Note:

Reading Edward's part in the Official Illustrated Guide, I found that he killed Esme's husband Charles Evenson as his first human. In the period he left her and Carlisle, rebelling. So I strayed from the facts in chapter 17. So let's just say Esme's beating didn't kill him and Edward got him later.

.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Music:

They stood up for love – Live

Mama – Celine Dion

One moment in time – Whitney Houston

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

.

Chapter 30: Esme – Preparations

.

It felt strange how life could still surprise you after so many years, decades. Going from my tragic adult human life to one of a vampire full of love. And trials, because dealing with the downsides of eternity hadn't been easy those first years. But ever since our family grew and we moved back to Forks, things have been for the better.

Sure we had to fight for what we have sometimes, but it's been worth it. Edward finding Bella and conceiving Renesmee. The wolves joining our extended family. And finally May, who's been adding another link between the diverse groups. I'm so happy with my role as wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Our house is buzzing with energy and I love it.

Different things have happened since my daughters' vision of the Volturi. First we had a meeting with all the wolves. To start training and intensifying patrols. Second we called all our friends and contacts we could reach by phone. Alice and Jasper had a trip planned to the Amazon. She'd seen Huilen hunting by herself, a brief glimpse before she disappeared again, meeting up with Nahuel. They seemed to be hiding and aware of a threat.

We certainly wanted to bring them into the fold with us. Here we could protect them and have them train with us. My mind wandered when I thought of half-vampires. Were there any more out there? With the research we had done while Bella was pregnant, there had to be, right? Even if you considered half of what we found rubbish.

Vampires living like us seemed be rare also. Now, however, more started to pop up or be reformed. Just look at May, who told us about Nick and then you have Garret. That man brings a smile to my face. He's so passionate and completely in love with Kate. Willing to go to the moon and back for her. So he's been working hard to change his diet. Hearing about seals from us has been a big help.

Alaska has plenty of those, many species in fact. He tried them all and even battled a walrus because of the challenge. Not that he could drain such a huge animal by himself. A full grown male is rich enough to feed most the Denali clan together. Hmm, this memory gave me an idea; what if we started collecting animal blood too.

We've already began doing it with human blood. Yes, that kept Bella, who now worked with Jenks, busy. Because Carlisle needed may different ID's to do that without arousing suspicion. We also thought of organising blood-drives in isolated places, poor countries. That way we could help people financially and medically. So much needed to be done.

I was in charge of finding us a new home. West-Seattle had our preference. It had to be deep in the forest, so we could move across the Olympic area freely. And big enough to house at least twenty. The Denali's not included. No, I figured we could house some guests with them instead. Which meant their place would be extended. It's good our minds can handle a lot.

One late evening I got to give some parental advice. It was early April and the weather had been nice. Most of the family had left the house to hunt or have some time to themselves. Our pack of five just finished filling their stomachs before going out on patrol. Seth lingered at the table in the kitchen. I knew he wanted to talk and waited patiently. "Can I ask you something?" he started. "Of course, always," I replied.

There was a pause. "What do you think of me and May?" he asked. "Well, I said, you are unique and good together." I've seen how happy you make each other." A small blush coloured his cheeks. I caught them kissing a week back. Soon though he serious again, looking at me with thoughtful and sad eyes. "Then why do I feel she's holding back sometimes?" he questioned next.

I sighed and put a hand on his shoulder. "There are several reasons, but I think the main one is fear." I saw he was puzzled and went on. "She's afraid to lose control and hurt you first of all." I'm not Bella," Seth grouched. "No, I replied, but she's still stronger, and that's holding her back just as much as her venom." He averted his eyes. "She's also afraid of what she might do if she lost you," I added. "I'm not going to imprint," he stated.

"I know you feel that way, I said, but with a vampire's headspace, she can't help to worry about it." Seth sighed. "But it's not just imprinting, with this pending war, death is also on her mind." He turned his head back to me and flinched a little, thinking of his father probably. "She knows what she felt when Boots died and it was bad," I explained.

"How can I reassure her?" he asked. "I'm not sure you can, I said, only keep loving her." Seth nodded. I gave him a smile before finishing with some lighter stuff. "You know, this is all so overwhelming for her, life changing." Carlisle and I once talked about this with Edward and Bella too." Emotionally, vampires don't change easily, so this first relationship is a major thing." And a lot happened since she was turned."

"She hasn't been a vampire that long though and that helps May cope well." She's trying to let her doubts go, but guarding herself from hurt is engrained into her being." Like with most people." I paused. "I advice you to enjoy every moment and believe that your bond with her will keep on growing." In time she'll realise you two belong together."

Seth's eyes widened. "You believe that?!" he asked surprised. I nodded. He jumped up, hugged me quick and sprinted out the door.

I liked this boy a lot, he has such a kind heart. Somehow he always manages to lighten the mood and let you appreciate what you have. I hummed contently while cleaning up the kitchen. Later that week I travelled to our new home. It was perfect. A three story mansion with ten bedrooms, a big, up to date kitchen and spacious, high ceiling living room. The stables near this 19th century house had been converted into guestrooms and a garage.

The pack could have their own spot, if they wanted. The whole property needed some maintenance, but that was easy. I loved to decorate and directed the workers who were bringing in furniture. As soon as everything was in it's spot, Alice followed and started to fill the closets with clothes. We zoomed through at vampire speed. Hanging up pictures and curtains. Adding vases of flowers.

By the time we were done, we met in main living area and smiled at each other. We also had a basement, which was going to be used to store the donor-blood. It had an outside entrance, which Carlisle used to bring in the first batch. After that he walked up to me, happiness in his eyes. We cherished these moments, threat or no threat.

My husband embraced me, told me he loved me and drew me in for a passionate kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave as much as I got. Our tongues playing, I could never get enough of this man. We only broke apart because of Alice clearing her throat. We smiled wide and breathed in some air.

"Come on lovebirds, she chided, let's go and lock up." I'm meeting Jasper at the airport in an hour for our flight to Rio." Shutters down and alarm set, we went our separate ways. There was more to take care of. For the people who were going to be left behind. And those who wanted to stay.

Charlie and Sue were first on our mind. They planned to move to the Clearwater-house soon, so they could be under the protection of Sam's pack. Leah and Jacy were searching for a place of they're own. After meeting his family, they were officially a couple. It had gone very well, as she was used to be around a bunch of boys. Made quite the impression on his older brothers.

Seth wanted to go where May was, but had school to think about. He would stay with his mother and Charlie and May decided to stay at the old house until the summer-break. Then they'd stay with us for a few months and see. Of course she would drive back and forth regularly too. And we were going to hunt together. Was this what it would feel like, when children grew up and went out on their own?

Jake was doing his final exams and he would go with us, along with Embry. Billy was well enough to take care of himself and had Rachel & Paul to check up on him. It was so amazing to see him walking around with a cane, short distances that is. He still tired easily. Quil stayed close to Claire, no question. But everyone would see each other often, because of patrols and other things. We were all busy to live.

I prepared to welcome our first guests. Alice and Jasper brought them back a week after leaving. I couldn't help staring as Huilen and Nahuel got out of the car. She looked more confidant and had orange eyes now. He had packed on some serious muscle and looked very fit, ready for a fight. I gave them both a gentle hug before guiding them into the house. They were in awe and complimented me with this beautiful place.

We sat down and talked about what happened after our first meeting in 2006.

There'd been big changes in their lives. I was horrified to hear about Jennifer's phone call while she was being abducted. Huilen told me she hunted more animals after that. To draw as little attention to themselves as possible. Foregoing human blood completely however was still too hard. That's why her eyes were orange. We offered to help and would introduce her to seals, to add to the diet.

The three tall amazons hadn't changed and didn't really want to. Non the less, they were curious and conceded they had to adapt somewhat. They would be here a lot longer than before. Alice was eager for them to try on different clothes. It was quite amusing to see the little fashion show. Ultimately though she had learned from dealing with May and compromised.

It was an interesting event, my wolfy daughter meeting them. How they silently sized each other up. Grinning in the end and shaking hands. Which brought forth some playing around with Zafrina's gift. That was followed by a strategic discussion on how to use it best. Or how to combine it with other gifts. Finishing with the whole group going for a run through the forest.

Back home, Nessie got Nahuel to try her favourite human foods and he actually liked it. He looked so much younger with his smudged up face. And because he scored some points with Jake, doing a burping contest. I shooed them outside, shaking my head. Rose looked disgusted and Emmet burst out laughing. I hoped things would continue to go so well, when it got more crowded.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

.

Did you feel the love of Mother-Cullen?

Curious about what's going to happen next? Any ideas?

.

PLEASE REVIEW