely at them.

"Matka." [Mother.]

Sasha was rubbing her temples, and gave Bella a tired look, "Áno, drahá?" [Yes, dear?] She then glared at her blonde daughters, "Nie som ani jej tvorca, a napriek tomu sa správa lepšie ako vy dvaja!" [I'm not even her maker, and yet she is better behaved than you two!] Bella nearly laughed when Katrina held her tighter and grumbled into her shoulder.

"Myslel som na spôsob ako by sme sa všetci mohli spojiť." [I thought of a way we could all bond.] She felt timid when all eyes were on her, but she swiftly brushed it aside. Irina and Tanya took me sledding, they said it was a tradition.

"Pokračovať." [Continue.]

Bella stood a little straighter and smiled, "Čo si myslíš o sánkovanie?" [How do you feel about sledding?]

---

Katrina laughed gleefully as she flew down the mountain, hair whipping wildly in the winds as she adjusted on her makeshift sled. This time she could stand on her feet and not worry about Bela chastising her. Even if she had good reason to.

Bela had to make her sled for her, since she was still struggling to adjust to her newborn strength. It was incredibly frustrating but lucky for her sledding didn't require using her hands.

Their mother watched them sled from atop the mountain. She wore a fond smile, though she didn't care to partake; she was more than content to watch them and keep the peace between her and Tatyana whenever they began to bicker.

Bela's sled came up beside her, and the brunette grinned as she leaned forward, trying to gain more speed and pass her.

"V žiadnom prípade ma nebiješ." [There's no way you're beating me.] Katrina challenged, making Bela snort.

"Nebudem zosmiešňovaný amatér." [I won't be mocked by an amateur.]

Before she could retort, Tatyana passed them both with ease, "Neuvedomil som si že sa sánkujem s korytnačkami." [I didn't realize I was sledding with turtles.] She taunted, flashing them a wink before turning forward. The vampire held two long limbs in each hand and was using them to propel herself faster down the hill.

Bela gawked after her, "Did you just invent skiing?" Ona a ten jazyk. [Her and that language.]

Katrina scowled at the older blonde, "To je podvádzanie!" [That's cheating!]

Tatyana glanced at her over her shoulder, "Byť múdrejší ako ty nie je podvádzanie, má priemernú inteligenciu." [Being smarter than you isn't cheating, it's having average intelligence.]

She bared her teeth at her, "Nebudeš taký pašerák keď ti strčim elektrickú nohu do zadok!" [You won't be so smug when I shove my electric foot up your ass!] Tatyana was a nuisance, a flirty and touchy nuisance that she sometimes contemplated murdering.

Ale to by moju matku naštvalo a Bela je príliš milá, takže by bola smutná z Tatyanovej smrti. [But that would make my mother angry with me, and Bela is too nice so she'd be sad about Tatyana's death.]

Bela laughed and shook her head, "Len škádlení, Katrina." [She's only teasing, Katrina.]

"Je len otravná." [She's only being annoying.]

When they reached the bottom a smirking Tatyana was waiting for them, "Trvalo vám to dosť dlho," [Took you two long enough,] she then gestured at her sticks, "Práve som vynašiel palicu sánkovanie, a odporúčam to takže obaja môžu skutočne držať krok." [I have just invented stick sledding, and I recommend it so you both can actually keep up.]

Katrina rolled her eyes, "Držať sánkovanie? Keby si mohol vymyslieť meno, ktoré znelo menej hlúpo." [Stick sledding? If only you could invent a name that sounded less stupid.]

"Bela sa to páči, však Bela," [Bela likes it, don't you Bela,] Tatyana demanded, making Katrina turn to look at her mate.

Bela looked between them before sighing, "Myslím že ste obaja neuveriteľne chytrý, teraz poďme znova!" [I think you're both incredibly smart, now let's go again!] She enthused, picking up her sled before coming towards Katrina's, "Tu, môžem si že pre-" [Here, I can get that for-]

Katrina put her hand up to stop her, "Môžem to vyzdvihnúť, Bela, sleduj." [I can pick this up, Bela, watch.] She ignored Tatyana's amused smirk and furrowed her brow in concentration. The moment she placed both hands on the sled it exploded into splinters and she snarled in rage.

"Veľmi pôsobivé," [Very impressive,] Tatyana laughed, darting away before Katrina could lash out at her.

Her hands crackled with electricity and she kicked the remaining wood away with a growl, "Hlúpe, slabé drevo! Všetko je chata teraz!" [Stupid, weak wood! Everything is flimsy now!]

Bela chuckled, reaching out and gently laying her hand on her shoulder, "Teraz si veľmi silná." [You're very strong now.]

"Silná?" [Now?] She snorted, "Vždy som bol silný!" [I've always been strong!]

Gold eyes rolled to the sky, "Áno, to je pravda, vždy si bol môj veľký silný bojovník." [Yes, that's right, you've always been my big strong warrior.] This made Katrina beam at her, and Bela smiled fondly in return, "Ale teraz ste ešte silnejší, takže to bude nejaký čas trvať, než si zvyknúť na svoju novú silu." [But now you're even stronger, so it will take some time to get used to your new strength.]

Her electricity flickered out and she groaned in exasperation, "Nechcem aby to nejaký čas trvalo, chcem byť dobrý teraz!" [I don't want it to take time, I want to be good now!] She looked at her curiously, "Ako si sa to naučil?" [How did you learn?]

Bela looked embarrassed for a moment before she said, "Myslel som na niečo, čo som nikdy nechcel zlomiť. Niekedy na seba stále zabúdam, ale myslieť na teba, keď si bol človek, zvyčajne pomáhaš." [I thought of something I never wanted to break. Sometimes I still forget myself, but thinking of you when you were human usually helps.]

Katrina grinned, cupping her cheeks in her hands, "Si taký zlatý." [You're so sweet.] She gave her a hard kiss before pulling away, shoulders squared in determination as she reached for Bela's sled, "Bela, Bela, Bela." She chanted quietly, but the problem was that she had never had to be gentle with Bela.

Her mate had always been incredibly strong and unbreakable. Her mind began to wander, and she visualized when Bela slammed her into the bed and pinned her to the floor and how badly she wished they could have finished where they left off-SNAP!

"Sakra!" [Dammit!]

Bela looked at the destroyed sled with wide eyes, "Vidím, že ma nemáš veľmi rád-" [I see you're not very fond of me-]

"Drž hubu, milujem ťa!" [Shut up, I love you!] She snapped, "Práve ma rozptyľovali!" [I just got distracted!] The knowing look her mate wore made her roll her eyes, "Drž hubu!" [Shut up!]

"Nič som nepovedal." [I didn't say anything.]

"Myslel si na to." [You were thinking it.]

Bela chuckled before taking her hands, "Mysli na svoje ľudské spomienky. Tvoji priatelia? Tvoji rodičia?" [Think of your human memories. Your friends? Your parents?] She suggested, "Tie, ktoré by ste nikdy nechceli ublížiť, a tie, ktoré nechcete mať agresívny-" [Those you'd never wish to hurt, and those you don't want to aggressively have sex with-]

"Bela! Nepomáha!" [Bela! Not helping!]

She laughed and pulled away, "Prepáč." [Sorry.]

Katrina had tried to avoid thinking about her human loved ones. Not being able to see any of them again hadn't really crossed her mind, not until she had ripped five warriors apart to quench her thirst. As always, she had been brash in her decision making, and while she would miss everyone, she had no regrets when it came to being a vampire.

When attempting to pick up a remaining piece of her sled, she thought about Tomas. Her father had raised a bastard as his own, and she was forever grateful for the love he had given her.

For ten seconds the wood in her hands didn't explode, and when it did she was surprised that Bela was so quick to praise her.

"To bolo skvelé!" [That was great!]

She frowned, "Stále som to zlomil." [I still broke it.]

Bela smiled at her, "Keď som sa prvýkrát dozvedel, trvalo mi týždeň alebo dva aby som mohol niečo držať," [When I first learned, it took me a week or two to be able to hold something,] she confessed, "Všetko vybuchlo v momente keď som sa ho dotkol." [Everything exploded the moment I touched it.]

Katrina remembered her childhood in fragments, not long memories but short ones that were scattered until she reached the age of fourteen. She recalled Bela first arriving, and her breaking everything she touched. Bolo to naschvál alebo bola novorodencom? [Was that on purpose or was she a newborn?]

Before she could ask, an annoying yell came from atop the mountain, "Ponáhľaj sa! Vy dvaja mi robíte zle!" [Hurry up! You two are making me sick!]

Katrina glared up at her, "Fuck ass!"

"Damn shit!"

"To by stačilo!" [That's enough!] Sasha snapped, making Tatyana quiet instantly.

She snarled in annoyance before turning to her mate, "Prečo si ju naučil tie slová?" [Why did you teach her those words?]

Bela chuckled and walked over to a tree to make them more sleds, "Pretože je to naša sestra," [Because she's our sister,] she punched through the bark with ease, and Katrina envied her control, "Vlastne, som náhodou preklial v mojom druhom jazyku, a ona sa zdvihol na to, rovnako ako vy." [Actually, I accidentally cursed in my other language, and she picked up on it, much like you did.] She held both the sleds in her hands and smiled as Katrina made a face.

"Nie som ako ona!" [I'm nothing like her!]

"Samozrejme, že nie nikdy by som niečo také nenavrhola." [Of course not, I would never suggest such a thing.] The sarcasm wasn't lost on her, but Bela dashed up the mountain top before she could call her on it. Katrina muttered curses under her breath and followed her mate, stopping so she stood in between her and Tatyana.

"Myslím to vážne. Nie sme si podobní." [I mean it. We're nothing alike.]

Bela gave her a blithe smile, "Máte pravdu, vy dvaja ste takí odlišní." [You're right, you two are so different.]

Tatyana rolled her eyes, "Som dáma, zatiaľ čo tvoja malá Katrina je barbarka-" [I'm a Lady, whereas your little Katrina is a barbarian-]

"Tatyana," Sasha growled in warning, making the older vampire huff in irritation before a smile tugged on her lips.

"Matka, chcela by si sa k nám tentokrát pridať? Je to veľmi zábavné." [Mother, would you care to join us this time? It's very fun.] She said sweetly.

Their mother chuckled, "Sánkovanie je pre deti." [Sledding is for children.]

Tatyana nodded solemnly, "Máš pravdu, ako hlúpe odo mňa," [You're right, how silly of me,] she sighed, long and drawn out, "Sánkovanie je pre mládež. Stáť tam s prekríženou zbraňami je pre niekoho v tvojom veku oveľa lepším koníčkom." [Sledding is for the youth. Standing there with your arms crossed is a much better hobby for someone of your age.]

Katrina looked at her in shock as the older blonde stepped onto her sled and readied her sticks, "Možno bude najlepšie, ak tam zostaneš, nerád by som sa zranil-" [Perhaps it's best if you stay there, I'd hate for you to injure yourself-]

"Ty neochvejný sráč!" [You insolent brat!] Sasha snarled, making Tatyana shriek and take off down the mountain, narrowly avoiding her maker's hands.

Katrina laughed, "Matka, vezmi si sane!" [Mother, take a sled!] Bela quickly tossed it towards her, and Sasha snatched it out of the air, a scowl on her lips as she followed her eldest daughter down the mountain.

Bela's laugh was just as loud as her own, and she leaned against Katrina as they watched Tatyana try to stay out of Sasha's reach.

"Bol som škádlení!" [I was teasing!] Tatyana cried, "Vyzeráš veľmi krásne pre ženu v tvojom veku-" [You look very beautiful for a woman your age-]

"Oživím ťa a odrežem ti jazyk!" [I'll skin you alive and cut off your tongue!]

Možno Tatyana nie je až tak zlá. [Maybe Tatyana isn't that bad.]

Bela's eyes filled with amusement as she watched them, her entire face lighting up in mirth as their mother continued to chase Tatyana. Katrina stared at her, and her own laughter died on her lips. Gold eyes were glowing with joy, and her nose scrunched up as another giggle escaped her.

She didn't notice her staring, too transfixed by the vampires before them, "Do konca dnešného dňa by sme mohli stratiť našu sestru." [We might lose our sister by the end of today.] Bela looked at her with a warm smile, "Myslíš že ju matka chytí?" [Do you think mother will catch her?]

Katrina cupped her face in her hands and kissed her roughly before pulling away, "Myslím že si krásna a veľmi rada by som sa s tebou milovala." [I think you're beautiful and I would very much like to make love to you.]

Bela's eyes were engulfed with black and inhaled sharply, "Jesus you're forward."

"Slovak, Bela! Potrebujem aby ste hovorili po slovensky!" [Slovak, Bela! I need you to speak Slovak!] She laughed, grabbing her hand, "No tak, ani si nevšimnú že sme preč!" [Come on, they won't even notice we're gone!]

Bela glanced at Sasha and Tatyana, who had most definitely heard them but pretended not to, "Keď dáte to tak..." [When you put it that way...]

Katrina grinned and took off running, keeping Bela's hand in hers, "Ano! ľúbim ťa!" [Yes! I love you!] She felt giddy, and Bela's adoring smile made her own smile broaden.

"Aj ja ťa ľúbim." [I love you too.]

---

"Isn't this a bit intrusive?"

Kate snorted, pulling open a drawer and revealing folded underwear, "A warrior should always know who they're dealing with." She pushed the drawer shut and checked the next one in her dresser, "Bella has a boring taste in clothes, she's not very adventurous by the looks of it."

Carmen took on a disapproving tone, "You can't judge someone based on their underwear."

She laughed, "Why not? She lacks lace!"

"And you lack respect. Stop looking through her unmentionables." She chided.

Kate huffed, "There was nothing worth looking at anyway." Carmen stood outside, holding Kate's book, and refusing to enter Bella's old room. Carmen believed it to be too personal. Kate, however, had no qualms with digging through her old things.

"We're going to be late."

Kate rolled her eyes, "You worry too much, Carmen. I'm only trying to learn more about our newest coven mate." Her eyes flitted about the room, taking in the dust particles that floated around the untouched room. There was a laptop on the newborn's desk and she opened it, sighing when she saw it was password protected.

I bet it's something stupid. She typed in 'Edward' but it was incorrect, and she growled in frustration before closing it. I don't have the patience. Kate pushed it away and opened the desk drawer.

"You're stalling."

The blonde took out a notebook, "Stalling? Me?" She flipped the notebook open, surprised to see well-drawn pictures. The first one was of a girl with chin-length black hair and light brown skin.

Kate was impressed with the attention to detail that the drawing had been given. It was captioned Bestie beneath the picture, and Kate hummed before turning the page.

"Bella was an artist," the next one was of Edward, "A sappy and tortured one no doubt." A lot of care had gone into his picture, and it was captioned Bitch. "Oh, wait, she's kind of funny." She chuckled before turning the page, "I have to question her taste in vampires, though."

Carmen sighed, "She was a human teenage girl. Of course she'd be enthralled by him."

There were two more pages of Edward, captioned Ass and Vampire and Kate laughed, bitch ass vampire, before going to the next page. The next one was of a man, Dad. Kate was impressed with how well his aging face had been drawn. Emmett. Paul. Jake. Quil. Alice. Esme. Sam. Embry. Leah. Leah. Edward. Collin. Edward. Brady. Emily. Paul. Seth. Jared. Harry Clearwater.

"Are you sure you don't want to come up here? I'm not looking at anything bad, just some drawings." Kate said, smiling victoriously when Carmen appeared at her side, "Now who's lacking respect?"

"Hush, I just want to see the drawings." Carmen chuckled, watching as Kate turned the page, "Oh, she's very good." It was Rosalie, and she was drawn just as well, possibly better, than Edward.

It was captioned Rose and Kate was surprised by how well Bella had drawn her cousin's minuscule smile. The next five pages were also of Rosalie, all captioned the same, but the vampire wore different expressions.

Carmen's eyes widened, "Tanya said they were close but…" another picture of Rosalie, this time her smile was gentle and her eyes were soft, "Do you think…"

Kate snorted, "Like I said, terrible taste in vampires." She then laughed, "Poor girl. How she fell in love with the grumpiest Cullens is beyond me."

"I wonder if Rosalie ever realized." She mused and Kate shrugged before flipping through a couple more pages. Growing bored, she tossed the notebook aside, and that's when she noticed a manilla folder sitting at the bottom of the desk drawer.

"Ooh, a secret file." She picked up the folder and ran her thumb along the edges of the paper, "Three possible drawings, all separated from the rest."

Carmen grimaced, "We should go. These drawings feel very personal."

"She probably doesn't remember them but...you're right," Kate conceded before grinning, "We'll leave right after I look at what's in this folder."

"Kate."

The warrior ignored her and flipped the folder open, jaw dropping when she saw the drawings of herself. Unlike the other pictures, these were completely colored in. Her ruddy red cheeks, blue eyes, pink lips, and light brown freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose.

Carmen took one of the pictures and looked at it with wide eyes, "It's you as a human." That makes no sense, this can't possibly be me. She was born way before Bella. Surely this has to be someone else.

One of the drawings was of her with a sword resting on her shoulder, grinning wildly. It was captioned Dream Girl and she wondered if Bella meant it literally.

"Well, I have a few questions." She stood to her feet and folded the drawing before slipping it into her pocket. Carmen took the time to put everything back where it was before she shook her head.

"Memory loss." Shit.

"Maybe this," she patted her pocket that held the drawing, "Will jog her memory."

Carmen handed Kate her book, "Maybe." They left Bella's house and continued on their way to the Cullen household.

Kate had no interest in meeting Bella, especially when Tanya had warned her of the similarities she shared with her Bela. My Bela who I haven't seen in seventy years.

She was restless without her mate, waiting to feel the tug and waiting for her to return but it was all for not. It was maddening. Whatever gift she has, I detest it.

It kept her away for too long, and Kate missed her terribly. No one else would be able to soothe the ache that Bela had left, so she had never bothered. Bela was the only one for her, and if she had to wait another seventy years, she would without question.

Now I'm mocked with a new coven mate, one who looks like my Bela. She cared little for Bella, in fact, she was insulted that the newborn had the audacity to look so much like her mate.

I bet she doesn't act like her. Her Bela would have never given Edward Cullen the time of day. She wouldn't have liked him, he was too brooding, he wasn't daring or fun, and he's not me, so there's no conceivable way that Bella is anything like my mate.

Kate slipped her hand into her pocket, feeling the tension leave her body when she gripped the ring loosely in her hand. It felt wrong that it wasn't on her finger, but the last thing she needed was the Cullens bombarding her about the whereabouts of her mate.

Irina had warned her not to try anything with the newborn, and she had been insulted. Some cheap imitation would never hold a candle to her Bela.

Tanya had sent her the pictures of Edward's destroyed room. She can be fiery, I'll give her that. Irina had told her that the newborn was extremely endearing. I'll be the judge of that.

"Kate?" Carmen's voice drew her attention, "Will you be alright meeting Bella?" She shifted her book beneath her arm before looking at the woman.

She appreciated her coven mate's concern, "Will you be? We all miss Bela."

Carmen's gentle smile made her look away, "Yes, but she's your mate...that's why I asked."

"And you're practically her mother, which is why I asked." She retorted, cursing herself when she saw Carmen's smile falter, "I'm sorry. I'm...I don't want to meet her." The top of the house came into view and they slowed, "I shouldn't have-"

"You're nervous, I understand." She soothed, reaching out and giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "I am too. But if you don't think you're ready, we don't have to meet her yet. Your sisters would understand."

Kate sighed before shaking her head and squaring her shoulders, "I'm a warrior, not a coward."

"It's not cowardly to take some time to center yourself." She reminded her, "But I understand. I don't want to push you one way or the other, I just want you to know I'm here, whatever your decision is." Kate smiled at her gratefully, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you, Carmen."

"Bella!" Irina's panicked yell made them both speed up, "Alice, what's happening to her!"

"I've seen what happens." The seer murmured, "They'll understand when you return. You have nothing to fear, I promise."

A new voice spoke, but it was quiet and difficult to hear, "Okay. I trust you." Their family came into view right as Kate saw a flash of brown hair.

All the vampires, aside from Alice, were frozen in shock. Katrina and Carmen stared at them in confusion, not understanding what had caused them all such distress.

Rosalie in particular looked rattled, face twisted in a mix of disbelief and sadness as she held out her hand to no one. Irina, Tanya, and Eleazar's eyes were wide, as though they had just seen a ghost.

Kate crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, it's nice to see you all too."

It was Tanya who recovered first, rushing forward to greet her with a large hug, "Kate!" She was unusually cheery, and Katrina pulled away with a frown. Tanya's smile was wide and her eyes glistened with unshed venom. She looked so happy that it confused her.

"Tanya!" She yelled back, brow furrowed, "Why are we yelling? Where's this Bella you speak so fondly of? I saw brown hair, was that her?"

Before Tanya could speak, Alice stepped forward, "Yes, but her gift is strange. Don't worry, you'll meet her soon enough and can ask her about it yourself." She then nudged Irina, "Right, Irina?"

Her younger sister blinked before nodding, an easy smile played on her lips as she relaxed her tense form, "Right."

Eleazar's smile was also wide, and he practically skipped over to Carmen, "Darling, I've missed you." He embraced her amorously, and Kate had to bite back her jealousy, wishing she could do the same with Bela, "You and Kate will love Bella. She's a great addition to the family."

Carmen smiled softly at him, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, "I'm glad you've taken so well to her. I'm sure we'll both grow to love Bella just as much."

Something strange is going on. Though she supposed it was interesting that her new coven mate had a gift. At least I don't have to meet her, not yet.

Rosalie, however, looked immensely confused, "Alice-"

"Later, Rose, I promise." The seer murmured, making Katrina frown. Secrets? She had no time for those. They were family, after all, so any secrets weren't truly secrets for long.

She decided to inquire about it later, first, she had some business to attend to, "Hello, Rose! You look as grumpy as ever!"

The blonde snorted, eyes narrowing as she looked at Kate, "And you look as annoying as ever." She had missed bothering Rosalie, it had been too long since their last visit.

"It's nice to know nothing's changed." She was ignored, not that she was surprised, though she wished she had gotten more of a rise out of her.

Rosalie then greeted Carmen in a much more friendly manner, even smiling as she did so, "It's nice to see you again, Carmen."

Kate went to embrace Irina and Alice, "My beloved baby sister, I know you've missed me terribly." She grinned, "And my favorite seer, I must inquire of any new visions I should be privy to?"

Alice laughed while Irina seemed to be in a daze, "Expanding your vocabulary?"

She held up her book, "I bought a thesaurus."

Eleazar, of course, was pleased with this information, "That's excellent news, Kate. We should all aspire to be more knowledgeable."

She had really purchased it in order to impress Bela, maybe teach her some new English words, just as her mate had taught her during her human years. It's dumb but she would find it cute.

"Trying to come up with new ways to tell Bela you want to have sex?" Tanya teased, and Rosalie scoffed.

"Maybe you should give that thesaurus a read. Perhaps it'll help your chances with Bella, since groping her hasn't gotten you anywhere." Tanya balked and Irina's eyes widened, awoken from her stupor as she stared at Tanya. Eleazar shifted uncomfortably and Alice hid a smile behind her hand. Why are they acting so strange?

Kate, however, grinned, "Taking a liking to the newborn, eh?" It somewhat bothered her that Tanya was interested in someone that, apparently, looked so much like her Bela. But it's better than her constantly flirting with Bela, like in our earlier years.

"Oh my god," Irina breathed, a large smile spreading across her lips, "You're dead!" She laughed, leaning over and bracing her hands on her knees, "This whole time you've been...oh my god." Alice giggled, sounding somewhat maniacal as her eyes gleamed with mischief.

Tanya glared at their younger sister, "Irina, shut the hell up."

Kate huffed, "Would someone please tell me what's going on?"

Alice smiled innocently at her, "Tanya's just upset that Bella's immune to her succubus tendencies-"

"Alice!"

Irina laughed even harder, while Rosalie sighed in exasperation, seemingly just as lost as Kate and Carmen were.

Kate patted Tanya's shoulder, "Not everyone likes how sexual you are. Maybe if you tone it down, Bella would be more open to sleeping with you."

Irina leaned against Tanya, smiling widely, "I must be dreaming, this is too good to be true."

Tanya stared blankly ahead, "Is this hell?"

Rosalie rolled her eyes before turning on her heel, "I ask myself that every day." She disappeared into the house, and when all the pleasantries were exchanged the other vampires followed her inside.

The smell of wolf hit her nostrils and her eyes widened in surprise when a loud yip sounded from the living room. A white ball of fluff came sprinting at her, and she laughed loudly as he pounced on her shoe, grabbing her shoelace with his teeth and tugging.

"A fearsome hellhound is protecting his home!" Amber eyes peered up at her, curious and wide as he gave her shoelace another tug.

Rosalie bent down, picking him up by his scruff and giving him a stern look, "Ghost, how many times do we have to have this discussion?" Kate watched in disbelief as the wolf pup's tail stopped wagging, and his ears drooped slightly, "You have a million chew toys, yet you continue to attack items you are not permitted to chew on."

Kate couldn't believe Rosalie allowed a wolf pup in the house, nor could she believe that she was interacting with it so calmly. It almost seems like she likes him.

Alice frowned, "He's a baby-"

"He's two months old, old enough to know when he's misbehaving." Rosalie retorted before setting the pup down, "You behave, do you hear me?" His tail wagged timidly and she sighed before stroking the top of his head, "Good boy." He nuzzled her hand before going to investigate Carmen, who cooed happily at the sight of him.

"Who's pup?" She glanced at her sisters, "Why was I not informed of the adorable hellhound? I would have arrived much sooner."

Irina beamed, "He's Bella's." She then shot a glare at Tanya, "Our sister didn't want Bella to keep him-"

"She needs to know the meaning of the word no. But Irina is too soft!" Tanya said.

Kate laughed, "Irina's the youngest, do you really expect her to be firm with her newborn?"

"I'm very firm with her!" She argued, "When she returns, she'll tell you herself!"

"Because she's a spoiled brat and you enable her!"

Irina smirked, "A spoiled brat you're very fond of."

"Irina," she warned, but their younger sister paid her no mind.

"What was it you said?" She tapped her chin, "That you'd like to spoil her in other ways?"

Kate laughed when Tanya tackled Irina to the ground. She had missed her sisters, and while time with Carmen had been fun, she was beyond glad that they were all together again.

Eleazar and Kate shared a smile while Carmen chuckled, "Girls, not in Esme's lovely home." Tanya had trapped a laughing Irina in a headlock, and she grumbled as she shoved her younger sister away.

Kate sat next to Rosalie on the couch, who was watching a movie intently. It was in a different language, and Kate looked at her curiously.

"What movie is this?" Ghost trotted into the living room with a toy squirrel in his mouth before lying down, gnawing happily on his toy and earning him a soft pat from Rosalie.

She then turned to Kate, "Old Boy. I haven't seen it before, but Emmett loves it and Bella used to when she was a human...so I figured she'd still like it now." She paused the movie and sighed before rewinding to where she had started it, "I shouldn't watch it without her. It's very interesting and I'm eager to see how it ends...but that wouldn't be fair to her."

Kate's eyes widened, she couldn't recall the last time Rosalie spoke so openly about something so trivial. She didn't even know she liked movies.

"You must really like this Bella."

"It's not because I like her-"

"Give it a rest, Rose," Alice chimed in, plopping down on the couch with a blue 3DS in her hands, "We all know you love her." To her surprise, Rosalie only rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Rosalie Hale, loving someone who's not a part of her family?

Irina sat in Kate's lap, "Yes, she loves her so much." Her sarcasm wasn't lost on anyone.

Rosalie bared her teeth at her, "I do." This made Kate's eyebrows raise in disbelief. Why is Bella so special? How could she have gained the affection of Rosalie?

"Not enough to stay."

Kate's eyes widened. She knew Bella's abandonment was a sore spot for her sister, due to Bella being her newborn, but Irina wasn't normally so confrontational.

She had been filled in on the drama surrounding the Cullens and Denali's, all because of Bella Swan. Irina and Tanya had called her and Carmen more than once in order to vent their frustrations.

Kate, of course, was in agreement with her sisters. The Cullens were incredibly irresponsible when it came to handling the human that was aware of their secret. Bella should have been turned, preferably before Jasper lost control and tried to eat her.

Before Rosalie could react, Alice jumped in her lap, "Kate, would you mind?" She wrapped her arms around Irina's torso, kissing her sister's cheek and chuckling as she gave a pouty huff.

Alice curled into her older sister, who growled but didn't throw her off. The seer smiled gratefully at Kate before opening her game and sighing.

"God, my town has so many weeds."

Carmen looked at Eleazar, "Rosalie and Irina…"

Tanya chuckled, sitting on the arm of the couch next to her sisters, "Have been fighting over Bella for weeks. It's hilarious."

Kate grinned, "You should be more open to sharing, Rose. You can't be selfish and have Emmett and this newborn-"

"I'm not entertaining you and your lewd delusions." She pulled out her phone, looking extremely bored as she spoke, "However, since you're so keen on sharing, then you wouldn't mind sharing your precious Bela?"

She narrowed her eyes, "That's different."

Rosalie hummed, "Speaking of, have you seen her recently? It's been so long, I hardly recall what she looks like." Kate clenched her jaw but said nothing, and Rosalie gave her an apologetic look, "I didn't mean to upset you. I was genuinely curious. I'm sure she'll turn up."

Tanya peered at her curiously, "How much of her do you remember?"

"Brown hair and gold eyes. Pretty." She shrugged, "Emmett liked her. Edward met her...once, I think. Once or twice, I can't be sure, but I don't remember much else. I haven't thought about her in a while."

Alice's eyes widened and she snapped her 3DS shut, "Wait, you've met her? Seriously?" She shifted in her sister's lap and stared at her in disbelief, "I didn't even know Kate had a mate…"

Eleazar grimaced, "Well, her gift took her away. We didn't talk about her much outside our own family for obvious reasons." Kate growled quietly and looked away from him.

The seer pouted, "It still would have been nice to know. I don't need all the details, just a mention-"

"I wanted you to meet her. But then she stopped showing up," Kate snapped, "Needless to say, I wasn't too thrilled to talk about my missing mate."

Alice winced, "I'm sorry." Kate sighed and leaned her head against Irina's shoulder.

"She disappeared around the time you and Jasper joined our coven," Rosalie said and her brow furrowed, "Before then we had only met her a few times. I didn't know her well, none of us did, and it didn't help that I was in my newborn stage. She's a little odd-"

"She's not odd," Kate growled, and Rosalie sighed.

"For once, I'm not trying to insult anyone." She said, glancing at Alice before continuing, "Being odd isn't bad." Her sister beamed at her and she gave her a small smile back, "Bela was a watcher, at least, when it came to our family. She talked a lot, but at the same time, she didn't say much at all. She was secretive," She then frowned, "Now that I think about it, she looks a lot like-" her eyes widened in realization and she looked at Alice in disbelief.

The seer giggled, "Look at you catching on."

"Shut up." She said half-heartedly, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, "Emmett mentioned the similarities, so did Carlisle but...Edward was so adamant about their differences. And logically, it wouldn't make any sense but," she frowned, "They can't be…" she glanced at Irina, "But they are, aren't they."

"They are," Irina confirmed, ignoring Kate's growl and instead, gave her hand a gentle pat, as though to appease her. They won't tell me anything. Kate was frustrated, disliking the secrecy, disliking that she'd eventually meet Bella, wherever she ran off to, and be reminded that her mate was still gone.

"It's been over a month since Carmen and I have seen you all, and now you keep secrets." She growled, "That may be the Cullen way, but it's not the Denali's way."

Rosalie narrowed her eyes, "Meaning?"

"It was your brother who dumped this poor girl in the forest and didn't bother telling anyone," she scoffed, "And be honest, how much does the rest of your family know of the Bella situation?"

Alice gnawed on her lip for a moment before answering, "Not much...they think Rose and I are in New York."

Kate hummed, "Not much? They know nothing at all."

Rosalie glared at her, "Oh, yes, let's inform all of them that she's lost her memory and is a reckless newborn. That can't possibly blow up in our faces, can it?" She snorted, "They'd only all arrive and overwhelm her, especially Jasper and Edward, which is the last thing she needs, considering she's being hunted by a psychotic vampire."

"Fair enough," she hated that Rosalie had a point, "And how much longer will Bella's transformation remain a secret?" Neither of her cousins had an answer for her, and she looked at her sisters accusingly, "I will not be lied to. Tell me what's happening."

Irina twisted in her lap, planting a kiss on her temple, "Be patient, sister."

Carmen hummed, appearing at her side and cupping her shoulder, "Find peace in knowing that it will be revealed soon. You said so yourself, the Denali's don't keep secrets. They're only waiting for the right moment to tell us." She begrudgingly relaxed under Carmen's touch, the older woman was good at calming her and Bela.

Tanya smiled, "Yes, thank you, Carmen. That's exactly it." Kate took in the surprisingly happy looks her coven, and Alice wore. It irked her.

Alice's eyes glazed over for a moment before she blinked and looked at Kate, "Let's go for a run." When she hesitated, the seer said, "Everything will make sense if you come with me."

Kate stood to her feet, holding Irina and moving to gently place her on the couch, "Alright." She muttered.

Carmen frowned, "Should I come along as well?"

Alice shook her head, "I need to talk to Kate privately. You'll understand when we come back."

She smiled, "I understand." She then addressed Kate, "I hope this news brings you joy."

There can be no joy without my Bela.

Instead, Kate gave her a tight-lipped smile, "Thank you."

She followed Alice into the woods, overwhelmed with frustration at everyone's inability to blunt with her. I don't need surprises, I need honesty.

Everything had been strange the moment she arrived and she was tired of being in the dark. Rosalie didn't rise to her mocking, everyone seemed much happier than normal and it was concerning.

Was this Bella's doing? She thought bitterly. They're so happy with their precious newborn, but Bela is still gone. What do they have to be happy about?

She wasn't sure where Alice was taking her, but the two were along the border when they both came to an abrupt stop.

The seer blinked rapidly, growling as her eyes flitted about the forest, "The shifters...I can't see." She shook her head, "Just, wait here. Bella should be back soon."

Kate sighed, "I don't want to chaperone the newborn…and I thought you were supposed to explain-"

"She'll explain everything. It's her story, not mine." Kate wasn't sure if she could actually handle seeing Bella, not if all her sisters said was true. Seventy years with nothing, and now there's a stupid girl that looks just like her. She wondered if she was cursed.

The warrior clenched her jaw, "I don't know if I should actually meet her, at least, not yet." She thought of Carmen's words, it would be more embarrassing to break down in front of a stranger than to avoid her, "I think I just need to leave for a little while, maybe go somewhere-"

Alice's eyes lit up in fury, and she gave her a firm poke in the chest as she glared up at her, "I've worked my ass off for this, and I'm not going to let you or anyone else undo my hard work!" She snarled, "Katrina Denali, so help me God if you leave this spot I will personally track you down and drag you back here by your hair. Do I make myself clear!"

Kate looked at her in shock, she had never seen Alice so upset. The usually bubbly vampire looked to be on the brink of murdering her. This must be extremely important to her.

Against her better judgment, she nodded, "Fine...I don't know what you'll get out of this, but I'll wait until Bella shows up." Running won't make things easier. Katrina Denali doesn't run, she faces her problems head-on.

The seer relaxed, putting on a wide smile as though she hadn't just threatened her, "Outstanding! I love you!" She then narrowed her eyes, "Don't leave this fucking spot."

She smirked and crossed her arms over her chest, "Alice Cullen, I didn't know you had such a potty mouth."

Her eyes went wide, and she feigned innocence as she looked at Kate in confusion, "Potty mouth? Whatever do you mean?" She turned her back to her, "No one will believe you." Alice then disappeared, leaving a laughing Kate behind. She's always been a handful, I wonder how Jasper does it.

It wasn't long when a low snarl put her on edge, accompanied by the horrid smell of wet dog. Her eyes turned black and she crouched defensively, baring her teeth as a large silver wolf crept out from the undergrowth.

She knew they had a truce with the shifters, and she was well aware that there was a vampire problem in Forks. Were her eyes gold rather than black the wolf would have identified her and been on its way, but that wasn't the case.

Kate should explain who she was, the shifter would listen and there would be no fight, but she was angry and hurt and confused and a good fight is what she needed to unleash her pent up emotions. I won't kill the wolf, it'll be just like practice.

"Fight me!"

The wolf snarled and lunged forward, crashing into an invisible barrier and whimpering as it went flying backward. She blinked, eyes opening wide as she looked around. The stench of wet dog was overpowered by the familiar scent of Bela.

The wolf was back on his paws, hackles raised and brown eyes looking around in confusion. Bela appeared, standing on the wolf's side of the border and watching the shifter with narrowed eyes.

Her clothes were nearly torn to shreds, revealing strips of pale skin that glistened in the sunlight. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes a dark gold, and she looked so beautiful and fearsome that Kate had to stop herself from tearing off the rest of her clothes.

"She's a Denali, Paul." Paul? The same Paul that Bella drew pictures of? She frowned, who cares? She's finally here.

Kate wanted so desperately for Bela to look at her, but she didn't. The vampire was tense, ready to intervene should the wolf try to attack her again. He shifted back, a mountain of a man with light brown skin and cropped black hair. The same man in the drawings.

Brown eyes narrowed at Bela, "How the hell was I supposed to know? She told me to fight her...was that wall you? Since when could you do that?" Bela is friends with this shifter?

"Apparently I'm a shield." Bela finally looked at her, eyes brightening with mirth and a brilliant smile played on her lips, "So many years later and you're still such a little shit."

Kate moved forward, anger forgotten, and she smiled so widely her cheeks would have hurt if she were human. The ache in her chest was gone, replaced by warmth and joy and relief at finally seeing her Bela again.

"Bela!" Bela laughed, rushing forward to greet her as well, and the two slammed into each other. When their bodies collided it sounded like thunder, and Paul watched them in disbelief as they fell to the ground.

Bela was on top of her, cupping her face in her hands and kissing her roughly. Kate purred, fingers flying to the rips in Bela's shirt and tracing her smooth skin. Her mate purred, pulling away with black eyes and laughing quietly at Kate's disapproving growl.

"Paul's right there."

Kate sat up, putting her hands on Bela's thighs in order to keep her in her lap. Stupid wolf. She glared at the shifter, who was still standing there with wide eyes, "Put on some pants you creep, and go away! You're making my Bela uncomfortable!"

"I can't help that I shift without clothes!" He frowned and looked at the brunette, "Wait, Bela?"

Her mate, who had always been too kind for her own good, gave Paul a gentle smile, "Yeah, I'll explain it to you later. We have to get back," she was about to stand up when Kate wrapped her arms around her waist, "Katrina."

She scowled up at her, "It's been years, Bela. The least you could do is let me hold you!" Gold eyes stared at her in adoration and she sighed in mock annoyance.

"Fine." Kate grinned, standing to her feet and keeping Bela in her arms. Her mate wrapped her legs around her waist and rested her chin on her shoulder, "Bye, Paul. I'll see you tomorrow!" She said happily, and Kate frowned before shooting a glare at him.

"She'll see you next week!" She pressed a hot kiss to Bela's neck, "We have so much to catch up on."

"What the hell is all this?" He grumbled before turning on his heel, "I want all the details when I see you, tomorrow, alright?"

"Next week!"

"Stuff it, blondie!"

"I'll have you stuffed, mongrel!"

Paul bared his teeth at her before bursting into his wolf and tearing off through the forest. Kate stuck her tongue out at his retreating form before turning back to her mate with a grin.

"Bed or ground? I'm not partial," she held her tighter before stopping, remembering Alice's words and grumbling in annoyance, "Ugh, I told Alice I'd wait here for stupid Bella."

A soft giggle escaped her mate, "You think she's stupid?" She pulled her head back to look at her, mischief lurked in gold eyes but Kate thought little of it.

"Everyone's so happy with her, they say she looks so much like you," she groused, nestling her head onto Bela's shoulder, "Even Rosalie likes her."

"No!"

"Yes!" Kate huffed.

"Well, this Bella must be quite the character."

"I guess," she grumbled, "Apparently Tanya has taken a liking to her."

"Oh?" It looked like Bela was trying her best not to laugh, and Kate rolled her eyes.

"Are you surprised?"

"Not at all." Her eyes softened and she pressed a kiss to her lips, "I'm glad you're here-"

Kate looked at her in disbelief, "You're glad I'm here? We all missed you terribly!" She scowled, "Then Irina gets this silly little newborn and everyone's happy again." She squeezed her eyes shut, holding her mate as though she were her lifeline, "You can't leave me again...I know you can't control it but...it's so hard." She hated her shaky voice and venom-filled eyes. But Bela had never cared about such vulnerability, and she couldn't find it in her to be embarrassed.

Gentle fingers stroked her hair, and a soft kiss was pressed to her forehead, "I'm so sorry," she murmured, "I may still have to leave, but not for nearly as long as I've been gone." Bela cupped her face in her hands, "I'll always come back to you," she smiled, "I'm your ferocious demon."

Kate would have laughed if she weren't too busy attacking Bela's lips with her own. Her mate's lips parted instantly for her and she purred, happier than she had been in years.

---

"Ha!" Bella had been so distracted that she hadn't realized Alice had arrived, "I'm the best wing woman ever!" The seer crowed, making her pull away and look at her in disbelief, "Oh, don't stop on my account, you two are so cute!"

The newborn smiled playfully at her, "You want to watch us makeout? Figures."

Her friend scowled at her, "That joke is getting old!"

"I disagree."

Kate looked at both of them with wide eyes, "You two know each other?"

Alice winked at her, "Well, Bella and I have been friends for years."

"This is...wait..." her eyes bulged, "You're Bella?"

"Surprise!" Alice yelled excitedly, clapping her hands together and practically bouncing as she grinned, "Bela and Bella are the same person!" Alice knew.

"How long did you know?" Bella shifted in Kate's arms, resting hands on her shoulders as the blonde stared at her in shock.

Alice looked pleased with herself, "I figured it out after you told me her name." That's why she was so eager for Kate to arrive.

"You really are the best woman ever."

"Of course! As your bestie, it's my job to make sure you're happy."

A myriad of emotions flickered on Kate's face, going from enraged to confused to annoyed, "Are you fucking kidding me? This whole time she's been right under my nose!" She shook her head, "You're back now, so that's all that matters." Don't you have a million questions? I did. But instead, Kate kissed her and awarded her with a brilliant smile.

"Yeah." She sighed, wearing a dreamy expression as Kate stroked her cheek. Kate was still very much her Katrina. She cared little for details, she was focused on the big picture, and to her, that was having her mate back.

"Why didn't you tell me your real name?" The newborn smiled at her. She felt giddy now that everything had come together. Bella no longer had to wait to see Katrina, they were together in the present and they'd be together in the past.

"I did tell you! But you insisted on calling me Bela."

Kate scowled, "When did you tell me!"

"The first time we met."

"You expect me to remember our first meeting that well? I was six!"

"You remembered the word 'fuck' well enough."

This made her laugh, "It made you so annoyed, how could I not?"

"You were an ass." Kate looked ready to argue when Bella corrected herself, "I'm sorry, you are an ass. You called me stupid and silly."

"No, I called Bella stupid and silly." She wore a shit-eating grin and Bella rolled her eyes.

"I am Bella-"

"I know that now but I didn't when I called you stupid. You're still stupid, by the way."

The newborn huffed and wriggled in her arms, "Fine, maybe you shouldn't be holding such an idiot."

Kate held onto her tighter, laughing and kissing her neck, "I'd rather die than let you go." Bella nearly swooned before her mate opened her fat mouth again, "Even if you are remarkably unintelligent-"

"Fuck you."

"Yes! That's exactly what I desire!" Bella laughed and slipped her arms around her neck, "I want to titillate you."

"You want to what?"

"I bought a thesaurus." She frowned, "Excuse me," she cleared her throat, "I procured a thesaurus."

Bella held back her laugh, "What made you decide to get one?"

Kate looked sheepish, "I wanted to teach you new words, just like you taught me when I was human." She then smiled warmly at her, "You taught me many English curse words and I thought I'd return the favor by teaching you fancy English words."

She sighed in exasperation but couldn't feign annoyance for long, "That's...kind of sweet." It's adorable. She's adorable.

"Kind of?" Kate snorted, "That's better than sweet, that's romantic! I'm wooing you, Bella, and I can't continue to do that if you don't reward me for my efforts." She called me by my real name. Kate hadn't hesitated when doing so, and it made her smile.

"I think you've already wooed me." But she gave her a soft kiss anyways, making Kate hum happily.

"You think?"

Another kiss, "I know."

Alice cleared her throat, garnering their attention, "As adorable as this is, and trust me, it is," she gestured in the direction of the house, "We should get back."

Kate grumbled angrily about them being interrupted while Bella's eyes widened, "I'm guessing I owe some explanations."

Her mate frowned, "Can't you owe them later?" A hand ran down Bella's spine and she shivered, eyes going black and making her mate smirk.

Alice raised a brow, "Don't you have questions?"

"Of course I do, but none of that matters now, not when she's finally home."

Bella smiled softly at her, giving her a light kiss before sighing, "Rina seemed really worried when I left, so did Rose. I should let everyone know what's happening...then I'm all yours." She promised, and Kate huffed impatiently before nodding.

"Fine. But let's make it quick."

The newborn laughed as they followed Alice back to the house, resting her chin on Kate's shoulder and nestling deeper into her arms, "Still impatient."

"To get your clothes off."

"Still a pervert."

"Only for you."

When they arrived at the house everyone was seated in the living room. She patted Kate's arms, and her mate grumbled before setting her down. They climbed up the steps and Bella put her hands out to stop anyone from approaching her. I have important things to attend to, first.

"Ghost!" The wolf pup appeared from behind the couch, claws scraping against the hardwood as he propelled himself forward to meet her. He barked excitedly, earning him a sigh from Rosalie.

She dropped to her knees and held out her arms, grinning as he jumped into them. Bella stood up, holding him close and scratching the nape of his neck as he nuzzled into her shoulder.

"My sweet son," she cooed, making Kate laugh.

"We did end up having a hellhound!" Bella grinned, handing the pup to her when she took notice of the Denali she had yet to be introduced to.

She smiled, "You must be Carmen." The woman was a little shorter than her and, like Eleazar, she had an olive cast to her pale skin.

Her hair was dark brown, and her gold eyes were filled with venom. Carmen's facial features were softer, rounder, and her smile made Bella's eyes widen in surprise at its warmth and familiarity.

"Bela."

Carmen cupped her face in her hands, planting a kiss on her forehead and speaking rapidly to her in Spanish before hugging her again. Bella gave her a gentle hug back, unsure of what to say but knowing Bela meant something to Carmen, and the least she could do was hug her in return.

When Carmen pulled away again she gave her a sad smile, "You don't know me yet, do you."

Bella looked away from her, "Not yet, but I've heard many good things about you, so I look forward to meeting you."

Carmen nodded, cupping her cheek with her hand, "Siempre mi dulce niña." [Always my sweet girl.] She moved aside so Irina and Tanya could crush her into hugs next, and she laughed before shoving them off her playfully.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Tanya asked while everyone stared at her curiously.

The newborn glanced at Alice who gave her a reassuring smile in return, "Well, Alice knew," her leader narrowed her eyes.

"You told her but not us?"

Irina took Bella's hand in hers, "You're making her nervous." She scolded, "I'm sure she had a perfectly good reason to keep it from us."

Bella moved closer to her maker, ignoring Tanya's exasperated sigh, "I didn't want you to report me to the Volturi," she confessed, "This power is unpredictable, dangerous, and if they knew they might want to kill me." She averted her gaze from the surprised looks of her coven, "Alice found out by accident, and I figured it was safe to tell her since she clearly has little regard for the Volturi rule."

Alice frowned, "I resent that."

"You left a human alive and knowledgeable about the existence of vampires, which is punishable by death." She looked at Rosalie, "You all put your entire family at risk for a human girl," the blonde glared at her and she gave her a lazy smirk in return, "And you call me reckless."

Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, "It's circumstantial. You're reckless due to your newborn impulsivity and idiotic tendencies. Our recklessness comes from a place of care."

Bella grinned, "Because you like me."

Rosalie didn't respond and Irina's hand tightened slightly around her own, "You thought we'd sentence you to die?" She sounded hurt that she'd come to that conclusion.

The newborn sighed, "Going into the past gives me the ability to alter the future. It's potentially very dangerous-"

"You're family." Irina argued, "We would never-"

"I woke up with no memory, and I was dependent on both of you for survival," she said, giving her maker's hand a squeeze, "I had to be careful. You two were very kind to me but…"

"You were smart to be cautious," Tanya agreed, "But now there's no need. The Volturi don't need to hear of this. You do nothing that threatens their rule or that endangers our species, so this matter doesn't concern them."

Bella let her shoulders slump and she smiled, "Thanks...I should have told you all sooner."

"You're damn right you should have," Kate grumbled, and Bella chuckled before planting a kiss on her cheek. Her mate perked up and smiled, "But we know now and I love you and I'm happy you're with me."

She still had Ghost in her arms. His paw was on her shoulder and he nibbled mindlessly at the collar of her shirt. Bella frowned and tapped his snout, making him sneeze and shake his head. Kate chuckled and kissed his nose, making Bella smile at the sight.

You were so adamant about us getting married and having hellhound puppies together. Her mate caught her staring and winked at her, and if she could have she would have blushed. I hope I make giving up your human life worth it.

"I love you too."

"Who would have thought our once timid Bella would be with our psychotic Kate," Rosalie eyed her for a moment, "However, in the spirit of being polite, I should say it's nice to see you again, Bela."

Her eyes widened, "Wait, we've met?"

The blonde's eyebrows raised before she gave her a small smirk, "We do but...well, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise." I continue to go into the past," she eyed her amused friend warily, geez, how do we meet?

Eleazar looked at her curiously, "What all have you experienced so far? You didn't recognize any of us when we met, aside from Kate." He glanced at her hand, "That also explains why you don't have-"

Alice cut him off quickly, "Bella hates spoilers."

She frowned at the seer and Eleazar's eyes widened before he smiled sheepishly at her, "Of course! My apologies!"

When she looked at Kate curiously she only shook her head with a smile, "You'll find out soon enough." She set Ghost down, who ran clumsily to his stuffed squirrel, "Since my nosey family has so many questions, I guess I should let you answer them," her eyes twinkled with lust and mischief, "But make it quick."

The newborn's eyes turned black, "Okay."

Bella was suddenly overcome with the urge to drag Kate out of the room, and it must have shown in her eyes because Kate laughed, "Oh, you're so cute as a newborn," she all but purred, gently grabbing her chin and guiding her closer.

Irina sighed, "Kate, Bella, please be aware of your surroundings."

Kate growled before pulling away, much to Bella's agitation, "Fine." She crossed her arms over her chest, "Bella, what's the last thing you've seen since you went into the past?" She reiterated Eleazar's question.

Eleazar chimed in, "And do you have any idea how your power works? I can't get a good read on it, it's fascinating."

The brunette collected herself before answering, "The past always takes me to Katrina. We're tethered to each other, I'm not sure how it works-"

Alice leaned towards Rosalie, "It's the power of true love," she whispered, making her sister roll her eyes while Kate nodded enthusiastically.

The newborn smiled in amusement, "Sure, we'll go with that." She looked at Tanya, "I saw Kate get turned," a small smile played on her lips, "And I met you and Sasha," she paused, "I met our mother." Everyone was deathly silent and this made her frown, "What?"

Kate was quick to speak, "Nothing." Tanya shot her a glare that she ignored while Irina shifted closer to Bella, "That's the last thing you saw? Me getting turned?" The time traveler wanted to ask where Sasha was, but she feared the answer. A question for later.

Instead, she nodded, "You getting turned and us going sledding." Bella couldn't help but laugh, "Tanya came up with the idea of stick sledding."

Kate grinned while Tanya sighed, "I wish you would have told me I invented skiing."

The warrior smirked, "You didn't, you invented stick sledding." Their leader rolled her eyes, making her younger sister laugh, "I told you it was a stupid name!"

"Wait," Irina looked at Bella with wide eyes, "You haven't seen me turn yet?" The time traveler shook her head and Irina buried her face in her hands, "God." She sounded mortified and Kate rolled her eyes at her sister. I'm guessing Irina embarrasses herself in the past. She wanted to ask, but at the same time, Alice had a point. I really do hate spoilers.

Tanya laughed gleefully, "Looks like your angel has always been your angel. Who's laughing now, Rina?"

Her maker looked up, a wicked gleam in her eye that made Tanya's smirk falter, "So smug for someone that's been continuously trying to seduce Bella since she's been turned."

Kate's eyes widened in realization, "Wait...you've been trying to seduce her this whole time," Tanya chuckled nervously and backed away while Irina laughed.

"History has a strange way of repeating itself."

Bella put a hand on Kate's shoulder, "She didn't know."

"Exactly!" Tanya nodded earnestly, "I had no clue who she was, or else I would have stayed away!"

Irina hummed, "It's true. If she knew Bella was Bela she would have never given her that peck on the lips-"

"Irina!"

"Tanya!" Kate lunged forward, making Tanya yelp in surprise and bolt out of the house. Her sister followed and Carmen sighed as they ran around the house.

"I didn't know!"

"I don't care!" A tree crashed to the ground near the house and Rosalie pinched the bridge of her nose.

"She's not even here a whole day and she's already causing chaos–I swear to god, Kate if you destroy this house-"

Alice placed a hand on her shoulder, "She won't. She's not even that mad-" another tree slammed into the ground, and the seer blinked before once again putting on her sunny smile, "Well, she won't kill Tanya or destroy the house, and that's what's important."

Irina laughed, "Run, Tanya! Run!" She moved forward and wrapped her arms around Bella, "I told her to leave you alone, didn't I tell her?" She sounded unbelievably smug as she rested her head on her shoulder, "But she wouldn't and now look at her."

Carmen looked at her mate, "Mi amor, would you please speak some sense to Kate?"

Eleazar tensed and offered a timid smile, "I would, mi vida, but perhaps it's best I don't intervene. Besides, Kate's much less likely to electrocute you."

"I'm your leader! I order you to stop!" Tanya yelled, making Kate snarl and another tree crashed onto the ground.

Irina looked absolutely thrilled as she rested her head on Bella's shoulder, "She should have known the leader card wouldn't work," she chuckled, "Tanya's our sister before she's anything else." Because Sasha's gone but I don't know why.

Bella pushed the distressing thought from her mind, "Kate, you're wasting valuable time that we could be using to do more important things…" a flash of blonde appeared and suddenly leaped into her arms.

Irina stumbled back when Kate pushed her away, "Don't take your anger out on me, I was protecting her!" Bella laughed when Kate wrapped herself around her and held her tightly, eyes still dark as she watched Tanya dart into the room.

Strawberry blonde hair was tousled, and a couple of twigs and leaves stuck out of her hair. Tanya shot Kate a nasty glare before easing behind Carmen, who laughed softly and wrapped a comforting arm around her. Eleazar took the time to help untangle her hair and Tanya smiled gratefully at him.

"Did you at least apologize?" Carmen asked.

Their coven leader huffed, "I'm sorry for trying to seduce your mate. Had I known that Bela was Bella I would have kept my hands to myself."

Rosalie hummed in amusement, "Congratulations, Tanya. Succubus tendencies aside, you nearly had me convinced."

Tanya scowled and Bella laughed as she held her mate closer, "She made me fear for my life, Kate. I was certain she'd want to eat me, so I stayed away."

Kate pressed a kiss to her neck, "Good. She's terrible." They ignored Tanya's outraged cry, "The succubus lifestyle never appealed to me, not when I had you." Bella smiled widely as Kate cupped her face in her hands and kissed her gently.

Alice beamed at them, "You two are so cute!" Bella pulled away but was cut off the second she opened her mouth, "Don't you dare!"

Irina nodded in agreement with the seer, "Kate is a much better match with her than Edward. I don't even know how two people so incompatible could be together." She said it thoughtlessly, not realizing the effect her words had on the warrior until Kate slid out of Bella's arms.

"Edward...you were with Edward." She said his name with such animosity Bella nearly flinched, "He left you in the fucking woods," she rounded on Rosalie and Alice, "Your entire family left her unprotected and...Jasper," her eyes widened in realization and a snarl escaped her lips, "That son of a bitch attacked her!" Kate was finally processing everything.

Alice clenched her jaw, "He didn't mean to-"

"He broke her wrist and tried to drain her." She snarled, not noticing the discomfort on Bella's face, "Intentions mean nothing to me, he nearly killed her!"

"He's an empath!" She had never heard Alice raise her voice before, "He loved Bella, he just struggled with all the bloodlust in the room!"

"He should have never been near her in the first place if his control was so fragile!" Her hands balled into fists, "He could have held his breath. Bela was a goddamn newborn when she met me, and she never breathed because she feared losing control!"

Irina and Tanya moved to Kate's side, "Kate," Tanya spoke gently to her, "I know you're upset, but Jasper-"

"Hurt. Her." She hissed, "He tried to kill her. And then Edward throws her into fucking glass instead of picking her up and taking her somewhere safe." Her hands sparked, "Jasper traumatized her, so much so that just the mention of his fucking name triggered her memory of the attack."

Bella winced, "Can we not talk about this-" the screams of Swan made her jaw tighten, and she grimaced as the panicked shouts of the other Cullens roared in her mind.

Alice's eyes turned black, "He already hates himself for it! That's why we left!"

"He turned tail and ran, you all did."

Black eyes. Loud snarls. Bones snapping. Glass shattering- a hand slipped into hers, shaking her from her thoughts and making her relax.

Rosalie moved closer, eyes soft and understanding, and Bella leaned against her when she wrapped her arms around her. The newborn slipped her arms around her waist and pushed Jasper from her mind. She was grateful for Rosalie's gentle approach, it was reminiscent of when she saved Swan from those men in the alley.

"Get off her." Kate snapped, making Rosalie growl at her in warning and she tightened her grip on the newborn.

"You're so possessive that you won't allow your mate to be comforted?" She snorted, "Bella's clearly distressed-"

"Then I can take care of her, or Irina or Tanya or Carmen or Eleazar." The warrior growled, "Your coven shouldn't even be near her. You shouldn't be near her." Where is this coming from?

To keep the peace she began to pull away but Rosalie held onto her, "Who are you to dictate who she chooses to be close to?"

"I won't let you hurt her again."

To her surprise, Irina intervened, "Rosalie and Bella are close-"

"I'm well aware." What does that mean? She frowned, she's jealous of Rosalie? Why? She's mated, and I'm mated.

Alice's eyes widened, and when Bella met her gaze the smaller vampire quickly looked away. I'm definitely missing something. Carmen grimaced, she knows too, and reached out, trying to soothe Kate but the blonde stepped away.

"Kate," Eleazar's voice caused black eyes to look at him, "You have every right to be angry. But we have bigger problems and we can't afford to fight amongst ourselves."

Kate bared her teeth, "Why are they even back! It's one vampire and a few newborns, we don't need them."

Rosalie narrowed her eyes, "A pity, seeing as we're not leaving until we know Bella's safe."

"She's safe with me."

"I protected her when Jasper attacked! I protected her when-" she stopped abruptly, clenching her jaw and forcing herself to calm down, "Alice and I aren't going anywhere, and like your sisters, you'll have to get over it."

Kate narrowed her eyes, "You're so full of-"

Bella scowled and moved away from Rosalie, "Can we please not do this? I'm sick of hearing the same arguments." She stepped in between them and poked Rosalie in the chest, making the blonde's eyes widen, "Be nice," she turned to Kate and poked her chest, "And you be nice."

Kate looked at her in disbelief, "Me? They're the ones that-"

"Katrina Denali," she snapped, "I love you and I love that you want to fight for my honor, or whatever, but Eleazar is right, we have to focus on what matters."

"What about what they did to you?" She challenged, "That matters to me and that should matter to you!" Her hands curled into fists, "You were with Edward."

Bella, like Kate, had been too excited and distracted by seeing her mate again. They were similar in the sense of acting before thinking, and neither had given much thought to Bella's life before she was a Denali. They had been too wrapped up in seeing each other again, and they should have had this conversation before they spoke with the rest of the family.

Of course, the two most impulsive vampires don't bother with the details. It would have amused her had their carelessness not blown up in their faces. Kate was caught off guard, and she was a warrior before she was a diplomat. However, in her position, Bella doesn't believe her response would be much better.

Rosalie frowned, "She didn't know-"

"That doesn't make any of this better," she snapped, "She's been gone for seventy years, and I find out she was with your negligent family, dating that condescending piece of shit!" Electricity danced on Kate's skin, making her sisters back away warily.

Bella understood her mate's anger, she really did. The thought of Kate being with someone else revolted her, and she knew she'd be just as upset if she were in her position. She reached out and took her hand, making the blonde relax ever so slightly, but she could still see the fury and hurt in her dark eyes.

"We'll be back." Bella led her out of the house, releasing her hand and taking off into the forest. Kate lagged behind and Bella sighed. Nice going, Swan, you just had to fall for Edward.

But it wasn't just Edward she had fallen in love with. There was a girl, and from what Leah's voice had said, it was probably an unrequited love.

"Fuck both of them," Leah chimed in, "He was a bitch, and so was she."

They came to a stop at the meadow. The place was familiar to her, but she didn't think much of it. Sure, the flowers were pretty, but she only came here because it was the furthest place from the house and still a good distance away from the Rez.

Bella slowly turned around, dreading the impending conversation, but when she saw Kate's head bowed in shame she blinked in surprise.

"I'm not angry at you, I promise." She took a deep breath before looking up at her and continuing, "I shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry." Kate began to wring out her hands, shifting from one foot to the other as she spoke, "The thought of you with...him is just…" she glared down at her hands as they balled into fists, "It's disgusting."

The blonde's eyes turned black once again, "And he had the audacity to leave you behind? To break your heart?" She reached out and took her hands in hers, "He didn't deserve a second of your time." Kate looked at her with such conviction she nearly took a step back, "You're everything."

Bella felt warmth flood her chest and she leaned closer to her, releasing her hands and cupping her face, "I don't remember my life as a human," she murmured, running her thumb along her cheek, "I don't remember loving Edward or anyone else." She smiled softly as Kate's black eyes reverted back to gold, "My love for you is all I've ever known, and the love you've given me is all I remember."

Kate looked at her in awe before pressing her lips against hers. She slipped her arms around Bella's waist and kissed her so gently, so amorously, that Bella was momentarily stunned.

Being with Katrina was different. They were both newborns, both wild and reckless. Their kisses were rough and aggressive, dominating, and lustful, whereas Kate had more patience. She kissed her tenderly, slowly, and Bella was certain she'd be breathless if she were human.

When Kate pulled away she was smiling, "My pretty Bella with her pretty words."

"I didn't need a thesaurus to woo you."

This earned her a soft laugh, "Shut up, you love it."

"I do," she kissed her again, "I'm yours," she murmured, "I don't even remember what Edward looks like." His face had always been fuzzy to her, and she hadn't had a memory centered around him, thank god. If she were to see him, she wasn't sure if she'd recognize him unless she heard his voice.

Kate smirked, holding her body closer to her own, "He's hideous."

"I'm sure," she then frowned, "Back there with Rosalie, what was that?"

Her mate turned her head, "Nothing."

"You shouldn't be jealous of her. She has Emmett and I have you."

Kate scoffed, "I'm not jealous of her. She should be jealous of me because you're my mate." Bella knew she was hiding something, but she decided not to dwell on it, at least not now, "And I'm definitely not jealous of Edward. I saw what you did to his room." She smiled, "I wish I had known you when you were human."

Bella frowned, surprised by her own insecurity that rose to the surface, "Why? She was just a weaker version of me." She grumbled, "Stupid and spineless."

Kate looked at her in disbelief, "Why do you say such mean things about who you were?"

"Because," she pulled out of Kate's embrace, "Besides destroying Edward's room, any time I hear her voice or see a memory of her, she's always pitiful. Swooning over Edward or getting her feelings hurt by Rosalie or crying about the Cullens." She wasn't sure where this feeling of rage came from, but she couldn't stop talking, "It's humiliating. And to make things worse, people miss her."

"Bella-"

The newborn's thumb began to rapidly tap her index finger, "Leah's disgusted by me. Jake and Paul always look sad when they're around me. Rose misses my humanity. Alice asks me constantly about memories. And if any of the other Cullens come back, I'm certain it'll be more of the same. They miss the human, they miss who she was." Her jaw tightened, "I'm not Bella Swan. I don't want to be Bella Swan. She was nothing and yet...she has something I don't."

Kate grabbed her hand, stopping her jittery movements, and making her look at her, "Bella," she spoke gently, lips curled in a slight smile, "She has her memories." Gold eyes widened, "If I had to guess, Rosalie and Alice miss the days that you were going to become a Cullen. And the wolves, well, that's not your fault. They've been enemies with vampires for centuries. I'm surprised some of them are even speaking to you at all." She sighed, "I know I mocked Bella earlier, but that was out of anger. I didn't want to see someone who looked so much like my Bela, especially after she had been gone for so long."

Bella nodded slowly, "That...makes sense." Seventy years is a long time. I couldn't imagine being away from Kate for that long. It sounded agonizing, and she had no idea how Kate managed.

Kate gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "You call your human self stupid, but you hardly remember her, just some dialogue and a memory or two." The blonde smiled sheepishly, "You were around me when I was human, you know how stupid I could be."

"I didn't think you were stupid."

She rolled her eyes, "Love is blind and apparently deaf," Bella laughed at this, making Kate grin, "How often did I throw myself at you? Or yell at you for something pointless?" She questioned, "Something that could have been cleared up easily if I hadn't jumped to conclusions?"

Bella sighed, "That's different."

"How?"

"You were strong and confrontational and-"

"Bella, I was scared." This made her eyes widen in surprise, "I thought you'd grow bored of me, or find someone else to be with, someone more beautiful, someone who was the same as you and could give you what I couldn't. That's why I lashed out, not because I was strong, but because I was afraid that I could never be enough."

She couldn't imagine Kate or Katrina being afraid of anything. Katrina had faced off against Tatyana and Sasha, despite knowing of their strength, with such bravery the vampires had been in awe. As a child she attacked Bella because she believed her to be a demon, she climbed trees and swung blades and fought in battles. But she was afraid of my rejection.

The confession boggled her, "You thought...I don't…I never meant to make you feel that way." Swan felt the same about Edward. That much she knew. He said he didn't want her, he said she wasn't good for him.

Kate shook her head, "It wasn't anything you said. You have to understand that I was a human that was in love with you, and you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You loved me back, and I knew that, but with your physical perfection came my own insecurities." She explained, "Wouldn't it also make sense for Bella Swan to experience the same insecurities?"

Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her, "To be a human teenager constantly surrounded by beautiful vampires…" she trailed off and Kate nodded.

"And to be loved by them, and then left behind and have all of your fears be reaffirmed," she all but snarled before taking a calming breath and forcing herself to relax, "You shouldn't be so harsh towards who you were. You don't remember how she felt, the only life you truly know is that of a flawless vampire. It's not a fair comparison."

Bella felt silly for not having realized this earlier. You were just a teenage girl, she frowned, a human teenage girl. I don't know what that feels like. To feel so unremarkable and so unsure of yourself. Bella had always adored Katrina, and to think that her mate had ever felt that way made her sad.

"I'm sorry you've ever felt that way."

Her mate chuckled, "It's normal, Bella. As I said, none of it was your fault." She paused, "Well, actually, if you weren't so beautiful, maybe I wouldn't have hated myself so much." She shrugged, a teasing smile on her lips.

Bella sighed, "You're right. When I go back to Katrina, I'm going to tell her how amazing she is and how much I love the human her and the vampire her." She said, "Then I'll make passionate love with her so she knows I mean it."

Kate gaped at her, "I'm right here, we can be doing this now!" Bella laughed and this made the blonde growl, "I've been trying to make passionate love with you since you first got back!"

"As tempting as that is, I should save my energy for Katrina-"

"Katrina will be fine, it's me you should be worried about!" She threw her hands up in exasperation, "She sucks in bed!"

Bella laughed, "I'd have to disagree," Kate's eyes turned black and she couldn't help but poke more fun at her, "Are you jealous of yourself?"

"Of course not," she snorted, hands reaching out and catching her waist.

Bella slipped her arms around her neck, "How silly of me to think that my big strong warrior would be jealous of anyone," she teased, her smile broadening as Kate straightened and puffed out her chest.

"Yes, how injudicious of you."

"I take it back, that thesaurus makes you sound like a nerd."

Kate smiled smugly at her, "Oh really?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper, "I went into your old room, trying to learn a bit more about Bella before I met her. Turns out she's a bit of a nerd herself."

Bella snatched the paper from her with a playful scowl, "An invasion of privacy." Swan's old room, would I want to see it?

She winked at her, "I'll invade your privacy anytime, so long as you'll have me."

The newborn hated that she laughed at that, and she shoved her shoulder as Kate grinned and leaned closer. The warrior wrapped her arms around her waist, laughing as Bella feigned disgust and pushed her face away.

"That was terrible." Her palm was on Kate's cheek, preventing her from moving her face closer, "No kisses for you."

Kate moved her head, kissing the palm of her hand before saying, "Stop stalling and open it."

Bella rolled her eyes and unfolded the paper, "Oh." It was a drawing of human Katrina with a sword resting on her shoulder. It was well done, from the crooked smile to the freckles that she had drawn almost perfectly, to the color of her cyan blue eyes. Dream Girl was written in bold letters under the drawing, and she buried her face in her hands as Kate laughed.

"You didn't even know me when you were human and I was still your dream girl," she cooed, pulling Bella's hands from her face, "Don't hide! It's perfect, you're perfect!"

The newborn smiled bashfully at her, "It's embarrassing." Swan, you could draw really well but you're complete shit at captioning. She wondered what other things Swan drew, and contemplated asking Kate to retrieve any other drawings she came across.

Kate plucked the picture from her hand and tucked it back into her pocket, "Don't be embarrassed by your love for me," her grin was dazzling, and Bella felt her embarrassment fade away, "I'm not embarrassed by my love for you, and I never will be!" She declared, abruptly dipping Bella and making the newborn cling to her in surprise, "Bella, you're my forever girl!"

Bella's eyes widened, and before she could say anything Kate kissed her. The newborn had to pull away to allow the laughter to spill from her lips, and Kate watched her with a wide grin as she half heartedly batted her away.

"You're so cheesy!" She grabbed her face and kissed her forehead, "I love it!"

"Calling your dream girl cheesy is extremely rude."

She rolled her eyes but her wide smile remained intact, "You'll never let this go, will you?"

Kate laughed, "No, I'll mock you for the rest of eternity." The rest of eternity, I like that.

Bella smiled, "I look forward to it."

---

"Rose?" Bella looked like a deer in the headlights, and her heart rate increased as she shifted awkwardly in the doorway of her room.

"There'll be a storm tomorrow," she said, "That's when we play baseball. I'm not sure if Edward's invited you or not, but would you like to come?"

She still looked dumbfounded by the sight of her, "Uh, yeah, sure, that sounds cool." Bella was trying to sound normal but Rosalie could hear the slight tremor in her voice, coupled with her racing heart.

"Charlie let me in. Do I frighten you?"

She blinked and shook her head vehemently, "Of course not! Why would you think that?"

The vampire raised a brow, "Your heart sounds as though it's close to exploding."

Her face bloomed red and she swallowed thickly, "I'm just surprised is all."

"Alice visits you all the time."

"Well, you're not Alice, are you." She quipped, eyes widening, "Shit, sorry. I'm not trying to be rude I'm just...you're just...you're here."

"I am," Rosalie hesitated, "Does that bother you?"

Bella let out a breath and shook her head, "No."

Rosalie stood there, arms crossed over her chest and her eyes staring past the human. She knew that she was unnaturally stiff, but she was nervous. In her hand was a box of microwavable popcorn and a Sprite, Bella's favorite soda.

It was a peace offering, an apology for making Bella avoid her. She already knew the reason. 'Because I'm rude to her constantly.'

Finally, she looked at the girl, "I'm very harsh towards you, and I'm sorry." She hated that her apology made Bella look so stunned, it only reminded her of how cruel she had been towards the teen, "I...enjoy your company. I was hoping we could watch a movie together since you like watching them so much."

"Oh! Um, I w-would, erm, I don't-"

"If you're uncomfortable around me, I can leave."

"No!" She said quickly, "It's nice that you came, I'm glad you did." Another blush colored her cheeks, "I missed you, sorry if that's weird."

'I missed you too.'

Rosalie regarded her in surprise, "I'm continuously a bitch towards you and you miss me?" She hummed, "You must be a masochist."

Bella frowned, "You're not a bitch."

"I am, but you're very sweet to say otherwise." She then held out the popcorn and soda, "This is for you."

The human's eyebrows shot upward, "For me?" She gingerly reached out and took them, "Thank you." She sounded in awe of her generosity, another thing Rosalie detested.

'She's used to cruel words from me, so any form of kindness is akin to a gift from God.'

"No need to thank me. I told you, money's not an issue for me and this was cheap-"

"I know." Bella smiled gently at her, "You're very thoughtful, your whole family is." She set the snack and drink aside, "I'm glad that you want to spend time with me."

"Who said I wanted to spend time with you?" The playful tone of her voice wasn't lost on Bella.

The girl chuckled, "You told me you only did things because you wanted to." Rosalie liked that Bella remembered things about her, "That's why you're spending your precious time with me, which is better than you spending your money."

Rosalie tilted her head, "Time isn't an issue for me either. It's not an issue for any vampire." Now that she said it aloud, it made her feel stupid for not coming up with a better way to apologize.

But Bella was one of those humans that didn't like flashy things or flashy clothes. She was one of those humans that appreciated comfort over luxury, the complete opposite of what Rosalie had been as a human.

It made her struggle when it came to being truly thoughtful for the human. Sure, Bella would appreciate a diamond necklace because she was nice, but she'd never wear it. She didn't like showing off or being the center of attention, so it was difficult for Rosalie to come up with a proper way to convey that; yes she did like Bella.

For once, she had been grateful for Edward's nosey nature. He helped Rosalie with her Bella dilemma, and she was surprised that it was something as simple as movies and popcorn.

"You have eternity," Bella agreed, "But humans don't...so spending time with me it," she cleared her throat and scratched the back of her neck, "It uh, means a lot."

Her eyes widened and she nearly smiled, "I suppose that's true...I hadn't thought about it like that." She gave her cheek a light pinch as she stepped past her and entered her room, "You sure know how to make a girl feel special."

Bella swallowed thickly, following Rosalie to sit on her bed, "Anytime," her voice cracked and Rosalie turned towards her, unable to hide her amused smile. The girl's eyes widened and she tripped, nearly going to the floor had the vampire not caught her arm.

Her breath hitched and Rosalie chuckled as she steadied the human, "I would have thought you'd be used to my glamour by now."

Bella muttered, "Stupid, smug vampires," before putting some distance between them, "My dad is watching football, but we can always watch a movie on my laptop...if that's alright with you."

"Why wouldn't it be?" Bella's phone vibrated and she checked it, replying to a message with speedy fingers before looking back up at her.

"Erm, we'd have to sit kinda close."

"Afraid I'll bite?"

Bella, for the millionth time, blushed, "God, you're so catty." She grumbled before picking up the popcorn bag and tossing it to her, "You can pop the popcorn, I'll get a movie pulled up."

Rosalie snatched the bag out of midair, "You're giving me orders now? Aren't you bold."

Bella retrieved her laptop and snorted, "As if you're not used to being bossed around," she grumbled, making Rosalie narrow her eyes.

"What are you implying?" When Bella said nothing and only looked mortified that she had said anything at all, the blonde scoffed, "What, you really think Emmett's in charge in the bedroom? Don't make me laugh."

"Can you please just go pop the popcorn?" She grumbled, "I don't want to lose my appetite." Rosalie liked this, she liked that Bella was more upfront and willing to joke around with her.

"A shame. I was hoping you'd be more sexually liberated than Edward."

Bella chuckled, "You have no idea," Rosalie's eyes widened and the brunette waved her off, "You're distracting me. Please go-"

"I heard you the first time." She went downstairs and put the popcorn in the microwave, tapping her nails against the counter as she waited.

Bella's phone rang and she answered it, "Before you say anything," her voice was hushed, though Rosalie didn't know why, since the football game was loud and Bella was aware of her super hearing, "Just know, that she can hear you."

"Good!"

"Leah-"

"No. What the fuck, Swan? Why are you doing this to yourself?" She shouted, "God! We were supposed to hang out tonight, but you're ditching me for Goldilocks, of all people?"

"She came over suddenly, I'm sorry-"

"Tell her to fuck off, then!"

Bella sighed, "I can't...she's my friend too."

"You're so fucking stupid."

"I know." The defeat in her voice made Rosalie's jaw tighten.

The microwave beeped and she was upstairs in a flash, handing the bag of popcorn to Bella and taking the phone from her.

"Hey!"

Rosalie ignored her and put Leah on speaker, "As Bella said earlier, I can in fact hear you."

"Rose!"

"I didn't mean to ruin your plans, but you can spend time with her another night." She was trying very hard to be polite, but her tone was cold and she wanted nothing more than to rip the silly little shifter a new one.

Leah growled, "Listen, Cullen, I already have to put up with her controlling dick of a boyfriend, I don't need to deal with your bullshit too. Give her back her phone, asshole."

Rosalie nearly chuckled at her description of Edward, but she managed to refrain, "Have a nice night." She hung up and handed Bella her phone before she realized what she had done, "I'm sorry." She looked away from the stunned brunette, "I wasn't trying to be pushy, I just became…" possessive, "Aggravated. I didn't like how she spoke to you."

Anger sparked in brown eyes, "Why, because only you can be rude to me?" She blinked, shoulders slumping as her eyes quickly looked away from her, "I didn't mean that. I just…" she trailed off and Rosalie sighed.

"I deserve for you to say a lot worse to me."

"I wouldn't do that."

"I know, and it's infuriating." Bella wasn't vindictive like she was and it was maddening. If the human evened the score between them, maybe she wouldn't feel as guilty about the entire situation.

"Rose-" she stopped abruptly and she got a faraway look in her eyes, as though she were listening to someone, "Not helpful." She muttered before blinking rapidly.

Rosalie stepped forward, "Is it the voices?"

Bella stared at her for a moment before closing the door behind her and moving to her bed, "Yes."

This worried her, and she sat next to the girl as she pulled the laptop onto her lap, "What do they say?"

She scowled, "It's nothing, alright?" Bella looked nervous, and shaky fingers scratched at the back of her neck, "I don't...I don't want people psychoanalyzing me, okay?" She clenched her jaw, brown eyes flickered to her fidgeting fingers, "Everyone's so worried about me all the time. It's annoying."

"It's annoying that people care about you?" That came out harsher than intended, and she quickly amended, "I'm only asking because I care about you, Bella. Whatever you tell me remains between us, I promise." She reached forward, taking Bella's trembling hands in hers, "But we don't have to if you don't want to."

Bella stared at their hands, face devoid of emotion as she spoke, "I've heard them since I was little. Renee thought I was nuts and she sent me to a juvenile psych ward when I was twelve." She refused to look at Rosalie as she spoke, "That's actually where I met Paul. He was in there because of his anger, they thought he had intermittent explosive disorder. Or extreme bipolar," she shrugged, "Whatever it was, they never figured it out, and he's fine now even though he still gets angry easily. His outbursts are more contained, and he doesn't fight as often."

'It's because he's a shifter.' Rosalie was still surprised by this information. Bella's mother had always been a sore subject for her, one she preferred to avoid, and she had never spoken much about her time in Arizona.

The human bit her lip, "Paul's pretty open about the whole thing, he's proud that he's gotten better but..."

Rosalie gave her hand a gentle squeeze, making Bella look up at her, "And what about you?"

Her heart stuttered in her chest and she cleared her throat, "They thought I was schizophrenic...I didn't have the symptoms aside from hearing voices. They're not bad and they're not mean. They're random. Sometimes they speak in different languages. When I told my mom, I didn't think anything of it, I thought it was normal, but she flipped out and dumped me there. None of the meds they gave me worked, sometimes the caretakers were...well, they weren't always nice." She stopped talking, looking away from Rosalie again.

The vampire leaned forward, gently pulling Bella into a tight hug and resting her chin atop her head. The human stiffened in her arms for a moment before relaxing. Warm arms wrapped around her torso and she rested her head on Rosalie's chest as she released a shaky breath.

"What did Edward say when you told him?"

"I haven't." This surprised her, "I don't need him hovering more than he already does...he's great and I appreciate how much he cares but sometimes," she burrowed deeper into her arms, "Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating."

Rosalie was silent for a moment before she said, "I'm sorry you have a poor excuse of a mother. That's something we can both relate to, and I hope you find comfort in Esme just as I have." Bella sniffled and she held her tighter, "My brother cares about you a lot, but that can make him overbearing. Tell him when he is."

"Okay." She murmured, and Rosalie sighed.

"I mean it. Tell him when you need space."

"I will." She didn't believe her but chose not to prolong the conversation.

Rosalie leaned against her headboard and propped the laptop into her lap, paying little attention to the movie Bella had pulled up, "Can I ask you something?" The human nodded, "The voices, what kind of things do they say?"

She sat up slightly, still in Rosalie's embrace, and she frowned, "Random things." The girl's frown morphed into a fond smile, "One of them calls me her demon. It's weird, but endearing."

Rosalie hummed, "You're right, that is weird."

She laughed before settling against her again, "Yeah. I wouldn't make a very good demon."

"You're far too clumsy to be intimidating."

"Wow, do you and your siblings share a joke book?" Bella grumbled, "I was hoping that, at the very least, Rosalie Hale would have a better insult up her sleeve."

She narrowed her eyes, "I'm trying to be nicer."

"You, being nice?" Bella blinked owlishly at her, "I knew I was dreaming."

A hint of a smirk played on her lips, "Implying that you dream of me." Bella's face turned a bright red and she laughed, "I'm sorry, you're just so easy to fluster."

"I am not. You guys are just...unnaturally pretty," she leaned her head on her shoulder and huffed, "Jerk."

"Hush and eat your popcorn before it gets cold."

"Uh, hey. Are you new in town?" The vampire blinked before setting the box of popcorn back on the shelf. She turned to see a red-faced, teenage boy standing next to her and she rolled her eyes before walking away.

She ignored the woman staring at her and continued on her way to the check out line with a basket full of chew toys. Ghost had shredded through his last ones so Bella had practically begged her to get him more. Not that she needed to. She was glad to get out of the house, glad to get away from Kate and Bella.

Rosalie took the long way home in order to collect herself. The last thing she wanted to do was freeze the newborn out and leave her guessing, as she had so often done before.

Alice had pointed out how that method wasn't helpful, so she was trying a new approach. She tried to pinpoint why the mated vampires aggravated her so.

They would almost be cute together if they weren't so loud and obnoxious. It had only been two days and they were driving her insane.

Carmen had bought a few board games, and the competitive streak between Bella and Kate was ridiculous. There was yelling and cursing and Bella, in her newborn excitement and mood swings, would occasionally break something.

Of course, Irina believed Bella could do no wrong, Tanya scolded her, and Kate only encouraged such nonsense because it entertained her. Carmen and Eleazar more often than not kept the peace, and it irked Rosalie how easily Bella fit in with the Denali's.

I knew she'd leave with them, but that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. Technically Bella was with the Denali's first as Bela, but Bella would have made a good Cullen. Until we left.

Edward, Alice, and Jasper had instantly voted to leave Forks. Edward wanted to keep Bella safe, Jasper's conscience tore him apart, and Alice knew that if they stayed then Jasper would leave and he needed her to be there for him.

"Then you three go," Rosalie had suggested, "I don't feel the need to uproot my life because of a papercut." Edward, of course, had thrown a fit, which helped him get the final vote.

But even when we left I knew that wasn't the last time I was going to see Bella. She and Emmett had already made plans to check in on her. Then Alice came to her with that accursed vision.

Now it's revealed that Bella was always Bela and vice versa, and that Kate's her mate. Whatever slim chance there was of Bella becoming a Cullen is now crushed.

Her eyes widened, that's what it is. Kate's arrival solidified Bella's departure. It annoyed her that the rambunctious Denali had mated to someone she genuinely liked. She always knew how to get under my skin.

Alice was right. Bella being a Denali was for the better, but Rosalie still didn't like it. I don't have many friends, she pulled into the driveway, maybe that's why I'm so possessive of her.

The revelation of Bella's identity had surprised her. Of course, in her own newborn stage, she hadn't paid much attention to Bela. When the Cullens would visit the Denali's, and vice versa, Bela wasn't always present, so the Cullens had learned to avoid speaking about her since it only put Kate in a sour mood.

It had been easy to forget about Bela, seeing as she was a Denali first and foremost and they only visited with their cousins every few years.

When they met Bella, it was Emmett who pointed out the similarities, which had been just as quickly shrugged off by the family. And they all knew better than to waste Kate's time by sending her a picture of the human that closely resembled her mate.

She wonders if even Kate would have been able to put two and two together and figure out Bella's identity. They'd feel the mate pull and she'd figure it out eventually. Rosalie wonders if it would have saved them a lot of trouble in the long run.

But then I wouldn't have befriended her. Though, perhaps her friendship hurt more than helped human Bella, who avoided her towards the end. Rosalie didn't like thinking about it, she didn't like feeling guilty, but when she gained the courage, she decided she'd ask Bella if she remembers what ended up driving them apart.

Bella was at her side the moment she opened the door, "Hey, Rose, how was the store?"

"It was fine, thank you for asking." She heard Kate snort from inside the house and she raised a brow. She remembered that she didn't actually care what upset her cousin, and decided not to question it.

Since the Bella reveal, Kate had been short with her and Alice, though Rosalie found she preferred this to her usual annoying self. However, Rosalie noticed that Kate would become especially prickly when she and Bella interacted.

It was almost as though she were jealous, which made no sense, seeing how she was in love with Emmett and Bella was clearly in love with Kate. But she never glares at Alice whenever she sits in Bella's lap or holds her hand.

"Rose," Bella's voice dragged her from her musings, "Do you think you could do me a favor, please?"

"Another one?" When Bella hesitated she rolled her eyes, "Obviously I'll do you a favor. What is it?" She got the chew toys out of the car and took Bella's hand with her free one.

Bella walked alongside her, thinking nothing of their hand-holding as she spoke, "You're good at piano, do you think you'd play a song with me while I play on guitar?"

"What song?"

"I'm not sure yet." She shrugged, "I'm not going anywhere, and neither is Victoria, apparently, so I thought it could be fun." They walked into the house, and, as expected, Kate's eyes narrowed the second she saw them holding hands.

Oh no, Rosalie fought back her smirk, she's jealous and I'm petty. What fun I could have. Of course, she'd have to be subtle, and it was only fair that she could finally get back at Kate for all her childish pranks and purposefully aggravating behavior.

"I would love to play a song with you."

"Thanks!" She grinned, "Can you sing? You look like you have a good singing voice."

Rosalie tilted her head, "What does someone who has a good singing voice look like?"

Bella snorted and rolled her eyes, "I don't know, Jesus, I was just trying to compliment you."

"I can sing," Kate interjected, earning her a fond smile from Bella.

"War songs don't count."

"That's still singing, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but your singing style is really aggressive," she laughed before drifting away from Rosalie, "Like you're about to murder someone."

Kate rolled her eyes, picking up her thesaurus from the coffee table, "I prefer the word," she flipped through the pages before pointing at a word with her index finger, "Slaughter."

"Okay, that wasn't a fancy word, and it sounded even more aggressive when you said it like that." Bella scoffed, reaching out to take the thesaurus from her, "I bet I could find a better word."

Kate scowled and smacked her hands away, "There isn't. Get your own thesaurus."

Irina frowned at her older sister, "You won't share with your mate? Typical." She then looked at Bella, "Maličký, would you like me to get you a thesaurus?"

The newborn nodded enthusiastically, moving away from Kate and plopping down in Irina's lap, "Yes please!" She kissed her cheek, "Thank you, Rina."

Irina smiled and kissed her cheek in return, "No need to thank me."

Kate rolled her eyes, "Now I see what Tanya was talking about. Irina is soft."

Bella curled into Irina, "You both want me to suffer, but Rina takes good care of me."

Carmen chuckled, "It's nice to see that you two are just as close after all these years."

"More like annoying," Kate grumbled, making Irina scowl.

"You and Tanya are always so negative. Bella is a good newborn, my good newborn, and she deserves to be spoiled from time to time."

Eleazar smiled, changing his strumming pattern and switching chords as he spoke, "That's why you two get along so well. Bribery."

Carmen laughed, "Oh, you're right!"

"Love isn't bribery!" Irina huffed, "None of you understand. I'm the only one with a newborn." She boasted, holding Bella closer to her and making the brunette grin.

Kate chuckled, "You're the only one with a massive ego to match your massive head!"

Irina sighed, "Do you see how Kate treats me?"

Bella gave her mate a playful scowl, "You shouldn't bully your baby sister. She's wonderful."

"She's average."

Rosalie watched their interactions with mild irritation. It reminded her of her time spent with human Bella and her family. She wished Alice would come home sooner rather than later. I wish Emmett were here and things were back to normal.

Bella stood to her feet with Irina, holding Ghost in her arms as she spoke, "I'll be back, I have to take Ghost hunting." She then looked at Rosalie, "Then we're finishing Old Boy," she narrowed her eyes, "Unless you watched it without me already."

It was pathetic how quickly her irritation faded the moment Bella gave her attention.

A small smile tugged on her lips, "Don't worry, I waited for you. An hour or two longer won't kill me." It actually might. I need to know who imprisoned Dae-su and why.

Bella grinned, "Outstanding, I'll be back soon, there are crickets to catch." She and Irina left with the squirming wolf pup, leaving Rosalie, Kate, Carmen, and Eleazar in the house. Kate stared at her for a moment before looking back down at her thesaurus, seeming agitated, but Rosalie was unsure as to why.

Eleazar stopped strumming his guitar, "Rose," she looked at him, "I was speaking to Bella the other day, and she told me she was a bit upset about leaving you and Alice." He said, "Her control has gotten much better, so we won't be here much longer." The raven-haired man set his guitar aside, "I spoke with Tanya about the matter and thought it would be best to speak to you before I mentioned it to Bella. I was thinking that you and Alice could stay with us for a little while."

Her eyebrows raised, "I thought you were all furious with my family."

His gentle smile helped put her at ease, "Mistakes are made, and I figured you both have suffered enough with the regrets that came with such mistakes." He shrugged, "And it's of no personal fault of your own. Your entire family was leaving, what else could you do but follow?"

"She could have visited, or said goodbye." Kate groused, not looking up from her thesaurus, "Some would say it was very remiss of you."

Before Rosalie could retort, Carmen spoke up, "We don't know the full story, Kate."

She growled, "Am I the only one upset by this?"

Rosalie snorted, "Your sisters were very vocal about their dislike for my family, as were the shifters." She leaned back in her seat and looked at her nails, "You're late, so I understand that you have a lot of catching up to do." Kate scowled at her but she ignored it, "I understand being upset with Edward, maybe even Jasper, but I voted to stay in Forks and that should mean something."

"Intentions are useless if they're not followed by action."

"I suppose they are," she shrugged, not taking the bait, "Almost as useless as this conversation." Rosalie didn't have to look at Kate to know the warrior was fuming, "I do have to ask, since your coven is far superior compared to mine, when do you plan on telling Bella about Sasha?" When she didn't get an answer she laughed mirthlessly, "I thought the Denali's didn't keep secrets."

"It's to protect her," Kate growled, "The only reason we survived that day was because we were ignorant of what Sasha had done. Bella may be a mental shield, but she's also a terrible liar, and I can't risk her putting herself in danger for a vampire who has always been as good as dead." She sighed, ignoring Rosalie's wide-eyed stare, "What I said was harsh but true. Sasha was a good mother, but she wanted too much, she was never satisfied, and we were all nearly killed because of her greed."

Eleazar crossed his arms over his chest, looking uncomfortable as he spoke, "Kate's right. Aro may not be able to read Bella, but that could further incriminate her if it's revealed she has even an inkling of knowledge about Sasha's demise." Carmen wrapped him into a hug and rested her chin on his shoulder, "What saves Bella's life is her ignorance...among other things."

"Among other things?"

Kate clenched her jaw and averted her gaze, "I would have thought Carlisle told you." Before she could ask, the blonde shook her head, "That doesn't matter, not now. What matters is that Bella can't know about Sasha if she's to survive that night. Do you understand now?"

Rosalie nodded slowly, "When she finds out the truth...we'll all have to answer to her."

Kate shook her head, "No, only I will. This doesn't concern you."

"When she's sobbing and broken it will concern me." I've picked up the pieces before, and I can do it again.

Carmen intervened before an argument could break out, "Our offer still stands, Rose, but for you and Alice specifically." Her eyes darkened, and given her usually gentle demeanor, the sight unsettled Rosalie, "You'll find my mate to be far more forgiving than I am." Even Kate sank back in her seat as Carmen spoke, "When I see Edward-"

Eleazar smiled and wrapped his mate into a gentle embrace, "My fiery Carmen," he chuckled, "We can't hurt our cousin."

"But he can hurt my Bella?"

Kate laughed, "Ah, Carmen is as upset as I am, she just does a better job of hiding it."

The dark-haired woman sighed, "No, I just know where to focus my anger."

"You should focus it on all of them, not just Edward and Esme." Esme?

Carmen shook her head before turning to Rosalie, "You're here now and that's what matters," she then gestured for Kate to follow her, "Take a walk with me, guerrero." [Warrior.] Kate growled in aggravation but stood up and left with Carmen.

Rosalie and Eleazar were left alone, and she looked at her cousin curiously, "Why is Carmen upset with Esme?"

The older man picked up his guitar, "I'm not sure how much Bella has informed you, but Bela had a difficult time with mother figures for much of her life. So when her identity was revealed, well," he smiled sadly at her, "Carmen is disappointed that Esme contributed to her..." he paused, trying to speak delicately, "Problems."

Rosalie winced, inwardly battling her protective nature towards her mother, as well as coming to terms with the damage Esme's departure had caused. Esme was the mother Bella never had, and she left when things became too difficult. She knew the decision weighed heavily on her mother, it tore her apart to choose between her children.

Maybe Kate had a point. Intentions hardly matter in the face of consequence. Rosalie hadn't even thought about how Esme leaving would reopen the old wound of Renee's neglect and abandonment.

"I understand." She murmured, "My mother loves her but..."

Eleazar began to strum his guitar, "Esme was put in a difficult situation. She had to choose between her sons and her new daughter. A decision I'm sure she agonizes over." The chords he played were soft and sounded bittersweet, a song she didn't recognize, "However, this does explain some of Bela's more erratic behavior when she first met Carmen."

"How so?"

"She was like the ocean," he said, looking up from his strings, "Unpredictable and at times cataclysmic." His fingers continued to dance across the strings, "But when she settled she was lovely." He played softer now as he continued to speak, "Carmen and Bela weren't like you and Esme in the beginning. They were a storm, and the eye of that storm was always Katrina."

This surprised her. The idea of Kate being able to bring peace to anyone was a foreign concept, and when Eleazar saw her raised brows he chuckled.

"You don't believe me."

Rosalie crossed her legs and allowed herself to relax in her seat, "It's not that, I'm just surprised is all."

As much as she loved Carlisle, talking to Eleazar had always been easier. He lacked the stiff formality of her maker, and outwardly expressed more empathy. That wasn't to say Carlisle wasn't loving and empathetic, but he very clinical in approach and struggled when it came to being a comforting presence. But he actually tries and that means something.

He nodded, "She has the same misconceptions about you."

"And what would those misconceptions be?"

"Cold and unfeeling, but that's just how you want others to view you." He nipped her argument in the bud before she could even open her mouth, "Vulnerability is difficult, but I see how you care for Emmett and Bella and the rest of your family."

"With sharp words and pessimism?"

He stared at her for a moment, "No, but you should be careful of how you define yourself."

"I'm being truthful."

"You're forcing yourself into a narrative that does you little justice." He countered, "Don't fool yourself into believing that cruelty is all you have to offer."

Rosalie sighed, unsettled by how easily Eleazar was reading her, "Well, you don't know how cruel I could be to Bella. I drove her away. And when I found out she lost her memories...I'm not a good person, Eleazar." Her confession startled her, it was something she would only ever let slip to Emmett or Esme.

"I'm of the opinion that you're very hard on yourself." Slender fingers paused their strumming, and he gave her a gentle smile, "But you didn't ask for my opinion. You made a statement, one you should carefully consider." He said, "Do you want to be a good person? And if so, what does a good person consist of?"

Rosalie frowned, almost feeling like a child as she struggled for an answer, "A good person doesn't make their friends want to run away. I know that much."

"I believe that being 'good' is too black and white," he began to strum his guitar again, "This is something I struggled with constantly when I was within the Volturi. It took me a long time to discover that I didn't strive to be good, I strived to be better."

She mulled the idea over for a moment, "So you think I should be better?"

"If you believe you can be better, then I encourage you to pursue being better." He smiled, "You've already taken a step in the right direction by admitting your own guilt and your desire to correct past mistakes. It's a long process, and we'll never be perfect, but I'm proud of you for trying to improve yourself."

She smiled at him gratefully, "Thank you," she paused, "Does being better mean I have to hold my tongue?"

Eleazar laughed, "I don't think you should ask yourself to do the impossible."

This made her chuckle, and she allowed a small smile to surface, "You've always been too smart for your own good."

His smile broadened, "People and vampires aren't so difficult to figure out so long as you watch and listen." He changed his strumming pattern, playing a different song with a sweeter melody, "Take the time to observe, Rosalie. You might be surprised by what you discover."

Rosalie thought about Kate, about how quickly she had written her off and vice versa, "I hope you aren't expecting me to turn into another Alice."

"And deprive myself of your scathing commentary?" He chuckled, "Never."

---

"Bells?" Charlie put a hand on her shoulder, watching in anguish as his daughter hastily wiped her tears away, "Are you okay?" He knew it was a stupid question to ask, but he didn't know what else to say.

Watery brown eyes looked up at him and her bottom lip quivered, "I-I'm fine." She stammered, hastily shoving her drawing into her desk, but not before he saw who it was of. Esme.

He felt his own tears burn his eyes and he swallowed thickly, "Oh...I didn't, uh, I didn't realize I was interrupting." Esme had been a godsend, of that he was certain.

The woman took better care of Bella than Renee ever had, and it hadn't occurred to him just how much her abandonment had hurt his daughter. He had often chalked up her depression to missing Edward when really, she had loved the entire family as though they were her own.

"You didn't," her voice was hoarse, and she sniffled before clearing her throat, "I'm fine, I am." She insisted, shifting her arm so that it laid on her desk. That's when he noticed the other drawing on the desk.

'One thing at a time.'

"I'm sorry," he sighed, blinking back tears, "Your mother-"

"Renee."

He nodded, "Renee," he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, "Renee, she was...if I had known that leaving you with her would-"

"Dad," she placed her hand atop his, "Don't apologize. It's not your fault, okay?" She wiped more of her tears away and he frowned.

"I should have checked in more...I haven't been a very good father to you." His shoulders slumped, "I know that, and I'm so sorry." Bella opened her mouth to argue but he wouldn't let her, "I leave you alone to your own devices because I don't want to be overbearing, I don't want to give you a reason to dislike me," he confessed, "But I want to be more involved, I want to know more about you and-"

Bella shot out of her chair and nearly knocked him off his feet with a large hug. She buried her face in his shoulder and held him close, making his eyes water as he held her just as tightly.

"You're trying," she murmured, "Renee never did, but you are, and that means so much to me."

"Trying isn't good enough." He pulled away, "I need to be there for you, and I will be from now on."

Bella gave him a gentle smile, "Maybe I can teach you how to cook."

His eyes darted to the drawing of the woman, "Or, maybe you can teach me how to draw." Her face burned red and she stepped in his line of sight, flustered as ever.

"Erm, sure!"

"Bella," despite his gentle voice, his daughter looked fearful of the question, "Do you...are you interested in women?" His own cheeks turned red at the question. He had noticed her behavior around Rosalie very much mimicked how she acted around Edward.

He had seen the drawings she left on her desk or on her bed. Some were of Leah and Paul and Jake, others of Sam and Emily and Quil, and then there were the drawings of Edward and Rosalie. There were many rough sketches of them, and a few drawn in such fine detail it almost looked as though they were photographed.

Charlie didn't want to assume, but he believed it to be a fair question. However, it was a question he regretted the moment he saw panic that took over Bella's face.

More tears came to her eyes and her hands began to tremble, "I-I don't want to be," she stammered, face flushed and voice shaky, "I've been trying, really, I have!" She was trying so hard not to cry but the tears continued to leak from her eyes, "The more I try to suppress it the harder it is, but I've been trying really hard and-" a choked sob escaped her and she turned her face away in shame.

"Bella-"

"You have to believe me," she begged, keeping her gaze averted, "I still like men, I do. I can get over this, I can, I promise."

"Bells," she looked up at him, and he gave her a sad smile, "I don't think this is something you can get over, and that's okay." But it made him wonder who told her that her feelings were wrong, "I don't care who you like, as long as they treat you well, alright?"

She blinked owlishly at him, "You don't?" The tension left her body and the sight made his heart ache. 'I don't know who made you scared, but you'll never have to be scared with me.'

"Of course not," he kissed her forehead before smiling, "In fact, I can give you some tips on picking up the ladies," she made a face and he laughed, "Hey! I'll have you know I'm very charming."

A small giggle escaped her, "I'm sure women come flocking to you and your bushy mustache."

"You're damn right they do!" She rolled her eyes fondly and he snapped his fingers, "You can't grow my snazzy mustache-"

"Snazzy?"

"But, clearly, lesbians don't want you to have a mustache." He tapped his chin thoughtfully, "What about Leah?"

"L-Leah!" She balked, "What do you mean!"

"Well, she takes very good care of you."

"Because we're best friends," Bella's face reddened, "And she's straight, remember? She was engaged to Sam?"

He frowned, "She could be a half lesbian, like you."

"A half lesbian...bi?"

"I'm leaving?"

She laughed, full and rich and joyful. A laugh he hadn't heard since the Cullens left two months ago.

"No, dad. Bi, as in bisexual."

"Oh! That's what half lesbians are called?"

Bella smirked, "Yes, and half gay men are also called bi, just so you know." He missed this, the sarcasm and sass that seeped through the cracks of Bella's teenage angst. She was much tougher now, much more assured, even though she still fumbled over herself and stammered just as much as he did. She was growing into herself, and he loved the bits of confidence that shined through.

"My daughter is bisexual," he tested the word before giving her a thumbs up, "I think I'm getting the hang of the lingo."

"Nice to know you'll be just as embarrassing regardless of which gender I'll bring home," she laughed, embracing him once again, "Thanks, dad."

His heart felt full, and he smiled as he held her close, "I'm going to be drinking from my 'Number 1 Dad' mug today."

This earned him another laugh, "You deserve to," she pulled away before picking up the drawing on her desk and putting it away.

"Who's that?" He asked, making Bella pause before taking the picture back out and handing it to him.

The woman was drawn to have long, straight hair and a few freckles dotted the bridge of her nose. Bella had started to add color, her eyes were a dark blue, and her cheeks were a light red. She had a crooked smile, and Bella had taken the time to sketch the faint scars that adorned her face.

"This is really good, Bells," the woman looked beautiful, "Who is she?"

He handed it back to her and she blushed, "Uh, I don't know. Sometimes I see her in my dreams."

"Your dream girl, eh?"

"Dad."

He chuckled, "I'm not wrong. She's pretty and," he got one more glance of the picture before she put it away, "Even her eyes are your favorite color. What was that word again? It's a fancy word for blue and it started with a c…" he snapped his fingers, "Cyan!"

"Proud of you." She smiled before shaking her head, "She's just some random girl, I don't even know her name."

"Have you introduced yourself?"

She buried her face in her hands and groaned, "I'm not having this conversation with you. She's not real." Bella stood to her feet, "Don't you have some sports to watch, or something?"

Charlie smiled and gestured to her desk, "Seahawks and the Packers are playing, why don't you bring your stuff and draw while I poorly explain how football works. I'll even let you have a beer with me."

Bella wrinkled her nose but grabbed her things and followed him downstairs anyway. She got situated at the coffee table while he went into the kitchen and retrieved two beers and his mug. He came back in and turned the game on before sitting on the recliner.

"A cop letting his underage daughter drink? You're really shit at your job."

He laughed, "Quiet, you. I know you won't drink it anyway. It's just so I seem cool."

"Yes, you're so cool for letting me pretend to have the choice of drinking Miller Lite."

"At ease, sergeant sassy," he handed her the beer, and she frowned before looking back at him.

"Dad...you really got the mug?" He held up his 'Number 1 Dad' mug before pouring his beer into it.

"I told you I was." He took a sip and grinned, "When you were six-"

"I accidentally shoplifted the mug," she finished for him tiredly, "And then I cried because you joked about arresting me."

Charlie laughed, "It's one of my favorite stories. You were so cute," he made his voice higher pitched, "Please daddy! I can't go to jail, I didn't mean it!"

This earned a laugh from his daughter, "Oh, shut up! I was trying to be nice because you bought me-"

"Mint chocolate chip ice cream," his smile broadened, "And you thought I deserved to have a special mug."

"Because anytime I'd visit in the summers, you'd have ice cream for me, but I never had anything for you." Bella wore a fond smile, one that warmed his heart, "Little did I know that my nark of a father would tattle on me, and then pay for the mug, like a square."

Charlie snorted, "What kind of father would I be if I let you get away with theft?"

"A really cool father," she grumbled, "The opposite of a square, so you'd be a circle."

He chuckled before holding up his mug once again, "Well, I'm a circle now, Bells," he winked at her, "Which is why I can drink from the mug, that I very much deserve."

She smiled before turning to her picture of her dream girl, "You sure do, pops. Just keep the ice cream coming, and you can keep your mug privileges."

He leaned forward and kissed her temple before sitting back in his chair, "You know me, Bells. I've always got your mint chip stocked." He wasn't a fan of the ice cream himself, it was too reminiscent of brushing his teeth, but Bella had always loved the stuff.

"I'll hold you to that," she teased, "When I'm off to college, you better have that ice cream waiting for me when I get back."

Charlie paused, somewhat saddened at the thought of her leaving for college. But he felt better knowing that Bella saw this place as her home, and that she already planned to return.

"No matter where you're at or how long you've been gone, I've always got a bowl waiting for you."

She had begun working on shading the features of the girl she was drawing when she stopped and looked at him, "Thanks, pops," she gave him a small smile, "You have unlimited mug privileges," she turned back to her work, "Just remember that, alright? Don't let my harrowing childhood experience be in vain."

A loud laugh escaped him, "Harrowing? The clerk was very nice-"

"Nice? She laughed in my face and called me 'too cute.' Talk about condescending," she huffed, "You clearly didn't see the anger in her eyes, she was on the verge of tears, and I saw her inching towards the silent alarm with every passing second."

Charlie shook his head, "Have you always been this dramatic?"

"Don't make me take that mug from you, Swan. You're on thin ice."

"What happened to my unlimited privileges?"

"You mocked my trauma."

He laughed and leaned back in his chair, "I love you, Bells, I really do."

She looked at him in surprise before a large grin appeared on her lips, "I love you too."

The slam of the front door made him look up from his mug. Leah strolled in with grocery bags in her hands and set them on the kitchen table, grunting at him in passing before going to his stove.

He cleared his throat, grimacing at the bitter taste of alcohol that clung to his breath, and frowned at her as he cradled his 'Number 1 Dad' mug in his hands.

"How'd you get in?"

"The key under the plant," she shrugged, turning the stove on and grabbing a skillet, "She..." her voice was strained for a moment, and they both stiffened at the mention of his daughter, "She had to use it often since she always left her house key at home."

"Oh…" tears pricked his eyes and he held the mug closer to his chest.

Leah cleared her throat and nodded, "Yeah." She looked into his mug before scoffing, "Christ, Charlie, it's seven in the morning." She crossed her arms over her chest, "I knew you hadn't eaten, and no, smartass, scotch isn't food." She started the coffee maker for him.

He snorted and leaned back in his chair, "They both fill my stomach."

She shot him a glare, "Toss that shit out, I can't have you becoming an alcoholic, alright?" Her voice softened, and he contemplated listening to her.

He didn't, "The boys aren't with you today?" The liquid provided a pleasant burn to his throat, it created a haze that made it easier to cope. I'm not an alcoholic, I just need a bit in the mornings to start my day. He'd be no good to Bella if he spent the entire day sobbing about her disappearance.

Leah pulled out the pancake mix, Bella's favorite breakfast food, and the eggs, "Paul and Jake are with Sam. They'll be by later today to take you fishing. Billy will be there too." Fishing, I haven't been since Harry...

He took another gulp of scotch, warmth pooled into his chest as he blinked back tears. He dies and then Bella goes missing, and they find some of her blood in the woods and- he downed the rest of his drink and slammed the cup on the table.

"You kids don't have to take care of me," he grumbled, blinking rapidly as he swayed slightly in his seat, "I'm a grown man-"

"Stuff it, Charlie. We've been coming around for weeks now and you haven't said anything about it," she grunted, pouring the batter onto the skillet before cracking the eggs into a bowl, "She did the same for us when my, uh...when my dad passed." Leah swallowed thickly, staring intensely at the cooking food, "This is the least I can do for her."

He didn't know what to say, "Oh...that was nice of her."

"Yeah." They're silent when the front door opens again. Seth walked in, a chipper smile on his face as he held up a tupperware container.

"Mom made you cookies. At six she's swinging by to drop off dinner."

Charlie sighed, "By drop off dinner, do you mean she's going to force me to eat while asking about my feelings?"

Seth's eyebrows raised for a moment, "Wow, you're good." He placed the cookies

Leah rolled her eyes, "No he's not. Emily did the same thing the other day." This paid time off isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Charlie sighed, "Fine." Seth joined his sister at the stove and took over the eggs, "But tomorrow I'm checking out that lead." He stood up and went to the fridge, "Jean at the diner said she saw Rosalie Hale at the store," his mind was slightly clouded, and he didn't notice the way the siblings looked at each other in alarm, "Get this, she was buying dog toys."

Leah put the pancakes on the plate, movements stiff and jerky, "Was she sure it was Rosalie?"

"There's no mistaking her." He groused, "She's been over at my house plenty of times. Bell-" he stopped himself, heart clenching at the very thought of his daughter, "She was fond of Rosalie." Definitely haven't had enough to drink for this conversation.

He pulled out more scotch, cursing when Leah snatched it from him, "Stop that." She scolded, "We need you sober, and so does she."

Charlie could feel his face burn with rage, "Leah Clearwater, give me that back, now." He held out his hand, "I just need a little more to get through today, alright?" She eyed him distrustfully before handing him the alcohol again, "I'll be completely sober when I question Rosalie tomorrow."

Seth put the finished eggs on the plate with the pancakes, "You think the Cullens were involved with her disappearance? Doesn't that seem like a wild accusation?"

Charlie sat at the table, grumbling his thanks as the boy set the food in front of him, "I know they're involved with her disappearance. They have to be. She disappears and Rosalie shows up again?" His grip on his fork tightened and he took a swig from his scotch before continuing, "Bella was scared of Jasper. She had nightmares of him...I wouldn't be surprised if that freak got to her." Another swig, "Or, Edward came back and lured her away," he downed his remaining scotch before throwing it with an angered yell, "I never fucking liked him!"

The glass shattered against the wall, and for a fleeting moment, he felt satisfied. The sight of something breaking, something that wasn't his heart or his mind or his composure, made him feel better, if only for a moment.

Yelling felt good, it felt liberating to unleash his pent up anger, "I knew he was nothing but trouble! And I knew Bella's broken wrist was no accident!" He slammed his fist down onto the table, "She breaks her wrist at their house, comes home in a cast all shaken up, and the Cullens are gone the next day?" He was breathing raggedly now, "You heard them, Leah, you heard her nightmares and her screams. She was yelling at Jasper to stop–that bastard hurt her and that bullshit family got scared and ran!" The rest of his scotch kicked in and he felt himself relax, swaying unsteadily as his anger subsided.

Seth was at his side, gently taking his arm and helping him sit, "It's alright, Charlie," it is, he wants to agree, I feel numb, "Why don't you eat? Leah and I will clean this up."

Leah found his broom easily and began to sweep up the glass while Seth wiped the traces of liquid off the wall and floor. Charlie ate his breakfast, though he could hardly taste anything, and he released a shuttered breath as he clutched his mug to his chest.

"You kids, you kids are great. Your mother is lucky to have you both." He mumbled, earning him a quiet 'thanks' from Seth and a worried look from his older sister.

"Seth will put away your groceries, then you're going to sleep this off. You're not getting out of fishing." Leah helped him to his feet and to the couch and, not for the first time, he was surprised that she was able to keep them both from toppling over.

He collapsed on the couch, eyelids growing heavy the second his head hit the pillow, "I'll...I'll find her." Leah went to take the mug from him but he kept it out of her reach, "No. I'm number one dad, she says I am, she says I can always drink from this mug." His vision became blurry, "Go check...freezer has ice cream for her."

Leah sighed, "She's right, Charlie," she grabbed a blanket and draped it over him, "You're the number one dad." Her voice faded as he drifted off. He dreamt of Bella, of her coming home to the sight of mint chocolate chip ice cream on the kitchen table, and of her wide smile and warm embrace.

---

"You need to loosen up, Bellsy." Emmett chuckled, sliding the shot in her direction. Shaky fingers wrapped around the shot glass and she bit her lip, looking at the liquid with uncertainty.

"Maybe this wasn't the best idea…"

Edward and Esme were on a hunting trip, Rosalie was tinkering in the garage, and Carlisle was putting in extra hours at the hospital. Emmett had told his mate he was going hunting and instead went straight to Bella's to pick her up.

Charlie had the night shift and Bella told him she'd be staying the night with Alice so she could avoid him finding out about her escapade the next morning. Both Emmett and Bella were well aware that, when they returned to the house, they'd get yelled at, but Bella insisted that she didn't care.

'Edward and Rosalie are so adamant that I have the human experience,' she had snarked, 'Looks like they'll get their wish.'

Emmett grinned, "Oh, it definitely isn't. But that's why we snuck out, remember? Eddie and Rosie would kill us if they knew." Getting the fake IDs had been the easy part. Hiding his excitement from Edward and Rosalie had been difficult, but he had succeeded.

She chuckled, "So would Esme."

"And Carlisle."

"But not Jasper and Alice."

"Which is why we invited them! So there are more people to be mad at." He concluded, hearing his siblings pull up to the club.

Bella glanced at her shot again, "I'm surprised Jasper came, I didn't think he'd like things like this." She was right, Emmett knew, because his brother cared little for the pulsing lights and thundering base and sweaty humans grinding against each other.

Jasper and Edward were similar in that way, whereas he loved going clubbing with Rosalie, despite her not being a huge fan of it herself. However, she liked that others gawked at her beauty, and she loved him so she indulged him.

Alice was fun to club with. She loved dancing and socializing with the drunk girls in the bathroom. He had invited her because she and Bella were practically inseparable, and her presence would help put their human at ease.

His siblings walked in and, just as he had, garnered a lot of attention as they strolled over to them.

Jasper smiled warmly at Bella, despite his stiff posture, "You're right, I'm not much for these sorts of things, but I wanted to be supportive."

She smiled gratefully at him and Alice bounced forward, embracing her tightly, "I can't wait to watch you lose your sobriety!" She enthused, making Emmett laugh and Bella blush.

"Did you have to phrase it like that?"

Alice grinned, ignoring her temporary discomfort, "Oh my god, Bella, you look too chic!"

Bella frowned in confusion before her eyes widened, "Awe, thanks Al." She looked her up and down, "You look so thin."

Before Emmett could ask, Jasper rolled his eyes fondly, "Devil Wears Prada." This made the largest Cullen laugh.

Alice ignored them, "Do I? Oh, it's for Paris. Well, I'm on this new diet, it's very effective. Well, I don't eat anything, and when I feel like I'm about to faint I eat a cube of cheese."

Bella giggled, breaking character and making Alice frown, and she cleared her throat, "Well, it's definitely working."

The seer sighed, "I know. I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight." The two laughed, and Alice patted her cheek, "You were flawless, Bellyache! I'm so proud!" She then gave her a stern look, "Now if only you could pass my pop quizzes."

Bella rolled her eyes when Emmett intervened, "No lectures, Alice! This is the time to drink and be merry!" He pointed at Bella's shot, "Down it and let's get this party started, I want to dance!"

The brunette grimaced before downing the shot and gagging, "What the fuck!" She choked, eyes watering and her free hand flew to her throat, "This tastes awful!"

Emmett grinned, "You don't drink them for the taste!" He gained the bartender's attention, "Two more shots of the strongest stuff you have." She looked hesitant as two more were placed in front of her and Emmett placed a hand on her shoulder, "This is your night, Bella. We'll take care of you, but if you don't want to do this then you don't-"

"No. This is good." She insisted, picking up one of the shots, "Thank you, Em, for taking me out," she smiled at him before throwing the liquor back.

"Anytime, Bellsy," he laughed as she gagged, smacking her lips and wrinkling her nose in disgust, "I love hanging out with you." She was fun, and he was glad she spent so much time with the soon to be shifters. They were helping her get out of her shell in a way he never could. Edward hovered, but he couldn't when she visited La Push.

Bella took her third shot and blinked, cheeks reddening and tense form relaxing. An unfamiliar and upbeat song played loudly over the speakers, and Emmett grinned as she began to mindlessly bob her head to the beat.

"Let's dance!" He grabbed her hand and dragged her to the dance floor. Alice beamed in excitement, taking Jasper's arm, and the couple followed them to the dancefloor.

While Bella had loosened up, much like Jasper, she was awkward as she watched Emmett and Alice dance. His sister, despite not taking it seriously, still danced with a grace that put ballerinas to shame.

Emmett's movements were wilder, throwing elbows and bouncing on his toes as he kept in time with the beat. It was also to make space for them. He hadn't missed the way Bella's eyes darted around nervously at the encroaching bodies.

She didn't like being closed in, he understood, and he'd keep her safe.

"C'mon, Bellsy! Get into the rhythm!" He yelled over the music, holding out his hand to her. She bit her lip before taking it, laughing in surprise when he spun her around. He led her into a waltz, going against the rhythm himself for the sake of making her laugh and loosen up.

Alice smiled at the two as Jasper took her hand and twirled her as well. Jasper was still rigid as a board, but he was enraptured with Alice, who rocked forward on her toes and kissed his jaw.

They danced for a while, and the alcohol had done its job. Bella was laughing and following Emmett's exaggerated dancing pattern as best she could.

After ten more minutes she pulled away, face flushed and eyes pulsing with excitement, "Can I get another drink?"

Jasper pulled away from his mate, "I'll go with her," he offered, holding out his arm to her, "I could use a break from the crowd."

Bella beamed at him and slipped her arm through his, "Thank you! You're always so nice, Jasper, even when you look like you want to drain me of my life source!"

Alice and Emmett laughed while the empath sighed, "That's nice of you to say, Bella." He led her to the bar, ever the gentleman, while Emmett and Alice danced with each other for a little longer, laughing when they heard Bella leave the bar and start up a conversation with some girls in the bathroom.

"I'm sorry to intrude! But you're all so beautiful!" They awed in tipsy flattery.

One of the girls hiccuped, "No, bitch, you're so beautiful!"

"Stop it, girls, you're gonna make me cry!"

Bella gasped, "Oh no, don't do that, you'll smudge your perfect eyeliner!"

"Well," the girl sniffed, "It's nice that you noticed how much work I put into my makeup. My own boyfriend hasn't even said anything yet."

"What a pig," another girl scoffed.

"Maybe he's just shy," Bella suggested, "You look like a lovely fairy, he's probably just tongue-tied."

"Oh my god, you're so sweet." The girl blubbered, "I love you!"

"I love you too!"

Emmett grinned at Alice, "Looks like Eddie has some competition."

She didn't laugh, instead, she pulled away, "I should go save her."

Emmett watched her leave with a frown before shaking his head, it was probably nothing. He began walking back towards the bar, dodging hands that grabbed for him and escaping the dance floor with ease.

He joined Jasper, whose brow was furrowed in concentration. His brother's hands were balled into fists and Emmett grimaced.

"Too many emotions?"

"Sometimes it's truly agonizing. I don't think I can stay much longer." He growled, eyes darkening for a moment before he shook his head, "Sorry, I wish I were more fun at these things-"

"Don't apologize, Jaspy," Emmett placed a hand on his shoulder, "We're all glad you came." He then smirked at him, "Your shitty dancing was fun to watch."

Jasper chuckled, relaxing slightly as he spoke, "You're an ass...but I appreciate you, and your positive emotions."

Alice appeared with a slightly wobbly Bella, keeping her arm around her waist as she led her to the barstool.

Bella grinned at her, "I told you she was great."

"Yes, but you couldn't even tell me her name." Alice laughed, reaching out and moving Bella's drink to her.

Emmett sat next to the human, "Well, Bellsy, I heard you speaking with your new friends."

Bella frowned at him, "How did you know that? We were in the girl's bathroom, you pervert." His jaw dropped and Jasper laughed while Alice hid her giggles behind her hand.

"I have really good ears, remember?"

She stared at him before her mouth formed a perfect 'o', "I'm sorry, Emmie! I forgot!" She practically yelled, "You and Jasper and Alice are such gentlemen, I should have known better."

Alice looked offended, "I'm not a gentleman."

Bella sighed, giving her a small smile before reaching out and taking her hand, "No, but you're really gentle, man." The seer narrowed her eyes at her while Emmett laughed loudly.

"Drunk Bella is awesome!"

She grinned at him, "You're awesome!"

"Hell yeah!" Emmett was enjoying himself, and it appeared Bella was as well. He was glad. She had been so tense the past couple of weeks and Edward's hovering wasn't making it any better.

Jasper was telling them a story, but the human was sipping her fruity umbrella drink and staring at someone in the crowd. Emmett followed her line of sight, eyes widening when he saw a blonde girl staring right back at Bella.

She was sitting at a booth with some friends, eyeing Bella appreciatively before giving her a flirty wave. Emmett knew his siblings were watching the interaction as well, and noticed neither Jasper or Alice looked surprised by Bella's red face or the way she waved shyly back before quickly averting her gaze.

Alice gently grabbed Emmett's arm, "Edward will be home soon. Jasper can't handle being here much longer anyway, so we'll try to do some damage control before you come home," she then gestured at Bella, "Take care of her."

He nodded, "I will. Thanks for coming, we're both really glad you did."

"Party poopers are leavinggggg." Bella sang, giving them hugs before returning to her seat, "Love you! Bye!"

Jasper smiled at her before nudging Emmett, "Cut her off."

"Done and done." When they left he bought her one more drink per her request.

He tried to tell her something but she was staring at the girl again, "Do you...do you like her?"

Bella startled, pushing her now empty drink away from her and scowling, "No, Emmie," she glanced at the blonde again, "I just think she's really hot."

He looked at his friend thoughtfully, "Do you like girls?"

She snorted, "Duh, a ton of my friends are girls." The blonde stood up from her chair and Bella froze, eyes wide as she began to walk towards them, "Shit, she's coming over here!" She hissed, grabbing Emmett's arm in slight panic, "What do I do?"

"What do you want to do?" He was more amused than anything. Edward wasn't Bella's mate, and while Emmett wouldn't encourage Bella to cheat on his brother, he was curious to see how this would play out.

'I'll get her out of here before it all goes to hell,' he thought, watching as the girl got closer.

"Shhh! Shut the fuck up, act normal!" Bella leaned against the bar, staring into her empty glass as the girl stopped in front of her.

She was pretty with blonde hair that went a little past her shoulders and dark blue eyes. She wore a tight green dress and bright red lipstick, and Emmett felt invisible as the girl gave Bella her undivided attention.

"You were staring," the blonde said, making Bella look up at her with a shrug.

"You're pretty, I'm sure you're used to that." Emmett's eyes widened, 'drunk Bella has game?'

The blonde smiled, pleasantly surprised, "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Bella stared at her for a moment before sighing, "You look a lot like my dream girl, but you're not her." Emmett looked at her in confusion as she stood to her feet, "And I have a boyfriend, sorry." She patted Emmett's shoulder, "Take me home, Emmie."

The girl looked stunned and Emmett gave her an apologetic smile as he slipped an arm around Bella's waist, "Sorry about that, she's drunk. Have a nice night."

He helped his friend out of the club and into the car. As he began to drive home, Bella turned up the radio and rolled down the passenger window. She sang loudly to the songs she knew and didn't know, and Emmett joined in, making up lyrics as the song went along.

As excited as he was for Bella to become a vampire, he truly loved her as a human.

When their music was interrupted by advertisements, Emmett turned the radio down and looked at the human. Her head was resting against the seat and her arm was hanging out the window. She looked more at ease than she had in a long time.

"Bellsy?"

"Emmie?"

He chuckled, "Is that nickname going to stick?"

"Don't know yet, but I think it's cute." She giggled before closing her eyes.

Emmett smiled before asking, "Who's your dream girl?"

Her eyes opened and she stared at him as though he were idiotic, "Duh, the girl of my dreams," she grumbled, "I don't know who she is, but she has blue eyes and blonde hair and cute freckles." Her sigh was wistful, "I don't see her a lot, but every once in awhile I do."

He tapped his thumb on the steering wheel, "Do you want to be with her...romantically?"

Bella was quiet for a moment before she laughed, "Ooh! I'm drunk but I'm not that drunk!" She shook her head, "Don't worry, I still love Edward."

"Well, we'll still love you even if you don't love him." He told her truthfully, making her frown and look up at him.

"Why?"

Emmett smiled, reaching over and ruffling her hair, "You're family, Bells. You're stuck with us now."

"Oh." She said quietly before sighing, "I do still love him...sometimes I just need space."

"I understand." But he didn't, not really. He adored Rosalie, he never wanted to be away from her for too long. 'But she's my mate and Edward isn't Bella's.'

She took his large hand in his, "I love you," she told him, "I'll beat people up for you."

He laughed, "As much as I'd love to see you fight for me-"

She scowled at him, "I'm serious."

"I know," he kissed the back of her hand, "I'll beat people up for you too."

He pulled into the driveway and winced, having almost forgotten the consequences that came with their adventure. He could smell Rosalie and Edward in the living room along with Alice and Jasper.

"Ready to face the music?"

Bella put a finger to her lips, "We should try to sneak in," she whispered, "Like ninjas."

Emmett grinned, "Of course," he whispered back, "How silly of me." They tiptoed to the front door and Bella opened it. Edward was standing there with a scowl on his face and his arms crossed. Rosalie was glaring at Emmett, which he returned with a sheepish smile, and Jasper and Alice were sitting at the kitchen table, both looking properly aggravated.

Bella looked at Edward with wide eyes before turning towards Emmett, "He hasn't said anything. Maybe he doesn't notice."

Emmett couldn't stop the giggle that escaped him, "I think you're right." She nodded and dropped to the floor, army crawling to the kitchen. He followed suit, avoiding Rosalie and Edward's harsh stares and army crawling with Bella behind the counter.

They leaned against the counter, and Bella panted slightly from exertion, "Okay, now we need to distract them so we can get upstairs."

Emmett nodded, "I have a plan. Edward is such a prude, if you flash him he'll probably faint." Alice's quiet laugh made him smirk and Bella looked at him with wide eyes.

"Holy shit, you're right-"

"Bella. Emmett." Edward's clipped voice made them both freeze.

"Dammit," Bella swore, jumping to her feet, "We've been spotted, run!" Before she could move Edward had her wrapped in his arms, making her yelp in surprise before she thrashed, "Unhand me, sir! I know my rights!"

"Edward," Rosalie warned, and he quickly released the human, putting his hands behind his back respectfully and taking a step back.

Bella glared at him before laughing, "Everyone in this house is so gentlemanly!" She enthused before slipping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips, "Edward! I'm happy to see you!"

Edward was taken aback, but he still slipped his arm around her waist, "I'm...happy to see you as well." Emmett took this as his cue to leave, but of course, Edward anticipated this, "What is wrong with you?" He demanded, "She's underage, she could have been hurt or gotten sick or-"

Alice was on her feet, "Christ, Edward, she was fine. We all had fun, right, Bella?"

Bella nodded happily, "Yes! I danced a lot and took fifty shots."

Jasper chuckled and Edward glared at their sister, "I expected this behavior from Emmett, but not from you or Jasper." Alice rolled her eyes but, of course, Edward wasn't finished, "You all dragged her to some club and-"

Bella pulled away from him with a scowl, "They didn't drag me anywhere. I wanted to go!" She insisted, "Stop yelling at them when it was my choice, Edward!" He looked like he was at a loss for words.

But he was Edward, and words had always come easily to him, "But why? What possessed you to want to take part in something so ludicrous?"

The human glanced at Rosalie before staring back up at Edward, "Because I wanted to."

"Is that it? You're becoming an alcoholic because you want to?"

Emmett growled at him, "I know you're worried about her, but you don't have to be such a dick!"

Before he could say anything else, Rosalie stepped forward and took Bella's hand, "I think we've heard enough," she led Bella to the stairs, "Did you have fun?" Her voice was gentle, and she flashed Emmett an amused smile as Bella stumbled after her.

"Yeah," she yawned, "I wish you came too. And Edward, even though he's all grumpy." She murmured, trudging up the stairs while clinging tightly to Rosalie's hand for stability.

"Maybe next time." She said, "Would you like to sleep in my room?"

"Yes please. Will you sit with me?" Bella asked, "You can read me one of your boring car manuals to help me fall asleep."

Rosalie snorted as they entered their room, "I'm not reading to you."

"But you'll sit with me?"

"...if you wish."

Emmett couldn't help but smile at their interaction. Rosalie and Bella had a rough start, but he knew the girl had really grown on his mate. Bella would be a great fit for them, a great Cullen.

Edward tensed, eyes narrowing, "I'm not turning her."

The larger vampire balled his hands into fists, "I'm not having this pointless argument with you. It's not your choice, it's Bella's."

You shouldn't be worried about that right now. Bella's drunk and the first thing you do is scold her for wanting to have fun.

"I wasn't-"

You're her boyfriend. You should be the one sitting with her until she falls asleep, not Rosalie.

Edward glared at him, "That's not the point."

"But it should be!" Emmett snapped, "Even if you're upset with her, you can't just lecture her and be done with it, you have to try to understand and take care of her. You can't control her!"

"I'm not trying to control her!" He snarled, "I'm trying to help her see reason!"

Emmett looked at him incredulously, "Do you hear yourself right now?" It was difficult for him to not think about Bella's dream girl, or how she confessed that she needed space or the way she looked at that girl at the club, but he managed.

"Bella, keep your clothes on!" Rosalie's startled voice nearly made him laugh, whereas Edward looked aggravated.

An angry huff escaped the human and they could hear her slap Rosalie's hands away, "Chill out, prude, I'm just taking my shirt off. It's hot!" Alice and Jasper looked as close to laughing as Emmett was.

Rosalie growled at her, "You wouldn't be if you had just taken off the covers, you stupid girl."

"You're such a baby!" Bella whined, "I have a bra on, what's the big deal?"

"You're so obnoxious!"

"Your mom!"

Rosalie grumbled, "Why did I think talking to someone that smells like a liquor store would be a good idea."

Bella gasped in offense, "Better than smelling like a bad attitude and hairspray!"

Alice burst into a fit of giggles and Emmett laughed heartily as Rosalie spluttered in surprise and irritation. Bella didn't normally talk back, but Emmett knew his mate appreciated her snark more than she'd care to admit.

Edward still looked frustrated, but he softened at their interaction, and Jasper reached forward and took his hand in his, "Come on, we should calm you down before you say or do anything you'll regret." The mind reader looked like he wanted to argue but he didn't.

Whatever thoughts he received from Jasper made his shoulders slump, and he sighed and allowed the empath to lead him out of the house. If there was anyone Edward would listen to, it was Jasper and Carlisle.

Emmett decided he would keep his newfound knowledge of Bella's sexuality to himself. She hadn't come out to him on purpose, she was drunk, and he wouldn't abuse her accidental trust in him.

Emmett and Alice entered his room to see Rosalie spooning Bella. The human still had her shirt on, and Rosalie glared at them when they walked in with large smiles on their faces.

"Not a word." She warned, "She kept whining about being hot, and I'm cold enough that she doesn't feel the need to strip."

Bella giggled, "Rose is a cuddler, Rose is a cuddler!" She sang, making Emmett laugh as he approached her.

He held out his arms, "Bella sandwich?"

She looked at him in awe and opened her arms, "Bella sandwich!" She cheered, grinning widely as he slid into the bed and wrapped his arms around her and Rosalie. Bella nestled deeper into Rosalie's arms before hugging Emmett's torso tightly.

Alice frowned, "Hey, what about me!"

His mate rolled her eyes, "If you join she'll get hypothermia."

"Since you hate cuddling, what if I switch you places-"

"No."

"What? Why!"

"Bella's already comfortable."

Bella gave Alice a sleepy smile, "I like cuddling with you too, Ali, but if Rosie or Emmie moves I might just die."

Rosalie glared at Emmett, "If she constantly calls me Rosie I'll be very unhappy with you."

"Don't sweat it, babe, she's just drunk."

Bella snorted, "Yeah, babe," she lowered her voice to better match his, "I'm just drunk, babe, don't worry about it, babe." She looked at Emmett, "That's how you sound. And then Rosalie sounds like," she made her voice higher pitched, "Oh, I'm a fancy pants Hale! I pretend I'm never satisfied and that I hate everything when I'm really a big softie that likes being called babe," Emmett and Alice laughed while Rosalie didn't look nearly as amused, "You two are so fucking predictable it makes me sick."

"At least Emmett and I aren't the poster children for the abstinence club." His mate shot back, making Bella laugh mockingly.

"Ooh, good one! Virgin shaming, haven't heard that before!" Her voice oozed with sarcasm.

Emmett laughed, "You're a feisty drunk!" However, Bella now seemed actually angry. Her face was red and a frown had replaced her once sleepy smile. 'Do the virgin jokes really bother her?' Bella wasn't very confrontational, and he wondered what other things got under her skin that she remained silent about.

Bella opened her mouth but was cut off by Alice, "Bella." Brown eyes looked at his sister, understanding passed between them, and to his surprise, the tension leaked from the girl's body and she became silent.

Rosalie stared at Alice, "What was that?"

"Nothing." The seer said, earning her a frustrated growl in return.

"Whatever." Rosalie and Bella may have been close, but it was Alice who knew all of the human's secrets. She knew things even Edward didn't know, and by extension, Jasper seemed to be in the know of many of Bella's secrets as well.

Bella wriggled in their grip, "You can both let me go now. I should probably wait in Edward's room."

Rosalie released her but didn't get up, and Emmett frowned, "Is that what you want? To wait for him?"

She was quiet for a moment before sighing, "No, he really made me mad, but I should-"

"Just stay the night with us, Bellsy. You can deal with Edward in the morning."

Bella hesitated before she gave in, slipping her arms around his torso again, "Thank you." Rosalie curled closer to her, putting an arm around Bella's waist before sighing.

"Just don't vomit in our bed."

"Love you too." She snarked back, but this time she had a small smile on her face.

Rosalie rolled her eyes, "I didn't realize I'd have to state the obvious, but I should know better when it comes to you," her voice was teasing, putting the human at ease, "Clearly I love you, or else I wouldn't put up with your drunken nonsense."

Emmett grinned, "I love you too!"

"I love her more than the both of you combined," Alice put her hands on her hips, "Next time you get drunk you're cuddling with me and Jasper." She then perked up and took out her phone, "But, this is still cute, so I need to get a picture."

Emmett laughed while Rosalie growled, "Put that away."

"Don't worry, I'll send it to the family group chat."

Bella wriggled in their arms and cheered, "Yes! A picture, I love those things!"

"Alice-" Rosalie was cut off by the click of Alice's phone camera, and the seer cooed over the picture while the blonde cursed at her. Bella fell asleep soon after, unbothered by the bickering sisters, and Emmett felt his pocket vibrate.

He shifted so he could reach for his phone, opening the text from Alice and laughing at the picture. His grin was wide and his cheek rested atop Bella's head, Bella had her eyes closed and her tongue was sticking out, and Rosalie was curled into Bella with a scowl on her face as she glared at the camera.

"This," he said, holding the phone up for Rosalie to see, "Is pretty perfect."

She softened ever so slightly before rolling her eyes, "It's not terrible."

"C'mon, Emmett, focus," he grumbled to himself, tearing his gaze from the picture and shoving his phone in his pocket, "Don't worry, Bellsy, I'll find you."

Emmett had only come to visit, just to see how Bella was doing. He wasn't going to interfere, just peek in and check up on her. However, upon entering Forks he saw her missing posters, and his search had led him near the house.

He had thought about texting Rosalie but had decided to hold off. She's having a girls trip with Alice. I don't want to worry them and ruin their fun.

Bella's scent was extremely faint, but it was there, and it was enough to worry him.

"Bella." Pieces of fabric were mixed into the earth, practically invisible to the human eye but not to him. He dropped to one knee, hand hovering over the fabric as his brow furrowed. Was she attacked? Kidnapped?

Other scents filled his nose, the familiar ones of his cousins, the shifters, and the faintest trace of Rosalie and Alice. Emmett frowned, they're supposed to be in New York. It would make sense if they came to visit her, but they wouldn't stay.

He stood to his feet, a piece of Bella's fabric clutched tightly in his hand. Rose and Alice are here, the shifters have been crossing into our territory, and the Denali's are also here, but why? It wouldn't be far fetched for the shifters to be allowed to cross in order to help locate Bella, they had been good friends. But that doesn't explain the Denali's, and it doesn't explain why Rose and Alice lied about where they were going.

Emmett shook off the momentary feeling of hurt that came with discovering Rosalie's lie. Whatever her reason for hiding the truth, I know it's a good one. There weren't many things she hid from him, even when she tried he could always read her like a book.

But something was off the day she left.

Rosalie had approached him stiff as a board and eyes black as coal. She told him about her departure for New York and could barely look him in the eyes. And when he hugged her goodbye she had held on so tightly it had surprised him. Alice was just as bad. She wore the same plastic smile as she kissed Jasper farewell and followed Rosalie onto the plane.

Everyone had been a little off since leaving Bella. Edward hardly left his room, Rosalie lashed out far more often than she normally did, Carlisle had less to say, Esme cooked for no one, and Jasper and Alice had bought a house separate from everyone. Jasper couldn't deal with the emotions, and Alice was openly heartbroken about leaving Bella behind.

But Emmett was one of the happier Cullens and he had a role to play. He became louder and joked more and tried to make his family smile, tried to keep his family together. Of course, Rosalie had seen right through him.

"I prefer the way you cope," she had told him, and would even allow herself to laugh at his stupid jokes. She laughed to make me feel better. Sometimes it worked, some days were better than others, but all in all the guilt of leaving Bella the way they had stuck with them.

The last thing I saw was her broken wrist and terrified face.

Emmett sighed and shook his head, "No time for regrets, we have a clumsy human to save."

Before he took off in the direction of the house he heard the gentle strumming of a guitar. This made him pause and wander closer the source of the music. It wasn't Eleazar, this vampire smelled like the ocean. The familiar scent made his eyes widen. She's here? It's been so long.

Emmett followed her scent and found her sitting high up in a tree. He came up from behind her, stepping cautiously as he listened to her play.

She sniffed the air and continued playing as she spoke, "You should leave," his eyes widened at the sound of her voice, and she turned her face so she could see him, "Oh," she sighed before turning her back to him, "Gold eyes. You must be a Cullen." She doesn't know me?

"Bela?" She stopped, turning her body completely in order to stare at him, and she rested her guitar in her lap. She looked so much like Bella it was uncanny, and he looked at her in disbelief as she sized him up. But it can't be Bella, right? Bela loves playing the guitar and she's far older than I am. Bella could Bela's her doppelganger.

"Technically, yes, but I'm also Bella." Gold eyes scrutinized him, "I'm not sure which Cullen you are. You'll have to say more than one word." He gawked at her, trying to process the information, and she sighed, "You're not Jasper, I remember what he looks like," a flicker of discomfort appeared in her eyes before it quickly vanished, "I'm assuming you're not Carlisle," a teasing smile played on her lips, "I'm told he's very intelligent and articulate."

Bela is Bella, but how does that work? Bela did have a strange power that made her disappear, but that was years ago, way before Bella was born. Yet there she was, claiming to be one and the same. Time travel? It seemed impossible. But vampires and shifters exist, so what do I know?

Emmett was thrown by her demeanor. Bella's confidence and wit had always been seen in blips during her human years, but listening to her now all he could hear was Bela. The snarky, fun-loving vampire he had befriended all those years ago.

"You can't be Esme," she continued, "She's a beautiful woman from what Alice has told me, and, I mean no offense, but you are decidedly not a beautiful woman," she jumped out of the tree, landing on her feet with ease, "I'm a bit of an expert on the subject." The fast approach of Kate made her grin and she set her guitar aside just in time for the blonde to barrel into her.

They both slammed into the ground, tussling with each other to see who'd come out on top. Kate got the upper hand, grabbing Bella's wrists and pinning them to the forest floor. The brunette didn't put up a fight, instead, she smirked up at her before looking at Emmett once again.

Kate gave him a glare, making him frown in confusion, before she turned back to Bella, "Did you figure it out?" Why is she mad at me? Kate was his favorite Denali, one of his best friends, but now she looks at me like she hates me.

Bella hummed, "I know he's not Esme."

This made the blonde laugh and kiss her briefly, "You're right! He's not."

She smiled up at her, "Not Carlisle."

Another kiss, "Nope." She released her wrists and Bella sat up, rapping her fingers against Kate's thighs as she stared at him.

Bela is Bella and that means she's Kate's mate which means, "Gay." His eyes widened, "Bela, you're Bella, and you're so gay! I knew you liked girls, but I never thought you'd have the balls to actually be with one-"

The brunette snapped her fingers and grinned, "Emmett! You're Emmett!" Right, she doesn't know me.

He looked at Kate, "What...how is this happening? Why can't she remember anything?"

Kate opened her mouth but Bella stopped her from speaking, slapping a hand over her mouth before saying, "Long story short, I was attacked by Laurent. Irina and Tanya saved me. The trauma made me lose my memories. I've seen a couple of my memories but I mostly hear voices. Victoria is trying to kill me because you guys killed James. I can time travel which is how I'm also Bela. And Kate is angry at all you Cullens for abandoning me." She frowned, "Well, all the Denali's are a little angry about that, except Eleazar because he's really nice."

Emmett's brow furrowed, unsure of what to say but knowing he felt deeply remorseful for all that had happened, "Bella, I never wanted-"

She removed her hand from Kate's mouth and waved him off, "Yes, yes, you never wanted to leave, you regret not saying goodbye, I've heard it all before." She said tiredly, "Alice and Rosalie beat you to it and honestly, I'm exhausted." Bella's lack of emotion surprised him, but when he saw the flicker of irritation in her eyes he knew better, "Every time a Denali pops up we rehash the same conversation. I forgot there were another fifty Cullens I'd have to talk to at some point, and God help me if more of the wolves start coming my way."

There was so much to unpack he didn't even know where to begin. The Denali's are mad at us. Bella is also Bela and she's part of their coven. Laurent nearly killed her. Victoria is back, and that explains why the wolves are on our side of the border. Bella doesn't remember me. That hurt, but he quickly brushed it off. It's not her fault...maybe I can tell her about all the fun we had!

Kate growled, "You forgot to mention that Edward left you for dead in the woods." Holy shit I'm going to have to kick his ass.

Emmett's jaw dropped and Bella rolled her eyes, "Thank you for making me re-live my most embarrassing breakup."

This made her mate laugh, eyes brightening and a large smile overtaking her lips, "A break up you don't even remember!"

"Yeah, but I might if you keep bringing it up!" Her smile broadened, "You're so insensitive."

"I'm so crass-"

"I'm not listening to you."

"I understand if my intelligence is intimidating," Kate smirked, cupping Bellas' cheeks, "You're lucky you're pretty. I wouldn't normally associate with an ignoramous such as yourself but exceptions can be made."

Bella laughed, shoving Kate off her with impressive strength and sending the blonde sliding into a tree. Cracks rippled up the bark but the two paid it no mind.

The brunette jumped to her feet, "I'm not going to let a talking spark plug lecture me," she pounced on top of her, and the two couldn't restriain their giggles as they wrestled with each other.

Kate was pinned this time and she snorted, "How do you even know what a spark plug is?"

Bella rolled her eyes, still grinning triumphantly down at her mate, "Apparently Swan helped Rosalie fix cars, or something." She didn't see the annoyance that flitted in Kate's eyes, but Emmett did. Bella sat back on her heels before looking at Emmett, "Why are you still here? Rosalie's back at the house, she'll be happy to see you." She said, "Then she can fill you in on everything else you want to know."

He hesistated before nodding, "Uh, right...I'll see you later?"

"Sure." She shrugged before her turning back to Kate, "When Rina gets me a thesaurus I'm going to be so much smarter than you."

"In your dreams, just like I used to be." Kate winked, and Bella laughed before shaking her head. Emmett, however, looked at Kate in surprise. Was she actually Bella's dream girl? He had so many questions and so little context.

"You're the worst."

"I know!"

The ease in which Kate and Bella interacted with each other was a far cry from how Edward and Bella had been. There was no awkward atmosphere or hesitation. They were comfortable and teasing and loving and Emmett couldn't help but smile at them.

Kate raised a brow, clearly unhappy with his presence, "What?"

"Nothing...you two just make me happy." He confessed, "I'm really glad you're Bella's mate." Bella beamed at him and Kate's eyes widened.

"Dammit, Emmett, I can't continue to be mad at you if you say such nice things to us!" She snapped, but there was no heat behind her words.

The larger vampire laughed, "I'm sorry, you two just bring a smile to my face!"

"Don't apologize and don't support us, what the hell is wrong with you!" Kate cried, "Get the fuck out of here before I start to like you again!"

Bella laughed when Emmett gave her a salute, "Yes ma'am!" He took off in the direction of the house, grinning when he heard their fading conversation.

"You're not angry at him anymore, are you?" Bella said knowingly, and Kate scoffed.

"I'm even angrier at him for being so likable." She grumbled, "I'm still going to kick his ass." Emmett slowed when he heard Kate groan in annoyance, "Really? Now?"

"I get to see younger you, stop being selfish." She's time traveling now? "I'll see you soon-" her voice cut off.

He heard the thud of Kate's head slamming against the ground and a soft sigh, "Yeah, see you soon."

---

Bella wasn't sure where she was, but she knew she was still in the mountains. She appeared in a large field enclosed by a shoddy wooden fence. The faint noise of barn animals didn't escape her, neither did the slack-jawed girl that came running out of the barn.

The vampire held her breath and froze when she realized just who the girl was.

Irina.

Platinum blonde hair spilled over her shoulder, longer than her maker's hair presently. She didn't wear satin dresses like Tatyana and Sasha, instead, her dress looked old and worn. It was dark brown with rips and tears and it was frayed around the edges of the sleeves. Her face was dirty, no doubt from farm work, and her cheeks were ruddy.

Irina's eyes were bright green with flecks of gold dotted around the irises. Her calloused fingers intertwined, bringing her hands together, and she dropped to her knees before Bella and bowed her head.

"Videl som ťa objavovať sa. Pán ťa určite poslal." [I saw you appear. The Lord surely sent you.] She breathed, "Pozerať sa na tvár anjela patrí medzi najvyššie požehnania." [To gaze upon the face of an angel is among the highest of blessings.]

The newborn looked down at herself. Her strange clothes, glittering skin, and gold eyes made her look otherworldly, so she understood the confusion.

Bella blinked before reaching down and gently taking her hands into her own, "Nemusíš sa klaňať. Som Bela, nie som-" [You don't need to bow. I'm Bela, I'm not-]

She could hear fast footfalls, three vampires were approaching, and she couldn't help but stand protectively in front of her human maker.

As expected, Sasha, Tatyana, and Katrina appeared. Red eyes peered at her curiously, but Katrina's eyes were black. She didn't even look at Bella, instead, she stared at Irina, who was quivering at the sight of them.

Katrina's thirsty, but I can't let her harm Irina.

Bella thought about using her shield but quickly decided against the idea. It took a lot out of her and should only be used as a last resort, in the event that she'd have to fight to protect her maker.

Tatyana smiled and waved at her, "Ahoj, Bela!" [Hi, Bela!] Bella gave an awkward wave in return.

"Ahoj." [Hi.]

"Rád ťa zase vidím, dieťa," [It's good to see you again, child,] Sasha greeted, "Navrhujem, aby ste sa pohli. Katrina je smädná." [I suggest you move. Katrina's thirsty.]

"Bela, prosím, nedopustuj im, aby mi ublížili!" [Bela, please, don't let them hurt me!] Irina begged, getting to her feet and hiding behind Bella. She clutched her arm, and Bella could feel the nervous tremors of her maker as she huddled close.

"Pohybovať." [Move.] Katrina snarled, black eyes focused solely on Irina. What's wrong with her? Why is she acting like this?

"Nedovolím ti ublížiť jej." [I won't let you hurt her.] Bella was conflicted, and while she didn't want to fight her mate, she would if it meant keeping her maker alive.

Sasha looked at her curiously, "Dievča, ktoré chrániš, je Katrina speváčka," [The girl you protect, she's Katrina's singer,] her eyes widened at the information and she bared her teeth in warning when her mate inched closer.

"Je mi jedno. Nikto sa jej nedotkne." [I don't care. Nobody touches her.]

Katrina growled at her, "Prečo ťa to zaujíma? Prečo ona?" [Why do you care? Why her?] Her voice was dripping with envy and Bella nearly grimaced.

"Pripomína mi starého priateľa," [She reminds me of an old friend,] she looked at Sasha, hoping to appeal to her, "Matka, to dievča vyzerá ako Tatyana a Katrina." [Mother, the girl looks like Tatyana and Katrina.] She said, "Často som preč a ona by mohla byť dobrou dcérou." [I'm gone often, and she could make a good daughter.]

Sasha hummed, placing a hand on Katrina's shoulder and easing the tension in her body, "Vieš čo sme, maličký?" [Do you know what we are, little one?]

The human's voice quivered as she spoke, "Keby som mal hádať...by ste byť démoni alebo nejaký iný," [If I had to guess...you'd be demons or some other hellspawn,] she looked at Bella, "Ale vaše oči...určite ste anjel," [But your eyes...surely you're an angel,] she glanced at the red eyed vampires before looking up at Bella in awe, "Môj strážny anjel." [My guardian angel.] Her cheeks reddened and Bella blinked. Oh. This is why Irina's embarrassed.

Katrina hissed, "Ona nie je anjel, a ona nie je tvoja!" [She's not an angel, and she's not yours!]

Sasha gripped her shoulder, "Upokoj sa, hneď." [Calm yourself, now.] Katrina bared her teeth but complied with her maker's demand.

Tatyana frowned, "To dievča vyzerá ako niekto, koho si poznal? Preto ju chceš zachrániť?" [This girl looks like someone you knew? That's why you want to save her?] She scoffed, "Naša matka už nepotrebuje žiadne ďalšie deti-" [Our mother doesn't need any more children-]

"Tatyana, dávaj pozor na svoju sestru." [Tatyana, watch your sister.] Sasha instructed, and when she opened her mouth to argue she was swiftly cut off, "Nejaké sťažnosti budú splnené s rukou na zadnej strane, mám jasno?" [Any complaints will be met with a hand to your backside, am I clear?] The eldest's eyes widened and she quickly shut her mouth before moving next to a growling Katrina.

"Nešokuj ma pretože si nahnevaný na svojho hlúpeho kamoša," [Don't shock me because you're mad at your stupid mate,] Tatyana grumbled, hissing when Katrina snapped her teeth at her.

Bella stiffened when Sasha approached them, "Kľud, Bela, neublížim jej, len ju chcem vidieť." [Relax, Bela, I won't hurt her, I just want to see her.] She nodded before stepping aside, making Irina panic and grab her hand.

Bella gave her a reassuring smile, "To je v poriadku. Ochránim ťa." [It's alright. I'll protect you.] She gave her hand a slight squeeze and Irina blushed before giving her a timid smile in return. Human Irina is so cute.

Sasha reached out, taking her face in her hands and examining her closely, "Si veľmi krásna pre človeka, a Bela má pravdu, vyzeráš ako moje dcéry," [You're very beautiful for a human, and Bela is right, you do look like my daughters,] she glanced at Bela before looking back at the quivering Irina, "Urobil si dobre aby si to ušetril. Dievča, ako sa voláš?" [You've done well to spare this one. Girl, what's your name?]

"I-Irina."

"Krásne meno pre krásne dievča." [A lovely name for a lovely girl.] She hummed, trapping a lock of pale blonde hair between her fingertips before pulling away, "Sme upíri, dievča, desí ťa to?" [We're vampires, girl, does that frighten you?]

She put on a brave face, but they could all hear the quickening of her pulse, "Nie." [No.] She looked at Bella, "Prečo sú tvoje oči iné?" [Why are your eyes different?]

Her mother shook her head, "Bude čas odpovedať na tieto otázky neskôr, ale práve teraz máte na výber, aby sa," [There'll be time to answer these questions later, but right now you have a choice to make,] she gestured towards Katrina, "Moja dcéra je veľmi smädná, tvoja krv jej zasvedčila." [My daughter is very thirsty, your blood sings to her.]

Irina's breath hitched and she clutched onto Bella even tighter, "Avšak, moja druhá dcéra verí, že si hoden otáčania, hodný byť jedným z nás. Povedz mi, čo si myslíš, že by sa ti malo stať?" [However, my other daughter believes you're worthy of turning, worthy of being one of us. Tell me, what do you believe should happen to you?]

Bella clenched her jaw, Irina isn't given a choice, she's given an ultimatum. It couldn't be justified with the fear of the Volturi, because Sasha believed their coven to be too insignificant to be noticed. Instead of letting Irina actually choose, she was making her choose.

"Byť upírom je žiť život nesmrteľnosti," [To be a vampire is to live a life of immortality,] Bella informed her, ignoring Tatyana's annoyed eye roll, "Budete túžiť po krvi, nebudete spať, budete veľmi silný a rýchly, a to môže byť ohromujúci. Ale nebol by si sám, mal by si nás." [You'll crave blood, you won't sleep, you'll be very strong and fast and that can be overwhelming. But you wouldn't be alone, you'd have us.]

Irina looked at her with wide eyes, "Bol by som ako ty?" [I'd be like you?]

"Ano." [Yes.] She eyed the growling Katrina warily, "Ale je to vaša voľba, a nebude mať žiadne dôsledky, ak sa rozhodnete, že toto nie je život, ktorý by ste chceli žiť." [But it's your choice, and there will be no consequences if you decide this isn't the life you'd want to live.] Bella knew she should be careful. If Irina chose not to be a vampire, then it would alter everything, and she would cease to exist; however, she wanted Irina to have a choice.

Sasha shook her head, "Nehovor jej také veci." [Do not tell her such things.]

"Ochránim ju najlepšie ako viem, matka," [I'll protect her as best I can, mother,] she warned, "Nenechám ju zomrieť." [I won't let her die.] Katrina looked close to attacking and, thankfully, Irina made her choice quickly.

"Chcem byť ako ty." [I want to be like you.] She insisted, "Ak zostanem človekom, budem žiť a zomrieť farmhand, a pre mňa, to nie je život stojí za to žiť." [If I remain human I'll live and die a farmhand, and to me that's no life worth living.] Green eyes darted fearfully towards the black eyed Katrina and Sasha reached out, forcefully grabbing her shoulder and holding her back.

"Tatyana, vezmi svoju sestru na lov a vezmi ju ďaleko odtiaľto." [Tatyana, take your sister hunting and take her far from here.] Katrina opened her mouth to protest but her mother wouldn't have it, "Nechať. Nwo." [Leave. Now.] The warrior flinched before looking at Bella pleadingly. She wants me to come with her.

Irina interlaced her fingers with Bella's, "Mohol by si prosím zostať so mnou?" [Will you please stay with me?] Katrina's growl made her grimace. Go with my mate or stay with my maker?

Bella sighed before turning to Katrina, "Moje sebaobrana nie je dosť dobrá na to, aby som bola s tebou, kým lovíš." [My self-control isn't good enough for me to be with you while you're hunting.] I'm telling the truth. The anger on Katrina's face surprised her for a moment. She's a newborn now, and she thinks I'm scorning her.

Katrina hissed at her angrily before disappearing into the forest. I'm going to have to make this up to her.

Tatyana snorted as she watched her leave, "Tak dramatické," [So dramatic,] she looked at Bella, "Len jej ukáž svoje prsia a ona sa cez to dostane.." [Just show her your breasts and she'll get over it.]

"Choď sa postarať o svoju sestru, hneď!" [Go take care of your sister, now!] Sasha snapped, sounding far more exasperated than angry. Her eldest daughter rolled her eyes before running off after Kate, leaving Sasha and Bella alone.

"Verím že nepôjdeš do šialenstva pohľadom na jej krv." [I trust you won't go into a frenzy by the sight of her blood.]

Bella hesitated before nodding, "Budem v poriadku," [I'll be fine,] she gave Irina's hand a reassuring squeeze, "Zmena bude bolestivá, ale Sasha a ja budeme s tebou." [The change will be painful, but Sasha and I will be with you.]

"A ty neopustíš?" [And you won't leave?]

Sasha gave Bella an amused smile and she grimaced before looking down at Irina, "Možno budem musieť odísť aby som skontrolovala môjho kamoša, Katrina." [I may have to leave to check on my mate, Katrina.] When she was given a confused look she explained, "To nahnevané dievča, som k nej spád." [The angry girl, I'm mated to her.]

Before Irina could respond Sasha grabbed her, sinking her teeth into the back of her neck and making her shriek. Bella hissed, grabbing Irina before she could fall to the ground and tearing her gaze from the blood pooling around her wound. She fought against the instincts that were screaming at her to lash out at Sasha, and she reigned in her anger as best she could.

"Trochu varovania nabudúce," [A bit of warning next time,] Bella growled, carrying her maker bridal style and following Sasha as she took off into the forest. Hot blood trickled onto her arm, making her nearly snarl as she momentarily squeezed her eyes shut.

Her throat ached and burned but she ignored it. I said I'd protect her, and I will. But she knew she'd have to go hunting soon if she were going to be able to remain by Irina's side.

Red eyes glanced back at her, "Vždy buďte pripravení, dieťa. Boli ste v bojoch, dávajú vaši nepriatelia varovanie pred útokom?" [Always be prepared, child. You've been in fights, do your enemies give warning before they attack?] She thought of Victoria and Leah and Jasper.

"Myslím že nie," [I suppose not,] Bella grumbled, holding Irina close as she screeched and thrashed against her. She wished she could make her pain go away, and it was maddening to have such little control.

I just want you to stop hurting. She wondered if she had screamed when she had been turned, and if Irina had been just as perturbed.

They arrived at Sasha's home and Bella placed Irina on Tatyana's bed. She got down on her knees, taking her warm hand in hers and letting her squeeze tightly as she screamed.

She didn't want to leave Irina's side, the familiar anxiety she felt when she watched Katrina change bubbled to the surface. But Katrina's angry with me, maybe I should go check on her. The mate bond would always be stronger, but that didn't stop her from worrying about her maker.

Sasha sat next to Bella, "Toto je moja posledná dcéra," [This is my last daughter,] she told her, "Premenil som ju na teba, považuj ju za dar." [I turned her for you, consider her a gift.]

"I know, thank you, mother." Bella murmured, tearing her eyes off her maker and turning to Sasha. Something happens to you, something makes it so you're no longer apart of our coven. The thought unsettled her, and it was only made worse by the fact that her questions regarding Sasha were never answered. Stop worrying, it could be nothing. But she knew better.

"Myslím že som to urobil aj pre seba a Katrinu." [I suppose I also did it for myself and Katrina.] The older woman said, "Ty, Katrina, a Tatyana budete za ňu zodpovední." [You, Katrina, and Tatyana will be responsible for her.]

She nodded, "Dobre sa o ňu postaráme." [We'll take good care of her.]

Sasha chuckled, "Viem že budeš, je to tvoj kamoš, o ktorý sa bojím." [I know you will, it's your mate I worry about.] She gave Bella a smirk, "Musí to byť také bremeno byť tak očarujúce." [It must be such a burden to be so charming.]

Bella ducked her head sheepishly and scratched the back of her neck, "Je dobré, že si sa spájila s Katrina, inak by som sa musel starať o šialenstvo, ktoré by si spôsobil medzi ostatnými mojimi dcérami." [It's good that you're mated to Katrina, or I'd have to worry about the frenzy you'd cause amongst the rest of my daughters.]

"Irina je rozdrviť je neškodný," [Irina's crush is harmless,] she grumbled, "Je to len preto že som ju ochránil. Čoskoro to už preznie." [It's only because I protected her. She'll be over it soon enough.]

Sasha looked at her curiously, "Áno, chránili ste ju z dôvodu, ktorý je stále nejasný," [Yes, you protected her, for a reason that is still unclear,] Bella averted her gaze, having no plausible lie for why she was ready to fight for Irina. "Nebudem zvedavý. Ale musíš pochopiť, ako to vyzerá s Katrina, hlavne preto, že je novorodenec." [I won't pry. But you have to understand how that looks to Katrina, especially because she's a newborn.]

Bella thought back to her conversation with Kate, to her confession of fearing Bella would leave her for someone else. I doubt my protectiveness of Irina helped with that insecurity.

She released Irina's hand, "Musím loviť, a potom nájdem Katrinu a napravím veci." [I need to hunt, and then I'll find Katrina and make things right.]

Sasha smiled, "Dobrý. Už sú to tri mesiace, chýbaš jej.." [Good. It's been three months, she's missed you.]

"Tiež mi chýbala." [I missed her too,] Bella leaned over her whimpering maker and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Čoskoro sa vrátim." [I'll be back soon.] She promised.

Bella left the house, running miles away before she allowed herself to breathe. This, however, was a mistake. She had forgotten about Irina's dried blood that stained her arm, and she could only stare at it as the scent filled her nose.

Much like Irina currently smelled, the scent of her blood was as sweet as vanilla. It smells so much better than animal blood ever could. Venom pooled in her mouth and spilled past her lips, but she hardly felt it roll down her chin as she fought the urge to go back to the house.

Just a taste, just before the venom takes over. Bella rationalized, I wouldn't hurt her, she's my maker. I would just try some of the blood that already spilled down her neck. Mother can pull me off if I get too greedy-

"Myslel som že budeš so svojou drahocennou Irina." [I thought you'd be with your precious Irina.] Bella swallowed thickly, awoken from her stupor by the sound of Katrina's voice. She turned to face her, which was another mistake she made. Her mate's lips had a few blood stains on them, and the black eyes that glared at her didn't help the situation.

The bloodlust had filled her with rage and arousal, and she had never felt anything this intense before. Katrina's scent would normally soothe her, but the traces of blood that mingled with ozone and lavender did anything but.

Katrina seemed enraged by her silence, stalking forward and grabbing the collar of her shirt, "Je tam, kam zmizneš? Držíš ju a necháš ju, aby ťa nazvala anjelom?" [Is she where you disappear to? Do you hold her and let her call you her angel?] Bella was excited by her aggression, excited by her scent, but aggravated by the accusation.

It made sense that her mate hadn't listened to the conversation prior to turning Irina. Katrina was a newborn that had witnessed her mate protecting her singer, and then chose to stay with said singer instead of going with her.

But Bella struggled to think straight, especially with Katrina so close to her, "Samozrejme že nie." [Of course not.] She growled, trying to regain enough clarity to hold her breath but failing miserably.

Katrina's other hand lightly gripped her throat, and she ran her thumb possessively over her bite mark that overlapped Victoria's. Bella's mind felt hazy, overcome with lust as her mate moved even closer.

"Tak o čo ide? Prečo je dosť výnimočná na to, aby zachránila?" [Then what is it? What makes her special enough to save?]

"That's why I lashed out, not because I was strong, but because I was afraid that I could never be enough." Kate's words calmed her for a moment and made her understand Katrina better than she ever had.

Bella sighed, placing her hand on Katrina's wrist, "Čo na tom teraz záleží? Je to naša sestra a ja ju tak nechcem." [What does it matter now? She's our sister, and I don't want her in that way.] She swallowed more of the venom that flooded her mouth, "Len som ťa chcel." [I've only ever wanted you.] She promised, "Keď si bol človek, chcel som ťa viac ako čokoľvek iné, a vždy budem-" [When you were human I wanted you more than anything, and I always will-]

Katrina lunged at her, taking them both to the ground, and she straddled her. Black eyes filled with venom, and her anger faltered as she looked at Bella with wide eyes. Bella smiled gently at her and held her face in her hands.

"Aj keď som bol človek?" [Even when I was human?] She breathed, holding one of Bella's hands to her face and leaning into her touch.

"Človek alebo upír, si moje všetko." [Human or vampire, you're my everything.] Bella pulled her face closer to her own, "Milujem ťa viac ako čokoľvek iné." [I love you more than anything.]

Katrina gave her a watery smile, "Aj ja ťa milujem, viac ako čokoľvek iné. Aj keď ma obťažuješ pôvabnou ženou." [I love you too, more than anything or anyone. Even when you annoy me by charming women.]

Bella laughed, nose brushing against her mate's, "Záleží mi len na tom aby som ťa očarí. Všetci ostatní sú hlúpi." [I only care about charming you. Everyone else is stupid.]

"Veľmi hlúpe." [Very stupid.] Katrina agreed, closing her eyes and pressing her lips against Bella's. It started out gentle enough until Bella slipped her tongue into her mouth and tasted the traces of human blood from Katrina's hunt. It was sweet, it was overwhelming, and all control snapped when she pulled away with a snarl.

Bella rolled them over, wrapping both her hands around Katrina's neck to prevent her from moving her head, and began lapping up the small amount of blood on the corner of her mouth.

A soft growl escaped the blonde, "Bela," she hissed, digging her fingers into her rear and pressing her closer to her body. The haze of bloodlust washed over her once again, and she rocked against her mate as she nipped and sucked at her lips, making sure not to miss a drop of blood that remained.

She purred when Katrina opened her mouth to her, and she licked her way into her mouth before her hands fell to her pants and tore them away. The warrior's breath hitched and she matched Bella's purr with her own.

The newborns matched each other in intensity. It was rough and animalistic and loud and Bella was sure there was no better feeling than being inside her mate.

Katrina had licked and sucked Irina's blood off of Bella's arm. Both their clothes had nearly been torn to shreds, both of their bite marks had been overlapped with new ones, and by the time they finished the moon had replaced the sun and the stars replaced the clouds.

Katrina was grinning widely, eyes reverting back to their red color as she pulled up her shredded trousers, "Začíname byť v tom dobrí." [We're getting good at this.] Her shirt had been ripped in half, so she put in on like a jacket to cover her naked breasts, "Mali by sme pokračovať v častom tréningu aby sme sa ešte zlepšili." [We should continue to practice frequently so we get even better.]

Bella, however, was still reeling at the taste of human blood. Part of her felt guilty for indulging, but another part of her had loved how human blood had mixed so well with the taste of Katrina's skin. Did I ruin my diet? She wanted more, and Katrina noticed her distress.

"Bela?" She took her hand, "Vezmime ťa na lov, dobre?" [Let's take you hunting, alright?] The blonde sounded incredibly guilty, "Nechcel som aby si ochutnal ľudskú krv." [I didn't mean for you to taste human blood.]

Bella blinked, swallowing thickly as the burn returned at the back of her throat, "Nie je to tvoja vina, ja len..." [It's not your fault, I just…] I want more, "Mal by som ísť na lov." [I should go hunting.] I can't have more, not when everyone's turned to the animal diet.

She put on what remained of her shirt and pants before sighing. I look like I've been mauled. Pushing away her guilt for having tasted human blood, she bolted into the forest, picking up the scent of a bear.

Bella made quick work of him, snapping his neck with ease before she began to drink. It tasted bitter in comparison to human blood. I wouldn't have known that or had a problem with it if I hadn't tasted human blood.

The burn in her throat subsided, though it lingered as it always did. Maybe I'm overreacting. It's not like I killed someone, it was just a little human blood. Doubt crept into her mind and she squashed it just as quickly. I can worry about this later. I need to feed and get back to Irina.

Katrina remained quiet as she fed, gently detangling Bella's hair and combing out the leaves with her fingers. When Bella finished she stood to her feet, licking her lips and grumbling when she felt a few droplets roll down her chin.

Katrina stepped forward, swiping the droplets with her tongue and making Bella's abdomen clench. Again? Really?

Her mate made a face and smacked her lips in displeasure, "To chutí naozaj...dobrý." [That tastes really...good.]

Bella laughed, "Nemusíš klamať." [You don't have to lie.]

"Je to hrozné." [It's terrible.] Katrina said before biting her lip, "Najradšej by si, keby som pil zo zvierat?" [Would you prefer if I drank from animals?] Do I encourage her?

The time traveler decided to answer as she normally would, "Červená vyzerá dobre na vás, ale zlato by taky." [Red looks good on you, but gold would too.] She told her, taking her hand in hers, "Tvoja strava nemení to čo k vám cítim." [Your diet doesn't change how I feel about you.] Katrina smiled in relief and Bella gave her hand a tug, "Musíme sa vrátiť. Povedal som Irina, že s ňou počkám." [We need to get back. I told Irina I'd wait with her.]

Katrina rolled her eyes, "Nie si vzácny anjel." [Aren't you a precious angel.]

"Páči sa mi byť anjelom," [I like being an angel,] she smirked, "Lepšie ako byť démonom a brutálne útočiť." [Better than being a demon and viciously attacked.]

"Mal si červené oči a ja som mal šesť!" [You had red eyes and I was six!]

"Viem, bolo to rozkošné." [I know, it was adorable.] Before Katrina could retort, Bella gave her hand another tug, "Môžeme sa hádať neskôr, naša sestra nás potrebuje." [We can argue later, our sister needs us.]

She rolled her eyes and ran alongside her, "Jemné. Ale stále z toho nie som nadšený." [Fine. But I'm still not happy about it.]

Bella smiled, "Som si istý že ju budeš milovať." [I'm sure you'll grow to love her.]

AN: 44k and I've never hated myself more. To those who say I'm a sadist because of last chapter, I'm quite clearly a masochist. I was kissed by a man last week :( not a pretty girl and it really slowed down the process. But don't worry, we not seeing him again :)

I know I gotta fix some stuff but it's Friday and I just...I've read through it like four times and it's so fucking long. I'm such an asshole to future me and those Slovak translations are so time consuming. More like SLOWvak, amiright? :D

HEY! I love all of you but please stop yelling at me to update all the time and complaining about how long it takes. It's a long fucking process and I'm also juggling school, work, and relationships! Chill out you needy gays, I'm trying!

Hybrid fans, an update is coming but this story gets so many more reviews and I'm a slut for reviews. A lot more people interact with this story and it drives me to update it more frequently.

Someone said my AN made them have a lil crush on me and I can't find the review so whoever you are pls reveal yourself so I can tell you that your crush is REQUITED.

I can't write smut, as we all know, because God is watching and Hell is HOT!

We don't support slut or virgin shaming in the house of KorKor, but we may overlook Tanya shaming...I love her it's just so fun.

sehunlovesfood: I love the Old boy film as well! I was wondering if Bella had romantic feelings to rosalie before, and this chapter answered that. I am a slut to any rosella moments hahaha. I am really excited to see how kate and bella will reunite next chapter. I really appreciate the updates.

Your taste is IMPECCABLE! I love it! Old Boy is amazing and so are you. I couldn't help myself with the Rosella tease because I'm absolutely terrible. I really appreciate your review!

Chicken nugs: Ugghhhhh I love this story so much I'm addicted. I love the way you write the characters but I hate this cliffyyyyy. I'm dying to see the reunion and how it all goes down. The Rosalie/Bella relationship going on in this fic? *chefs kiss* The Kate/Bella? *chefs kiss* the Bella/literally everyone in this story? *chefs kiss* this story? *CHEFS KISS TIMES A THOUSAND* AND I HOPE THE PRETTY GIRL KISSES YOU SOME MORE BECAUSE SHIT THIS STORY IS AMAZING AND WE THE GAYS DEMAND MORE

To have the approval of chicken nugs is all I could ever ask for. Thank you for your well wishes, but my recent experience was extremely hetero and ;_; you win some you lose some. You are a *chefs kiss*

TeQWo CoNViX: Fuck ass! You are an asshole too! I have been getting so excited for this and you stopped! I love and hate you!

I hate that this review made me laugh so hard. You may hate me but I love the shit outta you!

Review! Don't let this long ass chapter be in vain. I love reading your reviews and showing them off to my unimpressed momma :)

Editing Kor Kor: I sincerely hope my story doesn't have as many typos as this AN did, fuck. I re-read this and felt like I committed a hate crime against myself.