Beyond the Dawn (Life and Death, Book II)

3. ECLIPSE

Twilight was just starting to settle over the river. The way Archie had perfectly timed everything meant the reception party was starting just as the cool August evening was upon us. As I led Edythe through the back glass doors, we found ourselves surrounded by another ten thousand flowers out draped from the two ancient cedars. The lawn glowed in an orange light, illuminated by dozens of strings of decorative lights.

Outside, I held my breath as the Denali clan came to greet us. I realized my jaw was practically drooping to the ground when I saw the guy leading the group. He was the tallest of the three brothers who looked so similar. His wavy, strawberry blonde hair was slicked back and down his neck, not quite as grown-out as Royal's. It made me wish idly that I'd let my hair grow longer; only then could I even approach looking so dignified.

But what disturbed me was how stupid-good looking Taran was. This face was the very definition of masculine beauty—one that only Royal could even hold a candle to. There was seriously something wrong with Edythe if she had turned this down. Though she had clearly chosen me, it still made me mad with envy in some selfish way.

Behind mister male model, the other golden-eyed immortals stared curiously at us. The shortest of the three brothers stood next to Lauren. Ivan, I assumed. I deduced that the third was Kirill, who had straight, light blond hair that flowed freely down his back. He was brawny, almost as thick as Royal, and it was almost intimidating.

Two others looked totally different. Their black hair and slightly olive-toned skin easily set them apart from the brothers. Elena and Calvin. And of course, all five of them were so stunning together like this, it reminded me of that first time I saw the Cullens, how I couldn't help but stare sickened at their flawless beauty.

"Edythe," Taran said. "I've definitely missed you."

Edythe laughed lightly and placed her hand on his shoulder as he stepped back. "It hasn't been so long, Taran. You look well."

"And so do you, as always."

I couldn't help but clench my jaw at that comment. I stepped closer to Edythe.

"It's a pleasure to finally be able to introduce you to B—" She paused to correct herself. "My husband."

It was strange, my first time hearing Edythe call me that, and she looked as if she would explode from the satisfaction it brought her.

They all laughed at her enthusiasm in response.

"Beau, meet our cousins."

"Welcome to the family, Beau." Taran smiled as he reached out for my hand. "We think of ourselves as Carine's extended family, which is probably hard to believe since this is our first time coming around in a few years. We should have met you sooner! I'm glad to see all the Cullens are matched up now. Maybe it will be our turn next, huh, Kirill?"

"Keep the dream alive," said the longer-haired man, rolling his golden eyes. He took my hand and shook firmly. "Nice to meet you, Beau. I'm Kirill."

The dark-haired Spanish man let go of the woman's hand and placed it in mine. "I'm Calvin, and this is my wife Elena," he said, gesturing to the small but athletic-looking woman next to him. Calvin had the slightest hint of a Spanish accent. "We are pleased to have a new Cullen join the family."

"Ivan," the third man said, walking over to us. "And I believe you already know Lauren."

I looked ruefully at Lauren, the most civilized member of Joss's coven. Her eyes looked resentful. But I couldn't help but wonder if she would have been involved in the chase, had I not been protected by a much larger coven. Because I'm sure that at the time, if I had been alone, she wouldn't have had anything against making a meal of me. An irrational fear crept through me.