The wedding flowed into the reception smoothly. Edward and Bella were standing to the side where they were greeting guests. I was currently stading in the tent that Alice placed in our backyard for the reception. Thank goodness there was food for me. I'm starving.
I grab a cup of punch and see Bella's friends standing around the cake. I smile and make my way over to them. "Hey, guys."
All four of them jump and turn around to look at me. "Oh. Hi Sophie," Angela says while smiling.
"Hi," says Jessica.
"Thank you guys for coming. I know that it really means a lot to Bella." Jessica starts to nod her head.
"Yes. Of course. Everything is just beautiful." I smile at her in agreement.
"Yes, well. You can thank my sister for that. I honestly feel that she went a little overboard."
"No. Uh. Everything is really nice," interjects Mike. I look over at him and notice how he scratches the back of his neck nervously. Eric still hasn't said anything. He's just staring at me.
"So..." I'm interrupted by a hand being placed on my back. I don't have to look up to see who it is.
"Hello. I don't think I have properly introduced myself. I'm Alex, Sophie's boyfriend." I notice how Angela and Jessica start to blush.
"Oh. It's nice to meet you," Angela says while shaking his hand.
"Yes. So nice," agrees Jessica. I really wish I could hear her thoughts right now.
"Oh. I'm Mike and this is Eric."
Alex flashes the two of them a smile. A smile that instantly says to back off. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"So, you didn't attend Forks High School when Sophie came back," says Jessica. She's trying to get the inside scoop on him.
"No I didn't. I had already graduated from a high school up in Alaska. I met Sophie through her cousins when they moved away. When they decided to come back, I came with them. Couldn't see myself without her." I glance at him and smile. The warmth from his topaz eyes game me warmth.
"That's so romantic," interrupts Angela. I turn and smile at her.
"Yeah."
"So you two are serious." Eric waves his hand between the two of us.
Alex chuckles. "Well, I would hope so. We did just move in together." All of their eyes widen. Mike and Eric are pretty much gaping at us.
I laugh nervously. "Yeah. I no longer live in Forks. We moved about four hours away."
"I thought you were going to go to a University in Alaska, Sophie." Crap. Angela has a good memory.
"I decided to take online classes. I'll probably live on campus next year. Wanted some time to relax instead of moving to another state." My lie seems to be believable. Angela and Jessica both nod their heads in understanding.
College was a topic that I never discussed a lot. I wanted to go but I wanted some freedom before I would start. I probably will take online classes next year. I couldn't see myself being on a college campus any time soon.
I wouldn't be able to be around other people during the first year or two when I change. Online classes was the best option for me.
I hear music starting to play. "Well. If you would excuse us, I would like to dance with my girlfriend."
I look at Bella's friends. "Bye. It was nice seeing you guys." Alex whisks me away before I can hear a reply from them. He makes sure to set my cup on a table as we pass by.
I laugh as he takes my hands in his as we start dancing. "Really? I told you they were harmless."
"Call me jealous. I don't like it when I see other men talking to you. They need to know that you are taken." I smile at him cheekily.
"Why don't you put a ring on my finger then." Fire dances across his eyes at my statement.
"Do not tempt me, Sophie Cullen. All in due time." I smile as he twirls me around the dance floor.
My sole focus was on him the entire time we danced together.
It was only after we stopped dancing that I noticed the room was spinning.
"Oh," I wobbled and stumbled to the side. Alex was quick to catch me.
"Careful," he says while laughing. "I'll be right back. I'll get you something to drink." I nod wordlessly as he walks away from me. I smile at his retreating figure as I stand off to the side of the tent.
"You're vamps really know how to throw a party." A deep voice comes from behind me. I yelp in surprise and turn to see Paul wearing navy pants and a white buttoned up shirt.
"Don't scare me like that." I nudge him with my elbow as he smirks. "What are you doing here? I didn't think you would come." The pack didn't come to the wedding. They didn't want to be around all of the vampires that were here. Only Billy, Seth and Sue Clearwater were here. Emily made an appearance during the ceremony with Sam but they left right after. I could tell that Sam was feeling uncomfortable with the vampires that were attending Edward and Bella's union.
I could tell that Sue was feeling uncomfortable as well. She was mainly staying for Seth.
"I almost didn't but I decided to come at the last minute. Couldn't pass up an opportunity to tease you about that dress you're wearing. Plus, there's free food." I playfully glare at him.
"One, my dress is fine. I think it looks nice. Second, of course you would be all about the food. Make sure that you don't eat everything."
Paul barks a laugh. "Noted," he replies before taking a sip from his drink. It grows quiet between the two of us. "So. You look really happy. With him, I mean. The two of you look really happy together." I look over towards the punch bowl to see Alex talking with Eleazer. The two of them are laughing at something.
"Yeah. I am happy. I never thought that I would have any of this."
"Why?" questions Paul.
"My family has been really protective every since they adopted me. Emmett, Edward, and Rosalie became the most protective. I never thought I would actually have a boyfriend. Let alone someone who is like my family." I'm being careful on not saying vampire because of all the people that are around us. Paul grimaces at my statement. "Emmett and Edward made sure that every guy who would approach me, would go away and leave me alone. They even threatened some of them," I say as I laugh.
"Guess they were watching over you."
"They always have. The wanted to protect me from the world."
Paul starts to shake his head. "I still can't grasp around the concept that a family of leeches would adopt a human." I glance around to make sure no one can overhear us. "Weren't they ever tempted to eat you?"
I sigh and glance at him. "No, they were never tempted. My blood doesn't bother them. I guess my blood isn't too appealing for them." I glance over at Alex again and see him talking with the rest of the Denali clan. All of them are laughing. The only one that's missing is Irina.
I observe Alex laughing and talking with my cousins but I notice the quick flicker of his eyes looking at me and Paul.
"How did you ever meet him? You leave and then come back with another vampire. I wasn't happy with the new addition."
"I met him when we went to visit my cousin's after we left. We went to Denali for a couple of days before moving to Ithaca. He was actually part of their coven. He moved with us to Ithaca and decided to move back with us to Forks. I think he would have probably stayed with them if we never met."
"I still can't understand how his ability doesn't control you." I shake my head.
"I don't know either. Edward can't read my mind. It's like I'm on a different frequency."
"A shield almost." I freeze at his comment. He is right on the nose.
"Yes. Pretty much." I sigh and look around the vicinity. Something flashes before my eyes and I almost have to blink twice to see if what I am looking at is real. The figure dashes out of the tent and into the trees behind the house. "Hey. I'll be right back." I don't wait for a reply before I dash out into the woods.
I walk further into the forest. I was almost positive that it was her. I was getting farther away from the house and lights. The only light that was available was the moonlight glow.
I squint in the darkness before I notice a silhouette standing before me. I gulp. Her back is to me but based on the blond hair and body posture, I know who this is.
"Irina?" She turns at my voice and looks at me with an expressionless face. I step back. I've never seen her looking like this.
"What are you doing out here?" I ask her. I haven't seen her since I was in Denali last. Her whole appearance is a stark contrast to what it was when I saw her last time. She didn't even resemble the Irina that I knew.
"I couldn't be in there any longer." I breathe in. Her voice was no longer the honey and silk sound that I was used to.
"Why?" I know the reason.
Her face hardens. "You invited one of them. Not to mention the one you were talking to just now." I step back. She's been watching me?
"You've been watching me. Yet, you can't come up and say hi."
"I had nothing to say."
"Why are you here Irina?"
"I'm here to congratulate Edward." She looks away from me. I know when she's lying.
"No, you're not. Your here because Tanya and Kate made you come. Am I right?"
Irina's golden eyes stare at me harshly. "Fine. Yes, they did. They thought it would be good for me to do something besides sulking. But, I never anticipated you to invite them."
"I don't know what you think but they protected Bella. Laurent came and tried to kill her. They rescued her from him." I could practically see the steam coming out of her ears.
"No. He didn't. I don't believe that. He was changing his diet. He wanted to be with me. And those mongrels' took him away for no reason!"
"No reason! He tried to kill her! He came back as a favor to Victoria."
"Yes, the one who created that army to destroy all of you," she snaps. I freeze.
"How do you know about that? Did Carlisle tell you about them." I try to remember the books. I couldn't remember if the Cullen's asked for their help with the newborn army or not.
Irina goes quiet. "Yes. He called and asked for our help." My eyes widen. They could have helped us.
"You could have helped us. Why didn't you help us?" I was starting to get upset.
"I wanted revenge! I want them all dead! I asked for one simple favor in return for our help."
I glared at Irina. "What was that then? What did you want in return?"
"I told Carlisle that we would only help if you all would help us in destroying those animals! Tanya and Kate agreed just to appease me. Carlisle denied it because of the truce you have with them," she hisses the word truce as if it was cursed. "I said no." I freeze at this revelation. They could have helped us.
"You could have helped us," I whispered under my breath. Rage comes over me. I don't know where it's coming from but I don't care. I was angry and furious that they wouldn't help us, just because Irina wouldn't get her way. She was being selfish.
Irina continues to glare at me. I was no longer looking at one of the women who helped raise me. I didn't know who this person was anymore.
"You could have helped us. I almost died! Victoria came after me and tried to kill me. She almost succeeded too!" I no longer care about keeping my voice down. I doubt anyone could hear us anyway. We were far from the house.
Irina jumps back. A flash of guilt runs through her eyes and then it is gone. Her eyes harden. "It looks like you managed in the end." Red comes over my vision.
"Who the hell are you. I almost died! You are so stupid to let your delusions get the better of you! Laurent left you! He was only using you! He left to kill Bella. The wolves intervened and destroyed him to protect her! You are so blinded by your love for him that you can't see the truth that is in front of you!"
Irina seethes at me. "How dare you. You didn't even know him!"
"And you did! He was with James and Victoria when they decided to come after me and Bella. He only left because he didn't want to be killed! He was a coward!" Irina shrieked and launched herself at me. Her ice cold hands just wrap around my arms when she is suddenly hit in the head by an object.
She stumbles back in surprise but she doesn't let me go. I know what I am saying is mean but I'm just so angry. "Why can't you realize that he was using you!" I continue to yell at her. She grips onto my arms tighter.
"Shut up! Don't talk about him like that!" Her grip tightens and I can feel that she's about to break my arms. Fear overcomes me. I am so stupid.
"Let go of me!" I shriek. A log that is lying on the ground about three feet away from us flies in the direction of Irina. I scream and feel her grip loosen when a rock flies towards her.
No one is throwing these things at her. It's all coming from me. A small burst of energy collides with Irina.
She stumbles away from me and I trip over my feet. I fall backwards onto the ground.
She stops and stares at me. "What was that?" I don't answer her. I just stare up into her eyes. "What happened just Sophie?" She takes a step towards me and I gasp.
"Hey! Stay away from her!" A very tan arm pushes Irina away.
Irina flies back into a tree. It splinters on impact and she quickly gets into a crouch. She glares at Paul in anger. "Do not touch me mongrel." She starts to growl at him.
Paul shifts so he blocks my view from Irina. He starts to shake in anger. This was not the place for him to shift.
"Don't you dare touch her again." Paul starts to growl at her also.
"Paul. Calm down." I start to get up when hands make contact with my arms. I jump in surprise.
"Hey, hey. It's just me. It's ok. Calm down." Alex's smooth voice helps me to relax. He helps me to stand up and I peek around Paul to notice that more have arrived on the scene.
Tanya and Kate both have a hand on Irina. Stopping her from attacking. Eleazer and Carmen stand behind them. Assessing the situation.
Carlisle and Rosalie stand in the middle between Irina and Paul. Rose stares down at Irina. Almost daring her to try something.
I notice that Paul continues to tremble and I can practically see him turning full wolf.
"Paul. Calm down. I'm fine. Now's not the time. There are people here." I wiggle out of Alex's grasp and stand in front of Paul. I put a hand on his chest and try to meet his eyes. His tremors slow down and his dark brown eyes flicker to my green ones.
His eyes flicker over my body and they stop at my arms. "No," he hisses through clenched teeth. "You aren't fine." He releases a low growl before shaking again. I glance at my arms and notice purple bruises. Irina was able to leave bruises in the shape of her hands on both of my arms. I freeze and take a step back. Paul is about to shift.
"Sophie!" Arms wrap around my waist and twirl me away from the shapeshifter. My back makes contact softly on a tree, out of harms way. Alex goes into a crouch and spreads his arms out in front of me. I watch as Paul starts to shake harder.
Irina hisses at him and tries to lunge at the wolf. "Paul stop!" A dark figure breaks out of the forest and jerks Paul back. Two pairs of hands grip onto his arms in the effort to slow down his anger. "Paul. Not right now! You could hurt someone." Sam stands in front of Paul with a hand placed on his chest. He continues to push him back as he glances at Irina.
Jared and Embry pull Paul back. "Paul, calm down," says Jared.
"She hurt her," hisses Paul.
I have to ease the tension. This is my fault. "Paul, stop." I try to get around Alex but he's not budging. "Paul, it was my fault. I was the one to provoke her. My anger got the better of me. Please don't do this." Paul's tremors slow down and Alex slowly stands up. I quickly move past him and dart to Paul.
"Sophie! Stop." I can tell that Alex is hot on my heels.
I stand before Paul. "Please. I'm at fault for this. I pretty much started the whole thing. It was a mistake." Paul lets out breath and glances at Irina.
"Come on Paul. We need to go. Don't be like Jacob," interjects Jared.
I look at him in confusion. "Jacob? What happened with Jacob?"
"Almost went full wolf on Edward. Something about their honeymoon." Oh, yeah. I forgot how angry Jacob would be.
"Come on, Paul. Let's go home," orders Sam. Paul gives him a stiff nod and lets the three of them drag him away.
It's eerily quiet. I glance at Tanya and Kate who still have a hand on Irina. Irina looks at me with a look of guilt. "Come on, Irina. Let's go home," Tanya tells her. She only nods as she allows Tanya to take her away. Kate stays behind with Eleazer and Carmen.
Kate looks at me in guilt. "Sorry. We didn't mean to ruin anything." I shake my head as tears leak out.
"No. It's my fault. I'm the one who started the whole argument. I should have kept my mouth shut." I lean into Alex as he rubs soothing circles along my back.
"No. She should have had better control over her emotions. They are getting the better of her. It was good to see you though." Kate tries to give me a small smile.
"I've missed you guys," I whisper to her. She nods at me.
"We'll see you later. Tell Edward and Bella congratulations from us again." With that she turns around and darts into the forest. Eleazer and Carmen give me one last smile before following after them.
"Did I just ruin the wedding?" I start to cry more as Rosalie wraps me into her arms.
"No, you didn't. I knew that Irina probably would be a ticking time bomb. You didn't ruin anything. Come on. Let's calm you down. You'll want to see Edward and Bella before they leave." Rosalie always knew how to calm me down. I nod and let her take me into our house.
Alex and Carlisle follow close behind us.
We decide to not talk about the incident. Especially to Edward and Bella. Edward probably knew about it but he was good at masking his emotions. I didn't want my drama to ruin the night.
I made sure to congratulate and hug the two of them again when they started to leave. I watch as they get into their car and wave as Edward drives off. This would probably be the last time I would see them. Unless, Bella does become pregnant. Then I would come to protect her.
So. Little long chapter. I wanted Irina to have a bigger role in BD than she does in the books and movies. I also wanted some drama at the wedding. Hope you enjoyed it. Until next time.