A New Beginning

Sesshy's Mistress

Summary: The Volturi have left and all seems well, but Cosmos can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this plot idea.

Note: I was impressed with the feedback from the first chapter. Let us see how you all like this one. My inspiration is my ex boyfriend who was a total jerk and dumped me via text while he was at work. You gotta love guys, they really know how to treat a girl *sarcastic*

Have a good day!

…

...

He could feel it. Something had changed in the air once again. Only, this time, the change was for the better. He felt as if he could breathe again. Jacob's head turned sharply in the direction of Forks. In the distance, he could hear the calls of several wolves, his brethren. His whole body tensed in understanding as his eyes locked on the direction which led back to the Cullen's residence.

"What is it Jacob?" Billy questioned in concern. He had noticed that the boy had been on edge. Of course Billy knew why, but Jacob didn't. He hadn't been made aware as to the disappearance of the silver haired being several days prior. Sam had come to Billy during the early morning hours after the woman's disappearance. He had explained what had happened. Both were in agreement that to tell Jacob would not be in anyone's best interest. So, working together, Billy and Sam had ensured that all of Jacob's free time was focused on the Res.

"I've got to go," Jacob dropped the pile of wood next to the fireplace before taking off towards the front door of Billy's cabin.

"Wait, Jacob!" Billy called out to his son, but it was too late. As soon as the boy's feet hit the front yard, he had transformed, leaving shredded bits of clothing and shoes to litter the ground. Billy sighed. Even if Jacob hadn't known, his wolf did. Thankfully, Jacob was still coming to terms with his wolf and how to understand it.

"Sam," Billy spoke after dialing Sam's cell. "I couldn't stop him. He's on his way."

…

"Nikolai!" Serenity tugged on her arm as she tried to relieve it from the man's strong grip, but it was all for naught. His strong fingers were wrapped tightly, but gently, around her small wrist, ensuring that she would not escape from his hold as he dragged her along behind him. He had long ago ignored the outraged cries of concern coming from the vampires and shifters. "Nikolai!"

He finally stopped, but only when he was a safe distance from the house where the others had remained upon Serenity's request. Of course, that had been before Nikolai had so roughly removed her from the Cullen's humble home and proceeded to return her to the forest for their discussion. Already he could hear some of the shifters approaching. Their skills were tuned, but not enough so as to escape from the senses of a true wolf.

"Let me go!" Serenity demanded as she used her other hand to pry at his fingers. Nikolai ignored her attempts and, instead, pinned her body against a large tree. His hands wrapped around her wrists, bringing them to her shoulders as he leaned in close to her. His nostrils flared as he sniffed her, trying to figure out by scent where she had traveled. There was no trace of danger, and so he relaxed. He allowed his hands to fall to his sides, but did not move aside so as to allow her freedom to roam the area.

"Thanks," she mumbled with a soft bite to her tone. Her hands moved to inspect her wrists. His grip had been tight, but there would be no markings on her. Nikolai had never hurt her, even in his anger. He was always gentle with her no matter what the case.

"What happened, Serenity?" Nikolai demanded to know as he bent his head down once more. One of his large hands moved to brush her hair aside, inspecting her neck for any damages. Just because there was no lingering scent, that did not mean that there had not, at some point, been some danger to her health. The mere thought caused his chest to tighten and his eyes to flash gold.

"I had a vision," She moved her head from left to right, flashing her bare and unmarked flesh to him. "The Volturi were preparing to attack innocents. Ones of whom were under my protection. I had to help. I'm sorry but I didn't have time to explain," Serenity defended her action. Her crescent moon glowed brightly in reflection to her mixed feelings. "If I had not arrived when I had, they would all be dead."

"Where are they now?" Nikolai questioned as he retreated from his inspection. He knew she could take care of herself, but it was out of habit more so than anything else.

"I carried them to the Gates of Elysion," She admitted softly. That would explain the strange smell that radiated off of her being. Though Nikolai had never been granted access to the Holy Land of Dreams, he had heard Serenity speak of them. He knew of the creatures that guarded the palace and assisted the Priest with his duties. They were otherworldly, just like her.

"Is it safe?" He knew the dangers of vampires and how much pride Serenity took in Elysion. That land of dreams held many memories for her, and if anything were to happen to it, Nikolai knew that it would crush her beyond repair. That was the last place of refuge for her during the days when the pain of loss was so fresh for her. When he was unable to do anything to ease that pain brought on by years of fighting and of struggle.

The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"They have been well warned," Serenity nodded. "I stayed to ensure that they could handle the first few days. I was worried, but they seem to have adapted well. Helios will keep me informed on their progress. Should anything arise, I will return and handle the situation." She answered without any affliction to her tone. Her eyes were glowing softly and their gaze was like the frozen tundra. How he hated those eyes.

"Very well," Nikolai relented as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a familiar object. "I wish you would take into consideration the effects that your disappearances have on others." He took her hand and placed the object in her upturned palm.

"You found it?" She was surprised that he had managed to find her phone in the vast wilderness of Forks.

"No, one of the shifters did," Nikolai answered honestly. "They and the vampires went in search of you shortly after your disappearance. They were concerned as well." He reached out to tug on her pigtail. "You had everyone frightened, Moonbeam."

"I'm sorry," guilt weighed heavily in her tone and she let her gaze fall to the mossy floor. "I can't help the visions. I do not choose when they come and what they beckon of me." She sighed as the weight of the truth settled back over her shoulders. Ignoring the tug on her hair, she reached out to wrap her arms around the taller man. She embraced him in a hug so tight that it reflected her troubled emotions. She was so conflicted at the moment and had been since the first vision of Renesmee.

Slightly startled, it took Nikolai a moment before he returned the hug and let his chin rest atop her silver crown. His shaggy locks of gold fell to hide his eyes which were swollen with relief and gratitude. He had truly been worried for her, especially after the vision she had suffered through which had brought her to this place.

"How long have you been here?" She questioned against his chest, enjoying the warmth his body lent to her chilled and exhausted form.

"Three days," Nikolai answered her while his fingers ran through her hair. She needed comfort and he was more than willing to give it to her. He was forever indebted to her. He would never forget the day that brought her into his life. He had been on the verge of death, and her appearance only testified to how close he was to dying. At first he believed her to be an angel coming to welcome him into her embrace and carry him to heaven. Yet, how foolish he had been. How could he, a damned being cursed by the gods, be worthy of heaven or the light which she reflected?

…

Jacob's large body skidded to a halt before Sam and his pack of wolves. They stood several feet away from the source of his excitement, Serenity. For some reason, he had been restless. Sam and Billy had tried to ease the passing time by allowing him extra work so as to burn off the stress and earn some extra and well needed cash. Then, it was as if all of his stress had suddenly melted away and he had the unexplained urge to run and find Serenity.

The wind blew softly against him, carrying her sweet scent. The scent of roses, vanilla, and something otherworldly, too. Since realizing that she was his imprint, he had always wondered what that other scent could be that was mixed so delightfully with roses and vanilla. It reminded him of the clear nights running under the full moon.

The wind picked up pace, carrying with it the scent of another. The scent of an alpha male. A low growl rumbled from within Jacob's chest, surprising him and the other wolves present. His wolf was reacting to that scent. Still transformed, Jacob took a heavy step forward. His chocolate orbs narrowed when he noticed the others stiffen at his movements. They were restless.

Since declaring himself alpha of his own pack, Jacob had long lost the ability to hear the thoughts of his once brothers. He was his own. He had Seth and Leah which had also joined his side, making them part of his pack. Unconsciously, Jacob's body stiffened in preparation to move once again. Should the others try to stop him, then he would force his way to Serenity.

Sensing the growing turmoil, Sam transformed back into his human form. He quickly dressed himself in his shorts before slowly approaching Jacob's large wolf form. His hands were held up, palms showing in order to prove he meant no harm. They did not need a fight on their hands, especially with an imprint so close.

"Jacob," Sam spoke softly, trying to ease his brother in arms. A growl answered him. "We just want to talk is all."

Jacob's body lowered as his claws dug into the ground. He was ready. Ready for what was the only question that rang through the human part of his mind. Right here, right now, it was his wolf that was in charge. Something wasn't right with it. Something had set it off and Sam was only in the way of it.

…

"Three days?" Serenity demanded as she pulled away. "You didn't even wait at all before coming here?" She pulled back, removing herself from his hold. A small ticking formed over her eye a she placed her hands on her hips in obvious disapproval. Her disposition only caused the wolf before her to chuckle at her expense.

She opened her mouth to comment, but quickly snapped it shut when she heard the sound of growls echoing from nearby. Nikolai had stiffened as well. His head was cocked as he listened with rapt attention to the growing sounds of obviously aggressive wolves. Ice blue eyes narrowed in distaste as his upper lip curled. A growl of his own vibrated from within his solid chest.

"Nikolai," Serenity's eyes took notice of the tremble that went through his body. His muscles were tightening and shifting. He was going to change. She took a step back from him, allowing him the room he needed to shift. His hands moved expertly to discard his shirt. He tossed it to her out of habit. His skin was moving; it reminded Serenity of restless waves. She turned her head as Nikolai began to step out of his shoes and remove his pants. In only a few seconds, his human form was replaced by a large wolf of light coloring. A bright blonde that shone white in the light of the sun.

Serenity smiled softly at the beauty his wolf form presented. She had always been amazed by him. His origins were one of Russia, yet his coloring, even in human form, was abnormal for his country of origin. Even before he became a wolf, he had been an outcast in his society. Orphaned at a young age, Nikolai had, as he once told her, lived a life in a small orphanage. He was unlike other children his age, and was thus criticized. It was because of this that he left one day and ran across the creature which cursed him.

"Nikolai!" Serenity yelled as she was pulled from her musings. His large and powerful form suddenly launched toward the sounds of the other wolves. Worried, Serenity quickly gathered his belongings and ran after him. In wolf form, Nikolai was faster than she, even in a foreign terrain such as this. He, like the other wolves, had a natural connection to the world around them.

Though blessed by Endymion's starseed, Serenity was continuously left amazed at the way these wolves lived and thrived. She also admired them…

…

The large forms of Jacob and Sam wrestled in the dirt and foliage of the surrounding area. Jacob's wolf was restless to move ahead, and Sam had refused to give in and let him pass. Left with no other option, Jacob had tried to force his way, but Sam would have none of it. Sam had transformed and quickly moved to subdue the other. Yet, both wolves were strong and stubborn. Neither caved to the other as their aggressive growls grew louder. Others from within both packs stood and watched. They didn't know what to do.

A loud howl cut through the air, giving pause to the fight suddenly. About a hundred feet away stood a large blonde wolf. His head slowly lowered as the howl he emitted finally came to an end. Eyes that seemed almost white pierced the two fighting wolves, freezing them in place. This wolf was a true wolf. He was strong and he was experienced.

Jacob's brown eyes flashed with recognition. This was the one whom he had scented earlier. This was the alpha within Jacob's territory. Indeed, the wind blew and Jacob could smell Serenity on this wolf. With a powerful thrust of all fours, Jacob sent Sam flying into the air and crashing into a nearby tree.

Normally he would be concerned, but the sight and scent of that alpha had his wolf on edge. Why was that alpha carrying the scent of Serenity? His imprint! Jacob rolled to his feet. It took him only a second before he found himself running towards the blonde alpha. His large paws pounded into the ground, sending dust flying behind him. The wolves from La Push were too stunned to realize what was happening. Jacob had moved to fast. By the time they started after him in hopes of stopping him in time, Jacob was almost upon the other alpha.

The blonde wolf let out a rough growl of warning. When Jacob's form continued forward, the other wolf lunged. His much larger form slammed into Jacob's, knocking him back and leaving him pinned beneathe the other.

"Nikolai, stop!" Serenity suddenly appeared. Her silver hair whipped in the wind, catching Jacob's attention. His brown eyes softened upon her, and the other wolf noticed before tensing and applying more pressure to Jacob's pinned form. "Stop!" Serenity was suddenly on the blonde wolf's back. Her hands slid through the shaggy and silky blonde locks. Her fingers intertwined together as she pressed her form along the other alpha's back.

Jacob's anger ignited as jealousy took hold. He never noticed how her dainty and bare feet dug into the wolf's sides as she suddenly jerked back, pulling the larger wolf off of Jacob. The only thing Jacob realized was that he was free. As soon as he got to his feet, the other members of Sam's pack had arrived, they all jumped upon him, pinning him down with their combined weight.

"Jacob, easy," Seth's voice spoke suddenly. "He's a friend of Serenity!"

'Friend,' Jacob thought. He kept repeating it to himself, hoping that his wolf would calm, and it did, but slowly and only after Serenity stood. Still, he kept a weary gaze on the blonde alpha that stood close to his imprint. The other wolf's stance was one of protection. Did he really think Jacob would hurt her? Would allow anyone to hurt her? Anger began to rise again, and he noticed how Serenity made a small gesture with her hand, pointing her palm towards him. It glowed golden and Jacob felt himself relaxing.

"I don't know what is going on, but you both need to stop," Serenity's voice was firm as her gaze shot between the blonde wolf and the russet colored one. "Nikolai, these are not your pack. You have no right to interfere with the way they handle themselves." She moved to shove the large wolf, but he was unmoveable. His light colored eyes merely drifted to her.

"Jerk," Serenity grumbled under her breath. She turned her attention to the wolves that had gathered to see what was happening. She smiled apologetically towards them. "I'm really sorry if Nikolai interfered at all. He has this annoying control impulse-" Her voice rose in pitch as Nikolai's wolf form bumped her side, almost toppling her over. Once she recovered her balance and spared Nikolai a glare, she turned her attention back to the other wolves.

"Why don't we all have a two-legged conversation?" She looked around to all the wolves and noticed how they met each other's gazes. They were considering it, definitely. One of the wolves, the large black one, gave a loud bark and almost all of the wolves disappeared into the forest only to reappear moments later. They donned only a pair of shorts and shoes, leaving their bronze chests bare. The remaining three wolves also disappeared. The russet one stayed a moment, gazing at Serenity next to the other wolf before following its companions.

"As for you," Serenity turned to face Nikolai who was sniffing her side. "I dropped your clothes back there. You can go and find them!" She smirked as Nikolai's wolf sent her a mock glare. He sent the large group of people a glare of warning before disappearing into the densely packed forest in search of his clothes.

"I'm really sorry," Serenity bowed to the others out of habit. When she stood back up, Nikolai was coming back from the woods. He slid next to her as his icy gaze locked on the one who had moved to attack him.

Jacob caught his gaze and he knew this was an alpha, just as Nikolai knew that Jacob was the alpha in this area. Nikolai's gaze then flew to the other man, the acting alpha. Something within the workings of this group was unusual and it intrigued him. It was not often that one would find two packs of wolves so close together.

"Apologize," Serenity ordered as she reached out to pinch his arm. Nikolai easily caught her hand before she had a chance to even try it. He spared her a small smirk before allowing her hand to slip free. "Nikolai," Serenity all but sighed in exasperation.

"It's fine, Serenity," Sam spoke as he shared a look with Jacob. "Some were unaware of the situation, so there was fault on both sides."

"Situation?" Serenity questioned when she sensed the double meaning behind that one word. She felt that there was something else going on and she did not like being left out of the loop. Maybe she had pouted, because Nikolai chuckled at her expense and gave her head a soft pat.

"Maybe we should return to the Cullens," Nikolai suggested to everyone present. "I'm sure that we can take a few moments to explain ourselves. After all, Serenity, you were rather quick in removing me from the premises earlier."

"It's not my fault that I come back only to find you –" Serenity began to defend herself and her actions, but was cut off by Sam.

"I think that would be a great idea," He looked towards Jacob. "Don't you agree, Jacob?"

Jacob's brown eyes ran between Nikolai and Serenity. He did have a lot of questions and concerns. It would be best, he realized, to return to the Cullen's home and discuss the events that had transpired recently. Jacob nodded his consent to the decision but that did not mean that he was no longer angry. Something had happened and he had not been let in on it. He could sense it.

His smoldering brown eyes turned accusingly to Sam who could not meet his gaze. Yes, something was definitely not right.

…

"This place is different than home," Serenity's gaze stayed focused ahead of her. She wouldn't meet Nikolai's burning gaze. He was still upset, she could sense it. He always had a funny way of acting when upset. Serenity never could understand it. Anger, worry, and the occasional sadness would be the most prominent feelings he would express, especially around her. "They are not the same as you or the others. This is their pack, and they may run it differently. We can't come here and disturb that."

"I believe you already disturbed it when you first appeared, Serenity," Nikolai answered honestly. "I can tell there is something going on within that pack, something that started only recently. I'm not sure if it has to do with the new fledgling or you, maybe both."

"Renesmee's existence is crucial to the future existence of those like her and those of both sides of her lineage," Serenity suddenly stopped mid step. Her gaze turned upwards. Though the thick foliage of the tree's hid the sky, she appeared to be looking past and through that. Nikolai moved closer and noticed that her eyes were glowing purple.

"What are you not telling me?" Nikolai inquired in earnest concern. His voice was low as he lifted a hand to cup her cheek and guide her gaze to meet his.

"Her future is clouded," Her eyes slowly began to lose the purple coloring. "The outcome has yet to be decided. Something is going to happen, and I doubt the Cullen's or the shifters will be able to handle it alone."

"This is not your fight, Serenity!" Nikolai stepped away from her. His concern for her well-being was causing him to act in his anger and confusion. "Why interfere?"

"Why did I interfere when a pack of vampires were hunting you?" Serenity answered his question with her own. The results were what she expected. He cast his eyes to the ground in contemplation and understanding. "I do this because it is right. I do this for you and the others. I do what others cannot do."

"You do for others what you could not do for them," Nikolai finished for her as he met her gaze. The sympathy in his eyes was enough to make her heart physically ache. Nikolai had known her a long time, and she had shared with him many things, but not all. He knew lightly of her past, but not in great detail. If he did truly know, then that gaze would not be so sympathetic.

"I do because I must," Serenity stated numbly before continuing on the path to the Cullen's.

…

...

So, that is the next chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed it. Sorry that it took so long. I had college finals coming up, and then me and my boyfriend broke up. That nearly killed me! Things are complicated right now, with college and with him. I'm trying to work things out and get back to normal, but it's not easy.

Anyway, I hope you all liked this. You get to see into Nikolai and Serenity's relationship. You also got to see a bit of Nikolai interacting with the pack. Excited yet? I hope so. I also left a bit of a cliffhanger in regards to Renesmee's coming future, and of course, Serenity's mysterious past. :D

I might add in a few more characters from Serenity and Nikolai's pack, but not sure how soon before I do. Until then, let me know what you think. Thanks!