Three days of shopping almost non-stop were wearing on three vampire males. Granted seeing their mates trying on swimwear had been a bonus but when they were obsessively trying on shoes it had been torture. As it were, the girls were trying on shoes and the guys were sitting in the chairs looking out in the shopping center.
"Pa is so lucky to have Dad," Emmett said seeing Hadrian and Carlisle across the aisle on the other side laughing.
"We know Em," Edward said rolling his eyes watching Hadrian lean in for a kiss.
"No I mean Dad doesn't really like shoe shopping so Pa doesn't have to go through this," Emmett replied laughing when Carlisle stumbled, Hadrian must have said something naughty.
"Actually I feel sorry for Dad, Pa is just like the girls except worse from the way Dad talks about it," Jasper snickering when he saw Hadrian stealthily grope Carlisle's behind.
"Yeah, well I think Dad is just using that a cover up," Edward remarked shuddering.
"What do you mean?" Emmett asked looking at Edward.
"Well one day, Dad didn't have his shields up and you know that green shirt, he always wears the day before he the next day off? Apparently that shirt reminds him of that shopping day and let's say, I'm almost envious of their sex life," Edward answered thankful he couldn't blush.
Emmett and Jasper laughed and both were thinking, That's my Pa!
Jasper had been the first to recover and just in time to see someone they haven't seen in a while walk by.
"Um guys is that?" Jasper asked discreetly pointing at a petite woman.
Edward look over to where Jasper was pointing and his eyes widen, "Really? Of all the places."
Emmett frowned and looked over to where his brothers were looking and saw her, "No way! That's Esme."
"Umm, Bella honey could you bring Rose and Alice over here?" Edward asked slightly louder than the tone they had been talking in.
Frowning the girls made their way over, Rose asked, "What's wrong boys?"
"Look," Emmett said pointing and the girls followed Emmett's finger. While the boys were shocked the girls were furious.
"How dare that bitch be here!" Rose exclaimed in outrage.
"Why is she here? She better not be after Dad again," Bella replied murderously, she may not have known Esme long but she was there when she so callously ended things with Carlisle.
"Well this is interesting, let's buy our shoes sisters and we'll go see what she is up to," Alice suggested calmly, but her seething eyes were telling a different story.
"Fine lets make this quick," Rose muttered leading the way back to the counter, slamming their purchases on the counter.
"Should we be scared?" Emmett asked watching his wife and sisters glare at everything in their way.
"I haven't seen them this way since she left," Edward commented watching his mate and sisters.
"Should we warn Pa and Dad?" Jasper asked looking concerned since the two were nearing where Esme was shopping.
"Lets go," Rose snapped as she walked by not even caring if they were following her. No one was going to ruin her Pa's trip. She may have been cold towards him in the beginning but after seeing him defend their family so passionately and bravely, she had warmed up to him, but later on when he had learned of Rose's tale of turning, he had nearly snapped. Carlisle and Rose only knew what had happened the next couple of days that Hadrian disappeared. Hadrian had been so furious that he spent two days up on a secluded mountain top letting all of his anger and rage out in a safe outlet. When he came home, the first thing he did was kiss his mate before hugging Rosalie and whispering, "Never again will something like that happen. Nothing will ever hurt you again. That is a promise of a father." Rose had been so shocked that Hadrian cared about her that much that she wanted to cry. She never knew that Hadrian could love them all so passionately and devotedly. It was then that she smelt blood, pulling back she looked him and gasped, her father was covered in dirt and blood with scrapes all over and his knuckles scarped raw. Carlisle had jumped into action pulling Hadrian up to their room berating him for not taking care of himself. Worried she had followed them up to their room and peeked in to watch as Carlisle clean and bandage all of Hadrian's wounds asking why he wasn't healing fast like a vampire. Hadrian had explained since it was magically done, it was slightly slower for healing. When Carlisle had asked why this happened, Hadrian explained in a sad voice that no one should ever be treated like that especially his family, but since the bastards were killed he had nowhere for his anger to be let out, so he practically blew up a mountain in a fit of rage. Rose had left then and had wholeheartedly started to call Hadrian her Pa. Nothing else mattered, Hadrian was her father just like Carlisle was her dad.
She was just a few stores away from that evil woman when Emmett held her from behind, whispering, "Alice says to wait, that Hadrian will handle her perfectly."
Fuming Rose didn't say anything but she stopped struggling and began to watch as her parents came upon that woman.
Hadrian had been playing with Carlisle's hair. While his own was wild, Carlisle was soft and tamed. It was beautiful. Hadrian was feeling so calm and relaxed that when he noticed a presence staring at them, he tensed just slightly and casually looked around while his mate was looking at the latest medical book. Off to the left there was petite woman with brown hair staring at them. Wondering if she was jealous of Carlisle or him, Hadrian moved away a little and saw the woman's glare lessen, so moving closer he leant in to Carlisle's ear and licked the shell causing a shiver to run down his mate's back. The glare intensified. Hmm, so its mate that she has her eyes on. Too bad for her, he's mine Hadrian thought. Stepping behind Carlisle, he moved close enough that their hips were touching and he ran a hand Carlisle's side. Smirking at the woman, Hadrian used his other hand to tilt Carlisle's head backwards for a kiss. It was a dominating kiss that left Carlisle weak kneed and leaning on Hadrian for support.
"Love, didn't we just do it a few stores ago in the changing room, I need a break," Carlisle said breathily.
Leaning down to kiss his mate's beautiful bared neck, he answered, "Mmm, but I can't get enough of you. You are so relaxed and happy right now. Plus, I'm staking my claim and being caveman like."
"Why?" Carlisle asked gasping softly as Hadrian tenderly bit his neck.
"You are the most beautiful person here and several people have been staring at you. You radiate happiness so much that it gives you this extra glow and people are noticing particular one female who probably hates me and is wishing for my death," Hadrian explain nipping up to Carlisle's ear.
"Mmm, but you are the only one for me, no one else will do," Carlisle replied eyes closing as Hadrian sucked on his earlobe.
"Hmm, perhaps you should tell that to the nosey little woman that is walking towards us," Hadrian replied keeping his head buried his Carlisle neck while his hands moved to wrap around Carlisle's waist and chest.
"Who?" Carlisle asked looking around before freezing and tensing up.
"Shh, love, I'm right here. I'm not letting go. You are mine, no one else's," Hadrian whispered rubbing soft circles on Carlisle's chest.
When Carlisle began to thaw, the woman approached, "Hello Carlisle, its been a while."
Relaxing into Hadrian strong arms, Carlisle answered, "Hello Esme, how have you been?"
"Good, but lonely. I miss you Carlisle," Esme answered looking up through eyelashes.
"I'm sorry to hear that Esme," Carlisle answered sighing as Hadrian nuzzled his neck.
"Didn't you miss me?" Esme asked coyly even though she was getting pissed that this guy was hanging all over Carlisle. She had been planning on returning back to Carlisle claiming that she just need a sense of adventure, but when she saw him here, she figure that she could jump ahead of schedule and fly back with him. Unfortunately this scoundrel won't stop touching him like wanton harlot.
"I'm sorry miss, but why would he miss you when he has me?" Hadrian questioned from Carlisle's neck.
"Excuse me but who are you? Would you stop hanging all over him? You are acting like a shameless harlot" Esme asked annoyed.
"I'm Lord Potter-Black Gryffindor, Carlisle's mate. I have every right to hang all over him as you stated. All that matters is what Carlisle wants," Hadrian said dangerously lifting his head off of Carlisle's neck with slightly glowing eyes.
"I think you are mistaken, I am Carlisle's mate," Esme said between clenched teeth. This so called Lord is really starting to tick her off.
"Hmm, not really," Hadrian answered sounding uninterested as he twirled Carlisle's hair around his finger, "You were a foolish girl that captured a wonderful man's heart and tossed it way with looking back. I'm his real mate. I heard him calling for me from across the pond."
Hadrian flashed a wolfish grin that held a warning and a promise.
Esme spluttered, how dare he just throw words around like that.
"Hmmm, perhaps we should let Carlisle decided what he wants, since we are fighting over him. I'm not above fighting a woman for him. That way it would settled once and for all, hmmm?" Hadrian asked slowly removing his hands from his mate.
"When he chooses me, you have to leave and never contact him again," Esme stated venomously.
"If and that's a pretty big IF he chooses you, and that is his wish, I would gladly let him live his life in happiness he deserves. But if he chooses me, you are not allowed near him with 200 meters, nor will you be able to contact him. Deal?" Hadrian a predatory smile on his face as he held out his hand for her to take.
Hesitant to the hand, Esme did anyway and felt a small jolt up her arm.
"Alright we will take five steps back and let Carlisle walk to whoever he wants," Hadrian said, releasing her hand and dragging her five paces backwards before walking three paces away from her and turned to look at Carlisle who's eyes had gone wide.
"Alright Carlisle all you have to do is pick which one you truly want for the rest of your immortal life," Hadrian told with an easy smile, not a hint of worry in his eyes.
Carlisle didn't even hesitate as he practically ran into Hadrian's arms not even sparing Esme a glance.
"You know that I want you love, you are the only one for me," Carlisle replied leaning up to kiss Hadrian with such passion and love that people who had stopped to watch the display were whistling at the couple. When Carlisle finally let Hadrian free of his kiss, Hadrian smirked and turned to Esme saying, "Hmmm does that answer your question? You have five minutes to get away from us before something happens."
There was a gleam in Hadrian's eyes that made a shiver run down Esme's back and she quickly left fuming that she lost to a man.
Turning back to Carlisle, Hadrian smiled before wincing as Carlisle bopped him on the head.
"Ouch, what was that for?" Hadrian asked rubbing his head pouting.
"Why did you give her chance? What if I had chosen her?" Carlisle demanded.
"One, she needed to see for herself that you moved on completely and that she didn't have a chance and two, you wouldn't have chosen her, I completely own your heart just like you own mine. I had no doubt in your love for me, my love," Hadrian replied caressing Carlisle's face as it relaxed and softened.
Carlisle leaned into Hadrian's touch with a soft smile saying, "I love you too."
Hadrian leaned down gently kissed Carlisle before straightening and calling out, "Alright tykes, come on out."
"How did you know we were there Pa?" Emmett asked casually walking over from their hiding spot with his arm still around Rose.
"I always know where my family is," Hadrian said with a cheeky grin noticing Rose's angry eyes.
"I think Rose and I need a little bonding time my dears," Hadrian stated leaning down to kiss Carlisle one last time, he whispered, "I'm giving you break my sexy fox. We'll be back in a bit."
"Shall we Rose?" Hadrian said sweeping out on his left arm and offering his right.
"Of course Pa," Rose answered with small smile taking the offered arm.
Carlisle watched his mate and oldest daughter walk and turned to look at his other children.
"You guys are all ok right?" Carlisle questioned looking between his children.
"Ok with what?" Bella asked confused.
"With Hadrian and Rose, I know that he is pretty close with her," Carlisle answered. He was worried at how his other kids felt when since Hadrian did pay more attention Rose.
"We're fine with it Dad, plus Hadrian spends quality time with all of us together and separately. We know he loves us all, but we also know that Rose took it the hardest when Esme left and we think that Hadrian knows that as well. We all know that Hadrian besides Emmett is the only other one to completely sooth Rose's temper, just like he can also sooth Jasper's emotions, Edward's thoughts, Emmett's rowdiness, Bella's insecurities and my mind after crazy visions. He really is just like a father to us, just like you are our dad. We all feel loved by both of you," Alice explained earnestly.
"I second that," Bella stated.
"I third it," Edward added.
"I fourth it," Emmett replied.
"My wife is right, Dad," Jasper finished.
Carlisle was overwhelmed at the maturity of his family and felt proud of them. They really have grown closer together and have become a tighter family unit.
"Well what should we do since Hadrian and Rose have wandered off?" Carlisle asked his family after he got his emotions back together.
"SHOPPING!" Alice and Bella shouted together while the others groaned.
Carlisle chuckled and said, "Alright but after this how about sightseeing?"
Hadrian and Rose were just walking aimlessly down the walk ways each lost in their own thoughts before Rose asked, "Why didn't you just kill her right away?"
"Well for one, I didn't want to spend the rest of our vacation jailed up before my lawyers could get me out. And two that would have been just a simple and easy option," Hadrian replied glancing down to Rose.
"But she caused Dad so much pain," Rose said angrily thinking about how lifeless Carlisle had been.
"True, but this way she will know her mistake and every time she sees Carlisle she will be forever remind that Carlisle chose me," Hadrian said lightly.
"But what if she tries again?" Rose asked somewhat mollified.
"Ahh, the beauty of magic," Hadrian answer somewhat dreamily.
"What do you mean Pa?" Rose questioned.
"Well Princess, when I laid down the terms I placed a little magic into it hence it became legit in the eyes of magic, so when I said she can't come within 200 meters of Carlisle, I really meant it. Where ever she is at and it's within 200 meters she will be jinxed and removed until she is 100 meters away," Hadrian told her with a mischievous grin.
"What else did you do?" Rose asked eyeing her pa.
"I might have also placed a tracking spell on her so we can … I don't know … not follow her? If you catch my drift?" Hadrian answered with a lazy grin but vindictive gleam was in his eyes.
Grinning Rose said, "Its best that we do avoid her, as we wouldn't want any mishaps."
"Too true my darling princess, shall we head back to our family see if can't convince them to not go to the art gallery? I hear they have a "Beloved's Walk" for only this week," Hadrian suggested.
"I believe they are also having Emerald Day today, where the food and drink is emerald color," Rose added with a devilish grin.
"Then let us go find our family and be off," Hadrian said with an embellished wave.
Just outside of the Art Gallery that Esme was planning on going to sooth her ruffled feathers when she felt a chill run down her spine, ignoring it she entered the gallery.
AN – So I really don't have anything against Esme, but awesome for the story. Also Esme name means either: to love or beloved as well as emerald. So let me know what you think!
Huge thank you's to all of wonderful reviewers, you guys rule! Thank you: Bronkwin2, Tango Dancer, BlackBolt, phantomwriter2006, supergirl3684, kirallie, Snape'sPurpleFanta, Carad-Ithil, jgood27, SuperCoolCow, Wolf Dragon Demon, Lone-Angel-1992, leobutler, Haunt of twilight, belle hawk, BladeMaxwell-GoddessofDeath, Katherine Ashley Potter Cullen, In The Mix, flamenin, and namikaze natsumi-hime