( same outfit as chapter twenty-five )
" I know a boy just like you,
he's a snake just like you.
Such a fake just like you, but I can see the truth!
Transparent soul! "
Unedited
No one
"STOP!"
Alice was panicking. She hadn't seen them coming. She didn't see their decision to come around this way. It was all so sudden. Alice didn't get a heads up or warning when her eyes frosted over— but it was already too late. The passing nomads; the human drinkers; the murders were already advancing towards them.
"I didn't see it.." Alice whispered to herself. She felt to blame. In her mind, if she had seen them sooner, she and Jasper could've gotten Lily out before they showed up. But now her mate was going to be in danger. Realization then hit her like a hundred pound weight.
Lilian was going to be in danger.
The word danger seemed to echo in her mind. She hated having Lily in the same sentence as that word. They're bond was so new, that she couldn't help but worry. That six letter word. DANGER. The word that was followed by despair and pain was being associated with her new mate.
Anxiety flowed through the mating bond that Alice, Lily and Jasper shared. Jasper, being an empath, felt the nerves of Alice anyway. He was confused but soon, his confusion morphed into that of worry when he heard the lightning fast footsteps moving their way.
'Vampires!' And it all clicked.
Passing nomads. By now the whole family understood the situation because they seemed to gravitate to Lily subconsciously.
Within seconds, Alice and Jasper were by Lilian's side, pushing Edward— who was standing there, out of the way. They payed no mind to the way Edward grumbled about "learning how to be more gentle" and focused on Lilian.
They watched her pained expression morph into that of relief and then concern.
"They told me.." Lily whispered to her mates, low enough to where only they could hear. It was a vague explanation but Alice and Jasper understood. They knew the underlined meaning behind the words that left Lilian's mouth.
Lilian's hands slipped into the cold ones of her lovers and she squeezed them for comfort. Alice and Jasper had a tight grip on their shared mate's hands. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to reassure themselves that she was right there. Right next to them. Untouched and safe.. for the time being.
"They were leaving and then they heard us." Alice tried to explain quickly, but her worry for her girlfriend seemed to overpower all of her thoughts.
Jasper and Alice's only worry, their main goal— was to keep Lilian safe. They would do anything to secure that she lives to see the another day. She was human, she didn't deserve the same fate they faced. Death wouldn't touch her while they were there. Even giving up their own lives if they had to ensure Lilian's safety was a given.
"We have to get Lily and Bella out of here!" Edward exclaimed, worried for the two twins.
"It's too late!" Carlisle stated, his voice slightly shaky but he tried to hold himself together for the sake of his family. His confidence wavered slightly as his eyes locked onto the distance. The breeze that once refreshed him was suffocating him.
Lily felt Alice and Jasper's grip on her hands tighten, but it didn't hurt. Her heart pounded almost painfully against her ribcage.
Lilian Crescent Swan wasn't scared of anything. She was fearless, confident, loud and obnoxious at times. But right now Lilian didn't feel any of those things. She felt worried but surprisingly not frightened. Lily wasn't stupid, she knew what the extent of the situation at hand was. She knew the possibilities and all the possible outcomes of the situation. And if it came down to it, Lilian would protect her family at all costs. Even if it meant her life as the cost. So she didn't have time to be afraid.
"Get your hair down." Edward told Bella but everyone only shook their head— ultimately telling him that it wouldn't help with her strong scent. The Swan girl's scent was one of the strongest they'd ever encountered. It was a euphoric smell that called out to them, but they were able to resist.
Who knew if the passing nomads could?
"Like that'll help. I can smell her from across the field." Rosalie snarled. She didn't even bother to spare the girl a glance much less a glare. Rosalie and Emmett gripped each other's hands as they walked to stand in front of Lilian.
Their stance was somewhat causal but had a protective edge to it. It was causal enough to not give away any hint of distress but convenient enough as well.
Carlisle and Esme stood in front of Lilian as well while Edward stood protectively in front of Bella who was shifting uncomfortably.
Lilian took a deep breath calming her pounding heart before putting on a stoic mask, much like the one every vampire she loved was wearing.
It was silent for a moment before footsteps seeming to become faster.
Within meer seconds, three figures emerged from the thick fog that coated the woods. A unpleasant shiver ran down Lilian's spine.
The two vampire covens stood opposite of each other, silence consuming everyone.
Lilian took note of all the nomads as thunder crackled in the background.
The vampire in the middle had dark skin, differing from the pale skin of the two beside him. He had long, dark dreads that fell to his shoulders. He had blood eyes, showing everyone how vampire he truly was. He wore what looked like a jacket or coat without a shirt. He also wore simple shorts to finish his look.
Next, to left stood another man. He had blonde hair and sickly pale skin— no doubt due to being a vampire. He had a slight stubble. His hair was pulled into a slick man bun and his eyes, much like his friends, were blood-shot red. There was a look of interest in his eyes when she peered over to where the Cullen's and Swan's stood. But also a faint look of mischievousness. He wore a denim jacket and basic jeans.
Last was a female. She had long blonde hair, yet it was an unruly mess. She wore an expensive white fur scarf, though it was now dirty. She had on a green tank top complimented with skinny jeans. She also had blood red eyes.
But her eyes were different from her friends. She stared at the youngest Swan twin, a unreadable look in her eyes. She then glanced at the girl who seemed to be crowded by vampires. She tilted her head slightly, noticing the resemblance between the two girls. From behind the Cullen's Lilian's eyes briefly flashed scarlet causing Vicotria to take a cautious step back.
Lilian stood tall with her head held high despite the odds. Victoria felt little compared to Lily. The way she held herself just radiated power.
She continued to stare holes into Lilian. She was surprised to say the least. She heard her heart beating fiercely in her chest yet she didn't smell any blood from her. She seemed human, but her eyes flashed red with power.
Victoria's eyes trailed down to where Lilian's hands engulfed those of Jasper and Alice's. Her eyes widened at the sight.
'N-no way.. a three way mating bond between two vampires and .. her..'
Victoria then decided to not mess with the intimidating raven haired girl. If she truly had two mates, then Victoria didn't even stand a chance.
Laurent slowly lifted his hand and held up the ball he had caught.
"I believe this belongs to you." Laurent said. He had a thick accent but Lilian couldn't quite make out from where.
Laurent tossed the ball to Carlisle who caught it without struggle. Carlisle had a warm smile on his face but everyone could tell it was feigned.
"Thank you." Carlisle's forced tight lipped smile faulted for a second when he noticed how Victoria was eyeing everyone apart of his coven.
"I am Laurent. And this is Victoria," Laurent gestured to the blonde vampire on his right. She only smiled creepily, making Rosalie roll her eyes at the attempted intimidation.
"And James." Laurent then gestured to the male vampire on his left. James sized everyone up, but otherwise said nothing.
"I'm Carlisle. This is my family." Carlisle introduced, gesturing the guarded Cullen's and Swan's.
Lily narrowed her eyes at the nomads from behind Rosalie and Emmett.
"Hello."
"I'm afraid your hunting activities have caused something of a mess for us." Carlisle continued, while everyone just stared at each other; each trying to come off as more powerful.
"Our apologies." Laurent apologized, he did a one-over on everyone before turning to Carlisle again.
"We didn't realize the territory had been claimed." The dread-headed vampire explained, though no one really cared for the reason.
"Yes, well, we maintain a permanent residence nearby."
Lily rolled her eyes, not caring for this conversation anymore. Alice and Jasper looked down at her questionably but she just waved them off as if saying she was fine.
Lily let out a quiet huff.
'I swear everyone looks constipated, brooding at each other as if they're Stefan Salvatore.'
"Really?" Laurent questioned as he glanced over to where James stared at the group in interest.
"Oh for fucks sakes, yes! That's literally what he just said!" Lilian cut in, not particularly caring about the exasperated looks she received from her family.
Victoria's eyes widened at the girls slight outburst, not expecting her to be so blunt.
James had to stifle his laughter when he peered up at Laurent's gaping face.
"Lily!" Esme scolded, but Lily only shrugged in response.
Laurent cleared his throat. He glanced at Lily questionably before speaking again; "Well, we won't be a problem any more. We were just passing through."
"The humans were tracking us, but we led them east. You should be safe."Victoria informed, her eerie grin never leaving her beautiful face.
Carlisle only widened his fake smile.
"Excellent."
"So, could you use three more players?" Laurent asked, a giddy smile tugging at his lips.
Alice, Lily and Jasper shared a glance before looking up at their parental figures: Esme and Carlisle. They were the leaders of their coven after all.
"Oh, come on. Just one game." Laurent semi-begged. Esme looked up at Carlisle and squeezed his hand as if gesturing at him to say something.
Carlisle sighed but continued with his fake welcoming smile, "Sure, why not?"
Lilian noticing his discomfort, jumped to his aid.
"A few of us were leaving anyway. You could take their place." Lilian proposed just as she made eye contact with Victoria.
Victoria cocked an eyebrow as if edging Lily on.
Lily only pursed her lips at her attempt to rile her up. Lily squeezed Alice and Jasper's hand before tilting her head, slightly.
"Well what do you say, Veronica?"
"It's Victoria." The blonde nomad fumed through gritted teeth.
James stifled his laughter once more, passing is off as a cough.
"We'll bat first." Carlisle said, trying to dissolve the hostile tension that was creeping up onto the two powerful females.
He threw the ball towards Laurent to catch but Victoria caught it instead.
"I'm the one with the wicked curve ball." She stated, tauntingly.
Lily narrowed her eyes at the girl. She found herself torn between liking her for her powerful personality or disliking her for disrespecting her second father.
"Oh, well I think that we can handle that." Jasper decided, confidently.
Alice and Lily looked up at the southern born vampire. They watched their boyfriend/husband shared a cocky glance with an excited looking Emmett.
"Ooohh!" Laurent giggled, giddily. He began rubbing his hands together, eagerly as thunder continued to aid in the background.
"We shall see."
The tension seemed to slowly dissolve between the two groups. Everyone began moving to their places, ready to start the game back up.
Lily glanced at Bella who'd looked frightened by the whole exchange.
Although she was not talking to Bella right now, Bella was still her twin; and she didn't want to see her get devoured by a vampire.
James left one last unreadable look in the direction of Lily and Bella before he went to follow his girlfriend and best friend.
Just as James started in the direction his coven went in, a breeze blew by the direction of the Cullen's— scattering Bella's strong scent.
The sweet smell of human blood filled James's senses. James felt his mind haze when Bella's scent reached his nose. James had just been turned five months ago, therefore resulting in him being fresh out of his newborn phase. But James still didn't have very good controlling. His senses seemed to blur together and his throat started burning. He felt his body ache.
Blood.
"Blood.." James muttered. He felt his body move of its own accord towards the source of the sweet smell. This caused the Cullen Clan look over and tense.
When they realized his intentions they instantly bared their teeth at James. Lily pushed Bella behind her in a protective manor, willing to put their issues aside for the sake of her safety.
Edward snarled at James, who was losing control.
"A human!?" Victoria exclaimed, her eyes wild with a indescribable look.
Laurent and Victoria instantly went to James's side where they hissed at the vampires who huddled around Bella and Lily.
Lily watched as everyone hissed at each other, threateningly.
'What the actual fuck! Are they.. a-are they hissing like fucking cats? What's next? Barking like dogs!?'
"Okay, okay!" Lily shouted, cutting through the vampires who were shielding her and her twin.
"Stop acting like fucking idiots. We're not five years old." Lily put herself in the middle of the two rivaling groups. She couldn't help but think this was all idiotic. Sure she knew she shouldn't be in front of unstable, blood thirsty vampires but she couldn't care less. She just wanted to get the cuddles she were promised from Alice and Jasper.
"Vicky, grab your coven and leave." Lily ordered, sternly.
"It's Victoria." Victoria shouted, fed with the girl.
"Do I look like I give two flying shits?LEAVE!" Victoria almost flinched from the glares she was getting from Alice and Jasper. She wanted to rip the teenagers throat out, but she also didn't want two murderous and unhinged vampires after her.
Everyone knew not to mess with three mates. Whether it be vampires or shifters, it was practically forbidden. It was like a law nobody talked about.
If you break said law, you'll be sentenced to death. Literally.
Victoria snarled at her only for all the Cullen's to take a threatening step forward.
"You heard the lady." Emmett intervened. His usual playful and mischievous look was replaced with a menacing, serious expression.
Laurent faltered back. The big figure of the boy towered over his own, leaving him to feel small and weak compared to Emmett.
"We can see the game is over." Laurent said, his red eyes shifted from between the big group of intimidating vampires. "We'll go now."
"James." James finally tore his hungry gaze away from Bella and to his best friend. Victoria grabbed onto his arm, pulling him away, slowly.
"Control yourself." She whispered harshly into his ear. James finally snapped out of his predator mindset.
He looked at Bella, who stared back at him fearfully.
He took in a shaky breath, that unreadable expression returned back to his face for a brief second before disappearing and being replaced with a blank look.
He swung an arm over Victoria's shoulder and guided the two away from the baseball field.
"We need to leave." Alice whispered, softly to Lilian who was watching the retreating figures of the nomads disappear into the thick fog.
Jasper and Alice grabbed Lily's hands and dragged her away from the field and to their shared car.
The car ride back to the Cullen's residence was silent. The once carefree air was replaced by a suffocating tension.
Lilian watched the trees pass in a blur. The fog that surrounded the woods slowly depleted as the throuple drove by.
Lilian wished all her problems would pass by like the trees passed by her.
But that wasn't Lilian Crescent Swan's fate. It just wasn't in her destiny.
—Author's Note—
DOUBLE UPDATE 💃💃💃
it seems all drama is starting 🤫
I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT ACT ONE IS ALMOST COMPLETE!!
I did not double check this chapter for mistakes because i didn't feel like it 😎
How do you feel about the recent updates?? 👀
Did you like the chapter?
What's your favorite thing about this chapter??
Here's a bonus edit I made 🥰
Updated : 7.2.21
Word Count: 2821 words!