DISCLAIMER – The Twilight saga and all the characters mentioned in it are the undisputed property of Stephanie Myers. This story was written entirely for non-profit and the sheer love of the series and its memorable characters. Spoilers are included from pretty much included for every single book associated with Twilight. Proceed with caution if you haven't read everything, particularly The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

I hope everyone enjoys reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Naturally, feedback is always appreciated but never demanded.

The (Not So) Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

By: Oy! Angelina

-Chapter 3-

The Quick and the Dead

I didn't see the point in long goodbyes since I planned to only be gone a short time but I did as Edward asked and hung around until Carlisle returned. After that, though, I was running and reflecting on how weird it felt to be on my own for the first time in my second life. Sure, I had broken off from my old coven from time to time but I was never alone for more than an evening and I always had company with the Cullens.

A strange realization struck me - I knew how to fend for myself as a vampire but I never really thought for myself. Hands down I preferred the loving guidance of the Cullens to Riley's dictatorship and the threat of Victoria looming in the background but rules were rules. I followed directions well enough, coming up with my own would be a test in and of itself.

I broke out of my musing as soon as I realized I was being followed. I knew it wasn't my family because the breathing wasn't the steady, superfluous breathing of vampires but necessary and slightly panting. There was also the heartbeat thudding behind me like a war drum. It wasn't hard to guess what was following me but a stiff breeze wafted all the pungent proof I needed.

Werewolf.

My mind raced faster than my legs. Once I found out the mysterious howling creatures I heard were werewolves and they were largely responsible for the decimation of my former coven I held a healthy respect and primal fear towards them. You would have to be nuts not to be scared of a werewolf! Even though the Cullens filled me in on their arrangement with the pack from La Push and made them aware of my family status I still had no desire to get caught alone in the woods with one. My loyalties were to the Cullens now and always but that didn't change the fact I was part of the invading force of vampires committed to mayhem and carnage. This probably made me the least popular Cullen in the eyes of the werewolf pack and I knew persona non grata found on their lands got turned into kibbles and bits.

The treaty itself made me feel more vulnerable than safe. The only reason the werewolves didn't treat the Cullens like any other vampire was because they didn't kill humans and I wasn't sure that was a stipulation I could uphold. Not only was I a liability to my family with the Volturi but now there was a good chance I would violate their century-old treaty with the werewolves. My old coven was never much a threat to the Cullens but werewolves were a different story. They were perfectly in-synch, totally committed and completely built for demolishing vampires.

I considered scurrying up a tree like a squirrel and pray werewolves sucked at climbing until I realized I recognized the werewolf chasing me. I slowed to a stop and turned with a smile.

"Hi Seth," I greeted, unable to hide my relief. "You startled me."

Seth yipped like he was laughing and I thought he seemed a smug to learn he scared me. It always miffed me when people assumed I was a tame vampire but I let Seth have it for a couple reasons. We were both around the same age and the runts of our respective litters, not to mention he got partial credit for ridding the world of Riley and Victoria. I would be willing to let Emmett toss me like a tennis ball to Seth for that last part alone.

Eternal gratitude aside, Seth was a cool kid. He had an open mind about vampires, which was not something anyone else in his pack could boast. I was pretty sure Jacob would have nothing to do with us if Bella wasn't a factor and the other werewolves just tolerated my family's existence because of their dietary habits and considered them useful allies. Nonetheless, Paul and Leah's blatantly hostile attitudes filled the threatening void in my life Kristie and Raoul left. Seth was totally different though because he treated us like actual people so I was glad Seth stopped by the house now and then to say hi to Edward and the rest of the family.

Seth wagged his tail and lolled his head as if to ask why I wasn't under house arrest.

"I have to miss Edward and Bella's wedding," I admitted reluctantly. I was basically confessing I still had a hankering for human, which was not the image I wanted to put out there. Hopefully Seth's understanding nature would hold. "I want to make sure Edward and Bella get their perfect day. I won't be gone long, though. Maybe a week at most."

Seth whined like he was disappointed I wouldn't be around. I was still getting used to people caring whether I existed or not and the fact Seth was the only non-vampire friend I had made his sentiments all the sweeter. For Seth I would almost consider reinstating the BFF Club even though I knew I couldn't. The BFF Club belonged to me and Diego. We had too few secrets and private moments for me to just share them with other people.

Diego…

Suddenly, I changed my mind about where I was heading. Instead of north, I faced west and threw Seth the warmest smile my cold lips could give. "Bye, Seth! Have enough fun at the wedding for both of us, okay? I'll see you when I get back. Oh, and you're still my personal hero for gnawing on Riley."

Seth puffed up with pride over his first official vampire kill. It felt a little weird congratulating a werewolf on destroying a vampire but considering we were talking about Victoria and Riley I would have built Seth a parade float from their charred remains to celebrate the fact. If I regretted anything about their death it was I couldn't be there to see it with my own eyes. Now that was a sight I would have loved to commit to my perfect, everlasting memory.

I flipped Seth a quick wave and dashed off. I got only a few steps into my sprint when I realized Seth was in hot pursuit again. I shot him a quizzical look that he answered with a bark and a nod.

"Oh, you're escorting me, huh?" I said, grinning. "Aren't you the gentleman?"

Seth wagged his tail.

"How about we race instead?" I asked.

Seth wildly approved of that idea and bolted ahead in a flash of fur. I put my newborn strength to work to close the gap between us and found myself really curious of what the outcome would be. It would be good to know what my chances of out-running a werewolf were if it ever came down to it.

Our race lasted in the span of several minutes and dozens of miles but I ended up with enough of a lead to ensure I would have passed the imaginary finish line first. I glanced back and gave Seth another wave as I sped onward towards Seattle even though I had no intention of revisiting the city I helped turn into a slaughter yard. I was retracing my footsteps, though.

The fact I still found Riley and Victoria's demise so satisfying was proof that I needed more that revenge for Diego's death; I needed closure. I couldn't spend the remainder of time wishing ill against a pair of long dead vampires anymore than I could spend it forever mourning a boy I barely knew. I would never be over it – not any of it, not ever – but I needed to let the dead rest and live my life for those still living.

For the moment, though, I let myself acknowledge that I wanted so much more for me and Diego. A few more minutes, a couple laughs, even just one more memory of him. It was pointless to wish for things I couldn't have so I cherished everything I did.

During eulogies people like to talk about how the dead never truly die so long as their memories were kept in the hearts of the living. My heart didn't beat and I wasn't technically alive but I would always remember Diego. My vivid, flawless memory would never let me forget him and I would remember Diego so well it would almost be like I was living those moments over again and again.

Victoria made Diego a vampire but I would make him immortal.

AUTHOR'S NOTE - I want to take a moment to thank everyone for reading this story with a special nod to those showing their support through reviews. Because you're all being so generous I can't resist spoiling you with speedy updates but I beg your patience and forgiveness when life inevitably catches up and my postings slow down.

All I can promise is I do have a long term plan and I'm especially eager to share what happens to Bree beyond the confines of Breaking Dawn.