~ Outside Denali Residence, Alaska - December 13, 1994 ~
"Hello, Edward!" Eleazar called out as he and Carmen walked down the path towards Garrett and I. In a flash they were in front of us and Eleazar shook my hand. "It is so good to see you my friend. It has been too long."
Carmen reached up and kissed my cheek before giving me a strong hug. "It has been too long, Edward." Carmen's Spanish accented voice was soft and sincere.
Behind me Garrett smiled has he took in our reunion. In his thoughts he secretly wondered what it would be like to be part of coven or family, instead of a lone nomad.
"I'm sorry." I apologized as Carmen released me. "Eleazar, Carmen, may I introduce Garrett. Garrett, this Eleazar and Carmen Denali, my cousins as it were." I could see from their thoughts our visit was not a surprise as Carlisle and Alice had called them yesterday to advise them of our visit, I just hoped they did not mind me bringing Garrett. Turning towards Eleazar and Carmen I added, "I hope our impromptu visit isn't too much of an imposition?"
"Not at all, Edward. Carlisle let us know of your visit and that you would be bringing along a friend." Eleazar reached out and shook hands with Garrett. "Welcome to Alaska, Garrett! As a friend of Carlisle's I am sure we will all become fast friends as well."
After Carmen and Garrett exchange similar pleasantries, we started walking towards the main house. Eleazar and Garrett walked together while he explained the size and amenities of the Denali's Alaskan home. Carmen looped her arm through mine, her thoughts giving away the reception waiting for us at the house.
"Edward, as you can see from my traitorous thoughts, the girls have been excited for your visit. Especially, Tanya. I cautioned her to take it easy on you, but she has been smitten with you for quite a while. Ever since she heard that you left Carlisle and Esme on your solo adventure, she has hoped you would come visit us…come visit her."
I couldn't help the un-gentlemanly groan that escaped my throat. The idea of warding off Tanya's advances made me want to turn around and head south, leaving Garrett to fend for himself. Carmen giggled at my reaction.
"It won't be that bad, Edward! Regardless, there are worse tortures are there not?"
Before I could respond, we were at the back of the house. Garrett laughed and shook his head at the elegant log-framed structure before him. "The Cullen's and your coven's affinity for maintaining homesteads amazes me. Such a strange existence for a vampire."
"We enjoy it here in Alaska," Eleazar responded. "We've lived here for the better part of fifty years. Having a permanent residence…well, I guess that is why we consider ourselves a family rather than just a coven. We all like having a place to call home." Eleazar glanced at me as he referenced having a home. "There is a varied and plentiful supply of animals to choose from. Also, the human population is sparse, which keeps others of out kind away. Our kind's normal feeding habits would draw too much notice out here. We have been able to live in anonymity because we do not draw attention to ourselves." Eleazar looked directly at Garrett has he finished his speech.
Garrett laughed loudly and patted Eleazar on the back. "Is that your way of warning me not to snack on the neighbors while I'm here?" He laughed again. "You have nothing to fear. Edward has been kind enough to educate me on the vegetarian lifestyle." Garrett turned towards Carmen and Eleazar, his expression and thoughts both sincere. "You have my word, I will not feed from a human while I am here. However, I might need to try something else other than wolf, that was a bit nasty tasting."
"Wolf! Shame on you, Edward!" Tanya's voice carried out over the rear balcony of the house where she stood with her sisters. "You know even Carlisle and Esme can't stand the taste of wolf. Nasty tasting indeed!" A moment later the Denali sisters had come down to meet us. Tanya extended her hand to Garrett. "Hello, I'm Tanya. These are my sisters Irina and Kate."
Garrett greeted each sister, but his gaze stopped on Kate. Kate had her head cocked to one side taking in his roguish appearance. Both of their thoughts were similar.
Intrigue. Curiosity. Beauty. Lust.
It only took a moment more for me to realize what was happening between the two of them.
"I am most pleased to meet you, Kate." Garrett and Kate shook hands; however afterwards, Garrett did not release Kate from his grip. "I have heard that you and your sisters were unmatched beauties. I can testify that the rumors have not done you justice. You are truly stunning." Garrett raised Kate's hand to his lips and applied a tender kiss upon it.
"Oh, he's a smooth one!" Irina snarked.
Eleazar called out to me with his thoughts. "Edward, did they…are they…mates?"
I nodded slightly as Tanya gasped. Her thoughts came to the same conclusion. Kate glanced between Garrett and the stunned vampires staring at them. Her hand was still in Garrett's grasp. The shock of what was happening to her triggered her talent. Before Kate could stop the surge of energy, Garrett cried out in pain. He quickly dropped to his knees before Kate pulled her hand away.
"I'm sorry!" Kate cried. "I…you…I couldn't stop it!"
Garrett shook off the effects of Kate's gift. Instead of anger, mirth danced in his eyes. "You are the most amazing creature! Where have you been all my existence!"
Kate reached down to help Garrett up. He tentatively touched Kate's hand to see if it was still electrified. Once he was satisfied that he would not be shocked, he wove his fingers with hers as he stood.
"Why don't we head inside," Carmen asked the group.
"You go ahead," Kate responded before turning to Garrett. They both now understood what was happening between them. "Garrett, take a walk with me."
Garrett looked down at their tangled fingers and nodded.
As they walked off together, Garrett could not look away from Kate.
"Fascinating!" he thought. "I will follow this woman anywhere."