Beneath the Twilight

Summary: In search of a fresh start, Carlisle and Esme Cullen adopt Avery—a human with a hidden strength. She's embraced by the whole family, but her pull on a dangerous vampire could unravel years of fragile peace. Despite every warning, Avery is drawn to Demetri's dark allure. With the volutri intrigued by her abilities, the Cullens are once again forced to protect their family. Post-BD. Rated M.

While my story is not based on Bella & Edward I do ask you give this one a chance! Im super thrilled with it!

Twilight characters belong to steph meyer


One

I yawned, sleep clinging to me like a second skin, refusing to shake off. Stretching my arms high, I rolled my head, savouring the pleasant pull of muscles reluctantly waking up.

The bacon and eggs were already sizzling, filling the kitchen with that golden, greasy aroma as I shuffled around in my half-daze. Flipping the rinds until they crisped up, I took a moment to inspect the split ends of my deep chocolate hair. Of course, I'd let it go too long before booking a hair appointment. Guess the hairdresser would have to wait until after my trip.

My sleep last night? Practically nonexistent. I was way too amped up about Europe—equal parts excitement, nerves, and that weird tangle of pre-trip anticipation. I'd probably moisturised my hands fifty times just for something to do. Fidgeting is becoming my sport.

Now, here I was, phone pressed between my ear and shoulder, my best friend Cayla—also my travel partner—already chattering away. Predictably her mind was focused on one thing.

"Boys. So many boys," she practically squealed through the phone. "Avery… You do realise Europe is crawling with them, right? I'm making out with at least one in every country we visit."

I rolled my eyes, smirking a little. "I thought we were going for culture, Cay. You know, museums, architecture, history?"

"Pffft. Boys are culture, babe. I'm just embracing the full experience, babe."

"Right," I muttered, flipping the bacon. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Just then, Rosalie slipped into the kitchen, all effortless elegance. She leaned against the counter, arms crossed, smirk plastered, listening to Cayla's nonsense from the phone. I glanced up, shooting her a knowing grin.

"Okay, Cay, I gotta go. Call you later to hear more about your grand European boy-band conquest," I said, hanging up and tossing the phone on the counter.

Turning to Rosalie, I pointed at her blue shirt. "Is that new? Because I'm going to need to borrow it. Like, immediately."

Rosalie's eyebrow went up, amused. "You haven't even set foot on this trip, and you're already trying to take off on it with my wardrobe?"

"Yep," I said, scraping the bacon onto my plate. "Hey, have you ever been to Scotland?"

She gave me a deadpan look. "Avery, I'm over a hundred years old. Yes, I've found my way to Scotland."

Ugh, she made everything sound like I'd asked her if fish can swim. "Cool, cool. Also… I'm just wondering if you forgot your sass pills this morning or something. Seems like you may have a case of bitchiness."

She gave me a look—one that would make most people quake if delivered by a vampire.

"Cayla wants to go monster hunting. Specifically, the Loch Ness Monster," I said, munching on a piece of bacon.

Just then, Jasper strolled in, calm as ever. He raised a brow, smirking. "You're wasting your time looking for Nessie. It's fake."

I blinked at him. "Says the literal vampire."

Jasper chuckled, arms folded. "Just trying to save you from disappointment."

"The boat's the real issue," I replied. "I know for a fact we're finding nothing in that disgusting, murky water."

Rosalie rolled her eyes, still in judgey big-sister mode. "Wait. You're scared of a boat?"

I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yes, because I'm human. Boats and humans have a tragic history—ever heard of the Titanic? I'm not testing my luck, thanks."

Jasper barely held back a laugh, Rosalie stayed unimpressed, but I just shrugged, committed to my argument. "Plus, Cayla's going to be busy trying to get Nessie's best angle for Instagram if we end up capsizing. She'll be no use to my survival efforts. You both seem to forget how fragile us humans are."

Before I could continue my boat rant, Esme swept into the kitchen, clutching my passport and some documents. Worry Mother Mode, in full force. She hovered beside me, already fussing.

See, Esme's motherly instincts were wasted on her self-sufficient vampire family of elderly hotties; she finally got her chance when I came along. Ever since then, I was her absolute priority—aside from my dad.

It was kind of nice. You see Esme's human life had been filled with tragedy that makes me feel sick whenever I think about it. She'd had a baby but he'd died just two days into life. She feels as if with me she's gotten the chance she thought she'd never have. To raise a child and impart her endless amounts of devotion onto. Regardless of her vampirism, she was my hero.

"Avery, have you packed absolutely everything?" she asked, her tone hovering between gentle concern and full-on lecture mode. "You cannot leave anything behind, darling. And you must promise me that you are going to stay in well-lit areas, keep your phone charged—"

"Mom. You're gonna need to chill out for me," I cut in, though a grin betrayed me. "I'm not getting lost in Europe. I've got this."

She handed me the passport, her eyes narrowing. "You say that now, but you're going to need these," she tapped the passport. "And don't you dare roll your eyes."

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "I didn't even roll them. Yet."

Esme softened a little, but her voice stayed sharp. "Well, don't even think about it. And remember, 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow at the airport, so we're leaving hours beforehand."

I groaned dramatically, tossing my head back. "Hours? It's not that far."

"Avery." Her tone was pure, no-nonsense Esme. "If we're late, you'll miss your flight. Non-negotiable."

I grinned sheepishly, knowing better than to push. "Fine, I'll be ready. Promise."

Esme's worry softened. "I just want everything to go smoothly. This is a big trip for you."

Honestly? It felt nice, having someone care this much about me. She treated me like her own, filling that role so well that I never missed anything. I'd never yearned for more.

"I know," I said, stepping forward for a hug. "I'll be fine, I promise."

She hugged me tightly, worry easing a little. "Just… don't make me worry unnecessarily. You and Cayla will need to look after each other. Trust your instincts. No wandering off alone anywhere."

I grinned. "The only reason you'll need to panic is if I'm forced onto a boat. I promise I will be safe."

Esme sighed, unconvinced by my so-called safety promises. "Did you finish what your father asked?"

I froze for a split second, mind blanking. He'd mentioned checking the oil or tire pressure, something car-related. I couldn't remember what it was. I glanced at Rosalie for backup, but she just smirked. Jasper scoffed as he watched on amused.

"Don't look at me," she laughed. "You're on your own here."

I rolled my eyes, scrambling for a response. "Can I phone a better friend?"

Esme's look morphed from concern to mild irritation. "The car, Avery. Did you check it like he asked? It's staying behind while you're off and he wants to make sure it's left in good condition to sit."

I winced, sheepish. "Right. The car. Totally forgot…"

Esme pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing in that way only she can. She was an incredibly patient, kind woman - it's what everyone said when they spoke of her. That was all true - until you put me in front of her.

"I'll handle it, but you owe me," Jasper says, heading off toward the garage, proving once again why he's my favourite.

I shouted thanks after him before turning to my plate of breakfast, settling onto a stool at the kitchen island. "Why do you even care so much?" I seperate my knife and fork, ready to eat. "You should be thrilled. A few weeks of peace, no one to 'mother.' Dream come true, right?"

Esme shot me a look, arms crossed. "Avery, you know that's not true."

I rolled my eyes—subtly. "It's Europe, not the Hunger Games. You'll survive without me."

Esme just shook her head, giving me that familiar look of exasperated love. "You're insane, my child."

I grinned, prodding with my fork. "I know you'd truly be lost without me."

Esme raised an eyebrow, barely convinced.

"One day," I said, pointing with my fork, "I'll be all grown up and married. What will you do then? Who will you helicopter around then?"

She sighed, though there was warmth in her eyes. "Oh, I'll manage. But just know, even then, I'll still be worrying… and bugging you for little grandbabies."

I rolled my eyes. "Good luck with that one. I only date asshole men who make the concept of 'settling down' laughable."

"Language," she chastised with a smile. "Just come back to me in one piece, alright?"

I grinned, twirling my fork. "Or maybe I'll just move in with Nessie. Cayla and I will be the Loch's latest residents."

Esme shook her head, a small smile sneaking through. "Fine, but I'm not sending care packages. Good luck convincing Nessie to share closet space."

Just then, Renesmee appeared behind me, making me jump. "Ness! Enough with the sneaking around!"

She's my brother's daughter - so by technicality that makes her my niece. But I've always looked at her as an annoying brat sister. Probably how Rosalie views me.

She leaned against the counter, giving me an amused look. "Packed yet, or are you still stalling?"

Her teasing entices my mother to narrow her eyes at me once more. Great, she's looking to get me in more trouble than I already am.

I huff, raising an eyebrow. "I'll pack when I'm ready. Why do you care?"

She smirked, crossing her arms. "Because I know you. You'll freak out when you can't find your favourite outfit five minutes before you leave."

I glared, but a grin slipped through. "I'll pack when I'm good and ready, Nessie. You worry too much."

She scoffed. "Says the girl with the Titanic phobia."

I pointed my fork at her. "Keep pushing, Nessie."

With a grin, Renesmee darted forward and swiped the last piece of bacon off my plate before I could react. "Hey!" I shouted, half-laughing.

"That's what you get," she called over her shoulder, sauntering out of the kitchen.

Typical.


I do hope youre intrigued! Ive always been interested in Demetri as a character. I wanted to give him his happy ending