A/N: I was not sure whether or not to finish this fic. It probably won't be too long.
My beta is Grammarly premium.
It's not mine. Yada, yada, yada...
BPOV
Edward and I didn't have that long to wait. No sooner had we entered the house than we heard vampires running in the forest coming in toward our direction. I sat down on my favorite couch to wait for their arrival. Edward stood next to me and waited alongside me.
I heard footsteps approach, cross the porch, and stop at the front door. A knock immediately followed. Esme rushed forward to answer the door.
"It's the Denalis," Edward said softly. I looked over at him and saw him grimace.
"What's wrong?" I asked him as I eyed him quizzically.
"Nothing except some people's thoughts are practically screaming at me," he whispered as he rubbed his head in annoyance.
"Would you like me to block their thoughts from you?" I asked him.
"You can do that?" he asked in surprise. "Never mind. Of course, you can. I think it's best if I am able to listen in."
"As you wish. Let me know if it becomes too much for you," I told him softly.
He smiled at me as he kissed the back of my hand in silent agreement.
Esme and Rosalie led our visitors to the living room, where Edward and I were waiting patiently. Instantly, I knew whose thoughts were bombarding Edward. The strawberry blonde was practically drooling as she looked at Edward. It's not like I blamed her. Edward was exceptionally attractive, even for a vampire. No, what annoyed me most was the dirty look she was shooting in my direction.
Esme graciously stepped forward to introduce them to me. "Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, Kate, and Irina, I would love to introduce you to Edward's mate, Isabella Swan. Bella, these are our friends, the Denalis."
I stood up and nodded my head in greeting. "It is a pleasure."
"Hmm… So you're the one who claimed to be Edward's mate," Tanya challenged me with a sneer.
I narrowed my eyes at her piss poor attempt to upset me. "It was Edward that made the original claim. I just agreed with him," I replied with a smirk.
"I, for one, am happy that Edward has finally found his mate," Carmen said as she stepped forward to hug Edward. "You definitely look much happier," she told him.
He returned her hug with a smile. "I am."
"My sentiments exactly," Eleazar stepped up and gave Edward a firm handshake. "You have my congratulations on finding your mate."
"Thanks, Eleazar, your support means a great deal," Edward replied as he slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me as close as possible to his side.
"Anytime, Edward, you know how much we were hoping you would find your mate," Eleazar replied. Turning to Esme, he asked, "So where is Carlisle? Still out looking for some more of his friends?"
"Carlisle and the others split up to find as many nomads, covens, and supernatural beings they can find. The circumstances are dire, and we don't have much time," Esme said as she walked over to the overstuffed armchair and sat down. "Hopefully, they won't be gone for too long."
"Can someone fill us in on what's happening? We were given the Cliff notes version," Carmen asked, looking between Esme and Edward.
"Bella can fill you in. She is intimately aware of what's going on?" Esme answered with a gesture in my direction.
"What's a useless human going to be able to tell us," Tanya's irritating voice piped in.
I grinned in amusement. Her pathetic attempts at upsetting me were very childish. I don't know why she thinks her immature behavior is going to catch Edward's attention. Clearly, she is in denial.
"Tanya, that's enough," Carmen chided. "You will show our host and hostesses the proper respect at all times."
Eleazar unnecessarily cleared his throat. "If you wouldn't mind, Bella, could you please get us up to speed on what is going on?" he politely asked.
I nodded. "Certainly, Eleazar, I would be more than happy to." I proceeded to tell them about my supernatural status and the reason for my early transformation. As I continued the tale, the Denali's eyes kept bulging out of their heads due to shock.
"Cronus is real?" Eleazar asked in shock at this news.
"He really ate his own children?" Kate asked in disgust.
"I know it's difficult to believe, especially since the stories have been passed down for more than a millennia. It's hard to believe someone that cruel and that evil is real, but he is back," I said gravely, not at all surprised by the looks of utter disgust the Denali's were sporting. Cronus was nasty. That's for sure.
"I don't believe it. You're just trying to make yourself feel important because you are a useless human and are desperate not to be inferior," Tanya accused with a sneer.
I raised my brow, wondering just how stupid this particular vampire was. I don't even look like a human. My supernaturally enhanced features were a dead give-away. "You do realize, Tanya, that by accusing me of lying, you are also accusing the Cullens of lying as well. It seems to me that you are not much of a friend to them. If you choose to ignore the facts, then it will be your downfall. I certainly won't shed a tear if something happens to you," I told her bluntly. It was one thing to call me a liar, but to accuse the Cullens of being untruthful made me a tad bit angry. I stared her down as she tried to intimidate me. Indeed, this female was pathetic.
Tanya just glared at me for a moment before she stormed off in a childish fit. I shrugged in indifference. I had no desire to be dragged into her immature antics. Lives were on the line, and we had no time to be playing these types of Mickey Mouse games.
Carmen frowned at her coven mate's actions. "I must apologize for her behavior. Tanya tends to be a bit self-absorbed."
"Oh, Carmen, let's be honest," Kate jumped in. She turned to me with a sad smile and said, "Tanya is a snob. She has it in her head that Edward belongs to her, and she will continue to refuse to see reason. The rest of us are happy for Edward. It's just that Tanya is in denial."
"Yea and she is as stubborn as they get. We were afraid she was going to pull something like this. But it looks like you can handle her just fine," Irina added.
"As long as everyone understands that Edward is as much my mate as I am his. My instincts are telling me to eliminate any threats to my bond with him. While I certainly have no wish to offend any of you, I cannot be held responsible if I have to step in and put a stop to Tanya's behavior. I also cannot promise that she will not be harmed," I explained to them as gently as possible. Edward squeezed me gently, giving me all of his support while I grabbed a tight hold of his free hand.
The two sisters looked at one another and then at Carmen and Eleazar. Both of them nodded to Kate and Irina. "We understand. If you were a vampire, that would be the case anyway. Frankly, we're both impressed that you've held yourself back so far," Kate admitted.
"But," Irina interjected, "we know it's coming. Don't hold back for our sake."
The sisters' acceptance of any damage I would bring down on Tanya had me impressed. It's a good thing that those two are so level-headed. Tanya is a big enough basket case to bring down their entire coven.
I continued explaining the current situation and answered all the questions posed to me. The more I spoke about it, the more my nerves became frayed. The anticipation of having to face Cronus was getting to me. I needed to break away and meditate.
"Edward, I need to excuse myself for a few hours. I require deep meditation," I thought to him.
He turned to look at me, concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" he mouthed, trying to give us some level of privacy.
I nodded. "The stress of what is to come is getting to me. I need to center myself. I will return in a short while," I thought to him as I stood up and sped out the backdoor. I kicked into my supernatural speed and made my way up to the Olympic Mountains, and found a deep ledge on a rocky cliff halfway up to the top of the tallest mountain. I settled myself into a lotus position, placed my hands on my knees, and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly several times, sinking further into my metaconscious.
I stayed in that position for the entire time I was there. I was not attempting to contact Isis. This meditation was solely to center my thoughts and emotions so that they would not become a distraction. Besides, Isis would be contacting me soon enough as it is.
Once I felt centered and had control over my emotions, I stood up and stretched with my arms over my head. I shook my shoulders and sighed to myself. Being an immortal sorceress was such a new concept to me. I am still acclimating myself to this new position. I was bound to get stressed every now and then. As long as I take time for myself to meditate, I would be fine.
With a quick glance at my cell, I noticed that I had been meditating for a little under two hours. I needed to head back. More vampires or even some supernatural beings could have shown up while I was out.
I took in the gorgeous scenery once more before I darted off. Sure, I could have just teleported directly to the Cullen's house, but I love speed. I love the fact that I can run fast. It was also a relaxing activity for me.
Edward was waiting for me on the front porch. I ran right up to him, throwing my arms around his neck. "How did you know I was on my way back?" I asked while giving him a quick peck on his cheek.
He hugged me before answering, "Believe it or not, I felt you getting closer."
"I think it's safe to say that our mating is going to be unique," I thought out loud as I laid my head down on his shoulder.
"I still wish I could hear your thoughts without your assistance," Edward grumbled good-naturedly. "That would just be the icing on the cake for me."
I poked him in the side and grinned when he flinched. It would seem that my beloved mate was ticklish. I planned on exploring that little fact later on. "Be happy I let you in at all. You know how much I love my privacy."
He gave me another hug and a tender kiss on my lips. "I know, Bella. Believe me. I am not complaining. I'll take whatever I can get," he admitted.
We stood wrapped in one another's arms for a few more minutes, just enjoying this brief amount of time alone. Reality came crashing back in when Tanya came outside to make her annoying presence know.
"You know it's pathetic how you hang all over Edward. You are so needy," she said in her familiar nasally voice. I am so close to handing her ass to her. I'm seriously contemplating sealing her mouth shut. I'm sure everyone who has ever heard her speak would thank me.
"Tanya, enough. You will cease these tragic attacks against my mate," Edward growled.
"But, Eddie, can't you see that she's just using you?" Tanya replied with a pout.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Eddie?" Edward asked angrily.
"But I always call you Eddie," she said while trying to reach out and grab his hand.
Edward yanked his arm away from her. "I always tell you not to."
I rolled my eyes and looked at Edward. "I'm hungry. I'm going to go grab something quick to eat," I said, desperate to put some distance between the annoying redhead and me.
I made a move to head into the house, but Tanya had to shoot her mouth off again. "I'm not done. I refuse to let you trap Edward," She roared while childishly stomping her foot.
"Then you can stand here by yourself and rant like a lunatic. No one, not even Edward, wants to hear you," I replied as my mate, and I left her standing on the porch fuming mad.
Once we made it to the living room, I noticed a few more vampires standing around. Alice and Jasper were talking to a tiny blonde woman who had a tall blonde male attached to her hip. The guy looked so much like Jasper that he could have been Jasper's twin. The two were clearly mated.
"Oh, Bella, we want you to meet Jasper's friends. This is Charlotte and Peter," she said while I walked over and shook their hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. Peter, are you and Jasper related? You guys look so much alike," I asked while looking back and forth between the two of them. Their resemblance was uncanny.
"Nope, not even close," Pete replied with a smile.
"No, Bella, we aren't blood-related. Do you know how they say everyone has a twin out there? Peter is my twin," Jasper added with a hint of pride.
"Yup, but it also helps that we are as close as brothers," Peter said.
"Why do I have the feeling that the two of you together spells trouble?" I asked, just somehow knowing they like to prank people.
"Well, sugar, let me tell you that these two are a handful together. They love to play pranks on poor unsuspecting folks," Charlotte informed me.
I looked over at Alice. She was nodding in agreement. "It's true. I cannot begin to tell you how much cleaning up Charlotte and I have had to do because of these two," she said as she gestured to the pranksters.
I laughed at the irony. Jasper always exuded serenity and maturity. The image of him playing pranks was just too funny. "Why was I not informed of Jasper's extracurricular activities?" I asked, turning my attention to Edward.
He threw his hands up in surrender. "Jasper doesn't like it to be publicized."
"Don't be mad, Bella. Edward is right. I like to keep it under wraps. That way, no one will see it coming," Jasper admitted with a proud smirk adorning his handsome features. Peter just nodded his head.
"I can respect that," I informed him. "I was on my way to the kitchen to grab a quick bite to eat. I'll be back in a few," I told them. Edward offered to go with me, but I told him he could stay and talk.
Thankfully, I can still eat. I don't even want to think of a scenario where I would never be able to eat chocolate again. The very thought gives me the chills. I have an addiction that I am not ready to give up.
I made my way to the kitchen and opened the enormous fridge to see what Esme hand on hand for me to eat. Esme was the sweetest person. She always kept my favorite foods and drinks on hand for when I came over. Edward told me that she started doing that after the first day we met.
I pulled everything out of the fridge that I would need to make myself a Greek salad. I opted against adding grilled chicken to it. I was craving vegetables, and I always try to listen to my body.
I thought back to Tanya's rant on the front porch. Tanya was proving to be a significant annoyance. While I respect Edward's decision to remain polite due to his desire not to make an already tense situation worse, I have begun to think that a confrontation with Tanya was going to be inevitable. She was going to learn very quickly how far down the ladder she is in terms of power. Frankly, we don't have the time to deal with her jealousy. While I made myself a rather large Greek salad, Tanya chose then to bother me with her pettiness.
"I don't see what Edward sees in you. You're very plain looking. There's no way you have what it takes to keep him interested," she sneered at me.
"Well, let's break this down then," I suggested with a slight grin. "How long have you know Edward?"
"I have known him for over fifty years," she replied haughtily.
"And tell me, how many times in the past fifty years have you thrown yourself at him?" I asked.
She sputtered for a moment, not sure where I was going with that question. "I...I...I'm not sure. It's not like I kept count."
"But it's safe to say that every time you saw him, you hit on him," I suggested.
"Perhaps," she responded cooly.
"And exactly how many times did Edward turn you down?"
"I don't have to answer that," she barked.
"You pretty much just did. He never showed you even an ounce of interest. You had over fifty years to get his attention, and you failed. He doesn't want you. You need to accept it and move on."
"Who the hell are you to tell me to move on?" she asked as she walked up to me and got in my face.
I quietly put down the knife I was using to cut vegetables with. I turned to her and said, "I am his mate, which gives me every right. I don't care whether or not you like it. I also don't care about what you think of me. You are both petty and pathetic to pine after the same person for over fifty years, the very person who has repeatedly turned you down. You have no shame and clearly only care about yourself."
"Why you…" she yelled as she attempted to raise her hand to hit me. I quickly grabbed hold of said hand. Her eyes bugged out as she was shocked at both my speed and strength. I yanked on her hand and pulled her closer to my face. "Have you not been paying any attention? My strength far surpasses that of your own. The next time you attempt to strike me, I will snap your hand off and burn it in the fireplace." In order to emphasize that last part, I squeezed her hand tightly and grinned as I heard it crack.
Tanya's eyes widened in both fear and pain. I held her hand for much longer than necessary just to drive my point across. I would not tolerate any more of her childishness.
The Cullen home was getting packed with vampires. Most of them were agreeable not to mention respectful, but a few, like Tanya, were walking about with chips on their shoulders. I didn't require them to like me. However, I did expect some respect due to my position.