Here we go! Now, a warning...after chapter this chapter we will not be having daily updates. I have a couple of chapters to finish off and as it's connected to Bella and Rose's own bond/mating and I need to get it right. Chapter 11 will only be a day or so then I anticipate updates moving to approximately weekly updates but if chapters are ready sooner then I will get them up asap. Don't worry, my girlfriend has not read my draft and is always on me to update so I won't be allowed to leave it too long!

Soon we will be meeting the other members of the Denali coven and the Cullen's will be making an appearance. Then Victoria will become a part of the story and also there will be an unexpected addition to the family.

We already have 40k words and I have at least another 60k written and the story is nowhere near finished at that so it's going to be a nice long one.

Also, you all know that reviews motivate writers so thanks to everyone who has taken the time to drop me a review, they are all very much appreciated x

Any questions regarding today's chapter drop me a review and I will reply.

xxxxxxx

Tanya was reading on her bed when Kate found her, Rosalie and Bella were practising in the skate park so they were alone in the house.

"Hey," Kate greeted her sister in their native tongue and flopped down onto the bed next to her.

"What's up, have they tired you out?" Tanya teased.

"It's hard being as awesome a teacher as I am," Kate preened which earned an eye roll from her sister.

"Ok, oh awesome one. What's the lesson for tomorrow?"

"I need to teach them to centre their chi," Tanya nodded.

"I don't think it will be hard for Rose, she already has control over every aspect of herself," Kate reasoned.

"Except where Bella is concerned, that little newborn has gotten right under her skin. In a good way." Tanya mused as she placed her book down.

"Yeah, but you know there's more to it. Right?" Kate queried as she rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

"Yes, but I don't know exactly what, only what you told me." Her sister hummed quietly to herself before answering.

"Well, I sense no bond whatsoever between Bella and Edward, the little fucktatrd's had his chance."

"Hmm, from what I've heard he deserves it. The next time I see him I'm going to teach him a lesson on how one should treat a lady," Tanya growled and Kate turned to see that her sister's eyes were black.

"Hey, I know it's inevitable that they see each other again but I can't see her going back to the Cullen's. Rose, well, I don't know for sure but they are so connected I don't think that one will be happy without the other."

"So the bond is that strong?" Tanya looked to her sister, the shock evident. She herself had only investigated the bond between Alice and Bella but had not sensed anything between the newborn and Rosalie, but then she hadn't been looking. It had been the last thing on her mind during that conversation.

"Yeah, it's like ours." Kate turned so she was snuggled up against Tanya's side, head resting on her chest and Tanya placed a kiss on her sister's forehead.

"Then they will always be together, you know how I hate to leave you," Tanya murmured, neither sister was happy without close contact for any prolonged length of time. Irina was not so attached and regularly spent time away from the coven. Kate and Tanya usually came as a pair, although they were not a complete unit without their third sister. "Is that all it is? Will they -?" Tanya was incredibly curious now.

"Inconclusive," Kate replied. "It's not an obvious mating bond, their connection is very strong but it feels as though something is missing. When they are more familiar with their lessons I would like you to sit in and maybe you can see what you think?"

"Ok," Tanya agreed after absorbing the information. "I have a feeling nothing is ever going to be straightforward where Bella is concerned but if we can guide her it will be easier." Kate nodded but stayed silent as she just enjoyed being close to her sister's body.

"She seems to be responding well to the training?" Tanya queried as she enjoyed the companionship.

"Yes, she was really trying but it will take time. Rose is a natural but needs to relax and trust me," Kate mumbled, she was as relaxed as a vampire could be and her eyes were hooded.

"Don't rush her, to have her be this open with us is amazing enough." Her sister replied as she began to run her fingers through the long straight hair of her companion and Kate began to purr, gentle rumbles coming from deep in her chest. The room fell quiet and Tanya let her mind drift until she was as relaxed as her sister.

Xxxxxx

"Today I am going teach you how to centre your chi," Kate began as the younger vampires sat on the rug in her den as they had for their previous session. "Rose, you're probably relatively familiar with the form of meditation we will be using, it's similar to when we 'sleep'." Rose nodded and waited for their teacher to continue.

"Bella, this will be harder for you, especially given your newborn state but you'll get the hang of it soon enough." Bella bit her lip but nodded, she was going to try. "So, first you have to centre yourself, close your eyes and imagine the source of your energy is deep within you, in the pit of your stomach. Take deep breaths and once you can feel it imagine it growing and growing, rising up your body, warming you as it rises until you are completely filled."

Bella tried hard to envision this but was very easily distracted. Firstly by the sound of the vampire's unnecessary breaths then the way Rose's leg was pressed against her knee, it felt good but way too distracting the brunette thought as she battled to represses the feelings it gave her. Finally a growl erupted and she snapped her teeth in sheer frustration. Rose opened her eyes and frowned at the obvious distress the exercise was causing Bella.

"Don't worry, it's not your fault," Kate reassured her. "I can see you're trying but it will become easier and also help you control yourself in day to day life." Bella nodded but wasn't fully mollified.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled and Rose reached out and placed a calming hand on the brunette's knee.

"Take it easy, we can practice whenever you want, Ok?"

"Ok," Bella huffed cutely.

"Just try again," Kate urged and after an eye roll the brunette closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Rose was finding this much easier, just as Kate had anticipated. "Ok, Rose. When you've found your centre let me know and I can guide you through the next part."

"Ok, I've got it," the younger blonde whispered a few seconds later and Kate reached out and took her hand in her own slightly smaller one.

"Feel that?" Kate queried and Rose felt an invasion, a warmth creeping into her body from where her skin was in contact with the ancient.

"Yes," she whispered in reply and gasped as the invasion continued until it had overtaken her whole body. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling and despite a slight tingle it wasn't overwhelming, rather comforting.

"Now, I'm going to join with your chi and together we will let it flow from you, into me." Rose nodded but kept her focus, gasping as the warmth in her belly expanded and intensified. "Ready?"

" Yes." There was a pulling sensation and Rose felt as though her entire being was trying to leave her body, she panicked and broke contact with Kate as her body jerked in reaction.

"Easy," Kate reassured the younger blonde and Bella had her full attention focused on her friend. Rose was quiet and the newborn could tell she was uncomfortable but was unsure about how to handle it."It's Ok, it takes a lot of getting used to." Rose kept her expression stoic as Kate reassured her.

"Rose, it's Ok. Kate won't hurt you," Bella added softly as she shuffled closer to her friend. "She just wants to help us."

"I know," Rosalie growled, disappointed in herself, she did want to learn but also knew she had severe trust issues.

"I'll hold your hand?" The brunette offered and Rose looked to meet Bella's eyes which were filled with concern. She smiled but shook her head. "No. I can do this." She replied, turning back to Kate who nodded.

"I will make it as easy as possible and control my chi as much as I can, it tends to get a little rowdy when it gets to visit the body of a hot blonde," the ancient wiggled her eyebrows comically then winked and succeed in breaking the tension as her companions laughed at her antics. "But you can trust me. I promise." Rose inhaled sharply before giving a final nod of assent, trusting what she saw in her teachers' golden eyes then extended her hand, palm down to lie on top of Kate's upturned palm that was resting on the ancient's knee.

"Let's do this." Rose closed her eyes as she spoke and took a series of deep, calming breaths. "Ok," she announced as she centred herself.

"I'm coming in," Kate murmured as she extended her chi as gently as she could. Rose felt a slight warmth but not as intense as last time, she concentrated on her own chi, like Kate had described, at the very centre of her being. Rose felt the other blonde extend her presence inside of her, filling her with her essence before it wrapped itself gently around her own, embracing it. This time Kate gave her student more time to adjust to the feeling, allowing their very beings to mingle, to become one.

Kate watched Rosalie's face for any signs of stress but she remained calm although the younger blonde was biting her lip as she concentrated. Rose knew how she felt inside herself, who she was but this was different, she could also sense Kate now, the playful relaxed nature of the other blonde, she also felt Kate's love and protection enveloping her. This time when she felt Kate's chi tug at her own, urging it to follow she didn't resist, simply let it flow through her and instead of feeling the loss she expected as it exited her through her physical connection to Kate she only felt -, more.

Rose gasped and opened her eyes only to find the ancient's staring right back at her, their very beings connected. As they continued to stare at each other Kate allowed her chi to caress Rosalie's, gently, ever so gently showing how much she already cared for the blonde, how she was now a part of something so much bigger.

"Close your eyes," Kate commanded and Rose reluctantly looked away from the captivating golden orbs of her companion before closing her own. "Now, this will feel strange until you get used to it," she warned. "I'm going to release your chi and it will feel lonely, empty, until you are able to ground yourself." Rose felt a gentle push as Kate slowly forced chi out of her own body and back into Rose's, her teacher withdrawing so slowly that Rose barely felt it until the last connection broke and she gasped, suddenly overcome with a feeling of loss and emptiness. Her eyes snapped open only to see Kate right there in front of her.

"Rose?" Bella's voice broke through the blonde's daze and the blonde's head snapped round to regard her friend then back to look at Kate who was sitting, calmly waiting for the younger vampire to regain her control and sense of self and resurrect her defences but she maintained physical contact, still holding Rosalie's hand in her own.

Rose didn't answer Bella but the brunette sensed that she was Ok but needed a little time to recover. The newborn was concerned for her friend, she looked shell-shocked and was regarding Kate with a look that could only be described as awe.

"Tanya." Kate called softly and a second later the coven leader appeared in the doorway. "Can you keep Bella company, I think Rose is a little overwhelmed." The blonde in question looked up sharply at the ancient's words.

"Rose?" Bella was really worried now, she could see that her friend was struggling to get her emotions under control and the last thing she wanted to do was leave her alone.

"I'm Ok." Rose answered after clearing her throat to test the strength of her voice. "I'll find you later."

"Are you sure?" Bella was reluctant to leave.

"Yes, go." The young blonde reassured the concerned newborn, Bella nodded and noticed that Rose was still clinging tightly to Kate's hand so she left without further argument.

"Come," Tanya placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder as she guided her away from the blonde couple. "Give her time, she will be fine."

The den was silent after Bella left. Rose couldn't bring herself to look at her companion and Kate was content to give her as much time as she needed. Pushing Rosalie to talk when she was still so open and vulnerable would be a big mistake. Instead Kate shifted so she was leaning against one of the arm chairs but made sure not to break the hold the blonde had on her hand. It was important to keep the connection, important to give Rose the physical comfort she would never allow herself ask for.

"This is why I can never be without Tanya and Irina," Kate explained softly, into the silent room. "Tanya and I are especially close and to spend too long apart physically hurts, much like the loss Bella is feeling away from Alice." She paused, a glance at her companion showed that Rosalie was listening although she was not looking directly at her. "Just being around her is enough but as we have spent so long together our chi's are constantly mixing without any conscious effort on our part. It gives a true meaning to the word Family. You now share this with me and in time Bella, and Tanya and Irina if you so wish." At that Rose looked up, stunned by the ancient's words and Kate shrugged. "It happens unconsciously, when we need comfort our chi reaches out until it finds what it needs. You are now known to me and I to you, after today I will always be there for you Rose." Kate pledged and the young blonde absorbed her words thoughtfully.

"However, as your intended bond is with Bella that will always be the strongest for you. What Tanya and I can offer will never be as binding as what the two of you will experience, the same way mine, Tanya's and Irina's will always be the strongest between the three of us." The room fell silent again and Rose tried to compose her thoughts and feelings, attempting to force them back into their familiar cages within her psyche.

"I can feel that with Bella?" She finally asked her mentor.

"Yes, what we just experienced was not as intense as it will between the two of you." Rose shook her head, unable to comprehend what she was being told. She liked the newborn and they were growing closer but she didn't know if she could handle the intensity of such a connection, with anyone, even Emmett who was the person she had allowed the closest to her damaged psyche.

"I can see you're afraid but once you have made that connection you will wonder how you ever lived without it. There is no fear, no doubt, you will just exist for each other, as each other." Rose began to panic as she heard the words roll off Kate's tongue.

"What will happen when she leaves me, when she finds her mate?" The young vampire queried, panic turning to anger. "How can you show me this when I know it will be taken away from me?" She growled at her teacher. "How cruel is that?" Rose snarled as she felt her heart rip at the very thought.

"No!" Kate reached out for Rosalie's other hand, pulling her round to fully face her. When they were eye to eye Kate sighed and studied the young blonde in front of her. She had been hurt so badly in her human life that the feeling of betrayal was ever prevalent in her vampire psyche and her life with the Cullen's had obviously done nothing to bely her insecurities. "Rose, I would never do that to you. What I showed you is special, to be treasured. So few get to experience it, please don't reject it before it happens." Kate paused, wondering how much detail to go into.

"Bella would never leave you, she would not be physically capable of spending any length of time apart from you, more so than Alice. Yes, you may both find mates but then Tanya and I have existed for a thousand years happy with each others company. Irina likes to travel, to seek out other vampires and so do each of us occasionally but we always come home. We will always be together in one way or another." Her words caused Rose to frown.

"With Bella?"

"With Bella, she's your home now Rose whether you're ready for it or not."

"What if we ignore it? What will happen then?" Kate shrugged, saddened by the desperation in her companion's voice.

"I couldn't really say. Your connection to Bella is the only other bond I have seen that is as strong as my sister's and mine. You would probably connect at some point in the future. You're both young, Bella especially." Rose nodded.

"I promised that she would be safe with me, that I would not let her go through her changes alone, that I would protect her." The younger vampire stated, only now realising that she had already made a strong commitment to the newborn, stronger than she had ever realised.

"See, it was already there. The moment she turned it began. I know you've been feeling it since her change?"

"I have, I felt it. The need to protect her."

"And even with her bond to Alice she has been seeking you out?" Rose thought back to her interactions with the newborn and could only nod in the positive, she was always the preferred choice when Alice was not available to spend time with Bella and even when she was, Rose had joined the pair in their chosen activity.

"It's already happening, what I am showing you is how much more you could both have," the younger vampire sighed as she realised the inevitability of it. "Just go with it Rose, don't fight it." Kate urged softly and she saw the resignation written across her student's beautiful face. Instead of words she once again merged her chi with Rose's, drawing a gasp from the unsuspecting blonde who dropped her defences low enough to allow Kate to draw her into her arms, Rose fought to regain her independence but the elder blonde held on, refusing to give up the physical comfort she was forcing on Rosalie. Subjected to both Kate's arms and the warmth and love being projected right into her soul she had no choice but to give in to the love being offered and allowed herself to relax into the embrace.

"See, that's better huh?" Kate murmured after an indeterminate amount of time had passed., Rosalie nestled in her arms. The elder wondered if Rose had ever allowed anyone but Emmett to offer her such comfort, she doubted it.

It wasn't for long, a few moments later Rose had recovered enough to throw her walls back up.

"It's too much," she pulled away from Kate's embrace, her head shaking in denial. "I -. I can't Kate." With a twist she was on her feet and running. Kate sighed but let her go. She knew this must be hard for Rose but she hoped that once she had time to think things over she would come to terms with the bond and accept her place with the newborn. If not things could get very ugly and Bella did not need anyone else rejecting her so soon in her new life.

xxxxxx

After Rose left she ran and kept running. Running from what she had just experienced, running from Kate, running from Bella. She ran until she was in Canada and it was there she stopped and pulled out her phone and hit call.

"Rose?"

"Em, I need you." She whispered into the handset, she gave him her location and sat back to wait for him to arrive. It didn't take him long as she was actually pretty close and soon he was jogging into the forest clearing she had selected for their meeting.

"Rosie?" Her best friend queried as he approached her cautiously, recognising the signs of stress. "Rose?" He tried again, this time taking a seat next to her but not touching the blonde vampire.

"Hey," she eventually turned a weak smile on him and he relaxed slightly. Whatever was bothering her didn't seem to be life or death.

"Hi babe, I missed you." His dimpled grin always made her feel better and today was no exception and she felt herself relax.

"Missed you too Emmy," she settled herself against his familiar bulk and they sat together in silence.

"So what's up. huh?" Rose sighed and wondered that herself, things were still jumbled in her head and to be honest she didn't know what she was feeling and had run out of sheer panic, needing space away from Denali. "Is Bella Ok?" Emmett asked with concern, he liked the baby vampire and also disagreed with Carlisle's dismissal but after speaking with Rosalie had not voiced those opinions but reassured her that he was on their side.

"She's -. She's Ok Em, Tanya and Kate have been amazing and really understand her, us." The giant shifted at that comment so he could study her beautiful face.

"Yeah? They giving you what you need?" He had always known that Rose got on well with the Denali sisters and saw how they valued and respected her, much more so than his own coven so when she had wanted to leave it was with his full support.

"Things are complicated Em.," Rose replied with a heavy sigh.

"Why, are they fighting over who gets to fuck you?" He joked and she couldn't get mad at him. Despite what the others thought he was a sensitive man, not a boy like Edward, and he was only teasing to try and lighten the mood.

"No, they have been the perfect hosts, I'm learning a lot and so is Bella. Honestly, I think they can hep her the most right now. She's amazing Em." Emmett stayed quiet but he could sense an undercurrent in his 'wife's' words.

"So what has you all in a tizzy huh?" He pushed, knowing that Rose was unlikely to volunteer the information despite her request to meet.

"Kate -. Kate taught me something today and it came with a lot of baggage I'm not sure I'm ready for." She admitted with another sigh and he tightened his arms around her body, Rose leaned back and accepted the comfort his embrace offered.

"Yeah? Anything I can help with?" Rose paused before answering him.

"Not really, just listen?" She pleaded and the big vampire smiled and placed a soft kiss on her temple.

"Anything Rosie, you know that." He smiled and waited patiently.

"So, Kate , Tanya and Irina have this link, a connection." She explained and Emmett nodded, he knew they were close. "It's almost like a mate bond only different."

"Ok, I get it."

"I don't think you do, you can't really know until you experience it Em." The male vampire shrugged.

"Ok, if you say so," he replied easily, unaffected by her comment and waited for her to continue.

"They don't like being apart and it's linked to their succubus powers," she confirmed and he straightened up, curious as to what was going to come next. "Kate could sense that our bond wasn't a mating bond from just a touch and the same power can be used as a defence and she is teaching Bella and I to use it. She says that Bella and I are like them, the sisters, that is," the blonde finished with a murmur. Emmett absorbed the information and took a moment to think over her words.

"Can you explain what that means, for you? I don't know enough to really understand what's going on Rosie?" He felt bad that he didn't have an immediate answer but Rose's information was a little sketchy.

"I had a lesson today, with Bella and Kate. Bella's concentration isn't good enough yet to do it properly but Kate merged her chi with mine and it was so intense Em, it was good, amazing even but intense."

"So you ran?" He surmised but she shook her head.

"No, not because of that, that was good, she cares for me a lot Em." He nodded, knowing Rose was close with both Kate and Tanya. "It makes me part of their family."

"But you say that's good right? So why did you freak out?" He was understandably confused.

"Because just sharing that with Kate was intense and she says -." Rose took an deep breath. "Because Kate says that Bella and I have the same connection that the sisters do, but between the two of us. That it will be so strong that it will hurt to be apart and I panicked, I ran because I can't feel that only to have it taken away when she finds her mate. And I wouldn't wish the same on her should I ever find mine," she finished in a whisper and Emmett finally knew what was causing his friend so much pain.

He knew that they had never shared a mate's bond but their friendship was enough for him to miss her when she wasn't around and he knew how strong a mate's bond could be having witnessed it between Esme and Carlisle and Jasper and Alice. They were rarely apart but he could not envision how a bond as strong as Kate claimed existed between Rose and Bella could work if a mate bond formed with another vampire. It just didn't add up and he could understand why Rose was so freaked out, he would be too in her situation.

"What does Bella say?" He enquired softly, still holding his friend tightly.

"She doesn't know yet, she doesn't know how it feels because she has no control over her emotions, not enough to control her chi." Rose explained as she held onto him, hands grasping at his thick sweater. "I can't deal with that Em. I mean, you can barely handle me and we've been together years, how can a girl, a newborn like Bella handle that? She has her whole life ahead of her. Why would she want to be tied to someone like me?" Her words angered Emmett and he released her, pushing her away from his body.

"Hey. Do not put yourself down like that!" He growled, jumping to his feet. "You are worth so much more than you think. Bella would be lucky to have you in her life in any way, let alone with the kind of bond Kate claims you will have. Bella respects you and she would never hurt you." He paused. "Are you freaking out because Bella might come to like you as more than a friend? Like Tanya and Kate?" He paused, trying to force his friend to get to the root of her problem. He studied her face for any sign as to what she was thinking. "Are you afraid that you will feel for her that way and she won't return the feelings?" At that he detected the slightest hint of emotion flicker behind her eyes and he sighed before kneeling by her side, large arms enveloping her in a hug.

"Oh Rosie!" He exclaimed as she burrowed against his body. "She would be lucky to have you," he reassured her. "If this thing is as strong as Kate says then I doubt Bella would want to be with anyone else. Maybe you should just let things run their course?" She didn't reply, just let him hold her. "And, you've always had a thing for the ladies anyway, haven't you?" He teased, he knew that she enjoyed the female form and had indulged herself but had kept away from the Denali sisters, her motto being 'you don't fuck around where you live'.

"Em!" She whined and pushed as his chest. "I love you but you're a brat!" He let out a hearty chuckle, glad she wasn't pissed at him.

"But it's true, isn't it?" He raised a brow as he stared her out. "Bella's hot, huh?" He then proceeded to wriggle his eyebrows until they looked as they they were going to helicopter off his face.

"You're a douche but I love you," she growled as she swatted him on the arm.

"And I love you! How about we grab a bite to eat then I escort you home?" She nodded, accepting his offer of company.

Xxxx

Bella looked up when she heard two sets of footsteps approaching, Tanya and Kate also jumped to attention.

"It's Rose but I don't know who's with her." Tanya murmured and she and Kate stood to investigate, running outside to greet their unknown visitor, Bella followed but hung back. She was curious but also cautious. Both Tanya and Kate frowned when they saw her companion was Emmett.

"Hey guys," the burly man greeted them cheerfully as he kept hold of Rose's hand. Bella hesitated when she saw the big vampire with Rose. "Hey Bells!" He called cheerfully when he spotted the newborn and she nodded acknowledgement of his greeting. "I'm not stopping, just escorting my lady back," he grinned but felt Rose stiffen next to him. "Sorry, are you Bella's lady now?" He teased but so softly only Rose could hear him. The comment earned him a disgruntled nudge with her shoulder which he laughed off. Rose sighed when she saw Kate's frown, she knew that there was likely to be an unpleasant conversation coming her way in the near future.

"Hey Bells!" Emmett dropped Rose's hand and jogged towards the newborn and scooped her up in a hug before she could protest.

"No!" Rose warned her friend but it was too late, Bella had reacted badly to the contact and pushed him off and he went flying across the dirt.

"Oof!" He picked himself up and smiled cheerfully at Bella. "Good one Bells. Guess I should have thought that one through, huh?" Bella shrugged and sidled closer to Tanya and Kate. "Ok, I'm gonna run," he sensed the tension his presence was causing and winked at Rose who just scowled back at his teasing. 'She's jealous,' he mouthed and nodded towards Bella, that earned him the finger and he let out a booming laugh. "Take care of her for me Bella. Hurt her and I'll kick your ass," he levelled his warning at all the vampires present, causing them some confusion. Rose had a lot of explaining to do, Tanya mused as she exchanged glances with Kate. "Bye babe," he pecked Rose on the cheek, before waving and jogging towards the tree line and home.

Emmett's farewell to Rose left her companions confused but the young blonde met her hosts gazes evenly, not allowing them to dominate her as she approached Bella.

"Sorry about that," she apologised to the newborn. "He just doesn't think sometimes," she growled. "And sorry, for running off like that. I had a lot on my mind." Her apology was general but she directed the last at Kate who nodded but couldn't help but be disappointed in the way her student had handled things, especially since she had immediately run back to her lover.

Next on Crimson Bonds

"If we do this we do it my way," Rose purred as she pushed Kate's shoulders into the mattress. The elder vampire looked up into black eyes and nodded her consent.