The ceremony commemorated with no problems or protest, no one objecting to Edward and i's matrimony. Now was the reception, each guest had time to individually give their felicitations on our union. It feels like I am in this feverish dream that I don't want to wake up out of. I am married.

Bella, with her mom whom flew in from Jacksonville, made conversation. Felix stands tall above Renee, engaging in the conversing, I could hear his formal etiquette he was use to speaking in. 'He looks quite intimidating. But definitely exerting the more modern way than he's accustom to.'

I am brought away from the eavesdropping, hearing Seth. " Hey, Edward. Man, Kai, marriage looks real great on you. I can't actually believe it." He gave Edward a hand shake. Then switches, embracing me. My smile, never once leaving, gets wider. " thank you Seth." Billy rolls over in his wheelchair, Sue directing him in front of Edward and I.

He reaches a hand, holding my hand in a tight hold. " I hope you have found happiness, Malachi. I do hate to admit, you're showing a certain glow. A positive one."

He promulgates, bending his head in respect. I could see his shrouded and hidden emotions.

" thank you, Billy. I mean it. Have you heard from Jacob?"

Jake had ran to the Canadian border when receiving the invite I sent. I would have prefer having him here. 'I suppose it's for the good of not having drama'.

Bree, in sync with Trixie, came running over in an eruption of giggling. " Kai. Kai!"

I hoist my little sister, in the air, then do I place her on my waist.

" what are you running around for, trickster. Where is mom, don't say to me you ran off and are causing mayhem at my wedding are you."

Bree pulls at the fabric of my suit.

" trixie wants to know if we can have a slumber party. At our house, tonight. I heard gran- Chloe, your mom, speaking about flying out tomorrow morning." I angle my head, turning to trixie for confirmation.

" I want to stay here, and have a girls night. Mommy said no. But I know she will say yes to you, Kai."

She does a grumbling of disappointment pouting out her lips out. Edward does a short 'oh no'. I go to question him, only for it that to be short lived. Seth, mouth hang slight ajar, fixates on my sister.

" Seth. You didn't.. actually. That is ideal. I would not have no one else doing that."

He is an exemplary good choice to have imprinted on trixie. The problem going in to it, how to inform my father and mom. Seth, in shame, avoids my stare. " Sorry man. I had no intention to imprint on your sister tonight. of all nights, and people."

Bree gives an intentional slow blink of her eyes. " Imprinting? What does that word mean?" Billy exchanges a glance, with Sue. She had put a comforting hand on Seth.

" we will discuss this, after the evening is done. Honey."

Trixie, oblivious, does a bashful; shy smile to Edward. He then takes her hand, giving the gentlest of kiss. I awe, Sue does too after Trix hid her head in my shoulder.

" we will leave you two newly weds to yourselves, now. But just know, Malachi, Jake would want to you know he is fine. Enjoy this night."

Billy spoke, casting a smile at Trix then he, Sue and a compliant Seth left Edward and I.

" Bree. Could you take trixie back to my mom, I will have a talk with her concerning you and Trix having your girls night." She listens, taking my sister by her miniature hand. Dad was being flirtatious, using his loveable charisma on my mother.

Dan, drinking his weight in champagne in front of the banquet and appetisers, is sure enough rolling his eyes having to listen to it.

" Kai. Edward. Felicidades, oh this is much to celebrate." a woman, dark brunette hair sharing the similar amber Aureolin eyes to the Cullens and moderately light tan complementing her alabastrine skin, greets with a kiss to each of my cheeks.

" My goodness gracious. The words are true, an Angel. I can feel your sovereignty. It's mighty. By gods, the truth is real. My love." She is filled with wonder. " don't scare the groom, Amor." The man beside her states, a light laugh in his words.

" Eleazar and Carmen. Right? Edward speaks highly of you." The cousins from Alaska. A memory replays in my mind, Edward re-telling his visit when he left forks. Months ago, before going independent.

" these are our cousins from Alaska. Tanya, Kate." Tanya smiles, bending her legs in a curtsy." it's not an every day opportunity, that comes by, where I meet an Angel. By means have one marry in the family." I gave a animate chuckle, I was not acculturated to the continuous courtesy. Being treated as though I'm royalty. 'Humans would find it odd seeing ordinary women bowing to me'.

" I agree, with my sister. We have heard all things, positive, about you. Malachi." Kate conveys. She smiles, in good nature.

I hear, and smell, Charlie lumbering over. He was definitely wine-tipsy. " Kai. Son, have you seen bells. S-She has done a disappearing conduction; act. To not sound so formal." I knew from his pronunciation, he tries sounding sober. " Renee she, uh, last saw her heading in the direction of the bathroom but has yet to come back. Felix, that unusually large boy, went inside too. In hand with Bella."

Tanya collects her breath, inhaling acutely.

Her pupils enlarge, in delirium and attraction. Edward face contorts, realizing.

" Oh. You have company, eh sorry. My apologises. Hi, names chief swan. Charlie. I work as an officer for the police here, in forks." There was no denying it, she found her mate in Charlie. Her eyes are transfixed on him, as she adversely gives her hand then I could feel a vary in the mood.

" Tanya." She says, flickering her eyelashes.

" T-Tanya. That is a suitable, and beautiful name for a dashing lady like yourself."

If it was possible for a vampire to blush, her face would be red like a beetroot.

My eyes wander over where the sister of Tanya and Kate, Irina faces Seth, sue, Billy and Paul are grouped. Seth is uncomfortable; unease.

" Irina. Come meet Malachi. He would like to be introduced to you." Charlie does a throaty cough, excusing his own self before going over back to Renee.

Irina, despondent, sulks her way where we stand demonstrating her sorrow filled face.

" I can't do this." She states. " you promised." Tanya, sharp tongued, says. " Don't do this. Not right now." I could feel the rising rigidity. I knew in certainty housing the shifters would create friction, knowing each of the nature factors of the cold ones being enemies. " they invited not one, but two." The wolves.

" Irina, they're our friends." Edward reasons, trying to make her see Paul and Seth are not threats. " Laurent is dead because of Them." I couldn't take having her believe it was the shifters being the cause of his 'death'.

" Irina. If you allow me, I would like to show you it was not Them who killed Laurent." I offer my hand.

She expresses her confusion. " Trust me. You will Want to see what I know." Even if she will hate me after. Then she won't blame the pack. Her eyes clouded over, connecting her hand to mine. Numerous of memories, I establish, become clear. Each replaying the outcome of me killing Laurent, how he came as the favour for Victoria. even James.

She exhaled a loud gasp.

" You- you killed him. I don't.. believe.. he wanted to be like us. Live in peace with humans. And accept me as his. How could you take my Laurent from me."

I wanted to sympathise but I did not have the right words to use.

" Irina. Wait."

Tanya and Kate try rationalising, to only receive nothing in return. I gave a deep but beaten sigh.

I knew that was going to be the end result.

" let's not monopolise the groom. Congratulations, again. Kai, Edward. Sorry."

Eleazar apologises then leaves, in hand with Carmen. Kate gave an apologetic smile, for her sister.

" well, what is a wedding without some family drama?" Edward muses. " trust me. I have enough of the dramatics to last me for a millennium. And I think you are well aware of it, too." I joke, giving a knowing smile for Tanya and Charlie. the latter chatting about the decorative lights, and she enthusiastically listens.

" Hello? Hello? Is this mic working." The wedding speeches were in commencement. I sat in the chair at the table, front and centre. My parents, including Dan turn to face the stage. I feel a touch on my shoulder, craning and angling my neck to face uncle amendiel. Mazikeen does a 'what's up' nod.

" Uncle amen. You are here, I was for certain and sure you wouldn't arrive. You too, Maze." I spoke in a hush.

" wouldn't miss your wedding for nothing, kid."

Uncle amenadiel uses a spare seat to drag over, Maze including. " It would be the greatest act of idiocy to miss your wedding, nephew."

Dad tugs his bow tie, doing the motion of crossing his left leg over his right.

" Finally. You show, brother. I was starting to have my doubt you'd never come."

a whistle is heard, I knew it inflated Emmett's ego who holds up his still-full glass.

" I would like to propose a toast. To my new brother, Malachi."

Esme faces aunt maze, who sat with a neutral facial expression. She tries not to glare, at her.

I knew it was difficult being this close to vampires without saying how much she loathe each that exists.

" Kai, I hope these past eighteen years of sleep will be enough. 'Cause you won't be needing no more for a while after this. If you know what I am getting at here."

My jaw physically drops. He did not just say what he did. whiskey spits out of dad's nose, spluttering over his suit.

Mom, horrified, puts a hand over her chest. Dan groans understanding the nuance of Emmetts' witticism. " thank god trixie is asleep in the house. Because I do Not want to explain what was just said."

Jessica taps her spoon to the glass.

" I would like to start this with how amazing Malachi is. When I first met him, I was just like everyone and everybody. Excited there would be new kids, including Bella. He turned out as one of my greatest, even like, friend ever. My second best friend. I will admit the jealousy was real. because of how attractive Kai is, I thought all the attention would go on him. I'm sorry, Kai. That made me sound like, a real bitch."

I continue smiling, the flattery of having the 'second' best turned title being real. 'Being second is fine.'

" Not only does Malachi have such the impact in my life, he has uplifted me when I was in doubt. Has a, like, impeccable taste in fashion sense. Over all a great boy that I can call my friend. Which i find rare."

My hands clamp together, doing a soft clap.

" Edward will be a good husband. I know this, because I am a Cop. They know things. Just like I know how to use a gun. To hunt someone down, to the ends of earth."

Charlie, very serious, notes. Just smelling the alcohol in his system was enough to say. It is amusing. Dad raises his glass.

" Speak your truth. Chief swan. I wish to add to that, too. Suffice to say, if not already said, I know how to definitively make you vanish off this plane of earth. So careful how you go from here, dear boy."

Guest rumble in humorous laughter. Not understanding just how literate my father is being.

" Now that you are my brother I can confidently say this. Your aversion of fashion will become better, than it previously has. Though I can definitely tell you get the taste in clothing and designer choices from your father, which I thank him for that. I tease, Kai. You know I love you."

Alice grins, speaking in to the microphone.

" and adding on, before I step off. I can use the excuse, now, Kai of you being my new brother to say this from a place of love. Your shoes are so last season."

An eruption of 'Ooe's' from each of the guests. My eyes roll, an automatic response, but smile in light-hearted means of amusement.

" I would like to take this moment, in time, to thank Chloe and Lucifer. I was honoured with becoming acquainted by both yesterday, we hadn't offical met but there is nothing by high praise I have for both. Bringing Malachi in to the world, our lives, is a gift that will forever be cherished. So I will like to raise my glass, to them. You raised a beautiful, respectful, boy that I am very grateful to call my son-in-law."

I knew dad was feeling every ounce of pride, a sense of superiority at Esme's speech.

'I am correct' I stare, a smirk hidden at dad wearing the brightest complacent teeth-visible grin.

Mom notices my remaining gaze, handling my thumb. overwhelming love in her eyes.

" it's an extraordinary privilege, thing, to meet somebody that you can bare the entirety of your soul to. And really accept you for what you are. I've been waiting, what seems like a very long time, to get beyond who I am. With Malachi, I feel it can finally begin. I will be mature to admit, I have not been the greatest when it came to our relationship beginning. I had to learn, steadfastly, in a short amount of time he is somebody I had to earn. and Through the process I saw just how I treated him. Like he was this exquisite jewel, who if touched too hard he would break." My eyes never once leave Edward, a fondness running enormously high inside of my heart. it would combust if possible. " So I want to raise a toast, to my glamorous, stunning, handsome husband." Edward connects his eyes to mine.

" No measure of time, with you, will be long enough. But I want to start with forever."

Forever. Sounds good to me. Better than good.

The dance floor was now occupied. Mom and dad were loosening, specifically my mother that was new to having fun. Not to sound like a typical child that gave his mother the 'Strict parent'. It was nice, seeing her being authentic. in the moment.

Dad was teaching her the fox trot.

" Relax those legs, detective. The tension is astonishing."

I laugh, out of pure entertainment.

Edward halts our slow dance. " One of your other gifts just arrived." More gifts? What? " I think it's safe to assume all are here, Cullen. Over on the table where it has a sign gifts." I replied, he smirks at my sarcasm. " follow me. Come on." Guiding over and going out of range of the reception, in hand, Edward leads me out to back of the house. " What possible present could be out here. This is raising a little suspicion, now." I tell my new husband, he just replies. " you will see." Mysterious. 'What could he possibly be planning'.

" the best man didn't have time to buy a tux. Sorry about that, but I had reasons." Jacob. That's Jacob. He is in the shadows of the tree line, to the forest. " So you finally decide to show face, Jake." I let Edward's hand fall, starting and going in a slow paced run over to him. He catches me, when I initiate a hug.

" You're late. But it's good that you are here, now, then never arriving I suppose." I smack his head with a little force. He chuckles. " Yes. I know. Apologises." Just glad Jake at least made an appearance.

" this is kind of you, Jacob." States edward, hand in pocket. I gave him a stare that asked, silent, to give Jake and I privacy. To talk.

" I will go see if Rosalie, or bree, wants to dance." he then walks off and back in the path down to the reception. I turn to Jacob, punching his shoulder socket.

" that's for keeping me waiting." He winces, not expecting the impact of my punch, turning and bending his arm.

" Damn, baby angel. You pack quite the pounding. Sorry for running behind; late."

I couldn't keep the charade of being mad. Not when my smile gave it away. " you're forgiven. Now everything is good, perfect. even."

Jake offers out his hand.

" want to dance?"

Dancing when there is no music, in the pitch dark night. Sounds right. I take his offer, then he brings me forward. A laughter of joy breaks out of my lips, amusement.

" I can't believe we are actually dancing. Nothing but the beat of our hearts as the song." I claim, he sees the irony of the prominence. Eyes creasing in the same merriment, mirroring my laugh. I rest my chin on his broaden shoulder, falling in to a silence.

" I was starting to think I would never see you, again. Your face was going to be put on cartons of milk. I heard from Paul you went over the border to Canada, then lost connection to you through pack link."

He gave the softest of scoffs. " of course Paul would snitch. Can't exactly put the blame on him, either way. You are his imprint. He couldn't lie, the bond makes it certain." I put my nose down on jakes shirt. Remanences of fresh melted snow, and pine cone is all I could smell. " it's weird being back on two legs. In clothes. Gotten out of practice with the whole human body thing." Only Jacob could find a way to find humour in saying that.

" and you are fine, right? No weird feelings or wanting to run off again." I ask. " because you need to tell me."

He pulls away. Like I had offended him.

" afraid I will trash your party?"

He says feigning hurt. growls are heard in the midst of night, I knew the pack was out there. watching Incase of Jacobs reaction. I trusted him, though. " I see we are not alone." Eyes illuminate in the pitch night, absent of light. That I knew, Sam. Jake pulls me in, again, we continue our deliberate slow dance.

" this is everything I want to remember you by. now that you are married. Two left feet, rosy cheeks. Something I wish could have change is who was your groom."

He speaks like he was never going to see me. After tonight, this evening. " you talk like I am going to be this stranger. Or, dead to you. Going forward from tomorrow." That eminently hurt. Just because of who I chose.

" No. I don't mean it to sound like how it did. Just meant I am appreciating this short time we have, before.. you know what. It doesn't matter. Ignore me." I step back. Now I wanted to know what he wish to talk on and say.

" What? Before what? Jacob." He does a dragged out sigh. the shouts of impression echo from the dancing venue. " I just don't see this being close to right. I mean, it's not like you are actually having a legitimate wedding. honey moon and all."

I frown, my jaw twitching then clenching.

" I'm not understanding what you are citing here, Jake. There will be a honey moon, like every real wedding. Much like this one, where I stand wearing a white suit. Baring the ring Edward gave." Here I am, thinking there was nothing that could ruin what we were having. He, in lack of conviction, puts me at arms length.

" that's a sick joke. Right? You can't possibly think you can have a honeymoon and act like that is normal. Tell me, right now, you are not going through with this."

My face veils over in a scarlet haze. Rage is all I felt. " that is none of your business, where you concern. Jacob." I was not going to have him taint this night for me just off the fact he could not contain his jealous anger. " No! You can't. I won't allow for it." His hands grab a hold on my upper area of my arm, tightening and I could feel a bruise that would heal configuring. " Jake. Let go. Now. I'm warning you." I grit out, knowing my eyes were reorienting to red. Edward appears, tearing Jacob off my body.

" Jacob. That is enough." He exclaims, Jake was now fuming. His body on the verge of phasing, changing to his wolf.

Seth runs out, Paul trailing not to far. They both take each of his limbs, not wanting him to assault Edward. " This isn't something that you'll win, Jake. Walk away." Seth says, Paul grunts in a struggle. " Listen to the pup, black. Nothing good will come from this. You will only have Kai hate you." Edward pulls on my hand, urging me back. I stand my ground. Quil and Embry then rush forward, after Jake detaches his arms away from Paul and Seth.

" That is enough, Jacob. Stand down." Sam orders, using his ranking of Alpha to tell him. That was nothing in comparison. " You are not going to start something that we'll have to finish. Malachi has made his choice, we have to give him that respect. The elders are not going to be happy if you decide to start an out right war. Because of your stance on who he should be with. Now, leave."

Crickets creating friction sound in the tension filled atmosphere. Jake makes the choice of leaving, stalking past Sam being sure to forcefully shove him. The pack follows, but Seth. Who is less inclined to go.

" Let's go, now. Seth." He can't disobey his alpha, apologetically looking at me.

" Come on, people are probably missing us. Let's go back." I gave a quiet nod. I put my forehead down on Edward's collarbone.

-

JASMINE SPEAKS;
— when is jacob going to learn. The denalis have been introduced! Charlie and Tanya are already cute.