Daybreak: The Renesmee Cullen Story

I’m a major fan of the twilight saga! And I was so sad that Breaking Dawn was the last book. So I wanted to write what I thought would be really cool to happen to Renesmee! I have no rights to the stories or any of the characters; they all belong to Stephanie Meyer. This is strictly a fan based story for enjoyment purposes only. Renesmee returns to Forks just months before her seventh birthday to visit Charlie and Jacob. On the way she meets a mysterious girl named Mackenzie and the two become fast friends. Only Mackenzie has a secret that will forever change Nessie life. Now she’s in a race against time to save those she loves and a missing Jacob, but she maybe too late! *PLEASE READ* OKAY THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CONFUSEION AS TO WHERE THE CHAPTERS ARE SO I JUST DECIDED TO POST ALL TEN AND COMPLETED CHAPTERS HERE SO THE CONFUSION WOULD CEASE! I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOY!! XOXO BREZZY BRE

Daybreak: The Renesmee Cullen Story By: Sabrina F. White

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1. Going Home It’s been four years since I left Forks. Well, since my family and I left Forks. I feel like I was taken against my will. I didn’t want to leave. I was born there, my life was there, my family was there and more importantly, my Jacob is there! I turned over in bed and let out a sigh. Goodness I miss him so much. I looked out my window into the cloudy sky. It was about time for me to get up. “Another day in Hanover, New Hampshire!” I mumbled to myself. My parents, who where in the kitchen stopped their conversation abruptly. They had heard me of course. Not that I was speaking so loudly, I could’ve been whispering and they still would’ve heard. How do you ask? Well that just one of the many benefits you have when you’re a vampire! Yes you heard right vampire. Short version: my dad, Edward Cullen, is a vampire. He met my mom, Bella Swan, when he was about 108 years old, while my mom was still human. About a year and a half later they were married. After that my mom had gotten pregnant with me and a month later I was born, nearly killing my mother in the process! That’s when my dad had turned her into a vampire too. My name is Renesmee Carlie Cullen. Rene after my grandma on my mom’s side and Esme after my dad’s adoptive mother. Carlie was a combination of the names of my two grandfathers, Carlisle and Charlie. So I’m half vampire and half human! Weird huh? Well you’ll get use to it! After a short pause, they continued talking. They were making last minute preparations for out trip to Denali to visit Tanya’s family. School 3

was out and it was time for our annual trip to Alaska. We go there just about every summer. I don’t know why, but I really wasn’t in the mood to spend the summer there this year. My Dad knew this of course, but he was waiting for me to voice my opinions on my own. He tired very hard to respect my privacy in my head. He has the ability to read minds. He’s learned to tune it out but sometimes he just can’t help it. It can be so frustrating! But I try to be very understanding! But don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with them, but I want to do something different! My Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rosalie were already there. In about a week or two they’d be heading for South America for another honeymoon. This would be the 5th or 6th, I’m not sure. My other aunt, Alice, and my other uncle, Jasper, went to visit Peter and Charlotte. They’re old friends of Jasper. I haven’t seen them since I was four months old. But that wasn’t a very pleasant visit since we were all about to die. A chill went down my spine as I pushed those awful memories from my mind. Trying to think of something else, Carlisle and Esme entered my thoughts. I didn’t know exactly where they where. The last time we heard from them they went to isle Esme. It was this island that Carlisle had given Esme as a gift. What a gift! “BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!” My alarm clock went off and I lost my train of thought. I reached up to turn it off. As I sat up in bed, I looked around my room. It is so big that I could fit another house in here. Well that’s what my mom says. It’s like my own little apartment. When you first walk in there’s a sitting area with a leather couch and love seat. Then up against the wall near my door is my entertainment center that I received for my “6th” birthday. It was from Emmett and Rosalie. That’s where I keep I my movies, my flat screen from Carlisle and Esme, my cable box, my blue ray player from Alice and Jasper (an updated version) which sat next to my old DVD player from a few years back. On the opposite wall, is where my bed, my dresser and my master bathroom is. On the right side of my room is my big picture window and computer desk. On the left is a huge closet, curtsey of Alice. It has everything in there! From clothes to shoes, from bags to purses, from jewelry to accessories, 4

and from hats to caps… I have everything! I haven’t even worn half of the things that are in there. But Alice and Rose would never have me wear anything twice. It’s been that way since I was a little girl. Mainly because I grew out of my clothes as soon as I got in them. I grow really fast… faster than most humans. By the time I was four months old I looked like a toddler. My aunts made a photo album of me that stretches sixteen years instead of six. My next birthday I’ll stop aging and remain seventeen forever! Just like my dad. At first I didn’t mind dressing up and taking photo’s, but it was an everyday thing and it soon began to bore me. But I did it to make them happy. When we left Forks, Alice and Rose wasn’t around as much so my mom picked up where they left off. Though I miss the time we would spend together, I enjoyed taking pictures with my mom. She wouldn’t make me dress up if I didn’t want to. “Nessie.” My mom called silently from down stairs. Nessie was a nickname that Jacob gave me when I was just a couple days old. He said my actual name was too much of a mouth full. I shifted through my memories and saw it clear as day when my mom first heard it! She lunged at his throat! She wasn’t to fond at the idea of me being named after the lock-ness monster. But it doesn’t bother me! Eventually it grew on her. “Give me twenty minutes mom!” I called back. I jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I took a hot shower and washed my hair. After I straightened my hair and my bang, I headed toward my closet. I grab my favorite pair of faded jeans and my gray Hollister t-shirt. I slip in my clothes quite easily and I examined myself in the mirror. My hair was a little frizzy mess. I shook it and it seem like every strand fell into place. “Perfect!” As always. I slipped into my shoes and headed down the stairs. I burst into the kitchen. “Hi mom, hi dad!” I smiled. My mom smiled back. “Morning sweetie, you hungry?” she joked. My dad flashed a crooked smile.

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“Very funny mom.” It’s not that I can’t eat food, I just prefer blood! I joined them at the kitchen table. “You all set for the trip?” she asked. I looked at her and then at my dad. There was no point in trying to hide anything from them because dad already knew and he would tell mom what I am thinking if she asked. Mom looked at dad and then at me. “What’s going on?” she questioned. Neither I nor my dad answered her. She continued to look between the two of us. “Well?” she asked again impatiently. I looked at my dad. Would you like to do the honors? I already knew what his answer would be, but I couldn’t help but ask. He shook his head. Mom looked as if she was about to go nuts. That’s when the words spilled out. “I want to spend the summer in Forks!” Mom stared at me with a blank expression. I knew I wouldn’t have much time to plead my case. This wasn’t the first time I had asked to visit there. Every time the answer was no, they didn’t want me out of there sight and since they couldn’t go back to Forks just yet, neither could I. I took advantage of their silence. “Before you say anything, please think about it. I really want to see Grandpa Charlie and Jacob and Sue.” Sue is Charlie’s new wife. They were married four years ago before we left Forks. “All of them I miss so much. I’d be on my best behavior and…” Dad put his hand up to silence me and then he turned to look at my mom. Something flowed between them in that instant. Even though he couldn’t hear her thoughts (because of my mom’s mental shield) they were still connected. Two halves of a whole. A minute hadn’t even gone by when they both turned to me, their faces giving nothing away. I held a straight face as well, waiting for the verdict. Had they discussed this already? It seems as if they had already come to a decision. “Yes we have discussed the subject quite a few times,” my dad said replying to my unanswered question,”and we have decided...” 6

My heart stopped during that short second, which seem to last hours. A smile broke across my mom’s face. “That you can go!” she finished his sentence. “I can go!” I screamed. “Yes.” She confirmed once again. “We feel that it would be really good for you to spend some time with Charlie and Sue, Jacob too.” I caught the look on my mom’s face before she composed herself. I don’t understand why, but she doesn’t like the fact that Jacob and I are so close. Though she puts on a brave face. “Will you guys be coming too?” I asked carefully. My dad eyed me suspiciously. It’s not that I didn’t want them to come, but I did want a little freedom from them, didn‘t I? He answered slowly, “No.” I let out a loud sigh and realized that I had been holding my breath. He grinned at me and mom giggled. “We’re going to Denali as planned. Then we’ll be leaving in August to celebrate out anniversary.” Now he was grinning at mom. He held out his hand and she took it. In that same moment he pulled her into a passionate and very intense kiss. It wasn’t the kind of kiss that was rated “G” or even “PG”. I know I should’ve looked away, but my eyes were locked on them. They were just so beautiful together. So in love. It was rare to see two people like this. Then again my parents where not like other people! I hated to interrupt them, but I couldn’t let it go on. I cleared my throat. They faced me once again. If they were still human, they would’ve been blushing. “So… how long will I be staying there?” It was mom who answered me. “Until your birthday.” “Really?” shock was in my voice. I had no idea they would let me stay that long. This was going to be awesome! “Charlie wants to celebrate your birthday with you. He’s missed you so much, I think it’s the lease we could do…” she trailed off at the end. “Of course. It’s a wonderful idea!” I chimed in. 7

She flashed that beautiful smile of hers and I couldn’t help but smile back. “We’re going to come and get you that same day and you’ll come home with us.” She finished. “Sounds like a plan!” That being said, dad was out of the front door in a flash. I put my hand on my mom’s face. Where is he going? I asked. This was how I usually communicated with them. Like my mom and dad, I have a special gift as well. I can share my thoughts with others as well as mental pictures by touching them with the palm of my hand. Even though my mom has a mental shield, I’m able to break through it because we both share a mental bond. I’m only allowed to do this around my vampire family and friends and the werewolves. I can’t even show Grandpa Charlie. He doesn’t want to know too much about what is going on so we keep him on a need to know basis! He tries to ignore the fact that I grow so fast. He nearly had a heart attack when he saw me on my 5th birthday and I looked like I was fourteen! “He went to bring the car around.” She replied. I felt confusion sweep across my face. Why? I asked with my hand still placed on the perfect face. “Because we’re leaving for the airport sweetheart we don’t want to miss our flights!” she chuckled. “We’re leaving?! Now! But I haven’t even packed!” I screeched. “Already taken care of. Your bags are in the car.” She reassured me. “Awesome!” I said as we headed out the door. My mom and I hopped into the waiting silver Volvo. We arrived at the airport at about ten after eight. Ours flights weren’t leaving until ten, but with security and picking up tickets, it can be a long process. Then my flight was delayed for another hour. Mom nearly flipped.

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“Mom please I’ll be fine. You’re going to miss your flight.” I protested. “We’ll just get the next one.” She retorted “That won’t be necessary I’ll be fine. I promise!” She didn’t look convinced. “But…” she started to say. “Bella, love,” dad said softly, “she’s going to be fine.” She looked up at him as if to plead her case, but yet of course she was powerless sometimes when it came to my dad. She nodded and I saw reason return to her face. “Alright.” she said in a pout. “Call Charlie and let him know your flight’s been delayed. When you hit that stop in Seattle you call and let us know your okay. Charlie will be waiting for you in Port Angeles I want you to call us then too. Your cell phone is in your carry on.” “You guys didn’t tell Jacob did you?” I asked. “No.” dad assured me. “We thought you might like to surprise him and the others. Charlie and Sue haven’t said a word to anyone.” I shouldn’t have been surprised that yet again, my parents have thought of everything. Gosh I was going to miss them for this short time that we would be apart. My face got hot as I felt the tears spill and trickle down my cheeks. “So this is it.” I managed in a shaky voice. “Oh thank you!” I hugged my dad. He held me tight and kissed my forehead. “I missed you already.” He said lovingly. “You too dad.” I looked at my mom then. If she could, she would have been crying as well. “Oh mom!” I cried. She held me close as if she would never let go. I almost wish she hadn’t. I pulled away from her and she looked into my eyes. She looked deep as if she was looking for something. I stared back at her. Looking at her eyes. The where a beautiful butterscotch as usual. I remember when they were blood shot red. She had to wear contacts around Charlie for a while. Then suddenly I really looked at her passed her beautiful face. Something was there. Then I 9

noticed her eyebrows were furred up. Her lips where tight and so was her grip on me, though it didn’t hurt at all. I realized that she was worried. I placed my hand gently on her check. Why? I asked. “It’s nothing.” She said calmly. I knew she was lying. She was trying to warn me without tipping off dad. I just know it, but there wasn’t enough time to figure out what she was trying to tell me. “Make sure you go hunting as soon as you can, but don’t go alone.” She stressed. “Okay. I won’t.” I promised. She pulled me into another embrace. It felt like she slipped something into my pocket, I wasn’t sure. “Have fun.” She said this time with a smile in her voice. “Don’t worry,” I whispered, “I have a feeling that this will be a trip that I will never forget.” The hour seemed to drag on much longer than it should have. To occupy myself, I watch all the people passing by. Most greeting their loved ones as they came through the terminal. Others were arguing over which way there gate was. My phone vibrated in the pocket of my carry on. I pulled it out so fast that it slipped and hit the floor. I bent down to retrieve it as did someone else. I reached it first, though, but the person touched my hand and cringed away. I look up at the person shyly. I forgot how hot my skin must feel to other people. The girl stared back at me unmoving. She was about my height and looked to be 17 or 18. Her yellow pleasant blouse looked beautiful against her milk chocolate skin. Her hair was dark brown. She also wore white Capri pants and yellow flats. I looked at her and even with a shocked expression on her face, she still looked gorgeous. If it wasn’t for her heart racing and the blood flowing through her veins, I would have thought that she was a vampire. But then again she could be my kind of vampire. I listened to her heart beat again, and realized it was beating normally. “Thank you.” I managed as I stood up. 10

She smelled so good that a made my mouth water a bit, however I bet she didn’t taste as good as my Jacob. She smiled at me then and her hazel eyes danced. “No need to thank me,” she told me, “I didn’t do much of anything.” Her eyes swept over me, like she was assessing me. When she was done, the girl nodded to herself. Before I could ask her what she was doing, a voice came over the loud speaker. “Flight 5116 to Seattle is now boarding at gate 19.” “Finally.” We both said in harmony. “You have the same flight?” “Yeah, I’m heading to Port Angeles to visit some friends of mine.” I examined her face and she didn’t seem happy about the trip. The girl turned quickly to gather her things and I picked up my bag. “Shall we?” she asked leading the way. “Sure! Looks like I’m going home! * * * The plane ride to Seattle was dull at first. I remembered my phone had gone off at the airport and I pulled it out of my jean pocket. There was a text message from my Jacob. Good morning Nessie! I miss you. I couldn’t help but smile. I miss you too! I text back. I hate being away from my best friend. It’s like torture! We need to be with each other. I guess if you looked at us from the outside, our relationship would seem strange. But he’s always been like a big brother and he’s the very best friend that I have. I shudder to think of life without him. I lifted my arm and looked at the bracelet on my wrist. My Jacob had given it to me as my first Christmas gift. It was his version of a promise ring. Then I began to wonder, what did he promise by giving me this gift? To always be there for me, that we’d be best friends forever, he’d always be there to protect me. That all seemed reasonable, although, what if this little bracelet symbolized something much more than what I was willing to accept. Could there be a deeper meaning to this? I continued to stare at it when I heard something from behind me. 11

“Oh how cute!” someone remarked. I looked up and it was the girl from before. She tossed her long wavy curls over her shoulder. “May I?” She gestured toward the empty seat next to me. It was as if her scent hit me in the face. It made my mouth water again. My family and I don’t feed off of human blood, but the blood of animals. We like to think of ourselves as vegetarians. When I was too young to hunt, I did drink donated blood from the hospital. I hate animal blood! Humans taste so much better. I got use to the idea when my Jacob would hunt with me. The girl interrupted my thoughts. She frowned. “If it’s too much of a bother, I can go and sit back in my seat.” I hadn’t even realized that she was still standing there. I fought to gain control and was successful. “No that’s ok. Sit with me.” I said carefully. I would have to go hunting as soon as I had the chance. She eyed me suspiciously, but still got comfortable in the seat with her jacket and cute yellow purse. “I apologize. We haven’t been properly introduced!” she held out her hand. “Mackenzie Macintyre.” “Nessie Cullen.” I shook her hand. She bit her lip as if she was fighting the urge to laugh. “Nessie… as in the lock-ness monster?” she chuckled. Before I knew it we were both laughing. For the rest of the flight we continued to chatter away and time passed quickly. I told her how I earned my nickname, leaving out the part where mom attacked my Jacob! Then I told her about my visiting Forks for the summer. How I couldn’t wait to see my grandpa Charlie and my Jacob. That’s when she raised one eyebrow and I paused. Her expression changed from serious to playful. “Who is this Jacob anyway? You seem to talk about him a lot.” She said with a grin. The tone of her voice made me blush. “I do?” I said innocently. “Uh, yeah you do!” She continued to look at me and I blushed even more. 12

“My goodness you like him!” “Of course I like him he’s my best friend.” “No, you like him like him.” she teased. “What!” I hollered. “Shhhh!” the flight attendant cautioned. “Sorry.” We whispered back. “I do not!” I protested. “Whatever! A smile a mile wide spreads across your face when you say his name.” “Really?” I said in disbelief. “Yes! Also when I say his name you blushed.” Mackenzie added. “Get out of here!” “It’s true! Jacob, Jacob!” she mocked. “Cut it out!” I scolded. She fought back a smile. “You mean to tell me that you’ve never notice any of that before now?” She asked sarcastically. I felt my face go blank. She took in my expression and remained silent. Jacob and I as a couple? The thought didn’t sound all that bad and we are so close it almost seemed… right! No! I told myself. Why would I want to mess up a perfectly good friendship? Jacob would probably think I was crazy for even thinking that we could be more than just friends. Or maybe he wouldn’t? Before I could go deeper into thought, the flight attendant came over to us. “Sorry to interrupted, but the plane will be landing very soon,” she informed us, “please put on your seatbelts.” We reach the next airport and I called my parents. They were still flying. It would be a couple more hours before they reached Alaska. We quickly boarded the next flight, this time Mackenzie and I had seats next to each other. Trying to avoid another Jacob conversation, I asked her about the friends she was visiting. “You’d love ‘em!” she gushed. “I’ve known them since… as long as I can remember. There are five of us. First, Langston, she is such a little weirdo and wears nothing but dark clothes, though I wouldn’t call her a Goth; then there’s my gay best friend Vincent, 13

the funniest guy in the world; after him we have Alexandria, preferably known as Alex. She’s so… well stuck on herself! I love her to death, like she was my own sister, but sometimes we don’t see eye to eye!” she grimaced. “Last, but not least, there’s Shane. He’s absolutely handsome! We’ve all had a crush on him at one time or another, but he doesn’t like to date his friends. I would say he was the second coolest next to me.” “So they all live in Port Angeles?” I asked. “Well, sort of…” She hesitated. “What do you mean?” I was suddenly curious. “Nessie it’s a very complicated situation.” She looked worried, almost frightened. Before she could finish, her phone shook in her hands. “Alex.” She answered. “Where are you guys?” Mackenzie must have been talking for a while, I’m not sure. I fell asleep at one point. I must have been sleep for a while because when I came to, the sun was setting. “Damn it!” Mackenzie said furiously. She slammed her phone shut. I sat up in my seat. “What happened?” I said concerned. She let out a sigh. “My friends had to leave at the last minute and they won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. Now I don’t have a place to stay the night.” She leaned her head back on the seat and shut her eyes as if she was deep in thought. Then something bright caught my attention. It was a silver crystal that hung around Mackenzie’s neck. I didn’t notice it before, I guess that’s because it wasn’t glowing before. I gasped. Then the light went out and her eyes fluttered open. I stared at her. “Something wrong?” she whispered softly. “Your necklace.” I choked out. That’s all I had to say for her to understand. “Oh.” She looked around and turned back to me. “I’ll explain later, but not here.” “Wait I’m confused!” I blabbed.

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“Put on your seatbelt,” she continued as if I didn’t say a word, “the planes about to land.” I put it on and turned to look out the window at the hazy blue sky. When we came out of the terminal, Charlie was waiting right in front of the crowd with Sue. “Nessie!” he shouted over the other voices. “Grandpa!” I hollered. I ran into his waiting arms, nearly knocking him over. “Oh I missed you both!” I managed to pull away from him to hug Sue. “How was your flight? I know you must be tired!” she examined me from head to toe. “Charlie lets get this poor girl home so she can get some rest.” “That sounds like a good idea.” He agreed. I searched and searched. Then I finally found her standing by the bathroom. “Wait,” I called to Charlie and Sue as they started to baggage area, “we can’t leave without my friend.” Charlie looked puzzled. “Your friend? Bella didn’t mention that you were bringing a friend.” I talked quickly. “Well, she’s visiting some of her friends here, but the thing is they aren’t quite ready for her yet. So would you mind if she stays with us for a little while?” Charlie looked at me for a long moment, then at Sue. She nodded at him. “Your friend is welcome to stay with us as long as she likes.” he smiled. I knew they’d say yes! I usually got what I wanted. “Great!” I beamed. “I’ll go get her, she went to the restroom.” I made a dash for the bathrooms, at my human speed. I caught her arm as she started to head in the opposite direction from where I was coming from. She pulled away from me. “Whoa! Are you running a fever or something?” she yelped, but I ignored her question. “You’re coming with me!” I grinned. She laughed. “Where to?” 15

“Well you don’t have a place to stay, so why not crash at my grandpa’s house with me?” She didn’t look surprised by my offer, almost as if she already knew that I was going to ask her this. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose on you and your family.” She looked at me as if she was trying to give me a warning. It reminded me of how my mom looked this morning… “Positive!” I chirped. “Shall we?” I said mocking her. We both started giggling. Charlie looked pleased as he saw us heading back to where he was standing with Sue. “Grandpa this is Mackenzie. Mac this is my grandpa Charlie and his wife Sue.” She seemed to smile wider at the nickname I had given her, like we were really friends. Maybe we could be? “It’s really nice to meet you Chief Swan, Mrs. Swan. I’ve heard so much about you!” “Please call me Charlie. I hate to be in such a rush, but we’ve have a house full of hungry people!” We started walking to the baggage area. “Is my… I mean is Jacob there?” I asked anxiously. Charlie raised his eyebrows. Sue smiled quietly to herself. “Yes.” He mumbled through his teeth. I smiled at him and I heard Mackenzie chuckle. Charlie doesn’t like that Jacob and I are so close. He, like many other people find it to be weird. I grabbed my two large suitcases from the conveyer belt, with a little help from Charlie. Mackenzie had a huge duffle bad. As we were heading out the glass doors, the security guard smile and said, “Enjoy you stay girls! But be very careful!” he warned. All friendliness had disappeared from his face. It sent a chill down my spine and I felt Mac stiffen at my side. “Thank you.” Mac said her voice wary. I couldn’t find my voice so I just nodded. We caught the elevator and went to the parking garage. Concerned, I looked up at Charlie. “What did he mean by ‘be careful’? Is there something wrong grandpa?” He took a deep breath, but he didn’t look at me while he explained.

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“A few kids have gone missing. Well not kids but teenagers. At first they were considered runaways. Now so many of them have gone missing lately, just disappearing from their homes without a trace.” Charlie’s voice grew quite. I stared at him in horror. Was that what my mom was trying to tell me? He turned to me then, and took in my expression. “But it hasn’t reached Forks!” he quickly added. “Yet.” Mac said under her breath. We finally reached the cruiser. Charlie was loading up the trunk. “Does mom know?” I muttered. “Yes, she didn’t want to worry you and your father. She almost didn’t let you come, I had to beg.” He chuckled, but then was serious again. “She said Edward would never allow you to go if he knew that there is danger here. Of course I wouldn’t hold that against him. After we talked for quite some time, she knew that you would be safe here with us.” “So I’m guessing that dad still doesn’t know anything about this.” I sighed. “No. She said he would overreact.” He shrugged. She was absolutely right though, dad would have a cow if he knew and I’d be on the first plane to Alaska! Mac and I climbed into the backseat. Charlie revved up the engine. “Ready to go home Ness?” “Oh Yes!” I exclaimed. Charlie smiled at me through the mirror. It was a quite drive back to Forks. I looked over at Mac and she was fast asleep. Her necklace was glowing in the darkness. I didn’t realize how sleepy I was myself. I fought against my eyelids as long as I could, but it was a losing battle. Finally I gave in and went under.

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2. Reunited I woke up in the darkness. Confused, I propped myself up on my elbows and looked around. I looked over at the clock on the dresser. It was twenty after two. That’s when I realized that I was in my mother’s old room. I assessed myself, and found that I was still wearing the clothes that I had traveled in. Charlie must have carried me to my room. I sat there for a moment. Charlie wouldn’t have made it up the porch carrying me. Then how did I get here? I shrugged. I was too tired to care about anything. I turned over trying to get comfortable. I froze. A pair of eyes met mine. “Oh my gosh!” I screeched. I jumped up trying to get out of the bed, with whoever else was in there with me. My leg got twisted in the sheets and I hit the floor with a loud thud. Disoriented, I managed to sit up. I heard muffled laughter coming from the bed. I’d recognize that wonderful sound anywhere. I was off the floor in a flash. “Jacob you jerk.” I punched him in the arm. “Ouch!” he complained. “That wasn’t very nice.” “Oh you’re the one to talk!” He grinned at me in the darkness and my speeding heart fluttered. “Oh Jake I’ve missed you!” I reached for him and he pulled me into his arms. “Already!” he teased. “I we just saw each other three days ago.” Jacob comes to see me as much as he can, but it’s hard for him to leave the pack. “Are you saying you didn’t miss me?” I looked up at him. “Of course I did Ness.” He murmured softly. “I can’t stand being away from you for even a second.” We held each other in the darkness for a long moment. My stomach rumbled. 18

“Someone’s hungry!” he chuckled. “Yeah I was meaning to go hunting as soon as I got here, but it was late and…” “You fell asleep during the ride home and I had to carry you and your friend in the house.” Jacob finished. Mackenzie. I looked around the room but she was nowhere in sight. I looked at Jake and touched his face. Where is she? “She’s sleeping on the couch.” He informed me, and then he continued slowly. “Who is she?” My hand was still on his face and I showed him how we met and that she didn’t have a place to stay, so I invited her here. “Nessie! She’s a complete stranger!” Jake stressed. “She’s a friend of mine and you’re just going to have to deal with that!” I said my voice firm. He nodded. “Now can we go hunting? I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.” I pleaded. “Now?” he frowned. “Yes now. It won’t be as tough as it is in the day time where the animals are running around all over the place.” “Well that’s no fun.” Then he smiled. “You just aren’t up for the challenge.” “Oh please I can get a larger one than you any day!” I said playfully. I don’t like animal blood, but Jacob makes it more fun to go hunting. My stomach made another loud noise. “Enough playing around,” he said seriously, “lets go.” He let my go sooner, it seemed, then he should have. My lips formed a pout and he laughed at me. I put on my shoes and put my hair in a ponytail. “Ready.” He opened my bedroom door. We went quietly down the stairs. Jacob was already at the back door. “Wait, I just want to check on Mac real quick.” I walked into the living room. I gasped. Jake was by my side in an instant. “Are you okay?” he demanded. 19

“She’s gone!” I said in horror. Jake looked at the couch and saw that it was empty. “She was just here, and I didn’t hear her leave.” Jake assured me. “Neither did I.” I told him. “Where could she be? What if something happened to her?” He stared at me. “Come on Jake! I heard about all the children disappearing lately.” I winced. “But Nessie,” he interrupted, “she didn’t leave the room and no one was here.” “How do you know that?” “Hello it called a sense of smell.” He said sarcastically. “This isn’t funny!” I snapped. “I know. Sorry” he apologized. It was silent in the room now. Jake was right. As I smelled around the room, her trail was hours old. The strongest scent was from the couch, where she had been last. And no one had been through here for hours, aside from me and Jake. But where was she, how did she manage to leave without making a sound or leaving a trail? Jacob must have been thinking the same thing. “It’s like she vanished out of thin air.” He said in disbelief. “People don’t just disappear.” I retorted. “They have been lately.” I couldn’t argue with that. Maybe she was the latest victim! I had to find her. “Jake,” I paused but then continued, “Could you let the pack know what’s going on so they can look out for her if they see her or something. Whatever did happen she couldn’t have gotten far!” “Give me two minutes!” he was out the back door in two long strides. I stood there, motionless. What on earth happened to her! But I knew one thing for sure, she found away to leave this room without actually leaving the room. Does that even make sense? It probably doesn’t, but it’s the only explanation that I can come up with. I was walking into the kitchen when Jacob came back in.

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“They’re on alert. If they see hear they will let us know asap!” he assured me. “Good. We should start looking too!” I was heading out the back door when he grabbed my arm. “Oh no you don’t!” he whirled me around to face him. “Why not!” I whined. “Hunt first then you can go find your weirdo friend.” “But,” I began in protest. “No buts!” his voice was firm and I knew he wasn’t going to let me talk my way out of it. “No mine was!” I glared at Jake, but he wasn’t backing down. “No Ness, mines was bigger!” he objected. I was standing next to my mountain lion, which was obviously larger than his. “Why must you be so difficult? Why can’t you just admit that I win again?” I said trying to persuade him. He was facing me towering over his kill. “Because mine was definitely bigger than yours.” I sighed. We were both stubborn, so one of us was going to have to give in. I decided that it was going to be me. “Fine you win.” I said in a smug voice. “Yes!” he cheered. He put his arm around my waist. “Don’t be upset Ness.” He whispered into my hair. “You’ll get other chances!” I elbowed him in the ribs. “Gosh! So abusive!” he snickered. I giggled. “Are you full?” he said suddenly overcome with concern. “Very much so!” I reported. “Good.” We walked hand in hand toward the clearing. “Jake.” I said softly. I felt his eyes on me now and I suddenly felt warm. “We’re friends right?” I looked at him as he looked away from me. “Yes.” He responded in a dead tone. “And we’re very close right?” 21

“Yes.” His voice still dead. “And I’ve been thinking about us.” “What about?” he sounded curious now. “About our relationship.” Then the words came out in a rush. “I know that you imprinted on me, but I never quite understood what that meant. On the plane I was thinking about the bracelet you gave me and what it symbolizes and… my feelings are changing for you Jake and I don’t know what to do. I mean I know you might not see me in that way, but I really like you, I mean I don’t just like you, I love you. Oh no. Now I know I’m cra-” Before I knew what was happening, Jake’s lips where pressed against mine. So soft and sweet. Right then and there I knew that this is what we both wanted. Each other. Heat washed over me as I pulled him closer to me. He stopped kissing me abruptly. He was looking over my head. “Why did you stop?” I was trying to catch my breath. I examined his face. “What happened?” I was now alert. “Wait here.” He was out of sight then. Less than a minute later he was back. He had phased in to his wolf form. Jacob was a werewolf. Well the better term would be sharp shifter. “What is it, did they find her?” I asked. Before he could answer, the wind blew and I smelled something. A human. Then I heard a loud gasp. I looked over to the trees and saw someone standing in the shadows. Who on earth would be out here this time of morning, in their pajamas? I realized who it was. She stood there in total shock, looking from me to the werewolf. How much had she seen? How long had she been there? Before I could ask her anything, her body collapsed from under her. “Mackenzie!” I screamed into the darkness.

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3. The Unknown Jacob burst through the back door. “Quiet!” I warned. “I don’t want to have to explain anything to Charlie.” Sue already knows about vampires and werewolves. Her son and daughter, Seth and Leah, are werewolves too. They’re apart of Jacob’s pack. “Where do you want me to put her?” Jake had Mackenzie cradled in his arms. “My room.” I replied. We moved silently through the house. Jake placed her gently on the bed. She started to moan. We looked at her; she seemed to be in pain. I turned to Jacob. “Is she going to be alright? When do you think she’ll wake up?” I whispered. “I don’t know.” We stood there in the silence. He spoke first. “I want to know what she was doing out there this time of night.” He said quietly. Before either one of us could say another word, a white light flashed across his face. He covered his eyes. “What is that?” I turned around and looked at Mackenzie. It was the crystal. This time it wasn’t glowing, the light was flashing. She started to breathe funny and her heart rate increased. Suddenly she started thrashing wildly. Jacob and I restrained her so she wouldn’t fall off the bed. “What’s happening?” he grumbled. “I don’t know.” I hissed. Her body continued to move under our hands. Then the light started flashing faster and brighter. Her eyes snapped open. “Mackenzie!” I shook her, but she wasn’t looking at me. It was as if she was sleeping with her eyes open. Her body stopped moving, but then her eyes were wide in horror. She opened her mouth to 23

scream and I placed my hand over her mouth to try to keep her silent. It helped a little, though you could still hear muffled screams. “If she doesn’t stop soon Charlie’s going to hear.” Jacob remarked. “I know that, but what can we do she’s in pain.” I said. She continued to scream between my fingers. The light was flashing faster than the beating of my heart, it was almost blinding. A few moments later, the light went out completely. Gasping for air, Mackenzie re focused her eyes on me. “Are you okay?” My voice strained. Trembling, she sat up. Her eyes were still filled with horror. “No.” she choked. With tears flowing down her face, she leaned on my shoulder and sobbed. Jake looked as confused as I felt. He stood up then. “I better go. Charlie will be waking up soon.” “Hurry back.” I managed. “I will.” He smiled and kissed my forehead. Then he was gone. I put my arm around Mackenzie and we laid back against the pillows. Something is very wrong! I can feel it, like a vibe. There’s something going on here in Forks... and I bet she knows exactly what it is. I have so many questions. Like, what was she doing when she was examining me at the airport? Or how was she able to leave the room without leaving a trail?!? What could she have possibly been doing out there in the clearing? But what I really want to know is what’s up with that crystal. On the plane and the car ride home, it glowed. Then just a moment ago when she seemed to be in so much pain, the light from the crystal was flashing. There’s so much I want to know, and so much that she probably wants to know as well. Am I ready to share my secret with her? How else am I suppose to explain the fact that Jacob turn into a werewolf? “Oh, no. No, no.” she cried. I stared back at her. “Oh, Margaret no.” “What?” I asked confused. “Who’s Margaret?”

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But she didn’t answer me. She continued to cry, until she was sound asleep. * * * I awoke about noon. I looked around and she was gone again. With a sigh, I was out of bed and into the shower. I put on a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. I grab my socks and shoes, then went down stairs. Charlie and Sue were in the living room. “Well hey there sleepy head.” Charlie teased. “Oh, yeah. Sorry I didn’t mean to sleep that long.” I apologized. “It’s fine.” Sue assured me. “I’m surprised your friend was up early” The tone of her voice made me aware that she pretty much knew what had happened last night. “Where is she?” “Right here.” I turned to see her walking through the front door. “I just wanted a little fresh air.” We stared at each other, until an announcement on the news side tracked me. “It has been confirmed this morning that the body that was found is indeed sixteen year-old Margaret Willow. She was found in the woods a few miles from the Lodge early this morning. Mysteriously, the blood from her body was completely drained. She is among the many teenagers who have gone missing in recent weeks. Are prayers go out to the Willow family. At this time there are no leads, but we will keep you informed as new information comes in.” Strangely, I felt as if my body went numb. Margaret… where have I heard that name before? Then it clicked. Margaret! Oh, Margaret no. Mackenzie said her name last night. Now this was getting weird. I didn’t just want to know what was going on with Mac, I needed to know. How did I know that I was safe with her around? That my family was safe with her here? But I thought about how much pain she was in earlier. She seemed so sad. 25

“Nessie.” Charlie interrupted my thoughts. “I want you two to be very careful and to stay out of the woods.” He demanded. “Okay.” That was all I was able to say. I crossed my fingers behind my back. He and Sue where off the couch and headed for the door. “We’re going to Billy’s for a while; would you girls like to come?” Sue said doubtfully. “Not today,” I told her, “I’m still a little tired.” “So am I.” Mac added. “Well there’s food in the fridge and you girls call us if you need anything!” she stressed. “We will.” I said closing the front door. I turned and faced Mackenzie. I was puzzled by the smile on her face. “This is awkward.” She chuckled. I didn’t respond and the smile faded. “Alright, I know I have a lot of explaining to do...” I cut her off. “You’re damn right.” “As do you!” she shot back. We glared at each other. “Look,” she began, “I don’t mind telling you what’s going on because I know I can trust you, but I just need you to trust me.” I folded my arms across my chest and looked at her in disbelief. “Please.” She looked so helpless in a way. “Fine.” I caved. “You first.” She walked to the couch and I sat in Charlie’s chair. She took a deep breath. “Well, my name is defiantly Mackenzie Macintyre. I was born here in Seattle to my mother Catherine and my father David. I loved them so much.” “Loved?” I murmured. “They um, died when I was nine.” I could see she was fighting back the tears. “I’m so sorry.” “It’s okay. So, I was sent to live with my uncle Xavier. He was very young to be taking on the responsibility of raising me, but it was either I go live with him or strangers. I didn’t really see him much for the first five years. He’s a scientist and he was always off in his lab doing some type of experiment, but I had no idea what he 26

was really up to. I was about fourteen when strange things started happening to me. I had gotten violently ill and the doctors had no idea what was wrong with me. That’s when my uncle took me home for private care. I remember he told me that I was going to be okay. I didn’t believe him though. I was just so sick! I had such a high fever, but I was so cold. I couldn’t keep anything down and my nose would bleed all the time, so I lost a lot of blood. I was just ready to give up. Then one morning I wake up and it was like I was never was sick at all. I had my strength back and the fever was gone. My uncle had one of his doctor friends run a few test to make sure that I had made a full recovery and everything was perfect. I was expecting things to return back to normal. But they didn’t.” She paused for a second. “My uncle had taken me out of my public school and had me home schooled. Also he was home a lot more and he watched me closely. I thought he was just trying to keep me close in case I was to turn ill again. Then a week later things just got weird! I was outside reading my book on the porch, and somehow I manage to lock myself out of the house. I had no way of reaching my uncle. So I just sat there on the front steps. That’s when it first happened. All I know is that I was just sitting there, wanting so badly to be in my room. I closed my eyes and pictured myself on my bed listening to my music. Then the next thing I knew I was in my room, sitting on the end of my bed!” My mouth fell open. Then I processed what she just said. “So you just blinked and you were in your room?” I finally said. “Yeah as a matter of fact, I call it blinking because if there’s somewhere I want to go, all I have to do is think about it. Then I close my eyes, concentrate and in the blink of an eye, I’m there!” That would explain how she was able to depart from the room without leaving a trail. She blinked out of the room. I was curious. “Can you blink anywhere?” “No.” she frowned. “I can only go to the places that I’ve been to before. When I close my eyes I have to be able to see the place in my head, I’m not sure why, but that’s how it works.” “Well that sort of sucks, but it’s still really cool!” I told her. 27

She smiled. “But how come you’re able to do that?” I asked. Her expression was serious again. “Oh yes the million dollar question.” She hesitated. “I was so mystified by what happened. I didn’t know what was going on, at first I thought I was going crazy or something. That’s when I decided to keep my new discovery a secret for a while until I knew for sure that I wasn’t dreaming or something. Every day for a week I sat on the porch and tired to figure out how I ended up in my room. But I just couldn’t do it, that’s when I almost gave up. Then I closed my eyes and I pictured my room and I really wanted more than anything to go there. I opened my eyes and there I was! In my room. Since I couldn’t do it automatically at the time I had to really want it more than anything, now I can blink without even trying!” It happened very fast then. I barely blinked myself and she disappeared. I looked at the spot on the couch where she once sat. “Mackenzie?” I called. I picked up her scent and looked away from the couch. She came around the corner, chewing on an apple. “These are really good!” she said between bites. I laughed. “Wow. That was really cool.” We both got comfortable on the couch. “I would blink everywhere! To the kitchen, the bathroom, to my closet!” she grinned. “One day I had gone to the movies and I blinked home. Usually Xavier gets in late from working in the lab, but not that day. I had blinked into the kitchen and was about to get me a glass of water. And I looked over to see him sitting down, trying to eat his dinner. He was in a state of shock for a minute or two, but he recovered quickly. So I joined him at the table and he asked me how did this happen, how long had it been going on, why didn’t I tell him, all that stuff. But he wasn’t freaking out, like he was almost expecting it. Which he was! That’s when I found out about our family secret.” She took a few deep breathes and I waited. “There are beings that live among us, they’re I guess you could say gifted. For some it’s a curse. You know, I have never been the type 28

of person to believe in the supernatural. I relied on the cold hard facts and that was that. Knowing what I know now, I believe anything is possible. Anyways, back during the Salem witch trials, many witches and innocent people died. “Wait!” I gasped. “Like actual witches! Pointy nose, pointy hats, spell books and all!” She giggled. “Well they have spell books, but as for the pointy nose and hats not so much. I know a few personally.” “Get out!” “Seriously.” She gushed. “I’m not a witch though. There were others around during this time. It was this group of very unique people. They had supernatural abilities. “Supernatural abilities,” I said, “like what?” “Some were able to teleport. That’s really the correct term for what I can do. Also some were telekinesis, they could move objects with their minds; a Seer is a very rare and special person, they could see the exact future, it’s was never changing! No matter what you do to stop it from coming true, it’ll still come to pass. Though it was very helpful, it sometimes sucked! The human flames are cool. They can set things on fire. It’s a very dangerous power if it gets into the wrong hands. Finally we have, what I call, stoppers.” “Stoppers? What are they?” “Just like the seer’s, they are rare and special, but much more powerful. They control the hands of time. There are only three who possess this power. The Guardians: Morgan, Mariah, and Mordakai. All brothers and sister, they lived peacefully in Salem in the late 1700’s. One afternoon, they were heading back home from town and were attacked by others with special abilities. Some say it was because of jealousy, others say different, but no one really knows why. Mariah was killed that day! Mordakai and Morgan tried to save her by turning back time, but they couldn’t.” “Why not?” I complained. “Have you ever seen the Lion King?” she asked. “The what?”

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“Oh goodness! There is a circle of life, the order of things in the natural world and the supernatural world. People are born and people die. If they could go back and resurrect people then that would throw things off don’t you think! There are rules that have to be followed. But there are suppose to be three keepers of time no matter what, so either she was reborn or somebody possesses the power and just doesn’t know it yet. The brother’s have been searching for a while!” “Who are these beings?” I suddenly whispered. “We,” she corrected me, “are the Unknown.” “The Unknown?” I repeated. “Yes, during the trials people did know what to make of us. We didn’t cast spells so they couldn’t exactly say that we were witches. They didn’t know what to call us. We were just unknown.” “So you’re an unknown.” I said to myself. “Are many of you guys still around today?” “That’s a little hard to explain.” She mumbled. “Try.” I encouraged. “Well many of our kind died during the witch trials. Only a few were able to escape. One of them was my very great grandmother, Diane. She was one of the two seers at the time and they saw her as a leader. They were altogether at first, but they felt that it would be safer if they were to split up. So she came here and she tired to live a normal life. She married and raised children of her own, who also appeared to have special abilities. Over the years though, it seemed that the unknowns were dying out. Powers and all. My great aunt was one of the last to show signs of having any type of gift. She was a seer too. On her death bed she said she had a vision that there would be another. A very powerful unknown in our family. Everyone listened to what she said because a seer is never wrong. But decades passed and nothing ever happened. My uncle said he thought that she was dreaming it all up, until I got my powers. He thinks I’m the one.” “So you’re the very last unknown, in your family that is?” I asked. 30

“No.” she said in anger. “But I thought that your great aunt was the very last to have any powers.” I was confused. “Well she was the last one to inherit her powers naturally; my uncle on the other hand is the first to use science to inherit his.” “He used science to get an unknown’s powers, how?” I screeched. “Apparently, after they drained the blood out of my aunt’s body to put that other fluid in her, he took some of it! He had this theory that maybe if her DNA mixed with his, in the right way, that maybe he would be able to have powers too. He said he felt cheated that he never got his birth right, but my dad didn’t really care. After months of preparations he was ready to test out his theory. He injected himself with her blood. A few hours later, he said he got very sick. That’s how he knew it was working. For some reason when our gifts start to kick in, our DNA is altered so we get very ill for a while. A week or two later, Xavier was staring fires all over the place and moving objects with his mind.” She laughed, but then frowned. “You’re not very happy that he did that, are you?” I realized. “It’s really cool that he was able to do such a thing, but it’s still not right. He became obsessed with it. He wanted to see if he could do what he did to himself to others.” There was silence. Something she didn’t want to admit, something I already knew. “He’s behind the disappearances, isn’t he?” She nodded. More silence. “Those kids are his subjects to his little experiments.” My voice was shaky. “Yes.” “But why teenagers I mean why not babies or adults?” “He didn’t use babies because they aren’t strong enough to handle the change and even if they were, no one wants infants to have such powers! He didn’t use adults because they weren’t as young, strong, and vibrant. Xavier did try a couple of times to use middle 31

age people, but too many of them died. So he goes for as young as fifteen to as old as twenty three. Xavier has had much success with this, but many died. He continued to search the surrounding cities looking for teenagers. They have to have very strong immune systems in order to be chosen, that’s his main thing.” “He must have gotten handfuls of your aunt’s blood.” I snickered. “Not really.” She laid her head against the couch. “He doesn’t have any more of her blood, it’s all gone.” “Well whose blood is he using now, his own?” She didn’t answer. Tears were in her eyes. “Xavier’s blood isn’t strong enough, so he uses mine.” She cried. “You let him do that!” I exclaimed. “No! I’m trying to stop him, not help him. Xavier is using these kids as if they were lab rats. I didn’t know he would use my blood, he said that he needed to run some more test. At the time I had no reason not to trust him…” she trailed off. It was about a minute before she spoke again. “Do you know what happened to me last night?” “A lot happened so which part of the night are we talking about?” I questioned. “This crystal that I wear is sort of like a tracking device that we have. I know when they are near because it glows. It gets brighter as they get closer.” “You’re telling me that’s why it was glowing?” I said in astonishment “how come it was flashing last night?” “It was Margaret” I froze as she said her name. The girl on the news this morning, that was now dead. “Alex, Shane and I escaped for my uncle’s institute that he had built to keep us in. Langston and Vincent are my friends, witches, and they helped to hide us for a while. I thought that it would be a good idea to separate, like they did back in Salem just until we could figure out something. So I went to the East and Shane went south. Of course Alex wouldn’t listen. She stayed and tired to rescue the others by herself. Vincent called me and Shane to let us 32

know what she was up to so we hurried back. She managed to get Chris and Margaret out of there. One thing she didn’t count on was the fact that Xavier is also a seer. He knew what was going to happen! He tired to trap us all. Xavier knew that if any of them were in trouble I would come quickly, which I did. They had to hurry and get into hiding, but on the ride home my crystal was glowing. Margaret was near. They had lost her and she tried to find me. She followed me to Forks. I had to go find her, because it was only a matter of time before Xavier would see where she was at and find us both. Together we might I have been able to block his attempts to see us. Two or more unknowns are always better that one! But it was too late… Xavier was already in Forks. I tried to save her, but we both knew that if I did, we would both die. Margaret didn’t want that to happen. She told me to go on without her. I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her though, so I refused. Before I could fight with her about the decision she had just made, I was flying across the forest. I looked down at my necklace and my light had turned black. Xavier was so close to me. Without even thinking I started running. I don’t even know why I didn’t blink, I couldn’t seem to think. Then I heard voices. I knew it was you right away, though I’m not sure why you were out there that time of night, I didn’t really care. Then I saw you next to a giant beast!” I felt my eyes open wide at the word beast. Jacob wasn’t a beast, but this wasn’t the time to debate over that. “I wasn’t scared by what I saw; I didn’t even have time to react before I blacked out. I knew what Xavier was doing to her; I could feel every bit of pain that went through her body. I know he made Margaret suffer the way she did because he knew I would feel it. “You could feel her pain?” I said in a small voice. “We are connected by blood so I can feel when they are hurt or in pain. That’s why my necklace was flashing like crazy. She was dying. She was dead when the light went out.” she wiped the tears quickly as they fell. “I can’t let him do this to anyone else! He has

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to be stopped! And I have to save the others.” She stood up. Her hands where balled up in fist at her side. I got up too. “We’ll stop him” I agreed. She smiled the biggest smile. “We’re going to stop him.” she teased. “Of course, why wouldn’t we silly!” I snorted. “Well we won’t be able to do it alone!” she informed me. She was right. If Xavier is as powerful and strong as she says, we’re going to need some help. Maybe Jacob and his pack could help; all I have to do is ask…. “Come on.” Mackenzie said walking out the back door. “Where to?” I gave her a funny look. She stopped at the edge of the woods. “There are a few people I’d like you to meet!

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4. Friends “Where are we going?” I asked curiously. “I’m not really sure,” she chuckled, “I’ve never actually seen this place before. That’s why we have to walk instead of blinking there.” We walked in silence for a while. I was still processing all that Mackenzie had shared with me. I’m not really sure what I was expecting her to say, I just wasn’t expecting that. I just hope she doesn’t flip out when she hears my secret. If she thought that Jacob was a beast, then I wonder what she will think of me. Or what if she already knows about vampires? Then I remembered something very peculiar. “Mackenzie.” I called behind me. I didn’t realize how fast I was walking. She blinked to my side. “What is it?” “Something’s bothering me about Margaret.” Saying her name sent chills down my spine. “Okay.” She responded slowly, confusion swept over her face. “On the news this morning, they said something about her blood being completely drained…” She let out a sigh. “It wasn’t your kind, it was Xavier.” I looked at her in astonishment, unable to speak. “He did it as a precaution. If they were to do a blood test on her and found that her DNA had been altered, they would have a lot of questions. You know how people are they won’t stop until they get the answer of which they seek. Xavier makes sure that nothing is traced back to him.” I was trying to find my voice, but wasn’t very successful. She examined my face. “Nessie are you alright?” she looked worried. I cleared my head and my throat. 35

“My kind,” I choked, “what do you mean?” I gazed at her. “I mean vampires silly!” My eyes where wide and Mackenzie tried to fight back a laugh. “You. Know. About vampires!?!” I freaked. “How?” She cocked her head to the side and stared at me. “I saw you and your family in a vision I had. I knew that I was going to meet you at the airport.” She said. “You saw me and my family?” “Remember when I told you that my very great grandmother and my great aunt were both seers?” “Yes.” “Well it sort of runs in the family.” She explained. “I’m one too, but I’m not a very good one. I need to work at it more!” I gasped. “Is that the reason why you were looking me over at the airport?” She nodded. “I just couldn’t believe that someone so beautiful could exist! I had to make sure that my eyes were not deceiving me.” She mused. I blushed. “So how much do you actually know about us.” I hoped over a tree stump, while Mackenzie walked safely around. “You’re a vampire and you feed off of animals?” “Yup.” I confirmed. She shivered. “I guess that’s a whole lot better that humans being slaughtered.” She hesitated. “Aren’t vampires like the living dead?” “Yes.” “Then how come your heart beats?” I stopped walking as did she. “That’s because I’m a half breed.” Mackenzie looked puzzled. “My mom had me while she was still human.” Her eyes looked as if they were going to pop out of the socket. “You were born a vampire?” I nodded and started walking again. “Yeah, about seven years ago. I heard her come to a halt. 36

“Seven years ago!” she shrieked. “You’re only seven years old? You look to be seventeen!” she was panting now. “Calm down Mac.” I said softly. I sat her down on a patch of grass. While she tried to catch her breath, I noticed her necklace was glowing dimly. “Does you’re aging have something to do with you being a vampire.” She said when her breathing was normal. “Indeed it does. I’m not actually ‘seven’ yet, I’m only about six and a half years old. On my birthday this September, I will stop ageing and remain seventeen forever.” She looked at me in amazement. “That is so awesome! I so wish I could find the fountain of youth right now.” She remarked playfully. Mac held out her hand and I pulled her up. “So… whose the beast?” she laughed. I felt my eyebrows pull together. “That beast is Jacob.” I spit through my teeth. Her mouth fell open and she burst into laughter. “Y-you’re in l-lo-love with th-that beast!” I was fuming now. “He’s not a beast he’s a werewolf!” I yelled. That brought on another round of laughter. “You’re kidding me right!” she managed. I balled my hands into fists. “Oh you’re serious.” She concluded. I started to storm off in the opposite direction. “Wait!” she called after me running. I guess she gave up trying to catch me; she appeared in front of me blocking my way. “Before you get all upset, can you maybe explain to me what the werewolves are all about?” I considered that for a moment and decided that I did owe her an explanation. As we continued walking I explained to her about the Quileute tribe, their legends and how the werewolves came to be. When I had finish, Mackenzie looked at her watch. “Holy crap!” she complained. “There has to be a faster way of getting there.” She pulled out a map.

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“Show me where we are going.” I demanded. She pointed to a very familiar spot on the map. “I know this place!” I exclaimed. “We would go hunting around that area sometimes. Why didn’t you show me this earlier we could have been there by now?” “Are you kidding me? I can’t move that fast!” she protested. “I can!” I informed her. “Hop on my back.” Mackenzie looked surprised. “You want me to do what?” “Get on my back.” She didn’t move. “Oh come on don’t you trust me?” I teased. “You know I do.” She dragged her feet as she walked over to me and she climbed on my back. I was relieved that she wasn’t very heavy. I’m not as strong as my family. I only have half their strength, I guess it’s because I’m a half breed. Having Mac on my back wasn’t uncomfortable at the least. In fact I had almost forgotten that she was on my back until she clutched my shoulders. “Hold on tight!” I urged. “What do you think I’m doing? Feeling you up! I’m trying not to hurt you.” This time I roared with laughter. So hard that Mackenzie lost her grip and fell to the ground. “Ow!” she whined. “I’m so sorry!” “You’re lucky that I don’t bruise easily. I should sue!” I could see she was really upset, so I tried not to laugh. “Come on let’s try this again.” “No.” Mac jumped to her feet. “Isn’t there a less painful way?” “Painful… don’t you think that’s a little too farfetched?” I implied. “A little too what?” “Forget it I have a better idea.” “Oh you do! And what would that be.” She said in disbelief. “I’ll show you where you need to go and you can just blink us there!” “How are you planning on doing that?” I put my palm against her cheek. 38

“Whoa!” she flinched away from my hand. “What was that?” I grinned. “A little gift of my own.” She smiled too. “Do it again!” I showed her where we were headed. First we go north a few more miles and straight through the clearing. Then northeast and over the river, continuing east. It wasn’t hard to miss. I know I didn’t have to show her all of that; I couldn’t resist the opportunity to dazzle her. “Wow.” She said. “What was that a vision or something?” “No just my memories! “Can you see the memories of others?” I shook my head. “Maybe you should try.” She suggested. “Or maybe we should hurry up and go before Charlie and Sue get back.” “Right!” she took my hand. “Take a deep breath and brace yourself!” she advised. In that instant I felt as if I was having an out of body experience. Everything went black. “Nessie you can open your eyes now.” She giggled. My eyes where shut? I opened them and I suddenly felt worst. I was spinning. The trees were going by so fast. I couldn’t stop. “Nessie it’s okay take deep breaths, the feeling passes!” I was gasping for air. I tried to ask her why I couldn’t stop spinning. “I-” was all I could choke out. Why was I so weak then somehow I was looking up at the gray sky. I heard Mackenzie scream, but I couldn’t see her. “Shane!” she hollered. I picked up a new scent. Someone was with her then. “What happened?” a male voice said. “She just collapsed.” Mac and the guy where standing over me now. I fell? Was I hurt? “Let’s take her to the hut.” he said. “Shane,” Mackenzie said carefully, “you won’t be able to lift her alone.” “And why not?” Shane objected. “She looks no bigger than you!” 39

“That maybe true, but she uh… very sturdy.” Mackenzie stressed. “Maybe you can get Vince to help.” “I don’t need any help.” He snorted. He bent down and tired to lift me up. I felt nothing. I’m not even sure if he was really trying. The acceleration of his heart leads me to believe so. He smelled absolutely appetizing. My throat was dry and it started to burn a little. I moaned. “You stupid idiot!” Mackenzie shouted. “Why won’t you listen?” without another word she vanished. “Where is, is…” I couldn’t finish my thought. “She’ll be back!” he assured me. “And you’re going to be fine.” I couldn’t really focus on his face, but something in his voice made me feel safe with him. Then I heard new voices and the running of feet. “How long has she been like this?” a girl whispered softly. “About two or three minutes.” Mac reported. “We need to get her inside.” She said. “Well Langston, would you like to pick her up!” Shane asked. “Don’t get smart with me Shane I’m really not in the mood! If we all lift her, we should be able to manage.” “Hold on a minute!” another voice I didn’t recognize. “I’m not going to break my back trying to lift a bolder.” “Alex!” Mackenzie screeched. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said sarcastically, “I meant the big stone wall!” I heard Mac advance toward her. “She’s not going to break your back, but I on the other hand might!” “What are you threatening me?” “Both of you knock it off!” Langston came between both of them. “Alex if you don’t want to help that’s your business, but keep your comments to yourself! Mackenzie you get the girls head, Shane and Chris one of you on her left side the other on her right. Vincent and I will grab hold of her legs.” Before I knew what was happening, I was under some kind of shelter. They set me down and tried to catch their breaths. After a 40

few moments I was strong enough to sit up with a little help from Shane and Mackenzie’s help. “Why didn’t you guys just blink her into the hut?” Alex asked. “Gosh Alex I don’t know, maybe that’s why she ended up like this in the first place.” Mackenzie was at my side. “I’m very sorry I had no idea your first time would be like that, everyone’s different. Some seer I am.” She muttered to herself. “Yeah you’re the worst!” Alex agreed. Mackenzie rolled her eyes. “It’s fine.” I told her, able to speak again. My hand flew to my throat. “I just feel a little weak, my throat is dry and it burns a bit.” I admitted. I needed to hunt. My family could go for weeks without hunting, but I couldn’t. I was surprised; usually I was able last a few days without needing to hunt. With part of me being human, I have to feed more often and I detest regular food. Mackenzie seemed to understand. “She needs blood.” Her voice was so low, that I wasn’t sure if the others had heard what she said. “What do you mean she needs blood,” Langston asked, “did she cut herself?” “No, that’s not it.” She hesitated. They waited for her to continue. She took a deep breath. “She’s a vampire.” Five pairs of eyes where directly on me. “Eww you’ve got to be kidding me!” Alex said in disgust. “A bloodsucker! Do we have to go fetch a human or does she want one of us?” “I know which one of us I’d like her to feast off first!” another boy taunted Alex. “Get bent!” she retorted. “I already have!” he shot back. “Vince that was awful!” Shane laughed. Mackenzie turned back to Alex. “She doesn’t feed off of humans, but animals.” Everyone, besides Langston, looked surprised. “Don’t worry; I have just what you need.” She said to me. Langston walked to the furthest corner of the hut. She was shorter 41

than me and her dirty blonde hair swayed across her back as she walked. She wore all black, but her feet were bare. She headed back to me swiftly and handed me a huge metal jar. A delicious smell filled my nose. “I don’t have any animal blood in supply, but I do have blood.” I took another wift, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to wait until later. Besides I did have donated blood when I couldn’t hunt for myself, what could possibility happen. Before I knew it, I had devoured very ounce of blood. I wasn’t full, but I did feel a whole lot stronger. I gave the jar back to Langston. “Thank you.” “Any time, I’m just glad I could help.” She smiled. When I looked over at the others; Shane was staring at me, though I’m not really sure if he was grossed out or somehow found this interesting; Vincent looked as if he saw this kind of thing every day; the boy standing next to the door (which I suspected was Chris) looked completely disgusted. I looked at Alex and something seemed to amuse her. She twisted her short black hair between her fingers. Her green eyes weren’t looked at me though. I followed her gazed and my eyes landed on Mackenzie’s face, who didn’t look so well. “I didn’t know black people turned green!” Alex remarked. Mackenzie ignored her. “I need some air.” She blinked from the room. “Are you feeling alight?” Vincent asked. I looked from him to Langston. “You’re twins!” I said in shock. Like his sister, he had the same dirty blonde hair and it flowed down to his shoulders. He was a few inches taller, but they both had the most remarkable blue eyes. I was almost hypnotized. Langston hugged her brother. “You noticed!” she teased. “We are Twin witches.” “Twitches!” they both chimed. “Twitches as in the Disney channel movie?” I said playfully. “No, more so the book.” Vince snickered. “Except for the fact that we’re not twin sisters.” Langston finished. 42

“You might as well be since your brother’s a homo.” Alex mentioned. Everyone glared at her, including me. “What?” she asked our accusing eyes. “He knows that I’m perfectly fine with the fact that he’s gay… unlike someone.” She glanced over at Langston. All friendliness on her face was gone and her arms were no longer around her brother. “What a way to kill the mood Alex.” She said sourly. Alex shrugged and started playing with her hair. “What’s your name?” Shane asked. “Renesmee.” “Rene. Esmee. Who names their kid that?” he joked. “Jeez I don’t know, maybe her parents.” Alex said sarcastically. “For a tiny little person, you are most certainly annoying!” He mumbled. “I’m not tiny, you’re just so big!” “I am not big, just tall shorty!” Which he was very tall, almost my Jacob’s height. His brown hair was chopped short and he wore nothing but a pair of shorts. He was very muscular I had a hard time trying not to stare at him. “Don’t worry about Alex, she doesn’t have very good people skills!” he told me. Alex glared at a dagger that was on the ground. Without warning it flew through the air, straight at Shane. I gasped as he caught the dagger inches from his face. Alex pouted. “That wasn’t very nice.” he scolded her. He turned back to me. “By the way I’m Shane, if you didn’t already know. That’s Langston, Vincent and that black dude over there is my best friend Chris.” Chris seemed to laugh at his choice of words. “Thanks for the introduction man.” “No problem.” Chris was tall too. His dreads were long and his skin was just as smooth looking as Mackenzie’s, despite the fact that it was a bit darker.

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“So you wouldn’t happen to have a nickname would you?” Chris asked shyly. “Nessie.” They looked at one another and howled with laughter. “The lock-ness monster,” Alex exclaimed, “I like it, it’s cute.” I laughed too. A moment later, Mackenzie ran into the hut, nearly knocking Chris off his feet. Instantly we were alert. “What is it?” Chris demanded. He looked at her necklace, but it wasn’t glowing. She walked towards me in a haste. “Can you show me what Jacob looks like?” Her request took me by surprise, but I silently extended my hand and placed it on her cheek. “I saw him!” she said. I sprang to life. “When? Where?” “In a vision I just had. He’s been looking for you, him and the whole pack!” I sighed. I didn’t even talk to him today, so many things going on. I didn’t even tell him where I would be, not that I knew where I would end up myself. “How could I have been so careless? He’s probably worried out of his mind!” “We have company.” Chris announced. “And they’re huge!” “The werewolves.” Mackenzie informed them. “Excuse me!” Alex said in disbelief. She went to look out the door. I could see them from where I was standing. Jacob was in his human form, but the other weren’t. Embry, Quil, Seth and Leah where with him. Shane jumped to his feet. “Do they want to fight?” “No they probably want to know that Nessie is alright.” Langston told him. “I have to talk to him.” I was headed out the hut, but Mackenzie blocked me. “That’s not all I saw!” she hesitated. “Charlie’s on his way home, now.” I froze. “Are you serious?” She nodded. “How long do I have?” 44

She looked down at the watch on her wrist. “Six minutes.” It felt like a hammer was pounding in my chest. “I have to go.” “I’ll blink you there!” Mackenzie offered. “NO!” Everyone boomed. “Are you crazy?” Langston looked perplexed. “Did you not see what just happened to her? She needs time for her body to adjust before you attempted that again!” “Then how is she going to get there before he does?” Alex asked with concern. “I’ll run.” I tried to leave again, but someone grab my arm. It was Langston. I had the strong urge to throw her through the wooden walls, but I fought against it. “I know Mackenzie has told you our secrets, please we need you to promise not to tell a soul. Not even this Jacob” I didn’t really have time to think about what I was promising. “Four minutes and twenty-six seconds!” Mackenzie said. “I promise!” I gave her my word and I emerged from the hut. This startled Jake and the others. Behind me I heard the hut shake and crumble to the ground. “What the hell!” Alex shouted at my back. Without another thought, I made a dash for the trees and started running through the forest. “Nessie wait!” Jacob pleaded. I so badly wanted to turn around and go back to him. To explain to him what was going on. What I had learned about Mackenzie. But I couldn’t, I had to beat Charlie home! And knowing Jacob, he was already following me. I pushed myself forward. I was running so fast that I surprised myself. The others hadn’t even caught up to me yet! I could here they advances. I noticed something fading in and out of the trees. I inhaled deeply and relaxed. Mackenzie was blinking through the trees with me. It felt good to know that I wasn’t alone. In one bound I was over the river and I sprinted through the woods. “Minute. And. A. half.” She updated me between appearances. I could feel a certain charge within me. I knew it must be the human blood flowing in my veins. It made me stronger, faster. We were 45

already pass the clearing and within a few more seconds, I stopped in the backyard. Mackenzie was right behind me. “Thirty seconds!” she blinked into the house. This time I followed behind her and went into the living room. I relaxed on the couch like I had been there all day and Mac settled for the floor. She held out her hand and the remote appeared. Turning on the TV in the nick of time, Charlie and Sue walked in. “Hi girls!” she greeted us. “Back so soon?” I teased. “We figured that you girls might be hungry.” Her words were directed at Mackenzie. “Now that you mention it, I could go for some food right about now.” She said rising up off the floor. We all filed into the kitchen. The front door opened and Jacob, Quil, Seth, Embry and Leah joined us. You wouldn’t think that as big as they were that they would be able to fit in one room. But they did! Mackenzie looked at them wide eyed in amazement. The kitchen was very crowned, and that was Charlie’s cue to sneak off to the living room. After a while, I could tell that Mac was getting comfortable with everyone, as they were with her. We were laughing and catching up on what I had missed in recent weeks. After that, I escaped to the living room, where Jacob had joined Charlie. I sensed that Jake was upset with me about today, which he was, but that didn’t keep him from offering me a set next to him. So I knew that I was already forgiven. “Hey there Kiddo.” Charlie said as I got comfortable next to Jake. “I haven’t seen you all day, what did Mackenzie and you do?” I could feel Jacob’s eyes on me. “Nothing really, just hanging out.” it wasn’t a complete lie, which made me feel better. However, Jacob would want an explanation and I’m not quite sure what to tell him yet. Mackenzie was now standing in the door way with Seth, who was glued to her side. Mac seemed annoyed by this. I smiled to myself and Jacob chuckled. “Looks like Seth’s in love.” He said in a goofy voice. “No way!” I looked up at him. “He imprinted on her?” 46

“Yeah back there in the woods. He couldn’t move or take his eyes off of her. I thought it was raining when I realized that it was just Seth drooling. He nearly went insane when she disappeared.” I looked back over at the two of them. Mac’s eyes popped open and she spun around to look up at him. “Did you just sniff my hair?” she half shrieked. Jacob and I roared with laughter. Charlie and Mackenzie looked at us in confusion and poor Seth was tongue tided. The laughing ceased when we heard a loud crackling boom from the sky. Alarmed, Mackenzie walked over to look out the window. “It’s going to rain?” “Sure is. Charlie responded. “Worst storm we’ve seen all year.” Mackenzie turned around, her face was composed. I could still tell something was wrong. “Nessie could I talk to you for a minute?” she walked out of the room and up the stairs. “I’ll be right back.” I said to Jacob. I noticed Seth standing at the foot of the stairs with his mouth open, dazed. I shut it for him and proceeded to my room and shut the door behind me. “What are we going to do?” she whispered pacing back and forth. “What are we going to do about what?” “About the others! They’re out there in the storm and they have no shelter thanks to you!” she pointed out. I felt bad as I remembered what had happened to the hut. “Oh, I don’t know Mac.” Her pacing was starting to drive me nuts. “Would you sit down please!” she walked over and took a seat in the chair by the computer. My jacket that was hanging off the back slid off and hit the floor with a clank. “What was that?” she asked. I shrugged and picked up the jacket. I remember that I thought my mom had slipped something into my pocket. I reached in and felt something cold. I pulled out a brass key. “I know exactly where they can stay!”

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5. Hide Out 48

About ten o’clock, it stared pouring down rain. Langston, Vincent, Alex, Shane and Chris all blinked into my room to take cover. “You all can stay here until Charlie goes to sleep.” I told them. “Where are we going after that?” Langston asked. “You’ll see!” was all I said. An hour later I showed Mackenzie where to blink us too. I was still a little nervous though. “It’ll be find.” She assured me. We appeared in the forest within a matter of a second. I was a little dizzy, but could function normally after a few deep breaths. It was so dark that I wasn’t sure we were in the right place. Then I looked over to my right and saw the tiny stone cottage. My home. It still looked to be in great shape after four years of being left idle. The others looked at it with wonder. I heard something move through the trees. “Whose there?” Shane called into the darkness. But I wasn’t fooled. “Calm down Shane it’s just Jacob and Seth.” They both emerged from the trees in their human forms. Jacob took two long strides and was beside me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me lightly on the lips. Boy did I wish we were alone. Mackenzie eyed me and Jacob; I knew she wanted the details on the two of us. Seth walked over to her. “Hi.” He smiled. She tried not to smile back, but then it just came out all wrong. “What are you guys doing out here so late at night?” Jacob asked suspiciously. I looked up at him. “Well I don’t know if you noticed before, but I totally trashed there hut, so in return I offered them the cottage.” “It’s stunning!” Mackenzie whispered. Thunder continued to roll across the sky. “The outside is very pretty, but I sure would like to see the inside before I’m barbequed out here.” Alex griped. We hurried to the door, which was covered with thick vines “Allow me.” Alex stepped beside me. She waved her hand in the air as if she was gesturing for something to move aside. The vines 49

rustled a tad and moved away quickly from the rounded door. Jake gasped but Seth was too occupied by staring at Mac, till he wasn’t aware of anything. I turned the lock and stepped inside. It hadn’t changed a bit, the furniture, the paintings, and the stocked bookshelf against the far window. I heard a chorus of ‘wows’ coming from behind me. They stood in the doorway mystified. “Come on in you guys. It’s cold out.” They piled through the door. I walked over to the beehive fireplace and tossed a few pieces of wood in it. Before I could light the match, a fire blazed from the fireplace. I turned around to see who did it. Shane was grinning at me. “You think you’re so cool don’t you!” I accused. “Yes as a matter of fact I do!” he said honestly. Jacob, who was still standing beside me, tightened his hold on me. I put my arms around him as well. Everyone else was standing around like they were afraid to touch anything. “What wrong.” I asked. “Nothing,” Langston mumbled, “but this place is really nice, are you sure it’s alright that we stay here?” “I’m sure.” I said with confidence. “You guys are safe here.” Then I bit my lip and wish I hadn’t said the word safe. “We can hide out here all we want, but we’re not safe here or anywhere for that matter!” Chris said, speaking for the first time. “Xavier is going to find us; it’s only a matter of time before he sees us here and sends his hunters after us.” “Chris please not now!” Langston urged motioning to Jacob and Seth. But Mackenzie didn’t particularly care. “Alex and I can keep him from seeing us by joining our powers together and blocking his attempts.” Mackenzie offered. He gave her a disapproving look. “Mackenzie come on, we all know that’s not going to last long. Running from Xavier was a dumb idea.” Mackenzie looked hurt by his words. “No one told you to come with us Chris! You can go back to him for all I care!” she shouted at him. Jacob and Seth looked lost at 50

the turn of the conversation. While everyone’s attention was diverted I placed my hand on Jake and Seth’s face and *showed them everything that I had learned and what was going on. Seth suddenly moved closer to Mackenzie, but she didn’t move away from him. Actually she shifted closer to him. Chris took a step back from her and Alex placed her hand on Mac’s shoulder. “Maybe he’s right. I mean we’re in over our heads here don’t you think. Xavier knows everything there is to know about us and if we put up a fight against him, we’re going to lose and not only are we putting our lives in danger… but Nessie’s as well.” We were all soaking in Alex’s words. “I just can’t lose you guys!” I just didn’t realize how much she cared until this moment. Vincent put his arms around her as she tried to fight back the tears. “Look,” I began and they all looked in my direction, “I am well aware of the danger that you all face, but we’re going to face it together. I’m in this now and there’s no getting rid of me.” Their faces brighten up a little. Jacob didn’t look so happy about it, but he couldn’t fight me on this. I pressed my hand into the hollow of his neck and I showed him an image of all of us together. My friends. He nodded. I knew he understood how strongly I felt about this and I also knew he would stand beside me no matter what. My parents on the other hand… “Aww you like us that much already?” Langston cooed. “Well duh!” I teased. “He wouldn’t be coming after us the way he is if it wasn’t for Mackenzie!” Shane remarked, his voice wary. “What do you mean?” I said turning towards him. Vincent nudged me. “You might want to get comfortable for this.” I wasn’t sure what he meant but we all took a seat beside Shane, Mackenzie and Seth “Mackenzie won’t accept the fact that Xavier is intimated by her.” Mackenzie sighed. “How many times must we go through this? I have nothing that would make him feel that way!” “Yes you do! You have no idea what you are capable of and that scares both you and him. He’s going to do what ever it take to get 51

you back and either you do what he says or he’s going to destroy you.” Seth flinched. I thought about what he had just said and something that Mackenzie had told me earlier was brought to my attention. “He’s right!” Surprised, everyone waited for me to finish my thought. “Remember you told me that your great aunt had seen another unknown in your family and that they would be powerful. It’s you!” Everyone could see the truth in my words, but not Mackenzie. She shook her head. “Yeah she saw another unknown that was powerful, but look at Xavier! He’s an unknown whose powerful and his in the family.” I couldn’t argue with her, but Alex sure could. “If you could just see yourself for who you really are then you’d be unstoppable! Xavier knows that you can bring him down, but he’s going to play on your insecurities so that you won’t be able too!” Mackenzie still didn’t look convinced. “Could you please just hear us out?” Langston pleaded. “Alright!” she didn’t look hopeful. “Why don’t we focus on something else?” Vincent suggested. “Like how we’re going to stop him?” We all glanced at one each other. “We’ll do whatever we can to help!” Jacob informed them and Seth nodded in agreement. I squeezed his hand. Though I’m happy that he wants to help, I don’t want to lose him either. Langston half smiled at him. “We really do appreciate your offer, but we don’t want to drag you into this. Please consider what you are getting yourself into.” Seth spoke then. “We understand and we will fight with you.” Seth put his arms around Mac, but she shrugged it off. “We’ll practice and use our powers as much as we can. We’ll also come up with a fighting stradgey with the wolves. I have to concentrate on seeing better!” she walked down the narrow hallway mumbling to herself. Langston took over where she left off. “Vince and I will come up with spells and strong potions. Maybe we can come up with one that will strengthen our powers.” 52

“So are you guys unknowns too?” I wondered. “Not at all, Vincent and I are just witches, plain and simple.” “Is that all you’re able to do cast spells and make potions?” Jake asked curiously. “Those are a given being able to do that, I mean if you don’t then you’re not a witch right? Certain witches, who are chosen for a nonspecific reason, receive an active power than will help them in battle. Mine isn’t as great compared to my brothers, but I’ve learned to live with it.” “Show me!” I said impatiently. She smiled wide, and she slowly faded out of sight. I looked around confused. “Did she blink from the room or something?” “No.” I heard someone chuckle. It was right in front of me. Then without warning she reappeared. “Boo!” she screamed. I lurched out of my seat and out of Jacob’s arms. I was already in position ready to fight. Scared, she fell back and I growled at her. Everyone was very still. I realized that I was overreacting and stood up straight. “I’m really sorry Langston.” I said when I was back under control. “Are you okay now?” she asked cautiously. “I’m fine.” I helped up on to her feet. “You have an invisibility power?” “I guess you can say that, but I don’t have an exact name for it.” “What about you Vincent?” Alex walked over to where I was standing. “I love his power! With him on our side it’s a big advantage.” She pointed over to the bookshelf and a book flew off the shelf and directly at Vincent. About a foot before it reached him, it fell to the ground. How did he do that? I felt Jacob cock his head to the side. More books flew at him, but none of then touched him. “You see he can block all physical attacks with his force field and another good thing about it is that you can’t see it.” She grinned. “That’s really something!” I agreed. “It’s the opposite of what my mom can do. She has a shield but it only blocks mental attacks.” Without warning I yawned. “Goodness I’m exhausted.” 53

“Ready to go?” Jake asked. “Yeah. Is Mackenzie coming?” he shrugged. We walked to my parent’s room and Langston was already in the mirror brushing hair. “She’s out in the garden.” Jake and I walked through the glass doors into the hidden garden. I was so beautiful. All the flowers were blooming and it looked like an absolute dream! Esme is an artist. Seth was there with her too. “I’m going home you coming?” I asked. She shook her head. “I’m going to stay here and keep practicing for a while longer with Seth, but I’ll be back before Charlie even notices I’m gone!” she promised. “Okay see you …” I started to say when we heard screaming from inside. “Stop! Get off of him!” We hurried back into the cottage and into the main room. “Who screamed?” Alex inquired walking out of my room to join us. We looked around the room, but there was no threat from what we could see. Then my eyes fell on them; Langston, Vincent, and Chris. Langston stood between Chris and Vince. Chris looked at Vince who didn’t take his eyes off of him. Langston looked fiercely at Chris with her hands balled into a fist. Shane stood by the window watching with his mouth hanging open. “What’s wrong with you guys?” I said taking in the sudden change in the atmosphere. “Do you want to tell them what I just saw or should I?” Langston spit through her teeth. She looked from Chris to her brother. “Very well then,” she twirled around to look at us, “I finished brushing my hair and I came in her to say goodnight to my brother. Do you know what I saw?!” We waited for her to finish. Time seemed to drag on as we stood there and I guess Alex couldn’t take it anymore. “Well what in hell did you see?” she pressed. “They were kissing! A full blown make out session!” she shrieked. This time my mouth fell open. Vince and Chris… I really didn’t see that one coming. No one spoke. I didn’t know what to say to Langston. She obviously wasn’t a big fan of her brother’s life style, 54

but she did need to calm down before she did something she would later regret. I managed to speak my voice was low. “You two like each other?” “It’s more than that.” Vince tried to explain. He moved around Langston to stand beside Chris and he held his hand. “We’re in love.” A couple of hearts skipped a beat and one stopped completely. “Langston breath!” I screeched. Her hand flew to her chest and she inhaled. “You’re what?” she choked. “How long has this been going on?” “A few months or more.” Vincent confessed. “MONTHS!” she yelled. “You two have been secretly seeing each other behind my back.” “That explains everything!” Alex whispered to me and Mackenzie. “Huh?” Mackenzie said confused. “Why Chris wouldn’t make his move on me!” she beamed. I rolled my eyes, but she ignored it. “I was starting to think that I wasn’t very attractive.” “I guess you aren’t if he prefers men over you.” Mac concluded. She frowned. Jake and Seth chuckled. I realized that Langston was still arguing with Vince and Chris. More so with Vince since Chris was still as quite as ever. “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. You two are not in love. Vincent please this is just a phase you are going through right now can’t you see?” “No Langston why can’t you accept me for who I am? Chris and I care about each other. I’d do anything for him and he’d bend over backwards for me!” “Wh-” Alex started to say but I grabbed her and covered her mouth with my hand. “Thank goodness someone stopped her.” Mackenzie commended. “I think it’s time you tell her.” Chris said to Vincent. “Tell me what?” Langston eyed them suspiciously. Vincent took a shallow gulp of air and placed his hands on his sister’s shoulders. “We’re getting married.” The quiet spoke louder than anything we could have said. Married? Poor Langston. 55

Receiving all this information at one time. I can’t imagine what’s going on in her head right now. I can barely wrap my head around this myself. Alex pushed my hand away. “Well that’s not possible Vince; you can’t marry your sister!” Jacob and Seth burst into laughter at her assumption. Langston, Vince and Chris didn’t even bother to look at her. Shane still stood there unmoving, while Mac held her head in her hands. I shook my head. “Alex.” I hissed. “Oh I forgot, you guys are from the south.” Now Jake and Seth were on the verge of tears. “Langston and Vincent aren’t getting married you airhead!” I said annoyed. “Vince and Chris are.” She processed this. “Oh… OH!” “NO!” Langston bellowed. “I will not stand for this.” “You don’t really have a choice.” Vincent informed her. There was so much pain in her eyes. She walked away from her brother. “Do whatever you want I don’t care! Just know this; I won’t be at that wedding!” “Don’t do this Langston he’s your brother!” I pleaded, but it was useless. “I’m going in that room and I’m not coming out!” she moped. “Is it the weekend already?” Alex asked sarcastically. Mackenzie tried not to laugh. I pressed my hand against her neck and repeated what Alex had just said. Mackenzie laughed. “It’s an inside joke. I’ll tell you about it later.” Langston glared at Alex and stormed off into my parent’s room and slammed the door. The sound sent a throbbing pain through my head. “Oh!” I whined. “What’s wrong?” Jake said hovering over me. “My head hurts!” I said surprised. Jake’s eyebrows furred up and I tried to keep him from worrying. “I just probably need some rest!” I told him. “Maybe.” He said but wasn’t very convinced. I wasn’t sure if that’s why I was feeling so strange. The closest I’ve ever came to being 56

sick was a runny nose. My parents over reacted and called Carlisle to make sure that it was just a simple cold. It felt weird having them watch me so closely like I was going to keel over. I don’t want that to happen again. I waved goodbye to everyone, except for Langston who had locked herself in the room. I was too tired to run so Jacob carried me. I made it to the bathroom and slipped into my pajamas. I got into bed and buried myself under the covers. Jake was already there. He put his arms around me and he flinched. “What’s wrong?” I looked at his face in the darkness. He looked extremely concerned. “You’re burning up!” he protested. “And I don’t me like usual.” “Seriously? I feel so cold.” I shuddered. “Nessie what’s happening to you?” he said in horror. “I don’t know.” I suddenly felt light headed and fell back against the pillows. “Nessie!” I didn’t respond. “Maybe I should call Bella and get the Doc here.” “No.” I said my throat filled with cold. “Don’t do that! I’ll just sleep this off. Hold me close so I can get warm.” He pulled me close so that there was no space between us. It didn’t help I was still so cold. “Jacob…I feel… I feel so bad.” “I’m right here it’s going to be okay.” He said trying to sooth me. But there were no words to make me feel better. I’ve never felt so bad in my whole life, like I was dying. I was afraid to shut me eyes but I could help it. I drifted. I played the days events over and over again in my head so I wouldn’t be able to think about how much pain I was in. I tried to figure out what could I have possible done to myself that would make me feel so sick. Maybe it was because of the blinking. Yes, that’s what it had to be. There was something bothering me, something in my memories that was screaming at my. Something that Mackenzie was explaining to me about the unknowns. About their transformation. I was just so sick! I had such a high fever, but I was so cold.

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NO! I screamed in my head. What’s happening to me couldn’t have anything to do with that. Could it? How could I become one of them, it’s not like they could inject something in me and Mackenzie would never allow it. She hates her uncle for what he was doing to the others. Then again how could anyone explain the fact that I have never in my life had nothing more than a mere cold and now all of a sudden I meet her and her friends and now… her friends! What if one of them did this to me? But they were so nice to me why would they do something like that to me. How could one of them do it? I searched through my memories over and over again trying to see if I missed anything. I came to an abrupt stop. I remembered that I was weak and I needed some blood. I could feel every emotion as I relived it in my head. I wasn’t strong enough to hunt on my own. “She needs blood.” “What do you mean she needs blood did she cut herself?” “No, that’s not it. She’s a vampire.” “Eww you’ve got to be kidding me! A bloodsucker! Do we have to go fetch a human or does she want one of us?” “I know which one of us I’d like her to feast off first “Get bent!” “I already have.” “Vince that was awful!” “She doesn’t feed off of humans, but animals.” “Don’t worry I have just what you need.”

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Mackenzie’s POV 6. Lies and Deception “What if I can’t do it?” “You can!” Seth encouraged me. How hard could it be? I never really practiced seeing the future, but I have to do something. I just can’t let Xavier win. I won’t allow it. “Let me try again.” I closed my eyes and cleared my head. “I see… I see… Nothing! That’s what I see.” I said in frustration. I got up off the hard ground and started for the glass doors. “You shouldn’t give up so easily.” Seth said in disapproval. “But it’s hard!” I whined. “Everything isn’t supposed to be easy Mackenzie; you have to work at it. Don’t be so quick to give up.”

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He spoke the truth and I couldn’t argue with him. I had to keep trying. “You know I want to thank you for being here with me. You are being so kind to me… more than what I deserve and I’m not sure why.” It wouldn’t be the first time some one pretended to be nice to me just to get something out of me. Xavier did it. I thought he really cared, but he just wanted to use me for his experimentation. “I don’t mind it. I like spending time with you.” He smiled this perfect smile and I almost forgot how to breathe. “I uh, guess I’ll just try again then.” I was locked in his gaze. “Good.” He was still smiling at me. I had butterflies in my stomach. Why do I feel this way whenever I’m around him? I couldn’t focus on that now. I took in a mouthful of air and closed my eyes. This time I really focused. It was as if I was not longer in the garden with Seth. I wasn’t surrounded by the flowers and the trees. It was just me and the darkness. Then a white light came from behind me. I turned around and noticed that I was in a hospital room by the looks of it. How did I get here? I scanned the room and realized I wasn’t alone. Nessie was in the bed asleep, but she appeared to be suffering. I ran over to her bed side. “Nessie?” She opened her eyes and gazed at me. Without a word, she climbed out of bed and faced me. She seemed to be so sad. “Nessie?” I said again. “It’s happened.” she whispered miserably. “What’s happened?” I said frantically. “It’s happened to me.” “What are you talking about?” “It was the blood wasn’t it?” This time it seemed as if she was accusing me of something. “What blood, please tell me what’s happened to you?” I begged. “Don’t you see?” “See what?” She took a step back and did something totally unbelievable. She blinked! My mouth hung open as she disappeared out of sight. I 60

tried to pull myself together, but instead I started freaking out. She couldn’t be! It just can’t be true. How on earth did this happen? It was me and the darkness again. “Nessie!” I screamed. But the voice that answered wasn’t hers. “Mackenzie snap out of it. What did you see?” Seth pleaded. His words brought me back to the present and I grasped that I had a vision. I don’t have them frequently so I sometimes I forget how vivid they can be, like I’m actually there. And when they do come to past, I get the worst case of déjà vu. I forced my eyes open and looked into his. I immediately felt serene. “You were screaming is everything all right?” he asked. “I think that Nessie’s in trouble.” I said in a somber tone. His eyes tightened. “What kind of trouble?” “I think Xavier may be after her.” What else could it be? Who would be able to change her into a… I couldn’t even think the word. To me, the very idea of being an unknown is absolutely horrifying. Though it isn’t that bad I just disgusted that Xavier takes random kids and uses them like his guinea pigs. He takes them away from their families, their friends, their homes and their lives. The situation has gotten severely out of hand and it has to end. Seth was about to respond when he looked up over my head. “What is it?” I asked. I looked in the same direction; there was nothing but the stone wall. That’s when I heard a faint howling in the distance. “Give me a second.” He jumped over the stone wall. I stood there impatiently waiting for him to return, but I didn’t know that I wasn’t alone. “Is something wrong?” I whirled around to see Langston standing in the doorway. “I heard you screaming.” She explained. I hesitated for a moment. I had a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach. “I’m not quite sure… just worried that something maybe wrong with Nessie.” “Is she hurt?” 61

“I don’t know. This vision I had doesn’t make sense.” She looked surprised. “You saw something?” “I know I’m a little shocked myself. I hope that I’m wrong and that Xavier isn’t after her.” The expression on her face changed drastically. Langston looked so… guilty. She quickly composed herself. “Why would he be after her, she isn’t an unknown right?” I repeated what she said again in my head. “What would make you say something like that?” we stood there staring each other down. I felt strangely uncomfortable being here with Langston, like something has changed. For some reason she seemed to be different. “Say something like what?” she said innocently. “Why would you think she’s an unknown?” There was a long pause. “Well… you said Xavier was after her and what other reason would there be other than that?” she didn’t look at me as she spoke. I remember my mom use to tell me when I was a little girl that when people couldn’t look you in the eye that either they were lying or they had something to hide. Langston was one of my best friends; if she knew something… would she tell me? “I didn’t say he was after her, I think he might be. It’s probably to get to me, but after what I saw I just don’t know.” I trailed off at the end. She tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulders and took a step closer to me. “What did you see?” she asked curiously. I felt unexpectedly heavy as I debated over whether or not I should tell Langston what I saw. Have you ever heard a little voice in your head that tells you not to do something, but sometimes you just do it anyway even though everything within you is screaming at you that you shouldn’t. Well this was one of those moments. “She was lying in a bed and she seemed to be sick. I went over to her and I tried to ask her what was wrong, but she wouldn’t just come out and say! She just told me it happened to her and she ask me was it because of the blood. I still didn’t know what she was talking about and then without warning she blinked out of the 62

room.” I finished and looked at Langston. Her eyes were as big as quarters and her hands shook a bit. “That is something isn’t it.” She finally said. It looked as if a smile was beginning to form on her face but she turned away before I could be sure. I was about to ask her what was going on when Seth returned. “We have to go now!” “How come?” His face was warped in pain and I instantly knew. “Nessie.” He whispered. He didn’t have to explain because I already knew. I blinked at once and I was in the hallway of Charlie’s house. I didn’t want to blink in the room because I wasn’t sure who would be in there. I didn’t want to risk exposure; I wasn’t even sure how much Charlie knew about Nessie. I walked in the doorway of her bedroom and I was right not to blink in there. Jacob was glued to her side as I expected. Charlie and Sue hovered over her. They didn’t appear to know that I was there so I stayed quiet. Sue was talking quietly with Jacob. “She’s not waking up?” she whispered in alarm. “No. I don’t understand she was fine a few hours ago, she told me that she was really cold, but she’s burning up and she hasn’t been conscious for awhile.” His voice was so shaky I didn’t think that he would be able to finish what he was trying to say. Sue look at Charlie in distress. “We’ve got to do something now!” Charlie nodded. You could tell he was trying way too hard to keep calm. “We’ll take her to the hospital and have Dr. Greene check her out.” Sue and Jacob looked at each other in horror. “No!” they both screeched. Charlie didn’t look as if he appreciated Jakes input. “She’s my granddaughter don’t you go telling me what’s best for her!” he shouted. That’s when Jacob stood to his feet and faced Charlie. It was so pitiful the way Charlie stood facing Jacob, if there was going to be 63

a fight he wouldn’t stand a chance. Jacob’s face stayed as calm as the tone of his voice. “I understand that Charlie, but you can’t take her there. I won’t allow you to.” His voice was firm and it was easy to see that he would do anything to protect her. That was something I never noticed before and I admired that about him. Charlie looked at him in disbelief and Sue finally intervened. “Charlie he’s right. You know how special Nessie is. If we take her to the hospital and the doctor sees how high her temperature is, people are going to start asking questions. Not only that but it’s going to lead to Bella and Edward and the rest of the Cullen’s. We have to protect them all. We can’t take her to the hospital.” It was clear that he knew her words were true. “Then what can we do?” he said helplessly. They looked at one another and Jacob cleared his throat. “We need to call Bella and get the Doc here. He’s the only one who will be able to help her.” They nodded in agreement and headed out the room. Charlie still didn’t seem to notice me which was fine. I didn’t want to have to explain anything, like why I was still fully clothed. Sue caught my eye. She tried to smile and patted my shoulder as she walked by. I just stood there in the doorway looking at Jacob. It was just so heartbreaking to see him this way. I never realize how much he loves her. I still don’t think I really grasp it, but it’s as if his life is tied to hers. And without her life has no meaning. I know how much she loves him. She doesn’t have to say it you can just look at them and know that the connection is there. I remember them this afternoon in the living room together, it was a beautiful sight. So sweet and so right. Now he was afraid, no terrified that he was going to lose his only reason to live. I had to something to ease his pain… at least a little. I walked over to his side and stood over him. He was sitting on the side of the bed. I didn’t think he knew I was there until he spoke his voice was strained. “I can’t lose her Mackenzie.” Silent tears slid down his cheeks and I felt my heart break. 64

“She’s going to be fine Jake.” I insisted. “Yeah well how do you know?” he demanded. My voice turned soft as I tried to explain. “Because I’ve seen it… among other things.” I looked away from him afraid of what his reaction to my words might be. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tell him about what I suspected, but he does have a right to know. “What other things?” he asked suspiciously. I took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. “Please don’t freak out, but I think that she’s going through the change.” He raised his eyebrow. “The change? I think it’s a bit early for menopause don’t you think?” “Come on be serious! What I’m trying to say is that she’s becoming an… an unknown.” I know I’m not a vampire, but it was easy to see that all the blood had drained from his face. He just sat there unmoving. I tried to keep talking so he wouldn’t go off. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. She said she was cold, but she’s burning up and a few hours ago she was just fine, now without any warning she’s seriously ill! That’s the same thing that happened to me and the others. And the vision that I had showed that she had an unknown’s power. She’s going to be fine, not the same as before though. I just don’t know what the ramifications are going to be; what with her being half vampire half human.” I stopped talking so I could catch my breath. The color had returned to Jake’s face and he appeared to be composed enough to speak. “How could this have happened? I thought that you had to be injected with an unknown’s blood, nothing can penetrate Nessie’s skin.” I looked at him in astonishment. “She told you everything?” Jacob shook his head. “Langston made her promise not to tell anyone, but she didn’t say anything about showing us.” I smiled to myself. Leave it to her to find a way around keeping something from Jake. He brought up a very good point though. 65

“I don’t know.” I admitted. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. I’m missing something here because it’s just not adding up! Xavier is the only person with the formula. He would never allow anyone to have it. If someone was to inject Nessie, which we already know isn’t possible, it would’ve been him. But I would’ve known if Xavier was near because my necklace would’ve turned black as night! And he didn’t send any of his hunters either.” “She was with you and your friends all day. And she was fine, up until you blinked her to the hut.” Jacob reminded me. I looked at him wide eyed. “My blinking her had nothing to do with what’s wrong with her now. You can’t become an unknown by blinking!” “Keep it down Charlie will hear you.” He said in a hushed whisper. “I know that, but you’re missing the point.” I looked at him in confusion. “Missing what point?” He sighed and proceeded slowly. “Remember after you all got her into the hut, she was weak…” I picked up where he’d left off. “Yes I remember that, she needed blood. But she was too weak to hunt by herself so Langston gave her some blood. I was a little worried because it wasn’t animal blood, but Nessie was fine-” Jacob was frustrated and cut me off. “You still aren’t seeing it.” “That’s what Nessie was saying to me, well what she’s going to say to me.” “What did she say?” he asked. “She said that it’s happened to her and she asked if it was the blood…” then the truth hit me so hard I felt like I had the wind knock out of me. My body felt weak and I fell to my knees. “Mackenzie!” Jacob called towards the window. Then Seth climbed through it seconds later. In one long stride he was on the floor holding me in his arms. “Mackenzie pull yourself together please!” he begged. I was hyperventilating. I tried to calm down, but the revelation was just too shocking! I couldn’t believe this. Langston would never do 66

something like that. She could never do something like that. Another thing I didn’t understand was how drinking blood could change someone into an unknown. I never knew it was possible. Then another fact dawn on me: it must have been an unknown’s blood that she had drank! Where did Langston get it? And I couldn’t believe I didn’t find it strange that she had blood lying around like it was the most normal thing in the world. Then I really went in frenzy. I was sobbing uncontrollably. Charlie and Sue came in then. “What on earth is the matter with her?” Sue handed Seth a box of tissues that was on the night stand. “She’s uh, just upset about what’s happening with Nessie. I think she just needs a bit of fresh air.” Before I knew what was happening I was off my knees and in his arms. He carried me down the stairs and out the front door. He sat me down on the front steps. His arms were still around me and he was stoking me face. I wish that was enough to comfort me, but it wasn’t. How could I do that to her! I put her in danger and now she’s suffering. The one thing I couldn’t wrap my head around was the fact that my best friend did this to my new friend. The only thing I wanted to know now was why! What possible reason could she have for doing such a horrible thing such as this? My body was trembling as I found what little strength I had to stand on my feet. Seth moved with me. “Where are you going?” “To see Langston!” I walked down off the porch out of the light. He was right behind me. “I’ll go with you.” “I need to do this alone.” I looked up at him. His face was torn; I knew it was killing him to let me go just as it was killing me to tell him to stay away. “Please I’ll be fine. I need to know what she did this.” I did something that I wasn’t expecting, but for some reason it felt right. I stood on my tip toes as he bent down. He kissed me lightly on my lips and I nearly fainted. This was a lot to take in for one night, or should I say morning. My feelings were all jumbled up. I didn’t know what to make of Seth and me, but maybe when 67

things slow down, we’ll be able to figure it out. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight. “I won’t be far.” He whispered in my ear. “Is that a promise?” I challenged. “Of course.” a smile in his voice. I pulled away from him unwillingly and turned toward the trees. I appeared instantaneously back in the garden. I was about to walk inside when I saw her standing in the garden, waiting for me. Before this moment I was confuse about my feelings, now I felt only one thing: betrayed. She didn’t even look sorry for what she had done. “I knew it wouldn’t take you long to put it together.” Her voice was stone cold. A few tears rolled down my cheeks as I came to the understanding that this was no longer my friend, but my enemy. She looked at me darkly. “Why did you do it?” my voice bitter. Before she could answer the glass door slid open and Alex walked outside in her pajamas, sleep still in her eyes. “What’s going on?” she must have seen the tension between us because she was suddenly awake. She looked at the both of us but said nothing. “Are you in on it too Alex?” I snapped at her. “In on what?” she looked bewildered. “She has nothing to do with this.” Langston informed me. Alex was being to get upset. “Nothing to do with what?” she asked Langston. “With Nessie becoming an unknown!” I shouted at her. She was speechless. I took that as an opportunity to put the conversation back on course. “Answer me Langston!” “I did what I had to do to survive!” she hissed. “It was either I help him or I die, so there really wasn’t any other choice.” “What?” “Before you escaped from Xavier, he came to me.” Alex and I looked at her in shock, but she continued without stopping. 68

“He knew you were going to try and leave, but he wasn’t going to stop you. He needed you to meet the girl. He’s seen her and what a promising future she has as an unknown. He said that the two of you together would be an unstoppable force, but of course he wouldn’t allow such a union! One day, everything changed. He saw her join him. She fought with him on our side.” “Our side, so the two of you are a team?” I said baffled. “I guess you can say that, but it’s strictly for survival!” “It doesn’t matter Nessie would never join him!” I protested. “If you don’t choose to believe than I can’t help that.” she said indifferent. Alex shook her head as if she was trying to clear it. “Wait just a minute, Xavier trusted you with the formula! He doesn’t trust anyone!” I spoke to Alex without taking my eyes off of Langston. “She didn’t inject Nessie with the blood of an unknown. Her skin is too hard, but she did get her to drink some blood!” Alex looked appalled. “Oh no you didn’t! Whose blood was it?” That was something I wanted to know as well. An evil grin spread across her face. Anger was rising within me, but I tried composing myself. “Let’s just say that Margaret didn’t die in vein.” She laughed an evil laugh. I looked at Alex and my heart went out to her. I didn’t mention it to Nessie because it wasn’t that important at the moment, but Margaret and Alex are sisters! That’s why she went back for her and Chris came along with them. I tried so hard to save her, but she saved me instead. Looks like it wasn’t Xavier who killed her, but Langston. She’s the one who drained her blood, just to change Nessie! Alex eyes shut and she lost conciseness. She collapsed to the ground. “Alex!” I shouted. I blinked to her side before Langston could react. She tried to reach out to help Alex and for a second I swear I thought I saw my old friend. It didn’t take me long to snap. “Get away from her haven’t you done enough!” I yelled at her. I put my hand out to push her way from us and that’s when I felt the rage build up inside me. She flew fifteen feet in the air and into 69

the stone wall. She hit the ground with a thud. I didn’t know that the guys were standing outside now looking at use. They rushed over to Alex. Shane lifted her carefully off the ground. “How long have you guys been standing there?” I asked him. It was Vincent who answered. “Long enough, we heard everything.” He looked at his sister in disapproval. “What’s happened to you?” “I could ask you the same thing!” she griped. Alex whimpered in Shane’s arms. I noticed that she was bleeding; she must’ve hit her head hard against the stone ground. “I’ll take her inside.” Shane suggested. He glared at Langston and disappeared. “I think its best you get out of here.” Vincent said sadly. Langston looked at her brother in disgust. “Fine! You stay here with them and die for all I care, because that’s what’s going to happen when Nessie joins us. You’re all going to die!” she teased. She pulled out a vile and with a puff of smoke she was gone. “I’m so sorry.” Vince said his voice small. I knew he meant it. “I know… I just really need to get away from here right now.” And with that I blinked from the secret garden and back to the scene of the crime. It was starting to get lighter outside and I figured it was about six-thirty. I walked over he fallen hut. The leaves and branches crunched under my feet. I let out a deep breath and started to cry as I thought about all that has happened over the last few days. I’ve put my friend’s lives in danger and an innocent girl is now even more damn like the rest of us. “I just want it to stop!” I screamed at the sky. I heard the movement behind me, but I didn’t think anything of it at first. Until I heard the voice. “You know it could all stop right now.” My heart sank. I looked down at my necklace and it was pitch black. “Oh no.” I whispered to myself. “Oh yes!” he said. I shivered as I turned to face my worst nightmare. He smiled that evil gin of his that sent chills down to the soles of my feet. 70

“Xavier… what do you want?”

Mackenzie’s POV 7. Xavier I was unable to move as I looked at him in disbelief. Xavier was here, in Forks! I hadn’t seen him in months since I escaped from the institute. Was he here to try and take me back? He inched a little closer to me. He looked the same as always; dress for success in his black Armani suit, his hair cut short. He played with his beard as he looked at me. “Ah, Mackenzie!” Xavier said with delight. He opened his arms as if he wanted to hug me, but I didn’t budge “So good to see you… in person that is.” He chuckled to himself. “I wish I could say the same.” I grumble. “I take it you are not happy to see me.” He frowned. “What are you doing here?” I asked, ignoring his assessment. “Can’t I check in and see how my favorite niece is doing?” “I’m your only niece.” I pointed out. “And that’s why you’re my favorite.” He smiled. I smiled back. What am I doing! He’s reeling me in like usual and I’m falling for it once again.

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“Please can you just get on with it and tell me why you are here.” I demanded. He held his hands up in front of him. “Okay, you’ve got me. I didn’t come here just to see you. I have an ulterior motive.” “Really!” I exclaimed in fake surprise. He paid no attention to my sarcasm. “You hurt Langston pretty badly.” I rolled my eyes. “As if you care! And it was the least I could do for what she did to Margaret.” He stared at me. “So you don’t wonder how you did it? How you were able to put such force behind it.” “No.” I admitted. “I hadn’t given it much thought.” “You’re now able to move things with your mind!” he said with enthusiasm. “I was able to do that before.” I informed him. “You could blink objects to you, but now you’re able to that with out blinking. You’re powers are evolving… quicker than I expected.” He trailed off. “You almost pose as a threat to me.” I examined his face and I saw fear in his eyes. Shane and Alex had said that everyone knows what I am capable of. Everyone one but me that is. I just can’t see Xavier being afraid of me. He interrupted my thoughts. “You might want to enjoy it, while it last.” “What is that suppose to mean?” Xavier walked over and stood in front of me. “I know you have figured out what is happening to Renesmee.” It was weird to hear someone call her by her full name, especially Xavier. “She is very special to me and I’m not leaving without her.” “You are not taking her anywhere!” “I don’t have to. She’s going to come to me and when she does I will be unstoppable.” I clenched my teeth together. “You’re lying!” He smiled wickedly. “Don’t be jealous Mackenzie you are welcome to join us if you like.” 72

“I will never join the likes of you.” I spit through my teeth. He shrugged. “Well I tired, though I knew you would refuse. You’re going to wish you had. Renesmee is going to be powerful! It will make up for the disappointment I felt when you refused to stand by me.” I shuddered a little. “I don’t get it, first you change all these kids as a part of your experiment, but it’s gone a bit further than that. You want more power and for what? It’s like you’re forming an army!” He laughed quietly to himself. “That’s just what I am doing.” I eyes were wide in horror. “What on earth for?” “That isn’t for you to know right now. Besides you have more pressing issues to deal with! The Cullen’s will be here shortly and you have to help Renesmee make the transition. I’m counting on you to help her with her powers, until I can take over her training.” “You’re not going to train her to do anything Xavier. I’m going to stop you!” I threatened. His lips pulled into an evil smile. “Maybe that is if you live long enough!” I was about to ask him what he was talking about, when he closed his eyes and concentrated on something. He sighed to himself and seemed rather annoyed. “My apologies for having to cut our reunion short, but your boyfriends on his way and I would like to avoid a confrontation.” “Seth isn’t my boyfriend.” I informed him. Xavier chuckled and put his hand on my shoulder. “My dear niece, when are you going to open your eyes and see things as they really are.” Then he looked at me with such sadness. “What a waste of such a wonderful talent! Renesmee will make up for that and this time I won’t make the same mistake twice!” “And what mistake would that be?” I said defensively. He lean in towards my ear and whispered, “Trusting you!” His voice was menacing. “You betrayed me by making me thing that you actually understood what I was doing. I really thought that you were starting to come around. And then one day I see you escaping with the others. If it wasn’t for Renesmee, you wouldn’t be here. 73

But I don’t have much use for you any more and as soon as she’s with me… I will make sure that you are disposed of just as will as the others!” I shivered and looked up at him. He was once again in deep concentration. “I really did want to avoid this!” he said to me. “Avoid what?” I asked. Then Seth, in his werewolf form, came into sight with three other werewolves. They were obviously Ouil, Embry and Leah. Jacob must have still been with Nessie. Alex blinked in between Leah and Seth. She looked petrified as she looked at the two of us. “Get your hands off of her!” she demanded. Xavier laughed at her. “You foolish little girl you don’t scare me.” “And I’m not afraid of you.” She shot back. I was surprised at Alex. She was being so brave even though we both knew what Xavier was capable of, and he does not like to be challenged. “Alex please we were just talking, he didn’t-” I tried to said but Xavier cut me off. “No that’s quite alright.” He said, his voice was unusually serene and I was immediately suspicious. “It seems that Alexandria has forgotten her place and how to respect her elders. Maybe I should refresh her memory!” he snickered. “Don’t do this please!” I begged. Alex took a step back. “Too late.” And with that he lifted up his open palm in the air for all to see. He slowly started to close it and Alex grabbed her throat, gasping for air. He was closing off her throat little by little so she couldn’t breathe. This was some twisted sick power that he used back at the institute when an unknown would get out of hand. It was a way to show us who was boss and that he could end our lives within a matter of seconds! I would watch helplessly as someone would become victim to him. “H-elp!” she breathed. I couldn’t let him hurt her anymore. I said I would stop him and now I had to give him a little taste of his own medicine. I felt that same rage within me. This time instead I put up both of my hands and let the anger flow through me. With a jolt, he sailed through 74

the air and into a bolder. The force of impact made the bolder crack. Alex fell backwards onto the ground and I ran over to her. She was still recovering when I heard a snarl deep in Seth’s chest. He was circling Xavier with the others as he kept trying to blink past them to get to me. At that moment, Embry’s leg caught on fire and the wolf howled in pain. While the werewolves were momentarily distracted, he blinked past them and charged at me and a still wounded Alex. He had fire in his eyes. I threw my body over Alex to protect from what was coming. I waited for us to be consumed by the blazing hot flames, but it never happened. I dared myself to look up. Xavier looked at me with maddening eyes. He blinked all over trying to get closer to me, but he couldn’t. Something was blocking him. “Is she going to be alright?” a familiar voice. I looked over to see Vincent walking over to us with Chris. His force field must be what’s keeping Xavier out. Shane was helping Embry, while Seth and the others surrounded Xavier. “It’s been fun, but this is starting to bore me. I’ll leave you all to play amongst yourselves.” He said casually. “Are you bored or out numbered?” Shane confronted him. We all waited for his response. I figured he was trying to say what he needed to say without giving too much away. He didn’t like the enemy knowing more than what was needed to be heard. “Don’t worry young ones, our… time to commence in battle will come sooner than you think.” And with that he was gone. No one spoke or moved. Alex interrupted the quiet. Her voice was strained. “Is he gone?” I looked down at her and nodded. She smiled. “Have I told you lately how much I hate your uncle?” I laughed at her. “Not today, but I think we should get you back to the cottage. You’ve had a rough morning.”

*

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*

We returned to the cottage and got Alex settled into bed in Nessie’s parent’s room. Quil and Embry went back to Charlie’s to check on 75

Jake. Seth and Leah stayed with us. I tried to get Alex to rest, but she wanted to know everything that happened, as did everyone else. “So what did he say to you?” She demanded. “Xavier supposedly came here to ‘check’ on me, but he’s come for her.” I explained. “He’s staying here in Forks and he says he won’t leave without Nessie.” I glanced at everyone, who seemed to be just as upset as I was. And why wouldn’t they be? If anything ever happened to her… but I couldn’t think that way because she’s going to be just fine. I have to believe that. “She must be something if he’s going through all this trouble just to get to her.” Shane concluded. “That’s what he says. She’s suppose to be very gifted and he’ll do anything to get his hands on her. Though he insist that she’s going to come to him on her own.” Alex’s mouth fell open. “She’s going to do what?” “It’s not like we’re hearing this for the first time. Langston told us this earlier.” I reminded her. “Yes, but she’s been lying to us for weeks now and it could be even longer than that.” Alex pointed out. “For all we know they’re both lying.” “But how do we know that?” Chris asked. You know Chris doesn’t talk much, but when he does I wish he hadn’t. He thinks he’s such a know it all. I don’t understand how Vincent deals with him. “You don’t know what’s going through her mind while she’s undergoing the transformation. She might be angry when she awakens and-” I stopped him. “Don’t you dare! She’d never do that to us. And you’re right we don’t know, so we should wait and see how this all plays out!” “Wait!” he screeched. “We need to come up with a plan. Who knows what Xavier is planning while he waits. We need to make sure that she’s protected.”

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“We’ve got that covered.” Leah reported. “You’ll all be safe. Seth and I will be with you guys at all times and Sam’s pack is now on alert.” “Hold on,” Alex disrupted, “there are more of you guys?” “Many more.” Leah said to her. “Anyway Jacob, Quil and Embry will stay at Charlie’s until the Cullen’s arrive.” “The Cullen’s?” Shane looked perplexed. “Who are they?”

8. The Cullen’s “Their Nessie’s family.” Vincent said to him. “The Olympic Coven of vampires.” We gawked at him for a moment. “How did you know that?” I inquired. “Being a witch, you should always know who the magical and mystical creatures are just in case you happen to run into them.” “Have you met them before?” Alex asked. “No, but they are well known in the vampire world. The Cullen’s are one of the biggest covens, other than the Volturi. They are another story, but you need not to worry about them.” he took a breath, “What makes Nessie’s family so unique, is that they live together based on love not for survival and they live normal lives. Also the fact that they have chosen not to feed off of humans. And just like Nessie, some of them have gifts as well.” So for the next hour or so we were educated in The Cullen’s 101, that’s what Alex called it. Vincent told us about Edward’s mind 77

reading, Bella’s shield, Jasper’s mood control and Alice’s ability to see the future. Seth and Leah told us some facts about each of them. Carlisle is the father figure of the family, a doctor and Nessie’s grandfather. His life partner is Esme and he turned her when she tried to commit suicide after a miscarriage. Edward was the very first to join Carlisle’s now extended family. He almost died of a deadly disease. He’s Nessie’s father and Bella’s husband. Bella is Charlie’s daughter who married Edward seven years ago. Leah decided to skip the epic love story after we were stunned to find out it was a love triangle between her, Edward and Jacob. “Don’t ask.” She pleaded. After a close call with death when she gave birth to Renesmee, he turned her. Nessie has two aunts: a beautiful blonde named Rosalie who is with Emmett; and Alice who is with Jasper. They all would be coming; however I’m not surprised because it seems that Nessie is the heart of that family. I just hope that they will try to understand and hear us out. I know that they’re going to be upset, but I hope they understand that I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. She’s my friend and I wouldn’t even wish this on my worst enemy. One thing I wasn’t very comfortable with is having to share my thoughts with Nessie’s father. That’s way too creepy for me. “Hey Vince, do you have a potion or a spell to keep Edward from hearing our thought?” He smiled. “I don’t write very good spells. That was Langston’s department.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out three viles and handed one to Shane, Alex and me. “If you drink this it will keep him from being able to read your mind.” Alex stared at it in disgust. “Eww we have to drink this. I hate ‘em they are repulsive." I couldn’t argue with that. All the bizarre ingredients that go into making potions made me want to puke. It was the strangest shade of green and that didn’t help at all. I popped off the top and closed my eyes as I gulped it down. I nearly gagged but I forced it down. The after taste was just plain gross. 78

“I’m going to take a shower a brush my teeth.” I announced as I headed for the bathroom.

* * * After I got out of the shower, I brushed my teeth to rid my mouth of that awful taste. I let my wavy curls hang down and put on my black crop top and white jeans. They went perfect with my black boots! I love dressing up, it’s the one thing in my life that I feel I have real control over. I can present myself in any way without being told it’s wrong. I came out of the bathroom and Alex rushed in. “You take forever!” she complained as she shut the door. Seth was sitting on the bed. He held open his arms and without thinking I blinked in his lap. I smiled at him, but it seemed that he couldn’t return the gesture. “What’s the matter… did I hurt you?” I joked, but he wasn’t paying me any attention, which isn’t normal. “For real what’s wrong?” I asked finally catching up with his mood. “They’re here.” He said slowly. “HERE!” I screeched looking around the cottage. His face soften a bit. “No silly girl, they were just at Charlie’s.” I looked at him bewildered. “They were there? Then where are they now, where’s Nessie?” “Calm down they’re closer than you think.” I wasn’t following him at all. I probably looked at confused as I felt. He explained quickly. “When the Cullen’s lived in Forks, they stay in this big white house just over the river. They still own it so they decided to use it while they’re in town. Plus Carlisle has everything he needs to take care of Nessie. Well not everything… the want to talk to you.” He let out a sigh as did I. I knew this was coming, but I still wasn’t ready for it. I didn’t want to me Nessie’s family under these circumstances. So much for first impressions! My heart was pounding in my chest. “Are they mad?” I asked in a little voice. I held my head down, afraid of what his face might give away. He lifted up my chin. 79

“Of course not, they’re more worried then anything else. You’re the only one who can explain things to them. They really need to talk to you.” He was right. It was the least I could do after I put her in this situation. “Okay let’s go.” I hopped off his lap and Alex walk out of the bathroom. “Yeah right! Like you’re leaving without me!” she snorted. “So much for privacy!” I grimaced. She smiled at me ruefully as she walked out of the room. Riding on the back of a werewolf, is very cool! The trees were a blur as he ran through the forest. Alex wasn’t enjoying it. She said it was making her dizzy. So she laid her head against my shoulders. As Seth moved his body effortlessly pass the trees, I remember I’d forgotten about Shane, Chris and Vince. “Where were the guys at when we left?” I asked timidly. Alex managed to speak. “They left with Leah, Sue invited them to dinner.” “Oh.” Seth came to an abrupt halt. Alex and I almost fell off his back. He bobbed his big head towards the right. I followed and gasped as I saw the beautiful white house. Alex was in awe to. “Vampires know how to do it big don’t they!” she whispered in my ear. My heart felt like it was in the pit of my stomach. I took a deep breath and blinked down off of Seth’s back with Alex. I stood there looking at the house, unable to move. “It’s going to be fine!” Alex assured me. “At least we don’t have to worry about them eating us!” “You’re not helping.” I squeaked. She shrugged her shoulders and looked up and they sandy wolf. Then something tapped me gently pushing me forward. I looked back at him, and he nodded. I knew he was telling me to go on. I stared walking up to the front door. I was too nervous to blink or anything else, so I just walked. I held on to Alex for support. When we reached the door I hesitated. 80

“Come on Mackenzieee!” Alex opened the door and pulled me in. “Alexandria!” I scolded. “Have many times have we talked about knocking before entering!” “Oops!” she mumbled. “It’s quite alright!” a friendly voice said. He startled me as he stood in front of us. I know he wasn’t there before… or was he? After that little scare, I felt calm and relaxed. Another person came into view behind the man who was standing in front of me. I had a feeling it was Jasper. I was glad he’d taken over because I didn’t know how much more I could take! The man, well vampire, held out his hand. “I’m Carlisle.” He smiled at me and I had to smile back. “Mackenzie and this is Alex.” we both shook hands with him and he pointed to everyone else who was now in the room. “Over there by the stair case is Esme and Alice. This one behind me is Jasper. Rosalie and Emmett haven’t arrived yet.” He paused and began again, but this time his voice was low. “My apologizes that Bella and Edward are not present, but they won’t leave her side for anything.” “No I understand.” I whispered. “I’m very sorry.” Tears clouded my vision and I felt sold hands around me. I nearly jumped. I was use to feeling heat that the cold had become a stranger to me. I wiped my eyes and realized that it was Esme. “We know that it was not your fault and you didn’t intend for this to happen. You’re Nessie friends and we welcome all of you.” She reached over to include Alex in our embrace. It seems as if things are going better than I expected. Or maybe not. Things got very quite; they probably have so many questions and don’t know which to ask first. The pixie looking girl, Alice spoke first. “Is it almost over? Is she going to come back to us soon?” I felt so much pressure to answer a simple question as they all stared at me with probing eyes. Waiting to hear anything positive. I couldn’t lie to them.

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“I can’t say. These are very unique circumstances. She is a half breed who’s now becoming an unknown. This has never happened before so I don’t know what to expect. All that I know is that she will be alright.” Alex tilted he head a bit. “If she is somewhat like the rest of us, we’ll know when it’s almost over. Her condition will climax.” “Climax?” Jasper said dully. “It’s when the fever and the pain leave her body. Nessie will become restless and some scream because the pain is too intense. But after about twenty-minutes or so, she’ll sleep. Afterwards when she wakes up, it’ll be like she was never sick.” Alex said lamely. The Cullen’s looked relived to get some sort of news, but that didn’t last long. My necklace began to glowing brighter than it ever has. It hurt my eyes a little. Then just as it began to flash a piercing sound shot through the air. A blood-curdling scream coming from upstairs. I could feel the pain, it went straight through my body and I would’ve fallen back if it wasn’t for Alex supporting me. Whenever an unknown is in pain, I feel it because they’re connected to me by blood. This type of thing happens all the time, but I’ve never felt pain like that. It was straight up agony. Before Nessie finished screaming, the room was abandoned. The first scream was followed by more screams, but they were so much worst than the others. I was locked in pain still standing there by the door. Alex tugged on my arm. “Come on Mac she needs us!” Alex yelled over Nessie’s powerful cries. I gathered as much strength as I could to push myself forward, but it was brutal. I wanted to curl up in a ball until the pain subsided. The worst part was having to walk up all those stairs. I couldn’t blink because I’ve never been here before. I sluggishly pulled my feet across the floor. Alex was already half way up the stairs. She looked back at me in disappointment. “You have to push your self please!” she said trying one last time. “If not for yourself, but for Renesmee!” in that moment I forgot about my pain and thought about her. I had to be there for Nessie. Even though I wouldn’t be able to prevent what was happening to 82

her I still could be there. I took off running and by passed Alex. We followed the screams down the hallway and entered a white room. A hospital room just like the one in my vision. Nessie was strapped down to a metal table, but that didn’t seem to be nearly enough to retain her. She looked absolutely miserable. She hollered and thrashed wildly under Carlisle and someone else’s arms. I figured it was Edward and I knew who her mother was right way. Bella was holding down Nessie by her shoulders. She was trying desperately not to hurt her daughter. “Oh Renesmee!” she cried. “Carlisle isn’t there anything we can do?” He looked so discouraged. “I’m afraid not Bella.” I watched helplessly in horror as Nessie was about to unleash her wrath. Alex didn’t reveal that also during a climax, an unknown shows some signs of their powers, but not all and I knew what ever Nessie was about to do was going to have severed ramifications! I looked over at Esme who covered her eyes from what was happening before her. Alice tried to calm Bella down, but it was no use. Edward was talking to Carlisle. He talked so fast that I couldn’t understand what he was saying. Alex was completely frightened. Jasper came over and pulled her up. He wrapped her legs around his waste. She buried her face in his shirt. “She can’t handle this. I’m going to take her with me while I go find Jacob.” I was to stiff to nodded in agreement, but he seemed to understand. When I thought about what he said, it made me wonder where Jacob was! Why wasn’t he here with her? I was back to looking at her when her eyes fluttered open. She continued to move around uncontrollably. “Renesmee?” Bella said with hope. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that it was long from over. “Make it stop!” Nessie choked. A flood of tears was flowing down her cheeks. “Sweetheart I wish I could.” Bella’s face was rigid with pain. “Mommy please! Mom-” she gasped as air got caught in her throat.

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“Renesmee!” Edward roared. Carlisle pushed Bella gently out of the way to try and perform CPR. “Nessie breathe please.” I begged. Then the fading light in my necklace got stronger. I looked up in terror. “Carlisle MOVE!!” I boomed. But it was too late. A surge went through her and hit Carlisle. He flew through the air and went straight through the wall into the next room. I examined the gaping hole in the wall. If I hadn’t witnessed what just happen, I would have thought a meteor hit their house. “Carlisle!” Esme shouted. She vanished from the room. Nessie broke free from the straps. Edward and Bella struggled to force her back down. “STOP!” Nessie scream. “Let me go!” but her parents relentlessly tried to calm her down. She screamed again, but this made some of the windows shake. A gargling sound came from her throat and she began to vomit up blood. It was something out of the exorcist, except that her head didn’t spin all the way around. It was everywhere! Alice and I were cover with oozing blood. My white pants were going to meet the trash. The walls where painted in red, but Bella and Edward were drenched in the stuff. I was hoping that maybe the worst was over, but she started growling through her teeth. Bella glance up at Edward, scared to death and back down at her daughter. This last scream was bone chilling! Her eyes rolled back and she looked as if she was having a seizure. “Carlisle!” Edward yelled. Then, the white light hanging from the ceiling exploded. Sparks were flying everywhere. I bent down to protect my self. Carlisle and Esme came back in the room just as the glass cracked and exploded too. Esme and Alice threw themselves over me. I shut my eyes too scared to see anything else. A few moments pass, and everything was very quite and still. I held on to Alice and Esme a while longer. They sat there with me and waited patiently while I recovered. I heard someone stepping on broken glass.

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“How is she?” Alice asked carefully. I peaked out from under her arm and looked at them hovering over Nessie. I wanted to see better so I blinked to my feet. Alice and Esme moved with me. Carlisle smiled wide. “The fever is broken. She’s resting now.” I didn’t notice how tense I was until I was finally allowed to relax. Bella collapsed into Edwards arms and sobbed tearless sobs. Esme and Alice moved over to them quickly. I wanted to get a closer look at Nessie, but when I took one step I felt a sharp pain in my back. Wow where did that come from. I felt some type of liquid sliding down my lower back. I reached back to see what it was. I pulled my hand back and saw more blood. It wasn’t the blood that came from Nessie because that was cold. This blood was warm. “Oh my god!” Bella shrieked. I didn’t know I had an audience. Suddenly there faces were blurry and I couldn’t see them anymore. My body went numb and I fell forward. I’m not sure if I hit the floor or not. I heard voices. It was like I was going down a long tunnel and I kept going further and further away. I heard new voices, many voices. One in particular caught my attention. “Mackenzie? It’s me Seth. Can you hear me? Please stay with me, don’t leave me. I love you. I really and truly love you.” I wanted to stay, but I couldn’t fight it. I went deeper and deeper into the black sea of darkness. Good-bye my love… Good-bye.

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9. 48 Hours I was lying flat on my back, that much I was certain. Must have been laying there for a long time because my body was stiff. Though I was very grateful that the pain had subsided. My memories of the past few days were hazy. I remember that my parents were with me. As were Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Mackenzie. I couldn’t see them clearly, but I smelled them perfectly. The last face I remember was Jacob’s. I missed him terribly. That’s something that puzzled me. Why wasn’t Jacob here with me? Nothing was more important to him that me and vice versa. I had to find him. I needed to wrap my arms around him and tell him how much he means to me. That I love him and no one else. Jacob has always been the one for me. I can’t believe that he’s been there all my life and I didn’t want to see it because I was afraid of losing my best friend. That’s when I came to the realization that I could never lose Jake. Our bond is unbreakable. As long as I believe in that, Jacob will always be mine. I have to go to him! I stretched a bit and opened my eyes only to be blinded

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by the white light. I sat up without hesitation and examined my surroundings. “I’ve missed this place.” I whispered to myself. The white house had been abandoned for years and now it’s like we never left. While I continued to look around, I noticed someone was standing in the doorway. “Mackenzie!” I said with glee, but she didn’t answer me. “Mac?” I hopped off the bed and heard something rip. I hadn’t realized that I was strapped down. Moving closer, I was alarmed that she didn’t seem to see me at all. I waved my hand in front of her face. “Hello anybody there?” She didn’t move. Mackenzie was staring at something with great concern. I followed her gaze back to the bed where I once laid. She must’ve been checking on me. “Mackenzie it’s okay, I’m fine.” I tried to assure her and still no response. I became frantic when I attempted to shake her out of it and she wouldn’t budge. She wasn’t breathing either. Mackenzie just stood there, frozen. Panicked, I took a step back. “What’s going on?” I asked myself. “Mom? Dad?” I was nearly out the door when someone yelled, “Stop!” I spun around to see a tall women standing on the far side of the room. She wore a long gray robe and her hair was placed neatly in a bun. But the women’s beauty was breath taking. Was she one of the Volturi? If she was then she must’ve been new because I’ve never seen her before. I was at a lose for words, so she spoke first. “Please Renesmee we do not have much time, so listen carefully. I am Mariah, the Guardian of the past and you have been chosen to take my place.” “Mariah?” I said dumbly. “I thought you were dead?” “I am unknown, though I am here in spirit.” “What did you just call me?” I said in confusion. Maybe she had the wrong person, because I wasn’t an unknown. It just couldn’t be possible. I remember before the pain got worse that I was considering the possibility. “Never mind that now.” She hissed in frustration. “We need to hurry before they all unfreeze.” 87

My mouth fell open. “You stopped time.” I said in a amazement. “Yes, it was the only way I could speak with you without Xavier watching.” She blinked directly in front of me. “Renesmee, you will be the one to stop Xavier.” I shook my head. “How do you know that if you see the past?” She half smiled at my assumption. “Renesmee you have so much to learn about being a Guardian. Yes I see the past, but I am also connected to my brother’s. Morgan watches over the present and Mordakai protects the future. Though in recent decades, they’ve deserted their duties. If they hadn’t, Xavier would not have gotten away with any of this.” She sighed. “Back to what I was saying, since my brother’s and I are so in tune with one another, I see what they see, and they see what I see. It won’t happen for you right away, but once you form a bond with my brother’s it will.” I tired to absorb everything she was telling me. “So I am the new Guardian of the past?” She nodded. “It won’t take you long to get a handle on your new powers, but you do get stuck I will be with you to help. And you’re going to need it!” she stressed. “Now here’s the bad part, you only have 48 hours to take him down or you will lose those you love and many innocent people will die. That’s something time travel can’t fix.” “Why not?” “Because there are rules that complicate things even more. But if you succeed you and your loved ones should be safe.” “Should?” I repeated. “As you must already know, the future is always changing and since I’m not a seer I can’t be certain. One thing is for sure, that blood will be shed and some will have to be sacrificed.” I shuddered at her brutal words. “What is he after, why is he doing all of this?” “He wants to take over the supernatural world and rule over us unknowns as well as witches, warlocks and vampires. All creatures.” She took my hand. “You can do this, I know you can. But you must be strong because he’s going to go after your heart.” 88

With her free hand, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a gold bracelet. It was astounding. The diamonds on it sparkled in the light and it had Mariah’s name engraved into it. She fastened it around my wrist and it fit perfectly. “This is a symbol of our power. It was given to us by those who put us in power. Don’t take it off for anything; it could easily fall into the wrong hands!” I nodded. “I understand.” Mariah looked up at the clock on the wall. “Fifteen seconds! Get back into position, Mackenzie will have a stroke if her vision doesn’t happen exactly the way she saw it.” I obeyed and laid back down on the back as if I had never moved. As I closed my eyes I heard her voice one last time. “Farewell unknown. You will be just fine. And remember you have 48 hours starting now!” then I heard heartbeats and the continuation of conversations from downstairs. Mackenzie started to breathe again like she didn’t stop at all. I heard her walking closer over to me. “Nessie?” she asked. I opened my eyes and I immediately stared back into her sad hazel eyes. In that moment I feel just as sad. Something has happened to me that she fought so hard against. I didn’t answer her; I just climbed out of bed and faced her. She frowned at me. “Nessie?” “It’s happened.” I whispered. “What’s happened?” She said frantically. I raised one eyebrow. Did she not know that I’d become one of them that I was now an unknown. “It’s happened to me.” I said again hoping that she would understand. Mackenzie eyebrows scrunched together. “What are you talking about?” I started to think back and I ignored her question. “It was the blood wasn’t it?” I pressed.

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“What blood, please tell me what’s happened to you?” she begged me. “Don’t you see?” I wondered. She looked completely lost. “See what?” I guess she really didn’t know. What if I told her and she didn’t believe me. If I showed her what I was talking about then she’d have to believe me. I took a step back and focused on blinking to the door. I felt crazy even thinking that I could do such a thing, but I looked down at my wrist and saw that the bracelet was still there so it must be true. Mariah said that it wouldn’t take me long to master my abilities. I thought about what Mackenzie had said. At first, she couldn’t do it at will, she had to want it badly and I wanted more than anything to be able to blink to that door. Not just to prove it to Mac, but to prove it to myself that I could really do it. “Whoa!” I yelped as I was now standing in the doorway of the white room. That happened faster then what I expected. “Nessie!” Mackenzie screamed. “I’m right here!” I reported. In that instant the room was very crowed. “Oh thank goodness!” My mom hugged me tight. “You have us worried out of our minds.” I had hugged everyone at least three times when I turned back to Mackenzie. “I’m sorry I scared you.” She smiled at me. “It quite alright, I didn’t know what you were talking about. I thought something else other than the obvious had happened to you. And when you blinked, I thought Xavier had taken you or something.” She seemed to be holding on to the bed for support. “Why don’t you sit down?” Seth offered and Esme handed him a chair. “What happened to you?” I exclaimed. “I just had a near death experience, but I’ll be fine. I lost a lot of blood and Carlisle gave me a few transfusions.”

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She wasn’t telling me the whole story, but I didn’t have time at the moment to catch up and find out all what happened while I was sick. “We have to hurry up and figure out what to do with Xavier.” I said quickly. “We don’t have much time.” “Then how much time do we have?” Mackenzie asked. “48 hours.” My dad responded. He was probably already up to speed on what just happened between me and Mariah. My mom looked at him with worry. “48 hours until what?” “I don’t know.” I admitted to everyone. “Possibly 48 hours until we all die.” “And how do you know that?” Alex challenged. “I know this because Mariah told me herself.” My family, besides my dad, had no ides who I was talking about. The Mackenzie and Alex knew very well. “Impossible.” Alex hissed. “You want to bet.” I revealed the bracelet that was around my wrist. Everyone inspected it. “That’s defiantly the golden bracelets that each Guardian is given.” Mackenzie confirmed. “It even has her name on it.” “It does?” I said in disbelief. I looked at it again and without a doubt my name was now engraved in the gold bracelet right where Mariah’s name use to be. “You’re now our new leader, along with the other brother’s of course. You’re even over Xavier!” Alex informed me. “I am?” She nodded as did Mackenzie. “No wonder Xavier wants you so bad. He’s going to do something quick cause once the other brother’s find out about you he can forget it!” Carlisle unexpectedly joined in the conversation. “If Xavier knows how powerful you are and that you rule over him, what makes him think that you would step down and join him? I mean you how the power to destroy him.” “He’s right.” Mackenzie frowned. “What would make him think that you would betray us?” 91

“He must have some type of leverage.” Alice mused. I looked around the room. “Where’s Jasper?” “He’ll be here soon with Emmett and Rosalie.” Then something crossed my mind. “You know, Mariah told me to be strong because Xavier would go after my heart… what does that mean.” Alex looked at Mackenzie and Mackenzie looked at me. “What?” Mackenzie answered. “That’s how Xavier operates like any other super villain. He attacks his enemies through the ones they love.” “Through the ones they love…” I said to myself. “The one I love more than anything is…” I felt heavy and I hit the floor hard. “Gosh hasn’t she done enough damage to this room?” Alex said sourly. “Alex!” Mackenzie scolded. “No one ever found Jacob did they?” Alex looked at Seth who bolted from the room. She turned back to Mac. “No we didn’t.” It took her a few seconds to comprehend what we all came to understand. “Oh my-” “GOD!” I screamed. “He has my Jacob.” My mom was holding me up. “Nessie please you have to pull yourself together. Remember you have to be strong.” She reminded me. I didn’t want to be strong I just wanted to die. “Crying isn’t going to bring him back, you need to find the strength to fight… for Jake’s sake.” My mom spoke the truth. I had to get him back. “What if he’s already…” “No.” I dad said quietly. “Don’t you ever say or think such a thing. This, Xavier, wouldn’t be stupid enough to do any real harm to Jacob. If he did, there would be nothing keeping you from killing him on the spot.” “How did he manage to get his hands on Jacob?” Esme wondered. “Isn’t Jacob able to rip him apart?”

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Mackenzie thought about this for a moment. “That’s very true. But being able to blink we can easily escape our enemies. Even so I still don’t know how he was able to pull this off.” “Maybe I can fill in the blanks.” Vince walked in the room with Chris and Shane. “My sister helped him.” “Langston helped him trap Jacob?” I screeched. “That’s among some of the many things that you miss.” Mackenzie explained. “Apparently, Langston has been working with Xavier since even before we left the institute.” I didn’t even have enough strength to react to what I just heard. Alex slammed her fist against the wall. “I want to take her out myself for what she did to my sister.” “Your sister?” “Margaret… she had to die so you could drink her blood and become one of us. Langston killed her.” “I’m really sorry.” The tears flowed down my cheeks with on sign of relief. “What do you have to share about what might of happened to Jacob?” Carlisle inquired. Vincent held up a few pieces of broken glass. Mackenzie and Alex seemed to know right away what it was. “These pieces of glass are from one of my viles. I gave Langston more than a dozen of these to protect herself in case of emergency. By the taste of it, it’s a potion to incapacitate your attacker, by paralyzing them. It wares off after a while. Though I made them very strong! And he’s probably in a lot of pain. Since there seems to be a lot of glass, she might have used many to make sure it worked on him. He could be held captive for days… even weeks.” He trailed off. I couldn’t help but winced at the fact that Jacob was in pain. “Nessie you need to calm down sweetheart.” My mom was trying to hold me still. I was trembling. I composed my voice enough to speak. “What can we do?”

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Mackenzie did want to say it. I looked at my dad because he would know what it was that she didn’t want to tell me. “Sorry, but I can’t seem to read her mind.” He said impatiently. Mackenzie smiled to herself. “Sorry about that, but Nessie we have no choice but to fight.” I didn’t want to go into battle. I hate the thought of fighting. Mariah told me that some would have to be sacrificed; Jacob wouldn’t be one of them. “I’ll do anything to save him.” I stated. “Anything.” Mackenzie repeated, but she said it with true understanding. If it were Seth she’d feel the same way. “It looks like Xavier’s got you right where he wants you.” When Mackenzie said that, I was no longer with them. I was confused by my new surroundings. I was in a very lavish room, a waiting room by the looks of it. A girl who sat at the front desk greeted me with a smile. “Hello Renesmee, he will see you now.” I knew exactly who he was talking about. I stood up and followed him to the double doors. “Right this way Miss, and if I may that dress is very cute on you!” I hadn’t even noticed what I was wearing. I thought that I was still in my pj’s. I was now wearing a blue sundress with matching wedges. Alice was behind this of course, I’m so glad she has wonderful taste. “Thank you.” I walked into the office and walked around the marble oval table. It was huge and there were no windows. The doors opened and a man walked into the room with a big smile on his face. He wore a black Armani suit and he just stood there looking me over. I figured that this was the infamous Xavier. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for months now and it’s finally here.” He beamed. I didn’t respond. “How silly of me, I didn’t even introduce myself.” He blinked in front of me and held out his hand. “Xavier.” His voice was smooth. I wanted to break his hand, but I thought it would be in Jake’s best interest if I played nice. I shook his hand gentle enough, but firm. 94

“I guess I don’t need any introduction now do I.” I mentioned casually. He seemed amused by my humor. “Well no I believe you don’t. I suppose you would like to get down to business.” “Yes I would.” I replied without haste. He pulled out a chair for me, but I refused. “I don’t want this to take long.” “Alright then I’ll cut to the chase, if you want to safe your precious Jacob you will join me and fight by my side.” “What will you do to him if I don’t?” I couldn’t help but ask. “I won’t have any use for him and well, you know what happens then.” He said with a smirk. “No I don’t know.” I shot back. He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be forced to keep him captive. You can try and kill me if you want, but then you’ll never find him. I’ve hidden him well.” “I will do as you wish.” I said in defeat. “But you must not harm my family or they others. That goes for Mackenzie as well!” He laughed at my words as if they meant nothing to him. “You’re not going to be calling the shots. That’s my job. I can’t just ignore them because they are going to try and save you which is going to interfere with my plans. So if you mean what you have said about being willing to do anything to save the one you love, then I have the ultimate test for you and if you succeed… then I’ll let him go.” “And what might that be?” I asked carefully, but my heart fell into the pit of my stomach. I knew whatever he was about to ask me to do would tear me in two. “You’re going to go back to your family and tell them that you have chosen to join me. Knowing Mackenzie, she will immediately figure that I am using Jacob to get to you… if she hasn’t already. They will come after you of course in an attempt to rescue you and your love Jacob, and when they arrive you will have a trap waiting for them.” My heart was breaking in billions of pieces. What on earth was I going to do?

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“I see that this is a lot for you to think about so I will give you some time to think on it, but time is running out very quickly.” He pointed out. “Renesmee, one more thing… don’t think of mentioning this to any of them. I will be watching you very closely. It was very nice to finally meet you.” He sounded like he really meant that. Without another word, I was blinked back into the white room. “Mackenzie… Alex?” I called. I needed to talk to them. But how was I going to do it without Xavier watching me? They blinked into the room. “Yes master!” Alex said sarcastically. “Please don’t call me that!” I urged. “Thank goodness your back. Your family is about ready to declare war on Xavier. I don’t think we should do that just yet.” “You right.” I told her. “I need to talk to you both.” “Okay but maybe I should let your parents know that you’re alright.” There wasn’t time for that. I needed to talk to them now. I had to stop and make them listen. “All of you freeze!” I commanded. Alex froze dead in her tracks. Mackenzie was still standing in her same position, none of them moving. “I can’t believe it.” I chuckled. I blinked to the window and looked outside. A bird in mid flight was stuck in the air. I looked down and spotted Leah in the middle of her trying to phase, it looked really freaky. I turned back to face my friends. I could talk to them while time was interrupted, but how do I unfreeze them and only them. Also how much time did I have before it resumed. I heard a voice in my ear. “Call them and they will hear you. Be as brief as possible. Your powers are settling in so you cannot be certain how long time will be paused.” I looked around, but there was no one there. I was positive that the voice was Mariah. I did as I was told and called their names. “Mackenzie? Alex?” Mackenzie blinked her eyes a few time and looked over at me she scratched her head. “You move fast don’t you?” 96

Alex tripped over her leg and hit the floor with a thud. “Goodness I didn’t see that one coming.” “You guys I stopped time and we have to hurry before it starts up again. This is the only way I can talk to you without Xavier watching us.” “He wants you to join him in order for you to save Jake.” Mackenzie said. “Yes and he also want me to trap you by having you come after me. I’m supposed to have it waiting for you all.” “Hmm…” Alex hummed, “so I guess in trapping us, we’re going to have to turn the tables on Xavier and trap him instead. While getting Jacob back at the same time.” She had a devious smile on her face. Mackenzie lit up like a Christmas tree and for some reason I felt as if I could relax a bit. “My dear Alex, you have a plan don’t you.” I accused. Her smile became so wide until it reached her ears. “It’s the mother of all plans!” she gushed.

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10. The Final Showdown The Plan “We don’t have long what’s the plan?” I pressed. Alex quickly pulled a folded blue paper out of her pants pocket. She unfolded it as neatly as possible and place in down on the bed. “Blueprints?” I said confused. “Yeah… but there not just any blueprints, they’re the blueprints to the whole entire facility.” She informed us. Mackenzie gasped. “How did you get your hands on this?” “Margaret found them. She gave it to me and said maybe they would come in handy someday. I didn’t think anything of it until recently.” Alex pointed to what looked to be the core of the building. “You see this right here. That’s where Xavier has a very deadly explosive! It’s wired into every single square inch of this building.”

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“I can’t believe this.” Mackenzie eyes were shut and she held her head in her right hand. “What do you see?” I asked. Mackenzie appeared to ignore my question. “Alex did you see that?” she said. “Wait I’m trying.” Alex replied. “What are we going to do?” Mackenzie whined, finally opening her eyes. “HELLO!” I bellowed. “Non seer in the room remember me?” “Sorry Nessie, but now things get worse.” Mackenzie said carefully. “How much worse?” She managed to crack a smile. “I have good news though! Jacob will be fine. All we have to do is get Edward close enough so he can hear Xavier’s thoughts and find out where he is. After that Vince will give him the antidote to the potion and he’ll be good as new.” I could finally breathe again, I mean really breathe. Jake was going to be okay; too bad it doesn’t end there. “Alright, I think I can handle the bad part.” She was reluctant to say anything a first. I thought she was going to bite her lip off. “Mackenzie what is it?” “In just one moment, I saw more than I have ever seen in my entire life. It’s all very clear now.” She said softly. “What is?” Alex pondered. “Xavier is going to figure out that something is wrong, when he does we’re going to have less than twenty-four hours to save as many lives as we possibly can and end Xavier’s.” What was she talking about? “Mariah said that-” Mackenzie cut me off. “Mariah was a Guardian, not a seer; she doesn’t know things for certain only as her brother’s watch them. That’s why they keep watch because things can change so quickly and they could have dire consequences.”

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Alex interrupted. “You said we have less than twenty-four hours… can we get an exact estimate?” “Daybreak.” Mackenzie started to spas out. “That’s about what, four hours from now!” I found enough courage to ask this question. “What’s going to happen?” She looked at me with agony. “A battle of course and Xavier will die. But that explosive is going to be activated and…” She stopped and it didn’t seem as if she was going to finish what she had started to say. “And what?” Alex snapped. “Someone’s not going to make it.” She said quietly. “But I can’t see who. Silent tears started to fall from Alex’s eyes. She turned away from us. “I’m missing something right?” I guessed. “Alex what’s wrong?” “I don’t know. I was looking into the future and I saw myself fighting with Langston and then … everything goes black.” I didn’t see what was so tragic about that, but Mac seemed to understand perfectly. “Don’t you even think that way you’re going to be fine.” she ordered Alex. I looked at them in confusion. Mackenzie responded to my unanswered question. “It’s said that when a seer has a vision and it blacks out, it’s a prediction of their down fall.” “So you’re just going to accept that?” I accused Alex. “What else am I suppose to do Nessie? No matter how hard I fight to keep it from coming true and no matter what you guys do to try and stop it… I will die! That’s what sucks about being a seer because the visions always come true no matter what.” “We’re not going to let that happen to you or any of us” I tried to assure her. “I know we’ve known each other for a short time, but you two are my best girlfriends. Well the only girlfriends that I’ve

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ever had outside of my family and whatever it takes, we’re going to get through this together!” Mackenzie finally smiled that gorgeous smile but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Sounds good to me.” Though she didn’t sound very upbeat. “Me too.” Alex agreed. Alex went over the plan at least four times before time continued again. I had it down packed. She wanted to be the one to take down Langston, but we decided to keep her as far away from her and let Vince try and handle his sister. If anyone could, he’d be able to. Mackenzie already knows the institute like the back of her hand. She’s going to lead everyone through it undetected until the ‘trap’ comes up. I had to do whatever I was told to and get in Xavier’s good graces. As long as I pretended to do as I was told, Jacob would be safe. I would just have to keep him from catching on to me until my dad arrived. Once we have Jake, there’ll be nothing stopping me from killing Xavier. I’m not a killer, but it had to be done. It won’t be easy because of his hunters. Mackenzie said there were at least thirty if not more. We divided them up between those who were going to Xavier’s institute. Seth, Shane, Vincent and Chris, but everyone else would hang back. I thought that the teenagers who were escaping should come back here to the house, before we let then go home. Carlisle would check them out to make sure that they were really okay. My parents will probably end up coming anyway; nevertheless I wish they would stay away. I wasn’t able to share our plan with my family before I informed then that I was going to join Xavier. “Absolutely not!” my mom objected. “We’ll find another way.” I shook my head. “There is no other way. I have to do this or I’ll never get Jacob back. Please you have to let me go.” I looked at my dad as I thought about the plan once more. My mom noticed and saw him wink at me. “Okay then.” Her voice was normal again. My parents pulled me into a tight embrace. “You guys aren’t going to stay away are you?” My voice was wary. 101

“Not a chance.” My dad murmured. “Will you guys be able to handle it?” My mom gave me a puzzled look. “Handle what?” “Mom there’s going to be a lot of blood shed going on.” I hadn’t given it much though myself. Will I be able to control myself? My dad shrugged. “I guess we’re going to have to because there’s no way we’re going to miss this.” “I thought so. I love you both.” I whimpered. My mom kissed me on the forehead. “We love you too.” Alice handed me a bag. “Here’s changing clothes and a pair of sneakers. I can’t have you ruining that dress, unlike somebody in particular but I won’t say names!” she didn’t have to by the way she glared at mom it was obvious. She stuck her tongue out at her in response and we all laughed. I hugged each of them good-bye. When I got around to Mackenzie, she whispered something into my ears. “Listen carefully; Xavier’s going to take you to a conference room when it’s clear freeze the room and call for Elaine. She’s going to help you!” “How will I know who she is?” “Look at the name tags. Oh and try to control yourself.” Her body shook with laughter. I let go of her and gave her a strange look. “What’s so funny?” “You’ll see.” She snickered. “Okay… see you soon.” I said as cheerfully as I possibly could. “You too.” She chirped. Looking at my family and my friends, old and new, for what could be my last time I took in everything and placed it with all of my other precious memories… in my heart. I shifted through my thoughts and looked back at the office. I blinked there without uncertainty. “Welcome back.” Xavier greeted me. “That didn’t take you long.” I had to keep myself from laughing. Of course it didn’t take long for him because he was stuck in time. “Why should it? Jacob is my life, without him I’m nothing.” 102

“So you’re willing to lose your friends and family just to save one insignificant life?” “He means more to me then you’ll ever understand. And you already know that I’d do anything for him.” My voice was shaky and I was on the verge of tears. He handed me a tissue. “I promise that if you do as you’re told, he will be fine, but if you slip up even one time… he won’t be.” His voice was menacing. I shook it off and stood my ground. “They will be coming soon so I think I should get to work don’t you?” He grinned at me. “Take my hand and I’ll introduce you to my hunters, they will be assisting you in setting your trap. I have some other business to attend to so I won’t be able to help. I have told them all of your arrival and they are at your disposal. Whatever you tell them to do, they must do it.” We blinked into a conference room. It was filled with teenagers. There was way more then thirty. He must have been planning this for a while. Langston was standing in front. We glared at each other. I can’t wait for Vince to get a hold of her. Though he might go easy on her, after all she is his sister. She tossed her hair over her shoulders. “Langston.” I addressed her coldly. “Renesmee.” She answered in the same tone. “Witch.” I said under my breath. “Bitch.” She said loudly. The whole room gasped even Xavier. I reacted rather quickly before I realized that Langston was on the floor cowering away from me, while Xavier held me where I stood. Apparently, I slapped her using all of my strength and I knocked her into a metal chair. I wondered if this was what Mac meant by ‘control yourself’. She looked up at me with her hands covering something on her face. I smelled the blood before I saw it oozing between her fingers. Quickly holding my breath, I realized how thirsty I was. “Get her out of here.” I spit through my teeth. Xavier got one of the boys to escort Langston out of the room.

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“My apologizes Renesmee, I guess I don’t see everything!” Xavier smirked. “I’ll be going now, good luck.” He was instantly out of sight and I turn to face the curious eyes. Suddenly nervous, I didn’t know what to say. Then I thought about what Mac ask me to do. “Freeze.” I said aloud. And just like before, everything and everyone stopped. I walked up and down the aisles looking for Elaine. I giggled a few times as I saw some of the funny expression that was fixed on a few of their faces. One girl had a fly on her nose, I guess she was trying to get a look at it and her eyes were crossed. Another boy had his hand stuck in his nose… that was gross. A few rows back I glanced and saw her. She was a little Spanish girl who looked no more than fifteen years old. I strolled in front of her. “Elaine.” I said in my hushed voice. Elaine snapped back to life and looked up at me. She smiled as if she was expecting me. “Renesmee!” she said in excitement. “Oh I’m sorry you prefer Nessie don’t you.” “Yes and I’m guessing you’re a seer.” I concluded. She seemed to be a very cheerful girl. “Why yes I am! Very glad you noticed, though I knew you would.” She began to talk really fast. “My name is Elaine, but you already knew that and I’m a seer, which again you already know that as well. But I’m not just any seer; I’m one of the best here! I’m even better then Xavier and that’s saying a lot since he just admitted a few minutes ago that he can’t see everything. So we defiantly have an advantage! It seems when Xavier is under stress he’s unable to concentrate and you really need to be able to do that because seeing the exact future isn’t easy in the first place so you have to focus or you won’t see correctly. When that happens some see what they want to see.” “What is your part in all this, Mackenzie said you would help me.” “Well I lead a secret rebellion here at the institute. A few others and I have been plotting against Xavier since we got here trying to 104

escape and return home to our families or wherever we were at the time. We’ve been training and we know how to fight against the hunters we just can’t handle Xavier. I knew you were coming to save us. Wow one of the Guardians who knew!” she beamed. I smiled shyly back. “I have a feeling this ‘trap’ for my family is going to turn into an ambush.” “It will but we’re going to help you guys get rid of the hunters by ambushing them instead. It’ll be an uneven fight, but we’ll manage. Xavier will be arriving shortly after the fights break out and that’s when you come in. It’s not going to be easy because you still don’t fully know how to use your powers. When all is clear your mom and dad and me will get as many of the teens out of the building as possible and get them to the safety of your home, but you, Mackenzie, Alex and three others will have five minutes after the bomb is triggered to get out of here.” “Are we going to make it?” I waited for an answer. “I can’t tell you that.” “Come on! Why not?” “Because if I tell you everything that I see you won’t fight as hard to save those that you care about! And that could lead to letting Xavier get away.” I scowled at her. “Let’s get this over with!” A Blood Bath It was about two hours before dawn and I was beginning to get a little impatient. “Where are they?” I whispered into Elaine’s ear. “They’ll be here shortly; they stopped because Alex was complaining about a broken nail.” She grumbled. “I don’t get why they didn’t just blink here.” “Oh please that would be way too obvious! And we don’t want your parents suffering from the side effects of blinking like you did the first time remember?” That was a good point. Elaine went back deep into meditation. I decided not to ask her anymore questions for a while. Everyone 105

was already in position waiting for the battle to begin in the recreation room. We turned the lights out however I could still see some of them. I just felt horrible about what was going to become of most of them. If they were hunters or part of the rebellion, some were going to die and I couldn’t do anything about it. Their all just kids like me and it’s such ashame that they have to go through this… that their lives have to end this way. I was starting to get sleepy and I was feeling a little weak. I didn’t want to fall asleep so I thought about Jacob. I wonder where he is and if he really is okay. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I see him, but we won’t have must of a reunion here. I just know that I’m never going to let him go ever again. I want to spend every waking moment with Jake. I want to move back to Forks for good and live with him. I don’t know how my parents will take the news, but all of this has made me comprehend how important Jacob is to me and that even though we can live forever… it could still end in an instance. I feel like time has already run out on us. Mackenzie told me that Jacob will be fine, but I have got this eerie feeling that things are only going to get worst from here on in. I didn’t have much more time to reflect on my fears because I noticed that everyone’s crystals were lighting up. Elaine’s eyes fluttered open and heat heart began to speed up. “It’s time. Remember that the good guys have on red wrist bands, the ones without wrist bands are the bad guys.” She reminded me quickly. We were behind a wall near the main entrance to the rec room. Mackenzie should be coming through the secret passage I’m just not sure where exactly that is. I could hear the extra heart beats as they closed in on us. “Are you ready?” Elaine asked me breathlessly. I looked back at her sadly. “Not even close.” They were in the room then and my heart felt as if it was about to pop out of my chest. “On my signal, we attack.” I unwillingly told the hunters. Then I heard an unfamiliar heart beat. I looked behind be, but I didn’t see anyone. 106

“Don’t listen to her, we attack on my signal.” A voice commanded them. Langston showed herself. I jumped because I didn’t realize how close she was. I was really tired of her scaring me with her invisibility. I notice that she had stitches on her left cheek. I almost felt bad for what happened earlier… almost! “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Xavier put me in charge!” I yelled. “I’m here to ruin your plans. Xavier clearly made a mistake by trusting you. So I’ll take over this operation.” “Like hell you are.” I shot back. “I already have.” She grinned. I didn’t know we had an audience, until one of the boys started talking to the others. “It’s a set up, every man for himself!” “Hey excuse me!” Elaine said suddenly offended. “Oh forgive me. Every man and woman for themselves.” “Much better.” she approved. I became uneasy at the sight that was forming in front of me. My parents crouched down into position, Seth was trembling head to toe, and the hunters had fire in their eyes as did Shane. Mackenzie, Alex and I glanced at each other one last time as if to wish the other luck. Something caught my attention out of the corner of my eyes. “Renesmee get down!” Dad roared. I didn’t move. I really didn’t have to because my mom knocked me out of the way. The fireball missed us and went into the wall. It blasted a big chuck out of it; I covered my eyes from the debris. That’s when everyone cut loose. Fireballs where flying all around as where people. Alex was flinging them left and right. My mom pushed me into a corner and went to retrain a girl. Vince was fighting with his invisible sister… I think. Some random girl punched Mac and she was knocked off her feet. Mac then turned around and hit the girl in the back of her knees making her lose balance. As the girl tilted forward, Mackenzie quickly got up and kneed her in the face. Her nose started to bleed and I could see my parents tense up just as I did. I started to feel weaker. When was the last time I went hunting? 107

Mackenzie threw me an apologetic look, but it quickly turned into a look of horror. She looked down at her necklace. I didn’t have to look down to know what was coming or better yet who. Xavier blinked into the center of the room. The fighting ceased immediately. There were a few people behind him, but they weren’t teenagers, they were adults. Big and muscular. That didn’t worry me because I knew my parents could take care of them easy. I was just concern about the man in black. The room was divided. Those who were fighting with him were on his side of the room. I looked round and everyone else stood behind me not beside me. It was clear I was the leader here that helped me find strength. I knew that before things started up again I had to make him think about Jacob and quick! “You might as well just give up and tell me where he is Xavier! “Tell me where my Jacob is.” I demanded. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.” he informed me. I smiled when I heard my father leave the room, though no one saw him. Seth and Vince weren’t as sneaky, but no one paid them much attention. “Renesmee, I’m so very disappointed in you. I was hoping that you would be different, but clearly Mackenzie isn’t such a very good influence on you.” I looked back and caught Mac rolling her eyes. “Whatever you’re the evil one.” Xavier seemed very annoyed by her. “Mackenzie.” Elaine warned. “No Elaine, that’s quite alright. It’s seems that everyone has forgotten their place. I’ll just have to make an example out of my niece.” Xavier held up his right hand and slowly started to close it. Mackenzie was gasping for air. With a wave from his left hand, Mac sailed threw the air and into the glass doors of the next room. Mom was by her side examining the damage. Mackenzie was still alert and her heart beat was almost normal. I became very angry. “Since you like to throw people around, how about you see how it feels.” I felt the power within me and I let it flow. I quickly blinked 108

in front of Xavier which startled everyone, including me. With a punch in the gut, he went through the wall. “Whoa! Isn’t that what she did to Carlisle?” I heard Alex ask, but I couldn’t take the time to figure out what she was talking about. I blinked into the next room looking for Xavier. I could hear the fighting going on with the others. As I inspected the room, Xavier was nowhere insight and the room was unnervingly dark and gloomy. I knew I could be afraid, but I was on edge. “Where are you coward?” I called. Abruptly, Xavier grabbed me from behind and slung me to the floor. I quickly jumped to my feet and twisted his arm around his back and slammed his head into the wall. Xavier blinked out of my hands. “Over here!” he teased. I whirled around and I could feel my throat closing in. “I may not be able to penetrate your skin, but I can crush your heart starting with your precious Jacob!” When he said this someone knocked Xavier off his feet and he slid across the wooden floor. I looked to see Jacob standing over me. I jumped into is arms and I kissed him passionately. He kissed me back, pulling me closer. He was here. Jacob was finally here, I was in his arms, my safe haven. I didn’t want this moment to end. But of course, just like all the others it ended too fast. “Oh Jake!” I cried. “I was so scared. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…” “I know Ness. I’m here and I’m never leaving you again.” I know his words where sincere I just couldn’t believe them. It wasn’t his fault in the first place that he was taken from me, but I had this feeling that we would be separated yet again. The very idea made me quiver. I heard a growl and forced myself to look away from Jake’s face. Xavier was trying to blink past my dad to get at me, but he was too quick for him. “Help!!” Alex screamed from another room. Jake and I ran down the corridor into the lobby. Alex was running toward us. “Save me please!” she begged as she ran closer. 109

“From what?” I asked. She appeared in front of me yet again, but she had her back turned to me and a knife in her hand. “Alexandria!” I screamed. It wasn’t enough to stop her. She was already running at full speed. Alex ran straight into Langston’s waiting arms and I know we all heard it when the knife went through her. A weird sound came out of Alex and she fell on her back. Langston disappeared again, but this time she was gone from the room. We stood there frozen in place. I felt so cold. I dropped down onto my knees. “Alex.” I wailed. Jacob took off his shirt and put pressure on the wound. “That’s not going to help it went straight through!” I pointed out. “We have to do something or she’s going to die.” Jacob said critically. My head began to spin. I had to do something and quick. I told Alex that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her and I couldn’t even keep my word. I had to save her. I had an idea. “Mom!” I shouted. She stood behind us. “What’s happened?” “There’s not much time to explain, but you can save her.” “And how would I… oh Renesmee! I couldn’t” she protested. “But mommy please you have to. I broke my promise to her and I can’t let her die. Please she’s one of my beat friends you have to for me, please!” “Renesmee, I don’t know if I can, I could kill her.” “I know you won’t mom, but you have to hurry. You can hear her heart she doesn’t have much time.” I knew she was very much against this but she knelt down over Alex. I backed away as the scent of her blood was getting to me. Mom tilted Alex’s head to the side and it was as if instinct took over. She went straight for her throat. Alex began to whither uselessly under my mothers hands. A bone chilling scream escaped out of her mouth. I couldn’t watch and I looked away. A few moments later Jacob let me know that it was okay to look again. I stared at my mom’s tortured face. She hated having to do that and I felt terrible for making her turn Alex. I leaned on the wall to hold me up because I could feel my strength 110

decreasing rapidly. My throat felt as if it had been engulfed by flames. I needed to feed, but on what. I was blinked back into the rec room. I was crawling on my hands and knees trying to find the strength to stand on my feet. “So this is how it’s going to end?” I heard Xavier say. I continued to twist across the floor in pain trying to get away from him. “You’re not going any where!” he had that menacing voice again. My head snapped back as the aching pain in my throat became sever, I couldn’t breathe. I grabbed at my neck and found myself looking into Xavier’s eyes. His hand was clenched into a fist. I started to black out when a shadowed figure swung through the air on a rope and straight into Xavier. Mackenzie landed on her feet, but Xavier wasn’t so lucky. “I’ve always wanted to do that.” she announced. Air was starting to refill my lungs and it stung. Mackenzie rushed over to me and I quickly blinked across the room against the far wall. “Stay away from me.” My voice sort a made this gagging sound as I talked. It didn’t even sound like me. “Why I want to help you.” She pleaded. She took a few steps closer and I snarled at her. I was trying to protect her from me. I’ve never been so thirsty before, I don’t know what to expect. It was plain on her face that her feelings were hurt and Xavier took full advantage of the distraction. He clutched one of her legs and tossed her backwards into a table. I heard a faint sound, like something tore. Mac screamed in anguish. The smell of blood rapidly became stronger and I struggled to fight against my instincts. Mackenzie moaned and rolled over on her side. Blood was seeping through her shirt. “No!” I dug my fingers into the floor and held me breath. I had to get out of here or I was going to devour my best friend. But I could focus on anything else, only the blood. Xavier stood over Mackenzie and he eyed her like she was his prey.

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“I was going to let you do the honors, but I don’t want you to get strong enough to kill me so I’ll just do it myself… how wonderful you both can die together.” Mackenzie tried to back away, but Xavier seized her. “Let go Xavier please!” she yelped. I couldn’t let this happen. “Stop it.” I said uselessly. Xavier just laughed at my gesture. Something told me to try again with everything that I’ve got. I took a deep breath. “STOP!” I belted out. The ground began so shake, Xavier lost his balance. All the lights exploded and something caught on fire. I was very much out of breath. Xavier blinked to his feet. “Look at you. You are so pathetic.” Xavier declared. I didn’t even bother to look at him. “You can’t even walk, but yet you are one of the great Guardians!” he walked closer. My attention was shifted and I leaned in toward his scent. He made my mouth water. Xavier bent down and held up my chin so I could look at him. “Looks like I win!” he gave me an evil grin. I don’t know if it was because of hunger or anger, it could’ve been both all I know is that I snapped. I knew what I had to do. I growled at him and he took a step back. I had to act before he tired to blink. Using my last bit of strength I lunged for his throat and I pounced on his back. He tired to throw me off, but I snapped his neck and sucked him dry. He tasted so good! Carlisle wouldn’t approve, but it was very satisfying. I felt my strength return to me and I fully realized what I had just done. “Good riddance!” I said aloud. “Hooray!” Mackenzie cheered. “Are you okay?” she slowly stood to her feet. “Fine, a few stitches came loose but I faked my way through most of the dramatics. What about you… your not going to eat me right?” she aid with caution. I nodded. “I’m in control.” I guaranteed. “Gosh I would hate to die that way.” She muttered in disgust. “Was he any good?” “Very much so.” I laughed.

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“Wow that’s hard to believe.” She moved to get a closer look and stepped on something. The whole building shook again. “Oops.” She said innocently. I was almost afraid to ask. “What is oops?” “I believe I just set off the bomb.” “You did what, how did you manage that?” “I just stepped on the button; I guess it slipped out of his pocket. Goodness who knew I’d be the one to set it off.” “Yeah some seer you are.” I grumbled. “Well I can’t see everything!” “So I’ve heard!” The building shook again. “Okay we have less than five minutes to get out of here!” I made a mad dash for the lobby. Alex was still lying on the floor. I reached down and scooped her up. “What happened to her?” Mac exclaimed. “No time to explain, where’s Jake?” I said frantically. “He and Seth went around making sure that no one was left in the building.” “Go find them. I’m going to take her to Carlisle. I’ll be right back.” She nodded and blinked from the room and I blinked to the white house. The place was absolutely crowded. I didn’t have time to make my way to the stair so I blinked to the white room. Carlisle was very busy. Esme took Alex from me and strapped her down onto the metal table that was waiting for her. Alice was across the room. “Two minutes!” she pressed. I blinked back to the institute. It had changed drastically since a few moments ago. The smoke was thick and fire had spread every where. The walls and ceiling was starting to cave in and I could barely get around. “Jacob. Mackenzie. Seth.” They were nowhere in sight. “If you can here me say something!” I heard coughing coming from the opposite direction. “Jake?” “Where right here.” Jacob pulled me into his arms. And all felt right in the world.

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“Let’s get… out of… here!” Mackenzie managed to say between coughs. “Yeah let’s go home.” We were almost home free, if it hadn’t been for the very next sound that we heard. “Somebody help me! Help me please!” Jacob looked up. “Who is that?” “Jacob no we have to go.” I stressed. “I’ll just be a second.” “No I can’t lose you again.” I begged. “You won’t lose me!” he promised. “No matter what I’ll always come back.” He silenced me with a kiss.” Go with Seth and Mackenzie and wait outside for me.” He instructed. I didn’t move on my own. It was Seth who pulled me along. I watched my love run back through the build to be the hero. We were outside and Mac caught her breath. “Stop time so he can get out that place is going to come crashing down in about thirty seconds!” she bellowed. Why on earth didn’t I not think of that? “Freeze!” I said to the clasping building, but the flames didn’t stop and time kept ticking. “What happened?” Mackenzie pulled at my wrist. “Where’s the bracelet?” I looked down in astonishment as my wrist was bare. “It was here.” I protested. “Oh no!” Mackenzie cried. That’s when I looked back at the building and I saw him. He had someone cradled in his arms. Jacob looked straight at me and smiled. I melted inside. He was almost out. I started to run so I could meet up with him. I didn’t care if he was carrying someone I didn’t care that he was a hero. I just wanted him. I felt hands reach out and try to pull me back. Just as Jacob was about to past through that door, it craved in and fell on top of his legs. “Jacob!” I heard Seth yell. Jacob looked up at me helplessly. “Go back!” he shouted at me, but I kept running towards him, I had to save him I couldn’t let him slip away. “Get her back!”

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I felt two set of hands grab me and pulled me back. I fought against them as hard as I could, but one set of hands were strong enough to hold me back. My eyes never left his. “Jacob!” I cried. “I love you.” Was all he said. As I was being thrown down into the bushes his face was dissolved by the smoke as the building exploded! I sat there in total shock as I watch the institute crumble to the ground, taking my Jacob with it. “I love you too.” I whispered. The tears began to pour out of my eyes. Mackenzie and Seth said nothing as they huddled and kept their arms around me. I leaned in on Mac’s chest and began to cry the tears that I knew would never stop.

Coming Soon:

Renesmee & the Return of Jacob ‘True love never dies…’ August 2009

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