Chapter 31

Annalise's POV

Haylee hooks her arm with mine as we begin walking back; to a house full of Vampire's. Haylee gulps as we continue our path. I can see she's scared but I know that she's determined to go on with it.

She however, jumps, yelps, jilts away at the slightest noise. To one in particular she jumps high and grasps my arm so hard I thought for a minute she was going to make me bleed. "Hale's…" She looks at me with her wide hazel eyes. Her grip tighter on my skin, the tip of her fingers white from the force. "That was a bird," I bite the inside of my cheek to stop the eruption of giggles threatening to come out.

She lets go and rubs her hands together and chuckles nervously. "Of course," she swallows and gives a small smile. "I knew that,"

I nod as I look away suppressing the smile. She walks silently next to me looking down probably trying to drown out any 'scary' noises. Her head snaps up once in a while, her eyes still look at everything expecting some kind of disfigured monster to come out and eat us. The only thing that could possibly harm us is bears but I think I can fight it. I smile as I look at everything, not like her, I see it as a wonderful paradise that can calm me with ease.

I look up to see the sun shining in all its glory. I look back at Haylee getting an idea to make her feel less nervous. I move my wrist softly to create a hard breeze to make a funnel of leaves. They dance in the air like a graceful ballerina. Haylee giggles looking at my art. "Do you see that?" She says looking at me in wonder. I nod with a grin. She mouths 'wow' and keeps looking at them. I move them upward to fall like an arch way for us to pass. We pass but Haylee keeps looking at them walking backwards. I drop my hand and the wind carries them away. "That was so cool!"

I secretly smile trying to keep her remaining innocence for a while longer. I think she has enough to deal with without adding the fact that some vampires also have special abilities. Making her smile and comfortable is all that matters right now. I just hope she won't have to find out about the pack.

"Annie," she smiles and I return it. Finally she's using the correct name. "Why are Jessie's eyes red?"

My mouth forms in an 'O' as I blink. I didn't think she would want to know more. I clear my throat, "That's how all of the new born eyes are. Their own blood still lingers in their tissues; making them stronger." I see her shoulders slump. I must be so hard for her to accept that her best friend is what people would call demon. I clear my throat, "When a vampire eats humans their eyes turn red as well. As you can see my family's eyes are topaz, the way it turns if they eat animals." I can see her visibly relax. I think that knowing they're not murderous, to humans at least, has calmed her down a bit.

She gulps again and stops in front of the house. She anxiously rubs her Converse tennis shoe on her ankle and begins twisting her knotted, honey tone hair on her finger, biting the side of her bottom lip. I pull her gently and she slowly follows. We walk up the stairs and I open the door main door. The house is so quite only the footsteps are heard. I rub her hand reassuringly as we walk up the staircase inside. Her heart beat accelerates at the site of my whole family waiting for us in the living room. Jessie's head snaps up when we stand at the entrance of the living room. He sits on the edge of the couch; his elbows in his knees as he looks at us with his piercing red eyes, almost looks like he's drilling a hole into us. Haylee looks at him as if they're having a staring contest. Grandpa in all his elegance stands, "Annie, sweetie, and Haylee your friend Princess has woken up-"

"-And screams every time we walk in." Daddy finishes while chuckling.

I only nod with a half smile as I pull Haylee into the hallway. I giggle imagining Princess scream like a mad women.

"Oh god, I forgot about Princess," Haylee confesses.

"Yeah why did you bring Princess of all people?"

"Well, my cousin can be very… persistent,"

"Cousin? Princess is your cousin?"

Haylee rolls her eyes. "Unfortunately." She grumbles. "I know… we are completely different,"

We make it in no time to Grandpa's study. I open the doors slowly to find Princess sitting at the bottom of the window with all the blinds up while holding a fork like a sword preparing to fight. I laugh a blown out belly laugh; very unlady like. Haylee giggles slipping her glasses up to see if what she's seeing inst an illusion. "Princess what are you doing?"

She looks at the windows as a sliver of the sun barges in. Then she looks at the fork. "It's metal. It can burn their skin, like the sun," She points to the windows. "I saw it in the movies… I had to defend myself." She looks around us making sure no-one followed.

I laugh. "In the movies it's an Iron cross and it doesn't work on them; not even the sun,"

She drops the fork immediately and stands dusting off invisible dirt. She flips her hair so it can fall on her shoulder. "Well that sucks" She clears her throat and begins walking to us like a model on a runway. She gives me a fake smile before looking at Haylee grabbing her hand. "We're leaving,"

Haylee snatches her hand away. "I'm not," My eyes dart to her in surprise.

Princess laughs in an exaggerated way with her mouth wide open. "I don't know if you know but we're in a house of freaking-" She leans in. "-VAMPIRES!"

"Careful, they have super hearing," I snicker.

She rolls her eyes annoyingly and looks back at her cousin. "I want to live…" she whispers making me laugh.

The doors burst open as Aunt Alice skips her way in. Princess yelps and clings on to Haylee's arm to dear life; her expression like a deer on headlights. "Hello girls," Aunt Alice waves after she sets a couple of bags on the floor. Of course she's been shopping. "I'm Alice, her wonderful aunt." She smiles.

Princess squints her eyes on the merchandise walking towards them. Looking back at Alice she points to the bags. "Is that the latest collection?" she arches her nicely made eyebrows.

Aunt Alice smiles widely and proudly. "Of course."

"Screw it. We're staying," She waves her hand dismissing all thoughts about being in a house of vampires. She bends down and pulls out a flowy dark green dress shirt. She squeals. "Haylee Allen tracking down Jessie's phone was the best idea you have ever had." She smiles widely; her eyes never leave the shirt. My head snaps towards Haylee.

"Well, I'll leave you three with it. When I come back you three…" Aunt Alice points to us all with her pixie smile. "…Better be prepared," Great…not.

Haylee points after Alice. "What does she mean by 'better be prepared'?"

I shake my head. "Never mind that," She avoids my eyes. "You-"

She sighs cutting me off. "Yes, I tracked Jessie's phone. I was really worried and, well, I tracked him down. I have the money and recourses to travel here so why not find out if my best friend is in trouble or if he needs someone to talk to," Oh boy, the world she stumbled upon.

"Well whatever. I'm in love and I'm never going back," Princess hugs the shirt then dismisses it grabbing another.

Ignoring her, "Hale's I thought that after everything I told you, you would be running for the hills screaming like Princess,"

Princess stands from practically being over the bags. She smacks her fruity lipstick lips. "Hey!"

Haylee and I roll our eyes. "Well I should leave but… I don't really know. I need to have a straight head before returning." Her shoulders slump like the whole world is on them. "It's not like my father will know I'm gone,"

"That's true. Uncle Steven married someone that could be Haylee's sister," Princess places her hands on her hips. Then something catches her eyes; they almost budge out the socket before she attacks a bag and takes out a dress.

Haylee nods sadly. "Exactly." My eyes sadden but she shakes her head smiling."Don't worry about it." She shrugs. "I'm over it,"

The doors burst open once again as Aunt Alice skip in. It startles Princess as she stumbles backwards falling on a chair holding the dress like a shield. "Sorry about that,"

Momma walks in right behind her in such sophisticated elegance. Haylee's and Princess' mouths hang open at the sight of Momma. Haylee looks at me and mouth's 'your mom' and I nod proudly; her eyes like saucers. "Hello girls," Momma greets politely. She walks to me and wraps a loving arm around me.

"Hello," The both say in unison.

"Are you two staying?" Aunt Alice asks probably knowing the answer, but yet she can't really see my future.

"Yes," they both say hesitant but Princess looks back at the blue dress in her hands and looks sure. Haylee nods noticing me staring.

"Great," Aunty Alice claps her hands. "You both can accompany Annie to the bonfire,"

"Bonfire?" Princess stands. Her interest peeked.

"In honor of Annalise. It's going to be down at the beach and I…" Alice waves to herself. "…will help all of you to get ready,"

Princess jumps and claps running towards Alice shocking us all as she hugs Alice. "You are truly the best person, oh, I mean beautiful Vampire ever!" We all giggle but I'm still shocked.

"What about Ness?"

"Downstairs, annoyed from the invasion me and your mom did," Aunt Alice has a secret smile. Poor Nessie, wonder what they made her do, or wear.

I feel Haylee fidget in her spot. She begins walking backwards but I stop her with my hand, never looking at her. I smile; she won't be escaping this if I can't. "Who first?"

"ME!" Princess raises her arm so fast I thought it would dislocate from its place.

"Daddy and I have to talk to you," Momma whispers so low that I know Haylee didn't hear it even though she's right next to me.

"Alright," The way we whisper is like we're just staring at each other like weirdoes, not talking. Momma nods and begins walking out.

I feel someone tug my hand. "Do I have too?"

"Yes Hale's, you can't escape from it the least you can do is try to enjoy it,"

"Done!" Princess proclaims walking out the bathroom. She wears red skinny jeans with a beige flowy dress tank top."Well, there wasn't much to change. I was already perfect!"

We all ignore her. "Right, who's next?" Aunt Alice eyes Haylee.

"Um… Annie?" Haylee nervously says.

"Nope, you're next. Come on,"

Haylee shakes her head violently. "No, I'd rather not."

Alice runs to her in her vampire speed making Haylee jump so high I'm surprised she didn't touch the ceiling. "Sorry." She laughs apologetically. "And Yes,"

"O-ok," Haylee stammers.

"Well this is going to take forever," I frown at Princess' words. "I'm going downstairs,"

"Don't cut yourself," I call after her. She stops for a few seconds but mutters something under her breath and walk's out.

I look back at the two and I watch as Aunt Alice drags her into the bathroom. Haylee mouths 'help me' I shake my head, her steps are so slow it's like she's walking into her own execution. I giggle as I take a seat on Grandpa's 'doctor' chair and I wait.

I cringe when I hear her yelp in pain. I run to the door and knock softly. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, just trimming these bushes Haylee calls eyebrows," Alice calls out.

I laugh. "Then do your thing. I will just start getting ready,"

"Better be something nice" She warns.

I speed towards the bags and in my half-vampire speed I scan every piece of clothing until I find the perfect one. Back then I wouldn't care if I went to a bonfire with an oversized t-shirt with socks but now… I blush at the thought. Embry! I have to look good for him… I just can't wait to see him. Squealing I take some clothes, not sure what, and I run out the room. I run straight to Momma's and Daddy's old room and lock it. I look in the mirror. The makeup that was applied earlier has gratefully stayed in place. My hair is wavy with a sexy mess to it; perfect. I strip my clothes off, almost like slide it off. A lay the pieces of clothing on the bed and examine each until I get an excellent outfit. Aqua color shorts decorated with lace ruffles. I put on a barley and a see through white tank top tucked in.

My eyes widen at the site of my outfit in the mirror. It gives me a crazy sex appeal. A run into the walk-in closet and take out a navy blue blazer. I shrug it on and button the one button it has. There that should do it. I pass my fingers between my hair and move some of it on the front. I put the flats on and run to the living room.

I frown in confusion as I see then all in a circle talking about something. "What's going on?"

The circle separates and I gasp. "Haylee?!" She looks absolutely beautiful.

Her long hair done in sexy waves, her eyebrows nicely done, she wears skinny jeans and a lacy brown tank top tucked in with a white thin belt. Her Smokey eye shadow makes her hazel eyes pop. Her legs actually look long and well shaped. She has nice curves. "So?" She plays with her fingers. I notice Jessie quietly sit on the couch looking at me. I offer him a small smile before looking at Haylee. She patiently waits for my answer.

My smile grows. "You look pretty," she honestly does.

"Thank you,"

"No glasses?" I ask.

"No I had a pair of contacts in my bag and your aunt made me wear them," she smiles.

"Well you look beautiful,"

"Enough with the compliments." Princess grumbles. I don't think she likes it when all the attention is on her cousin for once.

"She's right. I will take you to the border and you can begin partying." Alice runs to me and hooks her arm.

"Yes, I was waiting here for forever," Nessie walks to us in black jean shorts, black flats and a blue blouse. Her bronze curls bouncing in every step. She looks stunning really.

"Please be careful," Momma says.

"Don't worry Momma, I'll be fine." I know she still worries after what happened… when will we heal?

Princess literally runs out and we follow rolling our eyes. This experience would've been a tad better if she wasn't here but I'm going to try and enjoy myself…something I haven't done in a really long time. We walk, very, very slowly to the border. "Here we are. Now…" Aunty Alice turns to me. "The blazer," She takes her hand out waiting for me to hand it to her.

"What?"

"The blazer,"

I look at them all before I take it off. "How does it look?" I ask suddenly nervous. They all look at me wide eyed. "Maybe I should-"

"-No, it looks sexy," Princess very open minded mouth says without a care.

"What she said." Haylee agrees.

"Definitely," Nessie nods smiling.

Alice nods. "Now that that's settled off you go," she shoos us away.

We giggle excited and walk away. As we near the beach the excitement bubbles. We see a red glowing light in the distance. "Let's race!" Nessie says.

I squeal. "Whoever looses-" I wiggle my eyebrows.

"-Has to eat…" she continues.

"Pizza!" We say in unison.

"Pizza is good," Haylee cuts in frowning.

"Not when it has meat. I get pimples with it," And the superficial Princess speaks.

Nessie and I make a 'yuck' expression. "To us it tastes vile… like eating soggy bread that's been dipped in vinegar," Nessie explains. As she gives me her back I make a head start while she's busy. She turns around and laughs, "Hey not fair!" she yells and begins running, determine with win written all over her face.

"You guys know you're leaving us behind!" Princess yells but we're having too much fun to stop.

Nearing the fire I look back to see where Nessie is at when I turn I find strong arms waiting for me to jump in. My body crashes into him and his arms immediately envelope me. I'm glad they did because I would've fallen on the floor on my butt. He chuckles as his warm body surrounds me. His hot breath near my ear, "Got you," He whispers making my skin start to heat.

I smile ear to ear as I look at those wonderful, gorgeous brown orbs. "It seems you have,"

I turn when I hear Nessie scream. Jacob swings her around, holding her around the waist, making her flats fly all over the place. I giggle. Embry lets go and I look back at him to see why. What I see makes my skin burn more, like if I literally was on fire. His eyes had darkened as he drinks me in; he bites his thin bottom lip. Not only his expression but him only wearing the khaki pants with no shirt makes my lower muscles clench; a weird feeling. His amazing muscles defined to a T. My heart beats faster against my rib cage, almost matching his. He growls looking at me with his clouded eyes and hugs me again, tighter this time. "You look sexy," He whispers even lower.

I tremble as I feel electricity ignite my body. "Thank you," I say grateful. My hands wonder over his broad body before I gently push on his shoulders as I stand on my tiptoes to reach his ear. My breath lingers, "So do you," I whisper with longing. Something in me took control and before I know it my teeth gently and softly bite his ear lobe. I hear him groan softly.

He gives me no time to react as he gets a fistful of my hair and gently tugs it backwards making my face meet his. Then he attacks my lips, teeth crashing, lip sucking. I hear him quietly moan making me do it too. My fingers eagerly move through his extremely soft unruly hair forcing him closer. I tug on his hair.

Someone clears their throat and we separate fast. "So, what did I miss?" Quill asks laughing.

I fix my hair looking down; my face even hotter. "Where is Claire?" Embry asks changing the subject.

"Her mom didn't let her come. 'She's too young' as she put it," he does air quotes.

"How is Claire?" Last time I hung out with her was when she was seven and she hates the fact that we grew fast. She was adorable though, and loves us like we love her.

"Annoyed that you and Nessie are grown up when she was born first," We laugh.

"Hey!" Paul barges in messing with Quill's hair. "Is he talking about his small imprint?" He squishes Quill's cheek.

Quill smacks his hand away. "Shut up," I can see the playfulness that they still have with each other.

"Hey," Rachel, Paul's imprint, hugs all of us, hugging me longer before molding perfectly next to Paul. They were made for each other. I'm happy for the both.

Jacob and Nessie come back and sit around the fire very quietly. Nessie has a huge blush on her face as they look at each other lovingly. What catches my attention is Nessie's hair' it looks wild when a second ago it was a nicely tamed. I let go of Embry's hand and walk to her. I lean in, "Ah, Ness, you have a leaf in your hair," I giggle and take it out.

"Oh," she says flustered moving her hands over her hair making sure there isn't any more evidence. Jake chuckles softly.

"We have a lot to talk about later," I whisper very low. She looks down with a secret smile. Definitely have to talk.

"What's going on?" Seth says laid back sitting on a log. "Looking good ladies as always," He kindly adds. Seth has always been the laid back one; The one who stops fights when they were about to brew. I'm glad he's part of the pack.

I feel Embry walk towards me until he's behind. His arms wrap around me resting his chin on my head. My palms find their way to his hands and we intertwine our fingers. What I wouldn't do to stay like this forever.

"That…" We all turn to look at Princess bending forward gasping for breath. "Was a long walk," We all giggle but the rest look at me like kind of asking 'who are they?'

"Everyone that is Princess Queen," I introduce first.

"Hey," They all lazily say in unison.

Haylee walks towards us giggling actually enjoying herself. "And that is-" I stop when I suddenly see Seth stand abruptly making his beer bottle fall on the sand. His eyes widen, like if the air was knocked out of him. Did he catch a scent? I begin shaking of the worry… then I noticed he is looking past me. Still in Embry's arms I turn to see Haylee frozen in her spot staring back at him.

"Hale's?" I ask. They both don't move as they stare deep in each other's eyes. Like if no-one else exists.

I feel Embry lean in, next to my ear. "Seem familiar?"