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.

10. Chapter 10

Kate watched Charlie.

She was in awe of his commitment to his lost daughter and somewhat terrified of it as well.

Seeing him fight for Bella was beautiful in its own right. It was something her mate had needed from a parental figure time and time again but had never gotten.

Not until they met Carmen.

Bella's birth mother had abandoned her. Esme had abandoned her. Sasha had abandoned her.

But Charlie was making an effort. He wouldn't forget about her. He wouldn't let her go.

But Sasha wouldn't let Vasilii go.

Kate watched as the man waved his gun around, demanding answers until he was red in the face.

Grief can make people do unspeakable things.

He was glaring at Eleazar, ignoring the calls from the shifters to stop, and he gripped his gun so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

What will grief drive you to do, Charlie?

"Stop this." Kate hadn't meant to speak aloud, but when brown eyes fell on her she continued. "Stop this before you go too far."

The barrel of the gun was pointed at her. "You know something-"

Carmen stood up abruptly, moving so she was in front of Kate. "Don't you point that at her! Don't you threaten my daughter!" She roared, losing all composure as she slammed her fist onto the table.

Charlie clenched his jaw, sweat beading down his forehead as he pointed the barrel at Carmen instead. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking-"

"Clearly!"

The chief squinted at her. "Your eyes…" he glanced at Paul. "Look at her eyes. They changed color! They're black now!" He turned to Leah. "There's something weird about this family! I told you! Nothing about them is natural!"

Paul grimaced. "Charlie, you have to put your gun away."

His eyes widened. "You're still defending them…" he shook his head. "No. If I put my gun down you'll all attack!" He looked deranged, mustache quivering and hands shaking as he pointed the gun at Paul. "You're in on this, aren't you? You know what they are!"

The hurt in the shifter's eyes was enough to make the officer falter. "Charlie, it's me." He spoke softly to him, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "I grew up with Bella. I love her. I love you." Paul looked at him imploringly. "I would never do anything to hurt you, you have to believe me."

Charlie's eyes watered and he took a step back, lowering the gun to his side. "I...I want to. But you know what's happening here...I'll bet you know what they did to Bella."

Leah took a small step closer to him. "We can talk about this if you put the gun down."

He flinched away from her. "You...you know too." His face reddened in anger. "This whole time…" tears streamed down his cheeks. "I was going crazy looking for her, and all of you knew where she was." A disbelieving laugh escaped the chief. "Do you know how humiliating that is?" He rubbed at his eyes with his free hand, lifting the gun to point at Eleazar once again. "Do you know how much that hurts?" He glared at Leah when she didn't respond. "Well? DO YOU!"

Seth tried to reason with him. "We didn't want to hurt you. We just can't talk about it-"

"Seth!" Paul snapped, earning him a glare from the younger boy.

"He wasn't listening to anything else!"

Charlie scowled, giving his gun a shake to garner everyone's attention. "Someone better tell me where she's at or I'll fucking kill him!" The conviction in his voice faltered, but the determination in his eyes remained strong.

Kate winced. They couldn't reveal what they were. The Volturi would find out, just as they always did, and they would all pay for breaking the law.

She could knock him out, take his gun, but Charlie would still be a danger to himself and others. It was a risk they couldn't take.

"Charlie." Carmen's voice softened, and all eyes fell on her. "From one parent to another, believe me when I say this," she murmured, "Bella is happy. That's all a parent should ever want for their child." His bottom lip trembled and more tears fell. "For now...can that be enough?"

Kate looked at her with wide eyes but remained silent.

"I-I want to see that for myself." He choked out. "I want to see her."

"I know." Carmen soothed. "But, for now, can her happiness be enough for you?"

"I said I want to see her!"

"What we're doing right now is dangerous enough as it is," Carmen said evenly. "It could put your daughter at risk." The man faltered and she continued. "I know this is hard. You have every right to be upset. And you deserve to know the truth...but right now that's not something we can give you. It's not safe."

Slowly Charlie lowered his gun, brow furrowing as he went silent. Whatever internal debate was happening was an intense one. One that made him scowl and clench his jaw.

"I'll ask you again, chief Swan," Carmen murmured. "Can Bella's happiness be enough for you?"

A heavy sigh escaped him, forehead smoothing out as he ran a hand over his face. "If she's happy...that's all that I ever wanted for her." He swallowed thickly, taking a deep breath before he continued. "I was so worried that she wouldn't be but..." he looked at the shifters. "You three have lied about where she is, so don't lie about this." He warned. "Are they telling the truth?" He stared at them intensely, only relaxing when Paul nodded.

"She's happy."

Leah was the one who was noticeably silent. A look of guilt flashed in her dark eyes but she quickly schooled her facial expression.

Good. May the consequences of your mistreatment haunt you, just as it haunted Bella.

"And you've seen her?" Charlie asked.

The wolf nodded again. "I swear on my mother's life, Charlie. Everything Carmen said is true."

"You don't have to worry about her anymore," Seth said reassuringly.

The older man glanced at him before staring at his gun. "She could be invincible and surrounded by bodyguards and I'd still worry about her. That's my job." Brown eyes found Kate. "And you...she's drawn pictures..." he stopped himself, taking a shaky breath before he continued. "Do you know my daughter?"

They were playing with fire. And if they weren't careful, they would all go up in flames.

Kate glanced at Eleazar, relaxing ever so slightly when he gave her a nod. He and Carmen knew best about the Volturi laws, and if he said this information was acceptable to give then she trusted him.

The warrior directed her attention back to her mate's father, unable to suppress her small smile when she said, "I'm her dream girl."

His eyes widened. "So it's true..." he put the gun on the table, not reacting when Paul reached out and took it. "Kate...what's that really short for?"

She felt a little silly for the sudden nerves that gripped her. But now she was officially meeting her mate's father. She wanted to make a good impression, even though Charlie had spent the majority of the time yelling and waving a gun around.

He was a warrior in his own right. Bella was his tribe, and he had been willing to fight for her.

Kate had never admired any man more than she had admired her father and Eleazar.

Charlie reminded her of Sasha. Losing his child without warning and longing for her return. Mourning his child to the point that he had let grief and anger guide him. Being so devoted to his child that he was willing to kill if it meant that he would be with her again.

Charlie reminded her of Sasha. Until he didn't.

"Katrina."

"Katrina...I...I know that name." The chief furrowed his brow in thought. "Bella...she was six when she first drew you." He muttered to himself, looking back up at her. "Did you two meet in a forest? Did you have a sword?" More memories came back to him. "You thought she was a monster when you first saw her." He blinked, huffing out a quiet laugh. "She said that you...screamed at her...or that you attacked her. But it didn't hurt, and...you both became friends."

Even as a child my sweet Bella dreamt of me.

Kate's smile grew.

She dreamt of how we first met.

"We're both very close. We always have been."

Paul began unloading the bullets from the gun.

Charlie scratched his head, looking both amazed and baffled as a heavy sigh escaped him. "I thought you were her imaginary friend. Hell, I'm surprised she didn't recognize you when she got older...or when you got older?" He frowned and shook his head. "That's not important." He looked at Kate intensely. "You're her dream girl...does that mean..."

Kate nodded. "We're...together, yes."

He hesitated before asking, "And your family, whatever you all are. You're not...completely human. And neither is Bella, is she?"

He can't know.

They were already pushing it. This wasn't something they could tell Charlie.

Maybe the shifters had no such restrictions, but surely they weren't keen on an outsider knowing their secret. A family friend or not, Charlie didn't live on the Rez, he wasn't a Quileute, nor was he a family member to any of the shifters in this pack or any other.

She would not divulge in a secret that wasn't hers to share. None of them would.

That was a decision both Tanya and Sam would have to agree on.

And Bella, she should have a say.

Kate stared at Charlie. "We are very human. Do you understand me?" He frowned at her, and she had to suppress her sigh. What she wouldn't give for Heidi to fix this mess. "Charlie, it is crucial that you understand me. There is nothing abnormal about my family."

He blinked, putting together what she was saying and nodding slowly. "Uh, yep, nothing weird." He bit his lip. "So I can't see Bella...or at least, I can't see her yet."

"No, you can't see her." Because Kate wouldn't lead him on with false promises. And now that he was disarmed and rational, they were able to be more truthful. "I don't know when or if that will change."

He tensed for a moment, jaw clenching and eyes watering once again before he blinked away his tears. For a moment, Kate thought he was going to lose it again. But, instead, the man sucked in a breath and nodded, as though trying to come to terms with it himself.

"Okay." He kept nodding his head. "Right." Taking another deep breath he went still, looking at Kate with slightly narrowed eyes. "And Edward, you know what he did to my girl?"

"I know." She couldn't stop the smirk from spreading across her lips. "No worries, Charlie. I smacked him around a bit and made him apologize." She shrugged. "He felt guilty already, lost his head over the whole thing."

This made him smile. "Oh, well...good. I never liked him, or his stupid hair."

A laugh escaped her. "Or his stupid face."

"That either." He chuckled, but his mirth was short-lived, and he looked at her seriously. "Are you taking care of her?"

Charlie reminded her of Sasha, but he wasn't Sasha.

Because Charlie put his daughter's needs before his own.

Where their mother had fought desperately to have everything she wanted, with little regard for her daughters' feelings, Charlie had only ever acted in Bella's best interests.

He thought she was missing, he thought she was in danger. And while his methods could be considered questionable, he had only wanted to save his daughter.

Now he knew that Bella was happy and, despite him desperately wanting to see her, he had put his own feelings aside.

Bella's happiness is enough.

She looked him in the eye. "I love her." She said, "I fight for her. She fights for me." She noticed Leah staring at her but she paid her no mind. "We take care of each other."

"Good." He gave her a teary smile before sitting down at the kitchen table. "I'm...sorry for how I've acted. I'm sorry I threatened you," he looked around the room, "I'm sorry I threatened all of you. I was just..."

Eleazar gave him a reassuring look. "Grief is a dangerous thing when left unchecked." He stood to his feet. "I understand that you're hurting. I have nothing but compassion for you. But you need to be careful, Charlie." He glanced at the shifters before looking at the man again. "You have people that love you. Don't let your pain blind you to that."

Charlie looked ashamed. "You sound like Sue." He muttered. "Thank you, Eleazar. Sorry, I ruined dinner."

The vampire gave the human a small smile. "No worries, Charlie. I wasn't very hungry anyway." He held out his hand to him. "Thank you for having us over, and thank you for not shooting us." Charlie eyed his hand, grimacing as he took it and gave it a firm shake.

"Geez. I don't know how you're so calm about this."

The shifters still seemed rattled by the whole thing. Seth smiled awkwardly but looked uncomfortable, while Paul and Leah looked as though they'd rather be anywhere else. Yet the older wolves still looked at Charlie in concern, and Kate hoped everything would be smoothed over soon.

"Years of practice." Eleazar hummed, releasing his hand. "We'll be going now. Don't forget what I said."

"I won't." He looked at Carmen. "Thanks for calming me down."

"I'm glad I could help."

Charlie then turned the blonde. "And Kate...keep taking care of my daughter." His eyes watered. "And if I can't see her again...tell her I love her and-" his voice cracked and he sucked in a breath, collecting himself before saying, "And let her know that I fought for her."

Kate had never admired any man more than she had admired her father and Eleazar...

And now, Charlie.

She smiled at him.

"I'll tell her that you fought like a warrior, Charlie."

And when the time is right, I'll tell her that you were able to let go.

The familiar ache in her chest returned.

I'll tell her that it was her happiness that was enough for you.

Kate put her hand on her chest, wincing as they exited the house.

I'll tell her that she was enough for you.

Carmen stopped her at the car, placing a hand on her shoulder and looking at her in concern.

"Kate?"

I'll tell her that you put her first.

Gold eyes flashed red and Kate had to look away, blinking back tears as the ache intensified.

I'll tell her that you were everything that Sasha wasn't.

---

He was a mistake.

She knew that.

Sasha watched as Vasilii tore through his meal, snarling and ripping apart the corpse without hesitation. The sight made her stomach lurch, and for a moment Sasha feared she would vomit.

Grief bears rotten fruit.

Blood splattered the walls, soaked through his clothes, and matted his blonde curls. Red eyes were glaring at the body before him, angered by the lack of blood as he tossed it aside and started on the next one she had brought for him.

The bodies he left behind were always torn to shreds. The immortal child didn't know his own strength, and he haphazardly ripped off limbs in his eagerness to quench his bloodlust. More blood ended up on the floor than in his mouth.

A waste.

She heard his thick fingers cut through bone as he clutched the body tightly. His eyes closed as he greedily drank what he could. Sasha watched as the blood seeped from the corners of his lips and drizzled down his throat.

He was a mistake.

She knew that.

Sasha was repulsed by her own weakness. By her inability to move on.

This boy wasn't Vasilii. Just as her vampiric daughters were not Michaela, Eliska, or Sofia.

Tatyana, Bela, Katrina, and Irina were not replicas of the girls she had lost. She was glad that they weren't.

Each provided her with new ways to feel joyful and alive. Each provided her with a sense of love that only a mother could have for her children.

Her family was everything she could have hoped for and more. And yet, she could not forget Vasilii.

She was able to let Michaela, Eliska, and Sofia go.

She was able to let Bohdan go.

But she could not let Vasilii go.

Now here she sat, a bucket full of water on her right, and eyes black and hands clutching her rag tightly as she watched the immortal child tear into his food.

He was a mistake.

She knew that.

But Sasha couldn't bring herself to correct the mistake she had made.

Vasilii finished his meal, licking his bloodied fingers and giggling as he looked up at her.

She couldn't correct the mistake she had made, because she could not bear to see her boy die. Not again.

He wasn't Vasilii. She knew that.

But sometimes when she stared at him, red eyes became blue.

Warmth bloomed in her chest at the sight of his toothy grin and prominent dimples. The baby pushed the corpse away from him, cooing softly now that he was fed.

"My son, are you finished?" In seconds he was in her lap, sitting patiently as she dipped her rag into the bucket. He clapped his hands, cooing at her as she gently wiped the blood from his plump cheeks.

His movements were too quick. Too sporadic and uncontrolled. Too unlike the movements of a human baby.

Sometimes it shattered her illusion of Vasilii.

Sometimes it reminded her of how her true-born son was dead.

But every time his speed was a blur or his strength wreaked havoc on their environment–she winced when his pudgy hand gripped her wrist, squeezing too tightly and making her chastise him until he released her.

Every time she witnessed his vampiric abilities she was reminded of all the hurt she had caused.

The boy's birth mother didn't get to say goodbye. The boy's change was painful and lasted three days. If any of her girls knew about his existence then…

Sasha began rinsing his hair. "I should have never made you." She murmured, threading her fingers through his now clean, damp curls. "I was a fool. And you are my death sentence." His big red eyes filled with adoration as she gently dragged her nails along his scalp. "But...perhaps I can keep you hidden."

I can train you. Temper your urges and your anger.

But she lacked the same optimism she once had. Because she knew better.

I knew better. But I created him anyway.

When she finished washing Vasilii, she left him at the small house that she kept him in. Making sure to leave him a few corpses and objects that would keep him entertained until she returned. At least, she hoped it would keep him entertained while she was away.

Sasha washed herself before returning home. Making sure to rid herself of Vasilii's scent before she went to her daughters.

Bela had returned, and while her scent lingered, both she and Katrina had left the house.

Irina greeted her happily upon her arrival, and for that she was grateful. It had been a long couple of days and she felt drained. The stress of caring for Vasilii had put her on edge, but her youngest daughter's sweet embrace was enough to help her relax.

However, Tatyana was not so welcoming.

"Where were you?" Her eldest watched her curiously, almost making Sasha wince. "It's been almost a week."

Katrina, Irina, and Bela didn't question her. Not like Tatyana did. Her eldest knew her better than anyone, but Sasha couldn't let her find out about Vasilii.

None of them could know. Their safety and their peace of mind depended on it.

And while Sasha hadn't feared the Volturi, with her daughters potentially caught in the crossfire of her mistake, she couldn't help but be cautious.

Should he ever lose control, the Volturi will find us.

It didn't help that the stress and guilt of Vasilii's creation was eating her alive. An immortal child was more work than she had anticipated. She had acted out of selfishness, impulsivity.

And now she was paying for it.

But that doesn't mean my girls should have to pay for my mistakes.

"Honestly, Tatyana," she sighed, "I don't think my whereabouts concern you. I was just hunting. Sometimes I need time to myself, you know."

"Just hunting." Her eldest mused, looking unconvinced. "Just lying."

No. You can't find out what I've done.

Irina frowned at her sister. "Why would she lie about that?" She was defensive, angry on her behalf.

Tatyana scowled at Irina. "I'm not speaking to you, am I? I'm asking our mother a simple question-"

"You're accusing our mother of being a liar! What would she have to lie about?"

Red eyes narrowed, now fixed on Sasha. "A good question. What do you have to lie about?"

She didn't know if it was the stress that got to her or her need to protect her daughters, or maybe a combination of both. But whatever it was, it created a horrible feeling, one she hadn't meant to act on.

"You have nothing better to do than to question me?" She snarled, clenching her jaw at the hurt that flashed in her daughter's eyes. "Why don't you do something productive? Something that doesn't involve wasting my time with your stupid questions!"

Irina looked startled but Tatyana was quick to snap back. "Why are you yelling at me!" Her rage was palpable, but the lingering pain in her eyes was clear as day to Sasha.

You have to stay away.

"Because you're infuriating! Why could you not greet me as Irina did?"

A snarl ripped from her throat. "Because I'm not Irina! Stop trying to distract me! I know you're hiding something!" She stalked closer, poking Sasha in the chest as she spoke. "I know you better than anyone. Whatever you're hiding, just know that I will find out."

Sasha felt her panic and anger flare-up. "You are in no position to question me, girl! What I do is none of your concern unless I make it your concern! Remember your place! Remember that it is better to be seen and not heard!"

The instant that left her lips she knew she had gone too far.

But she had to. She had to end this. She had to keep Tatyana away.

I'm so sorry.

Tatyana flinched away from her, eyes welling with tears as she looked at Sasha in disbelief.

Sasha no longer saw the bold and confident daughter she had helped mold. But instead, she saw the broken-hearted little girl she had so desperately wanted to save.

Short, strawberry blonde hair went a little past her chin. Large, ocean blue eyes were wet and filled with pain and confusion as they gazed up at her. Tears cascaded down rosy-colored cheeks. Small fingers tangled together, shaking slightly as she fought the urge to toy with her dress as she so often did.

"Why is she mad at me? What did I do?" The tremble in her voice had always broken Sasha's heart.

"Nothing," Sasha would tell her. "Sometimes people are just cruel. That's not your fault."

My sweet baby, please forgive me. I made a mistake. Now I have to keep you safe.

Tatyana turned away from her, fingers tangled together and eyes wet. "Fine." Her voice was shaky and her eyes turned black. "Push me away all you'd like. Be as horrible as she was for all I care. But I will discover the truth."

Sasha swallowed thickly, certain she had never hated herself more. "There is nothing to discover, Tatyana."

Please. Just leave this alone.

Her daughter said nothing. Instead, she vanished into the forest, leaving Irina and Sasha alone. The two remained silent for a moment. Sasha kept her head down while Irina slowly inched closer to her.

"Mother, are you alright?"

I say such awful things to Tatyana, and yet you worry about me?

Nevertheless, Sasha appreciated Irina's undeserved comfort. "I'm fine. You should go check on your sister. Make sure she's alright." She murmured, smiling sadly at Irina when she felt her comforting hand on her shoulder. "I was harsh towards her-"

"Because she kept insisting that you were a liar." Irina shook her head. "This fight would not have taken place if she had only listened to you."

Irina didn't understand the significance behind Sasha's words.

Perhaps that was for the best.

However, Sasha was torn. She wanted to tell her youngest that she had indeed been in the wrong. But she also wanted to avoid triggering her curious nature. She couldn't risk Irina and Tatyana searching for her secret. But she didn't want to demonize her eldest daughter.

None of this would have happened if you weren't so selfish.

A sigh escaped her. "I shouldn't have been so cruel. She deserves better than that. You all do." However, Irina looked unconvinced.

Sasha was her maker, and Irina still felt the full pull of the maker bond. In all disputes, she was most likely to side with Sasha, despite logical reasoning, because a newborn's prerogative was to learn from and to protect their maker.

Tatyana's accusations had been an attack on Sasha's character, and Irina wouldn't stand for it. Her loyalty was appreciated but also misplaced, and Sasha worried what this would mean for the future of their family.

If I hadn't bit Vasilii...Vasilii.

"I'll return shortly."

Irina didn't question her. She only gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek before bidding her farewell.

...

When Sasha returned to her son she was relieved to see that he had only torn into the corpses she left him, and broken a few of the objects.

She hadn't been gone for too long for his attention to stray. But she knew she'd have to be careful. That meant she couldn't keep him locked away in the house forever. She needed to take him out frequently in order to keep him entertained, and content with being in the house for the moments she had to leave.

Vasilii squealed in delight when he saw her, and she couldn't help but smile at the noise.

"Let's clean you up. Then we'll go on a trip."

Sasha brought him to the cliffside. The same place she had buried her human son. The same place she visited each year with a handful of forget-me-nots and words of sorrow and remorse.

The full moon shone brightly overhead, and the night sky was splattered with stars. The wind gently rustled the grass, and the waves crashed steadily against the cliffside.

"Do you remember this place?" She set Vasilii down, watching his reaction carefully. The boy was enraptured by the moon, seeing it for the first time with vampiric clarity. "Do you remember me?"

He looked up at her then, brow furrowed and red eyes searching as though he could possibly understand her. He then smiled, jumping back into her arms and laying his head on her shoulder.

She should have felt endeared, and maybe a part of her did, but she knew his reaction towards her would differ if she weren't his maker.

A soft sigh escaped Sasha. "What am I saying?" She looked out at the moon, sitting on the edge of the cliff and placing her son in her lap. "This is wrong. I know it's wrong but..." her voice cracked. "I don't know how to fix it. I can't fix it. I can't hurt you. I can't."

Vasilii wiggled out of her lap, having caught sight of an insect. He chased after it, squealing in delight as it tried to zip away, only for him to appear in front of it.

She watched him closely.

He wasn't trying to catch the bug, he was only toying with it. Entertained and giggling as he jumped after it.

Grief bears rotten fruit.

Then he looked at her, a bright smile on his face and a soft grunt escaping him as he pointed at what he was chasing. He was overjoyed and he wanted her to bear witness to that.

But rotten fruit has never tasted so sweet.

Sasha laughed and clapped her hands. "You're doing so well, my son." Because, despite her fondness for him, she could not bear to call him the name of her boy.

Not now.

Not when reality had its strong grip on her, crushing her so slowly that she was in agony.

Her mind was an echo chamber, and her daughters' voices were the ones that haunted it.

Tatyana's anger was palpable, but so was her hurt. "What is wrong with you? You have four daughters but you agonize over replacing Vasilii?"

She squeezed her eyes shut. "Tatyana, I'm so sorry. It was never supposed to be like this."

The fear that both Bela and Tatyana had, the fear of never being enough, she was supposed to be the one that reassured them. She was supposed to be the one that made them feel like they were everything she could have wanted and more.

Bela's gentle voice rang in her ears. "I'm sorry you're hurting. I'm sorry you feel this way. And I'm sorry there's nothing I can do to make it better."

Tears burned her eyes. "There's nothing none of you could have done, kind girl. How I feel is my doing. I let my grief grow and didn't allow my joy to prosper. You're all perfect."

Katrina's voice spoke softly to her. "You have us now, mother. We'll take good care of you. I know it's not the same but...I hope it's enough."

Sasha held back her growl. "It was enough. I was just too blinded. Too selfish…"

And Irina's determination nearly broke her. "My mother watched Erik die. I know you would never do the same. You would only protect us." She had spoken so earnestly. "Just know that I would do the same for you. No one will hurt you, mother. Not ever."

A bitter smile twisted upon her lips. "You couldn't have anticipated that I would inflict more pain on myself than anyone else ever could."

Vasilii cooed at her but she wasn't listening.

She felt numb.

Sasha faced the moon once again. Her heart was heavy and her vision was blurry. "Exchanging a few moments of happiness for a lifetime of misery...what has become of me?" She asked, wishing more than anything that she had her daughters at her side. "I was weak, and my girls will suffer for it should they ever find out."

Her guilt devoured her.

"I am no mother at all."

There she sat with an immortal child at her side. Living proof that she was no better than the women that had abandoned Bela and Tatyana.

I was not content with the love I had. And this is my punishment.

To keep her secret she had hurt Tatyana in the process, and she choked down a sob when she remembered the pain on her daughter's face.

I tried to protect you, and you still got hurt.

She deserved better. They all deserved better. She was supposed to be better.

"Oh, Vasilii," she breathed, "What would you think of me now?"

The sun slowly crept through the sky, turning it pink and making Sasha's eyes water.

Her son had always loved watching the sunrise. Clapping and giggling when it made its appearance.

She glanced at the immortal child, who had taken an interest in another insect.

He noticed the light beginning to devour the night sky and he paused, turning to watch as the sun made itself known.

Sasha faced the sunrise before she could see his reaction.

But instead of claps and giggles, she heard nothing.

Nothing at all.

The sun continued its ascent, and Sasha began to weep.

---

Alice stared at her 3DS, anxiously tapping her fingers against the mattress of her bed as she stared at the screen.

She knew this was stupid. Pointless. But she was being cautious.

After Bella's fight with Esme, she had become withdrawn, and the seer didn't see much of her friend these days. She was either holed up in Rosalie's room playing Animal Crossing, out in the woods with the Denali's, or in the past.

Things had been tense since the Denali and Cullen fight. Irina and Kate wouldn't speak to her, and she couldn't blame them.

She had seen a future where Jasper attacked Bella, and she had ignored it.

It wasn't supposed to happen. But it did. And I didn't tell anyone.

That outcome should have never been a possibility. She didn't know how it became one. But she knew that her shame was no excuse for abandoning Bella.

I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't forgive me.

Alice's eyes widened as her screen went black before it opened to a train station.

Welcome to The Shire.

She let me in.

The knock on her door startled her.

Bella.

"Come in!"

The brunette walked into her room with Ghost on her heels, closing the door behind them before sitting next to Alice on her bed. All the while she never looked up from her own 3DS screen.

Ghost wagged his tail at Alice, giving her knuckles a lick before the white pup curled up into Bella's lap.

"Please don't run over my flowers." She murmured, leaning back on her bed frame and having her character meet Alice's at the train station. "And don't hit my villagers with a butterfly net. Kate does that because she likes seeing their 'warrior' face." Bella muttered, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "A cute way of her saying that she likes to piss everyone off."

"Doesn't she always." Rosalie walked in unannounced, closing the door behind her and sitting next to Bella.

Ghost yipped happily at her, tail thumping against Bella's thigh but he didn't move from her lap. Bright amber eyes watched her, and a happy noise escaped him when she began stroking his back.

Alice blinked, staring owlishly at her sister. "You would get mad at me all the time when I barged into your room."

"Are you mad that I'm here?"

"No."

"All the Denali's left to go do a border patrol, and I'm bored."

The seer was quiet for a moment, looking between Rosalie and Bella, both of whom were staring at Bella's 3DS.

"I...thought you two were mad at me."

Rosalie shrugged, still staring at Bella's game. "I was until I talked to Eleazar and Bella." Alice's eyebrows raised at this.

Bella talked her out of being mad at me?

Bella glanced up from her screen. "I was hurt but...I understand now." One hand fell onto Ghost's head, and she began scratching gently behind his ears. "What happened that night, it was the preferred outcome." Alice looked at her in disbelief. "If Jasper hadn't attacked me, your family wouldn't have left, and...I've seen what happens if you all stay."

Alice set her game down, focusing her full attention on the time traveler. "You've seen it?"

"It's a long story. Maybe one I'll tell you later." Bella leaned her head back, handing her game to Rosalie and gently lifting Ghost off her lap. She cuddled him to her chest, breathing a sigh of relief when he snuggled into her and closed his eyes.

When Bella was home Ghost hardly left her side. And when she was gone, he would usually be with Kate or Rosalie. Occasionally he would run off with Irina or Tanya, maybe lay with Carmen and Eleazar, or play fetch with Alice. But it was clear that his loyalty was to Bella first and foremost.

Ghost was good for her.

Alice looked at the wolf pup, smiling fondly before she gazed up at her friend. "Can I hear the short story?"

Bella nodded, looking uncomfortable for a moment before she spoke. "If you all stay in Forks, I meet the Denali's when I'm about to marry Edward. I meet Kate, dressed as a bride, and...I have a breakdown. I'm not able to comprehend that she's real because..." she clenched her jaw. "When I was younger, I was in a psych ward and I was told my entire life by psychiatrists and all sorts of doctors that Katrina was a figment of my imagination. So her being there was incomprehensible. It shattered my mind."

The seer stared at her in shock, glancing at Rosalie for any hint of a reaction, but her sister was focused on playing Animal Crossing.

She already knew. But for how long?

"That's...that's terrible," Alice murmured, unsure of how to even respond to what she's been told.

She had never known her best friend was in a psych ward.

And she couldn't fathom that Jasper attacking and traumatizing Bella was the best outcome for her.

It all seemed wrong.

Us staying would have only made Bella's life worse.

The news should have been a relief. They made the right choice when they left, they just went about it the wrong way. Hearing this should have absolved her of at least some of her guilt. It should have been a relief that this outcome was the preferable one.

But it wasn't. Because she had still hurt her friend. And abandoning Bella had turned out to be the lesser of two evils.

Staying with her causes chaos. Staying with her causes more pain than leaving does.

"I'm sorry" Bella stared at her. "I'm still sorry for everything that happened. I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye."

Her friend gave her a sad smile. "I am too but...after what I've seen, part of me understands." Alice looked at her curiously, relieved to have not evoked Bella's anger, but her sympathy. "I've seen a world without Irina. One that I created, not knowing or thinking about the consequences." She murmured, sounding ashamed as gold eyes watered. "I know now that that is a reality I could never create. I never would but..." her voice cracked. "It's still one that existed. I was almost afraid to face Irina when I came home."

Alice stared at her with wide eyes. Just where had Bella gone? Different realities? A world without Irina?

"You...were in a different reality?"

Bella looked at her with sad eyes. "Just as you see different pathways and futures, they continue to exist. They have already happened, but you and I can influence the outcomes. It's terrifying." She looked away from her. "I have only seen only two different realities, and I'm so grateful to not bear your burden." A soft sigh escaped her. "Knowing that anything I do can change the future, for better or for worse, has me overthinking my actions when I go to the past. I don't want to mess anything up and...I'm this is a type of anxiety you experience regularly."

Tears welled in her eyes and she looked away from Bella. All the thoughts she had tried to smother, for the sake of maintaining her happy disposition, were being dragged out into the open. It was overwhelming, but also relieving that finally, someone understood how she felt.

She had tried to treat her gift as a gift, but sometimes it truly felt like a curse.

The hand on her shoulder made her look up, and to her surprise it was Rosalie.

Not too long ago she had been mad at her for withholding her vision from the family.

But now she stared at her with soft gold eyes and a look of compassion. "I never knew you felt that way. I never..." she withdrew her hand, looking uncomfortable as she spoke. "In the past, it has been a rare occasion for me to think outside of myself. But I'm trying to improve that." She took a breath before continuing. "I'm here if you ever want to talk." Her gaze was remorseful, a look she had only seen on Rosalie a handful of times. "And I'm sorry."

Alice swallowed thickly, blinking back tears that would never fall. "Why are you sorry?"

"For all the years I've spent with you, for all the years that I've looked at you..." she folded her hands in her lap. "I've never really seen you until now." A quiet laugh escaped her as she stared at her lap. "You've always seen me and I'm so grateful for that. I'm just sorry it took me so long to truly see you."

The seer stared at her sister in awe. She had never allowed herself to want anything more in her relationships with the Cullens. Jasper had always been able to see her, and that had been enough.

But now, hearing from someone else, hearing from Rosalie that she saw her and that she cared...

Alice lunged forward, embracing her sister tightly and squeezing her eyes shut. "I love you."

Without hesitation Rosalie wrapped her arms around her, hugging her back fiercely. "I love you too."

When they pulled away Alice immediately threw herself at Bella, mindful of Ghost as she gently embraced her. "Thank you. I don't deserve your forgiveness. Not after everything I've done. But I'll make sure you won't regret giving me another chance. I promise."

Bella let out a quiet laugh as Ghost huffed at the sudden weight pressed against him. "I missed you."

She hugged Alice back before releasing her, and the seer felt relief wash over her at the sight of Bella's smile. "I missed you too." She conspicuously glanced at Rosalie before saying, "Do you know how hard it was to see you be besties with Rosalie-"

Bella laughed while her sister glared at her. "I take it back. I detest you."

"Too late! No take backs!"

"Leave it to you to ruin the moment."

She had missed this. Bella's laugh and Rosalie's feigned annoyance. Everything felt normal again, and that was more than she deserved.

Alice wanted this moment to last, but something Bella had said earlier had caught her attention. "I didn't know you were in a psych ward."

Bella gave her a wry smile. "Well, I didn't know either."

Rosalie picked up the 3DS once again. It was strange to see her playing it. "When she was human, Bella told me a little about being in the psych ward. She heard the Denali's voices and the doctors told her it was schizophrenia." She paused before saying. "Her human life was a lot like yours."

I saw things. Bella heard things.

Bella looked at her curiously and Alice explained, "I don't remember my human years. But apparently, I had visions when I was a human. Just like you heard voices."

Her eyes widened, and then a large smile unfurled on her lips. It made her feel good. It made her feel happy.

"That's amazing."

Alice smiled at her. Bella had always had a talent for making people feel special. She had once joked with Rosalie that that was the reason her cranky sister kept Bella around. Her cranky sister, of course, hadn't laughed.

"James, when he was hunting you, he told you about how he had once hunted me." She explained. "I saw visions of him coming after me. I was sent to a mental hospital. And that's all I know about my human life. I woke up alone. I woke up like this and, I couldn't even remember my name."

Bella nodded slowly. "It's scary."

"It is."

"I had Tanya and Irina. I can't imagine what it was like to deal with that by yourself."

Alice gave her a wink. "I'm a lot tougher than I look. My visions guided me." And she had found Jasper shortly after.

"Your visions." Bella mused. "They're amazing, but I still can't get over how hard it must be to have them." She hugged Ghost a little tighter to her. "You can't see the full picture, you can't see all the effects that different decisions make, so you try to help others choose the one that seems to have the happiest outcome," Bella spoke of this as though she could read Alice's mind. "What helped me was realizing that not everything is in my control. It took a lot of the burden off my shoulders."

Her eyes watered, overwhelmed by the sudden feeling of hopelessness that plagued her. Because it was one thing to have her sister and friend's compassion, but it was another thing to hear that, ultimately, she couldn't tailor the present to make an improved future.

The slight semblance of control she thought she had, had been enough to curb her once anxious mind. Acknowledging the truth, that she could influence the future but ultimately change nothing, was a harrowing one.

Her power didn't run as deep as Bella's. She wasn't able to see different realities in their entirety like Bella had been able to. Her gift was more surface-level. And if that was the case then what good was she?

"But I should be able to make things better. That's what my gift is for, Bella. It's why I'm of any use to this family!"

Rosalie snapped the 3DS shut, glaring at her sister with black eyes. "Just how stupid are you-" she stopped herself, taking a deep breath, and her eyes reverted to gold. "Alice, you are so much more than your gift. Since we've been here you've struggled using it because of the shifters, but have I once asked you to look into the future for me?" Her eyes were soft, they were sad, and her vulnerability made Alice look at her with wide eyes. "You are not an oracle, you are my sister. Our family loves you, not what you can give us."

Her words meant everything but doubt still plagued her mind. "But I made our family miserable because I didn't tell them about my vision. And in another reality, I hadn't even been able to tell Bella the pain that marrying Edward would bring her. I hadn't seen that she would have that breakdown. I'm supposed to-"

Bella reached out, placing her hand on Alice's knee and giving it a light squeeze. "Alice, don't think like that." She murmured. "You can't put the blame on yourself. Life isn't a fairytale. Every reality has its heartbreaks and setbacks, and we're powerless to stop it."

"But-"

Bella clenched her jaw, eyes glazing over and posture straightening. "Does it bring you comfort to focus on what you cannot control?" Gold eyes held a wisdom that felt humbling. And even Rosalie was staring at her with rapt attention.

It was clear the newborn was waiting for an answer, and Alice let out a quiet, "No but-"

"You continue to focus on what you cannot do. My mother was the same way. Too obsessed with the past. Unable to live in the present. The fool." She hummed, not sounding angry, but mellow. "She was a sad fool, the worst kind." Her eyes watered. "Because at least the happy ones can live in blissful ignorance before the world falls apart." A soft sigh escaped her. "It is difficult to escape the past. It is the biggest curse that plagues our kind."

Alice didn't know what to say, but Rosalie addressed Bella with ease. "You've said something similar to this." She leaned closer to her. "About how we're all too fixated on what we miss and what we've lost."

Bella looked at her, or rather, Bella looked through her. "The past should only be used as a reference. As a reminder. But instead, we cling to it." Timeless gold eyes were now on Alice. "It is easy to lose our sense of self with powers like these. Time ravages everyone. But it is important to remember that the present is something to be cherished. It should not be wasted by dwelling on the plagues of the past or taken for granted because of your worries for the future."

Her eyes fell on Ghost. "Just live. Let people choose their own paths. Do not dwell on your mistakes. Reflect and correct them." She gave Alice a knowing look. "Your sanity will thank you for it."

Alice stared at her in surprise before she slowly nodded. "I...I can work on that." Because she was right. If she wanted any peace of mind, then she would have to relinquish her need to control the outcomes.

"Use your visions more sparingly. Use them when you need them. Not when you want them." A warm smile appeared on her lips. "You will find that there is much more to you than the power you wield. Or, perhaps you have discovered this already." She murmured. "You have been surrounded by the shifters for a long time. Think about how this makes you feel."

Sometimes seeing the future was inevitable. But oftentimes she would look, just so she could micromanage her own life. She needed that control.

Alice needed to make others happy. She needed to get the best possible outcome.

Anytime she chose wrong, anytime something didn't happen as it did in her vision, the failure was crippling. She had always covered up her turmoil with a chipper smile, despite Jasper being able to see right through her.

It was a terrible feeling.

She loved her visions. She loved being helpful.

Being without her vision for so long...

It makes me feel powerless. Frustrated.

Her brow furrowed.

It makes me feel...relieved. No one is dependent on me to see what's going to happen. We're all facing Victoria blind. We're all scared.

What had happened with Bella and Jasper had made one of her largest fears come to life. Her visions had failed everyone. She had failed everyone.

But here, there's no chance of that happening. I can't see the future. I'm...free.

She looked at Rosalie, who was still looking intently at Bella.

Rose was right. No one has asked me for my visions. I'm still treated the same. I'm still loved.

She looked back at Bella.

Bella was still my friend, with or without my visions.

It would take some time to unpack all that she had learned today. It would take her some time to get over her insecurities.

But she was more than willing to try.

Alice felt the tension leave her shoulders and she smiled back at Bella. "Thank you, Bella. This was really helpful."

Bella's eyes refocused and she blinked, frowning as she looked at Alice. "Uh, what did I miss?"

She doesn't even realize what she said. Just like when she was human.

"Nothing important," Rosalie assured her, picking up the 3DS and handing it back to her. "You had one of your moments."

"Oh, what did I say?" She asked, opening the game up but not taking her eyes off Rosalie.

Can we tell her? She doesn't even know about Sasha yet.

Alice glanced at Rosalie, who didn't so much as blink in the face of that question. "You-"

A loud snarl made the vampires freeze.

"Who are you?" Kate's loud demand echoed through the forest.

They left the house, leaving Ghost safely in Alice's room.

They found Irina and Kate a ways away from their home. They both were crouched, watching the new vampire, who didn't look the slightest bit intimidated by them.

The woman was tall with sinewy muscles and black skin. Her black hair was pulled into a loose braid behind her back. She wore only animal skins, a leopard print vest covered her breasts and left her toned stomach exposed. And, what appeared to be, a black panther pelt that was loosely wrapped around her waist.

Red eyes found her gold ones and Alice smiled. "Kate, it's okay. This is Senna. She's a friend of hers." The warrior watched the amazon warily but she and Irina relaxed their posture.

The younger sister frowned. "A warning would have been nice. Why is she here?"

"She's part of the Amazon coven, one of the best trackers we know." Alice winced and turned towards Bella. "Carlisle must not have told her that you were found. Well, you were never missing, and with all that was happening...Bella?"

The shield jumped in surprise, smiling sheepishly and tearing her gaze away from the amazon. "Uh, sorry, what?"

Alice hid her smile behind her hand. "Were you-"

"No!" The seer could practically see the blush on her cheeks. "She's just really tall!" Alice knew she was being honest, because Senna was tall, even a little taller than Leah. But she couldn't help but tease her anyway.

Kate crossed her arms over her chest, turning to side-eye her mate. "So? I'm tall too."

"Baby, you're the same height as me-"

"I am not a baby."

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "That remains to be seen."

The warrior glared at her but Bella spoke before she could. "I was just using it as a term of endearment."

Kate blinked before a smile stretched across her lips. "Oh! Well, I find you galvanic."

"Is everything a competition to you?" Bella muttered though she couldn't stop her small smile from forming.

The blonde moved forward, putting her hands behind her back as her smile turned coy. "Someone hasn't been reading their thesaurus. Don't be upset because I have, once again, bested you with my love-"

"I can't stand you." Bella laughed, grabbing her hips and pulling her in for a chaste kiss. "I would call your actions odious if I didn't adore you." Kate smiled gently at her, wrapping her arms around her mate and sighing happily.

"This conversation is becoming odious," Rosalie muttered, unable to hold back her quip.

Kate glared at her. "You're odious. And if you're so bothered, why don't you just go away and stay away?" Her anger was palpable, and Bella winced, withdrawing from her embrace. Discomfort swam in gold eyes, and Alice didn't miss the look that she and Rosalie shared.

What was that?

The warrior softened, about to apologize to her mate when Senna moved forward. She pulled out her phone and took a picture of Bella.

"What-"

Senna typed a few things, they heard the sound of the message sending before she put the phone to her ear. It rang a few times before Carlisle answered.

"Senna-"

"I have found Bella." She then hung up the phone.

The Denali sisters stared at her, and Alice had to fight back her laugh while a small smile appeared on Rosalie's lips.

Senna was nothing if not efficient.

She wore a displeased look, clearly not liking that her time had been wasted.

She turned to leave. "Aw, you're not going to stay?" Alice asked, looking at her pleadingly. It usually worked on Zafrina and Kachiri well enough, but not once had it worked on Senna.

And today was no different.

The vampire turned to her, giving her a firm shake of her head.

Dammit. I'll get you one of these days.

"Thank you for coming. I'm sorry my family didn't contact you." Rosalie said, earning her a nod in response.

Senna had always been a woman of few words. The seer had once thought her to be mute, but she simply preferred to keep to herself. If words weren't worth speaking, then she wouldn't speak them.

The scents of Tanya and Eleazar washed over them and the vampire froze, muscles going rigid when they appeared.

Irina was quick to speak, "No worries. This is a friend of the Cullens."

"We heard," Eleazar assured her. "We came to see if she wouldn't mind helping us with our newborn problem." He turned to Senna and stuck out his hand. "Hello, I'm Eleazar. It's a pleasure to meet you."

But Senna was looking past him, staring at Tanya with wide, dark red eyes. The intensity was enough to make Alice look away. It felt as though she was improving on a private moment.

Tanya's eyes were also wide. She was looking at the amazon as though she was all that mattered. Alice had never seen Tanya so dumbstruck. It would have been comical if a scowl hadn't overtaken the blonde's lips.

"I do not have time for this."

Kate's jaw dropped and a happy squeal escaped Irina. "Tanya! Did you just-"

Bella moved to her maker's side, interlacing their fingers and grinning widely at her. "She did!" The two looked at each other with wide smiles before turning to their sister and squealing again. "We're so happy for you!"

A laugh escaped Kate, who stepped up to stand beside Bella. "Well, would you look at that? Our little succubus is growing up."

Tanya shot her a glare. "Quiet." She then glared up at Senna. "You're gorgeous. Normally, I would take you into my bed and do all types of unspeakable things to you." Senna's eyes turned black and Irina's excitement faltered.

"That's not romantic at all." She looked scandalized, and Kate hid a snicker behind her hand while Bella gave her arm a reassuring pat.

"She is a succubus."

Her older sister ignored her. "But we have a situation here that needs my full attention. I can't afford to be distracted right now."

Why is she so angry? She just found her mate. She should be happy.

She opened her mouth to say so, but she noticed Rosalie from her peripheral. Her sister shook her head and Alice shut her mouth and pursed her lips.

Ask later. Respect her boundaries now. Right.

When Senna said nothing Tanya only grew more frustrated. "Hello? Do you speak?" Senna nodded but remained silent. "Well?"

The amazon, instead, pulled out her phone. She dialed a number, it rang a few times before Zafrina picked up.

"Senna-"

"I stay." She hung up and turned her attention back towards Tanya, who was staring at her in disbelief. Senna rolled her eyes. "I stay with you."

Irina cooed quietly, "That's so sweet."

Tanya clenched her jaw. "Fine. Can you fight?" Her mate nodded. "We'll see. You can train with Kate. I have to..." her eyes dropped down to the vampire's exposed stomach and she quickly looked away. "I have to meet with Carlisle and Sam." She finished hastily before turning to Kate. "We're planning for the newborns' arrival. We'll discuss this later. I just...I need to go." She was gone in seconds, and Senna stared after her.

Everyone was quiet for a moment before Bella stepped forward. "Hi, Senna. It's nice to meet you." She smiled, seemingly unbothered when the amazon didn't look at her. "Tanya is our sister." Senna looked at her. "Um, Eleazar, Irina, Kate and I can show you the borders, if you'd like? I don't think the wolves will like you on their territory since you have red eyes." Senna nodded and Bella's smile brightened. "Great! Oh, and you can't hunt in Forks because of the-"

"She knows about the treaty," Rosalie interjected.

"Right, got it. Thanks." Bella looked at the other Denali's. "Ready?"

Kate nodded, walking forward so she stood at her mate's side. "Ready." She glanced at Senna. "I'll tell you this now, so we can get this out of the way." She squared her shoulders. "If you hurt our sister we'll-"

"Rip you apart," Irina said, a happy smile on her lips. "Anyways, it's so nice that Tanya finally found her mate! I can tell you everything about her. We can help you plan romantic outings and-"

"One thing at a time, Irina. Let's not overwhelm her." Eleazar chuckled. "We'll probably find Carmen on our run. She'll be thrilled to meet you."

Senna looked at all of them, remaining silent and giving them a nod. They all took off in the forest, leaving Rosalie and Alice alone in the clearing.

Rosalie looked lost in thought, and Alice smiled at her. "Well, that was exciting." When she didn't answer, she gave her sister a gentle prod. "Rose?"

"Hm?"

"Are you alright?" She didn't get an answer. "Well, you did really good with Kate. I know that must have been hard for you."

"...I suppose."

Her curiosity got the better of her. "And that look with Bella...what was that about?"

A quiet laugh escaped her sister, though she still looked a bit unfocused. "Now you know how I felt about you two. Always with the secrets and the shared looks..." realization flashed in gold eyes and she stared at Alice with an intensity that startled her.

"I understand now." She didn't sound angry, much to the seer's relief.

But she was confused. "What do you mean?"

Rosalie cocked her head to the side, looking pleased that she had caught her off-guard. "How long have you known that Bella was in love with me?"

Alice's eyes widened.

Shit.

---

Bella found that being in the past was easier.

There were no Cullens to worry about. They weren't even alive yet.

And she didn't have to stress about confronting Kate about her past love for Rosalie. Something she was trying to work up the courage to do, but hadn't.

Because if Kate had known about her love for Rosalie, that would explain her jealousy.

If Kate had known about her love for Rosalie, that would mean that her mate had been actively hiding the truth from her.

Kate had stressed the importance of communication. But if she knew about Rosalie, and had continued to insist that she wasn't jealous, then that meant she was lying. Something Bella couldn't wrap her head around.

Bella hadn't worked up the courage to ask her mate, because she was afraid of the answer.

But here, in the past with Katrina and the rest of their family, that wasn't something she had to dwell on.

"You almost got me!" Katrina laughed as she blocked Bella's stick with her own.

Bella grinned at her, jumping back as Katrina swung at her. "You know, when you said you wanted to do something romantic, this wasn't what I had in mind."

The warrior rolled her eyes playfully. "You lack imagination, my beautiful, dull Bela-"

She scowled at her. "Dull-"

"I told you," her mate rested the large stick on her shoulder and placed a hand on her hip. "I'm from the fearsome Tigre tribe, and you are an evil Vlci. We're sworn enemies, and we must fight to the death. But for some reason, we can't seem to kill each other."

The time traveler laughed at that. "Is it because we're vampires and we're fighting with tree branches?"

Katrina suppressed her smile, poorly if her twitching lips were any indication, and frowned at her. "No! It's because it was love at first sight!"

"Love at first sight," Bella decided that, for the sake of her silly warrior, she would play along. "Then why all this fighting, Tigre? Runaway with me."

Katrina looked absolutely delighted by her participation before she schooled her facial expression. "You'd so easily abandon your tribe, Vlci scum? Have you no honor?"

"Have you no heart?" Bella lowered her stick. "We don't have to fight. Come with me."

The warrior clenched her jaw. "I can't just leave. It's not right." She then puffed out her chest. "The wolf can never best the tiger!" She lunged forward, attempting to stab Bella with the stick but only for her strike to be parried.

The longer they fought the more intense Katrina became. Eyes alight with mirth as she dodged Bella's attacks. They raced through the forest, swinging at each other and jeering playfully as they attacked one another.

"Bela, have you been practicing?" She blocked Katrina's stick with her own, smiling as she darted away from her next strike.

Yes. With future you.

"I have to keep my strong warrior on her toes." Bella swung her branch in a wide arc, anticipating Katrina spotting her exposed side. She caught the stick swung at her side just as her mate caught her own.

They were at a standstill, both grinning wildly as they waited for the other to make a move.

"I'm hopelessly in love with you," Katrina said before snapping Bella's stick in half.

The brunette hissed at her, releasing Katrina's stick and tossing her own aside. "Hey! You ruined the game! Humans can't break swords with their hands!"

Her warrior grinned victoriously at her as she pointed her branch at Bella's throat. "I'm not an average human! I am the fiercest warrior alive! Katrina of the Tigre!" She boasted before smirking at her. "Any last words?"

Bella glared at her before dropping her hands to the hem of her shirt. "I have no last words for such a dishonorable warrior." She began lifting her shirt, suppressing her smirk as Katrina's branch lowered slightly. Red eyes watched her with rapt attention, darkening as her stomach was revealed.

"And what is this?"

"God, you're easy." Bella jumped forward, ripping the branch from Katrina's hands and breaking it over her head. "Ha! I won!"

"Hey!" Katrina pounced on her, nearly taking them both to the ground had Bella not maintained her balance on a tree trunk. "And you call me dishonorable!"

Bella held her up, smiling smugly at her. "It's not my fault you're so easy to rile up. You should probably work on that."

Red eyes pulsed with excitement and satisfaction as a laugh escaped her. "My sweet Bela, have you seen yourself? You're breathtaking." Before Bella could muster up anything but a sheepish smile, Katrina sighed and buried her face in the crook of her neck. "Thank you for playing my stupid game with me." She slipped out of her arms and gave her cheek a kiss. "I had fun."

Bella softened at this, moving closer and reaching out to grab her hand. "I did too...you miss this, don't you? War. Fighting."

Her mate interlaced their fingers, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Bella. "Some parts of war I can't help but miss. The only time I've ever felt so alive is when I was out on the field or in your arms." Her grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly. "It was exciting fighting along my brothers and sisters in the name of our tribe." She looked away from her. "There are many things I don't miss...but I will tell you this," red eyes met gold, "You never appreciate life more than when you know that yours could end at any moment."

Dread crept into her chest, weighing her down and wracking her with guilt. Katrina believed in an afterlife. She had loved ones, people who would miss her.

I took that from her.

She had been very careful when it came to Katrina's decision. She had never wanted to make the choice for her.

But maybe I didn't give her enough warning. Maybe she didn't realize all that she would have to give up.

Fear encroached on her mind, making her go rigid and making her mate look at her in concern.

"Bela?"

What if this life isn't enough for her? What if I'm not?

The thought rattled her. It made her think of the Cullens. Specifically, it made her think of Esme and Edward.

She then thought of Leah, and how she couldn't even stand the sight of her.

She thought of Renee, and how had she sent her away.

Doubt gnawed at her. Breaking down the emotional security that Kate had instilled in her.

Bella knew it wasn't fair to compare her mate to those who had left. In both the past and the present she had only ever shown her love. And yet the doubt lingered. The irrational fear reared its ugly head and she nearly withdrew from Katrina.

"Bela," gentle hands cupped her cheeks and she found herself staring into concerned red eyes. "Please tell me what's wrong." Bella hesitated and Katrina shook her head. "You don't have to hide from me. I love you." She said simply, as though no other variables could alter that truth.

And maybe they can't.

"Do you regret this?" Bella blurted out. "Do you regret becoming a vampire?" Katrina couldn't get the same thrills as a vampire, not as easily. And Bella hadn't even stopped to consider if she missed her friends and family. "I told you I was selfish...I didn't mean to take these things from you. I didn't mean to take the possibility of heaven from you. I would have loved you no matter what you decided-"

"I decided," Katrina cut her off with a stern look, "to be with you." Her warrior leaned into her. "I spent many nights fearing I would die before I told you how I felt. I spent many nights fearing I would never know your love before I passed." Her eyes watered. Not filled with sadness but with relief. "I may miss some aspects of my life. I may miss my friends. But this is the life I've always wanted. Spending the rest of my days with you...that's heaven to me."

Bella's bottom lip trembled and her eyes burned. "...oh."

Katrina was startled by that. "No! My sweet Bela, don't cry!" A choked sob escaped Bella as relief and love chased away the dread and doubt that had settled on her chest. "I'm sorry, I was only trying to reassure you!" Her warrior was frantic now, gently running her thumbs across her cheeks and speaking hurriedly as she tried to calm her. "I love you!"

A quiet laugh escaped her as her sobs subsided. "I love you too." She kissed her nose, finally calming herself enough to slip into Katrina's arms. The only home she'd ever known.

Katrina nuzzled into her hair. "Well...I love everything about you."

"...are you making it a competition?" Because, of course, her silly warrior would try to one-up her in such a way.

"No," she hummed. "Just saying that I love everything about you. And you never irritate me, ever. Because I love you that much."

"You are making this a competition. Just like you made our date a competition."

Katrina scowled at that. "I was being romantic! Then you were dishonorable!"

"Only because you started it!"

"I did not!"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Fine, you didn't...you foolish Tigre." She then laughed maniacally. "The tiger cannot best the wolf!"

Katrina giggled as Bella took her to the ground. "More dishonorable tricks!"

"There is no show of honor for the enemy!" They laughed as they rolled around on the forest floor, fighting to gain the upper hand.

Katrina, as she normally did, ended up on top. Pinning Bella down by her shoulders and grinning down wildly at her. A curtain of blonde surrounded them, blocking out Bella's view of the world and leading her to only focus on her mate.

As though she could focus on anything else.

Gentle hands explored her face, thumbs sliding across her cheekbones as brilliant red eyes stared at her. "I don't feel much like a warrior when I'm with you." She murmured, fingers skittering across the bridge of her nose and down to her chin. "I feel gentle. Soft. Not very befitting of a warrior."

Bella smiled up at her. "You're still my warrior. I like that you're soft for me."

Her mate smirked down at her. "Just know, that if I were a man, I definitely wouldn't be soft-"

"Katrina!" Bella hated that a small smile crept on her lips. It would only encourage her ridiculous warrior.

"Oh, but look at that smile. How can I resist?" She cooed, leaning down and peppering her face with kisses. A purr rumbled in her throat as a small laugh escaped Bella. "You think I'm funny."

"I most certainly do not." Bella slipped her arms around her neck. "I love you, so I'm cursed to be endeared by everything you do. Even when you make such lewd jokes."

Katrina pulled away slightly, red eyes softening as they gazed at her. "You don't...really feel cursed, right?" She looked up at her in alarm and Katrina winced. "You're just so perfect, Bela, and you always know what to do and say. You're always so patient with me, even when I'm acting like a brat and…" she trailed off, cupping Bella's face in her hands. "What did I do to deserve you?"

Bella felt her eyes burn. She had tried so hard to make sure Katrina felt as though she were enough. Because she was. Katrina was everything Bella could ever hope for. She was everything Bella could ever want.

"Don't do that." She murmured. "I'm far from perfect-"

"But you're perfect for me." Katrina breathed, eyes filled with love and devotion. "You're all I've ever wanted. And I can't believe how lucky I am to have you."

Bella felt extremely ridiculous for her previous worries.

"Do you ever consider how lucky I am to have you? I can't imagine experiencing a love that isn't yours." She grabbed her cheeks and looked at her sternly. "You're perfect for me. Even when you're a big baby-"

Katrina scowled. "Big baby-"

"You're my big baby. There's no one I could ever love more than I love you." Bella insisted. "Be nice to yourself. You've been nothing but good to me. That means everything."

Her warrior smiled broadly at her. "My sweet Bela…am I really perfect for you?"

"Of course you are. You're my heart. My bolt of lightning."

Katrina slammed her lips against hers, a purr rumbling in her throat as she gripped Bella's waist and pressed her body against hers. Bella clung to her, a growl escaping her lips when the blonde pulled away and grinned at her.

"My sweet Bela." She took one of her hands in hers and pressed it to her chest. "Every time you're near I swear I can feel my heart race. Can you feel it?" And for a moment Bella was certain that she could.

The phantom rhythm of Katrina's racing pulse was one that made her freeze.

Cyan bled into red eyes, replacing them with the bright blue orbs Bella had fallen in love with. Cold skin became warm to the touch. Little scars and knicks dotted across peach-colored skin, and smiling cheeks now had a red hue to them.

"My strong demon! It's been too long! Come kiss me!"

Bella blinked, watching as Katrina's human qualities slowly drained away.

Echoes of the past.

She wondered if it meant anything. She wondered if she was supposed to feel anything besides nostalgia when gazing upon her once human mate.

"I love you."

Katrina's eyes widened for a moment before she barked out a laugh. "I thought I made it clear that I love you too...though, perhaps I can show you?" Her eyes burned black as her hand fell to the waist of Bella's pants.

The scent of vanilla flooded her nose and Katrina snarled lowly as Irina appeared.

"Bela!"

Bella grinned, slipping out from beneath Katrina and laughing as Irina jumped into her arms. "Rina!" She wrapped her legs around her waist and clung to Bella tightly.

The warrior growled at their sister grumpily. "Couldn't you see we were in the middle of something!"

The youngest sister stuck her tongue out at her as she nestled into Bella's embrace. "Bela says you have to be nice to me! And you can't hog her all the time, I miss her too!"

"But I miss her the most, fuck ass!"

"You do not, bitch dick!"

"Would the two of you stop?" Bella sighed, though her laughter could hardly be contained. "I'm glad to see you, Rina." She told her happily. "Is our mother back at the house with Tatyana?"

Irina winced at that as Bella set her down. "They're arguing so I came here."

"Arguing?"

Katrina groaned in annoyance and crossed her arms over her chest. "It's been going on for a couple of weeks now. You were gone for only a month. But a little after you left, the two of them started bickering over the stupidest things all the time."

Irina perked up, grabbing Bella's arm in her excitement. "I know! What if you talk to them? You're so smart, Bela, you'll help Tatyana see that there's no reason to argue with our mother!"

Tatyana? Picking fights with Sasha?

That didn't sound right.

Tension began to build in her chest. Discomfort. Foreboding.

"It was the beginning of the end." She heard Tanya murmur.

Bella shook her head. Trying to dispel the unease that permeated her thoughts.

Maybe I can stop it. Maybe I can make things different.

The thought made her feel hypocritical. She had just had a heart-to-heart with Alice about not dwelling on things they couldn't change.

But this is different. This is my family. We love each other, we can make everything right.

She put on a smile, more for Irina's sake than anything, but she knew Katrina saw right through her. Bella ignored her mate's worried look and rested a hand on Irina's shoulder.

"I'm sure it's nothing." The beginning of the end. "I'll see what I can do."

The three returned to the house.

Tatyana was slamming things around in their house. Not hard enough to break anything, but hard enough to make noise and properly convey her anger.

Sasha was sitting outside by the front door. Her hand was on the door and she was staring at it fondly. Whenever she became distressed or angry she would gravitate towards their front door. Katrina had told her that she wasn't sure why their mother found such peace within something so poorly constructed.

But Bella knew why.

Their mother looked up at the sound of their arrival. "Bela." She smiled, racing to embrace the shield tightly. "I'm glad you're home." All the tension seeped from her body as she melted into her mother's embrace.

I can stop it.

"I missed you," Bella murmured, pulling away right as Tatyana exited the house. The eldest's excitement was muted, eyes burning with an intensity that drew Bella closer.

"We need to talk."

Sasha hissed at that. "We're a family. What you say to Bela can be shared with all of us."

Tatyana snarled at her. "I'll speak to her whenever and wherever I goddamn please!" Her hands balled into fists, making Irina move in front of their mother instinctively. The newborn bared her teeth at her and Tatyana rolled her eyes before unfurling her fists.

"You shouldn't be worried about me hurting her." She growled, and Bella watched in confusion as Sasha turned her head in shame. There was pain in the eldest sister's voice.

The way she carried herself no longer conveyed her confidence, but instead, her shoulders were squared and her head was no longer held high. Tatyana looked prepared for a fight. And at the same time, she looked burdened.

Bella couldn't help but gravitate towards her sister while Irina remained at Sasha's side. Katrina seemed torn on whose side to go to. She looked between the two, conflict bright in dark red eyes.

Irina glared at Tatyana. "Stop being mean to our mother." She then looked at Bella. "Bela, tell her!"

The only time Bella had seen her maker lose composure was when she was confronting Alice, Edward, and Rosalie. But even then she had kept herself in control, maintaining a cold demeanor in a way that was similar to Rosalie.

But now she looked almost feral. Her chest was heaving and her hair fell messily in front of her face. In the present, it was chin-length, neat in appearance in a way that past Irina's hair wasn't. Irina's eyes were black and her body was trembling in anger as she turned her glare back towards Tatyana.

It was startling to see her like this, but not unsurprising.

Bella looked between Katrina and Irina. "Why don't you two stay with our mother. I'll go with our sister and we'll talk about things." She turned to Sasha. "Maybe venting will help Tatyana feel better. Some space." She suggested, trying to show that she wasn't being disobedient, she was only trying to provide an alternative view.

Their mother nodded slowly, not looking at Tatyana as she spoke. "That's a good idea. Thank you, Bela."

Tatyana sneered at Sasha before shooting a glare at Irina and disappearing. Bella gave their family a reassuring smile, or at least, she tried to, before she took off after her sister.

Tatyana led her to behind the falls, back into the icy cave that they had had their first meeting in.

Her sister was pacing when she entered. Teeth bared and low growls ripped from her throat before she struck the icy wall. A sizable hole was left following the shattering noise of ice as it sprinkled to the ground.

"Irina." She growled, rounding on Bella with black eyes and bared teeth. "That naive imbecile. Our mother can do no wrong in her eyes."

Bella clenched her jaw. "Don't." She warned. "Our sister is young. And she's not the reason you're upset. Don't take it out on her." Bella braced her shoulders. "Get a hold of yourself. If you ever have to lead us, you'll need to keep your emotions in check."

Tatyana hissed at her but didn't move away. "That means you can't tell me what to do."

"I'm not." Bella fought her own newborn urges. Wanting to snarl at her sister but refraining from doing so. "You know I support you." Red eyes looked away from her, a storm of hurt and anger just beneath the surface. "What's wrong?"

Her sister growled at that, pulling away and beginning to pace once again. "It's nothing. Asking you here was a mistake." She snapped, unable to meet Bella's worried gaze. "I have to be strong."

Where is this coming from?

"You are strong, Tatyana."

"Bela," she laughed but there was no mirth in it. "You've always been far too kind for your own good. Much like Irina." Her voice was drenched in mockery and it made the newborn bristle.

She couldn't help but bare her teeth. "That can change."

Tatyana's bravado died as she met Bella's glare. "I'm sorry." She said quietly. She stopped pacing, looking down at her hands and sighing in defeat. "I was trying to be strong, but instead I was being cruel. You don't deserve that." She was quiet for a moment, collecting her thoughts before speaking again. "I'm the oldest of our mother's children. She told me I had to be strong, especially if I was ever to lead."

Bella's anger subsided at her sister's change in demeanor. "You don't have to be strong alone."

Tatyana huffed out a quiet laugh. "Showing weakness...is that what strength is to you?"

She felt out of her depth. She wasn't sure how to answer these questions.

"Well, you and I are the oldest." She murmured, stepping forward and taking Tatyana's hand in hers. "You can be weak in front of me. That won't change how I see you." Red eyes softened. "You're a strong and capable vampire, Tatyana. I admire you."

I admire who you'll become.

Because, for all her sister's antics, she was truly one of the best vampires that Bella knew.

Her older sister's bottom lip trembled. She pulled Bella into a fierce hug and latched onto her tightly. "Thank you, Bela. That...it makes my heart happy to hear how highly you think of me." Bella slipped her arms around her, tears stinging her eyes as she supported Tatyana's weight completely. "I think just as highly of you. I swear it."

How long have you been fighting this? She kissed the top of her head. I'm so sorry you've been fighting alone.

"You know our sisters won't care-"

"I can't. Not in front of them. Not yet." The strength returned to Tatyana's voice as she pulled away from her. "I have to establish myself first. Show them I'm fit to lead." The finality in her voice made Bella grimace.

"You sound positive that you will."

Tatyana sighed and shrugged. "Just...it's just a feeling. Our mother has grown distant lately. She's stressed. Angry."

Bella wracked her brain for a response. "Maybe she's just-"

"Don't make excuses for her." Tatyana gave her a look. "I love our mother more than anything or anyone." She clenched her jaw. "I see her flaws, and I love her in spite of them." Bella felt the dread begin to weigh her down once again. "I know you and I have similar troubles when it comes to our birth mothers."

Bella felt her eyes water as she looked away from her sister. "Yeah."

"Sasha is a loving and wonderful mother," Tatyana cupped Bella's cheeks in her hands and forced her to look at her. "But she is far from perfect, and I need you to realize that."

Resentment threatened to devour her. "She's everything I need and more in a mother." She pulled away from Tatyana. "She's all I have. You should understand that better than anyone-"

"Bela!" She snapped, effectively silencing her. "Sasha is hiding something from us." She ran a hand through strawberry blonde hair. "She takes her frustrations out on me." Her face fell. "It's not...it's not that bad. She just scrutinizes every little thing that I do. That's why we've been arguing so much."

Bella could hardly believe it. She had put so much faith and trust in Sasha, the woman who had taken her in without a second thought. She battled with her instant desire to defend their mother.

But that inner turmoil didn't last long. Not when Tatyana was looking at her with sorrowful and watery red eyes.

She reached out to her, heart dropping when her sister didn't do the same. "Tatyana-"

"She isn't perfect." Her voice was soft. Weak and unsure. "She targets me because I see her for what she is." She sucked in a breath. "Katrina blames us both for the arguments. And Irina is blinded. She doesn't question Sasha. She thinks I'm being ungrateful. Unreasonable. But our mother has changed and she doesn't see it." Red eyes bore into gold ones. "I need you to see it. I need your support. Please."

Bella felt her own eyes begin to water. "You...Tatyana…"

She turned away from her. "It...it shouldn't hurt me. It's nothing serious. She looks for things to scold me for." A shaky laugh escaped her. "Pitiful, isn't it? Katrina loses her father but remains strong. Irina loses her brother but remains strong. And here I am, agonizing over silly arguments."

"That's not-"

"Don't try to make things better, Bela." She wrinkled her nose, as though trying to combat her sadness with annoyance. "You always say the right words...but I don't want to hear them. Not now." Tatyana tilted her head back to look at the cave's ceiling. "You and Irina made our door look terrible but she loved it. Katrina and I try to fix the hole we made in the wall, and months later she reprimands me for making such a mess of things."

Bella opened her mouth to speak but a growl ripped from Tatyana's throat. "That damned door. What makes it so special?" She bowed her head, glaring at the ground. "You and Irina fixed it together. Is that it? Does she love it to spite me? What is it?" She rounded on Bella. "Every time she's upset she sits by that damned door. Why?"

The time traveler stayed silent, thinking back to the Kate she had met in the alternate dimension. She had compared her own healing process to that of the door. Their door would never be the same, but in a way, it was more special because she and Irina had fixed it the best they could.

They didn't discard the broken door. They tried to make things right. They mended it. The door had been given a story. A history. One that they all looked back on fondly. Bella wondered if that's why the door resonated with their mother so strongly.

But she didn't feel certain of herself. "I don't know." All that she was learning was overwhelming. Suffocating. It was difficult to think. It was difficult to be strong. But she wouldn't remain silent in the face of another's anger. Never again. "Tatyana, you're my sister and I love you. I know you're hurting, but hurting me isn't going to make anything better."

Red eyes filled with disbelief and her sister took a step back in surprise. "I...Bela, I didn't mean to…" she turned away from her. "I'm not our mother. I am so sorry for yelling at you. You don't deserve this. None of this is your fault I'm just so...frustrated and worried." A wry smile appeared on her lips. "Like mother like daughter, hm?"

Bella reached out to her, grimacing when Tatyana shied away from her touch. "You're not our mother. You recognized your behavior and corrected it. Something...something our mother has to learn."

Tatyana eyed her hand before taking it, making Bella relieved in a way she couldn't understand. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I know I'm not always easy to get along with." She kissed Bella's knuckles. "But you're never unkind to me. And I appreciate that. I appreciate you. You're a good sister."

She smiled at her before pulling the shorter vampire into a gentle embrace. "So are you. All you've done is try to protect our family. Maybe you're our shield." Tatyana huffed out a laugh at that, sinking into Bella's arms and nuzzling beneath her chin. "I won't be blinded, Tatyana. I hear you. You have my support. Always." Bella gave her a firm squeeze. "We'll be strong." She planted a kiss on her forehead. "Together."

---

"Don't worry about Tatyana, mother," Irina assured her, patting her hand. "Bela will help her see reason."

Katrina, always the skeptical one, eyed the two of them warily. "What was the argument over?"

Their mother didn't look at either of them. "I noticed she got some blood on her dress and I scolded her for it. She's old enough to know how to drink cleanly." There was no anger in her voice. It was devoid of emotion, as was her facial expression.

The warrior clenched her jaw. "Is that all?"

Irina rolled her eyes. "Tatyana insisted on arguing when our mother only asked her to be careful."

"Now I've heard it all." Katrina laughed mirthlessly. "The both of you should just fight and be done with it."

Red eyes darkened and Sasha glared up at her. "I wouldn't hurt her."

"Maybe not. But she would hurt you." She shrugged. "I don't care about what is happening between the two of you. It's ridiculous. Obnoxious."

Irina bristled at that. "Do you not pay attention? Tatyana-"

Katrina rounded on her. "Is just as at fault for these arguments as our mother is. It takes two! And both are willing participants!" Irina hissed but said nothing, making her scoff. "Don't get involved, Irina. Whatever is going on, let our mother and sister figure it out for themselves."

Their mother spoke up. "She's right, dear." Sasha gave her a gentle smile, but it was hollow. "This is between me and your sister. Don't ruin your relationship just because she and I are having problems." She opened her mouth to argue but Sasha's frown made her stop. "You have…" an amused smile played on her lips. "Your hair is beautiful, but have you ever considered cutting it?"

Irina's brow furrowed as her mother gently began pulling twigs and leaves from her long hair. "It is a bit aggravating." She conceded. "But it won't grow back if I do. What would my mate think if I had ugly hair for eternity?" Her hair was longer than all of her sisters', and often got snagged or caught in bushes and tree limbs.

As fluidly as she could move, she wished she could control her hair just as easily.

Katrina shook her head. "Your mate won't care about such things." She smirked. "They'll love you, no matter how hideous your hair looks." She laughed as Irina stuck her tongue out at her and Sasha threw a twig at her.

"Be nice," Sasha warned, but it was dampened by an amused smile as Katrina allowed the twig to bounce off her forehead.

Irina scowled at her older sister. "Bitch dick!"

"Fuck ass!"

Sasha removed her hands from Irina's hair and crossed her arms over her chest. "Hush, both of you." She pressed a kiss to Irina's temple. "You'll look beautiful regardless." She assured her before standing to her feet. "I'll return shortly." All mirth left her, and tension flooded her body, making her stiff and jerky in her movements.

Before she could leave both Tatyana and Bela returned. Irina was relieved at the sight of them. Glad Tatyana had calmed herself and glad that Bela was back.

But something was off.

Bela didn't leave Tatyana's side, holding her hand tightly as though she had to calm herself.

Tatyana looked at their mother, a hint of disdain in red eyes as she cocked her head to the side. "Where are you running off to all the time?"

Katrina snapped her teeth at her. "Enough of this, Tatyana. The both of you fight like children!"

Irina cast a glare at the warrior before glaring at the oldest. "You're not to question our mother. She doesn't question you, so leave her be."

She didn't know why Tatyana was being so argumentative. Their mother had only ever taken care of them.

And how does Tatyana repay her? By instigating. That's why our mother's so angry with her all the time. Tatyana just can't let things go.

Bela released Tatyana's hand and stepped in front of her. "There's no reason to fight." Gold eyes gazed upon their mother as though she were a stranger. "Sasha is our mother. We have no reason to doubt her." Suspicion. That's what it was. "Right, mother?"

Sasha looked stunned by her cynicism but quickly smoothed her facial features. "Right, my Bela." There was a slight tremor in her voice, one they all detected. "Thank you. I must be going now." She departed without further delay, leaving the sisters alone.

Tatyana glared after her and Irina couldn't help but bristle at the sight. However, before she could lash out at her, Bela spoke up.

"What should we do now?" To her confusion, her older sister was looking at Tatyana expectantly. Katrina also seemed perplexed by Bela, who was looking at Tatyana for guidance.

Red eyes softened as they gazed at the brunette. "I would like to...I don't know." For a moment she sounded unsure of herself. Hesitant, even.

Bela placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright." She murmured. "Maybe give suggestions? It doesn't have to be an order." Tatyana relaxed at her reassurance, giving her a grateful smile as she straightened her posture in a way that made her look confident.

Katrina crossed her arms over her chest. "Orders? And would we be expected to follow them?"

Tatyana pursed her lips. "I'm the eldest. Mother said so herself. When she's away, I'm in charge."

The warrior narrowed her eyes. "She'll return soon. And you're not the eldest, Bela is."

"Bela isn't always here. That's why I'm second in charge." She said before turning in the direction of where she and Bela had disappeared to. "There's a waterfall not far from here. We can have a splash competition."

Usually, sledding was their go-to. But this would be a nice change of pace.

Irina couldn't help but smile. Despite her annoyance with Tatyana, she missed having fun with her sisters. Everything had been extremely tense as of late, and it would be a relief to focus on something else.

"That would be...nice," Irina murmured.

Katrina relaxed, no longer looking aggravated as she tilted her chin up proudly. "I think we all know that my splash will be the biggest."

Bela grinned at her. "Not as big as mine."

The blonde moved so she stood before her mate. "I'll make you eat those words, my beautiful Bela." She smirked. "Then I'll make you eat something else."

Bela wrinkled her nose and laughed, pushing Katrina playfully as Tatyana made a face. "Disgusting. Must you do that in front of us?"

Katrina managed to wrap her arms around Bela's waist, kissing her neck before sticking her tongue out at their sister. "We would never do such things in front of you."

"You know what I mean!"

"Yes, I do, fuck ass!"

"Damn shit!"

"Bitch dick!"

Bela buried her face in her hands, muffling her giggles as she leaned into Katrina's embrace. "Oh my god. You're all ridiculous."

And for a moment everything settled.

Tatyana and Bela raced ahead of them to the waterfall, both laughing and teasing each other. Irina watched them quietly, slowing her pace as the feeling of unease and anger reappeared.

Bela noticed instantly, but her mate encouraged her to go ahead with Tatyana, much to Irina's surprise.

She loved Katrina, but she wanted to be comforted. Her sister was on the harsher side, and she needed someone gentle.

She needed Bela.

Bela, whose soft smiles and gentle words often reminded her of Erik. She needed Bela, her savior, the one that knew how to comfort her best.

Irina and Katrina came to a stop, and the warrior looked her over for a moment. "Don't let your anger towards Tatyana ruin this day."

The youngest scowled at her. "How can we go have fun and pretend that Tatyana hasn't treated our mother terribly?"

"I'm not arguing with you about this." Katrina snapped, bracing her shoulders and giving them a firm squeeze. "Right now, the past doesn't matter. Neither does the future. This moment, the one we're experiencing right now. That's what matters. Do you understand me?"

Her anger reared its ugly head. "You should care about what Tatyana's done! Our mother is so stressed and-"

"Is this how you want to spend your day? Angry and pouting while the rest of us have fun?" The warrior questioned, softening in a way that made Irina falter. "You'll only worry Bela. She doesn't need that, and neither do you."

Irina sighed, releasing her hold on her anger at the mere mention of Bela. "You're right."

"Can you put aside your anger?"

"...I can."

"Good." Katrina pulled her into a hug. "I know it's hard but you'll be glad that you did."

Irina hugged her back and rested her head on her shoulder, releasing a deep breath before nodding. "I don't want to ruin this day for anyone. Thank you." She was surprised her sister had been so gentle with her approach. She wondered if Bela was rubbing off on her.

It was nice.

When they arrived Tatyana and Bela stood on top of the waterfall, speaking quietly to one another. It was difficult to hear them with the sound of the rushing water, paired with them already speaking softly to one another.

Bela noticed them first, turning to them with a cheery smile. "Ready?" Gold eyes searched Irina's for a moment.

Are you alright? They seemed to say.

I'm better now.

The youngest sister reached out, interlacing her fingers with Bela's. "Ready."

Better now that I'm with you.

She loved all of her sisters, but there was something about Bela she couldn't shake, and it was clear Bela felt it too.

Irina couldn't explain her connection to Bela, but it had always been a close one. She adored her so much that it was at times overwhelming, and Bela had confessed that she felt the same.

But sometimes she felt like Bela was hers. Not in a romantic way, and not in a possessive way. She couldn't even describe the feeling.

"Maybe we knew each other in a different life." Irina had mused. She didn't even believe in past lives, but what else could this be?

Bela was, quite simply, hers. And she was Bela's.

"Maybe we did." Bela had laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "It would explain why I loved you from the first moment I saw you."

Irina had always believed in soulmates in a romantic context. But now, being here with Bela, she wondered if soulmates could go beyond romance.

When she had awoken as a newborn, that's what she had mistaken her love for Bela as. Romance. She was beautiful and kind, she protected her from the scary red eyed women.

I hope I can one day return the favor. I hope one day I can protect her as she protected me.

Bela was her angel.

Irina's feelings for her had always been strong. She had known from the beginning that Bela was hers. But she hadn't known just how Bela was hers.

All she knew was that she loved Bela and that, somehow, they were always meant to be together.

Maybe past lives were real. Maybe it was fate. Destiny. Maybe Bela was her gift from God.

Erik passed, but then he gave me my Bela.

"Want to jump with me?" Bela asked, giving her a bright smile. "I haven't gone cliff diving since..." she trailed off with a frown. "I've...gone cliff diving?" She muttered to herself, looking lost for a moment.

Irina looked at her worriedly. "Bela?" Gold eyes met hers. "Are you alright? Are we still jumping in together?"

She smiled. "Of course!"

Katrina rolled her eyes at the two. "We're competing, not jumping together."

"So competitive," Bela muttered, sharing a small smile with Irina at Katrina's scoff.

The warrior approached the two, a cocky smile on her lips and her chest puffed out proudly. "You would be as well if you were a winner."

"And what do you know about winning?" Tatyana quipped.

Katrina looked at her incredulously. "Are you blind? Or perhaps stupid?" She gestured frantically at Bela, trying to get her point across. "Look at her, Tatyana! Since I've met her, I've never truly known defeat."

Irina smiled fondly at the two as Bela drifted away from her. The brunette fell into Katrina's embrace, kissing all over her face and making the warrior giggle.

I want a love like that.

It was beautiful. Romantic in a way that Irina had only ever read about in books.

Tatyana was beside her in an instant, looking exasperated as she watched them. "They're sickening."

Part of her still wanted to be mad at Tatyana. She was always making their mother so upset. She didn't deserve to be having fun with them, not when she's been so antagonistic.

But then she looked at her sister, with her teasing smile and the mirth glowing in her red eyes.

I've missed you.

Irina huffed out a quiet laugh, smiling as Tatyana wrapped her arm around her. "I love their love. It's beautiful."

Her older sister ruffled her hair playfully. "You're sickening too." A kiss was pressed against her temple. "You know, before you find your mate, you should at least have some fun." She winked at her as she withdrew her arm. "You'll really wow your mate with your experience." Irina shrugged her shoulders sheepishly and Tatyana laughed. "I'm teasing."

"Leave her alone." Bela chastised. "We're here to have fun-" Tatyana abruptly lunged forward, shoving both Bela and Katrina off of the cliff.

Bela squealed in surprise, clutching Katrina who cursed Tatyana all the way down.

"You fuck asssssssss!" It was drawn out, cutting off as soon as the two hit the water.

"Tatyana!" Irina gasped, watching as her sister laughed loudly and danced away from the cliffside.

She grinned at her. "What? I would have tossed you in, but then Bela would have gone after me, and Katrina would help." She stuck out her hand to her. "Truce?"

Irina stared at her hand, trying to hide her small smile as she bypassed it and instead embraced Tatyana. "Bela would have gone after you if you had thrown me in." She tightened her grip around her waist. "Why do you think I wouldn't do the same?"

"Oh, you brat-" she was cut off with a loud shriek as Irina picked her up and charged off of the cliff.

Soon their screams turned into laughter as the sisters crashed into the water.

I've missed you a lot.

Irina surfaced, laughing even harder when Tatyana splashed water at her. "You damn shit!"

"You started it, bitch dick!"

"Rina!" Bela jumped on her shoulders, grinning proudly at her as she pointed at Tatyana. "I knew she would avenge me!" She kissed her cheek and Irina beamed at her.

Katrina swam closer to them, flipping onto her back and letting the water carry her over to them. "I didn't think she had the teeth."

Irina smiled at her sisters, all with drenched clothes and wet hair that clung to their heads. All looking at her with varying degrees of love and amusement.

I've missed this.

"I have plenty of teeth." Irina bared them playfully at Katrina. "I'm just growing into them."

---

Tanya growled under her breath, hating the warm feeling that arose in her chest at the sight of her mate.

No. At the sight of Senna.

She was never supposed to find her mate. She was never supposed to have a mate. It was against her nature. It was against the promise she had made herself when she was human.

Never again would someone dictate my life.

And yet there she was, pleased that her mate was following her, and yet infuriated all the same.

It's not like you asked her to go away.

She should have but she didn't.

It's nothing. I just want to fuck. That's all.

She had always been good at lying to herself. She had always been good at avoiding her problems. But it was difficult when one of her problems was a tall, beautiful woman who would not leave her side.

So far, her sisters liked Senna, as did Carmen and Eleazar. They had told her about Bella's time-traveling abilities.

And her sister had looked a little too pleased with herself when she said, "She was speechless." Of course, Irina had laughed at such a horrid joke, but Tanya had only been able to stare a Bella in disbelief.

Because nothing about this was funny. And nothing about that joke had been funny.

I must be cursed.

Tanya had just come from another meeting with Carlisle and Sam, only to find that Senna had waited for her by the border.

And she's still following me.

She stopped running, turning to look at Senna. "What are you, my shadow?"

No response.

"I already told you that I can't do this right now. So don't get your hopes up." No response. "That means you can go home until I've finished things here. Then, whenever you'd like to use your words, we can talk about whatever this is."

Still, no response.

Tanya stomped her foot. "Do you really have nothing to say!"

Senna smiled, and she would have looked absolutely gorgeous if Tanya hadn't been able to detect her amusement.

"I can't stand you." She growled, squinting up at her. "What do you hope to gain from all this?" The amazon pointed at her before putting her hands behind her back. "Me?" She nodded and Tanya scowled. "I don't belong to anyone."

Senna frowned at her. "I don't want you."

"Fuck you too."

"I want to be with you." Her voice was deep and melodious. It was soothing, and Tanya found herself wanting to hear more.

It didn't help that Senna was tall and her abs were in her face. Nor did it help that she was eye-level with her breasts, and it was obvious that the amazon didn't wear a bra.

Damn you. And they call me the succubus.

"You want to be with me? Why? Because of the mate bond?" She rolled her eyes. "You want to be with me because that's what the bond tells you. That's not what you actually want."

Senna cocked her head to the side, wearing a small smile that made her eyes light up. She looked as though she knew something that Tanya didn't, and it was infuriating.

"I can't be with a vampire that drinks human blood."

Senna hummed, looking around for a moment before launching herself into the air. Tanya looked up at her in confusion, eyes widening when the amazon came back to earth with a large black bird in her hand. It wasn't moving, and she drained it quickly, wrinkling her nose as she swallowed its blood.

When there was no more, she tossed it behind her and licked her lips.

Tanya's eyes darkened.

It would take much longer for her to convert, they both knew that, but Senna was willing to try.

When Laurent had joined their coven he had put up much more resistance when it came to changing diets. Complaining and whining about the taste of animal blood.

But not Senna.

Senna smacked her lips, looking thoughtful before she nodded.

The amazon then gave Tanya a large smile and a thumbs-up. And Tanya's lust all but evaporated.

Because it wasn't sexy it was cute.

It was borderline endearing.

Damn you. Damn you to hell.

The horrid scent of a shifter made her grimace.

"Hi, Tanya!" The blonde turned to see Seth buttoning his shorts and giving her a chipper wave.

"What are you doing here?"

The boy rolled his shoulders. "Just going for a run and clearing my head, then I heard you talking and thought I'd come say hi."

Sweet boy.

She gave him a small smile. "Hello."

If only your sister was as sweet as you.

Leah and Irina would have their occasional meeting, getting to know each other slowly so as not to overwhelm themselves. But Tanya found the shifter to be wanting.

She didn't like her aggression towards Bella. She didn't like the very real possibility that Leah could hurt Irina. Maybe not physically, but emotionally.

Shifters were emotional creatures, like newborns that never wisened with age.

Irina deserves better. And if Leah hurts her in any way...

"It's nice to see you." Seth cast a curious glance at Senna. "Who's this?" He asked, not at all hostile towards the red eyed vampire.

Tanya was beginning to wonder if the boy had a mean bone in his body.

"This is Senna. A friend of the Cullens."

He stopped in front of them and stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Seth Clearwater." Senna looked at Tanya before her gaze dropped to the shifter's outstretched hand. She reached out, gently taking his hand in hers, and giving it a soft squeeze before pulling away.

It was then that Tanya noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes.

"Are you alright?"

As if on cue, a yawn escaped him, and he blinked back the tears that formed in his eyes. "Yeah, just tired and..." he sighed and his shoulders drooped. "I feel so guilty about lying to Charlie. And what happened at dinner was...scary." He scratched the back of his neck. "I've never seen him like that. It's good he calmed down but...I was scared someone was going to get hurt. I was scared Charlie was going to hurt himself."

Tanya hesitated before placing a hand on his shoulder, causing dark eyes to look at her. "The important thing is that everyone is safe and that Charlie is getting better."

Eleazar had informed them about the dinner, and it made Tanya regretful that she hadn't gone.

Charlie sounded like a smart man. He sounded like a good father.

And that sounded like an entertaining dinner.

Seth nodded, still looking unsure. "Yeah. Paul and Sam took him fishing today, and last night he and my mom had dinner." His brow furrowed. "A lot of times he still looks so sad. I just wish I could make him feel better."

"...I know that feeling better than most," Tanya murmured, thinking of Bella. "Be a comfort to him in any way that you can, but realize that Charlie's healing is his responsibility. Not yours."

The shifter was quiet for a moment, taking in what she said before he looked away from her. "Can I...ask you something that's kind of personal?"

"Depends." She mused, very aware of Senna standing next to her.

However, the amazon gave her a nod before she departed.

Seth winced. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make her leave."

"No need to apologize. She's just giving us privacy." Tanya assured him, grateful that her mate was so attentive.

Mate? No. Senna.

And she would do well to remember that.

The shifter nodded slowly before taking a deep breath. "You've been alive for a long time-"

"No, I will not disclose my age." He laughed at that, much to her relief.

Sadness doesn't suit you.

"I would never ask something that personal, I promise." She smiled, removing her hand from his shoulder.

"I'm glad you have such good manners," Tanya said. "I have indeed been alive for a long time."

Seth's face fell, and he looked nervous but he pressed on. "Leah told me that your mom died." She stiffened, almost getting angry with Irina for disclosing such information.

They're mates. And so long as this doesn't get back to Bella, then it's fine.

"Did she tell you how?" He shook his head. "And you know that you're supposed to keep this information to yourself?" He nodded and she relaxed ever so slightly. "Go on."

He swallowed thickly, unable to look at her when he asked, "Do you still miss her?"

What a question that was.

"Yes." She was quiet for a moment. "Things were...complicated in the end, but I do miss her." Seth looked at her with watery eyes. "Do you miss your father?"

He blinked back his tears. "Every day. But I don't want to worry Leah."

"She is your sister," Tanya murmured. "You two are supposed to take care of each other. Let her take care of you." She hesitated before saying, "And if you would ever like to talk, we don't know each other well, but you can come to the house. Carmen will cook for you and-" she jumped in surprise when he embraced her.

His skin was hot to the touch, and she felt tears soak into her shirt.

Oh, sweet boy.

Slowly she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him back gently.

He was so young. Too young to be experiencing grief this heavy.

A shuttered breath escaped him. "Thank you." Seth held her for a moment longer before pulling away. He released a shaky laugh and wiped the tears from his face. "Sorry I cried on you."

Tanya smiled sadly at him. "Don't apologize."

He sniffled, looking very much like a child as he rubbed at his eyes. He was so tall and muscular, it could be easy for anyone to forget that he was fifteen. But he was very much still a boy, something Tanya hoped his pack was mindful of.

"You're very nice." He took a moment to collect himself, sucking in another deep breath before red-rimmed eyes looked at her once again. "Can I ask you one more question?"

At this point, she wasn't sure she could deny Seth anything.

"Yes."

"When we were at your house, you told me that your mother would have liked me." His brow furrowed. "Maybe I'm just looking into it too much...but I feel like I'm missing something."

You are everything my mother wanted Vasilii to be.

"What's the question?"

"Am I? Missing something, I mean."

If Seth had been alive back then, if her mother had found him, she would have snatched him right up. Blonde hair or not, she would not have overlooked Seth's gentle nature and kindness.

Tanya had been adamant about not having a male in their coven.

But Seth would have been an exception.

She would have loved to have you as a son.

"You're not missing anything. I'm sorry I was so cryptic."

She didn't want to think about her mother and the very complicated feelings that came with her.

Seth smiled. "Alright, thanks for everything, Tanya. You really helped me." He turned to leave.

And I think...

He paused, turning around to say, "If you ever want to talk...I know I'm a kid but Jake says I'm a great listener." He smiled brightly at her. "You can talk and I'll listen."

Tanya couldn't help but smile softly at him. Watching as he burst into his wolf and vanished into the forest.

I would love to have you as a brother.

...

Senna looked ridiculously out of place. Almost as tall as Eleazar with black hair, black skin, and red eyes. Wearing her animal skin and a neckless that looked to be made out of bones.

Her family, and Senna, sat on the front steps of the house.

Irina was leaning against Carmen, talking about something, Tanya wasn't paying attention. Carmen rested her head on Eleazar's shoulder, listening to whatever Irina was saying. Kate was in Bella's lap, arms wrapped around her shoulders, and Bella's head was on her chest.

She looked tired, and gold eyes seemed a bit unfocused. That worried her.

Bella had been going into the past a lot recently, each time coming back looking more and more distraught. More often than not Bella would come home, greet everyone, and immediately go to play Animal Crossing.

She was becoming withdrawn and it made Tanya fear what the girl was seeing.

Our family fell apart, and none of us handled it well.

Kate was holding Bella tightly, running her hand through her hair with her free hand. She didn't seem to be paying attention either, instead, she kept looking at her mate worriedly. Wanting to help but not knowing how.

Senna saw her first, standing up wordlessly and moving to stand before Tanya. Her brow furrowed as red eyes searched hers. Her head cocked to the side, silently asking her what was wrong.

I'm cursed with a mate. And one that hardly speaks.

Tanya glared at her, brushing past her to go to her family.

Bella was gone. And Kate was staring at her arms where her mate had last been.

The same sadness dulled gold eyes, just as it always did when Bella disappeared.

"We've been telling Senna all that we know about the newborn threat," Carmen said. "I must say I'm a bit concerned. The attacks have stopped."

Eleazar grimaced. "I believe we should ask the Volturi for assistance-"

"No," Kate growled. "They've been informed, and we assured them that we could handle it."

"Still, it would be nice if this wasn't a war we had to participate in, at all."

Kate said nothing, and Tanya couldn't help but share in her unease. It had been quite some time since they had last seen Aro, and all of them would like to keep it that way.

Tanya couldn't help but glance at the amazon, who gave her a nod, before she huffed and turned back to her family. "I have spoken with Sam and Carlisle. We'll all be meeting here in order to train-"

"Is that such a good idea?" Irina fretted. "Bella-"

"Will be fine," Tanya said. "We are being attacked by an army of newborns, she will have to be strong in order to face them." She straightened her posture. "We'll be strong, together. Just as we always have."

Kate got to her feet, looking at Tanya with dull gold eyes. "She's losing it...I can't pretend that I don't notice. Not anymore-"

Her eyes widened. "It is imperative that we don't tell her about Sasha." She looked away from her sister. "I don't like hiding the truth from her either. None of us do. But I will not risk her safety." She winced. "And if that means pretending nothing is wrong, then that's what we'll do."

Bella would rarely express her burdens unless directly asked. She never wanted to be too much, and so long as the Denali's didn't ask, then Bella wouldn't tell.

I hate doing this to her. But if we express our concerns, if we ask what she's seeing, then she'll start demanding answers. Answers we can't give her.

The warrior clenched her jaw. "I understand, but she is so sad and I can't stand it. I don't know how to make things better."

Irina's eyes watered and she stared blankly ahead. "Neither do I."

Everything was coming to a head, and they all felt it.

Carmen kissed Irina's temple before turning to Kate. "All we can do is be there for her." She blinked back tears of her own. "And when she breaks, all we can do is try to put the pieces back together as best we can."

Eleazar sighed. "I hate this part." For a moment he didn't sound like himself. "I hate what Sasha did to all of you." He moved to Kate's side, putting a hand on her shoulder. "A lot of pain will resurface. A lot of anger...we will all struggle with it."

Especially you.

Kate stared at him. "And when I fuck everything up, how am I supposed to face her?"

Irina clenched her jaw. "A question I'm asking myself as well."

Silence washed over them.

"You face her." Senna's voice startled them. "Do not make her pain about you. Do not hide in shame." She sounded as though she spoke from experience. Tanya stared up at her, fighting the urge to move closer. Fighting the urge to rid the sadness from ruby-colored eyes.

Kate narrowed her eyes at her. "What could you possibly know about any of this?"

Senna didn't so much as blink. "Who has not heard of the sword and shield? Or the bow and arrow?"

The warrior stiffened, clenching her jaw and looking away from her. "And just, what do you think you know about that?" Carmen looked just as uncomfortable as Kate did, but she remained silent.

"Enough."

Her eyes darkened. "What do you mean?" When Senna said nothing she hissed at her, hands sparking with electricity. "Answer me!"

Tanya snarled at her, "Stop it!" She shifted so she stood in front of Senna. "You're hurting, but that's no excuse to fall back into old habits. Check your anger, now."

Kate growled at her, snorting when she saw Senna's muscles tense. "You're not my mother, Tanya-"

"Katrina." Carmen's firm voice made the warrior straighten. "Your sister is right. We can't afford for you to fall apart." Her voice softened. "You've come so far, but since the...Rosalie incident, you've been slipping."

Rosalie incident?

Kate deflated, turning her face away from Carmen. "You're right." She looked at Senna and Tanya. "I'm sorry for almost letting my anger the better of me. That's not who I want to be."

Senna said nothing, but compassion flashed in red eyes, and that seemed to be enough to make Kate relax.

You have come really far. I'm so proud of you.

"Let me know if you need anything," Tanya said. "I know these next few weeks...maybe even these next few months will be difficult. For all of us. But we'll take care of each other."

Eleazar smiled at her, looking a bit nervous as he said, "Of course."

Carmen gave her mate a meaningful look. "You can do it. We all can."

Tanya couldn't help but spare a glance at Senna. The amazon saw her and gave her a smile and a thumbs-up, much to her annoyance. And yet, to her horror, she found that she was endeared by the action.

---

"You can't tell us what to do!" Katrina snarled, poking Tatyana's chest with her index finger. "You're our sister! Not our mother! Not our maker!"

Tatyana hissed at her. "Our mother isn't here, and I'm second in charge-"

"What would a former Lady know about being in charge?" Katrina scoffed. "I was one of the leaders of the warriors in my tribe."

Bella winced, "Katrina, our mother said-"

The warrior frowned at her. "Our mother shouldn't expect either of us to take orders from Lady Tatyana."

"Don't speak of what you don't understand," Tatyana warned, eyes burning black as she glared at Katrina. "I only said that you two should go re-scent our borders. They're faded."

She turned back to their older sister. "Bossing your servants around isn't the same as leading a coven." Katrina crossed her arms over her chest. "You had such a high ranking, but it meant nothing in the face of your husband-"

"Shut your mouth!" Tatyana roared, looking more furious than Bella had ever seen her. "I just need you to mark the borders while I go find our mother!"

Bella intervened before her mate could continue to argue. "We'll go." She ignored the hard stare that Katrina gave her.

Tatyana gave her an appreciative nod. "Thank you, Bela, for keeping your mate under control."

The insinuation made the shield bristle. "She's not some sort of animal, Tatyana."

"Sure." Bella felt her own anger bubble to the surface. "I'm just grateful your bond is able to calm her."

Katrina scoffed and shook her head. "Ignore her, Bela. What does she know about love? All she knows is how to submit to her husband."

The backhand was swift and powerful, sending Katrina careening into the woods behind the house.

Don't touch.

Bella reacted instinctively, picking Tatyana up by her throat and snarling in her face.

Don't touch.

Tatyana hissed, clawing at her hands but unable to break free from her grip.

"You don't touch her! Ever!" She hoisted her sister higher into the air before slamming her into the ground. The snow gave way to the force of her strength, splintering the earth and making snow fly up around them.

The eldest had cracks running up from her neck to her jaw. She looked furious, hissing at her again and swinging at her face.

The newborn grabbed her hand and pinned it to the ground, glaring murderously at Tatyana. "You don't touch her. She is mine." She is my everything. "Do you hear me?"

She hadn't even registered that Katrina was behind her until she spoke. "Bela." She was somewhat calmed by her voice, but not enough to release Tatyana. "What I said was awful. I shouldn't have-"

"No." Bella snarled. "You shouldn't have said it. Apologize." She demanded.

Because, now that she was able to think a little more clearly, she could recognize her mate's fault in this. If Katrina had just listened, this whole situation would have been avoided.

Katrina shouldn't have said what she did to Tatyana, but Bella didn't care if the slap was deserved or not. The warrior was her mate, and she would protect her with everything she had.

The warrior stepped into view, crouching beside Tatyana. "I'm truly sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it."

Bella relaxed her grip on Tatyana's throat ever so slightly, just so she could speak. "Then why did you say it?" She growled.

"I...wanted to make you angry."

Bella felt some of the tension leak from her body as she looked down at Tatyana. "What she said was wrong, but you don't hit your sister when you're upset. You use your words."

The blonde nodded slowly, no longer straining against Bella's hands. "You're right." She looked at Katrina. "I'm sorry I hit you." Bella released her sister and helped her to her feet.

A heavy sigh escaped the brunette as she licked the palm of her hand. "And I'm sorry for hurting you." She ran the venom over Tatyana's wounds, watching as her skin begin to repair itself.

Tatyana's eyes softened. "You have nothing to apologize for, Bela. I've been very stressed lately and..." her eyes watered. "Our mother is worrying me."

You're all worrying me.

Keeping the peace was difficult.

If it wasn't Tatyana and Sasha fighting then it was Katrina and Irina, or Tatyana and Irina, or Tatyana and Katrina.

It was exhausting. And many of the fights usually didn't end in apologies as this one did.

Why is this happening? Where is our mother running off to all the time?

If Sasha had been home, this argument would have ended much more peacefully.

Or, it would have, if she wasn't so different now.

Some days she could hardly recognize their mother.

Watching her pick on Tatyana, and Tatyana alone, was upsetting. Bella would do her best to calm them both down, not wanting to evoke either of their anger. But there came times when she had to pick sides.

Tatyana wasn't always so innocent when it came to inciting fights, and Bella would call her out for that. But, more often than not, it was Sasha who started it with her little quips and remarks.

Their mother would quickly back down when Bella jumped to Tatyana's defense, and the strange thing was that she always looked so ashamed of herself. She was aware of what she was doing, or at least, after the fight, she knew that she was responsible for what took place.

It was clear she wasn't proud of herself. But nevertheless, whatever was causing her stress, still made her lash out.

What was worrying was that Bella wasn't always there to defend her sister, and Irina and Katrina were of no help.

Katrina was convinced that it was just a bunch of dumb arguments that were meaningless. She would intervene just to shut them both up, not caring to pick a side, but wanting to silence them both. Whereas Irina blamed Tatyana for evoking their mother's ire.

But Bella and Tatyana knew better.

Sasha was hiding something, but they didn't know what.

She sighed and nodded. "I'm worried about her too. I hope she's in good spirits when you find her."

Tatyana gave her a wry smile. "I'm sure she'll be a ray of sunshine." Hurt flashed in red eyes as she turned on her heel and bolted into the forest.

Bella turned to Katrina, surprised when her mate grabbed her cheeks and dragged her in for a sweet kiss. The shield closed her eyes, melting into the kiss and gently wrapping her arms around the warrior's waist.

Stollen moments with Katrina were becoming her only solace.

Katrina pulled away, eyes dark and filled with love. "You were my warrior today. Even when I didn't deserve it."

Bella smiled, resting her forehead against hers. "What did you say when you first turned? That we can protect each other now." She kissed her nose. "I love you. You will always deserve my protection, even when you act like a little shit."

Katrina laughed, kissing her lips again. "And you'll always deserve mine, even when you're so mean to me."

"Big baby."

"Am not."

"Are too."

A smirk appeared on her lips. "The only thing big about me is my-" a muffled laugh escaped her when Bella slapped a hand over her mouth and groaned.

"You're so annoying." Her treacherous smile gave her away.

"You love it."

"I love you, not your ridiculous jokes."

Katrina kissed her again, hands slipping to her hips. "You're such a terrible liar." She teased, kissing her again and again before pulling away. "Come on, let's go appease our bossy older sister." Katrina huffed, eyes still dark as they gazed at Bella. "So, the choking-"

Bella shoved her playfully before taking off into the forest. "You're such a freak!" She laughed, shooting a grin behind her as Katrina gave chase.

"Only for you!"

It took them a few hours to scent the borders. They kept getting distracted, but they did finish.

Coming home they were both laughing, wearing large smiles, and in high spirits.

But it all came crashing down when they walked in on Tatyana and Sasha yelling at each other. Irina was at Sasha's side, glaring angrily at Tatyana and interjecting now and again. Bella didn't even know what the argument was about. She didn't care what it was about.

She only hated that she wasn't surprised.

Will this ever end?

"Stop it!" Katrina snarled, garnering their attention. "Irina, how many times do I have to tell you to stay out of it-"

"You won't defend our mother, but I will!" She snapped back, before turning to Bella. "And you only defend Tatyana, why? She's always upsetting our mother!"

Bella felt herself deflate at her maker's anger. She never wanted to make Irina mad. She wanted to be a good newborn, one that her maker was proud of.

Katrina hissed at her. "Stop yelling at her!"

Sasha tried to intervene. "Girls, let's stop this-"

The eldest glowered at her. "You don't like when we yell at each other, but so long as you're yelling at me then there's nothing wrong, right?"

Guilt crossed their mother's face. "It's not...it's not like that-"

"Then what is it like! Explain it to me!" Tatyana growled. "I know what you're doing. You're hiding something, and you pick on me. Because I'm the only one strong enough to actually challenge you."

Why is this happening?

"Let's just calm down." Bella tried, only to evoke the glare of her older sister.

"No! I'm tired of trying to be calm!"

The fighting grew louder, and Bella didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to stop it.

The world around her began to distort.

And she welcomed the darkness that followed.

...

Returning to the present shouldn't have been a relief. Not when the past was supposed to be her escape.

The world was caving in on her and she didn't know what to do.

On top of all the quarreling, Irina's life was still in danger in the past. Sometimes she was scared to let her out of her sight, but alternate Bella had assured her that when the time came, she would know what to do.

But what if I don't.

If Irina died she would never forgive herself.

But I'm a shield in this universe. I can keep her safe.

She sighed and looked around, trying to distract her troubled mind.

I've never been here before.

There was a small cabin in the woods. It had a rustic look to it, red paint was faded and a few shingles were missing. The shutters were chipped and falling apart. The front door was a dingy yellow. On the small porch, there were two wooden rocking chairs, looking worn and faded. A dull ax and a fishing rod rested against the side of the house.

A few feet away there was a tree stump surrounded by a few chopped logs. Next to it was a fire pit, one recently used, if the black wood and smokey smell were any indications.

Bella was about to hold her breath, fearing she had stumbled upon a human's cabin, when the scent of Emmett caught her attention. It permeated the area and made her frown.

She had known Emmett wasn't going to live with the rest of his family, though Rosalie hadn't explained why. But she didn't know he lived all the way out here, nearly on the border of Canada.

The thundering steps of the vampire caught her attention.

"Bella?"

Not this.

Bella was in no mood to listen to his ramblings.

She knew that Emmett was well-intentioned, but she couldn't handle him. Not when he continuously pushed for a friendship she couldn't remember.

"I don't even fucking remember you!"

Those words had been spoken out of anger, but she had meant them. He had been hurt by her, but she hadn't cared. Even now, she wasn't sure if she could find any remorse to conjure up.

She just wanted to go home and see Ghost and play on her 3DS. She didn't want to see anyone. She just wanted to be left alone.

Emmett came into view, stopping a little ways away from her. He was giving her space and she appreciated that.

He wore a red plaid shirt and a puffy black vest. His blue jeans had a few rips in them as well as some grass stains. And he had on hiking boots that were caked in dry mud.

He looked at her in concern. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," Bella muttered.

They were both silent for a moment before Emmett spoke up again. "Did you come from the past?"

"Yep."

More silence followed.

"Did something happen?"

Bella wanted to tell him to mind his business. But maybe her pent-up emotions were beginning to get to her. Because, before she knew it, she was pouring out her heart.

"It's my mother and Tatyana and Katrina and Irina. They're all fighting and I don't know what to do." She said, unknowingly tapping her thumb against the side of her index finger. "I'm trying to keep the peace, I'm trying to keep everyone happy...but nothing's working and I..." her voice cracked and her eyes burned with unshed tears. "I'm not happy, so how can I keep them happy?" She looked up at Emmett. "I don't know how to fix this. I don't know how to stop being miserable."

Emmett looked at her with wide eyes, and Bella realized her mistake.

What would he know about this?

"Sorry I just-" she stopped, watching as he slowly reached out his hand to her.

"Don't apologize." She stared at his hand. "Actually, I'm out here so I can get away from my family."

Reluctantly she took his hand. "Why?" He didn't answer.

Instead, he said, "Rose told me about...you know." Bella tensed, looking at him warily, and he seemed to deflate at the sight of her unease. "I'm not mad, Bella. Why would I be?"

"Why did she tell you?"

Her hand remained in his. "We're mates and she knew I wouldn't be upset. I can see it, now that she said something. We talked it over with Alice, and she explained the whole thing." Emmett smiled at her. "Your love for Rose was beautiful. Genuine. You never crossed any lines. You never wanted to hurt any of us. You never wanted to hurt me." His smile turned sad. "I'm sorry that you ever felt ashamed for something you couldn't control."

Bella looked away from him, overwhelmed by his understanding. Overwhelmed by his gentleness.

"I was in love with your wife, Emmett. I should be the one who's sorry-"

"You were only ever respectful when it came to your feelings. Why are you apologizing?"

I don't know.

"You're with Kate now. You two are happy. Don't let this bother you."

Bella nodded slowly, feeling relief flood through her. "Okay...I won't."

Emmett smiled at her. "Good. Come on."

He led her to his cabin, stopping to release her hand so he could give her his fishing pole. "What am I supposed to do with this? And..." she looked around. "Why are you living like some sort of lumberjack?"

Emmett laughed at that, stepping inside to grab another fishing pole and a tackle box. "I camped a lot when I was a human."

She remembered Rosalie mentioning that. "Oh...then a bear...yeah."

"Yeah." He began walking, and Bella fell in step as they left the cabin behind. "Being out here is nice. Relaxing."

"You're not lonely?"

Emmett glanced at her. "Rose visits often enough. Occasionally the rest of my family will show up, but they know I want space." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "And sometimes...it's better to be alone."

Bella didn't know what to say to that. Normally, she would have disagreed, but her family was distressing her.

In the present, there was the danger of Victoria. The glaring absence of Sasha. The return of the Cullens. Her past love for Rosalie. Her anger towards Leah. Her fear of Jasper. The pain of Esme's abandonment. And her frustration towards Carmen.

The past was supposed to be her escape. But it wasn't. Not anymore.

Not when everyone was fighting, and the looming threat of Irina's life was one that constantly plagued her mind.

Finally, she said, "Maybe you're right."

They walked in silence for a time, quiet and peaceful. Bella looked at the forest around them, covered in snow, and providing a fond nostalgia. It was beautiful. The snow began twinkling as the sun rose higher in the sky, and so did the vampires' skin.

She noticed Emmett looking at her. "You're a beautiful vampire, Bella."

She looked at him with his bright smile, his dark hair, his bright gold eyes, and his sparkling skin. "You are too."

"Careful, you might make me blush." He chuckled, facing straight ahead as they approached the beach. "You know, we don't have to talk about what's bothering you if you don't want to."

Bella gave him a grateful look. "Right now I'd rather just...fish if that's alright."

"Of course it is. Whatever you want."

There was no push.

She felt herself relax. "Thank you."

They arrived at the beach. Instead of sand, it was covered in a light layer of snow. A pier led out to a lighthouse. The waves gently lapped the shore, and Bella stopped as she looked around in awe.

Emmett waited for her, smiling as she watched the large snowflakes begin to fall. "This is my favorite spot."

"Fishing is a good way to relax." The voice belonged to a man she didn't recognize. "Your old man loves it."

"It's...amazing." She murmured, continuing her walk with Emmett to the lighthouse. "Have I ever fished before?"

"I don't know. You haven't with us, at least." They got to the edge of the pier.

Emmett set down the tacklebox and opened it. Bella reached down, grabbing a worm and putting it on the hook before casting her line.

He looked at her in surprise. "You have gone fishing before."

"I guess I have." Bella hummed. "Fishing is...pretty boring."

"Boring?" The deep chuckle drew her attention. "You spend too much time with my daughter." He was a portly man with muscular arms and light brown skin. His grey hair went a little past his chin, and it was covered by a fishing hat.

Bella huffed out a quiet laugh. "Yeah, well, she is kind of my best friend."

"Ouch! Hear that, Harry? I'm chopped liver." Paul sighed, casting his line and turning his attention to the bobber.

"You're my best friend too, obviously." Bella rolled her eyes playfully at him, looking out at the ocean as she held her fishing rod tightly. "How long have we been married now?"

"Fifty years, I think."

"Right! I'm glad you remembered."

They both laughed, and Paul turned to look at Harry. "So, standing here for hours is supposed to be entertaining?"

Harry gave him an amused smile. "Well, depends on who you're fishing with. Lucky for me, the two of you provide great entertainment." They laughed again and he turned back towards the ocean. "Fishing with others is a good way to get to know them. Fishing alone is a good way to clear your head."

Bella looked at him. "Fishing alone sounds...lonely."

"Lot of times life can be too much. People can be too much." He said. "It's at times when we're lonely, that we see ourselves with the most clarity. Who are we when others aren't around? Where do our thoughts go? Who do we miss? What do we want?" He stared out at the ocean, a soft smile appearing on his lips. "And when you go fishing, maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe you'll catch something."

The tug on her line made her jump, and Emmett cheered in excitement. "You got a bite!"

"Come on, Bells! Reel it in!" Paul encouraged.

"Just like that...careful now! Pull too tight and the line will snap." Harry cautioned her. "You have to wear it out first."

"You could pull it out with a single tug if you wanted to," Emmett suggested.

"That'll take forever. Just pull!" Paul laughed.

"Brute force won't get you anywhere." Harry chided.

Bella stopped when the line became taut.

"Things like this take patience. They take time."

The line loosened, and she began to reel it once again.

"That's the beauty about fishing. It teaches you to be patient."

The fish fought against her once again, and she stopped.

"The line is only so strong. And too much resistance will cause it to snap."

The fish went still.

"Nice! Reel it in!"

"If you break the line, it's not the end of the world. But it sure makes fishing harder. And that fish isn't coming back."

"You almost have it!"

"You can't fix a broken line. You'll have to get a new one and start over, and hopefully..."

The fish came into view.

"You'll have learned from your mistakes."

Emmett clapped, making a small smile appear on her lips. "Nice catch, Bellsy! A sea bass!"

"Hell yeah, Bells!"

"Beautiful catch! Charlie will be so proud when you bring that home."

"I caught a sea bass." Bella unhooked the large, green fish, and held it out for Emmett to see as she stared at her catch. "What? You again?" She tossed it back, her smile growing wider as she watched it swim away.

Emmett reached out to pat her back before he stopped himself. Instead, he kept his hand where she could see, and slowly placed it on her shoulder. He had given her a chance to back away, but she remained still when his large hand gently gripped her shoulder.

"Thank you, for coming out here with me." A look of sadness flashed in gold eyes. "I know you don't remember me, but I missed you." She was about to apologize but he shook his head. "You have a lot going on. I shouldn't have pushed, and I'm sorry I did."

Bella looked away from him. "It's okay."

"But it's not. And I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that."

He removed his hand from her shoulder, and she glanced at his fishing rod. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Why did you have to get away from your family?"

Emmett was quiet for a moment, brow furrowing and jaw clenching as he looked away from her. "Right now, they're miserable people." He murmured. "I made myself even more miserable by trying to cheer them up. It was like...no matter how hard I tried, nothing worked."

"I don't have powers like Alice or Jasper or Edward," Emmett said. "But, lucky for me, I don't need any powers to make people smile."

Bella looked up at him in wonder.

"So, yeah I'm immature and childish and ridiculous. But if it makes my family smile then...if it makes you smile, then I don't care about what the others say. Making people happy, that's what makes me happy."

Emmett sighed, looking more worn down than she had ever seen him. "I tried everything I could think of. I thought that being the goofy, lovable brother was my role. But no matter what I did, it's like they didn't even see me." His eyes welled with tears. "It's exhausting. I tried so hard, I worried about all of them so much and...none of them even asked if I was okay."

A pain she was all too familiar with.

When I'm in the present, it's like my family doesn't even see me.

She can tell by their worried stares that they knew she was hurting, but they never asked. They tried to distract her, they tried to pretend it was all normal, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Bella stepped forward, gently embracing the burly vampire and laying her head on his chest.

He froze, not moving to hug her back, but not pulling away either.

"Are you okay, Emmett?"

A shuttered breath escaped him. "I'm...I'm much better now." He gently wrapped his arms around her. "Are you okay, Bella?"

Her eyes widened.

"I-I'm..."

Tears burned her eyes and a sob escaped her. She fisted his shirt, crying loudly into his chest as he held her tight.

"E-Everything is falling apart and I can't fix it." Bella wept. "My coven...my mother–I don't know how to make them stop fighting! I can't make them happy!" It was unbearable.

Emmett began rubbing her back, pressing a kiss to her hairline, and resting his cheek atop her head.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm so sorry." He breathed. "It took me a long time to learn that others' happiness shouldn't come at the expense of my own." He pulled away slightly so that he could look at her. "You deserve to be happy too."

Now, Emmett was overwhelming her in a whole new way.

"You do too."

He smiled softly at her. "Well, I don't know if this means much but...I'm a lot happier now that you're here."

Bella's bottom lip trembled and she threw herself at him again. She hadn't been very nice to Emmett, but he was still glad to be with her.

It was his kindness that was overwhelming.

"You have a beautiful heart." She murmured. "Maybe that's your power."

A soft chuckle escaped him. "That would be kind of lame but..." he kissed the top of her head. "If it brings you any peace of mind then, maybe it's not so bad."

---

The fire was gentle. Soothing.

It reminded Katrina of the nights before battle. It reminded her of the thrill that came with the anticipation of war. Bellies full of food and drink, cheeks flushed with merriment as they brandished their weapons and sang until their voices grew hoarse.

It reminded her of her father. His gentle blue eyes and his easy-going smile. The way he claimed her, without question, without hesitation.

"Toto je moja Katrina. Môj divoký tigrica!" [This is my Katrina. My fierce tigress!] He would boast. "Toto je moja dcéra. A ak o tom niekto z vás má čo povedať, potom moja dcéra a ja vám odrežeme vaše prekliate jazyky!" [This is my daughter. And if any of you shits have something to say about it, then my daughter and I will cut off your goddamn tongues!]

He had never cared that she was a bastard.

And as she grew older, proved herself to her tribe, no one else had either.

Katrina looked up, following the trail of the flames until she was staring up at the stars.

She missed those nights.

She missed her father.

The tug in her chest made her smile.

"Bela."

Her mate appeared, smiling softly at her from across the fire.

"Katrina."

She sounded distant. Tired.

Vampires couldn't get tired.

Before she could ask, Bela was next to her in an instant. She curled into her side, a soft sigh escaping her as she leaned her head onto her shoulder. "What's the fire for?"

The warrior smiled. "Nostalgia. Comfort. I'm not exactly sure."

The scent of their mother washed over them, and in seconds Sasha was sitting next to them. She looked tired too. Eyes dull and dark circles were present. Her hair was frizzy, frayed at the ends, and when she settled a heavy sigh escaped her.

Bela released the warrior, turning to embrace Sasha tightly. "Mother."

She smiled, holding her mate and stroking her hair. "I'm glad you're home."

It hadn't felt like home lately. Too much fighting. Too much anger and resentment.

But the familiar gentleness of their mother was enough to make both the girls relax.

"I am too," Bela said, pulling away and giving her cheek a kiss before she curled back up with Katrina. She smiled at her mate, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and holding her close.

"Nostalgia?" Sasha murmured, staring into the flames for a moment before looking at Katrina. "About what?"

"Probably something barbaric," Tatyana said, stepping out of the forest and into the clearing. "Drinking nasty mead and brawling with her fellow warriors." She teased, hesitating before sitting on Katrina's other side, instead of by Sasha.

Katrina chuckled. "Actually, you're right."

Irina was fast approaching, and she noticed Bela perk up slightly when she appeared. "Why did no one invite me?" She muttered, straightening at the sight of Bela and barreling into her.

Katrina got knocked to the side, grumbling as Bela and Irina skid across the forest floor. The two giggled, embracing each other tightly and exchanging their usual, ridiculously sappy, greetings.

The warrior sat back up to see Sasha stand to her feet. Cautiously, she moved to Tatyana's side.

"May I sit next to you, please?"

She worried that her sister would snap at their mother. But she bore the same tired look as Bela and Sasha.

"You aren't going to yell at me, are you?" She still shifted slightly, making room for their mother who sat down without hesitation.

"No." She paused, slowly reaching out and taking Tatyana's hand in hers. The eldest stared at their hands, tears pooled in her eyes, and she looked into the flames without a word.

Thank God.

Irina and Bela rejoined their small circle, both smiling as they sat back down. Bela laid her head in Katrina's lap, and Irina rested hers on Bela's stomach. Katrina began toying with strands of soft brown hair, using her free hand to interlace her fingers with Bela's.

Her mate smiled at her, reaching down with her other hand to hold Irina's.

Sasha leaned against Katrina, and Tatyana rested her head on their mother's shoulder.

"When I get nostalgic," Sasha said, "I'll think about my human years. Or my first time meeting all of you." She smiled. "Especially Tatyana. You would not believe how chubby her cheeks were-"

"Mother!"

"She was such a cute child. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her." She hummed, beaming at her oldest daughter. "I knew then that I could never part with her." She turned to Katrina. "And you and Bela, you two intrigued me. Your love is inspiring, and your determination to protect one another is beautiful." A quiet laugh escaped her. "And Irina, well, my gentlest daughter, I thought she was going to become Katrina's meal."

Irina smiled up at Bela. "But Bela was my angel! She protected me!"

The brunette lifted Irina's knuckles to her lips. "And you're my angel." She gave them a kiss, beaming down at her. "No matter what, I'll always keep you safe."

Their dynamic had been one that, initially, aggravated Katrina. Irina had kissed her mate, she had detested her after that.

But Bela and Irina's relationship had evolved into something greater. Something that was beautiful in its own right.

"Well," the warrior smiled. "She can be your angel, but she has always been my demon."

Tatyana laughed at her. "Bela is much too sweet to be a demon."

Their mother chuckled, "Yes, it's Tatyana you'd have to worry about."

"As if I'd ever waste my time seducing Katrina." She smirked. "I prefer dark-haired women. And brown eyes. I just know Bela had brown eyes when she was human, I can feel it in my bones." The warrior didn't so much as blink, used to Tatyana's antics, though she wished she could give her a bit of shock.

"You're a menace." Bela laughed, looking up at Katrina with a loving smile. "Blonde hair and blue eyes have always caught my attention."

"Well, I hate to state the obvious," Sasha said, voice colored with amusement. "Tatyana also had blue eyes as a human."

"Which is why I proposed sharing Bela," Tatyana grumbled and Katrina shot her a glare.

Bela's smile never left her lips. "Not just any blue eyes. Cyan. My favorite color." Katrina couldn't look away from her. "The color of Katrina's eyes."

Sometimes she could have sworn she could feel warmth rush to her cheeks. Even as a vampire, Bela found a way to make her blush.

"My favorite color was red, but now it's gold." Her mate smiled somewhat bashfully at her.

I adore you.

Tatyana rolled her eyes and stood to her feet. "This is ridiculous. If I ever act so disgusting, please remove my head from my body."

Bela smirked. "Understood."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Enough of the sappy talk. Let's do something fun."

...

It had been a long time since they had had this much fun as a family.

Katrina laughed as she slammed her sled into Tatyana's, knocking her off course and into a tree. "Damn shit!"

Her smile broadened as she quickly approached Bela and Irina's sled.

"Katrina! You better not!" Her mate laughed, unable to keep her serious expression when she grinned at her.

"I can't help but want to be close to my sweet demon!"

Irina looked at her with wide eyes, though mirth shined brightly in them. "You shouldn't try to knock your mate off her sled! That's not sweet, not at all!"

Another sled was coming up from behind her. And she cursed when she realized how close they had gotten to her.

Tatyana laughed, throwing her fist into the air as she placed a hand onto their mother's shoulder. "Revenge!" Sasha's laughter mixed with Tatyana's, and Katrina couldn't fight her smile at the sight of their joy.

The warrior turned back around, standing on her sled and jumping swiftly to Irina's and Bela's. She sat down behind Irina, glancing back at her mother and sister as they got closer.

"Bela, hurry!"

Her mate looked back at her with a frown. "What are you-" their sled abruptly swerved to the side and tipped over. The vampires rolled off into the snow, laughing as they slid down the hill.

Katrina had managed to reach out and catch Bela's hand, smiling widely at her as they slid through the snow. Her mate looked happier than she had in a while, and she held Katrina's hand tightly, smiling so bright she could have been mistaken as the sun.

Flakes of snow looked like stars in the sky in Bela's dark hair. She looked ethereal. She looked happy.

I'm going to marry you.

"I love you."

When I have the courage. When the timing is right.

"I love you too," Bela murmured, eyes burning with adoration as she gazed at her.

I'm going to call you my wife one day.

Her smile broadened, and with a light tug, she had Bela in her arms. A kiss was pressed to her cheek, and Katrina felt tears prick her eyes.

Being with Bela was all that she had ever wanted, and sometimes, it was still so surreal to know that they had the rest of eternity together.

"Hey! Tatyana!" Irina complained loudly behind them, annoyance melting into amusement as their older sister jumped from the sled and pounced on Irina. "Bitch dick!" They rolled down the hill, giggling as they playfully wrestled with each other on the way down.

Sasha remained on the sled, meeting her daughters at the bottom of the hill with a warm smile.

"It appears that I've won since my sled is the only one that remains."

Katrina laughed as she lay in the snow, smiling when Bela laid down by her side. "You win this one. But we have forever to get the better of you. Just you wait."

Tatyana and Irina made it down the hill, flopping ungracefully on their sisters. Tatyana laid on Bela, and Irina on Katrina, both still laughing from their antics.

Bela smiled, letting Tatyana rest her head on her chest, and Katrina grumbled but allowed Irina to do the same.

Sasha dismounted from her sled, smiling as Bela shifted over for her. She laid in-between her and Katrina, looking up at the stars above.

Katrina missed her nights spent as a warrior.

She shared a smile with Bela, who looked at her as though she were the only woman in the world.

But she wouldn't give these nights up for anything.

"I love you all, so much," Sasha murmured. "I could not ask for better daughters." She sounded somewhat sad, and Katrina wondered if she was thinking about her human daughters.

"We love you too," Tatyana said, and her sisters voiced their agreement. "We couldn't ask for a better mother."

It was as though the past few weeks hadn't even happened.

For the first time in a long time, everything settled.

There was no anger. No resentment. No arguing. No sadness.

Only peace. Only love.

"Oh," Sasha breathed. "You all deserve so much more than I can give you."

It was Bela that broke the silence. "It doesn't matter what we deserve. You are enough, mother. How could we want for anything else?"

Their mother stared up at the stars, eyes filled with tears as she grabbed Bela's hand and interlaced their fingers.

"How could I want for anything else?"

The night was coming to an end, and as the sun began to rise, the family began talking about nothing and everything. Exchanging stories and teasing quips as they watched the sunrise.

It was perfect.

They were perfect.

And yet, Katrina couldn't help but wonder how long this tranquility would last.

Hopefully forever but...

Sasha quietly excused herself and slipped away.

The sisters were left alone.

Tatyana looked aggravated, but she said nothing as Bela began to rub her back.

Maybe this was just the calm before the storm.

---

She supposed she only had herself to blame.

"We have forty in total."

If she really let herself think about it, she knew that she was the one who had orchestrated her own demise.

"Good. That will be enough."

But such revelations were useless to her now.

"You don't want to send any more out?"

And if she wanted to maintain any semblance of sanity, then she would keep such revelations buried. Just as she always tried to.

"I've seen all that I need to."

"The Cullens are back."

"I'm aware."

"They're with the shifters. We have the numbers but they have the skill."

"Riley," the blonde looked at her. "I'm not concerned in the slightest. And you shouldn't be either." She said, "Newborns are at peak physical strength, and you've been training them, correct?"

"Well, yes but-"

"We'll plan a frontal assault. And you will lead them." She shrugged, brushing past him. "If you don't like that idea, then come up with another." She glanced around the warehouse, stepping over a severed arm and wrinkling her nose.

The plan had changed. But nothing had ever been set in stone. All she knew was that she had to move, and fast. Something big was coming, something life-threatening, and she didn't want to stick around and find out what it was.

Why do you keep fighting?

"Victoria, this seems...dangerous."

Her plan may have been on the more reckless side, but not for herself. She would not be partaking in the war.

She would be watching.

Waiting.

You fight as though you have someone to go home to.

"It's a war, Riley. We can't have a war without some casualties."

I fight because James is dead and Bella still lives.

The boy's brow furrowed. "But many of them are my newborns-"

"Just as you are mine." She reached out, gently grabbing his shoulder. "Not all can be saved, but know that you have me." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm your maker. I'll keep you safe, just as my maker did for me."

What I wouldn't give for her to be here.

Riley relaxed, smiling widely at her, just like the naive boy he was. "You're right. I'm sorry for doubting you."

"Don't apologize for being nervous. You're doing great."

And she looked at him, with his earnest smile and his gentle eyes, knowing damn well she was sending him to his death.

Her first ever newborn, and she was sending him to be slaughtered.

"Thanks, Victoria. I'll make you proud."

"I hope that, when people look at you, they have the compassion to wonder what made you this way."

Victoria patted his cheek before pulling away. "I know you will."

"I hope you are viewed in the same merciful light that you have denied others."

She didn't let herself think about her past, or at least, she tried not to.

Gold eyes.

Brown hair.

Bela.

Another reason she continued to fight.

She tried not to think about the past.

Brown eyes.

Brown hair.

Bella.

But it always came back to haunt her.

Just as the screams of mate and her sisters, and the blank expression on Heidi's face as she watched it all happen, would always come back to haunt her.

---

"Are you alright?" Leah watched as Irina tapped her fingers restlessly against her thigh. The vampire didn't seem to hear her, too lost in her thoughts as her brow furrowed and she muttered something under her breath. "Irina?"

Gold eyes refocused and she blinked. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Leah fought the urge to reach out to her imprint. She wanted to soothe her, to make her feel at peace, but she worried about screwing it up.

It was dark out and the two sat on their respective sides of the border. But this time they sat so close their knees were almost touching. Leah would have been more excited if her imprint hadn't looked so troubled.

"Something's bothering you."

Irina winced and looked away from her. "It's Bella. She's been gone for four days. I'm worried about what she's seen. I'm worried about her reaction when she comes back to the present."

Leah looked at her curiously. "You two...are really close. I know all of you are close, but you and Bella…" Irina fretted over Bella almost as much as Kate did. The two shared the same restlessness as they awaited her return. One that Tanya, Carmen, and Eleazar didn't share.

All the Denali's seemed concerned, but Kate and Irina especially seemed cagey without Bella.

"She's my sister. I love her."

It was clear she didn't want to discuss this any further. "What's Bella going to see?"

Irina hesitated, shame filling gold eyes as she said, "Our mother...and my reaction to her death." She clenched her jaw. "I was a newborn at the time. Sasha was my maker, just as she was Tanya's and Kate's. But my bond with her was the strongest due to my newborn status." She looked at Leah. "When a maker dies, each of their vampires feels it. It's like...a piece of you dies with your maker. It hurts. Even now."

Leah's eyes widened. "Oh...I'm sorry."

Say something else you asshole.

"That sounds terrible."

She genuinely cared about her imprint hurting. She wanted to make it better. She wanted to say the right things and put Irina at ease, but she was completely out of her element.

Irina sighed, "I lashed out at Bella. I was hurting, but it was no excuse for how I treated her." Her eyes watered. "I can't imagine how she felt. But she forgave me so easily, even when I didn't deserve it."

That's who Bella is. Always so understanding.

Shame threatened to swallow her whole.

The shifter swallowed thickly, fidgeting with the leaves that littered the forest floor. "I, uh...I get that. I wasn't kind to her when I first found out my dad passed away." She cleared her throat and tried not to shy away from the subject. Irina wanted honesty and that's what she'd give her. "Then I lost it when I found out she was a vampire. I left a scar on her arm. I've treated her like shit. But she's never been mean to me. Not once. She's given me space and she doesn't push and…"

"You miss her."

Tears burned her eyes and a mirthless laugh escaped her. "Yeah. But you already knew that." She blinked rapidly to keep them from falling down her cheeks. "She used to write me these stupid letters so…" she reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. "I wrote her one. It's not much, but it's a start. Would you mind giving it to her?"

Irina smiled softly at her. "I think it would be better if you did. And then, you can apologize while you're at it."

Leah huffed out a chuckle and shoved the letter back into her pocket. "I knew you wouldn't make it easy for me."

"Not when it comes to my Bella, no." The mirth left her eyes. "You'll have to face her eventually. I fear that, when she returns, she won't want to see much of any of our family. It would be nice for you to be there for her...if you can."

The shifter nodded slowly before asking, "That thing with your maker bond…" more shame began to consume her. "Did Bella feel that when Laurent died?"

She's been hurting and I've only been making it worse.

She noticed Irina stiffen at the question. "That's…"

Don't push. Don't make it worse.

"Um, I can be there for her," Leah muttered, scratching the back of her neck. "I think if I can date a vampire, I can be friends with one."

Irina stared at her with wide eyes. "Date?"

She felt her face burn red and she looked away from her.

She liked Irina, and it had taken a few meetings for her to realize that it wasn't the imprint bond. The imprint made her want to be around Irina, it made her want to be a good partner for the vampire.

But Leah found that she genuinely liked Irina's personality. She was intense and charming and sweet and a hopeless romantic. It was cute. She was cute. And her feelings were intimidating.

It had taken a lot of conversations with Paul and Seth to get her head out of her ass. No one could fight the imprint bond.

"Why fight being happy?" Paul had asked.

She hadn't been able to give him an answer. Only excuses.

Sam had tried to fight the imprint, and he had been miserable. They both had been miserable. And while Leah had been hurt and angered that Sam had left her, there was also a relief that came with him leaving.

No more pretending. No more trying and failing to make things work. No more wondering what she did to push him away.

Sam left.

And for the first time in months, despite the constant flow of tears, Leah had finally felt like she was able to breathe.

And now, anytime she was with Irina, that same feeling had returned. There was no more lingering resentment towards Sam and Emily. There was no more pain when she saw the two of them together.

All there had ever been was Irina. All there would ever be was Irina.

Leah cleared her throat, still unable to look at her imprint. "Well, I mean, in the future if you wanted to date and, uh...I know you like all that cheesy romance stuff so I would buy you flowers and chocolates and…" she frowned. "Oh, you don't eat. Well...I would buy you, um, jewelry or something or maybe go dancing but I can't actually dance so maybe bowling–do vampires like bowling because if not we can-"

A cold hand touched her warm one. "Leah."

Instantly the shifter relaxed, unable to tear her gaze off of the small hand that covered hers.

Her hand didn't feel like ice, not like the other vampires. It felt like a cool day in autumn. It felt like peace.

A quiet giggle escaped Irina, and Leah's face was once again on fire. "You aren't a vampire, you know. You actually have to breathe."

The shifter scowled, but she was unable to suppress her smile. "I was breathing just fine until you showed up."

Her imprint feigned hurt. "Oh, so I'm to blame? Perhaps I should leave, then-"

Leah moved her hand, interlacing her fingers with Irina and letting out a quiet sigh in relief. "Not yet...if that's okay."

Irina looked at their intertwined hands, eyes softening as she gazed up at Leah. "Not yet." She agreed, and the two sat in silence for a while.

Yeah, Irina's eyes found the stars, and she began quietly telling her the constellations, I could do this forever.

When the vampire departed, Leah stayed behind a moment longer. Staring at where she had been sitting, and still reeling from the way her imprint made her heart pound.

When she was with Irina she could forget about all her troubles.

She could forget about Bella and Charlie, and the strange battle between Jake and Sam that had begun to take place. She could forget about the pain of losing her father, and her past hatred for vampires.

When she was with Irina, she could smile.

When she was with Irina, she could swear that she could even love.

---

None of them were prepared when they stumbled upon a burning village. What had started as a search for their mother had ended in the gruesome and bloody sight of a once-thriving community.

Bela hissed, holding her breath at the sight of corpses, eyes tightening at the barbaric way they had been killed.

Severed limbs and heads were scattered around the village. Some bodies were smashed as though they were grapes. Others were completely ripped in half.

Tatyana walked forward, leading the sisters as she looked around in disbelief. "What...what happened here?" She breathed, stopping only when her foot grazed the body of a deceased child. "Oh." She clenched her jaw, turning her head to collect herself.

Irina, however, released a sob and clutched onto Tatyana. "This is terrible! Who would do this?" The eldest felt her resolve strengthen, choosing to block out the smell of death and blood as she held her sister tightly.

Things had been difficult between her and Irina, but she loved her and seeing her so distraught hurt her heart.

"I don't know." She said, rubbing Irina's back as she looked out at the now blackened sky. "But I know it was one of our kind."

The villagers' homes were reduced to kindling, either by brute force or the flames that were slowly but surely making their way around the village.

Crimson stained the once white snow. It was a bloodbath. A massacre.

A snarl ripped from Katrina's throat. "Whoever did this will pay." The warrior vowed, only softening at the horror on Bela's face. "Bela?" She murmured, reaching out and taking her free hand.

Wet, gold eyes looked at Katrina. She didn't say anything, but she moved closer to her mate until their shoulders were pressed together.

"We can leave-"

"No," Bela whispered, not tearing her eyes away from the carnage. "We find who did this. And we stop them."

The smell of their mother made Irina and Katrina relax, but Tatyana noticed Bela had tensed at the sound of Sasha's approach.

Gold eyes watched her, filled with clarity and such anguish that Tatyana had to look away.

What do you know?

Bela said she had bad feelings about their mother. Maybe that's all this was. A bad feeling.

Maybe it's nothing.

But Sasha had been lashing out at her. Never once laying a hand on her, but yelling and nitpicking to the point that Tatyana had spent more time away from home.

Maybe it's nothing.

Sasha's dress was covered in blood and her eyes were wide, as though she had just been caught. But doing what, none of them knew.

Maybe it's nothing.

But she knew better, and so did Bela.

"Girls, what are you-" Tatyana released Irina, baring her teeth at their mother. She didn't want to believe that she would ever do something this cruel, but Sasha had been high-strung and volatile lately.

This woman isn't my mother.

"What did you do!" Tatyana snarled, about to take a step forward when Irina growled at her and moved in front of Sasha protectively.

"Our mother wouldn't do this!"

Katrina nodded, though she seemed uncertain. "She wouldn't. Stop this, Tatyana. She was probably trying to stop the attacker."

Bela, however, pulled away from her mate and shifted closer to Tatyana. "Is that true?"

Sasha looked frazzled. Her dark blonde hair was caked in blood, and the strands were frayed from whatever she had been doing. Her eyes were a bright red, proof of being well-fed, but there wasn't a drop of blood near her mouth.

She swallowed thickly, looking shaken as she spoke. "Yes."

"What aren't you telling us?" Tatyana asked. "I'm tired of- '' new scents filled the clearing and her eyes widened as six black-robed figures appeared from the treeline.

The Volturi. It has to be.

Tatyana had only heard rumors of the Volturi. They came dressed in black and enforced their laws without mercy.

She had never given them much thought. Her coven was too isolated to draw their attention. Bela's fear of them had even made her laugh.

How foolish I'd been.

"Felix, start a fire. We need to burn the evidence." The first vampire ordered, and the burly one at his side raced past the coven, getting a fire ready in seconds before he began rounding up all the corpses.

Katrina watched him warily, uncomfortable with having her back to him, but she said nothing.

"Hello!" The same vampire greeted them cheerily. "I'm Aro. One of the Volturi kings. I'm sure you've all heard of me."

He had long, straight black hair. His face was narrow, and his lips were pulled into a pleasant smile. But his eyes portrayed his delight and the sadism that lingered as he looked at the women.

Their mother looked stunned, while Katrina and Irina seemed warier than anything. They didn't seem to fully grasp the gravity of their situation.

But Bela did.

Instantly the brunette fell to her knees, bowing her head and keeping her eyes trained on the ground. Fear radiated off of the shield, and that alone made Tatyana follow her sister's lead. She went to Bela's side, bowing and trying to keep her eyes on the ground, but they wandered.

Aro looked pleased. "Ah, so you do know me." A giggle escaped him as he looked at their sisters and mother. "Is this any way to greet your king?"

Sasha snapped out of her stupor, shaking her head and getting to her knees. "No, my Lord. I apologize." She looked at her daughters. "Girls." Irina instantly got to her knees, and while Katrina hesitated, she did the same. They bowed their heads and remained silent as Aro walked closer.

"That's better. You may rise." They all got to their feet. "I'm assuming you're their coven leader." He eyed Sasha's attire. "You're quite the messy feeder, aren't you."

She swallowed thickly, keeping her gaze lowered. "I apologize, my Lord. Had I known you'd arrive, I would have made myself more presentable." She turned to the mangled corpses behind her, all of which were being thrown onto the fire by the large vampire. "This wasn't me-"

"You there." His attention was now on Bela. "Your eyes, they're wonderful. How did they become gold?"

"I drink from animal blood, Lord Aro." Bela's voice was quiet and shaky, making Tatyana even more fearful than she had been.

Her sister had always been very sure of herself. She had never seen Bela afraid, except when Katrina's human life seemed to be in danger. But even then that had been mixed with anger and determination. Now, she seemed to be just as terrified as their mother was.

"Animal blood? I didn't know our kind could survive off that." Another vampire murmured.

"Fascinating. I have so many questions…" Aro abruptly clapped his hands together. "Oh! How rude of me to not introduce my companions." He smiled. "It would be very hypocritical of me to speak of manners rather than act on them."

The vampire that was throwing the corpses into the fire had now finished and was back at the king's side. He was the largest one Tatyana had ever seen. "This is Felix, the strongest in my guard." His cropped, brown hair fell slightly in his eyes, and he wore an amused smile as he examined them.

Next to him stood a shorter vampire, a young man with spiky blonde hair and an impish smile. "That's Demetri, the best tracker in the known vampire world." He was lithe but still radiated power as he moved swiftly ahead. Each step was calculated, purposeful, and Tatyana felt her hands begin to tremble as he slowly circled her coven.

Two children, both bearing eerie smiles, stood next to Aro. "The twins are Jane and Alec. So gifted, I quite adore them." They couldn't have been older than fourteen. The girl was blonde and the boy brunette. They shared the exact same height and smile, and Tatyana had to look away from their piercing gazes.

A brown haired vampire stood behind Aro. "And this is Eleazar. He's serving as my advisor for the moment. Another gifted vampire in my ranks." He was as thin as a blade with hair so dark it almost looked black. His features were sharp and angelic, and unlike his companions, he wore no smile. Instead, a grim facial expression marred his beauty.

Bela was staring at him as though she had seen a ghost. He noticed her stare, and red clashed with gold. She quickly looked away, putting her head down and keeping her gaze lowered.

What was that?

Aro placed his hands behind his back, a now friendly smile in place as he spoke. "You all seem so frightened! This is nothing serious, I assure you…" he trailed off, looking around the village before his smile vanished. "Unless, of course, any of you are knowledgeable of what took place here." He hummed, "Over thirty dead. That draws a lot of unnecessary attention to our kind."

Jane cocked her head to the side. "Master, I suspect them all to be guilty."

The king pursed his lips but didn't bother sparing a glance in her direction. "Jane, is it your job to judge?"

"No, master, I apologize."

Demetri was behind them now, strolling casually in his circle, never getting closer but never straying from his path. A small smile was on his lips as he neared Sasha.

Aro sighed and shook his head. "I too wish to purge all those who disregard the law, but we can't jump to conclusions. And we don't kill the innocent." He then smiled and lifted his hands. "The Volturi are merciful rulers, I assure you."

Felix moved forward at the same time as Demetri, both seizing Sasha's arms before any of them could so much as blink.

Before the sisters could react Sasha cried out to them, "No! Don't move!" Tears welled in her eyes and Tatyana couldn't help but round on Aro.

"Release her, now!" Her hands curled into fists. "You heard her, she didn't do this!"

Because even though Sasha took all her anger and stress out on her, even though Tatyana knew that, some way or another, Sasha was involved in this massacre; she was still her mother.

She turned to see Sasha's frightened gaze locked on her.

Even though you haven't been acting like it. You are still my mother.

"Tatyana," she whispered, "please, don't provoke them."

The eldest looked to Bela for help, but her sister was staring blankly ahead. She looked numb. Defeated. It was as though she already knew the outcome of this encounter.

Katrina and Irina were still slightly crouched, ready to attack at any moment as they glowered at Felix and Demetri. Tatyana worried they would do something stupid. She worried it would get them killed.

Jane stepped forward, smiling broadly at Tatyana. "You demand nothing of your king."

Everything was on fire. Her mind, her body, her soul. She was burning and the pain was excruciating. She screeched in agony, falling to her knees and gripping her head, wishing more than anything that someone would just kill her and end this nightmare.

"Stop it!" She heard Sasha scream. "Please, don't hurt her! She has nothing to do with this!"

She couldn't move. She could only scream.

Tatyana could hear her sisters yelling but the voices were beginning to distort. Everything was on fire and it hurt and she wished she were dead.

"Jane." Aro's voice made the pain vanish and left Tatyana gasping for air.

Bela and Katrina rushed to her side, but Irina remained as close to their mother as the two vampires would permit.

She was the youngest, still the most heavily affected by the maker bond, and Tatyana couldn't fault her for remaining next to Sasha. If Tatyana had the option, she would do the same.

She got to her feet, breathing heavily, still reeling from the pain that echoed in her mind. It had been excruciating. She had never experienced pain that intense before, and she never wanted to again.

I once laughed at the idea of the Volturi. What a fool I had been.

"Now, let us continue. Hopefully with no more disruptions." Aro moved forward, stopping in front of Bela. "I can see every thought you've ever had with one touch." He held his hand out to her. "This will let me know who is guilty and who is innocent."

Of what?

He smiled at the brunette. "Would you do me the honor, my dear?" Bela said nothing, giving him her hand without hesitation.

Aro closed his eyes. A frown furrowed his brow and his eyes popped open. "I see...nothing! No vampire has ever been able to evade my gift before." He looked delighted, eyes burning with curiosity before he stopped himself. "I can't see what you know, but I am excellent at detecting liars." He narrowed his eyes. "If I think you're being deceitful, I will kill you on the spot, do you understand me?"

Bela nodded, keeping her head bowed. "Yes, my Lord."

"Good." He put his hand beneath her chin and tilted her head up so that she would look at him. "Do you know what crime your mother is being accused of?"

Who accused her of a crime? What is happening?

Bela stared into his eyes. "No, my Lord." He watched her for a moment before nodding.

"You speak the truth. A relief, because I wish to inquire more about your abilities." He smiled again before he went to Katrina.

He held out his hand to her. The warrior clenched her jaw, undoubtedly about to lash out, but Bela shook her head. Thankfully, Katrina kept her mouth shut and gave Aro her hand. He closed his eyes, remaining still for a couple seconds before releasing her hand.

A genuine smile spread across his lips. "The love you and your mate share is beautiful. Reminiscent of Marcus and Didyme. So happy and brilliant to behold!"

Katrina eyed him warily and Bela kept her head down and her gaze lowered as she spoke. "Thank you, my Lord. She makes me very happy."

"As I've seen!" He smiled. "And I must applaud you, Bela. Posing as a demon rather than exposing our kind. Your discipline is much appreciated and admired. And your diet...you are fascinating, my dear."

"Thank you, Lord Aro."

"Though, I must ask, where do you disappear to?" Bela didn't answer and he shook his head. "You can tell me another time. I have more pressing matters to attend to." He looked in between her and Katrina. "You and your mate have powerful gifts. Gifts that would serve the Volturi very well." He hummed. "I would like to offer both of you a place within my guard." Tatyana swallowed thickly, watching Bela and Katrina's reactions.

Katrina looked as though she were going to snap at him but Bela spoke up first. "We're grateful for your generous offer, my Lord, but we cannot accept. Our place is here, with our family."

This displeased him. "Not many would refuse such an offer." He then shook his head and stepped back. "We'll discuss this later. I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm easily excitable."

Aro then gestured at Sasha, purposefully bypassing Irina and Tatyana and stopping when he was right in front of their mother. "What was it you said earlier? When Jane was using her gift on Tatyana?"

Their mother clenched her jaw. "Lord Aro-

"Don't hurt her," he echoed Sasha, reaching out and gently gripping her chin. He was silent for a moment before a small laugh escaped him and he pulled away. "Nothing any of my guards could do to her would inflict nearly the same amount of pain that you have." His eyes darkened. "Nothing could inflict a fraction of the pain that you will cause her."

Tatyana's eyes widened, refusing to look at Aro as she stared at her mother. "What does he mean?"

Sasha bowed her head, eyes filled with unshed tears as a sob escaped her. "I'm so sorry."

"What did you do?" She was begging for an answer, begging for her mother to alleviate her fears.

Sasha wouldn't look at her, and Tatyana felt her eyes fill with venom.

The king began his walk back to his other guards. "It's a good thing I didn't listen to your intuition, Jane. None of her daughters are aware of what she's done."

Katrina shifted closer to Bela, eyeing Aro warily before sparing a glance at Sasha. "What isn't our mother telling us?"

Sasha kept her head bowed, much to Tatyana's aggravation.

Face me. Tell me what you've done. You owe me that much.

Aro gestured at Sasha. "Your mother has committed an atrocious crime. She…" the sound of an approaching vampire made him pause. "Well, I suppose you will all see for yourselves."

Tatyana watched in horror as a dark-haired woman came into the clearing. Bela's eyes widened at the sight of her, as though they had met prior, but all eyes soon fell on what the woman carried.

In her hands was a blonde haired, red eyed baby boy. Blood splattered his cheeks and a small smile was on his lips as he curled into the woman's arms.

"Carmen, prudent as always." Aro smiled, but Carmen didn't smile back.

Dread threatened to suffocate Tatyana. A searing pain struck her chest at the sight of the abomination.

Irina's shocked gasp was enough to draw her attention. "No." She breathed, squeezing her eyes shut and taking a step back. "No, she wouldn't."

Tatyana clenched her jaw, focusing on her frustration towards Irina instead of the hurt that threatened to break her down.

"But she did!" She snapped, refusing to meet her mother's heavy gaze as she rounded on her sister. "Our mother created this thing because-"

I wasn't enough.

We weren't enough.

Jane approached Carmen. "Well, they've seen it." She took the child from her and walked to the flames.

"Vasilii! No! No, please!" Sasha screeched, fighting against the grip of the guards but to no avail.

Vasilii...so this is where you've been running off to.

Jane wore a pleasant smile as she tossed the infant into the fire without hesitation.

Sasha screamed in horror, staring helplessly into the flames and going limp in the guards' grip. She sobbed loudly but said nothing, and Tatyana could only stare at her in disgust.

You destroyed our lives by creating that thing. And you have the nerve to cry over it?

"Vasilii," Tatyana growled, letting anger drown out her sorrow. "You! You heartless bitch!"

Irina shoved her away, making Tatyana snarl as she dug her feet into the earth, sliding backward and nearly slamming into Katrina.

"She's still our mother!"

Katrina growled at her in warning. "We're all upset, sister. But this is no time to show your teeth. Our mother made her choice, and she must bear the consequences of that choice." The warrior's eyes were wet and her bottom lip trembled, but her voice remained strong, and for that Tatyana envied her.

Sasha shook her head. "Irina, don't. I'm not worth it." She choked out, body racking with sobs as she went limp in the guards' grip. "Stop this, please!"

The Volturi were strangely quiet. Aro watched them in amusement, clearly entertained by their quarreling. It was almost enough to make Tatyana lash out.

She knew better.

But Irina didn't.

The youngest sister looked at Bela. "Bela, tell them!"

But the brunette didn't respond. Instead, she stared vacantly at the flames. She looked lifeless. She looked as hurt as Tatyana felt.

Irina was in denial. Katrina accepted their mother's fate. Tatyana used anger to smother her pain.

But Bela, Bela wore grief like a second skin. Her shoulders were slumped, her head down, and she looked so empty that Tatyana felt her own anger falter.

Aro smiled condescendingly at her. "I'm sorry, child, but the penalty for creating an immortal child is death."

No.

Irina let out a screech of rage and curled her hands into fists as she looked at her sisters. "Cowards! All of you!" She turned on Aro. "I won't sit here and watch her die! I won't!"

Erik.

That's why she wouldn't let this go. That's why she couldn't let this go, Tatyana realized.

Bela jolted back to reality at the sound of Sasha's scream. "Irina! No!" Tatyana could only watch in horror as her sister raced towards Aro.

"I won't let you hurt her!" She roared savagely, fingers extended to grab the smirking king's throat. Katrina cursed and raced after her, and Tatyana couldn't help but follow suit.

But they were too slow.

She's going to die.

Eleazar moved so he was in front of Aro and dread threatened to suffocate her. He was going to kill her.

Irina...

Just as Irina reached Aro she slammed into an invisible barrier. She flew back, snarling and growling as Katrina launched herself into the air and grabbed her.

Bela stood there, one hand out and brow furrowed in concentration as she held the shield up. And when Irina realized what had happened she fought against Katrina's hold.

"Traitor!" She screamed, thrashing wildly against the warrior. "I'll kill you and him!"

Katrina snarled at that, electricity shooting from her body and making Irina scream in agony. The king watched Katrina closely, fascinated as Irina fell to the ground, unmoving.

The warrior loomed over Irina. "Touch her and die!"

Tatyana moved forward to stand in between them. "Katrina, that's enough." Her sister snarled at her but backed away, making sure she was slightly in front of Bela and keeping her gaze fixed on Irina.

Bela looked ill, dropping her shield before addressing her, "Irina, he's our king. You would have died-"

"Better to be dead than have to look at your treacherous face!" She roared, about to get up when Katrina shocked her again.

"Don't you ever talk to her that way! She saved your life, you ungrateful fuck!" The youngest couldn't respond, convulsing violently on the ground before she stilled. She didn't dare to move again, but she glared at Katrina and then Bela.

Pain burned in gold eyes before they once again became vacant. The shield turned her head away from Irina, staring numbly into the trees.

Tatyana clenched her jaw, refraining from yelling at Irina. There would be a time for that later.

Aro did a little jump, as though he were unable to contain his excitement. "Bela, Katrina, that display of power was marvelous!" He smiled broadly at them before glancing at Irina. "Your reactions were incredible. And Bela," he clapped his hands together. "You protected your king! That's worthy of a reward!"

Alec frowned. "She did what anyone should do for their king. Loyalty should be expected, not rewarded."

"And how do I continue to maintain loyalty, Alec?" Aro mused. "By being ungrateful? Rude?"

"I spoke out of turn. My apologies."

Jane spoke up. "If I may, Lord Aro." The king nodded. "I believe Irina should be killed along with Sasha. She tried to attack you."

Tatyana's eyes widened. "Wait-" Jane looked at her and she clammed up instantly. Hating herself for the fear that held her back. But the pain Jane had inflicted on her had been agony, and nothing she wanted to repeat.

I'll speak up when I have the chance.

She felt like a coward.

Katrina was glaring at the guard but said nothing, instead, she shifted her body so she was partially in front of Irina.

Eleazar shook his head, stepping aside. "There's no need for that. She was acting based on emotion, it's obvious that she's a newborn. And most newborns would do the same in order to protect their makers."

Carmen nodded her head in agreement. "There's no need for any more death today. She's young, she's still learning."

However, Aro looked contemplative. "Felix, Demetri, release Sasha. She won't run." Irina was beginning to move again, and this made him purse his lips. "Restrain her. She's too erratic. She's too dangerous."

Sasha fell to her knees when she was released. "Please, my Lord! I'm her maker, she wasn't thinking clearly!" The guards raced forward and Katrina reacted instantly.

The warrior swung at Demetri who slipped beneath her fist with ease. He went to strike her but struck a barrier instead.

Bela was staring at him with black eyes, unprepared for when Felix abruptly slammed into her. A startled scream escaped her. Panic burned in her eyes as he held her to his chest, holding her arms to her sides and preventing her from moving.

The shield began hyperventilating, looking more afraid than Tatyana had ever seen her. There was something there, she could see it in her eyes. It was something that Bela had experienced before. Something that haunted her.

Seeing her sister's helplessness made Taytana rush forward, and she heard Katrina roar in rage. Her body lit up with electricity as she launched herself at Felix.

Tatyana held back, knowing she would be shocked by the attack. She saw Demetri dart after Katrina, and she managed to throw herself forward, grabbing his ankle and throwing him aside.

The warrior grabbed Felix by his face, her screams of rage nearly drowning out his screams of agony as he fell to the ground, releasing Bela.

The shield stumbled away, shoulders hunched and eyes wide as she took deep breaths to calm herself.

"Don't touch her!" Katrina snarled, slamming her fist into his face as he lay there unmoving.

Cracks rippled across his skin. She was about to strike him again when Bela reached out and gently wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Katrina-"

"Let me go! I'll kill him!" Bela pulled her away, barely able to hold her mate back as Felix slowly got to his feet.

He glared murderously at Katrina, rushing forward to attack but only hitting Bela's shield.

Irina was about to get to her feet when she fell to the ground, screaming and thrashing as Jane stared intensely at her.

Tatyana noticed Demetri racing towards her and she bared her teeth. She didn't know what to do. It was all too chaotic.

He came at her with a flurry of blows, he was faster than any vampire she had ever fought.

He slammed his fist into her stomach, growling when she managed to catch his other fist. She reared her head back and slammed it into his, making him stagger backward.

Cracks appeared in his forehead, hers as well, but Tatyana pretended as though she felt nothing. She knew this wasn't a fight she was going to win. Demetri was more skilled, but she was supposed to be strong.

She had to be for her sisters.

Just as he was about to tackle her, Sasha crashed into him, snarling and cursing as she gripped his hair and began striking him viciously.

"Stay away from her!"

Felix managed to slip out from beneath her, giving her a sharp kick that sent her rolling towards the flames.

"Mother!"

Sasha's fingers dug into the earth, stopping her from rolling straight into the fire. She bared her teeth, prepared to launch herself at the tracker again.

"Enough!" Aro's booming voice made everyone freeze. "Felix and Demetri, restrain Irina, as I instructed." He glared at Katrina. "Your abilities are remarkable, but I must insist that you don't interfere with the work of the Volturi."

Bela dropped the shield, interlacing her fingers with Katrina to keep her at her side. "Our apologies, Lord Aro. It won't happen again." She bowed her head and the warrior only glared at her feet in response.

Felix and Demitri raced to Irina's side, gripping both of her arms tightly and hoisting her to her feet. She was panting and shaking, still reeling from the pain Jane had inflicted on her, and she stayed limp in their arms as she tried to recover her strength.

Sasha took a step forward. "Wait, my Lord! It's me who should die! My daughters did nothing-"

"The damned do not get to make requests." The king said carelessly. "Jane is right. Irina's acts were treasonous, and the punishment is death."

Tatyana was about to speak but, to her surprise, Bela beat her to it. "Wait!" Panic colored her voice, ridding it of the hollowness it once bore. "She's...no please don't hurt her! Please!" She released Katrina's hand, moving to be in front of Aro. She fell to her knees before him, placing her hands in her lap and bowing her head. "What can we do? How can we make things right?"

Irina screeched from behind her, "Cowards! Traitors!" She thrashed against Felix and Demetri. "You beg for my mercy but not our mother's! You-"

Tatyana rounded on her. "Irina!" She snarled, "Be silent, now!"

"No! I won't let this happen! I won't!"

"Malicky." The gentle voice of their mother drew their sister's attention. "Please, be still." She murmured, red eyes filled with tears as a quiet whimper escaped Irina.

"But-"

Sasha shook her head. "Irina, hush. It will be alright." She soothed. They all knew she was lying, but it did the trick. The fight left Irina, and she hung her head as a soft sob escaped her.

"Matka…" she breathed. But she said no more.

Aro looked down at Bela, stepping forward and placing a hand atop her head. "You wish for your sister to live. But she attacked me, and I cannot let that stand."

Bela released a shaky sob, trembling but refusing to move. "Please. Please." She breathed. "You can't take her from me. Please, Lord Aro."

He gave her a pitying look. "I wish there was something I could do, my sweet. But she committed treason."

Katrina bared her teeth at the king. "If you so much as touch her-"

Tatyana interjected before her sister could incriminate herself. "Wait." Aro looked at her. "I have a proposal, my Lord." She bowed her head. "If you wish to hear it."

He cocked his head to the side. "And what could you possibly give me?"

She noticed Jane staring at her but she was not afraid. Not this time.

A low growl escaped her and she dropped all formalities. "I am the leader of this coven, Aro. And my sisters will heed my word long before they heed yours."

Katrina looked at her incredulously while Aro smiled. "There it is." He moved away from Bela. "You're much like your mother, except you're disciplined." He seemed to appreciate her confidence, but Tatyana knew better than to try her luck. "What is your proposal?"

She avoided her family's eyes, refusing to tear her own from Aro's. "You said Bela deserves a reward for saving you." She knew this was a dangerous game, but she couldn't let Irina die.

She wouldn't let Irina die.

"I did."

"I believe I speak for her when I say that she would like to be rewarded with Irina's life."

Bela nodded, scrambling to her feet but not moving from her spot. "Yes, yes Lord Aro. That is what I want. Please-"

Jane whipped her head towards her. "Silence!" Bela didn't fall to the ground as Tatyana and Irina had. The vampires watched in disbelief as the shield remained standing, and Aro's eyes lit up with interest.

Bela, when she realized Jane couldn't hurt her, bared her teeth at her. "I don't answer to you." She growled, and Jane took a step back, looking at her with a mix of resentment and nervousness. "I answer to Lord Aro." The twins glared at her but neither uttered a word.

This pleased the king, who smiled at her before turning to Tatyana. "How about this. Irina lives, and Katrina and Bela come with me."

Tatyana grimaced, thinking quickly before blurting out, "Allow Irina to live, and our coven will swear our loyalty to the Volturi. Specifically, Bela and Katrina will swear their loyalty to you. Let them remain in my coven, and you can call upon them whenever you need them."

Bela's eyes widened. "What-"

"And why would I want them to remain with you, rather than return to Volterra with us?"

She was at a loss for words.

But Katrina wasn't. "It would be smart for the Volturi to have eyes and ears in more than one place." The warrior pointed out, though she didn't sound happy about it. "If Bela and I remained here, we could better serve you. We could handle unruly vampires or report to you should anything seem amiss."

Aro nodded slowly, mulling their words over before he smiled. "I like this...I like this very much." He then frowned. "But I'll have to ensure that you all will stay in line…" he looked at Tatyana. "What would you suggest?"

Tatyana instinctively looked to her mother for guidance. Only to see Sasha on her knees, looking at her with wet red eyes.

And just like that, she was at a loss.

Because what was she supposed to do without her mother?

She looked away from her, shaken and unfocused.

Get it together.

Anger held her together. It smothered her grief. Remembering the pain her mother inflicted, and the rage it brought, helped her to forget the sadness that came with it. At least, for a little while.

You have to be strong.

She looked back at Aro. "We swear our loyalty to the Volturi. And if you feel the need you can send for us. See into our minds yourself."

The king pondered this for a moment before shaking his head. "More work than it's worth. Just allow your sisters to come with us. Our castle is large, with more than enough room for you and Irina as well. If she behaves."

Katrina narrowed her eyes. "We won't be locked away in some stuffy castle, only to be brought out when we're to be used as weapons."

Aro chuckled at that. "You were born and raised as a warrior. You've always been a weapon." He gestured at Sasha, "Your own mother calls you her sword. How would serving the Volturi be any different?"

Red eyes darkened. "The difference is that I fought for what I believed in. I fought and continue to fight for those that I love." She glanced at Bela. "We don't belong in a castle, we belong out here in the mountains."

"Then perhaps your precious Irina belongs to death-"

"My Lord," Carmen spoke up, moving towards him with Eleazar at her side. "If I may?" He looked aggravated but nodded. "If yours and Jane's gifts don't affect Bela, then I doubt Chelsea's will either."

Who?

"And she can't bond mated pairs fully to you. It's only partial. And without Bela, Katrina will be less compliant as well." Carmen pointed out. "If you want to gain their loyalty, taking them from their home is not the answer."

Aro looked displeased but gave her a begrudging nod. "Then, what do you suggest?"

Eleazar said, "Assign a member or two of our coven to this coven. They can report to you, and make sure this coven maintains their loyalty to the Volturi." He hesitated, looking nervous to say anything else, and the king spoke before he could.

"We can...attempt this." He mused, tapping his chin before pointing at Eleazar. "You and your mate will be assigned to them." Carmen and Eleazar looked relieved, but Tatyana couldn't help but feel uneasy. "I know you both desire to leave the Volturi. This way I can call upon you when you're needed, just as I will with Katrina and Bela. Only now, you'll have more freedom, just as you want."

Carmen bowed her head. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Lord Aro."

"This makes you indebted to me," Aro warned, giving Eleazar a knowing look. "I expect loyalty, or you will all die. Do you understand?"

Eleazar nodded, keeping his gaze lowered. "We understand."

Aro looked pleased as he folded his hands behind his back. "Now." He turned back to Tatyana. "You're now a member of the Volturi, correct?"

She bowed her head. "Yes, my Lord. Thank you."

"I told you that we are merciful rulers." He smiled. "To solidify this pact we've created, I'll need to test your loyalty." Tatyana froze when she saw him look behind her. "Your treasonous mother. Kill her."

No.

"Lord Aro-"

"You won't talk me out of this, Carmen," Aro said before turning to Bela and Katrina. "Bela, you will shield them so Tatyana can finish the job in peace. Katrina, you will restrain Irina." He gave the youngest sister a pitying smile. "I know you're still a newborn, so I won't make you partake in the death of your maker." Irina snarled at him and laughed before looking at Sasha. "Hurry along, girls. And please, don't retaliate. I've already entertained you all for far longer than I should have. My patience is wearing thin."

Tatyana clenched her jaw, turning and slowly walking towards her mother. Her anger towards Sasha came to a screeching halt when she saw her mother still on her knees.

She offered no resistance as she waited for Tatyana.

Katrina took her place restraining Irina, who screeched and yelled at her sisters. Cursing them viciously and struggling against Katrina's hold. The warrior had to shock her, taking no pleasure in harming her, but she couldn't risk her breaking free.

Bela walked in step with Tatyana, staring vacantly ahead.

"Bela?" Tatyana whispered, desperately needing her. For what, she wasn't sure. Reassurance? Comfort? Acknowledgment?

Dull, gold eyes looked at her. "I'm...I'm sorry." She whimpered, waiting for Tatyana to get closer to Sasha before putting a shield over them.

Tatyana felt her eyes burn as she looked at her maker. Because, no matter how selfish Sasha had been, no matter how badly she had treated her, Sasha was still her mother.

You made me. And I'm destroying you.

"None of that. I'm the one to blame for this." Sasha murmured, reaching out and taking her hand. "I'm so sorry, Tatyana. You all deserve so much better than what I gave you." A quiet sob escaped the blonde and Sasha shushed her quietly like she did when she was a child. "This coven will be far better off without me-"

"How can you say that!" Tatyana roared, swallowing back another sob. "You...you ruined everything!"

You ruined me.

"I know." Sasha looked up at her with wet eyes. "I'm so sorry." She glanced at Bela. "Remember what we talked about. Help Tatyana take care of your sisters, my kind girl."

Bela nodded, swallowing thickly before saying, "I-I will. I promise."

"Katrina, protect them. Make sure they know how to protect themselves." The warrior didn't respond, she only stared at her teary-eyed. "Irina, do not hold onto this pain. You'll only end up like me. And that's no way to live."

Irina wept loudly, no longer thrashing against Katrina. "Mother! No! No please!"

"Tatyana." She stared at her mother, watching helplessly as Sasha moved her hands to cup the older vampire's cheeks. "I am so proud of you."

Numbness crept over her.

"No." Her mother's eyes widened. "Your apologies and sweet words mean nothing."

"Tatyana-"

She gritted her teeth. "No, Bela. Our mother created an immortal child. She tore our family apart." Her penetrating stare never left Sasha, even when her mother looked away from her in shame. "Look at me!" She demanded, eyes burning when Sasha looked up at her. "You don't have to live with the consequences, but we do." Her grip on her face tightened ever so slightly. "You will die. We will be the ones that are left to suffer for what you've done."

Her mother looked at her in remorse. "I know. I know and I'm so sorry-"

"You were supposed to be our mother. You were supposed to be my mother." A sob nearly escaped her but she swallowed it down. "But you were so mean to me." It was all beginning to suffocate her. "Tell me, was all the pain you inflicted worth it? Was that monstrosity you created, worth it?"

Sasha was quiet for a moment, never tearing her gaze away from Tatyana's. "Nothing could ever be worth hurting you and your sisters."

Tatyana laughed. "Maybe I should pity you. A stupid old woman unable to leave the past behind. It's embarrassing."

"It's...heartbreaking." Bela's quiet voice drew her attention. "Tatyana, don't let your last words be spoken in anger."

Her resentment faltered as she stared into gold eyes. "After everything she's done to us-"

"You said what needed to be said. There is no need to say more," Bela murmured. "When our mother is gone, there is no taking back what you said." Her sister gave her a meaningful look. "This is the time to say goodbye to our mother."

Say goodbye...

How was she supposed to say goodbye?

For so long, Sasha had been the only love she had ever known.

She would play with her in the gardens. She would sew her pretty dresses and bring her toys whenever she visited.

She would wipe away her tears. She would cradle her to her chest when the world felt as though it was caving in on her.

It was Sasha that had comforted her when her husband would warm another bed. It was Sasha that had soothed her when she discovered she might be pregnant.

Sasha had raised her.

Sasha had saved her.

Sasha had taught her what it meant to be loved.

And now, Sasha was teaching Tatyana her final lesson.

How to let go.

A quiet sob escaped their mother as she looked at Bela. "Oh, my kind girl. You know I don't deserve-"

Bela had to look away from her. "It's not about what you deserve." Her voice was shaky. "You're our mother. You hurt us, but we still love you." She clenched her jaw. "We could not be enough for you. But just know, you have always been enough for us."

Tatyana bit back a cry, steadying herself as her grip on her mother's face loosened.

"This was all my fault. None of you are to blame, you have to believe that." Their mother said, begging them to understand.

"We know," Tatyana muttered, not sure if she actually believed it herself.

You don't deserve a comforting death. Not after what you've done.

Sasha gazed up at her.

"I love you, mother. I just wish you didn't make us so sad."

"Oh, my sweet baby," she sobbed, "I wish I didn't either."

I will show you the same love you have shown me.

"Close your eyes." Sasha did as she was told. "You've been awake for so long...now you can finally rest." She couldn't believe this was happening. "Heaven awaits you. Bohdan's there with his arms outstretched. He's missed your embrace."

But my love will remain strong. It will not falter in the face of selfishness. Not like yours did.

"Michaela's finally perfected her sewing, she's eager to show you."

A sad sad smile appeared on her mother's lips. "Ah, this must be heaven if that's the case."

A broken laugh escaped Tatyana. "And Eliska wants you to help her cook. She still burns everything."

"She never did get that right. And Sofia, how's her posture?"

Tatyana bit her lip to fight back her sob. "T-Terrible. She really needs your guidance." She took a deep breath, tightening her grip on her mother's cheeks. "And Vasilii, he's missed watching the sunrises with you." She swallowed thickly. "They've all been waiting a long time for you."

Sasha leaned into her hands, smiling softly. "I've missed them." Tatyana's muscles tightened. "I love you all so much. Thank you for giving my life meaning."

She screamed as she ripped her mother's head from her body. Hoping, praying that it would muffle the sound.

SNAP!

Tatyana flinched, dropping the head and clutching her chest.

The maker bond…

It was gone. There was nothing there. Nothing but emptiness.

She turned to look at her sisters.

Irina was wailing, wrapping her arms around herself as she fell to the ground.

Katrina was staring blankly ahead, one hand was pressed against her chest and the other rested limply at her side.

They all felt the loss of their maker.

It was agony.

It was as though a part of her was missing, and all she wanted to do was get it back.

Bela went to Taytana's side, crying as she grabbed her hand and led her to their family.

But the leader stopped, releasing Bela's hand. "Wait...the fire, I have to-"

"I-I'll do it," Bela muttered, and shook her head when Tatyana was about to object. "You did the hard part. Let me do this for you." Before she could answer Bela moved to the flames and gathered Sasha's body.

Thank you.

Tatyana looked away, surprised to see that Carmen and Eleazar were the last of the Volturi to remain.

They came. They destroyed us. And they left.

Carmen's voice caught her attention. "We're sorry about your mother-"

"Let me make this clear to you," Tatyana growled. "I am the leader of this coven, and you two are unwelcome guests. Overstep any boundaries put in place, bother any of my sisters, and I will be the one to throw you into those flames. Aro be damned."

Eleazar nodded, and Tatyana detested the sympathetic look that he and his mate wore. "We understand. We don't wish to cause any of you grief-"

"Well, it's too late for that." She muttered, brushing past them and going to her sisters.

Bela reached out to help Irina only to have the newborn swing at her. "Don't touch me!" She rolled to her feet, staring Bela down.

The shield flinched, eyes watering and head lowering at Irina's anger.

It was a strange sight to behold. Bela reacted to Irina's fury the way a newborn would react to their maker's fury.

Submissive and apologetic.

"Rina-"

"No! You killed her!" She glared at Katrina and Tatyana. "You all did!"

Katrina snarled at her, making her step back with a hiss. "She killed herself the second she made that godforsaken immortal child!"

Bela dared to step closer. "Rina, I know you're hurting but-" the slap shocked all of them. Even Irina looked startled that she had struck Bela.

And to Tatyana's surprise, Bela didn't retaliate. She just hung her head and remained silent.

The leader growled at this. "Irina-"

Katrina grabbed the newborn by her throat and lifted her into the air. "You ungrateful bitch!" Irina hissed and swung at her, but Katrina grabbed her free hand and ripped it off.

The newborn screeched and Bela reacted before Taytana could. "Katrina! Stop!"

"She hit you!"

"She's just hurt, she doesn't mean it-"

"I don't care!" The warrior boomed, launching Irina into the forest and throwing her hand after her. "Don't you fucking come back here until you have an apology! Do you hear me? I should kill you for laying your filthy hands on her-"

"Then kill me!" Irina screamed back, out of sight but not out of earshot. "Kill me like you all killed our mother!"

Katrina snarled and went to go towards their youngest sister. "With pleasure, you fucking animal! You fucking monster!" Bela stood in her way, putting her hands on Katrina's shoulders in an effort to keep her from running after Irina.

"Please, stop," Bela begged, digging her feet into the earth to stop her from moving forward. "She's just upset. She just needs to calm down."

"She needs to be taught a lesson!"

Tatyana could hear their youngest sister running from them. Where she was going, she wasn't sure.

"My warrior." Katrina stopped moving, still glaring in the direction that Irina had run. Bela cupped her face in her hands, stroking her thumbs across her cheeks. "Thank you for defending me. You always take such good care of me." Red eyes found gold ones. "But if you kill our sister, it will only make things worse. It will only hurt me more. And you would regret it. Please don't."

The warrior took a deep breath, leaning into Bela's hands and staring into her eyes. "You've been hurt enough." She clenched her jaw. "Irina caused you more pain." Her eyes watered in frustration. "She shouldn't run off with no consequences."

Bela looked away from her. "I think losing her maker and her mother was consequence enough." Her bottom lip quivered. "We...we shouldn't make it worse."

The two grew silent and Tatyana struggled to think of something to say. Something that a coven leader would say.

Something that our mother would say.

Bela pulled away from her mate. "I should go find her."

Despite everything she did, you're still worried about her?

"No," Tatyana said, making Bela look at her in surprise.

"But-"

"I said no, Bela." She kept her voice firm, and to her relief, Bela merely nodded her head and didn't argue. "Let her calm down. I don't want her coming back here if she's going to behave violently."

The warrior glared at her. "Who are you to boss us around?"

Bela frowned. "Tatyana is our leader now. That's what...that's what our mother wanted."

Katrina laughed mockingly at that. "She hasn't led anyone a day in her life." She looked at Bela closely. "You knew about this, didn't you."

Her mate looked away from her. "I talked about it with Tatyana and our mother. And I agree that she should lead."

"I don't have a say in this?" Katrina clenched her jaw. "If I were in charge, Irina wouldn't have gotten near you."

If you were in charge, you emotional brute, then Irina would be a pile of ash.

"Stop," Bela murmured. "Just...this isn't a conversation I can have right now." Katrina winced, looking away from her in shame.

"I'm sorry."

Our mother is dead. But I told her I would remain strong. There's no time for me to grieve.

"Katrina," Tatyana murmured, making her sister narrow her eyes at her. "Thank you for not killing Irina." She then looked at Bela. "Katrina was right to react the way she did. I don't care how upset Irina is. We're all hurting, that doesn't mean she gets to hurt you."

Bela shook her head. "Tatyana, she didn't hurt me. She held back and-"

"Someone very wise told me that we shouldn't hit our sisters when we're upset. We should use our words." Tatyana said, giving her a knowing look.

She winced. "Well, yes but this is different. Rina is just-"

"Bela," Katrina murmured, cupping her face in her hands. "Just because you love her, doesn't mean she gets to treat you like that. Stop defending her."

The shield looked uncertain but didn't argue. Instead, she embraced Katrina tightly and held onto her.

Katrina softened, gently wrapping an arm around her mate, and using her free hand to stroke her hair. She whispered sweet words to her, letting her cry into her shoulder.

When the warrior noticed Tatyana staring at them she narrowed her eyes at her. "What do we do next, leader?"

The defiance in her tone made her bristle, but she didn't rise to the challenge.

Sasha was dead. Irina had runoff. Bela was in shambles. Katrina seemed angrier than ever. And now there were two new vampires with them who couldn't be trusted.

Tatyana sighed.

I don't know.

She turned to the flames. "Let's…get our mother's remains." A heaviness weighed on her chest. "And let's go home."

But they all knew that there could be no home without their mother.

AN: 39k and I hate writing all this sad shit. I'm gonna need the characters to get it together cuz like, I almost cried.

Fucking Sasha.

All that for a baby! LMFAO I would sooner light myself on fucking fire before going out here trying to get me a screaming infant.

I been busy ya'll so that's where the update has been sitting. Fuck I'm tireddddd it's 3AM but we did it okay. Now all you gays can get off my back.

Gonna say it, Senna and Tanya supremacy. I am specifically talking about movie Senna because she is bad as fuck and I am in love with her. You'll have to pry Victoria from my cold, dead hands I fucking love this bitch.

Also, before any of you get all yelly or whatever, NO Bella isn't going to rekindle her relationships with all the Cullens. Nobody got any fucking time for that.

charlyyoortiz: Bella vs Esme Shifu vs Tai-Long

Bingo that's my favorite scene in Kung Fu Panda :D

sehunlovesfood: I laughed so hard at "i want her to choke me" it was sooo kate

Because Kate knows what's good! Who doesn't want to be choked? Uh, besides the chokers!

KindaTwisted21: I honestly love this story. The mystery of what's happened in Bella's future that nearly everyone but her knows, the drama, the sass, the funny as hell one liners. I've been going through a tough time lately and when you updated and I got to turn off my brain for a few hours and just read, it really helped put me in a better mood. So thank you and take all the time you need between updates.

I honestly love you. I'm really glad this story has been able to help you get through tough times. Hope this update does it for you, and I hope you're doing alright :)

Millenarie de la mort: FRIEND, PLEASE CONTINUE. I CANNOT HOLD THIS ANGRY OF WAITING FOR A NEW CHAPTER

FRIEND I JUST CONTINUED. I AM SENSITIVE WHY ARE WE YELLING!

Ya'll I'm so fucking tired. Take this, you hungry hungry homos, and let me die in peace. I love you allll and I hope you're all doing well.