A/N:

Sorry for the hiatus. I have a life and I'm going through a breakup.

I don't have a beta, so ignore mistakes.

Thanks for reading.


British Columbia University, Canada

November, 1993


The teen walked briskly through the campus, making her way to where she met her girlfriend for lunch each day. She fought the urge to sing aloud as her headphones blaredThe Cranberries.

She smiled when Victoria came into view. The redhead's lips curled and she fluttered her fingers. She was almost there when she noticed a new poster pinned to the wall in the common area. It was a habit of her's to check it every day.

It was a missing poster.

"Wow. Another one?" Raven muttered under her breath. "Amber Hill. Missing since last week."

Beside it were five other missing posters. All of them depicted beautiful young, college women around her age. They were all last seen on campus.

Her brow furrowed, wondering if there was a serial killer on the loose. She pondered whether Victoria would be able to find the women. She turned to look at the vampire, and was met with gray eyes instead.

Raven jumped, her shield threatening to knock the girl away from her.

"Oh, you're a jumpy one. Sorry bout that," the girl said, looking very not sorry.

"I'm Billie, Wyatt's hotter twin sister."

She took a calming breath and accepted the small hand offered to her as a greeting. She shook it, and flinched a bit as a weird shock surprised her. She furrowed her brow, wondering why that was happening more often.

The girl, Billie, looked exactly like Wyatt with her steel gray eyes and sharp jawline. She was far more eccentric, however.

Her clothes were edgie and extremely high fashion, where Wyatt wore baggy clothes with muted colors. Raven wanted to raid this girl's closet.

Her hair was dyed purple, and she had a small, inverted cross tattooed on her neck. She was much shorter than Wyatt as well. Raven guessed she was no more than 5'2. She had to crane her neck to look down at her, as she was seven inches taller.

Billie Cohen was nothing compared to her modelesque mate, but Raven did find her very attractive. She reminded her of Rosalie, if the vampire were human and goth. She found the comparison perfect.

"Pleasure to finally meet you," Raven said, looking her up and down. She caught herself and looked away, ignoring the smirk she received.

"He mentioned you in passing, but I didn't know you were his twin."

"Of course. He's afraid I'll swoop in and snatch you away," Billie said, leering. She leaned in and continued in a whisper. "He knows I have a thing for beautiful women."

Victoria frowned, watching from afar as the female student flirted with Raven.

Her mate's bushy eyebrows rose as she spoke. Those pink lips pulled into an unconscious smirk revealing perfect, porcelain teeth. Her slighty pointed canines peeked out adorably.

The redhead rolled her eyes fondly.

She could always tell when Raven was attracted to someone. Although the girl would rather die than admit it, it was as plain as day to her.

Victoria never adhered to the notion of strict monogamy in her many years as an immortal. Therefore, her lack of jealousy was unsurprising. Especially now that she was finally able to make love to her mate, effectively soothing her beast's need to mark her.

Raven's attraction to people was natural, and she didn't want her to surpress it.

The real issue was how often students were approaching the teen.

It ranged anywhere from them asking her on dates to blatantly propositioning her for sex.

At first, she brushed it off as her mate being attractive. However, once women began approaching her, she knew something was fishy.

Same sex relations were not accepted among humans. For women to approach her in broad day, around other people, was very strange.

Not to mention, the changes she was starting to see in Raven. They were subtle. Anyone else would say she was overreacting, but she knew her mate like the back of her hand.

She was beginning to dress differently, wearing more revealing clothing.

To top it off, she had developed what appeared to be an endless amount of energy. She was never tired anymore. No matter how many rounds they went, she could keep going.

Victoria was not complaining about her sex drive, but it did make her become more and more concerned each day.

There was an energy about her that was not there before they began attending college together. It was magnetic and alluring. Victoria could feel feel it growing stronger as time passed. Other people obviously felt it as well, which negated her previous theory of it being their own mating bond.

Rosalie and Emmett had even commented on it.

There was only one way all of them could describe it.

There was just something...off about her.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping my brother, on my family's behalf. From what he told me, he was more concerned with staring at you than taking notes," Billie quipped, grinning. The brunette chuckled.

"I can't blame the kid. If you were in my class, I'd be flunking too."

"You're bold, aren't you," Raven said, raising a brow in surprise.

The girl shrugged, expression neutral.

"Only when I see something I want."

"Does that usually work?"

Billie blinked slowly, appalled by the question.

"I always get what I want."

"Not me, I'm afraid. I'm happily taken," Raven said casually, looking at her nails.

"What guy...or gal would turn down a threesome with two hotties," Billie queried, smugly.

Raven blushed. She suddenly felt heat crawling up her thighs as she visualized that scenario. Her, Billie, and Victoria? Hazel eyes looked the girl over slowly.

Could she keep up? she mused.

Raven quickly shook the image away, wondering what the hell was wrong with her brain. It felt cloudy all of a sudden. The feeling was eerily similar to Heidi's gift. She blinked through it with effort.

"Sorry, my...boyfriend and I aren't into threesomes," she replied indignantly.

"I highly doubt that, but whatever," Billie said, smiling to herself. "I call first dibs when you and the sexy ginger break up. Wyatt can piss off."

That comment made Raven laugh hard.

"That's hilarious."

This girl was very perceptive, or had a stalker type crush on her, but she didn't know what and who she was talking about. She smirked down at the shorter girl knowingly, her gaze intense.

Her and Victoria? Broken up?

Unfathomable.

"You'd have a better chance with the threesome."

They locked eyes and Raven noticed the girl's demeanor change. Her eyes became distant, as if she were daydreaming. It reminded her of when Victoria would use her vampiric beauty to manipulate people.

She coughed and looked away, unsure of what was happening. "Um, I have to go meet up with my ma- roomie, but I'll see you around," Raven said awkwardly.

Billie came back to life then, eyes blinking rapidly.

"You definitely will," she muttered to herself, gray eyes wide with surprise.

The shorter woman bit her lip to hide a smile, and leered at her shamelessly. "We have alot in common, Raven. I think we'll be the best of friends. Your girlfriend, too."

Her tone was so certain, it made Raven feel uneasy. Her vibe was strange.

"Um...okay."

Raven shifted uncomfortably before walking away from her, flustered and confused.

When Raven reached Victoria, she noticed a contemplative look on her face. She was regarding her with curious eyes. The teen was embarrassed when she remembered that the vampire could hear their conversation.

"Not into threesomes, huh? You're a terrible liar," Victoria purred, looking her over predatorily.

"That's one more thing we have in common."

Her lips twitched into a smirk when Raven gaped at her, blushing heavily. It was quite adorable watching her stutter.

She decided she would torture her about that some other time. There was a more pressing matter at hand.

"I wonder why that keeps happening," Victoria muttered, trying to wrap her head around it.

"I don't know, but I want it to stop," Raven grumbled under her breath.

"I thought I'd be able to make a few human friends at least, but that's all I ever get. I know Wyatt weirds you out, but at least he's decent enough not to try anything."

"Ehh. He's not the worst. Just freakishly tall and awkward," she conceded, distractedly.

Raven grinned. "I knew you'd warm up to him."

Victoria looked around, catching several humans eyeing her mate. They barely even glanced at the vampire. She then looked to Raven, who seemed totally oblivious to it. She hummed quietly, realizing just how strange this all was.

When she thought about the past month, she couldn't help but think this was becoming more than a little supernatural.

"Something is strange about all of this. I believe all of these odd occurrences are building up. We need to talk to Tanya and the others. It could be something serious," she suggested for the third time in the last month.

Raven groaned and reached out to grab her hand, feeling that strange shock again. "I told you already. I don't want to miss my classes. Let's wait until winter break."

Victoria wanted to stand her ground, but she just didn't seem to have the energy. What was so wrong with waiting until winter break? Under the spell of that cute pout, she couldn't see a problem with it.

"Oh... Of course. Winter break."

Raven frowned, expecting her to argue the point.

She found it strange that the usually dominant vampire was so compliant lately, but she simply shrugged it off.


Three pairs of amber eyes watched in amusement as Raven tried and failed to worm her way out of having dinner with Wyatt's family.

It was hilarious.

They could all see that the tall, lanky young man meant well, but Raven was reluctant to leave her mate's side for more than a few hours. Especially to visit the home of a boy that obviously had a massive crush on her.

His...twin sister, too.

"My parents want to thank you for helping me improve my grades. My older brother and Billie are going to be there, too. I just know you guys will hit it off," Wyatt said, smiling. When she still looked hesitant, he continued. "I know you've wondered about our native food. This is your chance."

Raven cursed herself for telling him about that. She sighed a few times, feeling her resolve wearing down. She really wanted to know what seal tasted like.

"Your sister kind of weirded me out. In a good way...but mostly in a bad way," she muttered, leaving out the fact that she found the girl exceptionally attractive.

"Billie can be intense, but she means well. If it makes you feel any better, you could bring your roommate. We have enough food to go around," he suggested, gray eyes wandering shyly over to the redhead.

Raven beamed. "In that case..."

Her eyes flicked over to a smirking Victoria, who nodded at her. She raised a brow, surprised that her usually wary mate would agree to this.

"Alright, but I'm driving. I don't trust your little Nissan," Raven conceded, picking at him playfully.

Wyatt held his heart, feigning injury. "My Nissan is ten times more reliable."

"But can it pull five tons worth of shit? No? I didn't think so."

"Why do you have five tons worth of shit? Is that the weight of your ego?"

"No, it's the weight of my kind and gentle heart."

Wyatt scoffed. "I call bullshit. The other day, you told me you could knock me out with one punch."

"Oh, damn. It's my ego then because I totally can," Raven laughed aloud.

Victoria couldn't help the smile that twitched at her lips as they bickered back and forth. She'd been wary of the human at first, knowing he wanted her mate and would be alone with her often. However, once she noticed how happy it made Raven to have a new friend, and how well they hit it off, she warmed up to him. There were never any bad vibes from him and he never made unwanted advances toward Raven.

His restraint was admirable, she thought as her mate sauntered toward her in her new, favorite ensemble. A crop top and tight, high waisted jeans. From the long, black curls, to the stomach, and the legs, Victoria felt sorry for the poor boy. The sight was torturous.

When the pair finally reached them, Raven linked her arm with Victoria's. She smirked and leaned into her, having caught her ogling.

"Friend, meet my other friends."

While she formally introduced Wyatt to her family, he shifted uncomfortably. The three vampires stared him down with odd colored, amber eyes that made his heart race. He felt like he wasn't supposed to be there, but Raven's welcoming aura made it easier.

"What do you think about having dinner with Wyatt's family? He says his mom makes the best indigenous food this side of the Cascades," Raven playfully asked her mate as if the vampire hadn't heard the whole conversation.

Victoria gave Wyatt a dazzling smile, and he swooned. "That sounds delicious. I would be honored, Wyatt."

Rosalie and Emmett couldn't believe the redhead was willing to do this. Being in a house full of humans wasn't going to be fun.

"The dinner is this Wednesday at four? I'm telling you now, you better be ready at three or Vic and I are going alone," Raven said, descending into a chuckle.

Wyatt laughed, relaxing considerably. "I'm sure my family wouldn't mind one bit. See you tomorrow, Ray. Nice to meet you all."

They said their goodbyes and watched him take backward glances as he left. Once he was out of earshot, all eyes turned on Victoria.

"You really don't mind that I pretty much drug you into this," Raven asked incredulously. The redhead shook her head.

"I can't just let you go alone. He's a nice kid, but he does have a crush on you. And so does his sister. I also wouldn't mind meeting his family and seeing what kind of people he comes from. If you're going to be friends with him, I want to know he's trustworthy," Victoria explained matter of factly.

"What about the scent? You're walking into a house filled with humans. Are you prepared for that," Emmett asked carefully.

Rosalie nodded along with him. She hadn't been a vegetarian very long. Although, she never told Raven, she often had to feed excessively to cope with attending college with her.

Victoria pursed her lips. "I don't think it will be a problem. I'm stuck in classrooms of them all day. I'll drink my fill before we go."

Rosalie nodded, satisfied with her answer. She had centuries on them both. If she trusted herself, that's all that mattered.

When the pair eventually wished her luck and bid them a goodnight, Raven turned to her and beamed widely, obviously excited for their plans.

"I can't wait. This is going to be so fun."

"You're just curious about how I'll eat the food," Victoria said, rolling her eyes. "And...you're excited to see Billie."

Raven flushed, shocked and ashamed that she could sense her little crush.

"I'm sorry, it's just-"

"Relax, love. I understand. The girl is beautiful."

A long pause of confusion followed.

"You...don't care? You think she's cute, too," Raven mumbled, dumbfounded. Heat pooled in her stomach as she thought of what that meant.

"That's cool...and hot."

The vampire smirked, sauntering away from her slack jawed lover. Raven was shocked to see this side of her, but quickly remembered she shouldn't be. Her mate was one of the least civilized vampires she knew, besides the Volturi members.

Of course, she didn't mind.

"Wait...That's really hot," she called, wandering after her.


Volturi Castle, Italy


The silence in the throne room could be cut with a knife. Not even one unneeded breath could be heard as Aro read Felix and Demetri's thoughts.

Today was the day her training progress would be assessed.

Eden held her chin high in the presence of her masters, unlike the day she arrived. Her human self wouldn't be able to recognize her now. She was considerably stronger and more confident.

She stood alone before the kings, her mate standing beside her brother in the farthest corner. Jane only left her side at her own request.

She wanted her coven to know that she didn't need her hand held by her high ranking partner. She was strong on her own. She could reach the highest ranks by her own merits.

"Young Eden, your training has progressed much faster than I would have expected. Your natural aptitude for combat is remarkable. Seldom have I seen the like," Aro gushed, clapping his hands together in excitement.

Eden bowed deeply, as she was taught.

"Thank you, Master Aro."

Caius rolled his eyes. "If the childe is so deadly, send her to deal with our latest nuisance."

"Alone, brother," he asked, incredulously.

"Yes, why not?"

Jane shifted uncomfortably beside Alec, who placed a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Brother, you underestimate other supernatural beings! You know as well as I that Succubi are no laughing matter. Take the Denali sisters, for example. Even the mortal variety of Succubi can be dangerous to us," Aro said in a scolding tone.

He turned back to his youngest guard member, giving her an apologetic smile.

"We are still gathering information on the situation, but I will be sending you and your ever reliable mate to assess a suspicious family in the Pacific Northwest. When we receive all of the information we need, you both will be dispatched to handle the situation on behalf of the Volturi."

Eden bowed once more, a smile twitching at her lips. She was beginning to get bored, but it looked like the fun was about to begin.

Vaguely an image of her best friend popped into her mind. She wondered if Jane would let her see Raven. They would be in the area.

"I am at your service, Master Aro."

He smiled widely, impressed by how well trained she was. "You will be formidable, young one," he said, moving an auburn curl away from her face. His smile faded as he heard dinner approaching.

"But, first...let us test your control. Heidi, dear?"

When the door opened, over a dozen humans filed in. Eden's training threatened to fly out the window as the fragrance choked her.

The beast within roared to life.

Her mouth pooled with venom and she swallowed it back over and over again.

The scorching heat in her throat reminded her of a torch being shoved into her mouth. She willed her muscles to remain locked in place while Aro grinned at her, waiting to see if she would break.

"You are only six months old," Caius asked, his brows furrowed.

Eden gulped. "Yes, Master."

The blonde smirked and motioned for the other vampires to feed. "Not you, youngling. Let us see how controlled you really are. Hmm?"

Jane watched her young mate as she sank her own teeth into a handsome man. Eden's eyes were fathomless pits of onyx. Her jaw was set, her hands balled into fists stuffed in the pockets of her robe. Otherwise, she looked calm.

If Jane didn't know any better, she would say Eden was just fine. However, she knew she was in living hell by the way her nostrils twitched. It was a quirk she couldn't quite control.

After a long while, Caius wiped his mouth and grabbed the last two humans by their hair, dragging them over to her.

The newborn vampire did not move a muscle as he stood the women in front of her. Their tears smelled like the ocean as they begged and pleaded to live. It felt like going through the change again, standing there while their blood called to her, burning her from the inside.

"For once, I agree with Aro. Your restraint is impeccable," Caius said in a rare moment of openness. The pride she felt was enough to make some of her bloodlust wane.

"Drink your fill, my childe. Show us you can feed with class."

"Yes, Master Caius," Eden spoke, forcing her voice to remain neutral. This was her last test.

Jane watched in awe as her mate grabbed the first woman carefully, and drank from her neatly, as she'd taught her, before moving on to the next. It was astounding how, even in agonizing blood lust, she was able to remain calm and collected.

Aro clapped excitedly as Eden licked the remaining blood from her lips and smiled at him. Not one drop was spilled.

"Well done. I think I speak for us all when I say we welcome you into our ranks, young Eden," he praised, sharing a look with his brothers.

Caius placed his hand on her shoulder and she bowed to him. "Well done, my childe. You may enjoy your weekend with your mate. Be prepared for us to dispatch you soon."

Jane couldn't stop a smile from spreading over her face. Caius had only ever referred to her and her brother that way. Now, Eden was being acknowledged with the same fondness. He saw a likely protégé in her, which was a very rare thing.

Once she went on her first mission and proved herself reliable, things would only get better.

Eden couldn't wait to show her superiors, and her mate, that she was worthy of being a high ranking guard member.

If she needed to kill a couple of Succubi, so be it.