Adley hurried to answer the front cabin door. She peeked through the peephole before swinging the door wide open.

There Bella stood in a simple pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. Her dark hair wild around her, pale skin even paler. The other odd thing were her bright red eyes. They stood out against her alabaster skin. Behind her Edward stood holding five large boxes all beautifully wrapped in gold and burgundy paper with bows.

"Bella! How wonderful to see you! What are you carrying?" She hesitated while hugging Bella.

"Presents," Edward replied. "Under the tree?"

The sweet scent of vanilla mixed with the winter woods hit her. Adley pulled back with a shiver while nodding. "Damn, you're like ice. Seriously did you run here?"

"We did, we can move so much faster than a car. Why would we drive here? Humans would be in the way. I can go super-fast now in half the time. I'm not even tripping over things anymore!" Bella explained pulling Adley inside.

"Ah… careful Bella," Adley hissed removing her arms from the newborn.

Bella frowned. Deep blue swarmed her glowing golden aura. "I hurt you,"

"No. No you didn't, those warlocks hurt me. I must heal at a human speed right now. Some black magic bullshit." She sighed. "I'll explain it later."

"Where are your babies?" Bella glanced around the cabin.

It was like the one they were in before, but this time they were further into the forest line. Marcus had to carry the three of them from the Jeep to the walk way, a good 1 mile into the deep thick woods. The leather couches though the same deep black, with red and green throw blankets and pillows. Three bedrooms, all on one level this time. The kitchen was simple but up to date. All the appliances were high end.

Marcus exited the hall then holding both wiggling babies.

"You only birthed these what two- and a-bit months ago? They are smiling and focused already…" Bella marvelled flashing over to them.

Both babies laughed seeing her before them. August was the first to lean over, grabbing for her long free hair.

"They are developing at double the rate of human babies from what we are noticing. The diaries on hybrids mention this is normal for the first few years. Might want to contain your hair before taking one. they've got a thing for it. Are you alright with them?" Adley asked not finding a flash of hunger in the aura.

"I don't feel it, no worries." Bella assured her.

"She's been oddly good with humans. No desire for them at all." Edward replied. "We've been watching it carefully, to make sure it doesn't change."

"They don't smell human." Bella added. "There is the smell of blood in them, I can hear their hearts and the blood moving. It smells sweet though, sickly sweet mixed with copper. Not pleasant at all. The babies smell fine I smell the shampoo and lotions, but the blood—"

"I understand Bella, relax." Adley assured her, taking Thea in her arms. She ignored Marcus' looks of concern. "This is Thea, and this is August. We haven't agreed on a nickname yet, Marcus wants Gus, I'd prefer Auggie. We've settled for Little Bear so far."

"I thought he was Chomper?" Ibrahim butted in from the couch.

"Like the Land Before Time, the baby t-rex?" Bella chuckled.

"Yes, he has a habit of biting. He's teething." Adley explained. "To clarify though, no that's my nickname for him currently not forever."

"Gus is a strong name." Edward piped up.

"He's not a mouse." She huffed allowing Bella to take August.

"Cinderella," Bella explained quickly to Edward. "I'm sure you'll come up with something."

"I really hope so, we need to figure it out soon before they start responding to the names or worse voicing an opinion on the name." Adley sighed.

"They won't be talking for sometime." Marcus assured.

"At this rate I wouldn't put it beyond a year or so."

Marcus guided her to the couch with Thea in hand. Bella followed in suit with August, she began carefully allowing the baby to play with her fingers. Edward watched each movement of the babies.

"Alright Edward?" Adley questioned watching curiosity spark in his aura.

"It's fascinating." He murmured. "Their minds are beginning to make little memories. Sparks are forming in their heads. They are able to comprehend the different faces around them, that we are not familiar to them."

"You can see their thoughts?"

"What can be considered thoughts," he nodded. "They are not full blown ideas that I would get right away with everyone else here. However for babies they are taking in so much. So simple but complex."

"Cool." She looked down at her daughter, giving her a big smile. "Are you able to see through their eyes?"

"My gift focuses on the thoughts on the mind, the surface level if you will. Most people I can yes as it happens. In them it's very blurry, the concepts around them are still shaping. They see us, but not all. More self awareness is needed." Edward explained.

"Oh, so you can't see if they see auras. Didn't hurt to ask." She shrugged.

"No I cannot decipher if they can see as you do," Edward gave a lazy smile.

"Have they began showing signs of your gift?" Bella questioned.

"No." Adley answered. "I though didn't start showing signs of my gift until I was a year. Eomma noticed I was effecting her mood if I was in a certain mood myself. If I was throwing a tantrum I made everyone know about it."

"A very high maintenance woman since birth." Marcus joked.

"I'm not afraid to stick my parents on you," She warned looking over to her side where he sat.

"They'd get hurt." Bella frowned.

"Not this time around. I'm sure Emma will come with more than a news paper."

"A news paper?" Bella asked brows pulled together.

"Oh my mum hit Marcus with a news paper a few weeks ago."

"Why?"

"Eomma found out I got kidnapped by warlocks. She kind of took it out on him." Adley blushed as she explained. "She's protective."

Bella laughed. "I've met Dr. Choi, she's a very —passionate woman at times."

"I know exactly where my wife to be gets her fire." Marcus commented.

"You're even more in luck," Adley held up a cooing Thea. "We're raising the third line of Choi woman."

Marcus chuckled shaking his head. He took Thea, holding her upwards making her squeal before bringing her down to sit on his lap. Ibrahim handed him one of the teething rings as Thea hands went to her mouth. He was careful to replace her focus.

"So you have any plans for Christmas?" Bella asked, handing August over as he began to cry reaching for Adley.

"What day is it?"

"It's Thursday December twenty first," Bella replied. "You seem the type to keep calendar on holidays."

"Been a bit occupied I suppose… Did Appa and Eomma ask you about this weekends dinners? Did we need to get anything? I didn't even realize the date. It's been a whirlwind with medication, the twins…" Adley ran a hand over her bangs looking to Marcus.

"They said not to worry, just to show up." He replied watching her confused.

"Never show up with nothing." Adley groaned. "It's a falsehood. We have small family dinner on the twenty fourth, but the day before Christmas eve we have a large family dinner at one of the family homes. Then there are the meals for Appa's family —it switches yearly who is before or after… oh and we haven't even gone Christmas shopping for them. Damn those Warlocks! There is so much to be done, I have my list in one of my journals… it's packed? No. That's not right it's the one with the floral pink and purple leather bound front, the list for each of my cousins. It's small gifts but something none the less. The twins! Marcus have we even gotten our babies Christmas outfits? We haven't done photos for christmas! It's not even been one hundred days."

"What does one hundred days mean?" Bella interrupted.

"The first one hundred days of a baby's life is meant to be limited in who they see exactly. It's a Korean tradition we keep babies around family or limit to those who have good intentions. I haven't even asked Eomma if we are expected at the bigger family gathering…" She sighed.

"One thing at a time, Little One." Marcus took her hand giving it a squeeze. "While you have been healing I have been in contact with your Eomma. Christmas is a bit limited this year, the twins are not one hundred days so we will be keeping it to siblings and first cousins. Dinner at your Aunt Janet's this Saturday, gifts are purchased. Then your Appa's brother will be hosting next weekend. Gift cards and many cards were sent out by Ibrahim a week ago to be delivered, sending the best wishes as we cannot be in person. We have presents for the twins. I will have Ibrahim go and get some deserts for Saturday and Sunday. Is this alright?"

She stared wide eyed at Marcus. Her heart swelled hearing at this all being listed out to her. His merlot gaze focused on her. "I love you so much. I guess it just leaves the photos, I need to go get your gifts though."

"Bella and I still need to do some last minute gift shopping." Edward spoke up.

"I don't like malls the few days before holidays." Bella grumbled. "But I'm sure I can be convinced to go with books…"

"Alright," Edward agreed.

"Oh amazing." Adley smiled. "The twins…"

"I'm sure Nona will love seeing them." Marcus took August.

"How are you handling this, seriously?" Bella asked looking up from the wrack of baby onesies.

"Which part?"

"All of it I guess, last we spoke you were at my wedding five months ago, you were in Italy until the twins were born. I went galavanting in South America." She clarified.

"Well, it's been a lot. I had a lot of fun getting to know my future in laws, Italy is beautiful. The Volturi is nothing like I expected. Marcus proposed. I've been made target number one of a few warlocks hellbent on revenge." Adley answered. "It's been overwhelming, I'm mad I need to heal at a human pace, I hate not being able to be an active mum to my kids. I feel like Marcus is doing everything. I love Italy but I don't want to be away from my parents. Them finding out about this world has only made me want to stay in Seattle for longer. I feel selfish even thinking it though. He's away from his family for even longer."

Tears whelmed in her eyes, she took a deep breath. Bella rounded at a human pace. "Its been a lot from what I've been told. They took advantage of your caring nature and exploited it. I'm sorry I was used against you like that. Seriously. I get not wanting to leave your parents. You can always fly between Seattle and Italy for now, even if its for a few decades. We have all the time in the world. Your family doesn't."

"Oh Bella, I didn't even ask how you're handling this. You've been changed into this, and your dad doesn't know. How is Charlie? Are you two staying close as he gets older, or what is the plan? Are you visiting for Christmas?"

"Dad's great, he's been spending a lot of time with Sue and her kids. Seth and Leah, you met them back in spring. When the wolves joined us. We were going to take a trip up to him this weekend. I wanted to stop by and give the gifts to you. We are sticking with visits for now. I know eventually he will either find out or I will need to leave but I don't want to do that."

"If he marries Sue Clearwater wouldn't he eventually find out about her kids? I mean they are immortal too. Surely it'll become to obvious to hide. Would she not be a way to get around the laws?"

"I'm not sure," she shrugged. "We'll address it eventually. Right now I want to enjoy being near. Especially as I'll actually be in university this January."

"Oh congrats Bella!" Adley hugged Bella close. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks," Her aura tinging pink as her blush used to. "I'm happy. I've been exploring places I never thought I'd see. I plan to see every crevice in this planet. I'm still trying to convince Edward to go to the Mariana's Trench. He said no."

"That's creepy." Adley commented.

"Yeah but we're vampires." Bella whispered. "I also want to climb Everest, but apparently it's not a good idea as a vampire anymore as too many humans."

Adley laughed. "It's a cool idea, you could but you'd need to act human."

"I can do that…"

"For the few days it takes to climb the mountain? Pretending to suffer?"

"Maybe in ten years?"

"Maybe." Adley smiled. "Ugh, I want to put the twins in so many outfits! Look at this little pink dress! It's so fluffy. I'm buying more SD cards while we're here. I have a serious question, what in the hell do I get a man who has everything?"

Bella bit her lip. "I have the same issue with Edward I'm thinking more sheet music and CD's, maybe even concert tickets for some operas or something."

"That is brilliant actually. Experiences. He may be one of the wealthiest people in existence that doesn't mean he's done everything especially modern. Think it's mean to get corny gag gifts for him?"

"Please do." Bella laughed. "You could always go with the bedroom way."

"I could… come on, let's go to Victoria Secret, I want to get a few things." Adley took hold of her hand and headed to the check out with the arm loads of outfits. Especially the one pink dress and a matching suit for the twins.

"Good morning Little One," Marcus whispered pressing a kiss to her head beside her ear.

Adley stretched rolling onto her back. "What time is it?"

"It's six in the morning." He replied.

Marcus was propped up on his side hand on his head while he watched her. He used his free hand to trace her stomach running the valley between her exposed breasts. She turned to face him, placing her hands on his bare chest.

"We have to be to my parents home in three hours. The twins are—"

"Sleeping soundly," he assured catching her wondering hand from above the waist band of his boxers.

She looked up from under her lashes, blinking slowly. She pouted. "Marcus,"

He tipped her head up to him catching her lips with his. He was careful when flipping her onto her back below her. He had both her hands in one of his bounding them above her head.

"We should get up—"

"Indeed, we should," he agreed pressing kisses down her jaw.

He followed a familiar path down the side of her neck, paying careful attention to the flawless skin at the junction of her neck and shoulder.

"Hmm." The growl deep in his chest sent, a shot of heat to her core. Adley arched slightly. "This will not do."

She glanced down at him, her cheeks heated and mouth falling open slightly to question him. No words fell out.

"My mark Little One," He responded. "It's gone, how will they know you're mine?"

She shuddered at the emphasis on the last word. She leant to the left exposing her neck.

"My good girl, knowing to submit to her mate." He cooed.

He kissed the spot once, twice. His cool tongue ran the column of her neck. Her legs fell open wider allowing him room to touch her more. He moved her panties to the side, he dipped his fingers into her heated folds.

"Already soaked for me."

"Always."

"You are so well behaved Little One," He growled carefully moving his fingers back and forth over her folds.

He coated his fingers thoroughly, before he made way to her entrance, his thumb circling her clit.

"Ah!"

"Hush now, we don't want to wake the house." He whispered.

She pursed her lips together. Trying to get her hands free.

"Not yet, this is about you," He whispered pressing his lips to her neck.

He slid one cool finger in. She bit back her groan.

He found a slow pace, circling her clit, and pushing his two fingers in and out. Adley held tight.

He knew her too well, bringing her higher and higher within minutes. Twisting her coil tighter and tighter. He'd have her cumming before she knew it. Her teeth took her bottom lip hostage.

'Shit…' She mentally screamed.

She thrusted her hips at him trying to encourage him. He did, increasing his speed on both places.

"That's Little One, don't hold yourself back." He coaxed her. "Cum for me."

"Ah." She whimpered.

She was thrown over the edge. She wasn't able to catch her breath as bit down on her neck. Bliss, washed over her. The slight burn from the venom hitting her system, only heightened the pleasure that crashed down on her.

Marcus released her hands, moving to catch her thrusting hips. Her legs trembled from the release. She didn't notice he'd torn his boxers off, aligning the head of his erect cock against her soaking entrance.

"That's better," He gloated. Pride shining bright in his aura. She barely caught her breath. Her hands still above her head. "Now all will know you are mine once more."

"Uh-huh." She exhaled as he sunk into her not giving her time to adjust to his massive thick cock.

They arrived that Sunday morning while the sun was still rising. Adley hurried up the freshly shovelled driveway of her childhood home. While they had been early she recognized her sister's car and her brother's SUV. She knocked once out of curtesy before she opened the door.

"Eomma, Appa!" She called in.

She slid off her shoes, before tending to her coat. She hung it turning to take Marcus'. He had the twins undone in a flash. Her parents just made it to the foyer when he was pulling Thea out, in a red onesie with presents and candy canes, and a bow on her dark hair. August was already on his hip in a green onesie with Christmas trees and reindeer.

Appa hugged Adley as she slipped her slippers on. Marcus followed suit with both twins. Eomma smiled motioning her forward.

"Addie dear, how are you? The drive was alright, I hope?" She questioned kissing Adley's cheek.

"Roads are treacherous as always in winter time." Adley replied. "Everyone beat us over?"

"Not to hard Addie, when we only have a few minutes to drive." Anna said as she exited the kitchen. She had a Christmas apron on. "Babies!"

Anna zoomed straight passed her and to Marcus. She quickly scooped August up, pressing kisses all over his face.

"Good morning, Gus Gus." She cooed.

"Anna," Adley groaned. "His name is August."

"Gus Gus," Anna stuck her tongue out. "Cole get out here!"

Three more sets of steps followed. Cole hands full of tea and a few snacks, exited with Chelsea, who was heavily pregnant. Jordan followed behind with another tray of tea and treats.

"Adds!" Cole waved after placing the tray down.

"Morning," She greeted trading the twins so Anna could greet both equally.

"Oh, they're so big already," Chelsea commented carefully kissing each baby on the head.

"They've been growing like weeds." Adley replied.

"They're a bit special like Adley." Cole explained to her.

Adley paused. "What?"

"They're marrying into the family, they might as well know." Cole shrugged. "We all know of the unique family gift. Which our daughter has the potential of having. Chelsea is aware you're a bit different. That's it."

"Jordan?" Adley looked over to him.

Jordan's hands went up. "I've been with Anna since the late nineties. I remember her saying something had happened in New York. The family business stays in the family."

"You all really let me go around thinking I knew this secret was my own."

"whatever worked for you," Anna nodded her towards the couches. "Come on we've got Christmas treats in the oven. We made some to hold you all over until breakfast finishes. The TV is also set up by the way, Lord of the Rings. The first four Harry Potter movies all ready for binging."

"I'm still a bit salty they didn't have the fifth one for this year." Adley added.

"I read they will be releasing the next few ones over the next few years every other year. Just with the movies now getting into the bigger books they've got a lot to deal with. I'd watch 5 hours if it meant they didn't mess anything else up. Like really the goblet of fire was on thin ice." Anna agreed.

"Not every studio is willing to do what they did with the theatrical release of the Lord of the Rings." Cole interjected.

"Nerds." Chelsea coughed.

The siblings laughed sitting down. Marcus was careful with Adley making sure she sat next to him. The twins were between Eomma and Anna. Chelsea kept close but with her very round stomach she wasn't able to hold either of them without extreme difficulties.

"Okay but what about Boxing Day? Are we doing Star Wars?" Cole asked.

"We did that last year," Chelsea's nose scrunched up. "Why not the old Star Trek movies, or Doctor Who? BBC just finished up with the second season this year, I believe—"

"Love," Cole interrupted her. "We'll decide on Boxing Day how about?"

"Oh, oh!" Chelsea's eyes went wide. "Sorry!"

Adley rolled over to Marcus after settling the twins in the small pop up crib beside the bed. She propped herself on her side. His dark hair was down around his face, the curls effortlessly held in their shape.

"I forget how much the family can be." She yawned.

"They are very lively people. Amusing with the banter between you and your siblings, while you love each other it can get heated."

"We've always been like that."

"Yes young Adley did seem like quite the rambunctious girl." He teased.

"You're stuck with them for at least half a century." She breathed, she paused. "Half a century… that doesn't seem like a lot of time. Fuck."

Tears began to form in her eyes.

"I don't want to lose them. Shit." She wiped at her face. "I'm sorry, it just hit me. We only have so many Holidays like this left. They will eventually die, and be gone. I'll still be here. Marcus I don't want to lose them."

Marcus wrapped his arm around her, pulling her to his chest. He moved so she was laying on top of him, face in his chest. He held her tight running his hands over his back, letting her tears go.

"Death is a scary concept to many, it's why we pray for gods that may or may not exist." He exhaled. "Little One, it is a very normal and expected thing in our world. These losses, will be hard. You will mourn each one, you have a very large heart. We eventually regardless of mortality say good bye to our friends and family. One by one. It is the one thing most have guaranteed in this life."

"Can't we make them vampires?" She sniffed.

"It could be their option," He hesitated. "It is a difficult transition, a good few do not survive the transformation succumbing to the pain. It also may steal their chance of life as well. What if they do not wish for immortality? Would you have chosen immortality if you did not have me or your gift?"

Adley pushed up. She met his gaze. "Why would you ask such?"

"If given the chance, would you have chosen to be immortal?"

"Without the promise of you?"

"Yes."

"I don't know… I've never really thought about it. I don't really think I'd be alive to make the decision, I was supposed to die five years ago."

"There are some who do not wish for more time here in this earthly plain." He murmured. "Some immortals even wish for death. This world can become very dull. Especially once those people we hold so close are gone. Some do not see life as precious if mortality is taken away."

"I'll need to treasure it then." She sniffed. "These few decades, I have with my family. My friends. The thought of losing them, is just so heavy. I don't like it."

"Losing people is the biggest strain upon the soul. As you have seen what a soul wound looks like. I have experienced one. I wished to be gone as she had been. Had I been granted my wish by my brothers, I would not have met you. Our little ones would not be here. We mourn, and we enjoy the time we have. The memories we make, because life is so fleeting to many. Even our own kind are not given the guarantee of true immortality." He reminded.

"I am."

"We have been given proof that you can be harmed," a bitter tone to his words. "In this new year, we will find out exactly how far your vulnerability is. I do not wish to lose you so soon."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"No, neither are they tonight. So sleep Little One. Let us treasure in these moments and make memories that will be with us for the next centuries."