I am so sorry for the long period of no updates. I just recently got a job, and so working and going to school full time is taking up most of my time. So here is the next chapter.
Have you ever felt that you don't belong with your family? That perhaps the gods made a mistake and put you in the wrong family? I sure do. Not only was I the youngest in the family, but I was the only human. I mean, sure I was a witch, but I was mortal. I was the only one with a time limit.
My brother Anthony had inherited all of my father's vampire genes, just as I had inherited all of my mother's witch genes. It was odd because I took after my father in looks, whereas Anthony took after mother. Anthony had also inherited my father's ability to read minds, but he could control it. All he had to do was focus on a person and he could read their thoughts. I was a little grateful because one mind reader was enough for one family, especially if it was you father.
My powers on the other hand were extensive. Like every other witch I could cast spells, but I also had the power to blow things up and freeze them. I had control over the elements, including weather, and the power of premonition. My telekinesis was still coming through, so I hadn't mastered that yet. Uncle Wyatt always joked that I was more powerful than he was, or even more powerful than my mother had been.
Speaking of which, my mother was changed into a vampire about 6 months after my brother and I were born. She had been slightly worried that she wouldn't be able to be around us, but my father and the rest of the Cullen's assured her that no harm would come to us. As it turned out, she was immune to our blood. Grandpa said it was probably because our father was a vampire and our scent was slightly different. Unfortunately she lost almost all of her powers. The only Wiccan power she had was her ability to produce lightning.
So our family was content, but as I grew up I began to see the differences between myself and the rest of the family, and I felt excluded. I mean I didn't want to be a vampire, but I just felt like I didn't belong here with them. And it wasn't like I could make any friends. We were never in one place long enough, and if I did make the odd friend we would loose contact when the family was forced to move again every 4 or 5 years. I would give anything to have someone to talk to who wasn't family.
So that brings me to where we are now. After mom, dad, and Aunt Alice finished their last year in high school, we were forced to move again. This time we were going to return to where it all started. Forks Washington. But this time, Anthony and I would be able to graduate from a school. We would be joining Alice, mom and dad in their junior year, and Emmett, Jasper, and Rose would be seniors.
However school doesn't start for 3 more months, and we would be forced to entertain ourselves for that remaining time. I wasn't too upset, for I could always play the piano or violin, or explore the surrounding forest. Anthony was the one who was upset. He lived for adventure, and the thought of being bored for 3 months was making him slightly more snippy than usual. He was always the sarcastic one who got on teachers nerves, whereas I was the quiet, bookworm one the teachers loved. He was constantly teasing me about that.
The day was sunny, forcing my parents and family to stay indoors, but I was out in my element. I loved the sun, and the beach. The only bad thing was by pale skin would burn easily, so I would always have to bathe myself in sunscreen.
"Dad, I am going to go and explore a little. Is that ok?" I asked, feeling slightly guilty for interrupting his sonata. He had been working on a new one for me, even if I already had 3.
"That's fine, Emalie. Just don't stray too far. We don't want you getting lost now do we?" He smiled at me. I nodded my understanding and went to dress more appropriately. Deciding upon a pair of navy blue skinny jeans and a black wool sweater, I knew I would stay warm in the unusual cold summer.
The woods were where I could always think, and knew I would not be judged. I would sit out under a tree for hours reading or singing to myself. I could watch the little animals wander past, without the running in fear like they did with my family. After witnessing one of their hunts when I was younger, I became somewhat of an animal activist. The only kind of meat I would eat was chicken.
Suddenly there was a sound of rustling leaves. Looking around expecting to find a small squirrel or something, I was terrified to see 4 gigantic wolves. Two were a deep russet color while there other two were black. Beautiful though they were...they were still frightening. Breathing shallowly I looked each in their eyes. They were strangely human; a deep brown color that looked like melted chocolate. They were so expressive, and I could swear one had a look of adoration on his face, but I shook my head. Why would a wolf adore me?
"Ok, nice wolfies. Good wolfies." I murmured as I backed up. As much as I thought they were cute, I wasn't going to become wolf chow. The one with the adoring eyes wined and lay upon his belly. He crawled closer ever so slowly. Maybe they weren't regular wolves. "O-k. I'll make you wolves a deal. I give you scratchies if you don't eat me."
The russet wolf that was on the ground tail began to wag viciously and a doggy smile lit up his face. His (I assumed) pack mates looked at him like he was crazy, that is if a wolf can look at someone like their crazy, but I wasn't going look too far into it. I mean, I'm a witch with vampires as family members, why would human like wolves be impossibility. Sighing, I took a step forward. Even on his belly, the wolf was almost as tall as I was. His fur was thick, and I felt the strange urge to run my fingers through it. So that is what I did. He huffed out a sigh, and a soft rumble came from his chest.
"And here I thought only cats purred." I mused, and was even more amused when he threw me a withering look. "I have never met wolves like you before." I said as the other three inched closer. "You seem almost human like." They all went rigid. "I wouldn't be surprised, and don't worry, I won't tell. I mean, I'm a witch. My family is made up of vampires. It isn't my first time around the block with mythical creatures." Their stances went even more rigid, and they began to back away slowly. My wolf looked pained, and he turned around and ran behind a few bushes.
"Hey, wait!" I called, but before I could go any further, a tall man came out from behind those same bushes. He was probably 6 foot 7, and he had russet skin. The same color as the wolf's fur. His eyes were a liquid chocolate brown, and his black hair was cut in a short crop. He was also half naked, only wearing a pair of cutoff jeans. Suddenly afraid, I took a step back.
"Hold on," he said, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm the wolf. Well, I'm a werewolf. I just thought it would be easier to talk in my human form." The other wolves behind him shot him another look and took off back the way they came.
"You're a werewolf?" I asked in curiosity. He nodded and moved closer. I decided to take a chance and allow him to come closer. I knew if the occasion came to it, I could defend myself.
"Yep. I'm William. William Black." He introduced himself, and reached out his hand for me to shake.
"Emalie Cullen." I answered, and placed my hand in his. My skin became hot at his touch, as electricity zoomed through my body.
"The Cullen's are you family? But then how are you not a vampire?" He asked and sat down on a fallen log. I joined him before going into my story.
"My mother and father had my brother and me while she was still human. A vampire male can have children but a female vampire cannot. My mother was also a witch, but when she was turned into a vampire she lost her Wiccan abilities. My brother inherited all of the vampire genes while I inherited the human/witch genes." I explained, and became flustered as he gazed at me as if I was the only other person on the earth.
"Was your mother Bella Swan?" He asked in curiosity. I was shocked that he knew my mother's name, and maiden name.
"Yes, how did you know her name?"
He smiled. "My father knew your mother. Our grandparents are actually best friends. He has always wondered what happened to her after she married the vampire. He was the other russet wolf." Wow, it really a small world after all. I wonder how my mother would react at knowing her old friend still thought of her.
"This is wild, isn't it? But why did you reveal yourself to me? Surely you don't just come out to every girl who is reading in the forest." He looked over my head, trying to find the right words to say.
"I don't want you to be scared off about this, but being a werewolf comes with a few gifts. Speed, good hearing and sigh, smell. But there is also a thing called imprinting. Basically when a werewolf meets his soul mate, his whole world shifts. It's like gravity; everything that is connecting you to the earth disappears, and the only thing you see is the girl you imprint on." I smiled.
"Sort of like love at first sight." I supplied, and he smiled.
"Yes, but it is so much more potent. Emalie, I imprinted on you." He whispered. I was shocked. I was his soul mate? But I barely knew him!
"Not that I'm complaining, but I don't even know you." I admitted. He looked at me in a panic.
"No, I don't expect you to love me back right away. You don't even have to love me in the lover kind of sense. I can be whatever you want me to be. But as time goes on, you will begin to feel the pull of the imprint. This is just showing us the one who is best for us, so that we can get to know her." He explained, and I felt myself calm.
"Oh, well that's better. I mean, it would be good for us to get to know each other better." He nodded, and turned to face me more.
"Well, why don't we get started? What is your favorite color?" and the rest of the day went about the same. One of us would ask a question, supplying our own answer, and the other would answer. I was amazed at how easy it was to talk to him. He wasn't judgmental, and he actually listened. Not the 'listening' other guys do, where they just stare blankly at your face and nod in the right places, but in reality the Mario them song is playing in their head. I could easily see myself being with him for the rest of my life. The only problem was…my parents.
My parents had this obsession about keeping me away from other magical/mythical creatures. My father always said that all other creatures were dangerous. I thought that was a tiny bit hypocritical. I mean, they were vampires. How could anything be more dangerous than a vampire? They drank blood for god's sake. But it was impossible to have that discussion with them.
"When do you have to be home?" Will asked as the sun began to set. It was amazing how long we talked without running out of topics.
"Hmm, soon. If I'm not home shortly vamp squad will come out looking for me, and I don't think they would like me hanging out with a teenage vampire." I answered as I stood up and stretched. My bones and joints cracked from being in the same position for the last few hours.
"Your parents don't like werewolves." He said, stating a fact rather than asking a question. His eyes were sad at the thought, and I too felt sadden that my family was so judgmental that they would judge him for being a werewolf, rather than giving him a chance as just Will.
"It's not just wolves," I said trying to make him feel a little better. "They don't really like me associating with any other magical creatures." Then I smiled at him, causing him to smile as well. "But, they are just going to have to get over their prejudices."
He moved closer to me, so that only a few inches separated us. When he was this close I could see just how much taller he was than I. "And why is that?"
So he wanted to play coy did he? Well I can humor him. "Because, I don't intend to stay away from you." And before I could blink I was in his arms. The simple hug was so intimate, that any kiss would pale in comparison. Well, a kiss from anyone other than him. Not that I had kissed him yet.
"Will you meet me here tomorrow at the same time?" He asked against the top of my head. I murmured a soft yes, and regrettably we parted. Maybe the summer would be even better than I imagined it would.
All of the lights were on in the house, so I knew there was no way of getting in without having an interrogation on where I had been. The whole family was in the living room, talking idly in hushed voice, ones I couldn't hear.
"Emalie, can you come in here dear?" My mother asked sweetly. What did they want now? It had to be somewhat important for them to call a family meeting. I sat gingerly on the arm of a tan plush couch.
"What's up?"
My father cleared his throat. "Honey, we were talking, and we wanted to know your opinion of becoming a vampire." Me become a vampire? That was the furthest thing from my desire list. Especially now that I had something to live for.
"I don't want to become a vampire." I answered simply. I had never kept that a secrete, so why they didn't already know my answer was beyond me.
"You know that would mean that you would grow old, as we stay young." My father said, and I became angry. Did he think I was that stupid?
"Yes, dad, I know I would grow old while you all stayed young. But I will be able to get married to someone who also can grow old with me, and we will have children and grandchildren. That outweighs being a vampire more." I answered, and Aunt Rosie smiled at me. She was happy that I decided to live a normal, human life.
"Would it be so bad to spend eternity with us?" Anthony asked in a sour voice. He was the only one who had a problem with my decision not to become a vampire. I could understand thought. While I would die, he would live the rest of eternity knowing his little twin sister died because she didn't want to be like him.
"Anthony, you know it's not like that. I would love to spend eternity with you all, but I also want to live a normal life. You would never lose me completely you know." I reached out my hand to touch him, but he pulled away roughly and stormed out of the room. I sighed and looked at the rest of my family.
"Don't worry, love. He will come around." Mom said soothingly, as she sat beside me to wrap her arm around him. "Now there is something else we wanted to talk about. Did something happen in the woods today?"
My breath caught in my chest. How did they know? "Umm, no not really. Just met the usual animals." I lied. "Why?"
"Your future went blank." Aunt Alice answered with a frown on her face. "It's still blank.
I cocked my head to the side. Why would my future go blank? "Maybe it's a new ability for me?" I asked, trying to overthrow the trail.
"Yes, it could be." Alice murmured, and I was finally allowed to go upstairs. That was close, and I threw myself onto my bed. But this did bring up a few dilemmas. How was I supposed to meet will secretly, when my family was going to be nosey now that my future disappeared?
"Emalie, will you come on a drive with me?" Aunt Rose asked from my door. That was another think I hated about my family. They didn't make any sound when they walked around. I was going to go prematurely gray.
"Uhh, yeah, sure Aunt Rose." I murmured. She knew about something if she wanted to speak to me alone. However she was my favorite aunt, and I knew she would back me up. I could tell her anything. So dutifully I followed her to her red BMW and she sped out of forks onto the highway.
"I assume you want to know what I want to talk to you about." She said, her eyes never leaving the road. I nodded, knowing she could see it in her peripheral vision. "I want to know who he is, what species he is, and how old he is." That was Aunt Rosie. Blunt and to the point.
"His name is William Black, he is 18, and he is a werewolf." I blurted. The car was silent for a long moment before she began to laugh.
"I should have known. You are your mother's daughter after all. But really Emalie, a werewolf? Do you know how dangerous they can be?"
I frowned. "No more dangerous than a vampire."
She smiles. "Touché. Tell me more."
"He imprinted on me." I whispered. That really got her, and she whipped her head around to look at me so fast, if she were a human she would have whiplash.
"He imprinted on you?! Oh god, Edward and Anthony are going to freak when they find out." I nodded gravely, knowing that if my father or my brother found out about the imprinting, they would never let me see Will again. It was almost unfair, kind of like they were saying they were allowed to be happy with whomever they chose, but I was forbidden from being with the one who makes me happy. But what if they did find out about each other? What if they made me choose? Who would I choose? My parents, who gave me life, or Will who is becoming my life. Oh god! I'm already in love with him, and it's only been one day.
"What am I going to do? They are already suspicious about my future, how will I be able to see Will without them finding out until I'm ready?" She frowned and I could almost see the wheels turning in her head.
"Sweetie, although I'm not thrilled your future intended is a werewolf, I will do everything I can to help. Maybe I could say I'm going with you, and we can meet up before you go home. That way they will feel like you're safer. But you will have to tell them at some point. You can't keep this a secrete forever. It's not fair to you, Will, or your mom, dad, and brother." I looked at her in shock, before lunging over the counsel and hugging her. This of course caused her to swerve, but she regained stability and laughed as we sped back to the house.
The next day I woke up bright and early. My heart was pounding in my chest, and a blush was gracing my cheeks. I didn't remember ever feeling like this before. It was new and invigorating. Quickly I showered and got dressed before dancing down the stairs to eat a quick breakfast. I was unaware of my family watching me curiously.
"Ok, I'll bite. Who the hell are you, and what have you done with our Emalie?" Uncle Emmett asked with an accusing look on his face. I laughed and skipped passed him, kissing his cheek in the process. "No, seriously. What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing. Can't I just be in a good mood?" I asked innocently as I laced up my black converse.
"Good mood is putting it lightly. You are like a ball of warm fuzzy-ness" uncle Jazz said dryly. He was certainly not enjoying the drastic mood change.
"Whatever you say. Anyway, Aunt Rose and I are going for a hike today. We'll see you later." And I ran out of the house, Aunt Rose following close behind me.
"You know, you might want to tone that down, if you don't want them to get suspicious." She had a slight smile on her face, like she was remembering the early days of her and Emmett's romance.
"I know, but I just can't help it. I'm just so…happy!" I giggled out the last work, causing her to burst out laughing. We chatted on the way to the halfway mark, before we parted. We would meet up her at sundown.
Finally I could go as fast as I wanted to get to him. So I did what would get me to him faster. I ran. Of course he was already there. Shirtless and gorgeous he stood as I entered the small clearing. We stood facing each other, and then he took several large steps and pulled me to his chest.
"Would is sound weird if I said, I missed you?" He asked. I reveled in his voice, but shook my head.
"No, it's not weird. I missed you too." He pulled away to look me in the eyes. "I know I said that I wasn't ready to love you yesterday, but I don't know, something just feels right. Like I'm…home." His smile lit up his face even more, and he picked me up and spun me around in circles.
"That's great. But do your parents know?" He asked his face sobering.
"No." I said regretfully. "My aunt does. She's actually covering for me now. My father and brother are really protective." He nodded in understanding.
"I actually told my little sister yesterday. My dad already knew, so she was t he only one I had to tell. She wants' to meet you." He said. He hadn't mentioned a sister yesterday.
"What's her name?" I asked as we settled down onto the forest floor.
"Sarah Emily. She is 5 years old. Smart as a whip though." He said.
"I would love to meet her." I said. And before I could blink, he had me lifted up on his back as he ran. "What, were going now?"
"Well I always say, no time like the present." He laughed and before long we were in front of a medium sized cottage that was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. There was a small swing on the porch, as well as a small white fence surrounding a small garden.
"It's not much…" he said, but I shook my head.
"It's beautiful. Did your dad build it?" I asked, taking his hand in mine. Then the front door swung open and a little girl came running out, with an older looking version of Will.
"Willie!" She exclaimed and rand into his arms. Laughing he scooped her up and held her in his arms. I slightly wondered if this is what our future would look like. "Who's this?" She asked finally realizing I was there.
"Do you remember what I told you last night? About my soul mate?" She nodded as her eyes got wide.
"Is this her?" She asked and he nodded. Wiggling out of his grasp, she stood in front of me. Her brown frowned, she circled me, inspecting for any flaws. "She's pretty." And my heart melted.
"Not as pretty as you. I'm Emalie." I said crouching to face her.
"My name is Sarah Emily. We have a common name! Ohh, will you read to me, and play with me?" She asked enthustialy. I laughed and nodded.
"Any time you want." She squealed and ran back to her father.
"Did you hear that daddy? She said she would play with me! I bet she's better a tea party than you and Willie are." And she promptly skipped back indoors.
"Sorry about her." Will said, while rubbing the back of his neck. I smiled fondly at him.
"Don't. I love children. She's adorable." He smiled down at me and looked behind me.
"And this is my dad. Emalie, this is Jacob." I could defiantly see the similarity between the two. They shared the same russet colored skin, and had chocolate brown eyes that were depthless. There was also gentleness in his eyes that spoke of a kind soul.
"It's nice to meet you." I said and healed out my hand.
"Now, none of this," he said swatting my hand away and grabbing me up in a bone crushing hug. "Were practically family anyway." And I was overcome with a sense of belonging that I actually began to tear up.
"Dad! What did you do?" Will asked as he yanked me back to him.
"No, he didn't do anything. It's just I never felt this…welcome, before. I've always felt like the odd one out, and now I feel like I belong." I whispered in his chest. His arms tightened, and I gave into the warmth of his embrace.
"This is where you belong. With me." I was vaguely aware that Jacob had given us some privacy, and we were alone in the front yard. And I didn't care. Pulling away I pressed my lips to his, and one thought ran through my mind.
'Home'
So here is the next chapter. I tried to give you a longer chapter to make up for the delay. I won't be able to update regularly, but when I do I will try to make up with at least 4,000 words. Please let me know what you think about this story, and where it's going. But just an FYI I won't update without at least 15 reviews. Thanks.