𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐚 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} [2] ✔️

25. CHRISTMAS AT CHARLIE'S

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, FORKS WAS BLANKETED IN A thick layer of snow, as if the heavens themselves had decided to shower the earth with a gift of pure white. Forks was no exception to this winter wonderland, and Bella dutifully followed my instructions. She visited J and retrieved the documents of Jacob and Vanessa Wolfe, but there was no mention of Lilac Wolfe.

Despite my unease with the whole Jacob-and-Renesmee-imprint situation, I knew that he would keep her safe from harm. He would be with her forever, whatever that meant for Renesmee. As a maxima, I had always questioned my purpose as a vampire. And if a battle were to occur against the Volturi, I would use all my power to protect her from their grasp.

I had no idea what the Volturi were capable of, but I was willing to sacrifice my own escape for her safety. Ethan and I trudged through the snow towards his house, the crunching of the snow beneath our feet the only sound in the quiet town. I clutched a bag filled with wrapped gifts, ready to celebrate the holiday with my newfound family.

"If anyone asks, we're college students," I reminded Ethan, my gold eyes stern.

"Don't worry, I won't blow our cover," he replied with a smirk.

"Ethan, I'm serious," I warned him.

"I know, that's why I'm trying to ease the tension," he chuckled.

As we entered his home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and love that surrounded me. The snow may have been falling heavily outside, but inside, I was surrounded by the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season.

As we approached Charlie's door, my heart raced with anticipation. I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me, threatening to burst out at any moment. I knocked on the door, and we waited for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing Ayla with her infectious smile.

"Violet!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Hey, sis," I chuckled, returning her hug.

As we pulled away, Ayla's gaze shifted to Ethan, and she greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hi, Ethan," she said, her laughter ringing through the air.

"Hey, La," he replied, hugging her back.

Ayla informed us that Leah was in the living room, and Ethan's face lit up with joy. But before we could make our way inside, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small gift.

"I also got you something," I said, shaking the bag.

Ayla's eyes widened with surprise as she eagerly took the bag from my hands.

"Oh, thanks," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "They're also inside."

As we stepped into the house, I realised that Ayla had left out a crucial detail. Edward, Bella, Renesmee, and Jacob were all there, along with Jacob's entire pack, Sam, and Emily. I could see the fear in Ethan's eyes as he took in the sight of his enemies.

"Just don't do or say anything stupid," I whispered to him, hoping to ease his nerves.

As we stood there, two figures emerged from the shadows and made their way towards us. It was Embry Call and Quil Ateara V, two young men from his pack. Embry was tall and lean, with a crop of short black hair that contrasted beautifully against his russet skin and brown eyes. Quil, on the other hand, was shorter but more muscular, with a near buzz cut that accentuated his sharp features. As they approached us, their faces remained stoic and calm, but there was an underlying tension in the air.

Without preamble, Embry spoke up. "So, you must be Leah's imprintee," he said, his voice devoid of any inflection.

Ethan's lips curled inward, but he nodded nonetheless. "Yes," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.