(Warning: Slight angst, a bit of Bella and Edward bashing. Fluff)

When your coven received the invitation to Edward Cullen's marriage to a human, you expected there to be some drama especially since the shifters had killed Irina's mate for the human girl. But something happened that you never expected in a million years. When Bella walked down the aisle on her father's arm, his scent hit you like a ton of bricks. The need to protect him came instantly and became all consuming. Suddenly, you felt anxious about having him around all the other vampires and the shifters.

You turned to glance at Eleazar and whispered, "That's my mate," to him and Carmen heard you as well. They smiled at you and you were able to relax for the rest of the ceremony. During the reception, you found your eyes drawn back to the dark-haired man. He looked awkward and like he felt out of place. After taking an unneeded breath, you approached him.

"Chief Swan, isn't it?" He jumped a bit at the sound of your voice before turning to smile at you. "Yeah. But most people call me Charlie." You introduced yourself and met Charlie's dark gaze. It was entrancing. "Would you like to dance?" you found yourself asking. Charlie's smile dropped a bit. "Don't think I'm the best dance partner." You laughed. "I'm sure you're wonderful. But if you're not up for it, I'd be more than happy to sit with you."

You sat in the chair across from him, his eyes never leaving you. It was as if he couldn't believe you were talking to him. He took a swig of the champagne before clearing his throat. "Screw it. Might as well," you heard him mutter and fought the urge to giggle. Charlie stood and offered you his hand. "Still want that dance?" You took his hand and let him lead you to the dance floor.

Charlie was nervous. You could tell. Granted, a lot of people grew nervous around vampires. While he didn't know what you were, everyone could see the enhanced beauty of your kind and you were certain that he could feel the pull of true mates even as a human. It was that strong.

The two of you spent much of the rest of the reception together, dancing and talking. Bella had told you he wasn't much of a talker, awkward like she was. But you didn't find that to be true. You simply had to find the right topic to get the ball rolling. Was he awkward? A little, but it was endearing. Charlie was a man of simple tastes and pleasures and you loved that. It was such a change of pace from the years you'd lived. By the time the kids left for their honeymoon, you found yourself wanting to remain in Forks for much longer. It would end up being a good thing you did.

*time skip*

As soon as you finished feeding, you ran back to the Cullen's home. Nomadic vampires from all over the world were coming and you were...nervous to say the least. You were pleased to see your own coven again, but you worried for Renesmee and for Charlie. The Volturi were coming for you all and if they found out about Charlie, he would be pulled into this world so suddenly, he'd probably hate you.

Over the weeks, you'd gotten closer to Charlie. You were falling in love with him quickly. Even if he wasn't your mate you think you would have fallen for him. You knew he would eventually have to be told your secret, but you wanted it to be on your terms and his. Not forced.

As if he could read your mind, your phone rang. Charlie. With a smile, you answered the phone and he invited you to join him on his fishing trip Edward and Bella set up for him that weekend. That's when the Volturi were coming. You bit your lip. You had promised to be there for the Cullens, but the best way to keep Charlie safe would be to go with him. And really, it was Edward and Bella's fault since they paid for a trip for two. So you eagerly agreed before entering the house.

You smiled at Kate and Garrett, happy that your "sister" had found her mate just as you had. Seeing them made you even more happy to spend time with Charlie. Maybe you could even tell him about everything. He had a right to know as your relationship progressed. It affected him as well. Was now the best time? Probably not, but you weren't sure if you could keep it under wraps while alone with him for nearly a week. You'd have to leave to hunt at some point and then Charlie would have questions and, while he wouldn't push the issue, you hated lying to him. You knew you would have to tell him.

"You can't," Edward's voice interrupted your train of thought. You glanced up to see him holding Renesmee and Bella standing next to him. "What can't she do?" Bella asked. Edward's glare never left you as he replied, "She plans to tell Charlie everything."

"No. Don't do that!" You arched a brow at Bella's little tantrum. "And why shouldn't I? He already knows about Jacob." Bella looked at you like you were stupid. "Because he's human. There are laws." You rolled your eyes and laughed humorlessly. You were thankful Renesmee spied Jacob outside at that point and clamored from Edward's arms to run outside. As soon as she was gone, you rounded on Bella.

"Oh, so it's alright for YOU to know about the supernatural as a human and get your happily ever after, but it isn't for your father? You would deny him the happiness that you fought and broke nearly every law for?! Not to mention breaking Charlie's heart multiple times. You are a hypocrite. And, by the way, since Edward never bothered to explain much about our world to you, the laws about humans knowing are different for mates. The Volturi will not kill one half a mated pair, even if that half is human. If Charlie refuses to accept the bond, there are other laws in place for him."

"That's not true. Aro nearly killed me in Italy because Edward wasn't going to turn me." At this, you sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of your nose. "That's because you were not Edward's true mate. You were his blood singer. By all rights, the fact that you were even alive long enough to be turned is a miracle in itself. You are merely lucky that Edward had the self control not to drain you dry. So do not think you are better than anyone in this house simply because you were one of the few blood singers that managed to be turned rather than killed. Pull your self-righteous nose down out of the air and wake up, girlie. You were not the only special human that ever walked the earth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to prepare for my trip with my mate."

Your conversation with Bella and your own thoughts weighed on your mind from that moment up until the second night of your trip with Charlie. He'd enjoyed a day on the water, fishing pole in hand, and he was in a good mood. So now you were forcing yourself to eat the food you'd cooked. Charlie noticed you weren't acting like yourself and he noticed that you'd been more quiet than usual. He noticed a lot.

"What's up?" You glanced up at him in confusion. He sat back in his chair, his dark eyes boring into your soul. "You're not eating much and you've been quiet since we got back from the lake. Did I do something? Say something? I know I can get a little lost out on the water."

You laughed at that. Bella had been so wrong about Charlie's personality. He was so caring. "You didn't do anything, Charlie. It's just...I have a lot on my mind and-and there's something I have to tell you. I'm terrified you're going to hate me after this." For a minute, he said nothing then he asked if there was someone else. You shook your head.

"Is this one of those 'need to know' things that Bella doesn't tell me?" You blinked at him. He caught on a lot more quickly than you'd thought. Stunned, you nodded. "Do you turn into a giant dog too?" You laughed once. Then again. And again until you were full on guffawing. "No. I don't turn into a giant dog. I don't turn into anything. I-I-" You couldn't seem to get the words out.

"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to tell me." You shook your head. "Yes I do, Charlie because you're part of this now." Charlie looked really confused as your wracked your brain for the best way to do this. For some reason, your brain decided to just...shout it.

"I'm a vampire!" Your hand instantly flew to your mouth. Charlie stared at you. "Say something."

"A vampire?" You nodded. "Yes. Me, my family, the Cullens. Even Bella. All vampires." Charlie still only stared at you before finally stating that he wasn't sure he could believe that. You laughed. "You recently saw Jacob change into a giant wolf and you think vampires are far-fetched?" At that, Charlie laughed and his shoulders relaxed again. To prove your point, you used your vampire speed to run to the fridge to grab him a beer. He nearly fell out of his chair, but composed himself quickly.

"Why are you telling me this now? I take it that Bella's been a vampire for a few months and hasn't said a thing. Why are you telling me?" You bit your lip again. "B-Because Bella couldn't tell you without putting you in danger. I can because, well, because...DAMN IT!" You swore, shooting up from your chair again. Charlie got up too and gently took your hand. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. We can go from there."

"Some vampires have mates," you began slowly, "The person that makes us feel whole. The person we want to protect and love forever. Mates are special and are treated as such. You-You're my mate, Charlie." Charlie dropped your hand and sank back into his chair. "I know it's a lot to take in. I'll leave if you want. I need to hunt anyway." You turned to leave.

"Don't. Don't go. It's just a lot. Everything I thought I knew has been changed. I don't want you to go." You smiled at him before placing a hand on his cheek. "Okay. I do need to hunt, but I'll come back." Charlie stood once more on shaking knees. He pressed a kiss to your forehead. "I'll be here. Just be careful." You laughed and nodded. "Now when you say hunt..." You assured him that you wouldn't be hurting any humans before you left him for the time being.

When you returned, Charlie greeted you with a smile and a kiss. "I don't want to give you up. It might be selfish, but I can't imagine you not being here anymore. Whatever that entails, I want it." You knew that if you could, you'd be crying. You didn't expect this from him. You smiled at him and he laughed a little. "I practice that from the second you walked out the door," he admitted. You shook your head with a laugh and pulled him in to place a kiss on his lips. Whatever happened next, you were happy to have Charlie by your side.