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 THREE

Answers

The next day in Forks was a typical grey and overcast one, the kind that made the edges of everything look soft and muted. Bella and I walked to school together, the air between us comfortable but quiet. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze occasionally darting toward nothing in particular. I could guess where—or more accurately, who—her thoughts lingered on, but I didn't press her.

Classes passed in a blur, the routine of lectures and note-taking feeling like background noise compared to the events of yesterday. Before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived.

As I walked with Mike Newton toward the cafeteria, his usual buoyant energy was turned up a notch. When we entered, he spotted Bella and Jessica at a table and dragged them over. Jessica's face lit up as Mike gave her attention, her expression dripping with self-satisfaction. Clearly, she has a thing for the popular ones, I mused. Bella, however, seemed preoccupied, her distracted glances toward the Cullen table speaking volumes.

We sat down, and as I unwrapped my sandwich, a familiar, honeyed voice rang out. "Yo, Swan!"

I closed my eyes for a brief moment, silently grateful. Thank the gods he didn't call me E.T.

Looking over, I saw Emmett waving me over with a broad grin. The rest of the Cullens were watching as well, their expressions varying from amusement to curiosity. Around me, everyone froze, their jaws practically hitting the floor.

"Guys, please excuse me," I said as I stood. Bella's wide-eyed shock spoke louder than any words, and I could tell I'd be interrogated later. As I walked toward the Cullens, I felt their stares burning into my back.

Alice greeted me with her characteristic cheerfulness, standing to give me a warm, sisterly hug. "Hey, Dorian!"

"Hey, shortie. How's it going?" I teased lightly, earning a playful pout from her.

Emmett gave me a solid fist bump, grinning from ear to ear. "Sup, man?"

Jasper offered me a polite nod, his calm demeanor a contrast to Emmett's enthusiasm. Even Rosalie, usually icy and distant, gave me a small smile and a soft, "Hey."

As we talked, I couldn't help but notice the eyes of my previous table glued to us. My curiosity got the better of me, and I discreetly reached out with my mind.

Jessica's thoughts were a stream of bitter envy. How the hell has he been here one day and already made friends with the Cullens? And Bella! Edward Cullen of all people! She's not even that pretty.

Mike's thoughts were more naive but still irritating. Wow, he hugged Alice. Even Rosalie's smiling at him. How did he pull that off?

Suppressing my annoyance, I turned back to the Cullens. "Hope your friends don't mind us stealing you," Alice said with a mischievous smile.

"They don't approve," I replied with a smirk. "Jessica can't seem to fathom how I'm sitting with the 'cool kids.'" I mimed air quotes around the phrase.

Emmett laughed loudly, earning a few more curious stares from the cafeteria. Alice chimed in, "Well, us freaks have to stick together."

"Here, here," I said, pretending my fist was a gavel and tapping it on the table. Alice giggled; her laughter infectious.

Emmett leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, you down for a little training later? Let's see who's really stronger."

I grinned. "Sure, but don't cry when I embarrass you."

He scoffed, clearly loving the challenge. Jasper, who had been quietly observing, added, "Mind if I join? I'd like to see how you hold up."

"More the merrier, I need a new ride though, so I'm going to stop by the used car lot in town with Mike to check out what they got, I'll meet you guys at your house." I said with a shrug.

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. As I headed to my biology class, I noticed Mike trailing Bella like a lovesick puppy. She was too polite to outright tell him off, which made me consider stepping in. Bella didn't need that kind of attention, especially not from someone like him.

After school, Bella decided to do some grocery shopping, leaving me free to wander around town with Mike. We ended up at a local used car lot, the kind of place where the salesmen's smiles were as worn as the vehicles.

A chubby, balding man approached us with a forced grin, immediately launching into a pitch about a "classic" blue truck. "Every kid's first car should be special," he said, patting the hood like it was some kind of treasure.

But my eyes had already locked onto something else—a beaten, scratched, and heavily dented white Honda Civic Type R. I gestured for him to pop the hood, and as it lifted, my heart raced.

There it was: a hand-ported B16B engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It wasn't in mint condition, but it was more than functional. The salesman started the engine, and it purred like a dream. This guy has no idea what he's selling.

"So, how much?" I asked, keeping my expression neutral.

"$700," he said.

I hummed thoughtfully, pretending to weigh my options. "Hmm, I don't know, I've only got $450."

He frowned, clearly hoping to squeeze more out of me. After a moment, he sighed. "you're killing me kid, okay, how about $475? Deal?"

I rummaged through my pockets, making a show of hesitation before handing him the cash. Internally, I was elated. This car is worth more than triple that, even in this condition.

The late afternoon sun filtered weakly through the heavy clouds as I slipped into my newly acquired Civic Type R. The worn leather of the driver's seat felt firm beneath me, and the car hummed to life with a low growl that promised untapped potential. Mike waved at me from the car lot as I pulled onto the road, his hand lingering in the air before he turned back towards the sales office.

A pang of satisfaction settled in my chest as I shifted gears. The engine purred like a content predator, clearly not stock. A sleeper, I thought, smirking. The glimpse I'd gotten under the hood had revealed custom parts—Spoon upgrades among them—and I couldn't help but wonder just how much power the car truly held. It was rough around the edges, but it had character, and it was mine.

Despite the tempting stretch of open road, I kept the speedometer needle firmly under the limit. Being the police chief's son had its disadvantages; any reckless behavior on my part could come back to haunt Dad. Still, the Civic responded beautifully, eager for more throttle. The car wasn't just a vehicle—it was a challenge, a promise of something I could make my own.

I arrived at the Cullens' house, the sleek, modern mansion seeming out of place against the rugged wilderness that surrounded it. The Civic came to a stop in front of the house, its low growl fading as I turned off the engine. Before I could step out, the Cullens emerged one by one, their otherworldly grace and beauty like something from a painting.

Emmett was the first to react, throwing his head back with a booming laugh. "Oh man, is that your new ride? Dorian, you could've done better than this piece of crap!"

Jasper chuckled softly beside him, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.

Feigning offense, I leaned over the hood of the car and stroked it gently. "Don't listen to him, sweetie. They're just jealous of you."

Alice's laugh rang out like chimes in the wind. "You're so weird, Dorian," she teased, shaking her head, her pixie-like features alight with humor.

"That's why you love me," I shot back with a grin, earning a playful roll of her eyes.

Rosalie stepped forward, her gaze narrowing as she examined the Civic more closely. "Hmm, pop the hood," she said, her tone laced with curiosity.

I obliged, and the moment the engine was exposed, her face lit up with genuine excitement. "A B16B engine? Spoon parts mixed with OEM components? Not bad Dorian!"

Turning to the others, I extended my arms dramatically, pointing at Rosalie. "See? She gets it! She sees the potential!"

Emmett scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. Can we get to the part where I throw you into a tree now?"

"Keep dreaming," I quipped as I closed the hood.

Jasper smirked. "Let's head to the clearing before you two tear up the driveway."

As we walked, Alice fell into step beside me. "By the way," she said, her tone soft but serious, "Carlisle sent your blood to a trusted lab. We should have answers in a few days."

I nodded, gratitude welling up. "Thanks, Alice. I appreciate you all looking out for me."

We shifted to lighter topics, Alice revealing her love for design—fashion, interiors, anything creative. I found myself captivated not just by her words, but by her infectious enthusiasm. By the time we reached the clearing, the tension of the day had melted away.

The clearing was vast and quiet, the thick forest surrounding it acting as a natural amphitheater. Emmett cracked his knuckles, stepping into the center with a confident grin.

"Let's see what you've got, E.T.," he said, squaring up.

Jasper stood at the edge, acting as referee, while Alice and Rosalie settled nearby to watch. Rosalie's arms were crossed, her sharp eyes assessing the scene, while Alice looked as though she was barely containing her excitement.

I took my position opposite Emmett, my body loose but ready. I shifted into my martial arts stance, the familiar posture grounding me.

"Ready?" Jasper called out, his voice steady.

We nodded.

"Begin!"

Emmett lunged first, his sheer size and power making him a force to reckon with. But I was faster. I sidestepped his charge with ease, and as he turned, I struck with a flurry of kicks and punches. Years of karate and Muay Thai training paid off as each movement flowed into the next. The air around us seemed to ripple with the force of my strikes, small shockwaves echoing through the clearing.

Emmett managed to dodge some of my attacks, but a few connected, eliciting a grunt from the vampire. "Not bad," he said, grinning, "but you'll have to do better than that!"

He surged forward, aiming to grapple. Our hands locked, and I felt the raw strength he possessed. It was almost overwhelming—almost.

A smirk spread across my face. "Want to know something?" I asked, my tone light. "I'm still holding back."

Before he could respond, I focused inward, channeling my psychic energy. A telekinetic wave burst outward from me, sending Emmett flying back several feet. He landed in a crouch, stunned but unharmed.

The ground trembled as I stomped my foot, causing a boulder to rise from the earth. It floated before me, suspended by an invisible force. With a flick of my hand, shards of rock broke off and shot towards Emmett like bullets, their speed splitting the air with a sharp crack.

Emmett braced himself, using his forearms to shield against the onslaught, but I was already moving. Using the boulder as a distraction, I flanked him and delivered a spinning kick enhanced by my telekinesis. The impact sent him hurtling out of bounds, crashing into the trees.

Alice leapt to her feet, clapping enthusiastically. "That was amazing, Dorian!"

Rosalie, however, looked less thrilled, her lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Emmett dust himself off.

"You okay, big guy?" I called out, suppressing a laugh.

Emmett groaned, then grinned. "Enjoy swan, coz next round's gonna be different."

"Looking forward to it," I replied, adrenaline still coursing through me.

Alice's cheers echoed through the clearing as the others prepared for the next match.

Jasper stepped forward, his movements deliberate and fluid, exuding an aura of calm yet deadly precision. His presence alone was enough to set me on edge. His scars, faint but numerous, etched a history of battles across his pale skin, making him look like the incarnation of a war god.

As he smirked faintly, I felt a flicker of unease. His gaze was steady, almost as if he could sense the mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through me. Shaking off the feeling, I readied myself.

"Alright, guys," Emmett called, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Round two! Let's see if the rookie can keep up!"

I charged forward as soon as the words left his mouth, moving at breakneck speed. The ground beneath my feet seemed to blur as I propelled myself toward Jasper, leaping into a telekinetically charged superman punch aimed at his chest.

Jasper sidestepped with almost eerie precision; his movements too smooth to be anything but practiced. I landed, pivoting instantly into a roundhouse kick aimed for his side, but he raised an arm and blocked it with a satisfying thud.

Before I could recover, he struck back. His fist slammed into my torso, sending me skidding a few steps backward. His fighting style was unlike anything I'd encountered before—efficient, brutal, and completely unrelenting.

I gritted my teeth and switched tactics. Energy surged through me as I hurled bolts of lightning and fireballs toward him, the air crackling with power. Jasper dodged them effortlessly, weaving through the onslaught like a leaf dancing in the wind.

His sudden proximity caught me off guard. In an instant, he closed the gap, forcing the fight into close quarters. I had no choice but to engage him hand-to-hand.

We exchanged strikes at a blistering pace, but it was clear who the veteran was. Jasper moved with an ease and confidence I couldn't match, every strike of his timed and placed perfectly. He blocked my elbow strike, countering with a lightning-fast punch to my ribs.

Before I could react, his hand chopped into my throat, forcing a gasp from my lungs, followed by an elbow to the side of my head that sent me reeling. Staggering back, I barely managed to regain my footing before he feinted a low kick. Instinctively, I shifted to guard low, but it was a trap. Jasper spun, his leg arcing through the air in a high kick that connected solidly with my temple.

The impact sent me flying out of bounds, my body hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

"Out of bounds!" Emmett called, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Jasper approached me, his expression calm but with a hint of amusement. He extended a hand, and I took it, pulling myself up with a wince.

"Nice match," I said, shaking off the dust. "You're as tough as you look."

"You're not bad," Jasper replied, his tone measured. "But you held back."

I raised an eyebrow, confused. "Held back? I was throwing everything at you."

He shook his head, the faint smirk returning. "Not everything. You didn't use your full potential. You could've read my mind, learned my next moves before I made them. You could've used your powers more strategically—manipulated the environment, kept me at a distance. Instead, you relied on brute strength and flashy attacks. That's why you lost."

I frowned, his words stinging slightly, but I couldn't deny the truth in them.

Jasper clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You've got potential, though. With some training, you could be a serious challenge. I'd be willing to help if you're interested."

I nodded, a spark of determination lighting up within me. "I'd like that. Thanks."

As we rejoined the group, Emmett was still grumbling, clearly annoyed that I'd beaten him earlier.

"Next time," he said, jabbing a finger in my direction, "I'm winning. No question about it."

I grinned, rolling my shoulders. "Bring it on, Emmett. I'll be ready."

Alice clapped her hands excitedly. "This is going to be so much fun!"

Rosalie, on the other hand, remained quiet, her sharp eyes watching me with an expression I couldn't quite read. The thrill of the fight lingered in the air, but I knew I had a long way to go before I could truly hold my own against opponents like Jasper. Still, I was ready for whatever came next.

The days passed with a steady rhythm, though each one seemed to bring something new. Dad had been less than thrilled when I pulled up to the house in my battered Honda Civic, its paint faded and body slightly dinged. His disapproval was written all over his face as he inspected the car.

"This thing looks like it's been through a war," he muttered, crossing his arms.

I explained patiently. "It's dirt cheap because it's in bad shape, Dad. But the engine? It's solid, and it just needs some bodywork. I'll have it looking like new in no time."

After a few moments of consideration and likely recalling my stubborn streak, he sighed. "Fine. Just don't come crying to me when it breaks down."

I grinned. "It won't."

Edward finally rejoined the school routine after what I assumed was some serious soul-searching. He had made an effort to be friendly to Bella, though her confusion over his sudden mood shift was palpable. I could tell she was trying to figure him out, but she didn't ask me about it, likely too preoccupied with her own thoughts.

In the meantime, I kept my balance between my two social worlds. The Cullens had grown on me, their quirks and secrets making them intriguing company. I even found myself chatting more with Bella's human friends, particularly Angela Weber. After a brief mental probe to gauge her personality, I discovered she was genuinely kind—a rarity in high school.

Rosalie had also warmed up considerably after finding out about my love for cars. We'd bonded over discussing potential upgrades for my Civic, and she'd shown me her pride and joy: a sleek BMW M3. She had swapped the standard six-cylinder engine for a monstrous 4.0-liter V8 from the E46 GTR. Her passion for modding was infectious, and I admired her eye for detail and precision.

The days progressed and snow began to fall, mornings in Forks became bitterly cold, and the world transformed into a winter wonderland. One morning, I woke up to find a thick blanket of snow covering the ground. The streets glistened with ice, and Dad had already left for work, leaving a note on the kitchen counter.

"Do not drive that Civic in this weather. Take Bella's truck instead. I put chains on the tires. Be safe. -Dad"

I sighed, amused by his overprotectiveness but also grateful. Bella grabbed her bag, and we headed outside. Sure enough, the truck was ready to go, the snow chains glinting in the weak morning light.

"Let's go, Bells," I teased as we climbed in. "Don't want to be late for your date with Edward."

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she glared at me. "We are not dating," she hissed, swatting at the back of my head.

I dodged effortlessly, grinning. "If you say so."

Bella drove us to school, navigating the icy roads with care. The drive felt endless, but eventually, we arrived at the parking lot. I hopped out, leaving her to park the truck, and made my way toward the Cullens.

Alice and Rosalie were already waiting, their smiles warm as Emmett greeted me with a fist bump. "Hey, Dorian! What's up?"

Before I could answer, the screech of tires cutting through ice shattered the morning calm. Across the parking lot, a blue minivan was spinning out of control, sliding wildly across the frozen surface. My heart sank as I tracked its trajectory—it was heading straight for Bella's truck.

Panic clawed at my chest when I saw her standing in front of the driver's door, frozen in shock as the van hurtled toward her.

"Bella!" I shouted, but there was no time.

Instinct kicked in. My senses sharpened, and the world slowed to a crawl. Every detail became painfully clear—the terrified face of the van's driver, the crunch of snow beneath the tires, Bella's wide eyes as she realized the danger too late.

I blurred into motion, my mind focused solely on reaching her. My legs pumped as I raced across the icy ground, my enhanced speed turning the short distance into nothing. I was mere feet away when another blur—faster than me—overtook me.

Edward.

He reached her first, tackling her to the ground just as the van careened toward them. Wrapping his arms around her protectively, he held up a hand to stop the vehicle. The impact echoed through the parking lot as the van collided with his palm, crumpling the metal and leaving a massive dent.

Time snapped back to normal as I skidded to a halt beside them. Bella was staring at Edward, then at me, her face pale with shock.

"How—how did you get here so fast?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

Edward plastered on a charming smile, but I could sense his tension. "I was standing right next to you," he said smoothly, his voice calm and convincing.

Bella shook her head. "No, you weren't. I saw—"

I cut in mentally, projecting my thoughts into Edward's mind. Dude, gaslighting her won't work. She saw what she saw. We're going to need a better plan.

Edward didn't respond, but I could see the flicker of frustration in his eyes. Bella, meanwhile, was staring at both of us, confusion and disbelief warring on her face.

I knelt down, offering her a hand. "Are you okay, Bells?"

She nodded slowly, her eyes still darting between Edward and me. "Yeah. I think so. But… what just happened?"

"We'll talk about it later," I said gently, shooting Edward a pointed look.

This wasn't over, not by a long shot. Bella was no fool, and Edward and I were going to have to figure out a way to handle this—together.

Edward's face was tight with tension as he pulled Bella aside, his golden eyes pleading for her cooperation. "Please," he said in a low voice, "just stick to the story I told you. I promise I'll explain everything later."

Bella crossed her arms, her expression torn between anger and confusion. "Fine," she muttered, her eyes flicking to me briefly before she sighed.

Just as the tension between them reached its peak, the wail of approaching sirens filled the air. The paramedics arrived, moving efficiently as they assessed the scene. Charlie's cruiser screeched into the lot not long after, and he emerged looking panicked.

"Bella!" he called, his voice tight with worry.

"I'm fine, Dad," Bella reassured him as the EMTs guided her toward the ambulance.

Charlie turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "What happened?"

I raised my hands in a calming gesture. "It's okay, Dad. A van lost control on the ice. Bella's fine—Edward saved her, he was standing next to her and pulled her out of the way."

He glanced at Edward, then back at me, relief written all over his face. "Fine, thank God," he muttered, marching over to speak with the paramedics and ensuring Bella was thoroughly checked. As they prepared to transport her, Charlie insisted on giving the ambulance a police escort.

I lingered, shooting a quick telepathic message to Alice: Well, this complicates things.

Her mental reply was instant and tinged with unease. You have no idea.

I drove off in Bella's truck, headed for the hospital. At the hospital, the sterile white walls and antiseptic smell created an atmosphere of unease. Bella and Tyler were taken for check-ups, and I found myself pacing the waiting room as Charlie glared daggers at Tyler, who couldn't stop apologizing.

"I'm so sorry, Chief Swan," Tyler stammered, his voice trembling.

"You're lucky my daughter's okay," Charlie snapped, his jaw clenched. "If I had my way, your license would already be suspended."

I hid a smirk, thinking, Tyler's walking a thin line here.

When the doctors finally emerged, they confirmed that Bella was unharmed, though they recommended she take it easy for the rest of the day. I was about to suggest heading home when Edward reappeared, this time accompanied by his father, Dr. Carlisle Cullen.

"Good morning," Carlisle greeted us warmly, his calm demeanor immediately putting us at ease.

"Hey, Doc," I said, giving him a nod.

Carlisle examined Bella with practiced efficiency, though she squirmed under his scrutinizing gaze. After clearing her to leave, he stepped aside to speak with me privately.

"I have the results from your blood tests," he said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket. "When you have time, I'd like to discuss them at my home."

"Later today works for me," I replied, my curiosity piqued.

That evening, I arrived at the Cullens' house, parking my car in the snowy driveway. Inside, raised voices reached my ears before I even stepped through the door.

"Super hearing, remember," I called out as I entered, smirking at their startled expressions.

The Cullens exchanged uneasy glances before Carlisle stepped forward, his expression serious. "We were discussing what happened today," he admitted. "Bella saw Edward use his abilities. That compromises our secret."

"I know your secret," I said plainly, "but I haven't compromised it, and Bella won't either. She's not a gossip. But let's be real—she's going to press Edward for answers."

Rosalie glared, her arms crossed, radiating anger. I wondered briefly what her problem was but decided to ask her later.

Carlisle's face darkened slightly. "The issue isn't just Bella. It's the Volturi. They do not permit humans to know about us. If they find out, she will either have to be turned... or killed."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath caught, and I froze, the weight of the revelation sinking in.

Carlisle placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We're not considering harming Bella," he said firmly.

Rosalie looked away, her guilt evident, but I didn't press her. Instead, I focused on the bigger picture.

"If it comes to that," I said carefully, "and there's no other choice, we'll talk to Bella about becoming a vampire. But only if it's absolutely necessary. Ill reveal my abilities to her tomorrow, and that should give you an idea of how she will take the secret. Oh, and since Edward and Bella are probably going to be spending more time together, Alice should keep an eye on Edward using her visions. If he loses control around her..."

"I'm already watching," Alice said softly, her tone carrying a hint of worry.

The tension in the room eased slightly as Carlisle excused himself to retrieve the test results. Esme appeared moments later, carrying a tray of freshly baked cookies.

The sight caught me off guard. "Uh, hold up, you guys don't eat food, so why were you baking cookies?" I asked, confused.

Esme chuckled. "Carlisle mentioned you'd be visiting. It gave me an excuse to use the kitchen."

I smiled warmly as I took a cookie. "Thanks, Mrs. Cullen."

"Again, just Esme is fine dear," she insisted gently. "And you're welcome anytime."

Carlisle returned, holding a folder. He sat across from me and unfolded a sheet of paper. "As I mentioned earlier, your blood tests didn't show any foreign organisms. However, your DNA has been genetically altered. You now possess a third DNA strand, which is unprecedented. Human DNA is double-stranded, and no Earth-based organism has ever evolved otherwise. This third strand is the source of your abilities."

I nodded, processing his words. "Makes sense."

Carlisle continued; his tone thoughtful. "My theory is that the organism you encountered was engineered by an advanced race. Its purpose was to bond with a host, genetically modify them, and implant the necessary knowledge to utilize their abilities. Once the task was complete, it likely dissolved and became part of your cellular structure."

"That fits," I said, though my mind raced with questions. "But why me? This doesn't feel like random chance."

Carlisle's gaze was steady. "I'll help you find answers. You have my word."

"Thanks, Doc." I stood, grabbing my jacket. "And thanks for the cookies, Esme."

She smiled warmly. "Anytime, Dorian. Don't be a stranger."

As I drove home, my mind swirled with possibilities and uncertainties. Once I finally made it to my room, exhaustion claimed me, and I crashed onto my bed, the mysteries of the day chasing me into uneasy dreams.