Summer 1933
Another week passed before Rose risked heading out into the forest again. The days were getting warmer and longer. The flowers in the meadow were thinning out. Edward had developed a habit of visiting the place, and Rose was never sure when she would find him there.
If Ephriam came looking for her, Edward did not say.
The level of companionship between Rose and Edward soared as he returned to the charming, considerate boy she had known briefly at the end of her human life. His intimate way of speaking to her now sometimes left her confused. He claimed a brotherly, protective feeling for her. Some days he would leave the house glumly, as if reluctant. When he returned, Edward would greet Rosalie as if she were his long-lost and dearest friend.
Edward's new exuberance came with closely spoken comments and intimate touches that sometimes felt far from brotherly. Touching her hair, kissing her forehead or cheek, and playful but sarcastic quips continued to surprise her. He held his arm out for her to walk beside him and whispered as if they were on some chaperoned stroll through town. She could not understand why he was working so hard to charm her. Her tormented mind could not relinquish the fear that Edward might want to begin something physical with her. Her interest in Ephriam had quickly disproven her belief that she no longer had any romantic inclinations. While a human couldn't physically harm her, Edward certainly could if he chose. Rose pushed those fears away, reminding herself repeatedly that Edward was nothing like Royce.
A few times, she wondered if he was using her to practice his skills before he attempted to woo anyone else. Something she realized about Edward was that he did things thoroughly. It was a shame he couldn't pursue the stage. Rose tried to save her pondering about her brother when she knew he was far enough away to not overhear her fearful, imaginative thoughts.
Then again, he had music playing or banged the ivories when at home most often. Edward claimed it allowed him to focus so that he could intentionally ignore the other's thoughts in the house. Rose was no longer sure that the lack of privacy was more irritating than the noise.
Carlisle and Esme were amused by his behavior of late, both accustomed to his mood swings, unfazed by his antics. They only left the house to hunt most days unless Carlisle had patients to see, though each had separate hobbies. Rose spent time cleaning and re-cleaning the house, discussing further improvements with Esme, and reading. She began devouring some of Carlisle's ancient medical tomes, intrigued by the many changes in medicine in the last century.
Rosalie finally left the house when her thirst became too irritating to ignore. After draining a Buck any hunter would have carted home with pride, Rosalie spotted a mountain lion nearby. She left the Buck where it lay for the mountain lion to enjoy and flew through the forest toward home.
Nearly there, a snarl startled her as she skipped across a low bough. She looked down to find a massive brown wolf under her, growling with fury. Rose turned, clutching a branch above her head, and used it to keep her balance as she leaned over the wolf.
"You are on my property," she said through clenched teeth. The wolf snapped its deadly teeth at her.
Rose asked, "Why don't you face me as a man instead of clapping your big gums?" She smirked at the wolf, and he growled, keeping her eyes locked on his. "I'm no threat to you, but you already know that." Rose glanced up as a black wolf, Levi, flanked the one snarling at her.
"Hello, Levi," she said smugly. "You must be Quil," she said, looking down at the first wolf. They gaped at each other in surprise before growling at her.
Edward, I need your help! Rose hoped like hell that he could hear her. She hastened further up the tree and fled away from them toward the meadow. Quil released an impressive roar before following her with Levi at his heels. There was a flash of white and copper under her as Edward crashed into the brown wolf, hurling him backward.
Rose dropped to the ground as Levi charged for Edward. Edward's fist connected loudly with Levi's jaw, and the wolf yelped from the pain as he tumbled ass over head.
A ferocious growl left Edward's chest as he yelled, "Leave!"
Rosalie hissed, "They know they aren't supposed to attack us.".
The sound of ripping flesh and snapping bone filled the air as both wolves shifted to their human forms. Quil held his ribs tenderly as he stepped forward, enraged.
"This will always be our land!"
"The deed says otherwise," Edward snarled back. "What has my sister done for you to attack her thus? Nothing. Leave!"
Rosalie tried to keep her eyes trained on the wolfmen's faces, all too aware of their complete nudity. She could only imagine how red her face would be at this moment if she were human.
"I know her scent," Levi grumbled as he rubbed his swollen jaw.
"Tell your demon sister to stay away from Ephriam," Quil warned as if Rosalie weren't standing just a few feet away. "None of you are welcome here."
"I haven't talked to or seen him in over a week," Rose said clearly. "It is a shame the rest of you are not kind as he is. I hope when his change comes, he bloodies you both."
"He has certainly told you plenty," Levi said and spat blood at the ground between them.
"He has not! I know your names because I heard you both use them. Do not think I have not seen you out here. Ephriam asks questions about me and my family. He told me of his coming change and wanted to know why we differ. He has been kind to me, and that is all."
"Rosalie," a deep yet gentle voice called out. Everyone turned toward the sound as Ephriam walked into the center of the commotion. His cream-colored shirt, tucked into brown trousers, was unbuttoned nearly to his waist. Long black hair lay tossed to one side, windblown and wild. Rose tried to bite back a smile at the sight of him, though he had immediately turned his attention to his brothers.
Levi said, "Look here, Quil. Where we find her, he's nearby."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Quil yelled, "You stand there with your back to them?"
"They are no threat to you," Ephriam yelled as he trembled. From his anger or his fever, Rose was not sure. She could feel his heat, hear the blood rushing through him as his heart pounded with fury. Edward eyed them all carefully, no doubt listening as he assessed the situation in front of them.
Quil laughed and said, "They are no threat? Had you been here but a moment ago, you would have seen how much of a threat they can be."
Edward scoffed. "You attack and chase my sister and think I will not defend her? Ephriam, your current Alpha makes little sense." Quil and Levi glared at the three of them hatefully.
"You're behaving like a traitor, brother," Levi warned Ephriam. "Do you heed no warnings?"
"I've done nothing to any of you. Not a single thing," Rosalie said. "I have no intention or desire to harm anyone. I have every right to be where I am."
"I'm going to the Council when we're done here," Ephriam said. "I'm going to have a treaty drawn between the pack and the cold ones."
Levi laughed in disbelief and said, "You are spinning tales, brother."
"No," Ephriam said. His trembling was getting worse. "My change will be here any day. I want this in place before that happens. Before I risk my rage taking over my logical mind."
Quil asked, "You believe us illogical? How enlightening to know one's opinions."
"I know it," Ephriam said. "You are out here chasing your tails after one who is not a threat. One who I have seen does nothing wrong. She is quiet and gentle. She respects this land and only hunts when necessary. She rarely leaves the land they own and stays away from our borders. From what little I've observed, her family is the same. One of them is a doctor who treats human ailments. We've heard nothing offending about them from any humans in town. Meanwhile, our people go unprotected while plenty of red-eyed demons abound."
Looking alarmed, Edward asked, "There are others in the area?"
"As if you don't know," Quil said.
"I assure you, we don't," Edward said sincerely. "No one was invited here. Whatever red-eyed leech you're chasing has nothing to do with my family."
Ephriam gestured behind him toward Rose and Edward. "Look at their eyes. They do not kill humans. Go hunt your true enemy and leave them be!"
His words finally seemed to hit home as Quil and Levi glanced at each other sheepishly. They each turned to glare at Rose and Edward one last time before changing shape and racing away. As soon as they were out of sight, Edward nodded silently and left.
"Perhaps your brother is not so bad," Ephriam said. "He could have killed them and would have been within the right to do so. This was once our people's land, but we can not undo the past." He smirked at Rosalie though his tremors were increasing. She tentatively stepped closer, reaching her arms out to embrace him.
He stepped away from her, holding his hand up in a warning. "I am not well right now, Rose."
"You said the cold helps, did you not? You helped me. Let me help you."
He stood still as she wrapped her arms around his waist, spanning them and her hands across his back. He slowly embraced her in return as she pressed herself flush to him, her cheek at his shoulder. She held onto him as his tremors slowed, and he calmed down.
"You've grown again," she whispered.
"And will continue to until it is complete," he said. "And then I will not age until I stop changing again."
Rose looked up at him in surprise and asked, "How long will that be?"
"Most of us stay wolves for nearly twenty years," he said. "We abide by the spirit warriors inside of us. It cannot be helped. They will tell us when the wolf is ready to sleep again. When each is sure, they stop changing. After a year or two, we become human again. Some choose not to stop, though they die one way or another."
The irony of it all, she thought. He could live an incredibly long, youthful life - as her enemy.
She asked, "Have you lost many to my kind?"
"Not to your kind. To the red-eyes, yes. Far too many," Ephriam said. His trembling had stopped, and he pulled away from her. He reached up to brush a loose strand of hair from her face. "Why did you run from me the other night?"
"I didn't run from you," she said. "I ran from them."
"I would never let them hurt you," he said determinedly.
"It was not their actions that were hurtful," she countered. "They cannot help what their instincts tell them. They were right, of course. What can come of this for us, Ephriam? Nothing."
She could see the hope burning behind his eyes as he asked, "Do you want it to?"
He stared into her eyes in a way no man ever had. Not in the lustful way that men usually watched her. She was not a prize to him. He didn't seek to own her. Instead, the longing that emanated from him made her feel understood and wanted. Ephriam made her feel like her very soul was on display for him to see. It did not matter how little they knew of each other. Somehow, she felt like she'd known him all her life.
"Yes," she admitted, her voice a mere whisper. She wanted him, too. She wanted to know him before what little time he had left vanished, and she had to say goodbye.
"This is not for nothing, Rose," he said, cupping her chin with his hand. He lightly stroked across her bottom lip with his thumb, staring at her mouth. She was soaking up his warmth, his hand on her face like heaven.
"You only have days left," she said sadly. I have squandered an entire week I could have spent at his side. Yesterday she'd been determined to keep her distance. Now, she stared into his handsome face, her arms around his waist. The last thing she wanted to do was let go.
"Perhaps," Ephriam said. "I believed that was the case weeks ago. It could be today or tomorrow. There is no way to know. I hope I have a few more days before the change."
Tentatively, Rose asked, "Can I spend them with you?"
Ephriam smiled at her, tenderly sliding his thumb across her cheek. "I have to go talk to the Council. I will gladly spend the days I have left with you, but I must finish this first. You must be safe before what I become blinds me to who you are."
"I've been unsure what to do," Rose admitted.
Ephriam dared to place a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. She giggled in surprise, and his smile widened. He said, "I have a long walk back to La Push. I must leave now if I want to be back by nightfall."
Edward, pay attention for a moment, Rose thought and asked Ephriam, "What if one of us drove you there?"
He grinned. "It would save time."
"Let's go see what can be done," she said, taking his hand.
Edward waited for them in Carlisle's car. He gave Rosalie a teasing grin as she and Ephriam slid into the back seat. Ephriam looked around, admiring the Cadillac. Rose knew that the smirk on Edward's face as he drove meant Ephriam's thoughts were amusing, whatever they may be. Ephriam, however, rode along silently. He seemed surprised as Edward pulled to a stop just shy of the La Push border. Ephriam grinned at Rosalie and climbed from the car, waving as he jogged away.
"Thank you, Edward," Rosalie said as he turned the car around.
"You are welcome."
Rosalie carefully climbed into the front seat next to him, and he grinned.
His eyes sparkled with mischief as he asked, "Would you like to drive?"
Rose beamed back at him. Really?
Edward chuckled and slid forward in the seat. She crawled behind him into the driver's seat while he scooted himself to the passenger side, still steering. Each laughed as they settled and took the wheel. He watched her in amusement as she drove carefully back to the house, patiently guiding her along the way. Edward talked her through the sharp turn into their winding drive before backing the car up in front of the house.
Rose squealed happily and laughed, clapping her hands once the car was in its rightful place. She threw her arms around his neck, surprising him. Edward chuckled and hugged her back. They both climbed from the car to find a smiling Carlisle waiting at the door. He kissed Rosalie on the forehead as she came inside. "Looks like you were having fun, Kitty."
"She's a natural." Edward teased, "She'll be in a racing car before we know it."
"I've been meaning to perform some maintenance on the car. The roads around here aren't what we are used to."
Excitedly, Rosalie asked, "Can you teach me?"
Appearing pleasantly surprised, Carlisle asked, "You want to learn?"
"I could look at it, Carlisle," Edward offered. "Show Rosalie some of the basic mechanics."
"If she prefers," Carlisle agreed, chuckling.
Edward asked, "Rose, would you like to help me tomorrow so we have the morning light?"
"Oh," she faltered, losing some of her enthusiasm. I was hoping I might spend the day with Ephriam if he can return by then, she thought, frowning. I truly want to learn.
"Of course," Edward said. "It should be fine for a few days, right, Carlisle?"
"Of course," Carlisle mimicked his son. He glanced between them, grinning. "I'm happy to see you two getting along well."
"So am I," Edward said. He winked at Rosalie and headed for the stairs.
Thank you for being a real brother, Rosalie thought affectionately. She kissed Carlisle's cheek and went to find Esme.
Rose spent the afternoon helping Esme with chores around the house, working slowly to pass the time. She drew herself a hot bath afterward, letting the water warm her icy skin before washing up and dressing carefully. Rose pinned up her hair, something she had not done in weeks. She donned a thin, flowing white muslin dress, a favorite she had stolen from her mother's house. Though it had been a gift from Royce intended for their honeymoon trip, she refused to let his memory soil her affection for it.
She stepped onto the front porch, searching for any potential sign that Ephriam was nearby. Though the moon was much brighter, Rose could not help but find it frustrating that the forest was once again dense with fog.
Surely that meant it would take longer for Ephriam to get here, she thought, wishing they had devised a plan to meet.
Stomping feet caught her attention as she turned hopefully toward the noise. Instead of Ephriam, a different man stepped from the trees and up to the porch. He would come no closer than the porch steps, tossing a large envelope onto the wooden floor.
"The elders have asked you to read and sign these," he said.
"Are you a wolf, too?" She picked up the envelope. He raised an eyebrow at her in question and scoffed.
I hope the change does not make Ephriam behave like a jackass too. She heard Edward's laughter from the third floor as she entered the house.
"Can everyone come here, please," she called out. Within seconds, she got surrounded, and Carlisle opened the envelope. The Tribal Council agreed to leave them in peace as long as they abided by a set of rules. Forbidden to bite, feed on, or kill any humans in the area, their eye color would remain proof of their abstinence. They did not permit the vampires into La Push. In return, the wolves would keep to their border and were not to harass them by any means. A separate amendment requested that should contact need to be made, only Rosalie could seek the pack. She was to be treated respectfully by the other wolves and taken directly to Ephriam, as he was the future rightful Alpha and Chief. This agreement was hers alone to sign and subject to change as seen fit by the tribal council. The four of them readily signed.
Carlisle wrote to the council directly, offering their services as allies should the need arise, affirming their willingness to cooperate with the tribe's demands. Ephriam could access the Cullen property for the time being as well. Each again signed this letter.
Once the ink was dry, Rose refilled the envelope and returned it to the man waiting outside. Without a word, he turned and stomped his way back into the forest. A few minutes later, the sound of an engine fired, and headlights flashed from the road nearby. She scoffed and shook her head, wondering if Ephriam had sent a human to prove to the council that they weren't a threat.
Rosalie spent the night on the front porch swing, reading in the moonlight. Esme came out to check on her and sat beside her.
"I see you are still waiting," she said, earning a wary glance. "It can be difficult for everyone to know your business, but I want to assure you I'm here for you to talk to. I understand what you have been through in my way."
"Thank you," Rosalie said. "Maybe soon." Esme patted her hand before excitedly racing into the forest to tend to a secret project she'd worked on for weeks. Rose watched after her with amusement.
Surely, if Esme can accomplish carpentry and design, I can learn how to fix a motorcar. I certainly have the time and strength for such tasks now, and no high society rules insisting it is inappropriate. Not in this home, at the least.
Rose's mother had not even allowed her daughter the opportunity to learn how to drive.
"Your husband will drive you, or you can call a cab," her mother insisted.
While increasingly convenient for upper-class families in Rochester over the last few years, Rosalie's mother saw cabs as a luxury her daughter could afford once she had married well.
In Rosalie's mind, if she planned for a rich husband, it should be one rich enough to buy her a car and teach her to drive herself. After what Royce did, she wondered about the safety of unaccompanied women trusting men they did not know to chauffeur them around. It was terrible enough that men still sold daughters to their husbands like chattel.
And yet, even after your experiences, you're willing to be alone with your possible future enemy. He could change into a wolf any moment and tear you to shreds. Rosalie Hale, are you insane?
"A wee bit, perhaps," Edward said as he appeared next to her on the swing. Even months later, Rose wondered at his speed. He seemed to appear out of thin air. It was as if he was everywhere and nowhere all at once. His ability to read thoughts only reaffirmed the sensation of his constant presence in the house.
"I will leave you be," Edward said stoically, and Rose grabbed his arm before he could dart away.
Stop! I was just thinking about how you … Rose grinned in embarrassment and thought, Well. The way you move, I suppose. I meant no offense.
Edward slowly relaxed back into his seat, frowning.
Now I've ruined your good mood, haven't I? She turned to face him and urged him to look at her. I was not passing judgment. I admire your speed and grace.
Edward scoffed and said, "Do you intend to speak at all?"
Not at this moment, no. This is far too amusing. Are you angry with me? Rose reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.
Edward smirked and said, "No. I am not angry with you. Your thoughts are often loud, and I am not always sure of the emotion behind them. I try to tune them out. I don't intend to invade. Privacy is a privilege rarely afforded our kind, regardless of our gifts. I apologize if my habits are abrasive. Most often, you continue to live at a human pace. I do not. You are nurturing and gentle with all living things, regardless of circumstances. You are so at home in the forest that it is a wonder you were not raised here. Your mother spent time preparing you for domestic life but underestimated your intelligence and strength. You see? There are many things I observe and admire about you as well."
Mollified, Rose grinned at him affectionately. I truly appreciate all that you did yesterday. I don't understand my feelings for Ephriam. I don't want to cause him trouble.
"You know it cannot last," Edward said sadly.
I know. That is why I want to be his friend while time allows.
"He must be very gentle with you," Edward observed, "for you to trust him so easily."
Rosalie thought of Ephriam's quiet nature, his acceptance toward her, despite what she was. He was one with the forest, with the hills and valleys of it, with the winding creek bed, feeding water through the land like blood through veins. Something about this land had drawn her in from the start, capturing her. Ephriam was a part of that, as connected to the land as the tree roots buried within it. They were both born to a privilege neither wanted and found their freedom far away from their planned fate. Rosalie had to die to escape hers, and life as he knew it would soon die for Ephriam too.
Listening to her pondering, Edward nodded. "You recognize something of yourself in him. Something that bonds you for now."
Yes, Rosalie thought. "For now."
Edward grinned as she finally spoke aloud. "I will find such a feeling one day. My mother wanted Carlisle to save me so that I might find my mate. To have love as great as hers was for my father. He passed just hours before her. She held onto his hand until she followed him. Carlisle didn't have the heart to take him from her side."
"Of course not," Rose said. Carlisle understood that forever kind of love.
Edward nodded and said, "She wanted more for me than this. If there was one thing she wanted me to have most, it would be love. If I accomplish anything in this existence, I hope it will be that."
"I hope you find it," Rosalie said. "But it won't be out here in these woods."
Edward laughed and abruptly went silent to listen to their surroundings. Rose focused and heard the heavy footsteps coming down the lane towards the house. She turned toward the drive as Ephriam looked up at her and grinned as he came into view. The dazzling smile she gave back as she stood to greet him stopped him in his tracks. For a moment, she wondered if Edward's presence behind her was the cause. She glanced back to discover him gone and walked to Ephriam's side.
Rose asked, "Are you alright? You looked alarmed."
Ephriam chuckled and said, "You stole my breath."
He reached for a fallen tendril of her hair hanging across her bosom. Rose held her breath as he lifted the loose strand and gently slid it through his hand, barely avoiding grazing her breast.
At that moment, she felt both curious and fearful. Royce had been this gentle in the beginning, too. He became a monster that ravaged her mind, body, and soul when he ignored her begging and forced himself inside her. Rose shuddered at the memory and took a step back.
Ephriam frowned, dropping the loose tendril. "Are you alright?"
Rose forced a smile and said, "I am fine. I'm guessing the meeting went well."
Ephriam scoffed and said, "It did not. There were some terrific fights between many. In the end, I made a bargain."
Oh. Rose didn't like the sound of that. A bargain meant he would have to give something to them in return. "What do they expect of you?"
"Nothing that will matter until after I change," Ephriam reassured her.
Oh. Me. He will have to stay away from me. It was all for naught. He gained the peace to be with her until he turned, but there would be nothing between them afterward. Not even friendship - if he didn't desire to kill her altogether.
Trembling, Ephriam took hold of her hand and beckoned for her to follow.
Rose asked. "Where are we going?"
Ephriam said, "For a swim. I will show you my shortcut." He turned to face her and said, "I won't be able to use it soon because it is not our land. It should remain a secret place. Should I ever need an escape …"
Rose said, "It will always be your space, Ephriam. I will not reveal it."
Hand in hand, they walked through the forest. Past the meadow and deep into the center of the Cullen property. The path was detectable despite the overgrowth, clearly walked many times. He stopped as they crossed what had once been part of the creek and looked around before leading her toward a small natural waterfall hidden behind a cluster of pine trees. The water pooled into what looked like a shallow well. The rock placement was altered to collect the crisp, clear water.
The small, dried-up branch of the creek made sense now. Someone had rerouted the natural spring to collect the water. It was done long ago, the landscape surrounding the area appearing natural after years of overgrowth, building moss, and millions of shed pine needles camouflaging the earth.
"This is lovely," Rose said, surprised she had not come across it yet.
Ephriam said, "Others of my tribe lived here once. This water is safe to drink. The pine needles can be boiled and used to clean surfaces and wounds, make healing salves, or treat coughs and fevers. Our Shamans used to treat injured wolves and bring our children into the world here. This ground is sacred."
Rose suddenly realized why Quil felt so strongly about the land. It was filled with their history, with the spirits of their ancients, of the lives and deaths of those who came before them. Rose wondered if anyone was buried on the land. She needed to discuss it with Carlisle to ensure the property stayed as protected and pure as possible. It was the right thing to do.
He grinned and said, "Follow me."
Walking around the side of the large rock formation under the waterfall, Rose gasped as Ephriam pushed aside a heavy tangle of Ivy and moss. She froze as she gaped into the well-hidden cave, instantly recalling how Royce had beckoned her from the pitch-black alley behind the tavern.
Ephriam chuckled as she hesitated to enter, unaware of her troubled mind. The last time she got trapped in a cold, dark space, she had suffered the most terrible pain she had ever endured.
Rosalie hated her own mind at that moment, hated it for consistently returning to that horrible moment in time. It was merely a blink of time compared to the rest of her existence, but somehow it seemed to define her.
The smile left Ephriam's face as he took in the fear in Rosalie's. He stepped inside instead and held out his hand. "Please trust me, Rose. Nothing will harm you. I would never allow it."
Bold of this human to believe he could protect me. The damsel in distress mentality had never appealed to Rosalie, yet she felt trapped inside. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and followed him into the cave.
The pool of water appeared beautiful but also small from the outside. A deep well of water was accessible from inside. Rose gasped as the flood of light from a small hole in the cave's roof brightened the center of the large cavern, showing it was already mid-morning. Scorch marks on the cave floor under the hole in the ceiling showed they once used it as a chimney.
Rose could easily visualize men and women around the cavern, soaking up the heat from the fire as the women tended the men's wounds under a watchful shaman's instructions. The visual was so strong that Rosalie could almost feel the heat of the fire and longed to build one for them now.
Ephriam turned and walked down a narrow tunnel, and Rose followed closely behind him. Down well-worn natural stone paths and long-ago carved stair steps, they descended. Several small alcoves jutted off from either side of the connecting vein of the cave system, and Rose was grateful it was easily navigable.
Rosalie finally calmed as they rounded a corner, and daylight filled another tiny cavern. They climbed a tall stone wall and exited from a hidden space similar to the entrance. Rose gaped around at the familiar surroundings in awe. Ephriam led her through the forest a short distance before coming around the bend in the creek where their swimming hole sat.
"This is how you could follow me so well. You run through the caves," Rose said and grinned.
Ephriam chuckled as he held his hand out and beckoned toward the water, silently asking her to join him. Rosalie sighed and carefully grasped his rough human hand, willing to follow him anywhere for as long as time allowed.
Please Review XO All thoughts are welcome.
