Alright, so like I had the first part of this chapter written in less than a day after the last chapter came out...but, I did not want a 1400-word chapter...you as my readers deserve better. So, I had to wait until Dru wanted to let me know, how to end the chapter. Which, I think you will all like, I know I do. I think this may be my favorite chapter in terms of writing so far...but that will change once we get to the smutty bits of the story, which will not be for a while. Sorry, not sorry, gotta work for it.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN TWILIGHT!
Dru marched her ass right out the door and just kept walking. She ignored, the shouts from Bella and Edward, continuing to walk deeper and deeper in the forest. Once she was out of sight from the Cullen house, well from Bella's sight at least. Dru began to run, she ran further, and further, trying to use the rain and trees to block out the overwhelming feeling of dread. Her heart twisted, as she moved away from them, the pain only fueled her anger, however. She refused to walk back into that house, if they wanted her, they would have to come to her and apologize.
Still, the pain in her chest caused her to all but collapse in the forest. Gasping, for breath, as tears began to prick at her eyes. These wild emotions, over three men, three vampire men, whom she had only met in person once...it pissed Dru off to her very core. Even so, she kept running, until her lungs nearly gave out. Collapsing onto a polished stone, overlooking a small cliff. Dru fought the tears, knowing her guard was no doubt watching her.
Bringing her knees against her chest, she used them to support her head and arms. The rain began to fall harder, and it was then she allowed her tears to finally fall. She didn't know how long she sat there, feeling so small, like a child that had just been told they were a disappointment in their parent's eyes, except it felt much worse.
'Did, I overreact?' She could not help but wonder before she shook her head. 'No, I didn't, they did.' She fought with her thoughts, Dru knew that women were probably very different back when her mates were human...' this is the 21st century.'
The sound of fabric rustling beside her, drew her attention. Lifting her head from her knees, she paused when she saw a bottle of beer in front of her face. Turning her attention quickly to the person who had brought it, she could not help but smile when she saw Emmett sitting beside her.
"Where have you been, Lovebug?" She asked, taking the offered beer from him, he had been kind to go ahead and open it for her.
Emmett chuckled softly, "Jasper and I went hunting." He replied softly, "Should have seen the size of the bear I got." A glint formed in his eye that made her laugh.
Dru smiled, taking a swig of the beverage, her head went back then. Already she could feel herself relaxing in his presence. "So, I am guessing you heard?"
"Yeah..." He replied, she could feel his eyes on her. "I expected to walk through the door, and see you all cuddled up with your mates...only to find out, you already got into a fight."
Dru winced at that, bringing the bottle back to her lips. "I am not apologizing."
"Did not expect you to," Emmett replied, before sighing. "Come on, talk to your Lovebug, what is on your mind?"
A heavy sigh escaped Dru, as she turned to him. The whites in her eyes were still red from tears. "I attempted to tell them about James..."
"Eh, I would have waited on that one." Emmett mused, "They weren't going to like it either way, but I would have waited."
Dru rolled her eyes, "The next time I find out I meet my mates for the first time..." She scoffed in annoyance, "I will keep that in mind."
The vampire sitting with her laughed at her sarcasm, the good thing about Emmett he never took anything to heart. He knew she was hurting, and he was always there when she needed him. "Okay, let's skip ahead." He suggested, "Given the looks Aro and Marcus were giving the blond fool, I am assuming Caius said something."
Dru's eyes narrowed, at the name. "He demanded...demanded," she hissed bitterly. "Wanting to know, how I could be so foolish?"
A growl rippled from her companion at that, "he called you foolish?" Emmett hissed, and she offered a small smile to him. "I ought to go back, and kick his ancient marble ass."
"Have I told you, I love you today, Lovebug?" Dru asked, moving to gently cup her cheek.
"Love ya too sis," he said, before pulling away. "Now, what I am about to say...you are not gonna like."
Her duel blue and brown eyes watched him carefully, she knew she wasn't gonna like it, but also knew, Emmett always told her what she needed to hear. It was why they two were honestly so close, they might joke about it, but when they needed serious discussions he said it like it was. "That I acted foolish with James?"
"Oh, that a hundred percent you did." Emmett replied, "But you are also acting foolish when it comes to your mates."
"He should-"
"You are right, he shouldn't have called you foolish," Emmett said, putting his hands up in defense. "However, you should not have stormed out, either."
Dru looked ready to protest, "Emmett, I am not just gonna sit there, and let them talk to me, however the fuck they want to."
"I never said you had to," he replied, "I am saying you need to remember, they are not from this timeline."
Rolling her eyes, while looking away. "I know that Emmett." She replied, shaking her head in annoyance. "I understand, that women were much different when they were human way back in 1300 BC. I get that, I do." She laid back, careful of her beer. "I also know, that if a woman back then spoke out the way I do right now...she would have probably been burnt at the stake, or hung for being a witch."
"Yeah, it's probably a good thing you weren't born back then." He teased, trying to add a little humor, before adding, "I know it's a lot to process, but you gotta see it from their perspective."
Dru sighed, "I do, Emmett."
"Do you?" Emmett asked, "Those three have been searching for their mate, you for over 3000 years." He offered, "They probably long gave up hope of ever finding you, prepared to spend their eternity alone...and then you appear." He paused, looking away out at the rain-filled forest below them. "If I had been waiting for Rose, that long, I would probably say some rash things when learning that she deliberately placed herself in danger."
Dru sighed, "I know, and I get it." She replied, "Maybe not the whole, waiting for fucking ever, 'cause I wasn't around then." Her voice waivered, shaking her head to try and clear it before taking another sip of the beer. "However, I am supposed to be their mate right?"
He nodded, "There is no supposed to be, you are."
"Yeah, yeah, I know." She replied, glaring at him slightly. "My point is, I am supposed to be their partner," she paused for a second gathering her words. "The four of us, are supposed to stand together as equals, for the rest of eternity." She could take a deep breath, before meeting the golden eyes of her long-time friend.
"You are right about that, a hundred percent," Emmett replied, his gaze shifting to the trees that could be seen spread throughout Forks. Dru followed his eye, her softening at the sight, the rain was heavier now, the two soaked..and her beer he brought was beginning to take on the taste of water.
Dru sighed, "do I have to go back there?" Her question hung between them, as she took another swig from the brown, wet bottle, the added rainwater to the drink caused it to taste quite foul...but alcohol was alcohol.
"No," Emmett replied, "although I do think, you should, and I think the four of you need to talk."
The younger Swan twin knew he was right, even though she did not want to admit it. "I am not apologizing."
"Never said you had to," he agreed, before gently guiding her face in his direction. "You need to have proper communication, however."
Dru nodded, "I can communicate with them, as long as they treat me as an equal..." She said, taking a final swig, before handing Emmett the bottle of water down beer. He in which quickly chucked several miles away. "I am their mate, not their servant."
Emmett nodded, "give them hell, Dru."
0.o.0
When Dru returned to the house, Esme was already waiting at the door, she had a towel, and a fresh change of clothes ready. "Mama," Dru whispered, this was the one Cullen she could never get smart with, Esme was just too good, too nice. She was everything, that Renee Dru's actual was not. Honestly, if Dru could choose, she would rather be Esme's daughter.
Looking up, she noted Edward and Bella were standing off to the side. The telepath, looked up briefly offering a slight upward turn of the lip. No doubt hearing Dru's thoughts.
"You can use, Carlisle and I's room." Esme's voice tore Dru from her sister's boy-toy's gaze. "You can use the shower if you like, take a moment to recharge."
Dru smiled brightly, "Thanks, Mama." She whispered, watching as the matriarch of the house smiled brightly. Dru did not remember when she first called Esme, Mama, but it had always felt right.
"Of course, uh, I have soup going for you and Bella...and Carlisle has already called your father, to let him know you both would be eating here," Esme explained.
Dru grinned, "You had me at bath and food."
Esme laughed softly, handing over the clothes and the shower, gently squeezing the girl's arm. "Take time, they want to speak with you again."
Nodding softly, Dru knew that. "I want to speak with them as well, but I think a bath will be great first." Climbing the stairs of the Cullen house, Dru could not help but look over. She noted, that Jane and Demetri were both stationed outside of the living room. She offered a small nod to them, shrugging when the former of the two glared darkly at her. Rolling her eyes, Dru moved on to the master bedroom, closing and locking the door when she got there.
The bathroom was modestly decorated, and Esme was tasteful in everything she did, not tacky with the need to fill the room with the typical beach theme. No, she went with a soft yet romantic feel to it, with two candles on the counter, white fluffy towels, and little bits of gold and soft pink accents. It may not be Dru's taste, but it fit Esme to a tee, and it always warmed her to see, how much Carlisle loved his mate.
'Will this be how it is when Caius apologizes?' She briefly wondered but decided not to ponder too much on it. A sharp pain went through her chest once more, for just a second, gasping briefly, trying to drown all thoughts of the events of earlier. Forcing, her attention to focus on starting the water, and grabbing the Epson salt, and bubble bath. 'Mama knows what's up.' She giggled to herself, before finally stripping her of the wet clothes, and grabbing her phone to put on some tunes.
The sweet sound of innocence by Avril Lavigne filled the room, right as Dru settled into the hot water. The scent of lavender took over her senses, as a deep sigh that she didn't even know she was holding ripped from her lips.
Biting her lip, as she stared up at the ceiling, thoughts drifting back to everything Emmett and her had discussed.
"Those three have been searching for their mate, you for over 3000 years."
"3000 years..." She muttered softly, closing her eyes to allow herself to sink into the water. Hoping, the water and the music would drown her thoughts for a moment. As her heart continued to scream at her.
This innocence is brilliant
I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect
Please don't go away
'Cause I need you now
And I'll hold on to it
Don't you let it pass you by
Welp, what did you think? Isn't Esme and Emmett just the best Cullen's ever...Carlisle and Jasper are also really great...and Rosalie, and Alice...okay I like all Cullens except Edward XD.
QUESTIONS:
1) How do you feel about Emmett being this crazy big brother-like figure, but also the voice of reason to Dru? Honestly, I was originally gonna have Jasper as her go-to Cullen and Rosalie...but Emmett honestly just has the best big brother vibes.
2) Which of the three kings will approach her first? After she stormed out, that is, I feel like Caius would be way too stubborn.
Nature Faustus