Fairy or demon

by Tolkinpotterfan1976

an orphan is found by the Cullen's.

When Emmett left the house that morning he had no clue that this would be the day that would change his life forever. It started out like any other day as he went hunting. He of course was after bear. It was his favorite. After he was done with the black bear he heard crying coming from a bush. It didn't sound like an animal. Emmett reached into the bush and pulled out a baby girl she was about a year old. She had dark curly hair and Cornflower blue eyes and was pale. She looked at Emmett stopped crying and smiled at him revealing dimples. She was nude and she was filthy but she didn't smell like a human. Emmett like the rest of his family was a vampire. He and all of them only hunted animals.

He adjusted his hold on the baby and asked "Where did you come from?"

The baby babbled at him then said "Dadda."

Emmett chuckled and said "No I am not but lets see if we can find out where you belong. I hope I don't scare you too much."

Emmett ran to get home. Like all vampires he was supernaturally fast. Instead of being frieghtened the baby laughed as she enjoyed the speed.

Emmett took the baby into the house. Esme looked at him and couldn't believe what she saw she asked "Em is that a baby in your arms?"

Emmett said "Yep, she is a filthy little baby that I found alone while hunting. I couldn't rightly leave her in the wild all alone."

There was a decorative bowl of fruit on the table. The baby reached out to it."

Emmett asked "do you want some fruit little one? Esme what do you think she would like?"

Esme said "Lets see apples might be too hard for her. How about an orange. I used to love oranges as a human."

Emmett said "she isn't human at least she doesn't smell like one. Still she is most likely mortal."

Esme peeled the orange and handed a piece to the baby she took a bite giggled and clapped her hands.

Esme smiled and said "she seems to like it."

Rosalie came in to the room when she saw the baby she squealed and went to Emmett and took the baby from him and said "Who are you?"

Emmett said "we don't know but she likes oranges."

Esme handed her another piece.

The baby happily took it.

Rosalie said "she is in desperate need of a bath."

After the baby finished the orange Rosalie gave her a bath. She loved the water once she was done with the bath Rosalie made a diaper out of a tea towel.

Alice said "we need to buy some clothes for her."

Jasper said "Don't get her much we can't keep her."

Esme said "No one said we are going to keep her but she does need clothes and proper diapers perhaps a few toys and some bottles. Carlisle can examine her once he gets home to make sure she is alright."

Alice and Rosalie went shopping while Esme looked after the baby.

Edward came home he was just as taken with the baby as everyone else she was enchanting to all of them. Esme fixed some pasta for the baby and she ate it all. When Carlisle got home he was taken with the baby he examined her and found she was perfectly healthy.

Emmett was playing with the baby when Alice and Rosalie returned with the clothes and things.

They put her in a proper diaper and got her dressed and made her a bottle that she took right away. She fell asleep in Rosalie's arms.

Emmett asked "What are we going to do about the baby now?"

Carlisle said "we have to report you found her to the authorities."

Rosalie asked "what will happen to her?"

Edward said what they all wanted to say "she isn't human there is no reason we can't keep her."

Jasper said "she doesn't belong to us. As soon as we report her to the authorities they will take her and put her in foster care, with humans."

Esme said "but she isn't human."

Carlisle said "she isn't immortal either."

Esme said "She doesn't have anyone else. Can't we keep her just for awhile?"

Alice asked "what if her family is looking for her. We have to at least try to find them for her. Is there a way we can report we found her but still take care of her until we find her family?"

Carlisle said "I guess we can suggest that the baby stays with us while they look for anyone that knows about the baby. We live in such a small town they just might let us keep her. In the morning we will call the authorities it will be up to them if she stays with us. I suggest we enjoy her while we have a chance."

Esme and Rosalie took turns holding and taking care of the baby through the night. In the morning they made her a bottle and eggs and a banana for breakfast. Carlisle called the police they came and recorded everything they told them about finding the baby.

Carlisle asked "is there anyway the baby could stay with us while you look for her family."

The officer said "strictly speaking we are not suppose to allow it but we don't have a CPS office here to find a foster home for her. So I think in this case you can care for her for the time being. I am sure it won't take us long to find her family. After all who would leave a baby alone in the wild on purpose? I'm sure she just wondered off from her families campsite or something."

The officer left. The days turned to weeks and the weeks into months. They decided they couldn't just keep calling her baby. Rosalie called the baby Vera and everyone seemed to like the name. They set up a room as a nursery for Vera and they spoiled her rotten. 6 months after Emmett found Vera the courts decided she could be available for adoption. The Cullen's didn't hesitate they filed for adoption that very day. The whole family loved Vera. She was a sweet and intelligent baby. It was a few months later that the Cullen's were officially approved to be Vera's adopted family.

Vera wasn't human but she was a risk to the Cullen's secret as she got older. So they did the simplist thing they could they home schooled her. She did well she was advanced for her age. The family taught her a wide verity of different subjects that they each felt was important. It was far more then academic lessons. Officially Esme and Carlisle were Vera's parents but Vera called Emmett Dadda and Rosalie Momma from the beginning.

As Vera got older she and Edward were particularly close. He took her camping frequently and made sure she knew how to take care of herself in the wild. Vera loved nature. She loved going camping. Because of Edward's ability to hear thoughts the family left it up to him to deal out Vera's punishment the rare times she needed punishing. Edward discovered that Vera was submissive when she became frightened or unsure of herself if he showed dominance over her it made her feel comfortable and relaxed her. It wasn't something he had to do often. Vera was typically a very happy and relaxed little girl.

Vera was very young when her special gifts began to show up. She was only 3 when she was able to make plants grow at will. A few years later she aquired healing touch as well as animals would come to her. If they were injured she would heal them. They seemed to be attracted to Vera dispite the fact that animals were usually frieghtened of vampires. But they didn't show fear when Vera was around. Esme taught Vera how to garden and how to cook. She loved to cook with what she had grown herself.

As the years passed Vera became very skilled in the subjects that the family taught her. Art, music, dancing, a verity of sports and her academic subjects she was far advanced for her age.

Vera was upset when Edward left the family and she was happy when he returned a week later. She was angry at the human that was causeing so much trouble with her family. The following tuesday the family came home upset. One of Vera's many gifts was now Empathy not only could she feel everyone's emotion but they effected her so she knew how scared and worried everyone was it was overwelming for her.

Vera was kneeling at Edward's feet and looking up at him he gently stroked her head as he talked with the family. In the end they all decided to let Edward have his way.

When the talk was over Esme said "Vera lets make you some dinner."

Vera didn't look away from Edward or get up.

Carlisle said "Edward release her."

Edward smiled down at Vera and said "go on little one. Have a good dinner."

Vera got up and Edward kissed her forehead then went to Esme who took hold of her hand and they went to the kitchen together.

Vera and Esme were cooking together when Vera asked "is Bella a bad person?"

Esme said "No of course not. She is just human and Edward revealed his strength and speed today. That is why everyone is worried. We don't know how Bella is going to react to it."

Vera said "Alice likes her. Edward is confused about her. Mom does not like her at all."

Esme said "I guess that is true."

After dinner Vera had a piano lesson with Edward. Then Vera played video games with Emmett before he headed to bed with Rosalie. Vera went to her room to read then went to bed.

Over the next few months Edward was moody and he didn't spend much time at home at least not while Vera was awake.

March Edward's mood changed he was happy. He played the piano for Esme for the first time in a long time. It was a new song. Vera sat next to him as he played.

Vera thought "I've missed you. You have been so moody lately. I like you better like this."

Edward smiled Vera was very good at none verbal communication with Edward ever since she was very young. A simple smile was enough for her to understand that he was pleased with her.

Edward said "I'm bringing Bella home on Sunday."

Vera asked "really I get to meet her?"

Edward said "Yes. I haven't told her much about you other then you aren't immortal and we adopted you as a baby."

Vera asked "have you told her how daddy found me?"

Edward said "No and I haven't told her how special you are either."

Vera smiled and asked "You think I'm special?"

Edward smiled and said "I know you are very special."

Alice came into the room and said "Come on Vera lets go shopping. There is a beautiful blouse that I want to get for you."

Vera said "I need new shoes too. All of my shoes are pinching my toes."

Alice said "don't tell me you are going through another growth spurt?"

Edward said "She is due for one it has been almost a year since her last one and her birthday is coming up. That reminds me I have to give you a birthday present. What do you want for your birthday?"

Vera said "I want a new bike I've grown out of my old one but I think daddy is going to buy me a new one. I was thinking I would like to learn how to play the violin. I like the piano but I would like to learn the violin."

Edward said "I would be happy to buy you a violin."

Vera hugged Edward then she left with Alice.

Vera made a dessert while the family made dinner for the first time together in honor of Bella.

Edward brought Bella in to the kitchen where he introduced everyone.

When Edward revealed that Bella already ate Rosalie broke the salad bowl Vera complained "Mom I was going to eat that."

Esme said "we will make you another salad. Rosalie clean up the mess."

Bella turned to Edward and asked "Why did Vera just call Rosalie mom?"

Edward said "Emmett and Rosalie are Vera's parents. Officially Carlisle and Esme adopted Vera but Emmett and Rosalie have always been her parents."

Esme said "why don't you take Bella on a tour of the house."

Edward and Bella left to tour the house.

Vera went to Bella with a small bowl Edward was playing his new song for Bella.

Vera asked "would you like dessert? I made it myself. It is strawberry trifle."

Bella smiled and took the bowl and said "thank you."

Bella took a bite and said "it is very good. Vera how old are you?"

Vera said "well we don't know for sure when my actual birthday is but we celebrate my birthday on the day daddy found me. As near as we know I was a year old when Daddy found me. I will celebrate my 14th birthday in a few weeks. How old are you?"

Bella smiled and said "17. My birthday is in September."

Alice came in and said "there is going to be a thunderstorm."

Vera cheered "alright baseball. Bella you are going to come play with us aren't you?"

Alice said "Please Bella we want you to come."

Edward said "I would like you to come."

Bella blushed and said "alright."

The family all went to the clearing that they used as a baseball field Edward brought Bella in Emmett's jeep.

Bella became umpire and Vera was the cheerleader complete with pom poms. They were having a great time when Alice suddenly called out "Stop they are coming."

They all gathered together Edward asked "do we have time to get away."

Alice said "no."

Edward turned to Bella and said "get your hair down and stay behind me. Vera come stand next to Bella."

Vera did what she was told and Bella put down her hair and stood behind Edward just in time for three human hunting vampires to enter the clearing. Two males and a female the male with dred locks addressed the family. They wanted to join the game.

The blond male was eyeing Vera and Bella it wasn't until the wind blew past them that he breathed in deeply and smiled and said "You brought a snack."

Vera grabbed hold of Bella's hand as the family got in defensive poses and the nomads left. Edward got Bella in the Jeep and the family went home.

When they got home Alice helped Vera pack up some clothes and put the bag in Carlisle's trunk and she got in the back seat Bella got in with her once she and Edward got back to the house. The blond nomad was a tracker and he was going to hunt Bella and Vera. The plan was that Alice and Jasper would take the girls to Phoenix while the rest of the family would lead the tracker on a false trail until they could destroy him.

Vera complained "I want to help."

Edward carressed her cheek and said "You are helping little one. Stay close to Bella if she is with you then I know you both will be safe."

Jasper pulled out of the garage it wasn't long before they were on the freeway on their way to Phoenix.

They didn't stop until they needed to fill up the car.

Vera said "Bella we better use this chance to use the bathroom and get something to eat and drink."

Alice said "Vera is right Jazz isn't one to make too many stops."

Vera and Bella used the bathroom and each got something to eat and drink then they were on their way again. When they got to Phoenix they rented a hotel room.

They were at the hotel for a few days. When Vera got out of the shower they were packing up and headed out to meet the family at the airport. Esme and Rosalie had stayed behind to watch over Bella's dad Charlie.

When they were at the airport Alice went to check on the arrival time and Jasper went to look for some place the girls could eat.

Bella without a word quickly left the airport she didn't take into consideration that Vera would follow her.

They made it outside Vera slid her hand into Bella's who looked at the younger girl and said "You can't come with me. I have to go alone."

Vera said "No, I'm coming with you. Edward said to stay with you it is the only way we both will be safe."

Bella didn't have time to explain any moment now Alice would see what was happening.

They got in a taxi and Bella gave the address to the driver.

When they pulled up to the dance studio they got out of the taxi and he quickly pulled away.

Bella said "so much for having you wait in the car."

Vera said "I'm staying with you Bella."

Bella said "You can't it is too dangerous."

Vera said "I'm going to weather you like it or not."

Bella said "fine but don't blame me if you get killed."

Vera said "neither of us are going to get killed."

They entered the studio they heard someone calling Bella's name. Bella ran to the voice only to reveal a tv in a closet playing an old home video or Bella and her mom Renee.

Suddenly James, the blond nomad showed up with a video camera.

He said "When I told you to come I didn't expect you to bring the little girl with you. It saves me the trouble to kill her later."

Vera said "My daddy will kill you if you lay a finger on either of us."

James chuckled and said "I'm not afraid of your father."

Vera said "You should be he will tear you apart and turn you to ash."

James shouted "Enough of this talking."

James raised his hand to kill Vera he was going to take his time with Bella but he wanted to get rid of Vera right away.

Vera raised her hands out of reflex and James went flying across the room crashing into some mirrors. Before Vera could question what just happened James jumped at them Vera raised her hands again and he stopped in the middle of the air he was stuck up there.

Bella asked "How are you doing that?"

Vera said "I don't have a clue but I seem to have the ability to move things with my mind it is controlled by the movement of my hands. I figure I can keep him up there as long as I can keep my hands up. He can't seem to hurt us while he is up there."

Bella said "do you think you can keep him up there until Edward gets here. I know he will be here soon."

Vera said "I will try. Maybe I will be able to keep him up there until daddy comes. I know he is on his way too."

Edward arrived he was worried he wouldn't make it in time to save the girls. When he saw James in the air seemingly stuck.

He went to the girls and asked Bella "are you alright."

Bella said "we are fine thanks to Vera. Somehow she was able to stop him with her mind."

Edward said "that is my clever girl."

The others arrived Vera excitedly said "daddy look what I can do."

Emmett smiled broadly proud of Vera and asked "How are you doing that baby?"

Vera said "I don't know but it seems to be connected to the movement of my hands. I think if I lower my hands he will fall so be ready to catch him."

Emmett said "alright baby."

Jasper said "You let us play with him now."

Edward said "Bella and Vera why don't you stay with Carlisle while the rest of us take care of James."

Carlisle went to Bella and Vera and Edward went to join his siblings tearing James apart and turning him to ash.

It didn't take long Vera ran to Emmett and embraced him he said "wait until Rose finds out about your new gift."

Vera said "I'm not really sure how it works yet."

Alice said "that is what practice is for. Your other gifts took time to learn how to use didn't they."

Vera said "yeah and now it is like second nature for me."

Jasper said "the same will be with this new gift in time."

Vera asked "can we get something to eat I'm hungry."

Bella said "There is a restaurant nearby that makes the best fry bread tacos in Phoenix."

Vera said "I have never had those before."

Bella said "You will have to try them they are great."

Edward said "I will take the girls to dinner."

Bella told Edward how to get to Maria's.

Vera asked Bella "What should I get? There are so many options."

Bella said "I like the fry bread taco with green sauce and a Mango Ice tea."

Vera said "that sounds wonderful. I will have that."

Bella and Vera ate thier meals. Bella got a call from her mom this time it was really her she wanted to talk with Bella before she got a plane. Bella had to explain to Renee that everything was just fine she just needed some space to think clearly and that she was headed back to Forks.

When she hung up Bella said "Charlie is never going to forgive me."

Vera said "daddy's always love their daughters. I'm sure that goes for humans just as much as immortals. I'm sure your dad will forgive you just give him some time."

Edward said "Vera is right. Charlie loves you. He will forgive you. I think he mostly just wants you to come back."

Vera and Bella returned to Forks in Carlisle's car but this time Edward was the one who drove everyone else flew home.

Vera embraced Rosalie then Esme when she got home Edward put Bella's bag in her truck and then he and Bella drove to the Swan home.

Rosalie asked Vera "How was your trip?"

Vera said "I tried some new food it was very good and I got to know Bella better. She is very nice you know though a bit absorbed with Edward. Daddy destroyed the bad vampire and I made him fly. Or at least stay in the air and not get down. I can move things with my mind I can control it with my hands. I need to practice with it to perfect it."

Rosalie said "of course just like all of your gifts. I wonder when you will get all of the gift you will ever recieve. You have far more then any immortal."

Carlisle said "considering we don't know what Vera is we have no way to figure that out but she is still young it could be argued that she will continue getting special gifts until she reaches maturity. When ever that will be for her. So far she has physically grown at the rate of a human. Though she is a little on the small side for a 14 year old she is well propertioned for her age."

Vera was 4'10" the same height as Alice though slightly heavier as she still had a bit of baby fat on her she was beginning to round up in her chest and hips but not so much that she would be mistaken for anything older then 14. Her hair was down to her waist it was curly and dark brown her eyes were still cornflower blue with long curly lashes and she had a few freckles across her cheeks and nose. She looked like an elf or perhaps a fairy without the wings. While she wasn't as pale as the rest of her family she was just as beautiful there was something supernatural about her beauty. Though she was young she was undeniably beautiful.

Because Rosalie didn't like Bella and Bella was intimidated by her she didn't come over to the Cullen house too often when she did she spent time with Alice and Vera. Vera liked Bella very much she considered her a best friend after Edward of course.

When School let out Rosalie and Emmett decided to go on a world tour without Vera. She would miss them but with them gone Bella came over to the house nearly everyday. It was only when Edward went hunting that she was away. It was many months since Edward took Vera camping. Not since Bella had entered his life. He no longer had time for Vera and she tried to understand. Edward and Bella were in love. Vera learned control over her telekinesis to a degree she didn't always have to move her hands to make it work. In August she learned how to make and control fire. This was a dangerous gift around her family she nearly burned down her bedroom and had to replace the curtains.

Vera was happy when Rosalie and Emmett came home in time for Bella Birthday party. Alice was throwing her a party for her 18th birthday. Vera gave Bella a copy of the Tenate of Wildfell Hall.

Vera said "I know you like Weathering Heights so I think you might like this book."

Bella said "thank you Vera."

Vera smiled. Vera was standing next to Jasper she was the last one to expect what happened next. Bella while opening her gift from Carlisle and Esme got a papercut that produced a drop of blood. Vera felt an emotion from Jasper that she had never felt before and she knew instantly that Bella was in danger. Looking back she wasn't sure how she knew what to do but she pivoted to be right infront of Jasper she looked in his eyes and grabbed his cock. His attention immediately shifted from Bella to Vera his eyes glazed over a bit. Vera thought to Edward "Get Bella out now. Don't worry about me you have to get Bella out."

Edward grabbed Bella and the two of them were gone in a flash.

Jasper's need for blood shifted for a need for sex he said "I'm going to fuck you little girl."

Vera whimpered she was afraid to let go or look away from him. She was afraid any movement would make him attack her.

The family reacted quickly Alice slid into Vera's place as Emmett pulled Vera away and blocked her from view.

Jasper's eyes began to follow Vera but Alice said "Jazz look at me."

Jasper's eyes met Alice and they softened a bit he whispered "Alice?"

Alice said "Yes my love now come with me."

Jasper began to turn his head to Vera Alice took hold of his face and kissed him then took hold of his hand and led him upstairs as quickly as she could.

Rosalie held Vera and said "Never do that again."

Emmett asked "what was it?"

Vera said "a new gift I guess. I'm not sure exactly how it works but it is all I can think of to stop Jazz from attacking Bella. It got his attention away from the blood."

Rosalie said "but it nearly caused him to rape you. You can't risk using it again."

Vera said "Hopefully I won't ever have to."

Vera went to her room. A few hours later Jasper knocked on Vera's door she answered it he said "thank you for stopping me. I'm sorry if I frieghtened you but your new gift is very powerful."

Vera asked "Do you still want to hurt me?"

Jasper said "No I never wanted to hurt you. I wanted to posses you. Sex would have completed that. I still want you to belong to me but I'm in control of myself now."

Vera said "But I do belong to you in a way. We are family. You are my uncle we have been family since before I can remember."

Jasper said "You know you are right. But no more using that particular gift especially since you don't know how to control it."

Vera said "I will never learn how to control it because to learn would mean using it a lot. I don't think that would be a good idea."

Jasper said "it is getting late you should get to bed."

Vera said "good night Jazz."

Jasper said "good night."

Jasper left the room.

When Vera woke up the next morning she found the house had been packed up and she was informed that they would be moving and Edward was leaving Bella behind.

Vera knew she had no say in the matter but she didn't like what was happening. The family moved to Ithica New York. Soon after they moved Edward left the family. Vera took it hard. For her she had lost two people she cared dearly about and she was forbidden to contact Bella at all. Edward called every couple months but he didn't come home at all.

In March Alice took Vera shopping for one reason she needed new clothes and secondly as a way to try to cheer her up. She had been so depressed lately and it was almost her birthday. She would be 15 this year. It was while they were out that Alice had a vision of Bella jumping off a cliff she decided in that moment to go to Forks and help Charlie with the funeral. Vera was with her so she would come too.

It was at night when Alice pulled across the street from the Swan home it was dark and Vera was asleep.

Alice needed to hunt but first she needed to check on Charlie so she left Vera in the car.

Vera woke up in the car alone the lights were on in the Swan house so she got out of the car and went across the street and knocked on the door Bella answered Vera hugged her and said "I have missed you so much."

Bella couldn't help but smile she had missed Vera too. She showed her in they went to the kitchen where Bella was cooking dinner for herself and Charlie.

Bella asked "are you hungry?"

Vera said "No Alice bought me a burger a few hours ago. Where is she? I fell asleep in the car before we arrived and she was gone when I woke up."

Bella said "She went hunting but she said she would be back soon."

Vera asked "How is it you are alive? The reason we came back is Alice saw you kill yourself. We were going to help Charlie with the funeral."

Bella said "Alice saw me cliff jumping, recreationally. But she didn't see me get pulled out."

Vera asked "You jumped off a cliff into freezing water on purpose?"

Bella blushed and said "when you put it that way it sounds pretty stupid. It was supposed to be fun."

Vera asked "was it fun?"

Bella shook her head and said "If Jake wasn't there to pull me out I would have drowned."

Vera asked "who is Jake?"

Bella said "Jacob Black is a friend of mine and he happens to be a werewolf."

Vera giggled and asked "Don't you have any human friends Bella?"

Bella smiled and said "Yes but Jake is my best friend. He is 16 and he is Quileute. He lives on the res and he fixes cars."

Vera asked "is he cute?"

Bella said "He is decent enough to look at."

Vera said "I bet he is really cute."

Bella said "Maybe you could meet him before you leave. But maybe not he kind of hates your family."

Vera said "No one is perfect. We all have flaws."

Bella made up the couch into a bed. Alice wouldn't sleep but Vera would and it wasn't as if Charlie knew about Alice.

Alice returned before Charlie arrived home Bella ended up falling asleep on the couch so Vera and Alice went to Bella's room Vera of course went to sleep in Bella's bed and Alice read through the night.

The next morning Alice and Vera went downstairs Vera helped herself to the kitchen she made breakfast for her and Charlie. While they ate Charlie told them how Bella was doing he was worried sick about her. Charlie left before Bella woke up. When she woke Vera made her breakfast. They spent the day together. It was that evening that Jacob came by. Alice and Vera went outside to give Bella some privacy to talk with Jacob because it was cold Vera went to the car to warm up. It wasn't long before Alice got in the car and she was upset.

Vera asked "What is wrong?"

Alice said "Rosalie told Edward why we came back to Forks. He believes Bella is dead so he is going to the Volturi to be killed. Bella is the only one who can stop him."

Bella came out of the house carrying a bag followed by Jacob who was trying to convince her to stay. Vera got out of the car to get in the back seat when she felt Jacob begin to lose control. If he lost control of his wolf he would hurt Bella or even kill her then she wouldn't be able to save Edward. Vera did the only thing she could think of She ran to Jacob got between him and Bella and grabbed his cock his eyes met hers and they glazed over a bit just as Alice called out "Vera No!"

Jacob said "I'm going to fuck you little girl."

Bella asked "What can we do to stop him?"

Vera didn't look away from Jacob she said "Nothing. Go save Edward. I have this under control. Alice get her out of here."

Alice said "Come on Bella there is nothing we can do here."

Bella put her bag in the back of the car then quickly as she could she got in the car and they pulled away.

Vera and Jacob were in the front yard standing together.

Vera knew there was no getting out of it. There was no one to redirect Jacob's attention.

Vera let go of his cock and said "Bring me inside. We don't want to give the neighborhood an eye full."

Jacob scooped her up and carried her back in the house then set her down on the couch. What happened next wasn't great but it achieved the goal Jacob was after. When he was done he held her and said "You are mine now."

Vera asked "what about Bella?"

Jacob said "My feelings for Bella haven't changed. But you belong to me now."

They both got dressed Vera said "Charlie is going to be upset when he finds Bella is gone. With Alice gone I don't know what to do."

Jacob picked her up and said "You are mine so you stay with me."

Then they left the Swan home and Jacob carried her home.

Jacob put her down and they entered the house.

Vera asked "Can I have something to eat? I'm hungry."

Jacob said "I can get you something to eat."

Jacob showed her to the kitchen and made some sandwiches.

Jacob's dad Billy came home he was rather surprised to see a girl he didn't know in his kitchen with Jacob.

Jacob said "Hi dad are you hungry."

Billy said "I already ate. Who is your friend Jake?"

Vera smiled at Billy and said "I'm Vera Cullen."

Billy asked "You are a Cullen? What are you doing here?"

Jacob said "I brought her here she isn't a cold one. She is mine now."

Vera said "He wants to keep me."

Billy said "He can't keep you."

Jacob said "I am keeping her. She is mine."

Billy asked "What about Bella?"

Vera said "I asked him that too?"

Jacob said "I'm still in love with Bella. What I feel for Vera is different. But it is strong."

Vera said "I have special gifts. I used one on Jacob because he was about to lose control he would have hurt Bella if I did nothing, maybe even killed her. Bella left to save Edward. It upset Jacob. I used my gift on him now he wants to keep me."

Billy asked "How is your family going to feel about that?"

Vera said "I don't think they will like it at all. They are very protective of me."

Billy asked "if you aren't a cold one how did you become a Cullen."

Vera said "Daddy found me while he was hunting. I was alone in the wild so he took me home. I was only a year old. They tried to find my birth family but they didn't find anyone. I'm not human that much we know from my scent, I don't smell human. So they could kept me. That was almost 14 years ago. We don't know for sure when my birthday is but we celebrate it on the anniversary of when Daddy found me."

Jacob asked "Who is daddy?"

Vera said "Emmett, he is the big one and Rosalie is my mom. However according to the public and legally my parents are Carlisle and Esme. But Emmett has been my daddy and Rosalie my mom since they found me. The whole family is protective of me."

Jacob asked "when are they going to bite you?"

Vera asked "what makes you think they are going to bite me? They have never told me they are planning on biting me."

Billy asked "why else would they want to keep you if not to bite you?"

Jacob said "they are just waiting for you to be old enough I bet."

Vera said "if that was true they would have already bit me. The truth is we don't know what might happen if they would bite me since I'm not human."

Billy asked "where are the Cullen's now?"

Vera said "Most of the family is in Ithica. Alice is on her way to Italy with Bella to stop Edward from killing himself. He thinks she is dead because she jumped off a cliff and Alice didn't see her being pulled out of the water."

Jacob said "I pulled her out she would have drowned if I hadn't."

Vera said "that wasn't very smart of Bella."

Billy said "I would have to agree with that. But Bella hasn't been herself the past few months."

Vera said "I heard from Charlie about it. I'm sure Edward didn't mean to cause so much distress. I don't understand why we all left the way we did. I certainly didn't have a say in it. I didn't want to leave Bella she is my friend."

Jacob asked "How come we have never heard of you but we have heard of the rest of the Cullen's?"

Vera said "I don't go out into public that often and when I do it is out of town, usually with Alice. I'm home schooled and like I said my family is protective over me. They keep me close they always have. Bella is my first friend outside of my family."

Vera's phone rang she answered. It was Rosalie she said "Hi mom."

Rosalie asked "where are you? Alice said you used your forbidden gift on a wolf."

Vera said "Yes I did. I didn't have a choice he was going to lose control and he would have hurt Bella if he did that."

Emmett could be heard "if that boy hurt her I'm going to kill him."

Vera said "tell daddy no one hurt me. I'm just fine Jacob took me home and fed me dinner. He is a very nice young man."

Jacob took the phone from Vera and said "She is mine you can't have her back."

Rosalie shouted "listen you little shit. That is my daughter you have you have until our plane lands to give her back. We are heading back to Forks right now."

Jacob said "you can't do anything about it. If you try to take her from me it will break the treaty. Vera is mine now learn to live with it."

Then he hung up the phone and turned it off.

Billy said "Jacob you just might have caused war."

Jacob said "she is mine that is the end of this discussion."

Jacob took hold of Vera's hand and said "we are going to bed now."

Billy said "Jake your bed is barely big enough for you there isn't enough room for both of you. Vera can sleep on the couch."

Jacob sighed and said "fine. I will get you blankets and stuff."

Vera said "thank you Jacob. We will talk about mom and daddy comeing for me in the morning."

Jacob said "I'm not going to change my mind."

Billy said "we'll see about that."

Jacob got bedding for Vera for the couch. Vera was very tired so she fell asleep right away.

The next morning Jacob woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking. Billy was awake drinking his coffee and Vera was cooking breakfast for the three of them.

Billy asked "Do you feel any different about Vera this morning."

Jacob said "honestly I feel a bit like an idiot for being so possessive last night. But I don't like the idea of her going back to the Cullen's. She is just a kid and who knows what they plan on doing with her."

Vera put plates down in front of Jacob and Billy then put one down for herself.

Vera said "I'm sorry that is how my gift works. It makes you want to posses me. It makes it so all of your attention is focused on me temporarily. My family would never hurt me Jacob you will have to trust me on that."

Vera's phone rang she had turned it back on this time it was Carlisle.

Vera smiled as she answered "Hello Carlisle."

Carlisle said "good morning sweetheart. Is the young wolf who took you home last night in a more reasonable mood this morning?"

Vera said "I think so. We are having breakfast right now."

Carlisle asked "can I speak to his parents."

Vera said "his dad is here would you like to talk to him?"

Carlisle said "yes sweetheart."

Vera handed the phone to Billy and said "Carlisle wants to talk to you."

Billy put the phone to his ear and said "Hello this is Billy Black."

Carlisle said "Hello Billy this is Carlisle Cullen. Now I know your son is infatuated with Vera she is pretty and gentle natured but I must insist you return her to us. We don't want to cause any trouble but we love Vera and we are her family we will do whatever we have to in order to get her back. Including involving law enforcement. Police will not take kidnapping lightly. Bring her to the treaty line or I will be forced to get the authorities involved."

Billy said "we haven't harmed her in anyway she is a sweet girl. I will have Jacob bring her to the treaty line as soon as they are both done eating."

Billy gave the phone back to Vera "See they are nice people."

Carlisle said "Yes I see. I will see you soon."

Vera hung up they finished eating and Vera washed up the dishes then Jacob rather reluctantly took her to the treaty line. Carlisle was waiting for them. Jacob put Vera down and she ran to Carlisle and embraced him.

Carlisle said "thank you for bringing her back."

Jacob said "You didn't give us much choice."

Carlisle said "there is always a choice even if it doesn't seem like a very good one at the time."

Jacob asked "are you saying you were bluffing."

Carlisle said "no, we would have done everything in our power to get Vera back to us including involving humans if we had too. She is our little girl and no one is going to keep her from us."

Carlisle smiled at Vera and said "come on let's get you home your mother is worried sick about you."

Carlisle picked up Vera and ran off the family had come home to Forks minus Alice and Edward of course.

Rosalie embraced Vera the moment she entered the house then held her out at arms length to get a good look at her and asked "are you alright did that terrible wolf hurt you."

Vera said "Jacob didn't hurt me at all. He was very nice to me. I had a sleep over and Jacob's dad is really nice too."

Emmett asked "you didn't sleep with him?"

Vera said "Jacob's bed is too small for two people. I slept on the couch his dad insisted. Jacob was very possessive over me last night. He said he felt stupid about it this morning so I'm sure it was my gift that made him act that way. But he did say he doesn't trust any of you and that all of you are just waiting for me to grow up so you can bite me."

Rosalie asked "You know that isn't true don't you sweetheart? We are never going to bite you."

Vera said "I told him that but I don't think he believed me most of this we talked about last night so maybe it was because of my gift. It is very strong and wolves don't have the control Jazz has."

Jasper said "I am surprised he didn't have sex with you. I could barely control myself when you used your gift on me and I had Alice to help me."

Vera said "we did have sex but we didn't sleep together. We had sex at Bella's house. It didn't hurt. It was very nice actually. I liked it. It wasn't like how you told me my first time would be. It didn't hurt and it wasn't special but it was nice. Jacob seemed to enjoy himself."

Emmett said "I'm sure he did. I'm going to kill the little bastard."

Vera said "Daddy it wasn't his fault. It was because of my gift."

Emmett said "Maybe but if he had been able to control himself you wouldn't have had to use your gift."

Jasper said "then Vera would have gone with Alice and Bella."

Jasper was filled with worry Vera embraced him and said "I'm sure Alice will come back."

Vera didn't say it, she didn't have to. They all didn't think Bella would return at least not alive.

Vera asked "are we moving back to Forks?"

Esme said "It depends on what happens in Italy."

Carlisle said "lets hope for the best. We will stay here until at least we hear back from Alice."

Two days later Edward Bella and Alice returned to Seattle the family met them at the airport. When Bella got home Charlie grounded her in his words "forever".

It was early morning, just before dawn when Esme woke Vera up the family was gathered in the living room and Bella was there too. She asked the family to vote for her to become a vampire. Vera stayed quiet she stayed next to Rosalie while everyone gave their vote.

Rosalie said no, Emmett said yes, Jasper said yes, Alice said yes, Esme said yes. Edward turned to Carlisle and asked "why are you doing this to me?"

Carlisle said "You have decided not to live without her. You have given me no choice."

Bella said "I will do it at graduation. It will be easier to Charlie that way."

The sun was rising and Vera's stomach growled she thought "I want waffles."

Edward said "go get dressed."

Vera ran back to her room and quickly got dressed then they got in the car and Edward drove on their way to town. He suddenly stopped Jacob was standing in the middle of the road. Edward pulled to the side of the road and they got out of the car and walked into the forest a bit.

Before Jacob could say anything Edward said "Before you say anything I want to thank you for keeping Bella alive when I didn't."

Jacob said "No you didn't. and it wasn't for your benefit."

Edward said "I still want to thank you regardless."

Vera whimpered she was feeling the emotions of all of them and they were overwhelming her.

Edward pointed to the ground infront of him Vera knelt infront of him and looked up at his face.

Edward stroked her head Jacob asked "what are you doing to her?"

Edward said "you wouldn't understand. Say what you want."

Jacob said "I've come to remind you of the wording of the treaty."

Edward said "I haven't forgotten."

Bella asked "what do you mean? What wording?"

Jacob said "the treaty says they can't bite a human."

Bella said "But it is my choice it is nothing to do with you."

Jacob said "No! I won't let you."

Vera began crying.

Jacob was concerned for Vera he said with authority "Vera come here!"

Vera looked away from Edward toward Jacob.

Edward said firmly "Vera stay!"

Vera looked back up at Edward but she didn't stop crying

Edward said "leave Vera alone. You are upsetting her."

Jacob asked "Me? You are the one who has her on her knees."

It didn't look good to Bella either she went to Vera moved her head so Vera was looking at her she took hold of her hand and pulled her up and said "Come on Vera lets go wait in the car while these two have their pissing contest."

Vera began to go with Bella but she looked back at Edward there was real anger in his eyes he snaped his fingers and Vera dropped to her knees she cried out as she landed on a sharp rock that cut her leg. Edward was at her side in a moment he yelled at Bella "How dare you teach Vera to disobey. It is time someone taught you your place."

Edward raised his hand to slap Bella Vera knew he wasn't in control of his anger she did the only thing she could think of she grabbed his cock and he looked down into her eyes.

Vera called out "Jacob get Bella away now."

Jacob ran to Bella picked her up and ran off with her. Vera looked up at Edward who took two deep breaths Vera let go of Edward and she whimpered in pain. Edward frowned he picked her up and brought her to the back seat of the car then he got behind the wheel and drove off. They got back home Vera had stopped crying. Edward picked her up and carried her inside. He put her down on the sofa.

Edward said "Carlisle Vera got hurt."

Carlisle went to check on Vera the cut wasn't deep. Carlisle cleaned it and bandaged it.

Alice asked "What happened?"

Edward said "There was an insident involving Jacob Black. Things happened that I can't take back. Vera used her gift on me."

Rosalie said "Edward you are not going to have sex with my daughter."

Edward said "I don't intend to. Vera's gift is strong but I can take care of those needs myself. I'm not about to rape our little girl. I will deal with her punishment later."

Esme asked "what punishment?"

Edward said "She defied me."

Carlisle said "children do that sometimes. Particularly teens."

Edward asked "do you think she needs to be rewarded for her actions?"

Carlisle said "I didn't say that but I'm sure she had her reasons for defying you."

Esme asked Vera "Sweetheart why did you defy Edward."

Vera said "He wasn't in control of himself and he was about to punish Bella. If I didn't stop him he would have hurt her, maybe even killed her. I might not be as smart as the rest of the family but I do know that an immortal has to be completely in control if they are going to use physical punishment on a mortal. I had to do something to stop him and it had to be quick so I used my gift on him."

Alice asked "Is Bella alright?"

Vera said "Jacob took her away. I'm sure she is safe with him. He loves her. He will make sure she gets home safe."

Edward asked "Have I ruined everything by my lack of control over my temper?"

Alice said "I don't know. I don't see Bella's future anymore that means it is undecided right now. I think it is going to take a lot for you to make up for what you almost did to her."

Vera said "I'm hungry."

Edward said "I'm not taking you out for waffles now."

Rosalie said "I will go pick you up some food. I will be back in a little while."

Vera said "thanks mom."

Vera went to get changed out of her ripped pants. The family was planning on going to Ithica to get their belongings the house in Forks was empty minus their camping things Vera was currently sleeping on an air mattress with a sleeping bag. Rosalie had thought ahead enough to pack a bag of clothes for Vera so she had a few changes of clothes. There was no food in the house.

After he took care of his needs Edward entered Vera's room he said "I was thinking about what your punishment should be. I decided you are too old for spanking I can't ground you because you never go anywhere so I decided I will take away your phone for a week."

He held out his hand and Vera handed over her phone Vera asked "why didn't my gift work on you Edward? With Jazz and Jacob they got sexually arrosed and then they felt possessive of me. You seem just fine."

Edward said "Perhaps you are learning to control it so only certain aspects of your gift worked on me and I did get arrosed but I was able to control myself and I don't have to feel possessive because you already belong to me. Jasper had Alice to help with the arrosal part and he is part of the family so you do belong to him too. You saw for yourself how your gift effected Jacob Black for a good 12 hours he wanted to keep you, so much he was ready to start a war between us."

Vera said "yes and he was better after he slept off the effects of my gift though he does still seem to like me. He wanted to protect me this morning."

Edward said "He has good insticts I will give him that. To know that you were in a state that needed protecting."

Vera said "yes but he didn't realize I was being protected by you."

Edward frowned and looked to the door Vera asked "what is wrong?"

Edward said "we have company. We need to go downstairs."

Vera slid her hand into Edward's and they went down stairs together. Bella and Jacob were there but there was also another young native man there and of all people Billy Black.

Edward asked "what are you all doing here?"

Jacob said "Bella insisted that we come check on Vera. She was worried about her safety."

Vera said "Bella my family would never hurt me."

Bella said "I believed that until this morning when Edward raised his hand to me. I never expected that to happen."

Edward said "I'm sorry for losing control it will never happen again."

Bella said "You are right it won't I'm never going to give you the oppertunity to do it again. We are through."

Vera went to Billy and asked "Why are you here?"

Emmett asked "who is that Vera?"

Vera turned to Emmett and said "His name is Billy Black he is Jacob's father. He is very nice he let me sleep at his house and fed me breakfast."

Billy smiled and said "I think you are very nice too Vera. To answer your question why I am here it is the same reason Sam is here it is because of you."

Carlisle asked "what do you mean?"

Sam said "we have a tradition in our tribe when it come to orphan children it is up to the chief to take in said children. Ephraim Black was Billy's grandfather he was the last alpha and official chief of the tribe. I'm the alpha of the pack now since Jacob decided not to take it. Jacob is the chief by blood but seeing as he is only 16 it kind of falls to Billy to take in the orphan."

Jasper said "that is all very interesting but Vera isn't Quileute and she isn't an orphan. She has a family. She has us."

Jacob said "She is not your kind. The chance is slight but she could be carrying my child. My child won't be raised by a bunch of cold ones."

Billy said "we have tight quarters but I would be happy to raise my grandchild."

Vera said "that is kind of you to offer but I'm not pregnant and I know you don't trust my family but I do. Bella all I can say is that Edward is from a different time then you are it was common for Men to disapline their wives physically. Not that I condone what he almost did to you but that might be the reason behind it. Times change, customs change but my family doesn't change."

Bella asked "why were you crying this morning and why were you kneeling at Edward's feet."

Vera said "I'm an Empath that means I can feel what other people are feeling. The emotions were running high not unlike what is going on right now. I'm also what is called a submissive every submissive needs a dominate in their life to help them feel safe and secure. Edward happens to be my dominate. What you saw this morning was Edward helping me control my emotions because I was becomeing overwhelmed by the strong emotions around me."

Vera went to Edward and knelt down in front of him and looked up at him he smiled and stroked her head he said "that is my little one. Everything is going to be alright."

Bella asked "You were helping her this morning?"

Edward said "yes much like I am helping her now. The more people around the harder it is for her to control her emotions especially if their emotions are running high. This morning Jacob and I were very close to fighting to the death. You were rather emotional yourself. It was too much for Vera to take."

Bella said "when I told her to go to the car I broke the comfort you were trying to establish for her."

Edward said "Vera knows not to get up until I release her. When I am sure she has control over herself again. You interfered with what was very important to both of us. I appologize for losing control over my temper. I never should have raised my hand to you. It was wrong and I am truly sorry."

Bella said "thank you but Edward you have to know we aren't getting back together."

Edward said "I understand."

Vera suddenly felt very dizzy then she passed out.

Vera woke up in a cavern the sun was directly overhead and there were others in the cavern with her most where unconcious but there were a few that were awake. Those that were awake were upset they were frieghtened and confused. They all looked to be about the same age as Vera somewhere between 15 to 16 years old. They all were different sizes and colors and sexes. There was 8 people total. The feelings of everyone was beginning to overwhelm Vera. She didn't know how she got there but she needed to get away.

She got up and looked around there were Tunnels leading off from the cavern on the far side of an outcrop of rock was a door it was the same color and tecture of the rock around it. Vera almost didn't see it but the light was hitting it just so that she was able to make out the door. She tried opening it only to find it was locked. Vera used her gift to unlock the door it was one of the things she practiced to learn to control her Telekinesis so it only took her a moment to unlock the door. There was a spiral staircase that led up. Vera climbed up to what was a large flat out crop that looked over the cavern. Vera could see everyone. There were many trunks. There was a door in the back of the observation room Vera went to it. It was unlocked she was surprised to fine a bathroom with a flush toilet and a sink. Vera went to the trunks and useing her gifts opened them. Most were filled with MRE's but one had camping equipment. One had clothing. One had books of all things.

In the cavern everyone was awake and some of them were panicing one of the bigger boys was trying to order around the others when suddenly he turned into a Lion another boy shot a ball of fire from his hand he missed the Lion. Vera was surprised that the others clearly were not human. The lion turned back into himself he was nude now but it didn't seem to upset him. The group seemed to listen to him now. The group seperated in two groups each went down a tunnel. One group returned empty handed the other brought back two trunks.

Vera left the observation room and returned to the cavern. The boy who was in charge demanded to know where they found the trunks. A boy from the second group explained they were many trunks in the far tunnel. They could only bring two the others were too heavy to move.

Vera watched from the back of the group as the Lion boy went to his shredded clothes and pulled out a pocket knife he went to the closest trunk and using his knife picked open the lock. It was filled with sleeping bags. He opened the second trunk it was filled with MRE's but it had a piece of paper on top of them the Lion boy picked it up and read it.

A girl with red hair asked "what does it say?"

He read it out loud "Welcome this years selecties. Congratulations you have found the supply trunks. If you use the supplies wisely you will survive until we come for you. It is our tradition to send out our first born children into the human world for humans to raise them then during their 15th year they are brought to the caverns for their trials. You needn't worry about your families they no longer remember you. It was part of the process of bringing you to the Cavern that all memories of you were wiped from human minds. You should know that none of you are human. You are either Fairies or Demons. You all will recieve special gifts over the next few months some of you might already have gifts. You may use your gifts openly in fact we encourage it. We will be observing you but we will not interfere. You will remain in the cavern for 6 months. We will come for those of you who servive in September. How well you do is up to you. Don't try to escape there is no way out. Good luck."

The Lion boy said "we need to find out what is in the rest of the trunks. Then we need to explore the rest of the tunnels."

They all went to get to the trunks One by one they opened them most of the trunks had MRE's in them. If they used them wisely they would have enough food to last them 6 months. They found clothes the lion boy got dressed. There was camping supplies and there was books. Once they were done with looking through the trunks they went exploring the tunnels. Down one was a bathroom with toilet stalls and sinks. Several people used them.

Vera went to one of the sinks and turned the faucet on. It was clean fresh water.

A girl went to her and asked "what are you doing?"

Vera said "checking to find out if we have access to clean fresh water. The MRE's won't do us any good unless we have water to activate the meals. Even with meals we won't last long without water."

The Lion boy asked "You know how to prepair the food?"

Vera said "My uncle took me camping a lot we would use MRE's for eating. They don't take up as much space and it isn't as heavy as fresh food. You need water to activate the main meal. Each MRE is made to feed a grown man in combat so the calories should be more then enough for us. We shouldn't have to worry about starving to death if we use the supplies conservatively. Honestly our biggest problem is going to be boredom. They included books but how many of us are bound to be book worms if only there were something to keep us active."

The lion boy said "You are full of ideas aren't you."

Vera shrugged and said "I guess. We should explore the rest of the tunnels now then maybe we should get something to eat before we lose the sun."

They went exploreing the tunnels they were surprised to come out to another cavern this one was huge it was several miles wide. There was a cave to the left of it filled with fire wood. There was a river that ran through the cavern and it was filled with growth. There was a waterfall that fed the river. Vera noticed there were berry bushes of verious types but it would be many months before they would produce berries. It was nice to know there was going to be fresh berries this summer. Vera wondered off from the group exploring the cavern. There was all kinds of different fruits and vegetables that were growing in the cavern that in a few months would produce food for them to eat.

The red headed girl came to find Vera she found her examining a tree she asked "what are you doing?"

Vera said "I think it is a cheery tree. I have noticed several trees that are just about ready to bloom. That means there will be fruit this summer. There is several berry bushes too."

Vera pointed to some plants and said "there are some onions too. If for some reason we were to run out of the MRE's and it was the summer we wouldn't starve to death."

The girl said "speaking of the MRE's we are going back to the trunks to get something to eat."

The girls caught up with the group they managed to find meal kits in the camping gear so everyone would have a set then the Lion boy handed out the MRE's.

He asked "Can you show us how to use them."

Vera smiled and said "sure. It isn't difficult."

Vera opened the package and took out the different pouches she used the bathroom sink for the water she needed and added the heater. Then while she waited for her food to be ready she made sure the others fixed their meals the right way.

A blonde girl said "it is a bit salty isn't it?"

Vera said "You don't have to eat if you don't want to."

The boy who threw fire said "just eat it. It is all there is."

The lion boy said "we all will get used to it. Like the girl with long curly dark hair said there is enough supplies so we won't starve."

Vera smiled and said "My name is Vera. I happened to notice that there are fruit trees and berry bushes growing in the big cavern it wont be until summer that they will be able to produce food but once they do we won't have to just rely on the MRE's I'm sure we all will enjoy some fresh fruit and berries when the time comes."

The red haired girl said "it will be something to look forward too. if this is the typical meal we can expect it has much to be desired."

A boy with black hair said "beggers can't be choosers."

Lion boy said "Isn't that the truth."

Vera said "why don't we introduce ourselves."

The lion boy said "I'm David."

The black haired boy said "I'm Aaron."

The red haired girl said "I'm Milly."

The blonde girl said "my name is Amy."

The boy who threw fire said "I'm Rudy."

The brown haired girl said "I'm Samantha."

The brown haired blue eyed boy didn't say anything he just continued eating. He was sitting next to Vera she touched his arm and he looked at her.

She asked "what is your name?"

He looked at Vera then shook his head and put his hand over his ears and shook his head again.

David asked "what does that mean."

Vera said "I'm not sure but I am going to try something."

One of the languages Alice had taught her was ASL she suspected that the boy was deaf or at least hard of hearing she signed "What is your name?"

The boy smiled and signed "I'm Steven. Who are you?"

Vera smiled and signed "My name is Vera."

She let him know the others names.

Rudy asked "what are you doing?"

Vera said "His name is Steven and he is deaf and I happen to know sign language a litte anyway. I can translate if you would like to talk to him."

Amy said "Maybe you should tell him what the letter said. He should know he isn't human."

Vera said "good thinking."

Vera signed to Steven about the information.

Steven signed "I will miss my family they were great."

Vera signed "Mine too. They loved me very much. I can't believe they would have forgotten me. But that is what the letter said."

After they ate the tunnels were very dark. Vera formed a fireball in her hand to provide light for everyone Rudy followed her example. It was still early but they decided to set up their sleeping bags while they could still see what they were doing.

That first night was hard for all of them. They missed their families but as the days passed into weeks and then the weeks into months they got used to their lives in the caverns.

Vera while she was rather shy by nature she was also very kind. She and Steven became best friends. Vera used her nature gift to help the plants grow strong by late spring into summer they had fresh food to eat.

David and Rudy were the most prone to fighting but it didn't usually end up physical. Everyone learned to use their different gifts in ways to help the group. They were careful with their supplies. Only eating when they were hungry and sharing their food. Most of the time at least the girls would share their MRE's they found there was too much food for one girl and so the food wouldn't get wasted they would share it. Of the boys David and Rudy had the biggest appitites. A few weeks after they arrived Rudy discovered the ability to change into the form of a bear.

One morning while they were eating breakfast in the large cavern a man wearing a suit and had a camera crew came out of a tunnel.

The man said "Congratulations children. You have survived your 6 month trials intact none the less. Now it is time to leave and join the rest of our society. Follow me I will lead you out of here and we will get you some real food and you can have a real shower and you can get hair cuts if you desire them. You will be checked by a healer to make sure you are healthy. Then you will be selected by a foster family. We have been watching you for the past 6 months you all have your fans. Now come with me."

Vera translated for Steven then she took hold of his hand as they all followed the man out of the caverns. They were led out to a forest dirt road where a white van was waiting for them. They got in the van then it pulled away. They drove for hours until they finally pulled into what appeared to be a camp on a lake with many cabins. They pulled infront of a large building and they got out of the van.

The man got in front of them and said "Welcome to Alice Lake resort. You will spend the next few days here recovering from your trials while the selection for your foster families will be finalized. This large building behind me is a dinning hall a meal has been prepaired for you. I'm sure you are all hungry after your long drive."

Milly asked "What is your name sir?"

The man said "My name is Eon Bower and I am the head of the trail committee. Now why don't you all go eat. I have business to take care of."

They went into the dinning hall. There were long tables with bench seats. They all sat down at one table a few minutes later some women came out with trays of food and put them down in front of them. The food wasn't fancy but it was fresh. Fresh meat and fresh vegetables and fruit. It was good quality food.

When they were finished eating Bower showed up again.

He said "Now that you have had something healthy to eat you each will be assigned a cabin. You are to go to your cabin where you will be allowed to take a shower. You will find everything you need. Clean clothes, soap, towels and the like. After you are done getting clean you may explore the camp site. Tomorrow you will be examined by the healers to make sure you are healthy then you can go to the stylist to get your hair cut."

Vera translated for Steven. Then Bower assigned them their cabins. The cabins were all down by the lake. Vera and Steven's cabins were next to each other.

Vera went in her cabin she found some clothes they weren't fancy but they were clean and appeared to be new and they fit her.

Vera took a long shower she was able to wash and condition her hair and even shave her legs. There was even hair things she braided her hair down her back.

Everyone was down by the lake some of the guys were skipping rocks Vera sat down on the steps to her cabin and watched the group that 6 months before had started out as complete strangers and now they were all good friends. In a few days they would probably never see each other again. Bower didn't say where their foster families would be from but they had come from all over. It would go to reason that their foster families would be from all over the place too.

As the sun set Vera went inside her cabin and went to bed.

The next morning Vera woke up and got ready for the day then went to the dinning hall She was the first one there but the others came in soon.

Steven signed "I almost forgot what it feels like to sleep in a real bed."

Vera translated for everyone Samantha chuckled and said "I know I felt the same way. It was weird sleeping by myself I'm so used to having everyone around me."

David said "Well we all better get used to it we are going to be sent to our new foster homes. I doubt we will see each other again."

Vera said "I for one am never going to forget any of you."

Steven took hold of Vera's hand and smiled at her.

Milly said "You are all like family to me it won't be the same without all of you."

Breakfast was served then one by one they were escorted to be examined by the healer.

The healer was female when it was Vera's turn she was weighed and measured then the healer asked her questions about her health history.

When she was done Vera asked "would you like me to come in when you examine Steven. He is deaf so unless you know sign language he won't be able to answer your questions."

The healer said "I appreciate your concern but Exams must be in private."

After they all were done with the examinations they were shown to where the Stlyist were and all of the guys got their hair cut. Vera helped translate for Steven to let the stylist know what he wanted.

They all spent the day together after the guys got their hair cut they had lunch then they went to explore the camp until dinner.

After dinner Bower came forward again "tomorrow you will all be sent to your foster families. You will leave right after breakfast. Some of you have a very long journey ahead of you others not so far. I suggest you say your goodbyes tonight."

The intense feelings of everyone was overwhelming for Vera. She cried herself to sleep that night.

After breakfast the next morning they all got in the white van Vera sat next to Steven and held his hand. The van ride took many hours it ultimately stopped at a private airport there were several private jets waiting for them. Vera, Steven and Amy got on one plane and shortly after they were on board they took off. Clearly the others would be going other places.

They were served a meal on the plane. A few hours later they landed and Amy got off. Vera and Steven were nervous they weren't sure what to expect. It was a few hours later they landed again and both Vera and Steven got off together. There was a single car the driver held the back door open.

Vera asked the man "both of us?"

The driver nodded Vera took hold of Steven's hand and they got in the car the driver closed the door then drove off. Vera kept hold of Steven's hand. They drove to a large home in the hills. It was a mansion. There was a man wearing an expensive suit waiting at the door. The driver opened the door and Vera and Steven got out of the car.

They looked at the man in the suit Vera asked "Where do we go now?"

The man said "You both come inside. Vera this is to be your home. Steven will be going with my cousin he appologizes for not being here to meet him but it couldn't be helped. He will be here in the morning."

Vera translated for Steven.

Vera asked "what is your name sir?"

The man said "Micheal Ashland and this is my home. Come inside and meet everyone."