The Cullens: Part Two
Adrianne watch with horror as the wolf encompassed Marcus, positive that it was more than capable of harming him. But Marcus, as it would appear, was not to be underestimated. A moment later the wolf was sent flying backwards, doing a summersault in the air before it landed shakily on its feet. Jacob charged again but Marcus easily dodged him. This happened twice before Jacob caught on and changed his tactic. He ran towards Marcus a third time and suddenly lunged to the left, tackling Marcus and knocking him to the ground while his large jaws came inches from destroying Marcus's face.
At a loss for what to do, Adrianne looked around at the other vampires. They had moved off of the porch, closer to her, though looked like they had no intention of stopping the fight. The small vampire, the one with the brown eyes, was nowhere to be seen. A snapping noise caught her attention and her head whipped back to the two struggling figures on the ground. Marcus was holding Jacob's massive chest away from his body with his arms; he would move just far enough away each time the wolf tried to bite him.
Unable to just stand there, Adrianne did the first thing that came to her mind. Upon later consideration, it wasn't the brightest move in the world, but it served its purpose. She bent down and, finding the nearest rock that she could, threw it at the wolf's head. It landed on the side of the wolf's face, near his eye. Though she doubted that it hurt him, Adrianne managed to distract him for the smallest of seconds as Jacob turned his dark, angry eyes towards her. That was all the time that Marcus needed.
The vampire snaked his arm around the wolf's head, throwing his leg around Jacob's giant torso as he went. He pulled him down to the ground and crushed him to his chest. Jacob struggled but was unable to break free of Marcus's grasp, now having the upper hand. Marcus sank his other hand into the ground, digging in tightly as Jacob continued to thrash back and forth.
"Jacob", said a soft voice.
Adrianne turned around and saw the brown eyed vampire standing next to her, holding what looked suspiciously like a pair of shorts. The wolf looked at her but continued to struggle, unwilling to give up though he had no hope of escape. The vampire walked over to him slowly and put a hand on the wolf's large muzzle. He stilled instantly.
"Jacob stop", she said, "I don't want you to hurt him".
The wolf gave a low whine and shook its massive head. Adrianne couldn't hear what the vampire told him next but it obviously had some impact on Jacob. He gave one more soft growl and closed his eyes. In the next second there lay a very tan, very naked man on the ground. Marcus instantly released him and backed away. He concentrated on brushing off his right hand, which was now covered in dirt. His face was completely impassive when he looked up at Adrianne, though he gave her a small nod, which she assumed to mean that he was all right.
"Marcus, I apologize", said Carlisle, "old wounds run deep…as you can see". He motioned to the now partially clothed Jacob, who was standing protectively in front of the brown eyed vampire.
"Yes", he stated simply.
Carlisle sighed and looked around at each member of his family, making sure to meet their eyes. "Now, if we are all done fighting one another", his gaze came to rest lastly on Jacob, who looked back in defiance, "we can discuss this in a civilized manner". Marcus walked slowly over to Carlisle, hesitating slightly when he stood in front of him.
"You…are one of a very few souls that I trust". He paused and looked Carlisle squarely in the face. "I would not deceive you. I am prepared to turn on my own if it ensures the human's safety, though I mean no harm to you and your family. If your wish is for us to leave we shall…but if that is the case then I must beg you to reconsider".
"He's telling the truth Carlisle", said the bronze haired boy. He gave Marcus a penetrating look before continuing, "He killed Alec".
Carlisle seemed to stiffen. He turned his gaze away from Marcus and appeared to be in deep thought. Adrianne wondered how the boy could have possibly known that, and then she heard Marcus's voice inside of her head…like the Volturi, those in this clan hold certain…advantages over the rest of our kind.
"Oh hell yeah", the muscular vampire laughed, "I like him more already!"
"Carlisle", said the small vampire with brown eyes, "I remember him." Here she motioned towards Marcus. "He was there that day, when the Volturi came for me. And if I remember correctly…he was the only one that voted no. He was the only one that tried to save me".
"Renesmee is right", said the dark haired female vampire. She moved over towards Marcus and laid a hand gently on his arm. "And I want to thank you for that". She gave him a small smile. Marcus remained unmoved, his eyes never leaving Carlisle.
Adrianne watched all of this in wonderment. She felt like she was being let in on a secret part of Marcus that she had always suspected was there: kindness. She couldn't help but feel proud of him, no matter what happened today.
Carlisle looked up into the eyes of the female vampire who had been standing next to him on the porch. She could almost hear him asking her for guidance. The vampire looked at Marcus and then at Adrianne, her golden eyes searching for some kind of answer in Adrianne's face. She then turned back to Carlisle and gave him the smallest of smiles before nodding her head. "Of course", she murmured.
As if with those two words he had found the answer he needed, Carlisle turned back to Marcus before speaking in a not unkind voice, "I have no doubt that what you have told me today is true. Though it has been many years since we have resided under the same roof, if memory serves I enjoyed both your company and your wisdom. Though some of us here seem to have forgotten how difficult it is when you are in need of aid, as we were some years ago", he eyed Jacob and Rosalie carefully, "I have not. You and your companion are welcome here for as long as you need".
It took Adrianne a minute to process everything that she'd heard. Both she and Marcus had a place to stay. They weren't going to have to run anymore. She could get a shower and eat and…she stopped, mentally kicking herself. Adrianne could pretty much guarantee that it wasn't going to be as simple as that, there was always something that needed to be done in return; there was always a 'but'.
She watched as Marcus bowed his head. "I thank you, Carlisle", he whispered softly.
"There is one thing…" Carlisle said slowly. He stopped, wanting to choose his next words carefully. Here it comes, Adrianne thought with dread.
"You are more than welcome to hunt here, but you know our rules. Is that going to be a…problem for you?"
"No", Marcus breathed, "it is of no matter to me. I have already started the change".
Ah, thought Adrianne, forgetting momentarily that Marcus would need to eat as well. She wondered how difficult that had been for him, though looking at the non-expression on his face she couldn't help but think that normal rules didn't apply for someone as apathetic as him.
Carlisle suddenly turned towards her and smiled, showing two rows of blindingly white teeth. "I'm sorry; I don't think that I caught your name. You are…?"
"Adrianne", Adrianne said cautiously. Feeling that she should add something else she murmured, "Thanks for letting us stay here. I really appreciate it".
Carlisle nodded and glanced over to the female vampire who had helped him make up his mind. "Of course", he said with a dry smile.
The female vampire floated over to her and, catching Adrianne completely off guard, wrapped stone-like arms around her in a brief hug. "We've been expecting you. Alice saw that you were coming to us", she said, nodding her head to the pixie-like vampire. Upon hearing her name Alice bounded over and stood next to Adrianne.
"Hello", she said, "It took you long enough. I expected you to be here yesterday".
"Umm…sorry" she questioned. Alice just laughed at her. Adrianne didn't know what to make of the vampire, thinking her to be a little off center.
"Don't mind Alice", the woman said, "she's just excited that you're here. My name is Esme; I'm Carlisle's wife". Adrianne smiled, already liking her. Esme gave her a quick rundown of her family, giving names to faces of the vampires that Adrianne didn't know yet.
Rosalie had stalked off, obviously displeased at Carlisle's decision. He big burly vampire named Emmett had followed her, trying to placate the beautiful blonde. Next to go where Renesmee and Jacob, the later making it clear that he wanted nothing to do with either her or Marcus. Renesmee, at least, gave her a kind smile before she left.
Coming up to stand a little behind Alice was Jasper, the blonde that Adrianne thought had winked at her earlier. He gave her a small nod before leading Alice back towards the house, though not before she had time to shout over her shoulder, "Don't worry about your clothes, I'll take you shopping tomorrow if you want!"
Yes, Adrianne thought, she's nice, but there is definitely something odd about her. She looked around, anxious to be back beside Marcus again, but she saw him deep in conversation with Carlisle a little ways off. The two must have gone way back like Marcus had said, because she'd never seen him look so animated. If you looked closely you could almost see a slight grimace on Marcus's face, which is more than she ever got…apart from the time that she had made him angry.
The two remaining vampires, named Edward and Isabella (Bella for short) had come up to Adrianne where she was standing with Esme. Bella kept her distance from Adrianne though she didn't look at her unkindly. Adrianne looked again at the more orange color of her eyes and had the feeling that it was probably for the better that Bella kept her distance.
"Bella is going to go hunting, it will be better if she stays well fed while Adrianne is here. I'll accompany her and make sure that things go smoothly, and then we're going to get something for Adrianne to eat". He turned to Adrianne and said with a slight frown, "there was more food earlier, but with Jake around it's gone in no time".
"Oh, well, that's okay", she said a little perplexed. It's not like she had expected to get served a tray full of food when she got here. It's not like I expected to be staying here at all, she thought.
"We'll be back a little later", Edward said to Esme. Turning to Bella he said in a mocking voice, "I guess it's hunting time for the human again".
Bella laughed and pushed him playfully, "Yep, except this time not for me".
Adrianne had the sense that she was missing something as she watched the two figures disappear into the woods. Seeing the obvious confusion on her face Esme explained to her that Bella had only been changed three years ago. Adrianne vaguely wondered if that had anything to do with the Volturi coming three years ago or if it was just a coincidence. It was something she'd be sure and ask Marcus about later.
Speaking of Marcus, he and Carlisle had finished their discussion and were headed over towards Adrianne. Marcus looked as wraith-like as ever, showing no sign that he had almost been ripped apart earlier by an angry wolf man.
"If you'd follow me, we'll show you around the house and get you settled into a room", Carlisle said, playing the perfect host. Adrianne nodded and followed him and Esme back to the front of the house, Marcus bringing up the rear. She knew that they were walking much slower for her benefit but she was suddenly too tired to care. All that she wanted was a nice, warm shower and a long nap.
Carlisle picked up her suitcase when they neared the steps, which had been left discarded in the hurried events of the day. Adrianne blushed and told Carlisle that she didn't mind carrying it, but he gave her a kind smile and shook his head. Following the two inside Adrianne saw a magnificently decorated home; everything from the paint to the furnishings was open and cheerful, inviting really. She caught a glimpse of a beautiful piano in the foyer, and just off to the right sat Jasper and Alice, watching TV. Everything felt so normal.
After an hour of touring the Cullen's home, she was brought to a door on the third floor of the house. Marcus had remained deathly silent the entire time, looking at him Adrianne wondered if he'd been paying attention at all to the two kind vampires.
"This is Edward's old room", Esme explained, "I thought that you might enjoy the view". She pushed the door open and Adrianne walked in to a room that was completely lined with windows at the far wall. There was no bed, but a plush leather couch took up a good portion of the room. The right wall was composed entirely of shelves that were filled with books. There was a large wooden coffee table in the middle of the room as well, comfortably put in front of the sofa. A flat screen TV had been placed at the wall alongside the door. Adrianne thought that she'd have no problem fitting in to this room and was anxious to see what books might be waiting on the shelves.
"There is a guest room down the hall where Marcus will be staying", Carlisle explained, "in the morning we will switch out the bed and put it in this room as he will have no need of it". He turned towards Marcus who nodded, obviously having no problem with the arrangement. For a split second Adrianne was almost disappointed that Marcus wouldn't be staying with her, but she pushed the thought out of her mind and did her best not to let it show on her face.
"Well", said Esme, "we'll leave you alone now and let you get settled in. I know that you must want a shower. If there's anything you need let us know, there's always someone in or around the house. Alice, as I'm sure you remember, is already looking forward to taking you shopping whenever you'll let her. Do me a favor and humor her at some point, it's easier that way".
"Hey!" Adrianne heard the indignant shout come from somewhere downstairs. "I heard that!" Somehow she wasn't even surprised that Alice had heard Esme. It was just another thing to get used to if you decided to live with vampires.
Adrianne nodded and told them thank you, watching as they made a quiet exit. Marcus made to follow them but stopped at the door, turning to look at Adrianne with his lifeless eyes. She noted that they were already darker than she remembered them being the other day. "I will go hunting tonight", he told her quietly, "you will be comfortable here, no?"
"Yes", she said. "I'm fine…are you? Because of earlier I mean, not that you wouldn't be fine. I just…I was so worried", she finished lamely, knowing that she sounded like a complete moron. She lowered her head, embarrassed.
Marcus stood staring at her for a long time. Adrianne was ready to say some snide comment just to break the awkwardness but he eventually said, "I am well. There is no need to…worry".
"Okay", she said quietly. "I guess I'll see you later then".
Marcus nodded and turned to leave. Before she knew what she was doing Adrianne had called his name. He turned around just in time for her to smash into him, her arms circling him in a hug. She knew that she had just crossed the invisible DO NOT TOUCH line that Marcus had put around himself but she didn't care.
"Thank you", she whispered into his chest. He remained quiet, continuing to do nothing. Though he didn't push her away either. Then, just as she was ready to pull away, she felt one of his hands touch her lightly in the middle of her back. She gave him one last squeeze, which was much like hugging a stone pillar, and stepped back.
He wasn't looking at her, though he she heard him say a low "You're welcome" before leaving the room. The door closed with a small snap and he was gone. Adrianne just stood there looking at the door. Eventually she unpacked what few belongings she had and arranged them in the room. She checked the door to the right of the TV and saw that it was a bathroom.
After getting a long, hot shower Adrianne brushed her hair and put on a fresh pair of clothes. She sat on the couch, meaning to go down to the kitchen to see if Bella and Edward had come back with food yet. She leaned into the couch and relaxed her body, letting her mind wander. As she fell asleep she couldn't help thinking that she had gone too far with Marcus.
Hours later, Adrianne woke up to a dark room. She knew that she must have fallen asleep and stumbled her way over to the wall, turning on the light when she finally found the switch. She checked the clock on the wall and saw that it was after nine. I must have been really tired, she thought.
Adrianne made her way down to the kitchen and found Alice sitting on the counter, waiting for her. She smiled and started pulling things out of the fridge before Adrianne had time to say a word. An hour, a grilled cheese sandwich, a banana, and almost an entire pitcher of tea later Adrianne was feeling better than she had in the last week. And she also really liked Alice. She was different, Adrianne noted, but definitely easy to get along with and fun to talk to.
She yawned and traced her finger around the edge of her glace. Alice noticed and told her promptly to "go to bed before she had to carry her up the stairs". Adrianne smiled and told her goodnight before trudging the two flights of stairs back up to her room.
When she reached the landing she hesitated, looking to the right at the door that she knew would lead her to Marcus's room. Knowing better, but not being able to stop herself, she walked over and opened the door. She turned on the light and looked around. The room was decorated lavishly and had big, country styled furniture in it. It was obviously unused most of the time because it held less personality than the rest of the house.
Not knowing what she had expected, Adrianne walked over to the huge queen sized bed and sat down. She picked up the cloak that lay folded neatly on the bed, the only remnant that told her Marcus had been there at all. Unlike Adrianne, Marcus had brought nothing with him but the clothes on his back. She held the cloak close to her, suddenly feeling very alone despite the obvious amount of people in the lower levels of the house. She pulled the cloak close to her face and breathed in deeply. It smelled ever so faintly of Marcus and she smiled, curling up on the bed despite herself.
In the middle of the night, Adrianne woke up despite her exhaustion, having the sudden feeling that someone was watching her. She rolled over and looked with bleary eyes around the room. At the opposite edge of the bed sat Marcus, looking at her with brightly lit red eyes. Adrianne struggled to stay conscious, wanting to tell him that she was sorry for what happened earlier, and that she was sorry for going into his room. She opened her mouth to speak but Marcus held up a hand, silencing her.
"Sleep", he said, his ghostly voice echoing in her mind and pulling Adrianne down into a peaceful slumber.
******Yay, part two is done! I'd love some reviews…please, pretty please? Let's see if we can make it to a hundred this time :D Hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it- Jen