Chapter 2
That night, after spending time with Emily and Sam, Allie and Zach decided to go for a hunt deep within the Olympic Forest. Zach watched with pride as his mate took down a deer and quenched her thirst. She smiled contently when she was sated and Zach wrapped his strong arms around her.
"Did you have fun today," he asked and she happily nodded.
"It was amazing getting to spend time with my parents. I know my mom misses me being home, so it was fun being with them all day. I hate that we can't go into town because of how different I look though. I am looking forward to heading up to Cape Flattery by ourselves. Just you and me, when was the last time we got to just relax like this?"
"It feels like it has been an eternity. I think we could all use the downtime. The past months have been a whirlwind. J and I graduated. You became a vampire. We got engaged. We helped J find Natalie. It has been a lot and I think everyone is welcoming the peace and quiet."
"It has been very peaceful and quiet…..too quiet," she warned and he chuckled.
"You sound very paranoid right now."
"Look, Cullen, I love that we get to enjoy ourselves, but I know the history of this family and the drama that can ensue. You aren't even a little concerned that suddenly we are able to roam freely, bask in all this serenity, and there are no strings attached?"
"We have been through a lot this year. We deserve a break."
"I agree, but I still think it has been too quiet."
"You sound like my mother. Do you know that I am not even allowed to say the word perfect around her without her freaking out and thinking I will jinx it?"
"What about your Aunt Alice? The wedding is in a few months and she isn't pestering us about it anymore. That is strange for her."
"Well, I welcome that strangeness. If it means I get to spend time with my mate uninterrupted then she can be as strange as she wants."
"Be careful what you wish for," warned Allie and he shook his head in amusement before tenderly kissing his mate.
Bella and Edward returned to their cottage after a moonlit swim and romantic evening on the beach. He grinned crookedly at his mate as she turned on one of his favorite songs and started the fireplace. She put her shield down so he could read her thoughts and he smiled even more.
"I agree, love. It was the perfect day and I look forward to another perfect night with you," he said as she sauntered over to him. He groaned as he heard thoughts in the distance.
"Well, it was nice while it lasted," he grumbled and it was her turn to groan as Alice marched into the cottage with Jasper not far behind.
"Okay, this whole not seeing around the wolf pack thing is getting old! There are things I need to know. There might be things I need to meddle in. How can I meddle if I can't see," exclaimed Alice and Bella smirked.
"It has never stopped you before," grumbled Bella. Alice planted her hands on her hips. "Don't you take that tone with me Isabella Marie Cullen! There is some serious drama about to go down in La Push and I am trying to stop it from happening!"
"Alice, what have you seen," asked Bella and Alice waved her off with a shrug.
"Nothing yet," assured Alice.
"Then why are you marching in here and freaking out," shrieked Bella.
"Because I can't see anything clearly, obviously! Eleazar is helping me work through my issues with the pack impairing my visions, but everything is blurry at best. While you two have been here relaxing, I have been trying to piece together my visions like a puzzle," shouted Alice and Bella threw her hands up in exasperation. Jasper stepped in between them and smiled lovingly at his mate.
"Darlin', we are just trying to follow along here. What have you seen and what has you so upset," comforted Jasper.
"There may or may not be a situation where there may or may not be a fight and different imprints may or may not be involved," explained Alice.
"And this may or may not make any sense," informed Bella as Alice pouted.
"What Alice is trying to say is that Evan imprinting on Callista has made some things complicated," explained Edward.
"But it doesn't have to be complicated. I understand why you didn't want me to say anything to Jake or Leah at first but maybe we should tell them and they can just sit him down and say, Josh, Evan imprinted on your ex-girlfriend while hanging out on the island for your birthday…..and that is not a good way to say that," admitted Bella as she heard it out loud and Jasper chuckled.
"Is there a good way to say it though? Imprinting is complicated and I am not sure this is our business in the first place," warned Jasper.
"Edward, tell him why he is wrong," urged Alice and Edward groaned.
"Do I have to," whined Edward.
"Well, I can't. He is my mate and I hate having to disagree with him," said Alice.
"I'm still right here," reminded Jasper and Alice nudged Edward.
"Fine, Jasper, while I am all for not meddling, we are connected to the pack so their drama becomes our drama and their issues eventually become our issues," explained Edward and Alice huffed.
"That was a horrible explanation," scolded Alice and Edward rolled his eyes.
"Then you do it," challenged Edward. Alice wrapped her arms around her mate.
"Jazzy, Zach is friends with Josh and Evan. Evan doesn't want to hurt Josh, but is going to side with Callista because that is his imprint. Esme loves Evan and will not let anything happen to him and so this problem is now our problem because their issues become our issues," explained Alice.
"I literally just said…." Alice interrupted Edward.
"And wolves are crazy! We can all pretend like they aren't, but they are. They imprint in the most random of ways. They are temperamental and worst of all, they are unpredictable," announced Alice.
"Really, you consider that worse than imprinting randomly," giggled Bella and Alice scoffed.
"Of course it is, because it affects me. I can't see around them and it is going to drive me crazy," wailed Alice and Jasper frowned in confusion.
"But what has changed since earlier today, darlin'? You were excited about helping Esme with Evan and Callista," said Jasper.
"Something has changed. I don't know what, but I can feel it or at least it will change. Eleazar keeps telling me to go with my instincts and they are telling me that something is about to happen."
"Then, it is simple. Let's just tell them what we know," suggested Bella.
"Yea, great idea, why didn't I think of that? Oh wait, I did and the visions got blurry and my instincts screamed at me that it wasn't a good idea," exclaimed Alice.
"You don't have to be condescending about it," retorted Bella and Alice sighed as she hugged her sister.
"I am sorry. Sometimes I can get a little anxious when I can't see things," admitted Alice and Bella arched an eyebrow at her.
"Huh, haven't noticed," teased Bella and Alice playfully glared at her. Edward frowned as he read Jasper's thoughts.
"You can't be serious. You really think that is a solution," asked Edward and Jasper slowly nodded as he mulled his thoughts over.
"Eleazar and I have talked about how Alice's power is connected to her emotions and her connection to the people close to her. It usually works in her favor, but sometimes it can hinder her. Sometimes, you focus so hard on your visions that you try to force them. Darlin' what if we took a different approach? Take a step back, get away for a bit, and clear your head. Maybe it will allow you to relax enough to let your visions alert you instead of trying to force them to," advised Jasper.
"It is worth a try, but what if something happens? I will never forgive myself. I feel so trapped. I get a bad feeling if I tell Josh. I get a bad feeling if I don't. I mean, don't I owe it to him to tell him? Don't tell Seth this, but he is my favorite wolf. His fashion sense is impeccable. I have taught him so well. He is also like a nephew to me. I don't like keeping things from him like this, but I also don't feel like it is my place to tell him if it will only make things worse."
"Alice, I have sifted through your visions and I don't see enough to go off of one way or another. That means all you have left is your instinct. What is your instinct telling you to do," questioned Edward and she smiled at her mate.
"It tells me to go with Jazzy and try to relax," she said as she slipped her hand into Jasper's.
"Then do that," agreed Bella and Alice groaned.
"But this whole not meddling thing just feels so strange," whined Alice and Bella laughed.
"Then think of it as not meddling prematurely. It is progress," assured Bella and Alice thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Okay, I will try this 'not meddling before I have the answers' thing. It sounds ridiculous if you ask me though," said Alice as she marched out of the cottage and Jasper chuckled.
"Wish me luck," said Jasper and Bella winked at him.
"You'll need it," called Bella as Jasper went after his mate.
Evan whistled along to the song playing on the stereo of his truck as he drove back to La Push. It was dawn and the fog was rolling through the region along with the early morning clouds. He spent the entire night with Callista under the stars. Once they arrived back to Port Angeles on the ferry, they spent the night kissing by the water and talking. It amazed Evan how easy it felt to talk with Callista and he shared secrets with her that he even tried to keep from the pack by pushing the thoughts away as much as possible. He pulled into the driveway of his house and was surprised to see Colt waiting on the porch for him. Evan did his best to not seem rattled by his friend's presence and gave a smile as he hopped out of the truck.
"What are you doing up? It is really early," asked Evan and Colt shrugged.
"I didn't sleep. I just ran most of the night to clear my head. Where have you been lately?"
"I've been clearing my head too." Colt smirked as he stood up.
"You're such a liar, Evan. I know something is going on with you. I have for a while, but it was pretty clear when you bailed on us last night."
"What are you talking about?"
"The bonfire, remember," interrogated Colt and Evan rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Look, I didn't bail. I just had other stuff to do and I told everyone I would do it next time."
"Well, it was cancelled instead. What is up with you lately? It is like you don't want to hang out with us anymore. You don't phase. You don't come over to play video games. It is like you are doing everything possible to not be part of the pack."
"I think you are being a bit dramatic, Colt. We don't have to do everything together. We don't have to spend every waking moment together to be friends. You know what is going on? I am trying to figure out my life just like everyone else is. Drew is trying to figure out what to tell Lexi. Braden is trying to decide if he wants to stay on the rez or go to college. Daniel, Owen, and Tommy are getting more responsibilities in the Tribal Council. We have lives and we are growing up. What is wrong with that?"
"The difference is that the others still make time to hang. You don't, so cut the crap. What is really going on with you? I know there is something." Evan stuffed his hands in his pockets and shrugged.
"I don't know what to tell you," he said as honestly as he could and Colt gave a curt nod.
"Then I guess we aren't as close as I thought we were. Have a good life, bud," grumbled Colt as he walked by Evan.
"Colt, wait," called Evan and Colt spun around to glare at him.
"You know, this is why I don't get close to people or even bother trying to trust them. I have always been able to sense when people are lying to me. Too bad it doesn't make it suck any less. I chose you as my best friend because you were the most honest person I knew. I guess I was wrong," said Colt before phasing and galloping into the forest. Evan gritted his teeth in frustration, but didn't go after his friend. After all, he had no clue what to say that would not result in a lie.
Esme smiled sweetly at Alice and Jasper as they entered the house on the outskirts of Forks. Esme was in the middle of renovating the kitchen and Alice nodded in approval.
"This is the perfect color scheme. It is beautiful," complimented Alice and Esme hugged them in greeting.
"Redecorating is keeping me busy while Carlisle is at the hospital. When they said they could use his help for a bit with some scheduled surgeries, I had no clue it would be this many. I thought we could use the time alone here as a little vacation."
"He will be home soon for a bit. He does have to go back in later, but he is almost done. We are going to head to Ireland to spend some time with Connell and Tia," informed Alice.
"That sounds lovely. I guess that means all is going well with Evan and Callista if you are willing to leave the country," teased Esme.
"We will only be a blink away if we are needed," informed Alice.
"I know you will. Go have fun. I am sure Connell and Jasper have some great battle stories to compare." Jasper winked at her.
"Mine are better," he assured.
"Don't let him fool you. He loves hearing about The Guard and all their adventures. Connell and I have more common than I assumed we would as well. I knew that Tia and I would enjoy shopping together, but I underestimated how fascinating Connell's life has been. Besides, he gets sensitive when I don't give him attention. He is very high maintenance and don't let him tell you otherwise."
"Well, it sounds like you will have fun. I will see you two later," said Esme. Alice glanced at Jasper. Esme noticed and eyed them curiously.
"What am I missing," asked Esme and Jasper cleared his throat.
"We just want you to be very cautious around the wolves. They are still unpredictable and their moods can change in an instant, so please be careful," advised Jasper. Esme frowned in confusion.
"Did you see something that I should be concerned about," asked Esme and Alice shook her head.
"See, no, but I just have a strange feeling. It is just an instinct. I can't get a good read on Evan and Callista's future, which means the pack is involved."
"Of course they are, Evan is part of the pack," said Esme.
"I know you are an optimist, but I just want you to be careful. They are dealing with a lot of emotions. Even Sam went off the deep end when he found out about Zach and Allie and he is a grown man. I love the pack and you know that, but they still have the traits of all the other generations of wolves before them, impulsivity, irrationality, and issues dealing with anger when faced with a problem. I may not be able to see it, but I can sense it. Things are about to get complicated."
"But they have something the others did not, us. Jacob, Leah, and Sam were blinded by their hatred for us, but this pack is not. They know us and they are far more rational than the packs before them. Things may get complicated, but we will deal with it like we always do," assured Esme.
"I have no doubt about that and that is not my concern," admitted Alice.
"Then what is your concern?"
"In case you have not noticed, in the past I have gotten a bit….frazzled…when I go blank."
"I have noticed, dear," giggled Esme and Alice did as well.
"That is not the case in this situation because I can feel my powers growing. Eleazar and Jasper are right. I may not always be able to see and I may not always be happy about that, but I can still sense things."
"Then what do you sense?"
"I know you want everything to be perfect for Evan. I have grown quite fond of him too. Just remember that we are dealing with temperamental, young wolves. Please be careful," advised Alice and Esme slowly nodded.
"Understood," said Esme. Jasper kissed the top of her head.
"Good because while I am fond of this wolf pack, if anything happens to you on their watch, there will be hell to pay," warned Jasper and she kissed his cheek.
"Always so protective," said Esme and he winked at her.
"And always will be," he added before walking out of the house. Alice hugged Esme as well before following her mate. Esme could hear Connell and Tia appear outside to get Alice and Jasper. The four of them were gone in seconds, leaving Esme to mull over her children's words.
That night, Evan happily walked hand in hand with Callista at the annual summer carnival in Port Angeles. They made their way through the crowd of people and to the Ferris wheel. Callista giggled as Evan wrapped her in his warm embrace and they sat down in one of the passenger cars. It was a clear, starry night and Callista smiled at the view as the ride began. She rested her head on Evan's shoulder and he kissed her forehead.
"I really like Port Angeles," admitted Callista and Evan beamed with happiness.
"I am glad you are sticking around for a bit. I was worried you would want to go back to Greece already."
"I have a pretty good reason to stay in the area. Besides, it was simple to rent a cabin in Sequim. It doesn't have a carnival like Port Angeles, but it allows me to be close to you without worrying about running into your pack or anyone else."
"Maybe I can see your cabin soon….I mean I don't have to….if you want me to, that would be fun. I mean we could just have innocent fun, like watch a movie….not that I wouldn't be all for other types of fun, but…." He quickly covered his mouth and blushed deep red as Callista giggled at his reaction.
"Other types of fun," she asked with a mischievous smile and he blushed even more.
"I didn't mean it like that. I am all for taking things slowly. Not that I don't want to see the inside of your cabin. I mean I have fantasized about what could happen inside your….I'm going to shut up now," said Evan as he placed his face in his hands and she laughed.
"No, by all means, I am having fun watching you fumble around with this euphemism," she teased.
"Back to Port Angeles, I am glad you like it here and are having fun, even if it is at my expense," he teased back.
"I haven't been to a carnival since I was a child. My father would take me to the Carnival of Patras. It is a big event in Greece. There are balls, parades, and even a treasure hunt. I was always the best at finding the treasure."
"You don't talk about Greece very much or your childhood."
"It isn't the best story," she confessed as she looked down at her hands in her lap. He tilted her chin back up to him and gazed into her eyes.
"Doesn't mean you can't tell me. You don't have to, but I am here and I am not going anywhere," he assured.
"My mother died from cancer when I was a child and my father never really recovered. He always took care of me though until his dying day. I was nineteen when that happened. I always told him he worked too hard. He always told me I deserved the best and him working hard would get that for me. He had a heart attack."
"I'm so sorry. That is horrible."
"It was a long time ago," she said with a sad shrug and he slipped his hand into hers.
"You know, I have heard a lot of origin stories about vampires. They usually involve tragedy. I wonder why that is."
"Because most of us are not Zachary or Renesmee Cullen, we weren't born into this existence. Most of us were turned, often against our will."
"Is that what happened to you? Did you not want this life?"
"I was seduced and lured into it. Maksim was obsessed with me, well, my beauty. He said he turned me so we could be together. I was young and foolish enough to believe him. I thought I loved him and after my father died, I didn't have much to lose, but Maksim was always a very selfish man. He didn't warn me about the burning or pain of transformation. I thought it would be like in the movies, a quick bite and it would be over, but three days felt like an eternity. When I woke up, I was angry with him and it didn't help that he was insufferable and controlling. Trying to control a newborn is hard enough without being possessive. I pushed back and eventually had enough. We parted ways and realized we were not mates, so I continued on in this existence on my own."
"So he is still out there somewhere? When is the last time you saw him?"
"It has been over fifteen years, but you have nothing to worry about. Maksim and I are nothing to each other."
"Fifteen years, so you were turned a little before that," he mumbled to himself and she giggled as she saw his scowl.
"Ah, so this is not about jealousy over Maksim. It is about my age," she informed and his eyes widened as he shook his head.
"What, no, of course not," he tried to lie, but she smirked.
"I can practically see the wheels turning in her head," she teased and he smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, I just am curious. Vampires can live forever, so…."
"Since we are dating, it is only fair that you get to ask. I am thirty five, does that bother you?" He smiled as he shook his head.
"No way, I knew you were older than me. I have to admit that I was way off though," he confessed and she playfully glared at him.
"How off," she questioned.
"Well, you are really beautiful and the most beautiful vampires I know are all centuries old so I figured….." He trailed off and pretended to check the time on his watch.
"You thought I was hundreds of years old," she accused and he shook with mirth as he tried not to laugh.
"I didn't know," he laughed.
"Did you just tell the woman you love you think she is an old lady?" He pushed out his bottom lip in a pout and she rolled her eyes but smiled at him.
"Most of the vampires I know are much older than me. Esme is centuries old and I guess I just always assume I am dealing with people with far more life experience than me."
"I suppose that is true. Esme is a very kind woman. I understand why you are so close with her."
"I got really lucky meeting her and if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't know you."
"Then I guess that makes me extremely lucky as well," she said with a smile and he happily kissed her as the Ferris wheel made its last rotation. Colt shook his head as he looked up from the parking lot at the two of them kissing on the ride. He was about to call Drew, but decided against it. He tracked Evan because he wanted to know the truth. Now, he had to decide what he wanted to do with that information.