Denali Home, Alaska
November, 1992
The blonde vampire gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove way faster than she needed to down the Denali Coven's long driveway.
She was furious.
After nearly three months of being couped up in a tiny dorm room, she had enough.
Eden somehow managed to convince her to come to college with her. She still didn't know how she did it. Maybe it was those mesmerizing, green eyes, or her mischievous smirk. All she knew was that she loathed the fact that she couldn't deny her mate anything.
However, after being Eden's prisoner for way too long, Jane finally stood up to her. She couldn't keep making excuses to Aro about why she hadn't returned. Saying the girl wanted to attend college was not a good enough reason for her absence.
After hours of arguing and struggling not to bend to the human's will, she finally convinced Eden that she could go to college after her she learned to control her thirst as a vampire. It would be nothing to get her into a college in Volterra.
She reluctantly compromised, but only after Jane agreed to let her say goodbye to Raven.
Eden tapped her fingers on the dash as the radio blasted Alice In Chains. She was either unaware of Jane's obvious irritation or she didn't care. As she, herself, was still mad at the vampire.
"Can you please turn off that horrid music," Jane growled in annoyance. Eden stared at her blankly.
"Just because you're jealous that I want to see Raven doesn't mean you get to insult my favorite band," she said, making the vampire growl quietly.
"I am not jealous of that stupid human. I simply don't understand why you need to talk to her."
Eden sighed to herself. "We basically grew up together, Jane. She was my best friend. No matter what happened between us, I don't want to leave without saying goodbye. Especially when I don't know when I'll see her again."
Jane gritted her teeth, but she couldn't be angry at her. No matter how much she didn't want to understand, she did. Her anger towards Raven was superficial. She knew that the girl couldn't control what happened between them. It was only a matter of time before they ended.
That didn't stop her from being annoyed about it.
When they finally pulled up to the massive, wood cabin, three of the Denali coven were already waiting outside. The looks on their faces were stern and filled with hatred.
"What's their problem," Eden muttered, looking to her vampire. They looked extremely pissed off.
"We don't have the best relationship," Jane replied, feeling her protective instincts flare.
"Stay close to me."
When they stood in front of the three ancients, Jane kept Eden behind her should they attack. She knew they didn't want to hurt the human, but she wasn't about to take any chances. Eden would have usually rebelled, but this time she chose not to go against her.
"What are you doing here," Tanya demanded, her eyes flicking to Eden briefly. She was shocked to see the girl was still human.
"Although I disagree, my mate would like to see your human. Is that possible or not," Jane said sternly, red eyes leveling the coven leader with a deadly glare.
"Eden is welcome in our home any time. However, you are not," Irina cut in with a look of disgust on her face.
Jane growled. "I will not allow my mate to go into a house filled with animal drinkers alone."
"You have no choice."
Eden placed her hands on the vampire's shoulders to calm her down, gently rubbing in circles. The tension in Jane's body relaxed significantly, but she kept her glare on the other vampires. Her black eyes threatened to inflict unimaginable pain.
"I don't know what happened with you guys, but I can promise you Jane won't cause any trouble. She knows what will happen if she does," Eden said in a serious tone, giving her a warning look.
The other vampires were quite amused as Jane growled to herself but said nothing. It was obvious to them that finding her mate caused the usually evil vampire to become less volatile, and it was very surprising to witness.
"Wow, how'd you manage to tame a witch twin," Kate laughed, thoroughly impressed.
Eden simply shrugged, smirking to herself.
"It's confidential."
Inside, Victoria silently sat beside Raven as she hovered over the piano, gently stroking the ivory keys to create a beautiful sound. She was completely unaware of what was happening outside.
It was months ago that Raven saw Eden, and she had resigned herself to the fact the girl was a vampire. She was certain they would not see each other for a very long time, as Raven wouldn't be turned for another four years.
Victoria could see that it took a toll on her, no matter how well she hid it.
A very small, selfish part of her was angry that Eden was there to see Raven. She knew what the two girls shared was real and strong. She knew the feelings between them would never actually fade due to the history they shared. The memories would always remain.
However, Victoria erased those feelings as quickly as they came.
She was certain that whatever was about to happen was for the best. They both needed this closure. They needed to see each other for one last time before Eden was turned. She needed to right what went wrong. It would put her mind at ease and calm her worry for the girl tremendously.
She only hoped that Jane felt the same.
After a few moments, the door opened, revealing the two visitors.
Raven's fingers stopped abruptly and she turned around, only to see her former best friend standing in the doorway as if she never left.
Eden's green eyes were alight with happiness in a way she hadn't witnessed before. Her auburn hair was longer, reaching her chin in unruly curls. The skin next to her eyes crinkled as she smiled, and Raven mirrored it unconsciously.
The shock of seeing each other again caused words to fail them.
Raven's mind reeled as she and Eden locked eyes for a long moment. Whatever silent conversation they were having was lost on their mates.
"Hey, asshole. You look like you just saw a ghost." Eden chuckled finally, a small smirk on her lips.
Raven rolled her eyes fondly.
"You're still a bitch, I see."
A wave of relief settled in Raven's spirit and she approached Eden in bounding steps, forgetting about everyone else in the room. Jane reluctantly moved away to allow the human to go to her mate. She looked away, gritting her teeth, as Raven pulled the girl into a warm embrace.
As Eden was pulled up the stairs to the safety of Victoria's room, she moved to follow, but hard, golden eyes stopped her in her tracks.
Victoria stared Jane down from across the room, and the blonde did not back down from her gaze. A silent understanding passed between them as their mates disappeared. They both knew that they needed to allow them to have their conversation alone.
No matter how hard that might be.
Jane sighed and reluctantly sat down on the couch with a dull ache in her chest.
"You should get used to this. They're bound," Victoria said, sitting in her favorite chair by the hearth. Jane raised a brow at her and she chuckled quietly.
"Humans experience time differently than we do. They experience everything to a degree we can't understand. Just as you've become attached to the Volturi over a millenia, Raven and Eden have become attached over their years together. Accept it now, or your jealousy will make her resent you," Victoria continued somberly.
She could see the effect her words had on the older vampire, but her pride refused to let her see reason. The blonde disliked the thought of Raven being a part of Eden's life long term. She knew it was selfish, but being newly mated made it difficult to accept that prospect.
"How can you be okay with this, knowing they've been intimate before? What if they realize they still want each other? How would that make you feel," Jane provoked, hoping to bring out the woman's true feelings on the matter.
Victoria felt a surge of possessiveness rise inside of her. Raven never told her if she and Eden were sexually active, and she never asked. She did not want or need to know. She took an unnecessary deep breath, reminding herself that whatever they had done was between them. It was in no way her business.
Finally, Victoria gave her a sardonic smile that irked the blonde to no end. "What I'm hearing is you're worried Eden still has feelings for Raven. I think you should look within and ask yourself why you feel that way."
Jane looked away, feeling very vulnerable. Her words hit too close to home. Deep down inside, she was extremely insecure. Her past haunted her, making her believe that she did not deserve a mate, let alone a mate such as Eden. The girl made her feel as if she were human again.
Victoria watched a soft expression fall onto Jane's face. It shocked her to see the infamous woman so vulnerable. Her voice was almost overtaken by the crackling fireplace when she spoke.
"She makes me feel like I have a second chance at life. She makes me feel alive after so many years of being dead inside. What if she learns of my past and is disgusted by who I was?"
In that moment, Victoria smiled softly.
She remembered being where Jane was now, fearing her past self would come back to haunt her new life. It took her many years to understand that it was okay if Raven hated who she used to be, because her actions displayed who she truly was despite her horrible past. It took believing that she was worthy.
"Jane," Victoria said, causing the woman to look at her warily. As if she were about to kick her while she was down. As if she deserved it.
"You are worthy of love."
Jane turned away from her for a long moment, trying to hide the pain on her face. She couldn't remember anyone ever telling her that, and here was Victoria, a woman she had inflicted her power on, showing her immense compassion and sympathy.
"If you don't believe in anything else, believe that. You can not fathom how much easier life becomes. Imagine how much more fulfilling your relationship with Eden could be once you forgive yourself and move forward," Victoria continued, a content look on her face. The blonde envied her, but she would never admit it aloud.
"...Thank you," Jane muttered, as if the words were foreign to her.
She could barely look at her, she was so embarrassed. However, Victoria could tell she truly meant it. That's all that mattered.
"But, why are you helping me? I came here to check in on your mate and report back to Aro."
Victoria shrugged. "I see a lot of myself in you. I can empathize with what you're feeling. Just know that I will destroy you if you're planning anything nefarious towards my mate or my family."
Jane saw the darkness in her black eyes as the fire reflected in them. She knew her words were not a threat, but a promise. Any other time, she would have used her power to punish the woman for her insolence, but alas, she was different now. She understood Victoria.
Jane wanted to tell her she had nothing to worry about from the Volturi, and that Aro was quite taken by Raven. However, she decided to hold her tongue instead. The Denali Coven didn't need to know that.
"If you tell anyone about this, I'll flay you alive."
Victoria smirked, seeing the Jane she was accustomed to returning.
The ancient rolled her eyes, begrudgingly deciding that maybe she wouldn't mind it if she and Raven visited every so often.
"You'd have to catch me first."
Raven reverently listened to Eden explain what transpired after she last saw her. She was happy to sit down with her again after being apart for so long. It was many months ago that they last sat down to talk without it being emotionally painful.
It was a relief to know that she knew about vampires and the mating bond. She couldn't help a small smile when she saw the look of adoration that passed over her friend's face as she spoke of Jane. It was plain to see that she was already falling for her.
"She tries to act all big and bad, but she's a big softy. Honestly, sometimes I just sit and wonder how I got so lucky," Eden said, blushing heavily as she thought of her vampire.
"I'm glad that Jane treats you well. You deserve it more than anybody," Raven said, looking at her sadly. She still felt guilty for how they ended.
Eden could see it as plain as day.
At one point, she believed that Raven never loved her. Now, she knew that couldn't have been farther from the truth. The situation was just extremely complicated.
"Raven, I can't lie, the way things ended between us hurt more than anything I've ever felt. We experienced so much together and I couldn't understand why I wasn't enough. It sent me into this darkness where I just needed to prove my worth. I did...a lot of things I regret after we broke up," Eden said, closing her eyes as the memories came flooding back.
Raven placed a hand on her shoulder. A deep pain resonated through her. She did not want to find out what caused the haunted look on her friend's face, knowing she had a hand in it.
"But, now I understand why we never could have worked. When Jane told me we were mates, it all started making sense."
Eden clutched her hands in her own and a beautiful smile spread across her face.
Raven tried to remember the last time she saw that smile. The one that made her eyes look seafoam green. She knew it was before she broke her into a thousand pieces.
"I've got to say, I should have known that you and Victoria were meant to be together. She's literally the complete opposite of you, but like, in the best way possible."
Raven blushed a deep crimson as Eden smirked at her. The relief she felt knowing the other girl understood what happened between them was immense. There were many sleepless nights filled with sorrow and remorse. A weight lifted off her chest as her best friend looked at her with a quiet understanding in her eyes.
"It was hard not to tell you once I found out. Then again, I don't know if it would've helped you or hurt you even more," Raven said honestly. A look of confusion passed over her friend's face.
"You didn't know she was your mate," Eden said incredulously. She looked completely taken aback.
Raven shook her head, remembering that she didn't know her true history. "I've known Victoria since I was seven. She saved me from...some very terrible people. Anyways, I found out after we broke up. She wanted me to have the freedom to be with who I wanted. She just didn't expect me to fall for her on my own."
Eden nodded slowly, coming to understand how confusing that must have been for her. The feeling she got when she saw Jane was so intense, she couldn't fathom how hard it was for Raven to love her, and simultaneously be falling in love with Victoria without knowing why.
"This is fucked up to say, but I'm glad you didn't know. We would never have fallen in love and I wouldn't have met Jane," Eden said wistfully, smiling to herself.
Raven looked at her with a certain vulnerability in her hazel eyes. "You don't regret it?"
"What?"
"I don't know." Raven's voice shook. "Everything."
Eden was quiet for a long moment. Heat flooded her cheeks. She opened her mouth to tell her to forget what she said, and that it was stupid to ask such a thing because it was only right that she did. Finally, Eden spoke.
"Just because we weren't meant to be doesn't mean you weren't one of the best things to ever happened to me. Because, you were."
"Yeah," Raven murmured, eyes glistening. "You, too."
They held each other's hands for a moment, feeling as if the friendship they cherished was renewed. There were no secrets left between them. There were no grudges left to hold. Only a deep understanding and the tight bond they shared.
A look of sadness passed over Eden's face as she remembered her main reason for being there. Raven looked at her searchingly, seeing her pain.
"Jane and I are going to Italy today. She's been away for too long," Eden trailed off, watching a grim expression pass over her friend's face.
Raven looked away as a wave of dread hit her. They had just reconciled their friendship, and immediately after, Eden was about to leave forever. All of the progress they just made seemed insignificant now.
"This is the last time we'll see each other for years. When I see you again you probably won't even remember me," she sighed, shaking her head.
Eden scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Raven, I don't think I could forget you if I tried. Don't worry, we will see each other again. And when we do, we'll have an eternity to get on our mates' nerves together."
They laughed as if they were on their favorite cliff again, looking out over the mountains as the sun set. The two girls embraced each other with several year's worth of memories replaying in their minds.
Days in the sun, nights in the rain.
Winter mornings spent roaming the halls of high school, laughing together. Summer evenings spent staying up late to watch scary movies until they fell asleep cuddling. Kisses stolen in the darkness.
Even the pain they experienced together was a memory they could look upon without regret.
However, more than anything, they looked forward to the infinite possibilities of the future.
Volterra, Italy
November, 1992
Every vampire in the throne room stared at Eden as she stood beside Jane, shaking.
Her heart thumped wildly in her chest under the gaze of the three kings. She gripped the blonde's hand tightly and tried to keep her head held high, even though she couldn't bare to look in any of their eyes. Her vampire squeezed her hand as she spoke to her master.
When his ancient gaze turned to Eden, her green eyes fell to her feet.
"Eden, a place of abundant or natural beauty," Aro said reverently, placing an ice cold hand on her face to life her eyes to his. Jane went rigid.
"Your name does you justice, young one."
"T-Thank you, Aro."
"Jane is very pleased with you, as she should be."
Eden swallowed a lump in her throat as his hand remained on her face. She knew he was reading every thought she ever had, and it was extremely violating. Her stomach turned as she thought about what he was seeing.
When Aro finally dropped his hand, he looked at her with an extremely creepy smile. She thought it could be compared to a killer clown or Jack Nicholson in The Shining. However, his gleeful laugh was actually kind of funny. Her lips twitched upward slightly.
"How interesting! I am so very pleased to see young Raven is still happy and healthy. I do hope she comes to see us soon. Know that she is always welcome to visit," Aro said in a surprisingly honest tone.
She looked extremely confused by this, but did not ask. Jane nearly rolled her eyes.
Ever since Aro met Raven, he'd been intrigued by the girl. For obvious reasons, like her extremely rare gift. However, her past made him feel sympathetic, and almost protective toward her. The way he talked about her was almost fatherly, although he only met her the one time. No one knew exactly what he saw, but they guessed it was horrific.
"As you know, you must be turned, Eden. Your mate has informed you of what the process entails and the pain that accompanies it. I must know, are you prepared for eternity," Aro asked, giving Jane a look. She nodded grimly, moving behind the human.
Eden was quiet for a moment, feeling a sense of foreboding. Now that the time had come, she was extremely afraid. Jane told her it felt like lava being poured into her veins, and she had played it cool as if she weren't worried. When, in reality, she was filled with dread.
However, as Jane placed her hands on her waist, gently caressing her, she knew her answer.
"I'm ready."
There was no pain when Jane's teeth sliced into her neck. She couldn't feel anything but her mate for the first few moments. She could feel her body pressed against her back, and her arms wrapped around her waist. Her scent permeated the air around her. Her lips pressed hard against her bleeding neck.
However, that peaceful moment only lasted momentarily.
A gutwrenching scream reverberated off the marble walls as the most excruciating pain coursed through Eden's body. She fell back into Jane's arms convulsing as she lost control of her motor skills. Her body was desperately trying to fight off the venom.
Jane growled and held her mate with fragrant blood dripping down her chin. Her black eyes flitted around the room, assessing any threats to her bleeding human. Finding none, they landed on her brother, who's coal orbs watched her with a soft expression on his face.
As a particularly piercing scream cut through the air, Jane purred loudly to calm Eden. Sweat was dripping from her entire body already. She thrashed violently, hands clawing at her skin as if she come somehow remove the venom herself.
The blonde vampire felt utterly hopeless.
"Well done, Jane. Do not fret. Eden will be absolutely perfect," Aro comforted her as she looked at her mate with unshed tears in her eyes.
"Was that enough venom," she asked worriedly. She had never turned anyone before and she did not want to make her mate suffer more than she already was by lengthening the process.
"It was more than enough, my childe. Her change will be seamless. I am proud of you."
As Jane stood up with Eden in her arms, the girl screamed in agony from the movement. The vampire nearly whimpered, knowing that she caused her mate pain. She looked to Aro with a pleading expression.
He gave her a sympathetic smile. "You may take Eden to your chambers. Be sure to give her water every four hours, whether she wants it or not. And do not forget to bath her. I will ensure no one bothers you and your anima genella."
Jane bowed her head in respect, before blurring from the room. Eden's screams echoed in her ears the entire way.
"Kill me, please! Kill me!"
Eden's words terrorized her mind as she watched her lie silent on the extravagant bed.
After a full day of screaming, she was almost like a dead body.
Her eyes were closed and her chest barely rose as she took the faintest of breaths. Her frantic heart and her hands that gripped the sheets tightly, were the only indicators that she was still alive. The sight was absolutely heartbreaking.
"I'm sorry, Eden. After this is over, everything will be perfect. You'll be immortal and we can be together for eternity," Jane whispered with venom tears in her eyes.
She gently caressed auburn hair and freckled cheeks as she struggled against her guilt.
Inflicting pain on her mate was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. The worst part was how pleasurable it felt to mark her in front of her coven. The conflicting emotions were troubling.
"I'm sorry for being cold at times. I'm sorry that I can be selfish. I promise I will be better. I've never loved anyone before, but I will love and cherish you for the rest of our lives."
Eden wanted to comfort her and let her know that she didn't feel hurt by her past actions, but her teeth were shut so tightly she couldn't speak. The pain had swallowed her whole and she was drowning in it. Each breath was more painful than the last.
Time was now meaningless to her.
Each second was a minute and each minute was an hour. It was irrelevant when every passing moment was burning agony.
She started to believe this was all there would ever be. This pain could not possibly dissappear. It was too immense. She would die, consumed by this torture and she would never see Jane again.
By the time her mind began to descend into madness, her heart was beginning to speed up.
Jane stood in the corner, watching the last drops of her venom attack the human's heart. She prepared herself for what was about to happen. There were only a few moments left until her mate woke up to her brand new life.
The loud thundering of a heartbeat could be heard throughout the castle. Every vampire listened as it sped up impossibly faster for a moment, before ceasing altogether. A collective sense of relief was felt by all.
Jane smiled as Eden lie on the bed, eyes closed, arms limp by her sides. She looked like a beautiful corpse waiting to be placed into a casket and lowered into the ground. She looked completely at peace.
Abruptly, Eden took a deep breath.
Eyes the color of freshly spilled blood stared down into Jane's own as Eden pinned her to the stone wall. The newborn's chest rumbled with a deep growl as she towered over the ancient. She tilted her head like a wild animal as the smaller vampire held her gaze defiantly.
Auburn hair spilled onto her shoulders in a mass of perfectly coiled curls.
Her flawless, freckled face made her look like a norse goddess with her sharp jawline and high cheekbones. She resembled a tantalizing valkyrie as she stood half a foot above Jane, staring down at her possessively. The blonde couldn't help thinking she was the most beautiful woman she ever laid eyes upon. She ached to touch her.
"Mine," the newborn growled, not liking her lack of submission.
"What is your name," Jane asked slowly, making sure not to move. She looked completely lost within her beast.
"Try to think back before the pain."
The newborn's confusion deepened as her mind reeled. Blurry memories came forward, many of them she couldn't decipher. Names came to mind and she tried to place faces to them. She was able to place two faces to names more easily than the others. They felt very familiar.
"Eden," she said apprehensively. When her captive smiled and nodded she rumbled with happiness.
"Who am I," Jane asked, wrenching a hand free to caress the girl's pale face. She was no longer hot to the touch. She felt just right.
Eden leaned into the touch, feeling some of her wits returning. Her mind began to put everything together, and she felt less confused. However, it was still very difficult to think with all of these distracting, new sensations. She could hear and smell everything going on around them.
More than anything, her throat burned furiously, and there was a heat between her thighs starting to build, too. It was becoming unbearable.
The shorter woman was beautiful and small. Her blonde hair was different, pin straight and flowing down her back like liquid gold. The look in her eyes was soft, and she inhaled her scent just as much as Eden inhaled her's.
She smelled so very good.
This goddess was her mate.
She could taste the pheromones wafting from her. Venom pooled in her mouth as Jane's nails dug into her back, pulling her closer. She purred and the older vampire mimicked the soothing sound. Her brain was becoming cloudy again.
The thought of someone taking her away made her growl. Eden needed to mark her and show everyone that this beautiful woman was her's. Judging from the scent of arousal coming from her, she wanted that just as much. The thought made the beast within rejoice.
Jane could see the lust on her face and she closed her eyes as Eden began to kiss her neck. The softest lips brushed against the shell of her ear, sending a deep shiver down her spine. She could feel her eyes turning pitch black as her mate's growling voice resonated in her ear.
She knew they wouldn't be leaving this room for a very long time.
"My Jane."
