A/N: Just a bit of a fun fact kind of thing this time for the author's note. This chapter was previously called 'Victorious', was much shorter and ended the story. But, this is NOT the end of the story just yet. When I left my story after this chapter I realized it wasn't finished and therefore wrote kind of a 'book 2', which is 7 chapters long so there's more to come from me and Hybrid. This chapter wraps up the whole Alexandru/her birth parents thing. So, hopefully you enjoy it and please please review! Thank you! :)

14. Whole

I awoke in Edward's bedroom in the Cullen house. I looked down at my arm, now wrapped in white bandages. I smiled to myself, remembering that what happened last night was real. There are no more hunters threatening the Cullens or vampires in general. Ansel and the others are free to return to their immortal lives. And, most surprisingly, I'm alive.

I came so close to the end of my life and I honestly was ready for death. It seems surreal to feel the beat of my heart now. I'll never find the beating sensation annoying, not ever again. I smiled, placing my hand over my heart and taking in a deep breath. Life looks pretty good from here. I propped myself up and examined the empty room.

"Hello" Edward said, peaking his head through the door. I knew the alone thing wouldn't last, but I didn't mind.

"Hey there" I smiled as I watched Bella slip in behind Edward.

"How are you doing?" Bella asked.

"I'm fantastic!" I beamed.

"The Romanians are downstairs with Carlisle, along with others named Ansel and Alastrann. They're all talking about what you did last night." Edward said.

"They're here?" I asked, throwing the blankets off of me and jumping out of bed.

"Yes" Edward laughed. I stumbled over the bed sheets that had somehow intertwined themselves with my feet. I couldn't help but giggle too. I noticed the clothes I had worn last night were neatly folded on a chair and free of bloods stains.

"Esme had them cleaned while you were asleep." Edward answered to my thoughts. I looked down at myself, wondering what I was wearing now. Black sweat pants and a simple, white tank top replaced the outfit from last night.

"Alice picked out some clothes for you. Thankfully, Bella was there and convinced her you'd prefer something more comfortable." Edward chuckled.

"You should have seen what she picked for you." Bella laughed.

"Thanks" I said, noticing a pink hoodie on the chair underneath my other clothes. I slipped my arms into the sweater and snuggled in it for a moment. It smelled wonderful, like lavender and vanilla with a hint of the fresh air on a crisp, spring morning. I held it up to my nose and inhaled, taking in its scent.

"Shall we?" Edward said, sweeping his hand towards the door.

"Actually, there's something I need to do first. I'll be there soon." I smiled. Edward nodded, knowing exactly what it was I needed to do, and left the room with Bella.

I needed to venture into the burgundy box that held what I had left of my parents. I was ready now, more than ever, to rummage through it again. I didn't fear what was inside anymore. Going through it would be closure for me. Edward appeared before me with the box in hand. I stared at him questioningly. I remembered leaving the box in my car, so how could Edward be holding it right now?

"Alice saw that you would eventually want to go through it. She pulled it from your car while you were asleep." Edward explained, holding the box out in front of him.

"Thank you." I said, lightly placing my hands on either side of the box and setting it on the bed.

There really was only one thing inside that I wanted to uncover: the envelope with my name on it. I handled it delicately as I pulled it out of the box, as if it would crumble with the slightest twitch. I slowly opened the flap and pulled out an ivory piece of paper that was carefully folded inside. I could see the words that were elegantly written on the paper through the back, each line leaving a slight indentation in the page. I unfolded the letter and ran my right hand down the page, feeling every bump left by the pressure of my mother's hand. It made the page feel alive. I glanced down and began to read it:

My dear daughter, Elina. A name so sweet, fitting for such a radiant little girl. I have yet to lay my eyes on you, but your presence is very much alive inside me. My bright little angel, I wish for nothing more than to cradle you in my arms, but I fear I may not get that chance. Your growth is rapid, but every moment has been pure joy for me. I regret that I won't be there to watch you grow, to teach you about life and love. I want to leave you with a piece of me, to bestow my name on to you so that I may live on in a different way and be with you always.

Do not blame yourself for my fate. I trust that you know about your father, a decent man he is, and you, my precious child, are more than gifted. Embrace it, do good with it. Life, however short it is, is beautiful and you mustn't waste it. Live, my sweet baby. Greet every day with a smile, take risks and enjoy it. And when you find yourself defeated, asking what the point is remember this: love is the purpose of it all. Find it, experience it and never let it go. I hope that you someday have a love as great as I have with Alexandru. Every moment, up until the last, has been worth it. Love makes everything worth it.

I can only imagine the wonderful journey you will embark on. I will always be there with you.

Love always,

Your mother

I smiled, folding the letter and carefully placing it back into the envelope. I felt a warmth inside me, knowing I would always hold a piece of my mother with me. It was incredible to know what kind of person she was, just by one letter. She was wise and humble. I could only hope to be even a fraction of that.

I looked up at Edward, who had waited for me by the door, and followed him downstairs.

When I reached the end of the steps, heads turned and smiles greeted me. It reminded me of the countless parties Ronald and Marie had and the numerous times I had nervously and anxiously walked down the long staircase to be greeted by pompous stares and fake smiles. This was nothing like that. I felt genuinely welcome as my eyes swept the room, meeting the gaze of the people I felt were like a family to me, as well as to my new friends. Even Rosalie looked somewhat pleased to see me.

"Elina, how are you feeling?" Ansel asked as he stepped towards me.

"I'm fine, Ansel. How are you?" I asked.

"I am well, thanks to you. You really did it." He said, almost to convince himself too.

"Yeah, it's hard to believe it's all over."

"Yes, well, because of you we can all go on to live our lives free of threats."

"And you can go to that girl you were telling me about." I smiled, nudging him. Ansel's expression changed from happiness to insecurity.

"I don't think so. She's probably moved on by now." He said, shaking his head.

"Ansel, if you love her you shouldn't give up. Find her." I smiled. I noticed something large and furry pass by a window from the corner of my eye and turned to take a better look. I took a few steps towards the window but saw nothing. I sighed, hoping Jacob would have shown up to the house. I noticed Jeff and Tim talking with the Denali sisters and had an impulse to run over there and see if Jeff was alright.

"Jeff!" I yelled, running and crushing into him as he caught me in his arms.

"Hey" He breathed, smiling.

I didn't know why, but I just had to feel him, hold him and know that he was there in one piece. I placed my hands on either side of his face and ran my fingers over the scars that remained from when he was captured by Frank. I looked into his beautiful, blue eyes and smiled.

"You're okay." I whispered.

"I'm okay" He reassured me. "I want you to meet someone." He said, turning to the woman standing beside him. His arms dropped and he put one around her back. "Ouch" He twitched, as if he were shocked.

"Sorry, I'm still learning how to control that." She said to Jeff apologetically. "I'm Kate" she introduced herself.

"She has the ability to shock people." Jeff said as he rubbed his arm.

"It hasn't kept him away, though." Kate laughed.

"Oh, you guys are together?" I asked.

"Sort of" Jeff smiled.

"That's ironic." I laughed. "You and a vampire, huh? Well, I'm happy for you." I said, trying to smile.

I was happy for him, really, but something inside me felt crushed. Despite everything, I did have feelings for Jeff. Seeing him and holding him still set off sparks for me. I began to look away as I recognized the hurt and jealousy I was feeling. I smiled at them again before turning away, hoping I hid my emotions well enough. I didn't want to ruin this for Jeff by holding on to him, especially since the man I truly loved was Jacob.

I stepped into the kitchen, clutching the counter as I tried to gather my thoughts. All of the love in my life is so complicated. For once, I would love for it to be easy and effortless; if it could just be...I sighed, reminding myself that nothing in life was easy. That's part of the fun, right? Working hard at something and really appreciating it after. Like defeating the hunters, the satisfaction that came from that was amazing. If only I could have the same success with men.

I heard footsteps behind me and chuckled to myself, thinking Edward had heard my thoughts and came to speak to me about it. I turned, rolling my eyes in the process.

"I knew it wouldn't be long –" I said, turning only to be surprised by Jeff standing before me.

"Expecting someone else?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.

"I wasn't expecting you."

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Yeah, I'm totally fine. Why wouldn't I be okay?" I said, looking at the ground.

"Are you okay with Kate and I?" He asked. I swallowed.

"Yeah, I'm happy for you, really." I said. It was the truth, just not the entire truth. So, why did I feel like I was lying?

"You can tell me if it bothers you. I won't judge you. It would actually be a bit of a relief 'cause... well, it's still weird for me too." He said, nudging the air with his foot.

"Is it?" I asked, looking up to meet his eyes.

"Yeah...I really fell hard for you and in a way I'll always love you. But you're with that other guy, Jake, is it? And Kate is really something. I actually might spend some time in Denali once I finish med school." Jeff rambled.

"Yeah? That's...good for you, Jeff." I smiled.

"Hey" He whispered, stepping in front of me and placing his finger under my chin so that I'd look up at him. "It's going to be okay. You'll get over this and be really happy with that Jake guy. Everything is going to work out." He said as he pulled me close and rested his chin on the top of my head. I inhaled and took in the scent of his cologne, which I loved. Jeff kissed the top of my head and I smiled to myself. Everything would work out, it had to. I pulled away from Jeff and smiled at him. He kissed my forehead.

"Thanks, for everything. You've been really good to me." I whispered, hugging him one last time before leaving the kitchen.

I felt this ache in the pit of my stomach. Something was missing and I needed it. Maybe it wasn't Jeff after all. Sure, I love him, but not in the romantic way. Seeing him with Kate set off something in me, but maybe it wasn't jealousy over Jeff himself. It was seeing two people together who fit, like they were made for each other. I was missing my somebody who fit with me. I was missing Jacob. Where was he? He should have been here. He should have been right next to me when I woke up, he should be by my side now. I went back to where everyone was and looked for Edward. I spotted him with Bella, Renesmee and the other Cullens, all chatting in a circle.

"Edward!" I called out to him. He turned to me, already knowing what I wanted.

"I haven't heard him, Elina. I'm sure he's around somewhere, be patient."

"When was the last time you saw him?" I asked.

"Last night after I brought you to Carlisle for your arm. He'll come back." Edward reassured.

"I know, I just wish he were here now." I sighed.

"Well, some wishes do come true." Edward smiled as he looked past me. I turned and a smile stretched across my face as I spotted the large wolf through the window. Suddenly, the people gathered around me were non-existent. I darted for the door, Jacob's face being the only image in my mind.

When I got outside I exhaled deeply and my breathing quickened, as if I had just emerged from under water. My eyes searched the trees for any signs of Jacob. I continued looking left, then right, then left again, with nothing in sight. I looked down at my feet, giving up and about to turn back inside. Where could he be? I needed him, I wanted him and he wasn't here. I sighed and pivoted on my left foot, walking slowly towards the door.

"Elina!" I froze at the sound of his voice, my heart pattering uncontrollably. I turned slowly, preparing myself just in case this was a figment of my imagination. I lifted my eyes slowly, taking in every inch of his body as he stood before me. I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks as my eyes passed his bare chest. I could practically feel the warmth of his body on me. I stood there, speechless. It was like those dreams where you try to run away but you can't, only this time I couldn't speak and, thankfully, this was no dream. He stepped towards me and I watched, hearing the crunch of his bare feet against sticks and grass.

"Hi" I breathed. Jacob continued to move closer. I could feel the sweat begin to form on my forehead as the heat from Jacob's body reached mine. Well, that and Jacob half naked is quite a sight to take in all at once. I pressed my hands on his upper chest; another attempt to make sure that he was real. I tilted my head upwards and our lips grazed each other. I twitched in surprise of how close he was to me. I gulped. We hovered there for a moment. All I could think of was how badly I wanted him, right then and there. I could imagine it, his incredibly warm body against mine in the cool grass. Even my breath began to tremble at the thought. Jacob placed his finger under my chin and brought his lips to mine – finally. It was the most passionate kiss I've ever had. I wrapped my arms around his neck, clutching his dark, messy hair in my hands as I crushed my body into his. He wrapped his big, strong arms around me, holding me tightly against his chest. I left his lips and placed my chin over his shoulder to hug him as I caught my breath.

"I want you" I breathed. "Only you"

"And I want you." He said. His breathing was at a normal pace. He gently removed my arms from around his neck, placing his hands into mine as he took a step back.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing." He smiled. "Everything is just right." I smiled, throwing my arms around his neck.

Everything had fallen into place in my life. Nothing felt wrong or was unknown. For once in my life I felt whole, complete. I am a hybrid, half vampire and half human. It is those two halves that make me a whole. I wouldn't be who I am without one side or the other. They weren't two wholes shoved into one person, they were two halves moulded together to make a complete whole. Where I stand now, I have everything I've ever wanted, everything I had ever longed to have. I know who I really am. I have the love of my life standing before me. I have a family who cares about me. I have it all. I can finally go living my life without questions or doubts. It was like a new beginning.

And I knew exactly how I wanted to kick off this new beginning.

"You know, nobody is going to be at Edward and Bella's cottage for a while." I said, as seductively as I could. Jacob's ears perked up.

"Oh... right, right now?" He stuttered, his feet already prepared to sprint to the cottage. I giggled.

"Yes."

Jacob took my hand as he walked – or rather ran – to the cottage; a step in the beginning of the rest of our lives.

No teaser this time, I'm sorry. BUT something even better than a teaser is the prologue to the next part of the story :) Why is there a whole other part of the story, you ask? WELL there is a matter of double imprinting........ ;)