Chapter Twelve

The way back to the Cullen's home was a very silent one. Of course, Zondrea could still feel the presence of Bella's shield around Carlisle, but it wasn't as strong as before. Though, still strong enough that Zondrea wouldn't even think about trying to penetrate it.

Zondrea knew they were nearing the home because she could smell the thick and sweet scent of her kind...along with a musty smell, one that had her wrinkling her nose in complete disgust. It wasn't a scent she was used to, in fact, she was fairly sure she'd never smelt something like that before. But, it reminded her almost of wet dog.

They slowed down and Zondrea was given time to take in the house, intrigued by how modern it was. There were so many glass walls and windows that she could easily see straight through into the house...which led her to meet the eyes of six others. She had figured they'd all be vampires, but standing next next to a girl figure was a boy, built big and burly like Emmett, but his skin was russett and eyes a dark brown. He was scowling at her through the window, obviously seeing her as a threat.

"You house humans?" She asked, now very confused as she pulled to a stop in front of the house, Carlisle pausing beside her and looking up to meet where her gaze had drifted.

"He's not a human." Bella supplied from behind them, sounding slightly defensive.

"Then what could he-"

"Werewolf." She provided, nodding once at the boy who was still glaring holes into Zondrea.

But, instead of being upset or angered by this, Zondrea surprised them by becoming excited. "A werewolf? I've never come across one before. Do they always smell so...awful?" She couldn't think of a better word, but as her question slipped out, she heard a roaring laughter come from inside the house and her eyes flickered to Emmett who was trying to compose himself as the werewolf boy glared at him.

Carlisle was obviously fighting a grin, but said "I'd be a little careful about that comment, they don't take too well to it. And, apparently, we smell just as bad to them." And then he was gesturing for her to follow him inside, Bella followed closely behind.

Zondrea was very hesitant to step inside and be greeted by so many, well, it wasn't actually much of a greeting as it was a hostile stare down. She could feel Bella's shield extending to the rest of the family members, leaving out the tanned boy.

She took all of them in quickly, there was Edward and Emmett, both of which she clearly remembered, then there was a motherly looking woman with curving hips and curling hair that stood closest to her, and the three others were a blonde-haired girl with a deep glare of dark tawny eyes, and standing slightly behind her were the other two, the werewolf boy and...a fragile looking girl with a heartbeat as loud as a humans and beating as fast as a hummingbird's wings. Everyone seemed to be standing ahead of her though, so Zondrea couldn't get that good of a glimpse.

"Where are Jasper and Alice?" Carlisle asked from in front of her, looking more towards Edward for an answer.

"Alice was a bit upset about her lacking of seeing this one coming and she left with Jasper." Edward answered, somewhat bitterly, giving Zondrea one of those penetrating stares, and then she felt his presence crawling around in her mind. She couldn't help, but grimace and notice him smirking. He must've known what he was doing, she thought somewhat annoyedly.

"Zondrea, this is my family. You've met Edward and Emmett," He gestured to the two and then began pointing them all out. "Esme, my wife, and Rosalie, Jacob, and Renesmee." He indicated them all, but was hesitant on the last name. They really didn't trust her around anything with a heartbeat.

Zondrea nodded her head at all of them, smiling innocently as she could, but was taken back when the wolf boy spoke up.

"Why is she here?" He bitterly growled through clenched teeth, and her vision immediately switched to his angry face, taking in the way he seemed to start almost trembling.

"She is here in search of our help." Carlisle provided, staring at Jacob with calming eyes that also held a warning.

Everything felt really tense for a moment and Zondrea's whole body was completely still, she didn't breath or move, waiting for someone to make an attack on her. She wouldn't fight back, of course, but she was still prepared.

But, a small, soft voice broke through the tension and everyone's heads turning to the girl who spoke. "She's not one of us, though." It was Renesmee who said this, now looking at Zondrea with curious eyes, having stepped sideways from behind Jake. "Your eyes are red." She commented and Zondrea felt somewhat embarrassed. She could easily tell this girl was young, but wise for her age in a way.

"That's because she drank from humans." The blonde one, Rosalie, spat out, turning back to Zondrea with hate-filled eyes.

Renesmee seemed even more interested then, somewhat curious even. And, she looked like she wanted to ask questions, but was cut off by Esme speaking.

"It's nice to meet you, Zondrea, I'm sure you've traveled far." Zondrea was right about the motherly aspect, the woman held nothing, but care and easiness in her eyes, making Zondrea feel somewhat more comfortable.

"Yes, I traveled here from Italy, though I'm sure you've already been informed." She responded, eyes flickering to Edward and Emmett, lingering on the other boy a bit longer to try and channel his reaction to all of this, but if anything, he seemed almost amused.

"What's the verdict here, Carlisle?" Edward finally sighed, seeming done with all the casualties everyone was putting up.

Carlisle looked to everyone before speaking, seeming to want all their attention. "I've decided it'd be best if we let Zondrea stay with us for the time being. It's the safest decision and she has given us no reason not to trust her." He decided and Esme didn't seem bothered, but almost everyone else was either sighing unhappily or glaring daggers into Zondrea.

"The people in town will ask questions." Rosalie insisted, hands on her hips and staring at Carlisle.

"The people in town will not know for the time being." He immediately answer, seeming to finalize that conversation with her.

He turned to Bella, "Maybe it'd be best if you and Jacob took Renesmee out for awhile, maybe try to find Alice and Jasper and inform them." He suggested and Bella seemed wary of this, her eyes darting to Zondrea.

Carlisle picked up on this right away, "Edward will stay, we'll be fine." He insisted and then turned back to the stranger standing behind him. Zondrea's eyes were still wide from everything happening at once and her hair was unruly, red-brown curls messy from travel and hunting.

"I'd like to discuss things with our guest further." He announced and it was like everyone being dismissed. Bella was off within seconds with her daughter and Jacob and the lack of her shield made the tension lesson in Zondrea, the weight of it finally gone.

Rosalie stormed off soon after, Esme on her tail as they went into what Zondrea thought was the kitchen.

And Edward stayed with Carlisle and Zondrea gesturing towards the set of stairs. "Your study?" He suggested and Carlisle nodded, also gesturing for Zondrea to follow. She walked after them, but paused at Emmett, feeling gratitude towards the burly boy.

"Thank you, by the way." She said quietly, so only the other three in the room could possibly hear.

He gave her a confused look, "For what?"

She smirked, the same cocky grin she had worn when they had met only hours earlier. "For not tearing me apart when you had the chance." And then she was off after Edward and Carlisle, leaving Emmett smiling slightly.

(A/N : Andddd done. I'll probably write another chapter today, but nap first because i'm a tired and pathetic person. Reviews would be appreciated!)