Running With Wolves [Seth Clearwater]

Chapter 1

I stared out of my bedroom window, lost in a whirlwind of memories from the past. The mistakes I had made, the pain I had caused... it all seemed to haunt me, even now. I wondered if I could ever truly move on from my past, if I could ever truly be forgiven.

Just as I was about to sink deeper into my thoughts, the door to my room creaked open, and Edward stepped inside. I felt a jolt of surprise as I realized he had heard my thoughts. He walked over to me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Caterina," he said softly, his voice soothing. "You're not that person anymore. You've grown, you've changed. I know you've made mistakes in the past, but that doesn't define who you are now."

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with tears. I wanted so badly to believe him, to believe that I could be forgiven for the things I had done. Edward reached out and gently wiped away my tears.

"I love you, Caterina," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "I see the person you've become, and I believe in you. You're strong, you're kind, and you're capable of so much more than you realize."

A warmth spread through me as I looked into Edward's eyes. I could see the love and acceptance in his gaze, and it gave me hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to forgive myself and embrace the person I had become.

With a small smile, I nodded and took Edward's hand. "Thank you," I whispered. "I needed to hear that."

Edward squeezed my hand gently, his touch comforting. "Anytime, Caterina," he said. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

I felt a surge of gratitude and love for the man standing beside me. With him by my side, I knew I could face anything that came my way. And as we walked out of the room, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope for the future.

We headed downstairs to the kitchen, where Esme was cooking breakfast. The smell of pancakes and bacon filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation. Esme looked up as we entered, a warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, you two," she said cheerfully. "I hope you're hungry, Caterina!"

I smiled back at her. "Starving," I replied.

We sat down at the table, and Esme served me a plate of fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This was the kind of breakfast my mother used to make for me when I was a child.

Esme noticed the wistful look on my face and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know it's not the same as your mom's cooking, but I hope it brings back some good memories," she said softly.

I looked up at her, touched by her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Esme," I said sincerely. "It means a lot to me."

Esme smiled kindly at me, her eyes filled with understanding. "You're welcome, Caterina," she replied. "We're family, and family takes care of each other."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. I had always felt like an outsider in my own family, but Esme's words reminded me that I was loved and accepted here. I was part of something bigger than myself.

As we finished our breakfast, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the people in my life. Edward, Esme, and the rest of the Cullen family had shown me what it meant to be loved unconditionally, and I would forever be grateful for that.

After breakfast, Edward and I decided to take a walk through the woods. The sun was shining brightly, and a cool breeze rustled the leaves overhead. As we walked hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment.

"Thank you for being there for me, Edward," I said softly, breaking the silence. "You've helped me through so much, and I don't know what I would do without you."

Edward smiled at me, his eyes filled with love. "You don't have to thank me, Caterina," he replied. "I love you, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

I smiled back at him, feeling a warmth spread through me. With Edward by my side, I knew I could face anything that came my way. And as we continued our walk through the woods, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. However, I knew that something-someone will get in the way of this and I don't know how I would be able to handle losing Edward after slowly accepting that my past is now in the past.