A/N: I originally planned this to be much longer but my eyes were crossing so I cut it a little short. Not too happy with this chapter but I hope you all enjoy nonetheless! We'll finally see some action in the story. I'm excited c:
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight nor Inuyasha. Both belong to their respective owners and not me. But please, please no flames and if you have nothing better to say, say nothing at all.
Chapter 12 – The Cullen's
The next morning, Kagome was relieved to see that the puffiness around her eyes had faded. They were still a bit red, but not as bad as before. At least she wouldn't look terrible when meeting the Cullen's.
Yet, her nerves had nothing to do with appearances. The Cullen's were vampires–a strange term considering the only "vampires" she knew of were depicted in media. Still, the idea bore some resemblance to the stories of red-eyed demons in Japan. The closest thing she could recall about blood-drinking demons was the Nure-Onna, a snake-like demon that feasted on human blood. They were predominantly female and exceptionally beautiful so she wondered if there were any real similarities.
Then there was Edward; her initial meeting with him made her feel quite strange about him. He could read minds.
Did that mean he already knew what she was? Could he hear everything the moment they met? The thought unsettled her, but if he did know, he hadn't said anything. For that, she was grateful.
The revelation that the Cullen's were essentially vegan vampires eased her nerves. If they were anything like the demons she had met in the past, ones who couldn't change what they were but still chose to live peacefully then she could accept that. Kagome supposed she'd find out for herself today.
As Kagome studied her reflection in the mirror that morning, she noted with relief that the dark circles under her eyes were finally beginning to fade. The lingering ache in her chest had subsided, leaving her feeling–oddly enough–at peace. It was a welcome change.
After finishing up in the bathroom, she took a steadying breath and made her way to Bella's room.
When they had gotten in last night, Charlie had woken up and found them standing awkwardly in the kitchen before mumbling a tired goodnight and heading back to bed. She had meant to talk to Bella then, but the timing felt off. Something in her sister's expression told her she needed space, and Kagome was willing to give it. But leaving things as they were didn't sit well with her.
Kagome knocked softly on Bella's door and heard a muffled, "Come in," before stepping inside.
Bella was rummaging through her clothes but paused when she saw her, then sat on the edge of her bed. She looked down, then tried for a smile but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Can we talk?" Kagome asked tentatively.
Bella tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, eyes puffy like she'd been crying, and nodded.
Kagome sat down beside her, and they both let out a sigh–almost in unison as she looked anywhere but at each other. Then, for some inexplicable reason, they looked at each other and started laughing. Maybe it was the sheer absurdity of everything, or maybe it was just the tension finally breaking. She wasn't sure, and Bella probably didn't know either, but it felt good to laugh with her sister like this.
The moment passed, and Bella turned to her, expression serious–like she had been turning the words over in her head for a while.
"Kagome," she started hesitantly, exhaling before continuing. "I just…I need to apologize. For keeping secrets. And I just want you to know that Jake and I…nothing ever happened between us, and I swear, I won't get in the way. I promise. It's just…"
"Complicated?" Kagome supplied, and Bella let out a tired breath.
"Yeah,..it's complicated." She hesitated before continuing, voice quieter now. "But I–I swear, no matter what I feel towards Jake, you're my sister, and I love you. It's not easy for me to admit this, but…I used him when Edward left," she whispered, her voice shaking. "When Edward left me months ago, it shattered me. I needed someone–anyone–to make the pain go away. And Jake…he made it better. But I didn't–I mean, I love Edward. It'll always be him."
Kagome gave her a sad but knowing smile. "Bella, you might be fooling everyone else, but you're not fooling me."
Bella's shoulders slumped as if the weight of her own denial finally came crashing down.
"It's okay to admit that Jake meant something to you," Kagome continued gently. "Was it wrong to use him as a rebound? Yeah, I won't sit here and tell you it wasn't, because it was. But you know that. You acknowledge it. That's what matters."
Bella drew in a shaky breath, wiping away a stray tear as Kagome wrapped an arm around her.
"I just thought you'd be mad at me," Bella admitted, her fingers twisting in the fabric of the sweater in her lap. "Because…I did love Jake. Or at least, I think I did. And I guess…I don't know, I just didn't want to admit it." She let out a breath, steadying herself. "But now, knowing he imprinted on you…part of me is hurt but I'm also relieved, you know? I think I'm finally okay with letting him go," she murmured, surprising Kagome. "It still hurts, but…I love Edward. And I know I'll spend the rest of my life with him."
Kagome smiled, giving her sister a gentle squeeze. Bella looked so relieved to get that off her shoulders.
"Love is often complicated and sometimes you can't help who you love," Kagome admitted softly, a melancholy expression on her face.
Bella gave her a curious look, like she wanted to press for more but she just smiled, patting her hand.
"But, you know, just because Jake imprinted on me doesn't mean you two can't still be friends," Kagome said, placing a reassuring hand over Bella's. "He knew you before me. I'd never want to come between that."
Bella shook her head. "No, it's alright. Honestly, I don't think Jake and I can go back to the way things were. It's just too weird and it's better like this." She sighed, looking down. "Plus, as you can tell, Jake and Edward don't exactly get along."
Kagome was inclined to agree. It was like watching Koga and Inuyasha go at it all over again. The thought left her with a strange pang, one she couldn't quite place. Even after all these years, it still left a bitter hurt inside.
Still, she appreciated Bella's honesty, even if there was more left unsaid. It was a start, and it felt like a weight had been lifted. Kagome worried they'd be awkwardly dancing around each other now that Jacob was moving on, but maybe…things would be okay after all.
"Yeah, I kind of gathered that. The pack made their dislike for the Cullen's pretty clear," Kagome said after a beat of silence, shaking her head.
Bella snorted. "They like each other about as much as I like dressing up–which is not at all."
Kagome smiled, and they laughed again. Then, thoughts of the pack crept into her mind, and she debated whether to tell Bella about the others. The whole situation still felt strange, and she wanted to talk to someone outside of the pack about it.
"Bella…" she started, turning to sit cross-legged on the bed. "Promise not to freak out?"
Bella frowned, nodding.
Kagome held out her pinky, like they used to do as kids. Bella's expression softened, and she linked her pinky with hers–a silent promise to keep it between them.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome said carefully, "Jake wasn't the only one who imprinted on me…"
Bella's frown deepened as she crossed her arms. Then, understanding dawned.
"You mean…someone else imprinted on you too?" Her eyes narrowed in thought. "Is that even possible? I mean, I just assumed it was one wolf to an imprint. So…who else imprinted? Was it Quil? Or Seth? They've both been sweet on you."
Kagome gaped, her face heating at the revelation as Bella laughed.
"Well…yes," she admitted, "but it's not just them…"
"Wait, are you saying…" Bella trailed off before suddenly standing up, her mouth falling open as she gasped. "They all imprinted? As in–plural? The whole pack?"
Kagome winced and sighed, collapsing against the purple sheets of the bed. "Yeah, they told me last night. Apparently, if we're apart for too long, or if one of them starts rejecting the imprint, it causes the pain I'd been feeling for weeks."
Bella looked at her like she sprouted two heads before slowly laying down beside her, still in shock. "Wow, that's…"
"I know," Kagome muttered, exhaling deeply. A part of her was relieved to finally get a break from them, if only for a little while–she was still trying to process everything.
"So, that's why you were in so much pain? Because of the imprint?" Bella asked, glancing over at her.
Kagome hummed in confirmation.
For a while, they lay there in silence, bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the window, casting a golden glow against the green walls of Bella's room.
Then, out of nowhere, Bella muttered, "That's a lot of dick in one place."
Kagome gasped, shoving at her sister as they both burst into laughter.
"I'm just saying!" Bella defended, grinning. "Have you seen them lately? They're huge–like mammoths!"
"No, tell me about it. My head is the size of their biceps," Kagome joked, and it felt good to just laugh about it with her sister.
As their laughter faded, Kagome suddenly sat up, as if something had just clicked in her mind.
"Bella, last night…you mentioned something about the Volturi. Who are they?" she asked.
Her sister sat up slowly, but the color drained from her face.
"I really shouldn't be telling you this. The less you know, the better. But…maybe since you have the pack, it'll be okay…" Bella trailed off before taking a deep breath. "I don't know much about them, but the Volturi are very dangerous. They're basically vampire royalty, and they have one rule–don't expose what they are to humans."
Kagome pursed her lips, frowning. "Or else what"? She pressed, though she had a sinking feeling she already knew the answer.
"Or they'll kill you…if they don't have a use for you. Unless you're gifted, like Edward. Some vampires manifest certain gifts when they're turned. Then they might make an exception," Bella explained, her voice quieter now as she looked away.
Kagome got the sense there was more her sister wasn't saying. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "Is this why you want to change? Because of the Volturi?"
Bella hesitated before shaking her head, but Kagome gave her a knowing, unimpressed stare.
Bella's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Yes. Well…yes and no. Yes–if I don't change into a vampire, they'll kill me. And no–because even without the threat of the Volturi, I wanted this either way. I can't imagine life without him."
Kagome's heart sank. "Bella, that's serious," she said, her voice laced with concern.
"I know, I know," Bella murmured, shaking her head. "But I want to be with Edward, so either way, I'm turning."
Kagome sighed and Bella looked away, deep in thought. A new sense of determination set in. She didn't know who this Volturi was, but if they wanted to kill her sister, they'd have to get through her first. Hell would freeze over before she allowed that.
"I'm more worried about you, if the Volturi find out you know about vampires…they could come after you," Bella said softly, worrying her lower lip. "Maybe the pack should know about this…I mean–"
Kagome placed a reassuring hand over hers, smile gentle yet unwavering. "It won't come to that, I promise."
Bella didn't look convinced but eventually smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. They sat there for a moment, simply enjoying the silence. Then, a phone rang from down the hall.
"Is that…your phone? I didn't realize you got a cell phone," Bella asked, but realization quickly dawned on Kagome–it was the cell phone Sam had lent her.
Rolling her eyes, she huffed. "It's not mine. It's Sam's. They weren't letting me go off on my own to meet the Cullen's and wanted to come with me, but I told them no, so we compromised. He gave me his work phone so they could keep in contact with me."
A look of understanding crossed Bella's face, and she smiled, but Kagome was still a little put off by the whole thing. She understood they wanted to ensure her safety, but she also thought they were being unnecessarily overprotective.
"That explains why Jake's dropping you off," Bella added, and Kagome sighed.
"Yeah, I forgot about that," she admitted with a groan.
The phone went silent after a few minutes, only to start ringing again. With a huff, Kagome got up and went to her room, rummaging through her bag until she found the cell phone at the bottom. The caller ID read 'Home', which meant it was probably someone from the pack.
She answered on the third ring, her voice quiet. "Hello?"
There was a sigh of relief on the line before, "Finally! We thought something happened. Why didn't you answer the first time?" Quil said, and she could hear him talking to the others in the background–probably Sam or Jacob–before a familiar voice came on the line.
"Hey, are you alright?" It was Sam. He sounded tired but relieved.
Kagome rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. I was just talking with Bella."
There was a pause, then another sigh. "Good. Sorry, some of us…may have jumped to conclusions for a bit." He sounded like he was saying this to someone else in the background, and she giggled. Sam chuckled, the sound deep even through the phone. "Jake will be over to pick you up in a bit."
"Okay, talk to you later, then?" she said quietly, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
"Yeah, one of us will come pick you up once you're done," Sam confirmed, but Kagome sighed.
"I'm sure one of the Cullen's can drop me off. There's really no–"
A burst of interference crackled through the line before a familiar hothead cut in.
"Absolutely not. We'll come get you," Paul stated firmly on the line.
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Paul, I don't need to be coddled like a child. You're all being ridiculous. I'm catching a ride with Edward, and that's it. I'll talk to all of you later."
"Kagome–" Paul started, but she hung up before he could get another word in.
Bella was standing in her doorway when Kagome turned back around with a frustrated cry, throwing the phone onto the bed with an exasperated groan.
"I take it the phone call didn't go so well?" Bella asked carefully.
Kagome flopped back against the bed with a heavy sigh. "They're so…ugh! Like–they were so sweet last night, telling me this is my decision and that I set the pace. And now, the moment I mention the Cullen's, all of that gets thrown out the window! They're so…" She trailed off, struggling to find the words to describe their ridiculous, overprotective behavior.
"Like ugh?" Bella quipped, smirking.
Kagome gave her a flat look, instantly remembering when she had said the same thing to Bella about Edward.
Then, she laughed, deflating. "Yes! Exactly like that. I hung up on them. Well, I hung up on Paul, but I could hear them protesting in the background. Jake isn't going to be happy when he picks me up, but I don't care! I'm just meeting the Cullen's, not going off to war!"
Bella giggled, and they shared a playful gripe about how men–human or not–were all the same. Their conversation was cut short when Charlie called up, letting them know that breakfast was ready.
"I'm gonna hop in the shower first. I'll see you downstairs," Bella said, before continuing, "And Edward should be coming a little after breakfast."
She paused in the doorway, throwing Kagome a knowing look. "Oh, and just a heads up–Alice is very excited to meet you. She can be…a lot. I told her to tone it down, but just be prepared. This whole bridesmaid thing might take all day."
Kagome laughed. "Good to know."
Bella left her with a smile, leaving Kagome alone with her thoughts. This whole thing with the pack was still something she had trouble wrapping her head around. It would take time–for all of them. But even with everything that had happened…she already found herself anticipating the next time she'd see them.
After a quick shower, Kagome took some time to sort through her outfit for the day. Meeting Edward's family felt like an occasion that required some effort, but she still wanted to keep things casual and comfortable.
After much deliberation, she settled on a soft, preppy look–her pink plaid dress falling just above her knees, the checkered pattern giving it a classic yet effortless feel. It was a few years old, mama had gotten it for her as a Christmas present one year. Over it, she layered a cropped, ribbed knit cardigan in a blush hue, button neatly at the top while the rest hung open. It was warm enough for the morning chill, as Fork's constant downpour meant she was always wearing sweaters.
To balance out the outfit, Kagome opted for her trusty white platform sneakers. They had seen better days, but they were still her best option, and their casual touch kept her from feeling overdressed. With a quick comb through her hair, she swept her bangs to the side, securing them with a pair of pink hair clips before heading downstairs. It was a simple detail, but it pulled everything together.
By the time she joined her family for breakfast, the scent of eggs and toast filled the air. Leaving her sneakers by the door, she made her way to the table just as Charlie glanced up from the newspaper, giving her a once-over.
Raising a brow, he remarked, "Well, you look nice for just meeting the Cullen's."
"Dad, come on." Bella huffed, exasperated. "You look nice. The pink suits you," her sister added with a small smile.
Bella had opted for skinny jeans and a dark purple knit sweater, her hair pulled up into a ponytail. In retrospect, Kagome realized they were on opposite ends of the spectrum with their outfit choices.
She returned Bella's smile and slid into the chair across from them. "It's nothing fancy, But I do want to make a good impression," she commented lightly before adding, "Plus, Bella is marrying into their family, Dad."
Charlie grumbled under his breath, and she was fairly certain he rolled his eyes as Bella shot him a dull stare. But he said nothing, going back to his paper–not that he had any idea she was about to step into the world of vampires now.
They ate breakfast in relative silence, the soft hum of the radio filling the space. Charlie had the blues station on, a small change from his morning news. Bella, seated across from her, seemed preoccupied with her coffee, deep in thought. Kagome knew her sister still had some misgivings about last night, but at least they managed to clear the air somewhat.
Just as she took a sip of her tea, something in the air shifted.
A familiar presence drifted down the lane first–Edward. His energy was cool, controlled and restrained. A heartbeat later, she felt the distinct warmth of Jacob and Embry's aura approaching from the opposite direction, their presence a stark contrast to the cold stillness Edward exuded.
Kagome sighed, already feeling a headache forming. Of course, they would all arrive at the same time.
Charlie, oblivious to the sudden tension settling in the room, glanced at her over the top of his newspaper. "You sure you're feeling better today?"
"Yes, Dad. I'm feeling fine. I think the pain is finally starting to go away," she assured him, keeping her tone light. "Maybe the medicine just needed time to take effect."
Charlie raised a skeptical brow but didn't push the issue. He still didn't look convinced, but when she gave him a reassuring smile, he seemed to let it go and returned to his paper.
At the kitchen sink, Bella set her now empty cup into the dish rack before peering out the small window above the sink. The distant hum of engines idling in the driveway filled the otherwise quiet morning.
"Uh…ride's here," Bella muttered, glancing at Kagome. They shared a look, one filled with unspoken words full of worries.
"I still don't get why you're going in separate cars." Charlie set his paper down and gave them both a knowing look.
"So, you're going with Jake," he started, gesturing to her and then shifted over to Bella. "And you're going with Edward…" he trailed off.
Bella huffed. "Yes, Dad. It's just…the way it is. Plus, I'd like…alone time, with Edward," she added, and Charlie's face screwed up, likely interpreting that in a different way.
"Forget I even asked. Just as long as you're both being safe and Edward's…wrapping it up," Charlie said, much to their horror.
"Dad! I'm a virgin, thank you very much." Bella's face was impossibly red as she stomped away and Kagome hid a smile as she followed her sister, her dad's face the picture of discomfort.
As she slipped on her white sneakers and followed Bella outside, Jacob and Edward were resolutely not looking at each other. Embry, standing between them, seemed to be the unspoken buffer, though it was amusing to see the subtle shift in their expressions the moment she stepped out.
Bella had eyes only for Edward, though she did greet Embry with a wave and walked straight into his awaiting arms, while Jacob and Embry's gazes immediately softened when they saw her. Kagome was glad she talked with her sister, otherwise this moment would be awkward. But she supposed only time would tell.
Kagome waved at Edward, who acknowledged her with a brief nod. It was a barely perceptible gesture, but she noticed it nonetheless. Thankfully, Jacob seemed to be ignoring him–an improvement from last night.
"I'll see you at the house," Bella told her softly, glancing between the three of them before she and Edward got into his Volvo and began driving off.
Jacob was leaning against the hood of his car beside Embry when she approached, smiling. Without hesitation, Jacob pulled her into a crushing hug, lifting her off the ground with a giggle as his warmth instantly engulfed her. Embry stood nearby, his expression more reserved, but she could feel the weight of both their gazes sending an unbidden shiver down her spine.
"Hey, beautiful," Jacob murmured, pressing his face into the crook of her neck. "You know, it's hard to stay frustrated with you for hanging up on us earlier when you look this amazing. I'm kinda jealous the Cullen's get to see you all dressed up like this."
"Yeah, wait till the others get a look at you. I don't think Paul would've let you out of the house," Embry commented lightly, catching a loose strand of her hair between his fingers.
When Jacob finally released her, she turned to Embry, who opened his arms easily. She stepped into his embrace, sighing softly as he held her for a moment before reluctantly letting go. Charlie was still inside the house and she knew he'd have questions if they lingered any longer out here.
"I have to make a good impression," she told them with a smile, before settling her hands on her hips. "And for the record, I hung up because you were all being ridiculous."
Jacob sighed, crossing his arms. "We just worry about you being around a pack of vampires all day. I mean, we only just got you to start talking to us."
"It's just the wolf in us, having you smell like them sets us off and not knowing if you'll be okay drives us insane," Embry added, and Kagome sighed. She understood, but it didn't mean she had to like it.
Jacob looked her over again, shaking his head. "I mean, damn, I'm not sure I can let you go see them alone looking like that."
Embry made a show of doing the same, arms crossed, his dark eyes raking over her from top to bottom, a smirk evident on his face. Kagome's face burned as she rolled her eyes with a smile, she felt a strange flutter go through her. She'd never had anyone gaze at her with such adoration.
"You two are impossible. Let's just go–Edward and Bella have already left."
They laughed, and Embry went around to open the back door. "Yeah, and before we decide to drive you to La Push instead."
Kagome rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her face as she climbed inside. Jacob only shook his head as he started the car, while Embry scooted closer until he could pull her snugly into his side. Jacob's car wasn't that big and with Embry's sheer size taking up half the space, she was lucky she was small enough to fit next to him. His arm reset lazily across the back of the seat, his fingers brushing lightly against her shoulder. He let out a relieved sigh, looking perfectly content.
During the drive, Jacob kept stealing glances at her in the rearview mirror, while Embry idly twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers. The warmth inside the car quickly became stifling, even with the AC on blast, and Kagome huffed before rolling the window down, letting the cool morning air rush in.
Jacob and Embry both chuckled at her exasperation.
"Too hot in here?" Jacob teased.
"You two run too warm," she shot back, shaking her head though she couldn't help but smile.
"It's a wolf thing," Jacob laughed. "We always run really hot."
Embry leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Can't handle the heat?"
A blush crept up her face at his tone, and she looked away, refusing to take the bait but Embry chuckled all the same. His fingers kept twirling strands of her hair around his fingers and he leaned his head back, shutting his eyes like he was the most content in his life.
Kagome smiled softly and Jacob, watching them from the driver's seat, seemed amused more than anything. His expression was open, content, and Kagome wondered–not for the first time–how they handled jealousy between them. They hadn't talked about it yet, but they did say to take things one day at a time. Kagome thought to herself that only time would reveal the answer.
As they wound through town and took a turn on the main highway, they took a cut off that led down a long, winding path that went up near the mountains. The road was smooth, and looked well made like it hadn't originally been here before. Kagome thought they must be getting close, because she felt a shift in the air that sent a shiver down her spine. She felt them before she saw them.
The Cullen's.
Their presence was different from Edward's, but the sensation was just as unusual–like the creeping frost of winter settling over her skin, draining the warmth from the air. It was cold, unnatural.
Kagome could tell the moment Jacob and Embry noticeably stiffened by the sharp flare in their aura. Jacob's grip on the wheel tightened and beside her, Embry's muscles coiled like he was preparing for a fight. She set a hand on his arm lightly, just a brush of her fingers and he sighed, peering down at her gratefully.
The long, sleek driveway curved into view, moving through the cover of forest on either side until it led up to the most expensive-looking home Kagome had ever seen. She leaned forward in her seat, eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking modern architecture, the large glass windows reflecting the overcast sky.
Jacob and Embry, however, looked unimpressed.
"It stinks," Jacob spat, and Embry grunted in agreement.
Kagome rolled her eyes.
The Cullen's home was a modern, multi-level house nestled against a slopped, wooded lot. Its architecture blended contemporary and natural elements, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, dark exterior walls, and warm wooden accents. Built into the hillside, the structure had a sleek concrete driveway that led to a garage on the lower level.
Edward and Bella were already parked near the garage, waiting at the steps leading into the house. Kagome could sense several other vampires inside, their presence cool and unwavering.
A mix of nerves and excitement fluttered in her chest. Jacob cut the engine and she stepped out of the car, marveling at every inch of their beautiful home as they got out, immediately coming around to flank her on either side like protective sentinels.
She turned to them with a soft smile. "Thank you for dropping me off, but I'll be fine from here," she assured them gently.
Jacob didn't look convinced. His glare was locked onto Edward with the kind of intensity that could melt steel. Meanwhile, Embry looked tense, his sharp eyes darting around the property like he expected something to jump out at them.
Kagome sighed, brushing a hand against his arm gently in reassurance.
"I'll be fine," she told him softly, but Embry only sighed before pulling her into his arms. Her feet lifted slightly off the ground as he enveloped her in his embrace, his breath warm against her skin as he inhaled deeply at the junction of her neck.
She giggled when he nuzzled his face against her before finally letting her go.
"You're both being dramatic. I'm just meeting the Cullen's," she said, shaking her head, but they only returned slow, knowing smiles.
"Yeah? Well, it feels like we're sending you into the pits of hell, so humor us, please?" Jacob quipped before tugging her into his arms.
His grip was firm, almost reluctant, his arms tightening around her waist as he easily lifted her off the ground. She wondered if this would be a common occurrence with them, always picking her up like she weighed nothing. It sent a heady thrill through, unwilling to admit that part of her liked that.
Jacob buried his face into the crook of her neck, exhaling a deep sigh against her skin. It must be a scent thing with them, she recalled Koga remarking more than once that wolves were sensitive to smell. The heat of his breath sent another shiver down her spine, and a pleasant tingle spread through her, making her heart pound harder.
She swore she heard a low, guttural growl rumble from his chest, making her breath hitch. But then, just as quickly, Jacob released her, and she stepped back with a soft smile.
Embry, now standing with his arms crossed, was gazing up at the house, his expression unreadable. When she turned to him, his sharp eyes softened as he leaned against the hood of the car.
"We'll be here to pick you up," Jacob told her, but Kagome gave him a dull stare.
"No, Edward can drop me off. There's no need for any of you to drive all the way out here just to pick me up." She leveled them both with a firm look that left no room for argument.
Embry chuckled, cracking a smile while Jacob dragged a hand down his face.
"Kagome–" he started, but she held up a hand, cutting him off.
He exhaled sharply. "Fine. The leech can drop you off, but we'll be at the house when you're done. You're coming over for dinner again."
Kagome huffed out a laugh. It was a good compromise, she supposed. She hadn't planned on seeing the pack again so soon, but clearly, they were hell-bent on keeping her close.
The thought set a gentle warmth through her chest, easing the last of her hesitation. With a small smile, she turned toward Edward and Bella, raising a hand in a brief wave as they leaned against the hood of the car. She could still feel Jacob and Embry's lingering gazes, their presence a steady weight at her back, even as Edward led her and Bella up the steps to his home.
It wasn't until the front door closed behind them that she sensed their aura's finally retreating down the driveway, their warmth fading into the distance.
Alice was practically vibrating with excitement. The moment she caught the scent of Bella's sister approaching, she had to resist the urge to bounce on the balls of her feet. A bright smile stretched across her face, one she simply couldn't wipe away.
"Relax, darling. You'll scare her off," Jasper chided, though his tone was laced with fond amusement. His golden eyes held a quiet adoration as he watched her, the corners of his lips twitching in a knowing smile.
Alice merely grinned at him before skipping toward the stairs that led to the entrance, where Edward, Bella, and Kagome had entered.
The second Kagome stepped over the threshold, Alice was already there, waiting with an eager smile. She had been dying to meet her–Edward had been frustratingly vague about Bella's sister, and Bela, well…she didn't always pick up on the little details.
Now that Kagome was standing in front of her, Alice couldn't help but take her in all at once–the soft pink hues of her cardigan, the delicate plaid of her dress, the way she had swept her dark bangs to the side with matching hair clips. Everything about her appearance excluded effortless grace, yet there was subtle tension in her posture. Alice caught the way Kagome's striking blue eyes flickered between her and Edward, analyzing, assessing.
She didn't seem nervous, really–just cautious. And observant.
Alice took a step closer, reaching for Kagome's hands when the most god awful smell hit her.
The unmistakable scent of wet earth, pine, and something musky and wild clung to her like a second skin. It was overpowering. The stench of wolves. Alice instinctively wrinkled her nose, nearly recoiling, but she schooled her features in an instant. She couldn't let Kagome see her reaction–not when she was trying so hard to make a good first impression.
"Finally, we meet! I'm Alice," she chimed, masking her momentary discomfort with effortless charm. She clasped Kagome's hands in hers, giving them a gentle squeeze as she beamed. "And oh, you are just so cute! I love your outfit!"
Kagome blinked, seemingly caught off guard by the enthusiasm, but she offered a hesitant smile. "That's…sweet of you to say. Thank you, Alice."
Alice squeezed her hands once more before letting go, though inside, her thoughts raced. There was something about Kagome–something off. Not in a bad way, but in a way that made Alice acutely aware of the empty space where her visions should be.
She had known the moment Kagome arrived. Not by scent–though the underlying hum of her presence was different, subtly electric–but by absence.
Alice wasn't used to blind spots. Not like this. Even Bella, with her mental shield manifesting as a human, didn't create this kind of void in her visions. But Kagome? She was like a starless patch in an otherwise clear sky. Impossible to track, impossible to predict.
Still, Alice tucked that thought away for later and smiled as if nothing were amiss. "Oh, I only ever tell the truth," she said with a playful wink before stepping aside to let Kagome in. "Come on, there's no need to be shy. We've all been dying to meet you."
And despite her friendly tone, Alice couldn't help but think–I have never met anyone like her before.
Edward gave her a muted stare. They communicated without words, as they often did. When you had all the time in the world, you learned how to speak in silence. Her brother, for all intents and purposes, hadn't said much about Kagome–only that she remained completely unreadable to him in a way that was different from Bella.
There was something about Kagome that made her…different. And it wasn't just the fact Alice couldn't see her future. She was determined to figure out what it was. Alice didn't like not knowing. It wasn't like the wolves from the reservation–her inability to see them was a result of their heritage and what they were. She could deal with that.
But Kagome? That was different. It made Alice wonder whether she was manifesting a gift as a human or if she was something more. The mystery excited her, and Edward sent her a scathing stare that, to anyone else, might have seemed no different from his usual brooding expression. But to Alice, it was his "Please, don't start" look.
No promises, she told him silently, and he smiled faintly before following them up the stairs with Bella.
Alice led Kagome from the foyer up to the living room where the rest of the family were waiting. They were all eager to meet Kagome. None of them had known she would be coming down for the wedding–not even Bella, in retrospect, who admitted they lost contact ages ago.
The fact that Kagome was privy to their secret left most of them feeling unsettled, Rosalie in particular. The wolves really couldn't keep their mouths shut, but there really was nothing to it. As long as the Volturi never found out, perhaps Kagome's strange affliction to block most of their gifts would protect her. But at the very least, they found some relief in knowing they didn't have to pretend to be human around her.
And oh, what a shy little human she was. Alice could hear the steady rhythm of her heart pitter-patter against her chest and the slight stutter when they came up to the top of the landing.
Carlisle and Esme were the first to greet her as Alice led her over. They were both adept at playing the gracious host, which helped ease the slightly stilted silence that came with their presence. They never entertained human guests unless it was Bella.
"This is Carlisle and Esme–our parents, for all intents and purposes," Alice introduced, and Kagome inclined her head, a gesture likely ingrained from her heritage.
Carlisle had spent time in Japan at one point in his life, and his Japanese was impeccable. With a respectful bow, he greeted her, in flawless Japanese.
"It's very nice to meet you," he said, his pronunciation perfect.
Kagome's eyes widened in surprise before her entire face lit up. She returned his bow, an unmistakable sign of mutual respect.
"You look lovely, dear," Esme complimented warmly, and Kagome's cheeks flushed, the natural bloom of blood in her skin making it all too apparent.
Alice subtly turned her attention to Jasper, observing him closely. He had been doing well, keeping his thirst under control, and it had been over a year since his last incident. Edward and Bella shifted slightly to the side, Edward keeping a careful eye on him, just in case.
So far, he was holding up well, which was a relief.
They moved on, and Alice led Kagome over to Emmett and Rosalie, who were standing near the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the backyard. Emmett, practically radiating an endless source of energy, flashed Kagome a wide, dimpled grin.
"I'm Emmett," he introduced, sticking out his hand. Kagome looked momentarily startled by the gesture but quickly smiled, politely shaking his hand, though even she appeared quite small compared to his giant size.
"Wow, you really reek of wet dog," he added after a beat.
"Emmett, why…" Edward sighed, shaking his head. Bella smiled knowingly beside him, laughing softly.
Rosalie gave her husband an exasperated look, one they knew all too well before looking down at Kagome, her expression softer. Which was strange even for the tall blonde. She'd been the most vocal about the wolves inability to–as Rosalie put it, shut their damn mouth.
"Sorry about him. He has no filter. I'm Rosalie, and this idiot is my husband," she said evenly, gesturing to Emmett who at least had the decency to look somewhat apologetic.
Kagome seemed momentarily star struck by Rosalie's beauty, her wide-eyed expression giving her away. Alice caught the look and hid a knowing smile, but didn't comment as she gently guided Kagome toward the last introduction.
Jasper had been standing slightly apart, observing the interaction with his usual quiet vigilance. As Alice skipped over to his side, he instinctively tucked her against him, his touch effortless and familiar.
"And this is Jasper, my husband," Alice introduced warmly.
Ever the gentleman, Jasper inclined his head in greeting. "Ma'am," he said simply, his voice low and measured.
Kagome smiled, and for the briefest moment, Alice felt a pang of something bittersweet. If things had been different–if she wasn't already so entangled with those wolves–Alice could easily picture Kagome fitting seamlessly into their family.
Kagome was rather overwhelmed by the Cullen's warm greeting; they weren't at all like she imagined.
As a family, it was easy to momentarily forget they were vampires–until the subtle differences made themselves known. They moved with an effortless grace, as if time held no sway over them. On the surface, they appeared human, but to her trained eye, the small details set them apart in ways that couldn't be ignored.
For one, they didn't breathe. There was no gentle rise and fall of their chests, no absentminded sighs–just an unnatural stillness, like statues frozen in time. Their skin was another giveaway–shockingly cold, like the fleeting chill of freshly fallen snow against her fingertips. And, much like Edward, their presence carried an almost tangible aura, one that reminded her of winter's quiet, unyielding grasp.
They were breathtakingly beautiful–almost unnaturally so. Rosalie, in particular, stunned her with an otherworldly perfection that was almost difficult to look at for too long. Even Esme possessed a quiet, graceful beauty. Their appearance reminded Kagome of the ethereal allure of demons–how deceptively stunning they could be. She didn't sense any immediate threat from the Cullen's, but she hadn't survived this long by being naïve.
Still, Bella gazed at them with pure adoration, love for this family shining clearly in her eyes.
After Alice introduced her to everyone, the conversation quickly turned to Kagome herself. They bombarded her with questions–curious about her life, her experiences, and, of course, what Bella was like as a child.
"I think we still have some baby pictures of us as kids," Kagome offered with a small smile. "I can bring them by next time."
Esme lit up at the idea, clearly intrigued, while Bella groaned dramatically.
"Please don't. They'll blow them up and frame them," she muttered, shaking her head.
"I would absolutely love that," Esme said warmly, while the rest of the Cullen's–sans Rosalie, shared a laugh at Bella's expense.
The Cullen's home was nothing short of beautiful but something about it just felt like it was more of a showroom or something out of a magazine.
The wooden floors and soft lighting gave it a cozy ambiance, blending modern elegance with rustic charm. A large beige sofa sat at the center, draped with a plush throw and cushions, positioned over a patterned area rug. A sleek black coffee table held a small candle in the center, a few books, and a floral arrangement in deep red.
To the left hand side, a gray armchair paired with a round white table added to the room's balance, a potted plant giving a touch of life to the space. They even had a loveseat in a matching beige color with a few throw pillows. The fireplace was quite elegant, but remained untouched. Kagome could tell because of how bare it was. There was firewood stacked to the side with a dark wooden console along the wall that displayed books and carefully placed décor.
While all very meticulously thought out and well-placed, the room felt…cold. It felt like nobody lived in this space, like it was mostly just for appearances sake. Kagome felt the immediate difference between this space and the pack. With the pack, it felt like they actually lived in the space they called home.
Unwilling to let her preconceived conceptions affect her opinion of the Cullen's, Kagome tried her best to keep up the polite façade. They were generally nice vampires, reflections of their humanity nowhere to be found but she could feel it reflected in their eyes and mannerisms.
"So, Edward tells us you've lived most of your life in Japan–what do you do for a living?" Carlisle asked politely.
Esme was a lucky woman–Carlisle was incredibly handsome. Compared to his "son's", she found herself drawn more to the father. Not a single hair was out of place, combed back perfectly as he sat with his wife on the couch. She also noticed something peculiar–they all seemed paired off, and any time one of them moved, their spouse moved with them. It was like clockwork.
Even Edward and Bella, who mostly stood together, wrapped up in each other, as if this were a normal occurrence. They had been quiet the entire time, with Bella occasionally shooting her glances like she was checking up on her. She gave her a grateful smile.
Kagome tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I mostly just help out around the shrine and do odd jobs, usually part-time."
It was rather embarrassing to admit she had never really pursued higher education. After her excursions to the past, her grades had tanked, and she had only barely managed to graduate with her class.
"A shrine? Are you a priestess, then? Does your family practice Shintoism?" Carlisle asked curiously, his tone polite but it felt more like he was fishing for information.
Kagome blinked, momentarily surprised that he even knew what that was. His question hit a little too close to home, but there was no harm in answering–after all, this was public knowledge. She just wasn't comfortable telling them everything.
"Ah, my family comes from a long line of spiritual shrine maidens, yes, but it's mostly just tradition these days. Just family folktales and such. We don't run the shrine full-time anymore," she explained, carefully skirting around his initial question.
"I see. How…fascinating," Carlisle said, and Kagome wondered what he meant by that.
The Cullen's were difficult to read when they were together like this, and for a moment, silence settled over the room as they stared at her. She noticed the subtle shifting of eyes, the way Alice and Edward exchanged a wordless glance. Then, Bella cleared her throat, and the conversation moved on.
"We should arm wrestle," Emmett suddenly suggested, grinning.
Rosalie gave him a rather dull look, as if he had just voiced the dumbest idea she'd ever heard. "What? I'll go easy on her," he defended.
"You'll crush her, Emmett. That's a terrible idea," Edward said, which was the most he had spoken all morning.
Kagome giggled as she smiled. Emmett reminded her of an energetic puppy. "As long as you actually go easy on me, I don't mind," she replied, and Emmett laughed.
Alice suddenly stood up with a smile. She and Jasper had been sitting on a loveseat adjacent to the sofa when she clapped her hands and flitted in front of Kagome–too quick for human eyes to track.
Edward sighed. "Alice," he started in a warning tone.
"Darling, maybe a tad slower next time," Jasper said softly.
Alice had the gall to look sheepish as she apologized. "I can't help myself–you're just so cute!" she exclaimed for what seemed like the umpteenth time that day. Then, with a bright smile, she added, "Now is the perfect time to talk about the wedding and take your measurements!"
Bella groaned, and the Cullen's collectively laughed. "How much more is there to go over?" she asked, leaning against Edward. He smiled down at her fondly, and Kagome could see the love shining in his eyes.
Kagome looked away, feeling slightly out of place among so many happy, loving couples. Before she could dwell on it, Alice had her up and was already dragging her upstairs to the third level. Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Jasper bid them goodbye, while Rosalie and Bella followed at a more muted pace.
As Alice led her through the Cullen household, Kagome couldn't help but marvel at its size–they even had a fourth level.
For the next few hours, she was subjected to Alice's relentless enthusiasm and a barrage of questions. What was her favorite color? What types of clothing did she typically wear? Was she comfortable showing a little skin? How much of her bust was she okay with revealing? The question went on and on, confirming Bella hadn't been exaggerating–Alice really could talk about this forever.
Rosalie stayed for a while, assisting Alice with taking Kagome's measurements for the bridesmaid dress they planned to have tailored by an exclusive designer in New York. The blonde didn't say much, but her presence was striking. She was so stunningly beautiful that she couldn't help but feel plain in comparison.
It was insane–the Cullen's clearly had money, and they were sparing no expense to ensure Bella's wedding was absolutely perfect.
"So, a little birdie told me the wolves are sweet on you," Alice said, clearly trying to make conversation.
"Alice…" Bella warned, exasperated.
Alice waved her off, flipping through a catalog while Kagome finally had a moment to rest. "Oh, hush. It's just an innocent question, that's all."
Kagome laughed–word got around quickly. "It's fine. We're just…friends, that's all."
Bella and Alice exchanged a look. Kagome avoided their gazes.
"Alright, if you say–" Alice stopped mid-sentence, going completely still as the catalog slipped from her hands.
It was like she was seeing without really seeing, her eyes distant and unfocused, almost glazed over. Then, without warning, her hand shot out, clamping around Kagome's wrist in a grip so tight that pain flared down her spine. It felt like being crushed beneath a boulder.
"Alice?" Bella stood abruptly, eyes darting between them in alarm.
Energy crackled beneath Kagome's skin. She didn't want to hurt Alice, but the pressure was unbearable. A controlled pulse of reiki rippled from her wrist, almost impossible to see, and Alice gasped, recoiling as if she'd been burned.
Too quick for human eyes, Jasper and Edward appeared in the room. Edward, though trying to mask his concern, cast a worried glance at Bella.
"Darling, are you alright?" Jasper asked softly, his voice laced with concern as he took Alice's arm. She blinked, looking around at them with wide eyes.
"Let's…give them some space," Edward said, his expression unreadable. But Kagome caught the flicker of unease in his gaze–whatever had just happened, he knew, but he wasn't saying.
She rubbed her wrist, trying to soothe the lingering ache. A faint red mark had already started to darken, proof of how strong Alice really was. If not for her reiki, her wrist might have been crushed entirely.
Alice looked at her, positively heartbroken. "Kagome, I-I'm so sorry…" she trailed off, but Kagome simply shook her head and brushed it off with a small smile.
Whatever transpired, it didn't seem like Alice had meant to hurt her.
Jasper exchanged a look with Edward, their gazes flickering toward Kagome with something unreadable. Avoiding their scrutiny, she focused on rubbing her wrist as Bella approached, concern written all over her face.
"We should go downstairs," Bella said gently, grabbing her knit cardigan she'd discarded earlier. "I think there's an ice pack in the freezer for your wrist.
Jasper kept a steady hold on Alice as she turned her frightened face into his chest while Edward stood motionless, deep in thought.
Recognizing the silent dismissal, Kagome followed Bella out of the room. Together, they made their way downstairs and stepped outside onto the patio. The sky cast dark shadows along the surrounding forest, a perpetual grey cloud hanging overhead; it was already a little past four but it looked darker than that.
Kagome took a seat at the outdoor table, gently rubbing her wrist. A moment later, Esme stepped outside, setting down a tray of sandwiches and iced tea for them. Carlisle followed shortly after, carrying a first aid kit and an ice pack.
"Kagome, I apologize for Alice's behavior. She's…quite ashamed of herself," Carlisle said, his tone gentle. There was a hint of concern in his expression, and Kagome couldn't help but wonder what had truly happened to leave Alice looking so defeated–almost haunted.
"Allow me," he offered, taking a seat beside her and holding out his hand. "I can take a look and make sure nothing is amiss."
Bella shot her an encouraging look. "Carlisle is a doctor–he practices medicine at the hospital in town," she explained.
Kagome glanced up at him in surprise.
"I suppose it's not every day you meet someone of my kind working in such close quarters with humans," Carlisle chuckled, his voice laced with quiet amusement. There was something about him–an air of wisdom, like he had seen and understood far more than most.
"I assure you, it's strictly for educational purposes," he continued. "I just enjoy helping others, that's all."
His touch was careful, though startlingly cold, as he gently examined her wrist. His fingers traced over the forming bruise, now turning a faint shade of purple.
"Nothing serious–no broken bones, thankfully. A little ice should help keep the swelling down."
Kagome already knew that. A simple poultice would clear the bruising in no time, but Carlisle didn't know that, and she appreciated his kindness regardless.
He stood, leaving the ice pack behind, before disappearing into the house with Esme.
Left alone, Bella took Carlisle's place, picking at her sandwich before letting out a sigh.
"I'm sorry about Alice. The pack isn't going to be happy when they see that," she muttered, a look of dread crossing her face. She looked more worried than Kagome felt.
"It was an accident. I'll handle them and whatever fallout comes with it," Kagome assured her before shifting the conversation. "I'm more worried about Alice…it was like she saw a ghost or something."
Kagome felt the change in her aura, like something had suddenly come over her.
Bella sighed, avoiding her gaze. "It's…really not my place to say."
Kagome sensed Edward's presence nearby before he finally stepped outside, moving at a deliberately human pace.
He placed a hand on Bella's shoulder. "It's alright, you can tell her." His golden gaze met Kagome's, unreadable yet intent. "As I'm sure you've realized, some of my kind manifest certain abilities once we've turned. I can read minds, and Alice…Alice can see the future."
Bella seemed surprised that he was saying anything at all.
Kagome blinked, taken aback. "Like a prophet? She has premonitions?"
Edward inclined his head slightly. "Yes, but her visions are subjective. The future is always shifting." He exchanged a look with Bella that clearly said: we'll talk later. "It's really nothing to worry about–she'll be fine. Alice asked me to tell you she'll call later for a proper fitting once the bridesmaids dresses arrive."
Kagome frowned. There was more he wasn't saying–a lot more. She supposed she couldn't blame the Cullen's. They had only just met, after all. But something about Alice's reaction unsettled her. If it was truly nothing, then why wouldn't he elaborate?
Edward remained half-turned, like he was standing guard or listening to a conversation they weren't privy to. They must have heightened senses like the wolves, similar but different. They had fast reflexes and incredible strength, anyway. When they finished eating, it was already a little past four in the afternoon and Edward announced he would take them home.
Bella looked up at Edward, as if even she hadn't expected that. But she said nothing, and the Cullen's–minus Alice and Jasper–came out to see them off.
Watching them in this light, Kagome could tell there was more they weren't saying. It was written all over them. Emmett's usual jovial grin was absent, replaced by a distinct frown that stood out against his typically carefree demeanor. Rosalie's expression had been unreadable all day, but now her lips were pressed into an even thinner line, her displeasure more apparent than ever.
Kagome didn't know what was going on, but suddenly, she didn't want to be here anymore. She longed for the pack–for the warmth and security their presence brought.
Then, a thought struck her.
Bella was right.
The pack really wasn't going to be happy when they found out.