Hello!

I honestly didn't expect so many people to read this fanfic. I started writing it just to have a place to save my ideas and chapters, and my sister kept pushing me to post it—so I finally did.

Now that it's out there, I'm beyond happy to see that people are enjoying it! It means so much to me and I'm really grateful for the support. It's been fun to write, even though i'm not the best at writing, and knowing others are into it too makes it even better. Thanks for reading!

-RM


Chapter 28: Instincts in Overdrive

Robyn…

I let out a slight grumble.

Robyn.

I could have sworn I heard someone call my name. It sounded so familiar but far away and quiet like a whisper. Oh well. My eyelids began to grow heavier as I started to drift back to sleep.

Robyn! Wake up! It's important! Faye is about to attack Carlisle!

Ivy?

Wait—attack?

At that statement, My eyes flew open, and I tried to bolt upright but only made it halfway before realizing something was pinning me down. My heart raced. The room came into focus, and a low, menacing growl filled the air. More specifically, Faye was growling.

I looked up and noticed Faye was the "something" that was pinning me down as she growled at something in the corner of the room. Not something, someone. Faye was growling at Carlisle. Her ears were pinned back and her teeth were sharp.

I crammed my head around Faye to look around the room and noticed Carlisle in a corner with his hands up in a surrender pose. I looked toward the doorway and noticed the rest of the Cullens trying to calm Faye down. Every time someone steps into the room to help Carlisle, Faye's growl shifts toward them. Even Rosalie and Emmett aren't spared; the moment they try to enter, she snarls in their direction. But each time, there's a brief hesitation before her resolve hardens again, and her growl deepens before refocusing her attention on Carlisle.

That's not good. What happened? Then I remembered who called my name.

"Ivy?"

I'm here. Finally! I've been waiting for you to wake up!

"What happened while I was asleep? Why is Faye growing at Carlisle? What is going on?!"

Long story short, Carlisle came in to check Faye's vitals but when he got closer to you she snapped and it didn't help when he brought up Edward. Now she's in what I like to call "protective mode." I tried talking to her, but she can't hear me, all I hear is "protect Robyn" over and over again. She won't let anyone close to us. She doesn't recognize any one of the Cullens, they all look like Edward to her which makes all of them a threat.

"What? Wait, what about Rosalie and Emmett? She sees them as a threat as well?"

Yes, She recognizes them a little bit, but since the bond isn't complete. She doesn't trust them to get close to us.

"What do you mean by isn't complete?!"

It isn't complete. Normally when a bond is formed. It is usually recognized through a combination of eye contact and their unique scent, so they have a face to pin the scent to and because Faye never unblocked her scent before this…

"The bond isn't complete. Well, Rosalie and Emmett must know that Faye was the bear, right?"

Kind of? Now that she's not trying to mask her scent, they can finally smell her. It's soothing and comforting to them, which makes them unable to pinpoint why.

Though they feel the urge to help Carlisle, their instincts also urge them not to attack her. This creates a tense standstill as they grapple with what to do next, and that's where you come in!

"Me? What can I do?"

You need to calm her down before it escalates and she decides to stop growling and attack him for real. Ivy's voice was serious, but I could tell she was just trying to stay calm, I could hear her voice shake a little. She has far too gone into her protective instincts. She won't listen to anyone but the person she is protecting so, you're the only one who can get through to her.

I nodded, swallowing hard but I knew what I had to do. Faye was still crouching over me, her body tense like she was one hair away from snapping and jumping off the bed. Her growl was still echoing throughout the room.

"Faye," I whispered, my voice trembling at first, but I steadied myself, drawing on every ounce of strength. "Faye, It's okay. It's just Carlisle."

Her growl stuttered hearing my voice but she didn't move her head away from Carlisle as she continued to growl. Her eyes were fixated on Carlisle daring him to come closer so she could rip him apart, her protective instincts still overriding any rational thought. I decided to push it a little further, I needed her to come back to me.

"Faye, look at me."

I reached my hand out, slowly as I touched her arm. Her head snapped down towards me. Her eyes were wild, filled with anger, frustration, and confusion. It was as if she wasn't seeing me at first —just the threat. But then, I saw something shift in her demeanor. Her eyes and her growling softened the longer she stared at me.

"It's me. You don't need to protect me from them. They're friends. They won't hurt us. He's not here."

I heard Ivy's voice whispers, Keep going, it's working.

Faye's breathing was still uneven, but she wasn't growling as fiercely anymore. It was more like a rumble now. Slowly, I shifted under her, sitting up further until I was fully upright, making her sit in my lap.

"Carlisle's here to help," I said softly. "He's not a threat. I'm safe. You're safe."

Her gaze flickered to Carlisle again, distrust still lingering in her expression, but her posture was less rigid now. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to be careful with my next words.

"You know me, Faye. You know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, right?" I placed my hand on her cheek, feeling her warmth. "Trust me."

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, Faye's body began to relax, the rigid tension in her muscles melting away. Her gaze, once wild, cleared as she slowly lowered her head, finally resting it against my shoulder. The low growl that had been vibrating through her chest faded into silence.

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from both of us. Faye's breathing steadied, her head resting heavily on my shoulder as if the weight of her instincts was finally lifting.

The room, once thick with tension, felt lighter now as her growls faded into nothing more than a memory. I continued to stroke her hair and back gently, murmuring soft reassurances even though the worst seemed to have passed.

I decided to look over at Carlisle. he remained cautious, his eyes watching Faye's every movement as if she might suddenly change her mind and attack him again.

I met Carlisle's eyes and nodded, signaling that it was safe. "It's okay, she's calmed down," I said quietly, though my voice was steady this time. "She won't hurt you."

"Thank you," Carlisle said softly from his corner, lowering his hands but still cautious in his movements. His eyes, usually so composed, were filled with concern.

Faye stirred slightly against my shoulder at the sound of his voice, her eyes darting toward Carlisle as he slowly put his hands down, but I held her closer, brushing my hand gently over her hair. "Shh, it's okay," I murmured. "Everything's fine now." She seemed tired like the effort to remain on guard had drained her.

The rest of the Cullens still lingered at the doorway, their faces a mix of relief and wariness. Emmett looked worried and confused while Rosalie kept her usual calm aloof expression, but I could see slight worry and confusion that was mixed in as well.

You did it. She's okay now… for the moment.

I nodded my head in agreement happy that I was able to calm her down and keep the peace. If Edward had been in the room, it would have become a completely different story. I shivered internally thinking about how that scenario would have gone.

Carlisle, ever patiently, took a careful step forward. "Is it okay if I check on her vitals now?" he asked, his tone gentle but professional. It seems he decided to ask this time, somehow knowing that any wrong move could trigger her protective instincts again.

Oh yeah, I forgot how this all started.

I hesitated for a second, glancing at Faye's face. She was quiet now, but her body was still coiled with a lingering readiness to react. I stroked her hair again, whispering, "It's okay, Carlisle's just going to check your vitals. I'll be here the whole time."

Her eyes met mine, and for the first time since she'd snapped, I saw something more than just instinct in them. There was recognition—trust, though still fragile. She nodded her head slightly as she gripped my shirt, silently letting me know that she was okay with it but she wanted or needed me to stay.

I nodded my head understanding before turning my head towards Carlisle. "She'll be fine," I said, though it felt like I was saying it as much to myself as to Carlisle.

He gave a reassuring nod and approached us, his movements slow and deliberate. Faye tensed slightly but didn't growl this time. I kept my hand on her back, rubbing it to keep her calm and holding her steady as Carlisle gently knelt beside us, his fingers brushing her pulse with the lightest touch.

"I won't take long," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Faye's breathing hitched for a second but she stayed still, her hand still locked on my shirt. I could feel the tremors running through her, the war inside her trying to find a way to settle. I kept whispering to her, words of comfort, telling her she was safe, that I was okay, that we were safe.

Soon Carlisle finished checking her vitals and gave me a nod. "It seems like the fever is gone and she should be feeling a lot better." He then turns his attention to Faye. "Is there anything that's bothering you at the moment?"

Faye turned and looked at me. I could see she was back to normal, tired but back to normal. I decided to try mind-linking her.

"Faye, is there something that feels off?"

I wasn't sure if she would answer because she seemed so tired but I heard her respond.

…Robyn?

"Hey, Faye. Welcome back. I was scared that I was going to lose you for a moment."

Sorry, I couldn't help it. One minute everything was fine, the next thing I knew I felt angry and protective and just blanked.

"It's okay. At least, everything is okay now."

How did you know how to bring me back?

That would be me! You don't have to say it, I know I'm awesome! Thank you, thank you very much!

Ivy! Your back! I couldn't hear you when I first woke up. What happened?

As much as I would love to explain, We can talk about this later! Right now, Carlisle is looking at you guys like you are crazy.

I look over at Carlisle only to be met with confused eyes and furrowed brows.

Why is he looking at us like that?

Suddenly, I remembered why.

"Oh yeah, his question!"

Ivy let out a snort when I suddenly remembered why we started talking.

"So, how do you feel? Is there anything that feels off or is bothering you?"

Hmm? Oh! I feel better, I guess. The only thing that's bothering me is the room is too bright and my throat feels itchy. It's kind of hard to speak because I feel so thirsty. It feels like I haven't drunk anything in days.

"Okay, I let him know. And thirsty? Do you feel thirsty for water or blood?"

I don't need blood right now. Maybe in like in a week or two, I will. I would really like some water though.

I nodded my head before turning back to Carlisle. "She says that the room is too bright and that she's really thirsty."

His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. He looked like he was trying to solve something as he looked between Faye and me.

"Too bright?" Carlisle echoed, his voice thoughtful. He glanced at the windows, and in an instant, Rosalie was next to the window, pulling the curtains shut to dim the room.

Faye let out a small, grateful sigh, her body sinking further into me as the room grew darker. "Better?" I asked her gently, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face.

Much. She nodded her head against my shoulder, her voice soft but still laced with fatigue.

Carlisle nodded, satisfied with the dim lighting, but he was still studying us carefully. "We'll get you water in just a moment," he assured her, before turning toward giving me a professional look. "Her symptoms are improving, but I'll need to monitor her closely for the next few days."

I nodded my head as Carlisle, offered a reassuring smile. "For now, I'll leave you both to rest. I'll have Esme bring up some water."

As he moved to the door, the rest of the Cullens went downstairs. Rosalie and Emmett seemed reluctant to leave, but Esme's stern gaze prompted them to head downstairs. Faye shifted slightly in my arms, her grip still firm on my shirt. I stroked her back absentmindedly, offering her comfort as my thoughts raced.

As he reached the door, it looked like he was about to say something, but he hesitated, then simply opened it. When he did, Esme walked in, carrying a cup and a pitcher of water. She moved quickly, setting them down on the side table beside the bed. She gave us a warm smile, her silent way of saying, you're welcome, as I quietly thanked her.

Esme quickly exited the room, with Carlisle following close behind. Just before stepping out, he paused and turned back to me. "Once she's settled," he said softly, "would you mind coming downstairs? There are a few things we need to discuss."

I nodded and assured him, "I will." He returned the gesture with a brief nod before quietly closing the door, leaving us alone—well, as alone as we could be, knowing they could still hear every word, every breath, with their vampire senses.

I sighed in relief, keeping one arm wrapped around Faye while reaching for the pitcher with my free hand. I carefully filled the cup with water, then gently called her name to get her attention. She looked exhausted, so I held the cup to her lips and helped her drink, making sure she took slow, steady sips. Once she was done she rested her head back on my shoulder letting out a deep relieved sigh.

"Thanks," she whispered, her voice was hoarse but it was a lot better than how it was before. I hummed back indicating that she was welcome.

I stroked her hair, trying to soothe her, but my mind kept remembering what just happened. Faye had nearly attacked Carlisle, her protective instincts taking over completely. And it wasn't just Carlisle—she had seen every Cullen as a threat.

Faye's breathing was growing steadier now, but she still clung to me like she was afraid to let go. I held her tighter, whispering, "I've got you. You're safe. We're okay."

For a moment, it was just the two of us in the silence of the room, the weight of what had happened settling around us. But I knew we couldn't stay here forever. Carlisle wanted to talk, and I had no idea what it was.

I decided it would be best to let Faye stay upstairs, allowing her to rest and recover in peace rather than giving her the stress of the conversation we were about to have downstairs.

"Faye," I said gently, running my fingers through her hair. "I need to go downstairs for a little bit, okay? I won't be gone long. You can stay here. You'll be safe here. I promise."

She stiffened slightly at my words, her grip on my shirt tightening. "Don't… leave me," she murmured, her voice cracking with fear.

"I'm not leaving you. I'll just be downstairs, and I'll be back before you know it," I reassured her. "You need to rest."

Her eyes met mine, still filled with exhaustion and a lingering trace of fear, but she gave me a small shake of her head, her ears pinned against her head and her tail wrapped around my arm. "No… Take me with you."

"Faye, I don't think that-"

"No, I want to go with you! I don't want to be alone! I don't want you to go there by yourself!"

"Faye, you won't be by yourself. You have Ivy to keep your company. I'll be okay you'll be able to hear me from upstairs. I don't want you to be uncomfortable or cause you unnecessary stress."

"I don't care!" Faye's voice wavered, but there was a firm edge to it. "It'll cause me stress either way. I don't want you to leave my side—not for a while, at least. The moment you walk out that door, I'll be stressed, not being able to see you. I won't be able to relax knowing you're not here."

Her grip tightened on my shirt, eyes pleading with a desperation that made my chest ache. "Please… just take me with you."

While I was debating on what to do, Ivy chimed in.

Umm, Robyn. I would also like to come with you. Not that don't trust the Cullens, but I would feel better keeping you close and in our sight for a while. For everyone's peace and mind.

I let out a sigh. I had a feeling that even if I left them here they would try to follow me. "Okay, you guys can come with me," I promised, pressing a gentle kiss to Faye's forehead.

Hearing my sentence, Faye let out a deep sigh relaxing a bit and losing her grip on my shirt.

Good, because we would have found a way to come with you. Exhausted or not.

Hearing what said Ivy, Faye nodded her head with a determined look on her face. I let out a chuckle pulling Faye into a tight hug, "You two are so sweet, stubborn but sweet."

Thank you! Ivy's voice chimed in playfully. But we're not stubborn, Robyn! We're just clingy, there's a difference! And it's too late now—you're stuck with us!

Faye cracked a small smile, adding, "Yeah, you kind of signed up for this. No backing out now."

I laughed softly, feeling the warmth of their affection, even in the middle of all the chaos.

Faye rested her head gently on my shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can we stay like this for a little while? Just… before we go downstairs?"

There was a vulnerability in her voice that tugged at my heart, the kind that made me want to wrap Faye in a blanket, hold her close, protect her, and never leave this room. But I knew that Carlisle wanted to talk. The more I stared at Faye's pleading eyes the more my resolve wavered.

Fuck it!

He can wait!

"Yeah, of course, we can stay here for a while," I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before gently pulling her down with me. We settled into each other, I could feel the tension in all of us start to slip away into the warmth as I hugged her tighter.

I knew we'd have to go downstairs soon, but for now, this moment was ours. If Carlisle had a problem with it, oh fucking well, he should've given us a time limit.