"Oma, we will be okay," Adley assured standing at the front door of the cabin. "I promise."

"Are you sure? Appa and I don't mind. We know having a new baby is hard. Especially with two. You are sure, one hundred percent sure?" Oma pressed, her dark gaze held Adley in place.

Adley smiled taking Oma's hand in both of hers. "Oma, if anything at all gets too much for us, I will call. I will even come back home if it's too much. I vow this to you. Oma, you and Appa these past three weeks have tended to us on hand and foot. It's only a few days again before thanksgiving and we are once more there. Anna will be there soon to help prepare the food and such."

"Okay, if you insist. If I find out you are over your head I will come and live with you for eighteen years." Oma warned taking her hand back.

"A deal then, I love you. Go, rest and relax, amazing grandma." She huffed her once more before pulling back.

"See you on Thursday." Oma stepped back and waved.

Adley watched her go to her waiting SUV. Oma started the thing up and waved good bye as she backed out and drove back to Seattle.

Adley sighed closing the door. She turned seeing Marcus holding both twins.

Her main reason for returning to the cabin two days ago. Oma had helped with stocking the cabin with food and setting up for the twins. They had, had no time to do so after she had given birth. She was grateful for this from Oma, she was, just the more time passed the more it wore on him.

He would never say anything of his own desires and needs. She knew it was time for her Oma to go home. She studied him. Marcus was in only a t-shirt and pair of grey sweatpants. Never in her time knowing him did she ever think she'd see the sight. His hair tied back at the base of his neck. Once red eyes were now pitch black. Around those eyes were the beginnings of dark purple bruising. The biggest indicator beyond the hunger lingering in his aura.

He had not left her side in three almost four weeks. When they were in Italy he'd been there night and day. She was sure of it, the last he had fed was in Italy. In her bed she knew he was there because when one of the babies cried he was the first up even though she'd been awoken.

She'd finally gotten her Oma placated that they were going to be fine. The elder had been awake at five am. Now nearly two in the afternoon, she was finally done. Her parents hadn't allowed either of them out of sight. She could see it was taking its toll. She needed to put her foot down.

"Ibrahim." She called not above normal levels.

"Yes my lady?" He appeared at her side.

"Take August," she directed while taking Thea out of Marcus' arms.

Marcus handed him over reluctantly. His brows furrowed confusion surrounding him. She reached up cupping his cheek with her free hand.

"You're absolutely starving Marcus. Don't argue with me about it. I see it. You're being an amazing dotting father but you are neglecting yourself. Please go feed." She pleaded.

He stiffened. "I'm perfectly fine Little One. I've gone longer than a few weeks without."

"Not while emotionally draining yourself and caring for two children you haven't. Now, do as told, and go hunt. You cannot care for the twins when you're hungry. Neither can I." She insisted. "I can feel everything you do remember? It takes my strength to ignore it. I am sure it is worse for you."

"I will be back shortly." He sighed disappearing.

Adley relaxed plopping down as best she could on the couch with Thea sleeping soundly. Ibrahim sat beside her. A kind smirk on his face.

"He's always been a stubborn man." Ibrahim advised.

"I'm coming to realize." She chuckled holding Thea closer.

Adley stared out the Cabin window. White flakes came flurrying down from the grey sky. Had winter come already? She wondered looking to the calendar on the wall beside her. November 20th… Time had passed so soon? She blinked a few times. Thanksgiving… she'd just spoke about it to Oma. She shook her head. The fire place had been stocked and well watched the last few days. She was currently getting the bottles readied for the twins. Both of whom were being held by their father.

He'd returned promptly after two hours freshly fed. Eyes aglow. She finished sliding the nipples on the bottles and made her way over to him. Marcus smiled as he caught sight of her. His aura practically lit up the cabin like a homing beacon constantly. It was intoxicating. She took August from him.

Small smiles escaped the twenty day old baby. As they had in utero both babies were developing at the two week increases. She sat down beside Marcus who had Thea. To finally have an alone moment with just the four of them. She relaxed while beginning to feed August.

"Its snowing." She mentioned. "I can't believe it's nearly thanksgiving. This month has blurred right by. I mean with my Oma here it's been long at the same time."

"Time has sped right by, I have merely blinked and these two have grown." Marcus agreed. "I've lived for thousands of years. Some have felt so slow a snail could round the world in that time. In others I blink and it is another year. Time is a fickle thing. It seems when you wish it would slow the falling grains in the hour glass it merely speeds up in spite."

"Immortal as we may all be, these two won't be small forever." She murmured running her finger over August's cheek.

Dark eyes blinked open slowly as he focused in on her. The colour had begun to show in his eyes. They were beginning to turn a deep brown like hers. Althea's eyes still held that colourless hue not revealing much. Adley though expected eventually they would turn dark like hers.

"What colour of eyes did you have as a human?" Adley asked.

"I believe they were brown…"

"You believe?" She raised her brow. "Do you not remember?"

"It's been sometime since I was human. Mirrors were not as they are today."

"Fair point. It was the early Bronze Age." August pulled away from the empty bottle. "Yes Appa is historical."

"Are you telling our son I am old?" He chuckled.

"Not old, just a relic of time." She assured. "Appa will make sure you and Thea are well educated. He's a walking library."

"Careful little one, or I may look into punishing your words." He growled leaning down to her.

Adley shuddered cheeks reddening. "Is that a promise?"

Two identical yawns caught their attention. Adley lifted August burping him. It was not long until soft sighs of breaths escaped him.

"They are identical at times." Marcus commented.

"Very," she agreed. "Is she?"

"Asleep yes, let me settle them down."

She let him take August from her. She reached over taking the baby monitor watching him settle them into their bassinets. A soft click was heard, she only blinked and he had her saddling his lap.

Adley steadied herself with both hands on his chest.

"It's been a while since we've been alone." She stated.

"Indeed, Little One?" He leant forward an inch from her. "We are alone each night."

She huffed rolling her eyes at him. "Not without interrupting third parties… where is has truly been the two of us…"

"I thought it was merely a few weeks—"

She pushed herself up on her knees pushing him back into the couch. She ran her pointer finger down the middle of his chest.

He inhaled sharply.

She looked up from under her lashes to him her hand paused at the belt of his jeans.

"Five weeks. It has been five weeks since I've had you inside me. It has been months since I was able to sit on you like this. A whole six weeks since I last worshiped you… since I felt the cool touch of your cock in the back of my throat. Now let me hear you, do you want me to show you how much I love you."

"Yes," his words a plead as he nodded feverishly. "My little goddess, please."

She caught his lips quickly pressing a quick kiss to them. He leant in to deepen it but she was pulling back.

"Stay,"

She stood up from his lap. She slowly lifted her shirt off and undid her bralette. Her breasts fell free pebbling in the cool air. A quick rip she looked back seeing Marcus had shredded his shirt.

"Patience, is rewarded." She reminded.

She turned sliding her pants off giving a small wiggle of her hips before rounding back. She stood completely nude before him. Hands she ran up her sides up to her breasts. She watched his eyes darken, and pants tent.

Marcus grabbed at the couch. He was zeroed in on her breasts that moved up and down with each soft silent giggle fell from her. His aura surrounded her in gold and deep red desire. She didn't need to go snooping into his emotions to know he was on the edge already.

Patience was not his strong suit. She fell to her knees.

He lifted up already having undone his belt. She guided the pants and boxers down his legs.

It took some effort to ignore his cock that was already at attention. Pre cum pearling at the top. She tossed his pants aside. She ran her hands up his thighs nails pressing, teasing him.

His cock jerked. Breath sharply inhaled.

"Already on edge?"

"You tempt me like the serpent tempted Adam and Eve." He rasped. "I am nothing more than a man entrapped by a goddess. At your will."

"This reward will not lead to damnation." She wrapped her left hand around his cock firmly before moving slowly up and back down.

A hiss fell from his lips.

She leant down swiping her tongue over the tip of his cock. His hand was in her hair. He didn't push, only steadying himself.

She was careful to relax her throat taking him into her mouth. She went as far as she could, moving her hand over the rest near the base she couldn't reach.

She bobbed up and down once. Twice…

"Little One, I do not wish to finish in your mouth." He ground out.

She looked up at him. Hair falling around him, mouth open. Chest heaving with unneeded breath.

She pulled up off his cock. "Where?"

"I need to be inside you,"

"Yes,"

He lifted her with one motion to straddle his lap once more.

"Ah!"

"Quiet little one,"

She shuddered as his fingers slid through her folds, he grazed her entrance. He gently circled her before sliding one inside of her.

"Marcus…" she whimpered losing strength in her legs.

He held her. "You are soaking wet."

He guided her hips lower. She leant forward head on his shoulder.

The cool tip of his cock rubbed over her folds gently he rocked forward so it bumped into her clit. She whimpered head in his neck. She clung to him with shaky hands.

"May I?" He requested.

She nodded her head.

"Words little one, let me hear you."

"Yes, please!"

He needn't no more urging. He slipped the tip of his cock into her entrance. Inch by inch he slid home.

"Mm…"

She shuddered as he bottomed out.

He gave her a few moments to adjust to being stretched once more. Desire and love enveloped her all around.

"Please…"

He began to guide her up and down his cock. Pulling out almost all the way, only to let her drop back down.

He slowly began to pick up back. Each thrust was met allowing her clit to grind down on him.

He pushed her higher and higher. Keeping a steady growing pace.

"Marcus!"

She shuddered pleasure exploding through her.

Adley exited her Jeep pulling the few shopping bags out of the trunk. The snow had recently began to pile up higher and higher. Sticking to the trees as the temperatures dropped. Marcus pulled both car seats out to bring the twins inside.

"Lady Adley, allow me,"

Ibrahim approached taking the few bags from her.

"You didn't need to, I'm fine. It's only a few groceries and other stuff. Okay a few Christmas presents. It's only a month away." She shrugged. "I'm more than capable."

"Allow me," He waved her off before disappearing with the shopping.

She rolled her eyes. Being with a man who was considered royalty to vampires had its down side. Namely, the guard being overly attentive. She wasn't too sure if it was the fact she was now a new mother or that she was recently engaged that had Ibrahim insisting she do less.

She was supposed to be a new mother, taking care of two humans. Restless and tired. That's what she'd grown up with the image of new motherhood. She wasn't supposed to be without mess or bags under her eyes.

Yet here she was being waited on at a wave of her hand. She stretched looking around the outside of cabin. The many trees snow covered and others bare. The ancient woods quiet as snow muffled the sounds of the forest. Soft fat snowflakes fell from light grey skies. It'd been continuous for the past two days.

"You will catch your death out here," Marcus interrupted her thoughts.

"Immortal remember?"

"We don't want to get the twins sick."

"Can hybrids get sick?" She asked, never thinking on the idea. It wasn't something pleasant. She'd been sick many times in her life with colds. Her twins, would they face the same?

"Aro didn't say,"

"Their shots are soon." She stretched. "Do you think Ibrahim can watch the twins for a moment? I'd like to walk in the snow a bit."

"Of course—"

Marcus stiffened, he looked out into the woods behind her. Adley turned quickly squinting to see what he was seeing.

"Get inside." He ordered.

"Marcus what—"

A deep howl echoed.

She stopped. "What the fuck?"

In three blinks, a giant sandy furred wolf was stood before them. Bigger than any wolf of the area. Marcus crouched down. A snarl ripping from his chest. Yellow eyes met hers. She relaxed slightly.

"Wait! I know that one!" She looked to the wolf who perked up. "Seth! He's one of the La Push shifters. You met him a few months back."

Marcus corrected himself. "You are sure?"

"Yes, he's merely a teen." She assured before turning back to the wolf. "Seth, can you change? We don't have a mind reader here."

Seth sat down tilting his head. He whimpered.

She stared. Why…?

She snapped her fingers. "He needs to cover up with something. Hold on,"

She disappeared into the cabin she hurried to the master bedroom she grabbed a pair of sweatpants, boots, and a shirt. She hurried back and handed them to the wolf.

Seth took them disappearing into the brush. She turned to face Marcus as to not catch sight of the kid.

"What is he doing so far from home?" Marcus questioned.

"I haven't a clue."

"Adley!"

She looked to the direction of her name. Seth had emerged dressed and human. He shook out his dark hair of snow.

"I'm sorry to visit like this, but I had to come and ask. It's been days. Have you seen Bella?"

Panic swirled around his aura. He rung out his hands as he stood before them. Her stomach churned. Bella? What?

Adley's heart skipped a beat. "No we haven't, why? Is she alright?"

"Seth! Seth! You can't!"

Voices called out from deeper in the woods. Adley crossed her arms.

Seth frowned. "Bella hasn't been seen in four days. Are you sure? Not even briefly?"

His face fell the more he watched her. He wanted to his words to not be true. His disbelief spread throughout, confusion, panic. In harmony surrounding him.

Marcus' growl broke her from watching his aura.

Two more beings flashed into the driveway. Fear swirled in deep blue with green in all three of them. Alice Cullen and her Mate Jasper. What in the world? She mentally questioned.

"What's happened?"

Her queries ignored.

"Seth you shouldn't be here!"Alice Cullen hissed at the boy. "It isn't their business—"

"Enough, do not interrupt me again Cullen. I was talking to Seth! Now tell me, what is going on, who has not seen Bella in four days?! I want to be told in detail from the beginning. No one is to lie to me. Am I understood?"

"Yes Ma'am." Jasper slammed a hand down on Alice's shoulder holding her in place.

"Good, now explain." She gestured to Seth.

"Bella went missing four days ago from the Cullen home. They said I shouldn't come looking here, but you and Bella were close so it'd make sense to try and find you. So I went looking for vampires and found you. Please, have you seen her?"

"I —I haven't seen her since the wedding…" Adley watched the boy frown. "Seth, when did you last see her?"

"She's not—"

"Not another word Cullen." Marcus snarled coming to stand right behind Adley.

"Seth, deep breaths," she sent calming waves to the teen. "When was she last seen?"

"I haven't seen her in two weeks. I've been patrolling and hanging out with my friends… I noticed Jake acting all huffy and concerned four days ago. I finally got him to tell me after trailing him across Washington. He said Bella was missing, the Cullens wouldn't say much more than that she wasn't around."

"She's supposed to be on a honeymoon island… when did she and Edward return?" Adley pressed.

"September eighteenth." Jasper answered.

"Was she turned?"

"Edward brought her home to be changed she wanted to see her Dad. Once more before she was headed off to 'college'. She was changed that weekend. They were supposed to head up to Alaska after Christmas for the winter semester. Bella was going to do some distance learning."

"Who was the last to see her and when?" Adley turned her glare to Alice.

She stepped forward focusing her feelers on the guilt that twisted into Alice's aura.

"Tell me."

"I last saw Bella five days ago when I said I was going hunting. She and Edward were to go too. We waited five hours before returning to feeding. They're a new couple and in love… we returned home to Edward practically frozen tearing the house apart. Emmett and Rosalie went for a vacation to the island. They're on their way home now. Esme and Carlisle have been searching near by cities…"

"So Edward was the last to see her. Thank you." Adley nodded. "Where is he?"

"You can't hurt him." Alice protested. "He didn't do anything."

"I'm not going to hurt him. I just want to talk." Adley waved her off.

She pulled her phone out quickly dialling for her Aunt Janet.

"Addie, are you alright?"

"Auntie, yes I'm fine. I just had a favour to ask."

"Go ahead,"

"A friend has gone missing. Are you able to watch the twins for a little bit."

"Why not your Oma?"

"It's a sensitive matter…"

"I see, come by with the twins."

Adley drove as safely as she could to the compound. She dropped off the twins with her aunt. She pushed through the doors of the third level, Marcus towing both car seats in hand.

She barely knocked when the office door opened in. Cassandra stood in the doorway.

"Is my—"

"Right in here working on some sequencing. I overheard you were bringing babies." Cassandra craned her neck to get a look at Marcus.

She took the one setting it on the empty counter then the other.

"Afternoon sweetpeas." She cooed.

If she wasn't so stressed Adley would join in. "Aunt Janet, thank you for watching them."

Aunt Janet looked up from her microscope and nodded. "Of course I will be right over."

"Here, it'll help you detect any magical traces. The bag has dust to be spread out to find foot spots." Cassandra held her left hand out a small necklace and purple pouch in hand.

"How?"

"Do you have time for the full explanation?" Cassandra asked brow raised.

"No."

"Well then just trust me and put the necklace on. It will alert you if there is magic in the area you wish. Make sure to put it on outside of here. You'll have a headache."

"Got it. Seriously thank you for watching them." Adley nodded turning on foot.

"No trouble. Especially for these two, look at these little cheeks!" Cassandra was back indulging the twins.

Marcus hauled Adley up and darted back to the car park. She got back into the Jeep taking off to Forks. Gas peddle to the floor. Seth had remained in the back seat. She barely gave the door time to open for them to exit. Marcus and Seth gripping the 'oh shit' handles with white knuckles.

"My lady we should try and make it there alive?" Ibrahim suggested.

"We're all immortal." Adley dismissed.

The three hour drive was cut almost in half as she pulled up outside the small town haphazardly parking the Jeep on the gravel driveway. She tossed the door open storming up the many steps.

If the men were not immortal she was sure they'd been ghostly pale and panting. She didn't knock as she tossed open the door to the Cullen home.

"Where is he?" Adley demanded. "Edward Cullen, get your behind—"

"I'm right here." Said man held his hands up.

He got up from the living room couch.

"Good. Now tell me why the fuck I wasn't called the moment she went missing?!"

"You've been in Italy. I was not aware you returned." He defended.

"Bullshit you knew the twins had been born. That's not the point." She waved it off. "When did you last see Bella?"

He pulled at his wild copper hair. "In our room, she was changing. I went to go see if she was ready. I came back to a room empty and our glass window open slightly. I've looked all over. She's nowhere to be found."

"How do you manage to lose a newborn?" Marcus asked. "It is reckless and asking for trouble."

"Bella wasn't like other newborns. She was level headed. Not tempted by blood like most. She has an aversion to it. She's never followed a smell."

"Singers exist for all of us."

"This isn't like Bella. I didn't see her leave. I did not hear her." Edward snapped. Hands balled up he turned beginning to pace.

"We can discuss the consequences later. Right now focus. Bella is missing. She's a newborn vampire out in the world. We need to find her. Edward bring me the last thing she wore and tossed in the laundry." Adley commanded.

Adley's heart hammered in her chest. She put the necklace over her head as Cassandra had instructed.

The Cullens had enemies, that had been proven before with the newborn army. The threat was taken care of there… If they were targeting the Cullens as a whole why would they choose the newest member?

Adley's stomach flopped. What if it wasn't about the Cullens? What if it was targeting her? She had made herself some enemies in the last year…

She took deep breaths. Marcus took hold to her shoulders, trying to anchor her. She took a breath in… then out… in… then out…

The light living room before her remained the same. She frowned. How was this to work? She sighed. Start where Bella was last. She headed upstairs.

The higher she got in the Cullen home, sparkles began to shine along the stairs. In the shape of footsteps… she reached the top floor where Edward's room was.

Dark blue was splattered all over the walls. The veins pulsed slowly. They all worked their way into the centre where it looked like a bomb went off.

Blue tossed everywhere. It lingered on the bed, the carpet… she shuddered.

"What is it little one?" Marcus asked.

"You don't see the mess?"

"I do not."

She turned then eyes wide. Golden eyes overcast by thick copper brows. Edward stood still staring back at her.

"I see it in your mind." He murmured.

"Magic. All over." Adley explained to the gathering vampires. "Bella didn't leave here willingly. I'm sure of it."

"Who would do such a thing?" Esme questioned.

Adley's chest began to rise and fall faster and faster. Panick pouring off of her. Tears streaming down her face. Was the floor moving? Did the room begin to tilt?

Bella's hands were shackled above her. Her body only covered by a dark blue nightgown. The material ripped here and there. Her long dark hair was matted in the back and producing rats nests in the front. She was taking unnecessary breaths. Her body paper white, reflected the light.

A man dissipated from the shadows around her. Only one light hanging to a wire dangled from the stone ceiling. He bent forward to her. He grabbed her face forcing her to look up. Once red eyes turned black. Eyes surrounded by purple bruising. Small cracks running up and down her jaw.

"Looks like they aren't coming…" the man sneered. "Thought they cared a bit more about you."

"They do." Bella spat.

"Then where is she? Hm, Bella? Where is your caring friend?" He taunted.

"Not falling into your trap." She snarled.

"How would they know?"

"They'll find me… they will kill you."

"Wishful thinking, Bella." He tapped her cheek before pushing her face away.

In a flash she swung back around teeth grazed his fingers.

"Bad girl." He curled his right hand up before swinging it into her jaw. A flash of silver.

"Bella!"

Adley shot up, sweat soaked through her night shirt and shorts. Taking sharp shallow breaths. She froze looking around the room. A full glass wall facing the snow cover forest greeted her. The other three were white with a few paintings on them. The bed she was in. This was not her bed.

"Hush, Little One, it's alright." Marcus assured her, taking both her shoulders in his hands.

"Where am I?"

"We are in the Cullen home still."

"What happened?"

"You had a panic attack," a soft voice advised from the right side of the room.

In the doorway, Dr. Cullen stood. He remained distant from them, but kept watch.

"You over stimulated yourself and passed out from it. Stress can do this." He explained. "I've seen it happen a few times."

"How long?"

"Just under an hour," Marcus answered.

"I had a dream… I think? Bella she's being held."

"Edward saw, he has headed to the compound to meet up with a few contacts of the Volturi." Dr. Cullen informed her. "I thank you, for coming to our aid, yet again. I have a feeling we will be owing you our lives once more by the end of the year. You have again given us help."

"Cassandra was the one to provide the necklace." She dismissed.

"None the less, We are thankful for the resources to help find her."

"I feel like this is my fault." Adley leant back into Marcus' shoulder.

The image of Bella stuck in her head.