Authors notes
Hello readers how are you.
The last Edenian is a reworking of Swansong, which was riddled with errors and had a complicated plot that was difficult to follow. This is the simplified version, which has fewer distractions and more coherent events. A few characters have been modified or completely swapped out.
As a budding writer, your reviews are very important to me, so I will be answering them with every chapter I release
Thank you for the reviews and enjoy the story, and feel free to leave a review if you have any comments or questions; this will help the story get better.
CHAPTER TWO
First Contact
The rest of the morning blurred together. Teachers handed out syllabi; students stared at us; introductions were repeated more times than I cared to count. By the time lunchtime rolled around, I had begun making a few connections. Mike Newton, a blond, athletic guy with an easygoing demeanor, had struck up a conversation with me during one of my classes, and we now walked together toward the cafeteria.
Bella, meanwhile, had been pulled into a conversation with a petite girl whose name I didn't catch. Eventually, we all ended up at a table with Mike's friends. Names flew around—Jessica, Lauren, Tyler. Jessica, in particular, seemed to focus on me.
She leaned closer whenever I spoke, laughing too loudly at my jokes and adjusting her top to show more cleavage. I extended my mind towards hers, her thoughts buzzed in my mind like an intrusive fly. He's so cute. Maybe he likes brunettes? I wonder if he'd ask me out...
I blocked her out with practiced ease. She wasn't my type, and her overt attempts to flirt were more amusing than flattering. I turned my attention to the others, making polite conversation and trying not to roll my eyes every time Jessica found another excuse to touch her hair.
It was in the middle of this superficial chatter that I saw them.
They sat at the farthest corner of the cafeteria, as if they were intentionally avoiding the rest of the student body. There were five of them, each impossibly still, their trays of untouched food a mere prop.
But that wasn't what caught my attention.
I couldn't hear their heartbeats.
It was subtle at first, the absence of that steady thrum I had learned to tune out over the years. Intrigued, I focused my enhanced senses on them, trying to piece together what was so off.
The largest of the three boys was built like a tank, his muscles straining against his shirt. His curly, dark hair framed a face that looked like it had been carved from stone. Beside him sat a leaner boy with honey-blond hair, his posture effortlessly graceful. The third, younger-looking boy had bronze-colored hair that stuck up in disarray, his lanky frame somehow exuding both awkwardness and poise.
The girls were just as striking. One was tall and statuesque, with golden hair that cascaded down her back in gentle waves. Her beauty was intimidating, almost too perfect to be real. The other was tiny and pixie-like, her cropped black hair spiking in every direction, giving her an impish charm.
Their pale skin caught the fluorescent light, making them look almost ethereal. But it was their eyes—dark, shadowed with deep purple bruises beneath—that unnerved me. They looked both otherworldly and predatory.
Every instinct I had screamed that they weren't human.
As I inhaled deeply, their scent hit me—a strange sweetness, like expensive cologne layered with something sharper, more primal. It was intoxicating and unnatural.
The pixie-like girl rose from the table, moving with a grace that was almost inhuman. She dumped her untouched tray with a fluidity that seemed choreographed, then disappeared through the back door, her speed startling.
"Who are they?" Bella's voice cut through my thoughts, directing the question to Jessica.
Jessica followed Bella's gaze, then giggled nervously. "That's Edward and Emmett Cullen, and Rosalie and Jasper Hale. The one who left was Alice Cullen. They all live together with Dr. Cullen and his wife." She lowered her voice, as if the group might overhear her.
My gaze shifted to the bronze-haired boy—Edward. His hand moved quickly as he shredded a bagel, his lips barely parting as he muttered under his breath. I focused my enhanced hearing.
"Jessica Stanley is giving the new Swan twins all the dirty laundry on the Cullen clan," he said, his tone low and detached.
The others didn't respond verbally, but Edward kept speaking, likely reading their thoughts.
Curiosity burned in me, and I couldn't ignore the itch for answers. Who were they? Why didn't they feel human?
I hated invading people's minds, but this was too important. I reached out, brushing against Edward's thoughts.
Why can't I read their minds? he wondered, frustration lacing his internal voice. What makes them different?
Taking a leap of faith, I sent a thought directly to him: Because I don't want you to.
Edward stiffened, his eyes snapping to mine for a fraction of a second before darting back to his tray. His thoughts raced. No... he must be talking to someone else.
Nope. That was meant for you, I projected, letting a hint of displeasure color my mental voice. Mind reader, huh? You know it's rude to read people's thoughts without consent.
He glared at me subtly, his composure slipping as one of the girls asked him what was wrong.
"Trouble," he murmured, his voice like a low growl.
I decided to push further. Now, I know you're not human. Can we meet later? I have questions that need answers.
He hesitated, then gave a slight nod. His next thought was clear. After school. Parking lot. By the silver Volvo.
I leaned back in my seat, my pulse quickening. Answers were finally within reach.
The psychic barrier clicked into place with a practiced ease, silencing the mental whispers and closing off my thoughts to the outside world. It was an instinctual defense, a skill I had honed over years of secrecy, but today, the stakes felt higher. I tuned into the present, focusing on Bella and Jessica, who were still chatting about the Cullens as we made our way out of the cafeteria.
The Cullens stood up from their table, their movements fluid and synchronized in a way that was both mesmerizing and unnerving. Even the massive, muscular one moved with an effortless grace that shouldn't have been possible for someone his size. My senses prickled uneasily, a low hum of warning buzzing in the back of my mind. Whatever they were, they were not normal.
I followed Bella and Angela as we walked toward class. Angela's shy demeanor mirrored Bella's, their tentative conversation filled with the awkward pauses of two introverts testing the waters of a budding friendship. I could see them growing close; there was a kindred spirit between them that was almost tangible.
The biology classroom was familiar in its simplicity: black-topped lab tables, neatly arranged rows, and the faint smell of disinfectant. Angela found her seat and, after introducing myself to the teacher, I asked if I could join her. Her smile was hesitant but warm, and she nodded, allowing me to sit beside her.
Across the room, I noticed him—the mind reader, Edward Cullen. He sat stiffly next to an empty seat near the center aisle. Bella approached the teacher to hand in her slip, and as she passed Edward, he froze.
His body went rigid, his hands gripping the edge of the lab table with enough force to turn his knuckles white. His face twisted into an expression that could only be described as rage—a cold, sharp fury that made the air around him seem heavier. Bella, oblivious to the full intensity of his reaction, only glanced his way briefly, her cheeks flushing red.
I caught myself leaning forward, every muscle in my body taut with anticipation. My instincts screamed at me to act, to protect Bella if he made a move, but logic held me back. Edward's reaction was intense, but he hadn't done anything—yet.
Bella took the seat next to him, and Edward immediately shifted to the very edge of his chair, as far from her as physically possible. His body language screamed revulsion, his head turned sharply away as if her very presence offended him. My eyes narrowed. Bella's scent drifted toward me, light and sweet, with a faint hint of strawberries—pleasant, not overpowering. There was no logical reason for his reaction.
The lecture droned on about cellular anatomy, a topic I had mastered long ago. My attention, however, stayed locked on Edward. His tension never wavered, his jaw clenched tight, his gaze darting toward Bella only to snap away, his expression a mix of disgust and something deeper, something primal.
The bell finally rang, cutting through the heavy atmosphere like a knife. Edward was up and out of his seat before anyone else had even stood, his movements fluid but hurried. Bella sat frozen for a moment, staring blankly after him, her face a mixture of confusion and hurt.
I rose, ready to comfort her, but Mike Newton intercepted, his boyish charm on full display. Bella managed a small smile as they exchanged introductions, and Mike walked with us to gym class, filling the awkward silence with idle chatter.
"So, did you stab Edward Cullen with a pencil or what? I've never seen him act like that," Mike asked, his tone half-joking but laced with curiosity.
So it's not normal behavior for him, I thought, frowning. Was his hostility about me catching him trying to read my mind earlier? Or was it something else entirely?
Gym class passed without incident, but the tension lingered. By the time we were returning our signed slips at the receptionist's desk, I was on edge. That's when I saw him again. Edward stood near the counter, speaking to the receptionist in a voice too low for human ears to catch.
I honed in, my enhanced senses catching snippets of their conversation. He was trying to switch classes—desperately. The door opened, and a cold gust of wind swept through, carrying Bella's strawberry scent again. Edward stiffened, his back ramrod straight as his dark eyes snapped to Bella, glaring with a hatred so intense it made my blood boil.
I stepped forward instinctively, muscles coiled, but the moment passed as quickly as it came. Edward turned back to the receptionist, his velvet-smooth voice resuming its polite tone.
"Never mind, then," he said, his frustration barely contained. He disappeared out the door without another glance.
Bella and I finished at the desk and walked to the parking lot. "Go on without me," I told her. "I'll meet you at home."
She hesitated but nodded, climbing into the truck. The engine roared to life, and she drove off, leaving me standing there, watching the silver Volvo parked nearby.
Edward was leaning against the car, flanked by the petite girl with cropped black hair and the slender blond boy who looked as if he'd rather be anywhere else. My anger surged as I approached them.
"Dude, what the hell? Why did you have to treat my sister like that?" My voice was low but brimming with fury, my fists clenched at my sides.
Edward's posture relaxed slightly now that Bella was gone, but his expression remained guarded. "Not here," he said tightly. "Get in the car."
"Hell no." My voice sharpened. "Answer me now, or this gets ugly real fast."
The blond boy straightened, his demeanor shifting to one of quiet readiness. But the tiny girl placed a hand on his arm, shaking her head. Edward looked at her, his expression flickering with surprise and something that resembled fear.
"Fine," Edward said at last, his tone resigned. "Please get in. I'll explain when we arrive home."
I stared at him for a moment before climbing into the car, the tension between us palpable. The pixie-like girl introduced herself as Alice, her demeanor oddly warm, while the blond boy, Jasper, remained silent, his eyes wary.
Edward drove us down a hidden road, winding through dense trees until we arrived at a house shrouded in shadows. The faded white exterior and wraparound porch gave it an air of timeless elegance.
Inside, the rest of the Cullen family waited, their expressions tense. The one I assumed to be their patriarch stepped forward. "What is this, Edward?"
Edward met his gaze. "Carlisle, he knows."
The room went still, every eye locking on me. The patriarch—Carlisle, as Edward introduced him—addressed me directly. "Is this true?"
I nodded. "Yeah, from your lack of heartbeats and different scents, I know you're not human, but neither am I. Not anymore."
The Cullens exchanged glances, their confusion and concern evident.
Carlisle stepped forward. "Perhaps," he said carefully, "we should start from the beginning, please tell us how you are not human anymore."
All eyes were on me. The tension in the room was thick, but not hostile. It felt more like the collective breath of a family waiting for answers to a puzzle they hadn't known existed. I took a deep breath and began.
I recounted everything, from the strange crash I'd stumbled upon four years ago to the alien goo that had irrevocably changed my life. My voice shook slightly as I described the initial memories—disjointed, alien fragments—and the transformation that followed. It was cathartic to finally share this with someone, even if I wasn't sure how they'd take it.
Carlisle listened with an expression of fascination, nodding occasionally as he guided me to a sitting area. The rest of the family followed, their expressions ranging from mild irritation (Rosalie) to childlike curiosity (Alice).
When I finished, Carlisle spoke thoughtfully. "Hmm, I can hear your heartbeat, so you're still alive," he said, ushering me toward a plush couch.
The others settled into seats around the room, their eyes fixed on me. Edward leaned against a wall, arms crossed, his brow furrowed as though he were deep in thought.
"This alien substance you mentioned," Carlisle continued, sitting across from me, "does it communicate with you in any way?"
I shook my head. "No. All I got were memories when I first touched it. My body absorbed it right after."
"Why? Do you know what it is?" I asked, my voice betraying the hope and desperation I felt.
Carlisle's thoughtful expression didn't waver. "No, but I have theories," he admitted. "To know more, I'll need to run some tests. Would you allow me to draw some blood?"
I nodded without hesitation. He stood, giving me a reassuring nod before heading to what I assumed was his office to gather the necessary equipment.
As he left, I turned my attention to the elegant woman sitting near me. Her presence was warm and calming. "By the way, you have a beautiful home, Mrs. Cullen," I said, genuinely admiring the space.
Her smile was maternal, softening the sharp edges of my lingering anxiety. "Thank you, dear," she replied kindly. "We just finished remodeling."
"How old is the house?" I asked, letting curiosity guide me. "A hundred years?"
Rosalie, who had been glaring at me suspiciously, tensed slightly, her expression guarded. But Esme's gentle demeanor didn't falter. "You have a good eye, Dorian," she said warmly.
Carlisle returned moments later, carrying a tray laden with medical equipment. He gestured for me to extend my arm. I complied, holding it out as he prepared a syringe.
The needle bent on contact with my skin.
A stunned silence fell over the room as everyone stared, their eyes wide with disbelief. Carlisle examined the needle, his expression turning curious. "That's new. That's never happened before," he murmured.
He selected a larger syringe, the needle thicker and more formidable. This time, the result was the same—the needle bent as though my skin were made of steel.
The family exchanged glances, and Carlisle's brows knit in thought. "Perhaps…" he began, then paused.
"What?" I asked, sensing he was holding something back.
"I could try using my teeth, but its risky," he said hesitantly. My confusion must have been obvious because he elaborated quickly, "We still haven't explained what we are. We're vampires."
The word hung in the air for a moment, heavy and surreal.
"So, you drink blood, live forever, and are stronger and faster than humans?" I asked, glancing at the others.
Carlisle inclined his head slightly. "An oversimplification, but essentially, yes."
I locked eyes with him. "Won't that be a problem if you bite me? Wouldn't the blood make you lose control?"
He looked thoughtful, then gave a small shake of his head. "Your blood smells… different. Like rare spices. Not at all like human blood."
After a moment's consideration, I nodded. "Go ahead, then. Do what you need to do."
He leaned toward my arm and bit down. The sharp pain was fleeting, replaced by a burning sensation that lasted no more than a second before fading entirely. Carlisle withdrew quickly, drawing blood into a needleless syringe before my skin sealed itself as though nothing had happened.
The room erupted in murmurs of astonishment.
"Woah, you healed really quickly," Emmett said, his wide grin spreading from ear to ear. "That was almost instant. Looks like you were telling the truth—you really aren't human."
"Yeah, no shit, Sherlock," I shot back sarcastically.
Rosalie rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath, while Jasper chuckled quietly, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.
Carlisle's brow furrowed as he examined the vial of blood. "Your skin," he said, glancing at me, "is tougher than that of a vampire, yet it feels warm to the touch—soft, even. I had to use all of my strength just to pierce it."
"And your blood..." He paused, his expression pensive. "It has a metallic taste. Like... licking a battery."
"Charming," I deadpanned, earning a smirk from Alice.
Carlisle looked up sharply. "When I bit you, did you feel anything unusual?"
I shrugged. "A sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation. But it was gone almost immediately."
Relief flickered across his face. "Incredible. It seems you're immune to vampire venom. That alone makes you extraordinary."
"Extraordinary," I echoed softly, glancing at the vial in his hand.
Alice leaned forward; her eyes sparkling. "So, you're not human. You're not a vampire. What are you?"
I met her gaze evenly. "That's what I'm here to find out."
"So," I said, glancing around the room, "you're vampires. Are there more like you? A governing body? Maybe a royal family?"
The question made them all pause. Edward raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my line of thinking.
"Why do you ask?" Carlisle inquired.
I shrugged, my mind flashing to the game Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. "Just a thought. Power structures interest me."
Carlisle's thoughtful expression deepened as he replied to my earlier question. "We do have royalty of sorts. They call themselves the Volturi. But that's a story for another time."
Before he could finish, Emmett's booming voice cut through the air. "How strong are you?" His enthusiasm was almost childlike, his golden eyes wide with curiosity.
I turned to him with a sly grin. "Strong enough to lift a train carriage over my head."
The room fell silent for a moment. Jasper let out a low whistle, and Emmett stared at me, his mouth slightly open, as if waiting for me to laugh and say I was joking.
I decided to up the ante. "And I'm durable enough to survive a tanker exploding in my face."
Emmett's jaw dropped further. "You're kidding, right? Please tell me you're not kidding."
"Nope," I replied casually, crossing my arms.
Even Rosalie, who had been watching me with her usual cool detachment, raised her eyebrows in what could only be described as begrudging admiration. I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.
"Okay, okay, back up," Emmett said, practically bouncing in place. "What do you mean 'exploding in your face'?"
I leaned back, enjoying the attention. "A few years ago, after my powers manifested, I was training, running at full speed through a rail yard, lost my balance, and slammed into a fuel tanker. The thing exploded, took out half the yard. It was all over the news—every channel. Experts thought a fuel leak caused the explosion."
"Are you freaking serious?" Emmett was practically vibrating with excitement. "That's insane!"
I nodded, and even Alice let out a delighted giggle as she skipped over to sit beside me. Her movements were light and graceful, but as soon as she was close, I noticed the rest of the family tensing slightly. Only Jasper and Edward remained calm.
But Alice just smiled up at me with an infectious grin. "We're going to be best friends," she declared confidently.
I blinked at her, bemused. "Not that I'm complaining, but how are you so sure?"
Her expression shifted slightly, a trace of melancholy crossing her features as she replied, "I saw it in a vision." She must have caught my raised eyebrow because she added, "I know, freaky, right?"
I chuckled and shook my head. "Not really. You're talking to the guy who can read minds, talk with his mind, use telekinesis, and has enhanced senses, speed, strength, reflexes, and cognitive abilities. Oh, and a healing factor like Wolverine." I gave her a playful nudge. "Compared to all that, you're normal. Besides, being a freak is the coolest."
Alice laughed, the sound light and genuine, and I found myself relaxing more in her presence. Talking to her felt natural, almost like talking to a smaller, quirkier version of Bella.
As our conversation wound down, Carlisle addressed me again, his tone gentle. "Do you have any questions, Dorian?"
I nodded, my gaze flicking briefly to Edward before I asked, "What's the deal with Edward and Bella? Why do you hate her so much?"
Edward's shoulders slumped, and he bowed his head, shame evident in his posture. "I made a mistake," he admitted quietly. "I sat next to her in biology while... thirsty. Her scent—it's like my own brand of heroin."
I didn't miss the tremor in his voice, nor the guilt that laced every word. But I couldn't let that slide. "Do me a favor," I said, my tone firm. "Stay away from Bella until you've fed. The last thing I need is my twin sister becoming a lunchtime snack. Because, as much as I like you, that would end badly for you."
Edward flinched at my words but nodded solemnly. "I'm leaving for a few days," he murmured, almost to himself. "Going to Alaska."
Esme turned to him; concern etched across her face. "Is that necessary, Edward?"
Carlisle gave her a small nod, a silent confirmation that this was something they'd already discussed.
After saying my goodbyes to the family, Alice and Emmett made me promise to join them for lunch the next day. As I stepped outside, the cool night air greeted me. I was about to take off running when Emmett and Jasper followed me out.
"How are you getting home?" Jasper asked, his tone curious.
"The sun's set, so I'm running," I replied nonchalantly.
Emmett's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "A race, then? First one to the community hospital wins."
"You're on," I shot back, my competitive streak ignited.
The three of us launched into the darkness at speeds the human eye couldn't track. The wind rushed past me as I held back slightly, curious to see what they could do. Both Jasper and Emmett were fast, but I could tell they were pushing themselves to their limits while I still had plenty in reserve.
As the hospital came into view, I decided to unleash my full speed, surging ahead of them effortlessly. By the time they arrived, I was already sitting on a bench, pretending to admire the nonexistent view.
"Damn, you're fast," Emmett panted, his voice tinged with awe. "It's not fair when you've got E.T. giving you the powers of a superhero."
Jasper chuckled, clapping Emmett on the shoulder. "He's right, Swan. Racing you isn't fair."
I grinned but didn't respond, distracted by the sudden mischievous glint in Emmett's eyes.
"Ha-ha! E.T. Swan—that's your new name," he declared, laughing loudly.
"Emmett, don't you d—"
But before I could finish, he took off, Jasper right behind him, both of them laughing like schoolboys.
I shook my head, exasperated but amused. "Great. Just great. Another nickname I despise," I muttered to myself as I started the run home.
The scent of home-cooked food greeted me as I stepped through the door, arriving just a minute before Dad pulled into the driveway. Bella had already set the table, her quiet efficiency a stark contrast to my adrenaline-fueled day. When Dad walked in, his face lit up, a rare warmth in his otherwise stoic demeanor.
"Something smells amazing," he said, hanging his jacket on the coat rack and glancing at the kitchen.
"Meatloaf and mashed potatoes," Bella replied, her voice soft but carrying a hint of pride. She began plating the food as Dad washed his hands and sat down at the table. I took my place across from her, and we ate in comfortable silence, the kind that only family can pull off.
After a few bites, Dad cleared his throat. "So, how was the first day of school? Make any new friends?"
Bella shifted slightly, still unused to his attempts at small talk. "We met a few people. Jessica Stanley and Mike Newton were nice enough," she said, her tone neutral.
Dad nodded, a hint of approval in his expression. "The Newtons are a good family," he commented, then turned his attention to me.
"I spent most of the day with the Cullens," I said casually, stabbing a piece of meatloaf with my fork. "We hit it off pretty quickly."
The reaction was immediate. Bella's head snapped up; her eyes wide with shock. She opened her mouth to say something, but I shot her a subtle look that said, later.
Charlie, however, seemed pleased. "The Cullens, huh? Good kids. There are rumors going around, but I'm glad my kids aren't the type to buy into that kind of nonsense."
I gave a noncommittal nod; thankful he didn't press for details. Bella, still watching me with a mix of confusion and suspicion, said nothing.
After dinner, I helped her clear the table and wash the dishes. As I handed her a towel to dry, she finally asked, "How on earth did you end up at the Cullens' house?"
I had already rehearsed my answer on the walk home. "I ran into Alice and Jasper in the parking lot after you left. We hit it off, and they invited me over." I kept my tone light, throwing in a small chuckle. "They're cool people, though Edward was acting a little... off. But hey, that's his problem."
The mention of Edward seemed to put her slightly at ease, as though his behavior towards her wasn't so personal after all. Still, she studied me with a raised brow, clearly not fully buying my story. But to my relief, she let it drop.
When the dishes were done, Bella retreated to her room, mumbling something about answering emails. I joined Dad in the living room, where the soft hum of a baseball game filled the space.
Charlie glanced at me during a commercial break. "So, Dorian, have you given any thought to college? What are your plans?"
The question caught me off guard. I was still settling into Forks, and college felt like a distant concern. But I shrugged and answered honestly, "I'm thinking of medical school. My grades are perfect, so I shouldn't have trouble getting a scholarship."
That seemed to impress him. He leaned back in his recliner, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. That's a solid career. You should talk to Carlisle sometime—he's a well-known doctor. Bet he could give you some advice."
"Thanks, Dad. I'll think about it."
We fell into a companionable silence, watching the game for another inning or two before I stood and stretched. "I think I'll call it a night. Goodnight, Dad."
"Goodnight, son," he replied, his focus already back on the screen.
I headed upstairs, my mind buzzing. Between the Cullens, Bella, and Dad's unexpected question about my future, the day had been anything but ordinary. Yet, as I sank into bed, I felt a strange sense of contentment. Forks might hold more secrets than I had anticipated, but for now, it was starting to feel a little like home.