Four days ago, Bella and her twin were graduating. Excited to start a new chapter of their lives.

'Four days later and I'm now planning her funeral,' Bella thought as she wiped another round of tears away. Bella was currently sitting on a cream coloured two-seater lounge in the Cullen's living room. She had forgotten how clinical the space was. White tile floors, cream coloured lounges, a white oak coffee table and a silver rug. It felt very much like she was sitting in a doctor's reception rather than a family living room.

'It is near Carlisle's office so perhaps it does sometimes double as a reception area,' Bella's mind wondered off as the vampires around her discussed the best way to approach the situation. The vampires were mindful to keep their voices low enough that Bella couldn't hear what they were saying and she was extremely grateful for this.

It was the same when Lottie first went missing. The wolves and the vampires agreed it best to keep the situation under wraps. Human law enforcement would be completely useless in this situation, that was agreed by all supernatural creatures. To prevent Charlie from worrying, the Cullen's, with the permission of the pack, moved the damaged truck back to their place while they worked on a plan to rescue Lottie.

After much discussion amongst the Cullen's, the cover story was that Bella and Lottie would be joining the Cullen family for a spontaneous camping trip for a week as a graduation present. Bella didn't know where she managed to find the strength, but she somehow managed to keep herself together on the phone when telling her dad.

When Bella called Charlie later that night to tell him about the week-long camping trip, he was extremely hesitant to agree. Bella felt horrible doing it but she tugged on her dad's heartstrings by saying Lottie was absolutely devastated from her run in with the boys and wanted to get away for a bit to regroup. Her dad then demanded to talk to Lottie wanting to know what happened on the reserve, but Bella was able to convenience him that Lottie was too upset to talk about it. It was only then that Charlie agreed to let the girls go camping for the week on the condition they would check in every day. Bella readily agreed. Lottie should have been sitting next to her right now, helping her plan her wedding to Edward.

"Bella," her name was called, shaking her from her thoughts. Edward stood in front of her, his family stood close behind.

Bella cleared her throat, "What's the plan?".


Four days prior - Lottie and Bella's Graduation Day

"Holy crap," I whispered as Bella and I pulled up at Forks High School in our red truck for the last time, "I think I'm going to be sick". I parked the car and took another deep breath.

'Oh yeah,' I thought, 'Definitely being to be sick before the day is out. I'm only graduating for heavens sake! Why am I so nervous?'.

Bella placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and gave it a supportive squeeze, "Just think, I'm the one more likely to embarrass myself by falling over on stage".

I groaned and rested my head on the steering wheel, "That's if I don't throw up on the Principal".

Bella chuckled slightly, "They'll be grateful to see the end of the Swan sisters". I chuckled in agreement with that…particularly if I did end up throwing up from nerves and Bella broke a leg on stage. Yep, the teachers would be grateful to see the back of us.

'Gosh, the boys would cause a bigger scene with how much they would laugh,' I thought before frowning. It had been weeks and I still had no luck getting them to talk to me. Bella must have noticed my change in mood.

"How are you going anyway?" Bella asked in concern.

I sighed and didn't say anything for a few minutes, "I just don't understand what happened between me and the boys". Bella didn't respond. While Bella and I had always had a strong sister relationship, it had become strained over the last few weeks. Particularly when I found out that she was still in contact with the boys where I wasn't. Recently she had been spending a lot of time down In La Push and while I tried not to be mad or jealous, I couldn't help myself. I would have never thought all those months ago that introducing Bella to my friends in her time of need would result in me losing my friends.

We had gotten into a heated argument a few nights ago about the situation and I did my best to let it go. As Bella said, it wasn't her fault that the boys (well I think she was only really in contact with Jacob) were talking to her and not me. She was right. The boys had made the decision and it wasn't fair that I took it out on her.

That was until this morning. I was waiting for Bella to get organised for graduation so we could leave when I heard her phone buzz. I thought it was from mum as she was known for only messaging one twin. 'You two are twins! Twin telepathy is real,' she joked one day. Little did we know she could permanently live by it. It wasn't unusual for Bella and I to each receive random text messages from mum that made no sense at all. The texts would only ever make sense when Bella and I saw each other and compared messages. A twin would get, 'Required from the shops' while the other twin would get the shopping list. It would leave one twin confused about where they had to go and the other confused about if they had just received half a recipe (something mum was also known to do). That's a quirky mother for you.

I was shocked when I saw that Jacob had texted her this morning to congratulate her on graduating. I pushed the anger and hurt down. Bella was right. It wasn't her fault that the boys were ignoring me. However, when I saw Bella message Jacob when she thought I wasn't looking. I had never felt so betrayed and hurt by my sister before. I was going to pull her up on it tonight after the graduation afterparty. I was determined not to let this ruin my day.

'Time and place, time and place,' I chanted to myself, 'Now is not the time nor the place to confront her. Let's see if the guilt train produces anything today'.

"Can't you…can't you even just give me a hint? I just, I miss them so much," I pleaded with my twin. "We joked for so long about my graduation and that they would yell the loudest out of everyone but…there not here".

Bella shifted uncomfortably, "I'm so sorry Lottie. Honestly, I truly am but, it's, it's not my secret to tell".

I smiled sadly, "I understand. It just hurts. I'm going to see them again today. Ask one last time. I'll head over after graduation and then swing by the afterparty. Are you happy to be a bit late?".

"It's okay. I'm already catching a lift with Edward," Bella smiled, "That way you can take your time".

Bella and I unbuckled our seat belts before getting out of the car, "Are all the Cullens' coming?".

"It's only Esme and Carlisle," Bella said as we lent against the truck waiting for dad to arrive. Dad had managed to get the night shift today and told us we had to go in a separate car as he needed to pick something up.

"Really?" I asked in surprised, "Emmett and Rosalie aren't coming to see their siblings graduate?".

Bella chuckled awkwardly, "They said they had better things to do with their time".

I frowned, "That's harsh. It's not every day your siblings graduate".

"They've been to enough graduations over their life," a voice suddenly chipped. I'm ashamed to admit it but I let out a girly scream and whipped around to see Alice Cullen standing there with an innocent smile on her face. Edward and Jasper standing closely behind.

"Hey," Bella greeted as she walked over to Edward and gave him a quick peak. I smiled politely at the group of Cullen's. I've never been close with them. As strange as it sounds, there was something off about them. Couldn't tell you what but my skin crawled whenever I saw them. Those yellow unnatural looking eyes definitely gave me the creeps. My sister I don't think ever recovered from the shock when I told her that I thought the Cullen's were creepy.

"Excited to graduate?" Alice asked us. Before I could answer, I saw the distinctive Forks police car pull up into a nearby car park. Dad had the best timing ever!

"Oh look! Dad's here! We'll see you later," I grinned and dragged Bella with me to greet dad. We arrived just as dad pulled out two bouquets of yellow sunflowers from the backseat.

"Sorry, have either of you seen a pair of twins?" he joked as he handed a bouquet each to us, "Happy graduation".

"Well, it does match our outfit," Bella commented. I could see what mean. The sunflowers almost became lost in the sea of yellow that was our graduation gown.

"We love them though dad," I admired the beautiful flowers in front of me.

Dad looked at the time and frowned, "We best be off if we want to make it in time".

"Bella, I'll pop the flowers in the car?" I offered. She nodded in agreement and passed her bunch over to me. I quickly dashed to the car and carefully laid the flowers on the backseat. I joined the family again before we made our way into the gym where the graduation ceremony was taking place. We took our assigned seats and thus began the ceremony. After speeches from the Principal and various other members of the teaching facility, Jessica's graduation speech was up.

"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronaut, president or in my case, a princess. When we were ten, they asked again. We answered, rock star, cowboy or in my case, a gold medalist. Now that we've grown up, they a want a serious answer. Well, how about this? Who the hell knows? This isn't the time to make hard-and-fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love…a lot. Major in philosophy because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind and change it again because nothing's permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask what we want to be we won't have to guess. We'll know," Jessica finished her graduation speech and I clapped alongside my peers. The teachers signaled us to start forming the line beside the stage as we had practiced many, many times over the last few weeks.

"Great speech," I congratulated Jessica as she stood in front of me, "I absolutely loved it!".

Jessica gave a tight-lipped smile, "Thanks". Well that wasn't awkward at all. We all stood in silence as one by one, our names were called.

"Alice Cullen".

"Edward Cullen".

"Jasper Cullen".

On and on the names went.

"Jessica Stanley," the announcer called. I watched Jessica confidently stroll across the stage and receive her high school diploma. I felt my twin give me a quick shoulder squeeze in support from behind.

I took one last breath as the announcer called, "Charlotte Swan". I climbed the steps and walked across the stage. I smiled as I shook the Principal's hand with my right hand and took the diploma with my left. I stood momentary and smiled at the photographer took our photo. My heart swelled with pride as I saw dad standing up in the crowd vigorously clapping for me. I made my way off the stage and released the breath that I didn't even know I was holding. I stood at the bottom waiting for my twin.

"Isabella Swan," the announcer called. I cheered and vigorously clapped as my twin walked across the stage to collect her diploma.

'Please don't let her fall', I thought as I noticed she quickly made her way off the stage. Almost as if she knew that the longer she stayed on stage, the more likely she was going to trip. I smiled gleefully at her as she walked down the stairs.

"We did it!" I squealed excitedly and hugged her.

"Charlotte and Isabella!" a nearby teacher hissed, "Get back to your seats!". Bella and I sheepishly nodded and quickly returned to our seats for the rest of the ceremony. The reminder of the ceremony flew by and the next thing I knew, I was running towards dad and gave him a massive hug.

"I'm so proud of you both," he said with tear filled eyes. I pulled away and dad pulled Bella into a hug.

He released Bella and cleared his throat as he was becoming overcome with emotion, "Honestly, I'm just so proud. You're both growing into beautiful young ladies. You're growing up so fast".

I started to feel a little emotional myself, "Thanks dad".

Bella smiled at him and nodded in thanks, "I better go find Edward. He's my lift to the afterparty". She gave dad once last quick hug and disappeared into the crowd of yellow.

Dad sighed heavily, "She spends way too much time with that boy". I couldn't help but agree.

"I thought you were going to the afterparty as well?" dad looked at me in surprise, "Do I need to be worried about a secret boyfriend as well?".

I chuckled at that comment, "Rest assured, no boyfriend here dad. I'm going down to the reserve to chat with the boys. Clear up the air".

Dad looked uncomfortable at that comment, "That problem still not sorted?".

"Hopefully today it will be," I gave him a tight smile. My poor dad had been dealing with the fall out from my strained friendship with the boys. He was very close with Billy and I knew he didn't like not being able to see but bless his heart, dad sided with me and said he wasn't going to see Billy until this issue between Jacob and I was solved. He had also had to dealt with the various arguments between Bella and myself over the big secret she knew about the boys but wouldn't tell me. It was times like this that I really appreciated Charlie being my dad. He was an absolute champ and just took things onboard, no matter how uncomfortable it made him. Playing mediator between two teenager daughters was the very definition of uncomfortable for him.

"Well, good luck. Let me know if I need to get my gun," he joked…I think he was joking.

"Thanks dad," I gave him another hug, "I'm going to quickly swing by home, rid myself of this interesting colour gown and drop the flowers off. I'll head down to La Push and then swing by the afterparty for a bit".

Dad gave me a stern look, "I'm sure I don't need to tell you this but no drinking. If you do have one, which you shouldn't be because you're not twenty-one, call me and I will give you both a lift home. I'm heading to the office to get some paperwork done and will be on patrol later tonight but do not hesitate to call. Don't make your old man pull you over and have to fine you".

"Eye eye captain!" I saluted dad, "Love you!".

"Love you too," dad said as he chuckled at my behaviour. I quickly got to my car and thankfully managed to make it out of the carpark with very little traffic. It felt like half of Forks had come to this graduation. I made the short journey home and pulled the truck up in front of the house. I gathered all my belongings and swiftly went inside when it started to lightly rain. I placed my diploma on the kitchen bench and fished out two vases. Judging from the dust on the vases, they hadn't been used for a long time. I gave them a quick wipe down and filled them up with water. I unwrapped the bouquet of sunflowers and popped each bunch into a vase. I went into my room and quickly changed into a knee length dark green for the afterparty. I grabbed my handbag and headed back out to the car. As I walked passed the mailbox, I noticed the little flag was up.

'Probably bills', I thought as I opened the mailbox and saw a single envelope sitting inside. I pulled the envelope out and my heart skipped a beat when I saw who it was from.

Charlotte Swan
Crowley's American Kitchen Elite School

Also commonly known as CAKES. The Harvard of culinary schools in America. Among their list of graduates were Michelin star chefs and some of the world's most highly sort after restaurant managers. More importantly, they had one of the world's best pastry chef programs. I loved baking and had always wanted to be a pastry chef. Own my own café and serve desserts unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Several months ago, I had applied for pastry course at CAKES. Anyone from the age of 16 could apply and the last two times I did, I was rejected. This time however, I had a feeling it was my time. I kept the envelope clenched tightly in my hand as I got into the car.

'Just open it,' I thought to myself, 'It's just a letter…a letter that determines my future'. I stared at the letter for another ten minutes.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered to myself. I took a deep breath and opened the envelope. My hand landed on the letter inside and I hesitated for another moment.

"If you don't get in, no big deal. You'll apply next year," I encouraged myself as I unfolded the letter and began to read.

Dear Miss Swam,

Upon reviewing your application to Crowley's American Kitchen Elite School with a specialisation in Pastry, we are pleasured to advise that you have been successful.

It felt like my mind had short circuited as I re-read the letter several times.

"I did it," I whispered in shock. "I'm in". I started doing a little happy dance in the car as I screamed in excitement. A sudden knock on the driver's side window quickly stopped that dreadful performance. I turned and blushed in embarrassment when I saw our elderly neighbour, Mr Winchester, standing there. He was a man in his mid-eighties who had stark white hair, green eyes and, must have enjoyed staying fit, he walked every morning. That's the only reason I knew him. Bella and I would normally wave to him each day before school as that's when he would usually finish his daily walk.

He eyes shone with amusement as I bashfully winded the window down, "You okay there love? I had to look around to see whether there was a priest nearby preforming an exorcist with all that movement".

My face somehow managed to turn even redder, "No exorcism here. I just got some very exciting news".

"You enjoy yourself and have a lovely day," he gave the truck a pat and strolled back to his house. I placed the letter and envelope in the glove box compartment as I tried to regain my composure.

"Well that totally wasn't embarrassing at all. Dad's will die of laughter when he hears this story," I muttered to myself as I began the drive to La Push. I pulled my truck up to the Black household and held my breath, still naively hoping the boys would come running out of the garage and yank me out of the car like they always use to. I must have looked crazy sitting there in silence for several minutes as I desperately hoped for what was not going to happen. I sighed and fought back the tears I could feel begin to develop.

"I can do this," I whispered to myself. I got out of the car and walked up to the front door. I raised my hand, hesitating only slightly, before I knocked.

"Coming!" I heard Billy holler from somewhere in the house. I waited several minutes and the door eventually opened.

Billy frowned when he saw me, "Charlotte, what are you doing here?".

I smiled slightly, "I wanted to see if Jake and the boys were in?".

"I'm sorry Charlotte," Billy sighed and pinched his borrow in frustration, "I told you last time it would be best if you stopped coming by".

"I know Billy and I'm sorry," I quickly apologised, "I just wanted to quickly chat with Jacob and clear the air".

"I'm sorry Charlotte, I really am but Jacob's made it clear that he doesn't want this friendship," Billy replied bluntly, "I don't know what else to tell you". While harsh, I couldn't blame Billy. This wasn't the first time I came to his wanting to speak to Jacob. It made sense that he's patience only lasted so long.

My logical reasoning however did not stop the tears from filling my eyes, "You're right Billy. I'm sorry for disturbing you. I…I can take a hint. I promise I won't come past again". I quickly turned around to hide my embarrassment.

'Why did I think this was a good idea?' I thought as I quickly made my way back to the truck. The moonlight hit something shiny from the corner of my eye and I glanced over before stopping dead in my tracks. Hidden around to the side of the house, something I hadn't seen when I first arrived, was Baby. A fully finished and freshly painted Baby if the shiny black paint was anything to go off.

"They…they finished her off without me," I whispered to myself. That was the visual nail in the coffin, our friendship was dead. They knew how much I loved working on that car with them. It was our project. For them to finish it off without me meant that they had moved on. This time, I didn't even bother fighting away the tears. Acceptance and mourning are the first steps on the path of recovery I recalled reading once somewhere. I sobbed as I climbed back into the trunk and sped out of there, definitely going more than the speed limit. There was no way I was going to that afterparty after that. Going home and curling up in bed as I cried my heart out was a much, much better idea.

'I'll send Bella a text that she will need to get a lift home with Edward,' I made a mental note.

"Welcome back everyone to Radio 102FM! The next song on our countdown list is Losing My Religion by R.E.M.," The announcer on the radio chirped as the distinct guitar strum began.


The afterparty was in full swing and Bella began to regret not taking Lottie up on her offer to delay their entry. Crowds and parties were not Bella's scene, even with Edward by her side. She went to get another drink top up when she saw three very familiar werewolves in the crowd.

"What are you doing here?" Bella asked as she made her way over to the three, "Lottie drove to La Push to see you three".

"We know. I let the boys know after I got your text earlier today. Thanks for the heads up by the way. We didn't want to make her cry on her graduation," Jacob looked pained admitting that, "I remembered you invited me so the boys and I thought we would chill here and then leave when Lottie came…so here we are".

Bella stared at him in disbelief, "Was my right hook too subtle for you? That was me uninviting you".

"Look Bella, I'm sorry. About you know, the kiss and your hand," Jacob apologised, "I'd blame it on the inner animal thing, but it was really just me being an ass. I'm really sorry".

"I brought you something," Jacob handed Bella a leather bracelet with a hand-made wooden wolf figure, "A graduation present. I made it myself".

"Wow," Bella awed as she admired the bracelet, "This is amazing!".

Embry grinned, "What's even more amazing is that we asked Sam today if he would give us special permission to tell Lottie about us".

"Well, we asked Emily if she could ask Sam," Quil bashfully admitted, "Sam would never say no to her. We have a pack meeting tomorrow morning and Emily said she would have his arm twisted by then".

Embry wiggled his eyebrows, "If you know what I mean".

"Oh dude! That's gross!" Jacob hit Embry over the head, "That's an image I can ever unthink".

"That's good to hear! I would say she's missing you but she's probably missing Baby most," Bella teased.

"Funny you should mention Baby," Jacob said, "We actually finished her off. Last coat of paint went on a few days ago".

"Thank gosh it hasn't rained," Quil sighed in relief, "We left Baby outside so the paint would dry quicker".

Bella stared at them in confusion, "Why would you finish Baby without her? You know how much she loves it". The three teenagers grinned.

"Now that's a furry topic," Embry joked.

"In all seriousness," Jacob elbowed Embry for his lame pun, "We know how hard this has been on Lottie. After Sam confirms tomorrow morning that we can tell Lottie, we're going to get her to come down to La Push and tell her everything".

Quil couldn't contain his excitement, "And gift her Baby as an apology".

"And hope she finds it in her heart to forgive us and bakes anything, literally anything, in celebration," Embry added.

Quil moaned at the thought, "How I've missed her baking!".

"And since our metabolism wolfed out, we can eat as much as we want," Jacob bumped fists with Embry and Quil. All three already dreaming about all the baked goods they could eat without fear of gaining weight.

"Wait," Bella said in confusion, "Wasn't the plan to sell Baby?".

Jacob nodded, "Originally yes. The guys and I have been talking about it for a while. Lottie is our best friend. Our fourth amigo. We've been through hell over the last few weeks without our friendship so we couldn't even begin to imagine how she's been".

"We've been asking Sam for permission to tell her for ages and finally, it looks like we're going to get it," Quil smiled, "Nothing can make up for the weeks of pain we've caused her but we feel Baby is a good start".

Embry patted Bella on the shoulder, "You're finally going to be able to drive the truck. You know, the red one that you own that Lottie always uses. Do you even remember how to drive?". Bella smiled at the boys in front of her. Bella went to say something when she saw Alice freeze on the staircase, her eyes gazing ahead.

"I'll be right back," she said as she quickly went to Alice, "Alice, what'd you see?".

Alice stared at Bella, almost in a dreamlike state, "The decision's been made".

"What's going on?" Jacob asked as he, Embry and Quil followed after Bella.

Bella frowned, "You're not going to Seattle".

"No," Alice whispered softly, "They're coming here". Jasper, Carlisle and Edward suddenly appeared out of nowhere, startling the teenage boys. Carlisle signalled for everyone to follow him into a private section of the house. Jasper wrapped his arms around Alice as Edward, Bella and Carlisle took a seat while the three wolves stood standing.

"They'll be here in four days," Alice broke the silence that had fallen over the group.

Carlisle frowned in concern, "This could turn into a bloodbath".

"Who's behind it?" Edward questioned.

"I didn't see anyone I recognised," Alice frowned, "Maybe one".

Edward pounded, "I know his face. He's local. Riley Biers. He didn't start this".

"Whoever did is staying out of the action," Alice grimaced.

Carlisle frowned in concern, "They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision".

"Either way, the army is coming," Jasper cut in, "There aren't enough of us to protect the town".

"Hold up," Jacob said in annoyance, "What damn army?".

BUZZ

"Newborns," Carlisle stated, "Our kind".

BUZZ

"What are they after?" Embry asked in confusion.

BUZZ

Alice hesitated for a moment, "They were passing around Bella's scent. A red blouse".

"They're after Bella?" Jacob asked in concern, "What the hell does this mean?".

Carlisle looked at the teenager shapeshifter in front of him, "It means an ugly fight with lives lost".

Jacob didn't say anything as he processed the information. He looked at Embry and Quil and they had a silence conversation before the boys nodded, "All right. We're in".

"No," Bella responded immediately, "You'd get yourselves killed. No way".

"I wasn't asking for permission," Jacob replied bluntly.

"Edward?" Bella looked at her boyfriend for support.

Edward stated at Jacob, carefully studying his thoughts before he looked at Bella, "It means more protection for you".

"Jacob, do you believe Sam would agree to an understanding?" Carlisle asked.

Jacob smirked, "As long as we get to kill some vampires".

BUZZ

"Jasper?" Carlisle looked at his son. The wolves could give them the advantage they needed to win this.

BUZZ

"They'll give us the numbers," Jasper confirmed, "Newborns won't know they even exist. That'll give us an edge".

BUZZ

Carlisle sighed in relief, "We'll need to coordinate".

BUZZ

"Carlisle," Bella protested, "They're gonna get hurt".

BUZZ

"We'll all need some training," Carlisle reassured her, "Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You're welcome to join us".

BUZZ

"All right. Name the time and place," Jacob replied in a cocky voice.

BUZZ

"Jake," Bella begged, "You don't know what you're getting yourself into".

BUZZ

"Bella, this is what we do," Jacob gave her a comforting smile, "You should be happy. Look at us, working together". You are the one who wanted us to get along remember?"

BUZZ

Edward frowned at the three teenagers, "Could you switch your phones off? That constant vibrating buzz is making it very hard to think".

'Heya boys! We got ourselves a vampire in La Push,' Paul spoke over the connection, 'Jared and I are on our way to end its existence'.

Embry, Quil and Jacob tensed.

"There's a vampire on La Push," Edward spoke aloud after reading Jacob's thoughts.

Edward's gaze shifted to his vampire family, "It appears they're already making a move".

'I'm on my way,' Sam responded.

"Is everything okay?" Bella asked in concerned.

The werewolf link was silent.

'Sam!' Jared's panicked voice rang out, 'I can smell human blood!'.

'Fuck!' Sam roared, 'I'm making my way there as fast as I can. Try and save the human as best you can but if there's a bite, you know what needs to be done'.

Edward tensed, "There's human blood". Carlisle, Alice and Jasper looked at Edward in concern.

Paul's voice sounded, 'We're almost there- oh fuck!'.

'What?' Sam demanded.

'Sam cut them off at the border! I can smell Charlotte! They have Charlotte!' Jared yelled, 'Paul and I are on their tail but they're too bloody fast!'. Embry, Quil and Jacob sprinted downstairs, knocking several party goers out of their way. Edward's jaw dropped slightly as he processed the information he just read from Jacob's mind.

"What happened?" Bella demanded as she watched Edward sit there, almost as if he was in shock himself.

Edward slowly turned to his girlfriend, "They…whoever they are…they have Lottie".

"What?" Bella screamed, drawing the attention of several people. Alice, Carlisle and Jasper were already out the door running towards the border to try and intercept the vampire.

Edward kissed Bella's head and wrapped her in his arms, "It'll be alright. Carlisle, Alice and Jasper are heading there now to cut the vampire off. They're fast. They'll get them".

Tears filled Bella's eyes, "God I hope so".


For as long as Marcus could remember, him and his brothers had a white coloured bond that laid dominant underneath the many bonds they had established over the years. He remembered vividly that on the 13th of September 1987, he previous dominant bond became bright red with transparent ends, leading off to wherever it connected too. Having mastered his power many centuries ago, Marcus knew exactly what that meant. Not only were he and his brothers destined to share the same mate but their mate had just been born. As all three bonds changed colour at the exact same time, ruling out the possibility of multiple mates and confirming it was only one person.

'What a responsibility,' he remembered thinking, 'What type of person had been deemed worthy and strong enough that they would be the mate of three very different vampire kings?'.

Since that development, Marcus made ensured that Aro stayed away from his thoughts. Aro hadn't read Marcus' thoughts in many decades but Marcus knew Aro and Caius well enough to know that they would stop at nothing to find their mate now. It was the first time since Didyme's death had he felt any kind of emotion. Anticipation, excitement, joy…emotions he once thought he would no longer ever be able to feel came flooding back. Marcus didn't see the harm in waiting a few extra years for their mate. They had been alive for so long, that a few extra years meant nothing to them.

'As they were most likely human, it gave their mate time to grow and flourish first,' Marcus justified to himself. For eighteen years, he said nothing. He promised himself that if after forty years their mate had yet to appear, he would tell his brothers and start the search. He was determined to let his mate live as long a natural life as possible before committing them to immortally. It was a known fact that soulmates would never find true love unless with their mate. Lust and desire for others sure but never a burning love. Forty years would give his mate the opportunity to have a family, something him and his brothers could not provide them. While it made venom gather in his mouth at the thought of another person lying with his mate in such an intimate way, something only him and his brothers should do, he already loved his mate enough that he wanted to give them that opportunity immortality would rob them of.

"Demetri has arrived Masters," Jane bowed in front of the three ancient vampires.

Aro smiled and clapped his hands together, "How delightful! Please bring him in my dear Jane". Jane nodded in understanding and disappeared out of sight. Moments later, the two large wooden doors to the throne room opened and Demetri walked in, cradling a skeletal looking figure in his arms.

Marcus was staring off into the distance, he had no interest in Aro's latest obsession. That was, until he felt a pull. He drew his gaze to the gaunt creature Demetri laid on the ground in front of the masters and Marcus had to use his lifetime experience as a king to keep his reaction blank. From the gaunt human was a bright red bond that split into three sections. There was a very faint, almost transparent line that connected to the red bonds from the human to him and his brothers. The beginnings of a soul bond. It was common that while a human, a bond would be established but too weak to fully flourish.

'After eighteen years, our mate has arrived,' Marcus thought in both joy and sadness, 'She is so young'. He looked over his mate and fury, something he had not felt in centuries, burned his core. Their mate was particularly a skeleton and he could see the large patches of black bruises littering her body. Her legs had obviously been broken in several places for the legs to be shaped the way they were and he suspected her arms has been broken as well. How anyone had survived that amount of torture was a sign, a disturbing sign but a sign none the less, of the inner strength of his mate.

"Oh dear," Aro hummed as he surveyed the damage, "It appears the human is a bit broken".

Caius scoffed at the pathetic being in front of him, "Are you sure about this Aro? She appears too damaged to be of any use. How do we know mentally whether she is stable for the transformation?".

'Fair question,' Marcus thought. Had she not been their mate, Marcus would have backed Caius. It wouldn't be the first time that a traumatised human was turned and then went completely mad because it was too much for their mind. His mate groaned softly and Marcus watched with delight as she opened her eyes. Even from a distance, he could see her beautiful chocolate coloured eyes.

"Ah, it seems that there is still some life left in our little swan yet," Aro said as he knelt next to their mate. Unknown to Aro of course.

Aro reached out his hand and placed it on her forehead, "How fascinating! I hear absolutely nothing!".

"Will she even survive the transformation," Caius scowled, "No point wasting a meal, no matter how unappealing it may look". Aro didn't reply as he studied the human for a few moments longer.

Marcus watched his brother with interest, not that any vampire could have known from Marcus' blank expression, 'He can feel the bond pulling him towards her but he does not know what it is'.

"Have faith brother! I feel like our little swan isn't done just yet," Aro gathered their fragile mate into his arms and turned her head to the side, exposing her throat. That seemed to jolt sense into their mate as Marcus watched her somehow draw some strength and try in vain to fight Aro off.

"Don't worry my little swan, you'll feel much better soon," Aro cooed, "Your human life was simply just a cocoon, time to pry the butterfly out". Marcus had to keep his jealously under control as he watched Aro bite into her mate's neck to begin the vampire transformation. Their mate began to struggle even harder. Marcus watched in hidden distress as our mate continued to fight against the pain, refusing to give in.

"It would be wiser not to fight the darkness," Marcus advised. Her body gradually stopped struggling against Aro before eventually falling limb, signalling she had passed out. Aro looked at Marcus in curiosity. It was very unlike Marcus to become involved in…well anything.

'Best get this over with,' Marcus thought, mentally preparing himself for the oncoming fury that was bound to happen once Aro and Caius knew the priceless value of the human in front of them and what he had hidden for so long. Aro and Caius watched their brother in curiosity as Marcus stood from his throne and walked over to Aro, who was still cradling the human in his arms. Even the surrounding guards were inquisitive about this. It had been centuries since the third king had shown any interest, little own in a human. Marcus held his hand out for Aro to take. Aro smiled at his brother and touched his hand.

'I did it for the well-being of our mate,' Marcus justified as he watched his brother process everything. Aro, like Marcus, was too well trained in the art of politics to outwardly show any change in emotion but Marcus could sense his inner fury that was currently being direct at him.

"Shall we retire to the library brothers," Aro cradled their mate carefully in his arms and headed towards their personal library.

"We are not to be disturbed," Marcus ordered the guards before he followed after Aro. Caius' interest was somehow further peaked by this latest development and he stood up before lazily followed his brothers.

"Bring a jug and three goblets," Caius ordered over his shoulder.

'This is going to be entertaining,' Caius thought as he strolled after his brothers into their private library.

The library was the size of a small apartment filled with many of their favourite works. Many of them original copies. The room was windowless in order to protect the older books and the flooring had plush grey carpet. A large round table sat in just inside the room with three throne like chairs surrounding it. All of course made from the finest Italian wood and a black leather three seat sofa to the left of the table. Just passed the table, was rows and rows of bookshelves crafted from an enormous quercus suber tree that use to reside in the middle of Volterra many years ago. The ceiling was covered in a mural depicting a battle between angels and demons. Caius' contribution to the space after he commissioned a young artist called Michelangelo to paint it. The walls were painted a whitish grey as to not draw away from the masterpiece above. There were several small reading nooks littered throughout the library for the brothers to all use the space at the same time but have some privately.

Aro carefully placed their mate down on the sofa and took a seat at the table as Marcus entered with Caius shortly behind. Before anything was said, there was a small knock on the door. Alec entered with a jug full of freshly squeezed blood and three goblets. It was well known within the guards that Caius was not a very patience vampire and when he wanted something, everything was to be dropped to do it. Alec placed the items on the table and bowed to his masters before quickly exiting the room.

"Well don't keep me in suspense," Caius replied in a bored tone as he took a seat at the table. Marcus sat at the last remaining seat.

Aro picked up the jug and poured the blood into the three goblets, "Shall I tell our brother or will you do it Marcus?".

Caius' head snapped to Marcus, "Tell me what brother?".

Marcus picked up one of the goblets, "Charlotte Swan is our mate". No beating around the bush.

Minutes passed in silence.

"I'm sorry," Caius purred as he studied his brother very carefully, "I misheard you brother. I thought you just said that this human is our mate. I would surely be wrong because that would mean that you failed to mention that our soul bond changed colour". If Marcus was a lesser vampire, he would have been terrified of Caius right now. Thankfully, he was not.

Marcus took a sip of the goblet, "My apologies brother for keeping this from you. Aro can confirm that our soul bonds are tied to Charlotte Swan". Caius surveyed Marcus. It reminded Marcus very much of a lion stalking its prey, Caius was looking for weakness. Marcus refused to provided it.

"I feel no pull to her," Caius replied bluntly, waiting for Marcus to reply.

"The bonds are starting to fully form with the transformation," Marcus said as he turned his head to their mate. Her face was clenched in pain and her body trembled as the venom surged through it.

"Why would you keep this hidden!" Caius roared, "I should rip your head off for this betrayal!".

While Aro would have preferred Caius to at least slightly injure his brother for keeping this secret from them, now was not the time, "Calm yourself brother".

Caius' gaze snapped to Aro's, "And your okay with this?".

"I am most certainly not but what is done is done," Aro took a large gulp of the wine in front of him. While Caius may not yet feel the pull, Aro very much so. His little swan's blood sung to him. The small taste he had of her blood awoken a predator inside that had laid dominant for many years. The desire and primal need to claim her as his, he felt it crawling beneath his skin. Begging, pleading to be actioned upon. Control was one of the many qualities Aro prided himself on and he was determined not to succumb to the monster inside now.

"Our mate deserved the chance of a normal life before being committed to immortality," Marcus explained himself.

"A normal life?" Caius asked in disbelief, "In case you haven't noticed brother, our mate is on the verge of death after being brutalised by a vampire's nest. All because you wanted her to have a normal life".

Marcus stood his ground, "I do not regret giving her the opportunity to be a human".

Caius squeezed the goblet in his hand causing it to shatter apart, "Our mate almost died because of that decision". Marcus watched as the bond between Caius and Charlotte started to materialise a bit. Caius' even more aggressive behaviour was a result of the pull from the bond. The desire to protect their mate.

"Your bond is materialising," Marcus said.

Caius scoffed in annoyance as he licked the drops of blood from his hand, "Don't patronise me". Caius looked at Aro who had been surprising quite during the interaction. Aro had his hand folded in front of him and appeared to be deep in thought.

Caius leaned back into his chair, "What are you plotting now brother?".

"The guards observed the nest for five days before they wiped it out. There was a fight amongst the newborns on the second day over a few drops of human blood which I'm guessing was our little swan," Aro leaned back into his chair with an uncharacteristic thoughtful expression on his face, "Our little swan appears to have been starved for months as opposed to four days".

Caius looked at the slowly transforming human in front of him, "Four days? You're right. Her appearance suggests months. She was particularly a skeleton. What could have caused that?".

"A vampire power unlike anything we have seen before," Marcus took a sip from his goblet, "Maybe being able to pause time?".

Aro hummed, "I would have thought the same brother but her scent is that of decay. Not a natural decay either".

"A power that hastens deterioration then? Such a power exists? We haven't encountered anything like this before," Caius pondered, "The question is whether the guards destroyed them in the clean-up".

"An unknown power," Aro looked at Charlotte, "Like our dear little swan. A power that not only blocks but reflects its impact back to the caster".

"Like a mirror," Marcus summarised.

Aro's eyes widen in excitement and he looked at Marcus, "A mirror dear brother! You're absolutely right! Our dear little swan is a mirror!".

"While this is all interesting," Caius interrupted, last thing he needed was Aro gossiping for hours about what he could do with that power, "What will we do when she wakes up? It is obvious she has been through trauma of some kind".

"We work through it together".

Hello friends! I honestly cannot thank you enough for your support! It's been a bit of a shock watching the follows count just keep increasing. I truly thought that I would only have one, maybe two people who would be interested in my writing but to have 50 people following is incredible!

Thank you as well to the people who left reviews and sent me private messages! It's really touching and I really appreciate the time you take to leave one!

I had a private message asking me who my favourite character was and I thought best to answer it here. I must confess, I remember the Volturi being my favourite characters when reading the books. Until the movies came out and I saw Alex Meraz who plays Paul Lahote. Well, hook, line and sinker – I become Team Paul.

Anyone else who's favourite character isn't Edward or Jacob? (And if Edward or Jacob is yours, absolutely nothing wrong with that!)

Also, as you may or may not be able to tell, I was watching Supernatural while writing this and I couldn't help myself.

Thank you once again for your support!

Stay safe xxx