The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the small porch where Kiara Black, her father Billy, and her best friend Paul Lahote had gathered. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, creating a soothing melody that seemed at odds with the heavy atmosphere that enveloped them. Billy sipped lukewarm tea from an old cracked mug, reading "World's Best Dad", while Kiara and Paul both had a beer in their hands. 

In the weeks that marked Jacob's absence, things had firmly began to fall back into place in La Push. Sam had told the Elders that this was his pack, and that Rosalie and Kiara was a relationship that they were going to have to deal with as he wasn't going to stop them from being together. Billy and Kiara had been working through their issues, and while there had been lots of tears from both sides, it was a unanimous decision that Billy had been in the wrong.

The man was working hard to regain Kiara's trust, and while he knew they'd never go back to how they once had been, he was just grateful to have her in his life. He'd lost sight of what that meant to him when she had almost died seeking his approval, and he swore that he'd never put her through that again.

Paul had spent most of his time at the Black household since Jacob left. Billy liked having the boy around, and he liked seeing the effect his presence had on Kiara. He'd even turned a blind eye to Paul buying Kiara a beer, since he was of legal age and she wasn't. He knew that wolves didn't get drunk easy, but it had seemed that Kiara and Leah had a lower alcohol tolerance than the rest of the pack. 

Paul had almost filled the gap in the house that Jacob had left behind. It had came as no surprise to the Cullens and the rest of the pack when they learned that Jake had fled after reciting the invite. It was about more than just a wedding - it was about Bella Swan inevitably being turned into a vampire. Jake couldn't be here to see that happen. His absence was a void that loomed over the house, casting a shadow on their lives.

"I just don't understand why he had to run off like that," Kiara murmured, her voice laced with frustration. "It's not like Bella's the only girl in the world."

It had been a repeating conversation that they all had. Everyone understood it - even Kiara - but she still expressed her frustration about it often. They'd catch glimpses of him in their pack link here and there, and Sam had told her that it was similar to when she had freaked and run off. It was a flurry of emotions that would come through, a painful and uncomfortable experience until he would flicker out of signal again. 

Billy sighed, his weathered face etched with concern. He was worried about his son, but his priority was here, with Kiara.

"Kiara, you know it's not that simple. Jacob's always worn his heart on his sleeve, and when he saw that invitation... well, it hit him hard."

"Are you going, Billy?" Paul asked, trying to move the conversation on before Kiara started another rant about Jacob and his selfishness. Truth was, Paul kind of understood where Jacob was coming from. Almost half of the wolves in the pack now had an imprint, and while he liked seeing them all being happy, it kind of sucked. Sam had Emily, Jared had Kim, Kiara had Rosalie, Quil had imprinted on Taylor Young (Emily's sister), and now even Seth had imprinted on Bree Tanner - the newest member of the Cullen coven.

That hadn't gone down well with the elders at all, once again, but Sam had stood his ground. They'd learnt from the mistakes they had made when it came to Kiara and Rosalie, and Seth had been a lot more protected from the onslaught of voices and opinions about the imprint than the girl had been. He spent every waking minute with Bree, on patrol or with Leah. That was the one thing Sue had been pleased about the most - Seth had never taken away from the time he spent with his sister to be with his imprint. Kiara knew that as much as Leah joked about it, she really appreciated that.

"Yeah," Billy replied, looking down at his watch as if he was waiting on something. Paul and Kiara shared a look of confusion before they turned back to the man. That was the third time in the past ten minutes he'd checked his watch before looking out across the drive. 

"Jake needs to face his feelings instead of bottling them up." Kiara muttered, her fingers tracing the side of the glass bottle in her hand. Paul almost sighed as she continued the same spiel he had heard almost every night for the past few weeks.

"Jake's always been stubborn," Paul chimed in. "He's convinced himself that he won't come home until after the wedding. Thinks it'll make things easier. I think he's right."

"But I don't believe that's true," Kiara interjected. "He might say that, but deep down, he's hurting and I'm afraid he might do something reckless."

Billy's eyes met his daughter's, his gaze filled with a mix of understanding and sympathy. "You think Jake's going to crash the wedding?"

"Wouldn't surprise me," Kiara replied.

A heavy silence settled over the porch as the trio contemplated the situation. The sun had dipped even lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard. It was as if the waning light mirrored the diminishing hope they felt for a peaceful resolution.

"I can't just sit here and do nothing," Kiara finally said, her voice determined. "I need to find him, talk to him. Try to make him understand that running away won't solve anything."

Billy placed a reassuring hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Kiara, I know you care about your brother, but be careful. Jacob's in a fragile state right now. The last thing we want is for things to escalate."

Kiara's eyes flickered to Billy's wrist as he checked his watch once more. 

"What are you waiting on?"

"Huh?"

"You keep checking your watch," Paul answered, his eyes flickering to Kiara's as he answered for her. "What are you hiding, old man?"

Billy slapped lightly at Paul's arm as he joked about his age, going to think of an excuse before both of the wolves head's shot towards the road. He smiled warmly, rolling his chair past them and towards the dirt path at the side of the house as a very familiar car pulled up on the drive.

Kiara broke into a huge smile, almost throwing her beer at Paul as she launched herself out of her own seat on the porch and ran after her father. The older wolf stood in confusion, his fingers still tightly gripped around the beers as he watched Billy and Kiara wait for the car to come to a halt in front of them. Paul gently placed the beet bottles down on the step, moving a little so the sun wasn't shining in his eyes as it set against the tree line.

The engine purred to a stop, and the driver's side door swung open. A woman stepped out, her silhouette illuminated by the fading light. She was tall and graceful, with wavy hair that cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of obsidian silk. From the distance, Paul noted that she looked a lot like Kiara and her brother, instantly realising that this must have either been Rachel or Rebecca.

"This is Rachel, my older sister!" Kiara shouted over to Paul, having let her and her dad have their reunion before dragging Rachel over to meet her best friend. Rachel smiled warmly at the tan boy who was leaned against the porch steps, a soft and gentle smile on her face as she allowed Kiara to drag her towards him. 

Rachel Black. The name echoed in Paul's mind, a name he had heard before but a face he had never seen. He watched as Kiara scurried across the yard and turned Rachel to face him. "And this is Paul Lahote, my best friend."

As Rachel's gaze met his, time seemed to slow. Paul's heart stuttered in his chest, and a shockwave of energy rippled through him. It was as if everything around him faded into the background, leaving only her – Rachel – in his field of vision. His thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind, and he found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her.

Kiara's voice brought him back to reality, the sound distant and muffled as if coming from underwater. "Paul? You okay?"

He blinked, his focus snapping back to the present moment. Paul cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought."

Rachel's lips curved into a friendly smile, her dark eyes holding his gaze. "Nice to meet you, Paul."

"Likewise," Paul managed to say, though his voice came out a bit rougher than he intended.

The introductions continued, but Paul's attention remained fixed on Rachel. He couldn't shake the intensity of the connection he felt, a pull that seemed to come from somewhere deep within him. It was as if an invisible thread had woven itself between them, binding them together in a way he couldn't explain.

He knew what had happened - and he was aware from the side glances that she was giving him that Kiara was too. Billy hadn't seemed to have noticed, which he assumed was kind of a blessing at this moment in time. Kiara pulled up an extra chair for Rachel as they agreed to make the most of the fading sunlight outside, wasting no time in catching up with each other. Billy grinned as he looked between his daughters, knowing that a trip to La Push was what Rachel needed, and that seeing her sister was what Kiara needed.

As the conversation flowed around him, Paul found himself stealing glances at Rachel whenever he thought no one was looking. He marveled at her easy laughter and the way she spoke with a quiet confidence. She was everything he hadn't known he was looking for – a presence he had been missing without realizing it.

Kiara's voice brought him back again, this time with a mischievous edge. "Paul, you seem awfully quiet. Got something on your mind?"

Billy slowly turned his head to look at Paul, finally noticing the way his eyes were glued to his daughter. He flickered back and forth between them all before his eyes narrowed a little, his fatherly instincts kicking into overdrive.

"Hey Paul, why don't you come and help me with dinner in the kitchen?"

"I already ate," Paul replied, his voice a little croaky as he understood the double meaning behind Billy's words.

"He's lying," Kiara replied, a smirk on her face as she stirred the pot. "He was just telling me how hungry he was. Besides, me and Rachel could do with some girl talk."

Paul Lahote knew three things:

1. Kiara Black was the bane of his existence.

2. Billy Black was probably about to try and murder him.

3. He had well and truly just imprinted - on Rachel Black.

___

One of the perks of Jacob being away was that he had left the keys to his motorbike behind. Music to Kiara's ears, as it meant she didn't have to phase every time she wanted to go to the Cullen's.

Rosalie had called her over, asking if she had time to come and visit as she missed her. Kiara, being unable to say no to her imprint, had immediately excused herself and headed straight over to find Rosalie waiting for her outside. 

Edward was the only other one in the house, his fingers pressing angrily into the piano keys as she arrived. She went to ask what was up with him, but Rosalie motioned to just leave him be. Kiara made a note to ask about it later. As they reached the staircase, Rosalie turned to Kiara with a mischievous glint in her golden eyes. 

"You're about to witness one of our family's most peculiar traditions," she said, her lips curling into a playful smile.

Kiara arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Peculiar traditions? Should I be worried?"

"Not worried, my dear. Just amused, I hope." Rosalie chuckled melodically, the sound like a sweet melody floating in the night air. She gently took Kiara's hand as they walked up the first flight, before stopping at a large art installation that Kiara had noticed before, but they'd never really spoken much about it.

"Graduation caps? Right?"

Rosalie nodded, watching as Kiara reached out and ran her hand along the newest addition to the design. The yellow colour was the same as the one she had worn weeks prior, except the slight scent of it informed her that this was from Rosalie, Beverly and Emmett's graduation the year before.

Rosalie laughed, her laughter ringing out like a crystal chime. "You see, we attend high school every few decades or so, to blend in with the human world. And what better way to commemorate each graduation than by preserving these caps?"

Kiara's eyes twinkled with amusement. "So, let me get this straight. You and your family, who will never age a day, repeat high school over and over again just to fit in?"

Rosalie nodded, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. 

"It's a necessity, really. They aren't all graduation caps, to be fair," she said, motioning to a blue and white cap in the corner. Kiara smiled, seeing the R.H initials embroidered into the side. "And over time, we've come to embrace the absurdity of it all. It's become a sort of running joke within the family."

Kiara stepped closer to a frame, studying a cap that was bedazzled with gemstones. Alice's. "It's both hilarious and oddly endearing. I can't imagine what it's like to be perpetually stuck in high school."

Rosalie's eyes softened as she looked at Kiara. "It has its challenges, but it's also given us a chance to experience different eras, to watch history unfold from a unique perspective."

Kiara smiled at Rosalie, leaning into her and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. She looked back at the graduation wall with a huge grin on her face as she realised that there must have been over a hundred caps on the wall behind them.

"Wait... how many degrees do you actually have?"

"Well, if you count my medicine, astrophysics, mechanical engineering, multiple high school diplomas..."

Kiara rolled her eyes, lightly pushing Rosalie by the shoulder before lacing their hands back together again. "Forget I asked. You know, I used to think a lot about aging. I used to be afraid of growing old and losing the people I love."

Rosalie's gaze held Kiara's, a profound understanding passing between them. 

"Rosalie, there's something I want you to know," Kiara said, having already mentioned the topic before but never having really had the time to have a proper conversation about it. "I... I won't age either."

Rosalie's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But you're basically human, Kiara. How can you say that?"

A playful smile tugged at Kiara's lips as she spoke the words that had been burning in her heart. "Because I'm a not human Rose, I'm a shifter. As long as I keep shifting, as long as I embrace my wolf side, I won't age like a regular human."

"I wouldn't ask you to do that," Rosalie said, her voice firm as she thought about Kiara giving up her chance at growing old for her.

"I'm not asking permission."

Rosalie's eyes widened in realization, and then they softened with tenderness. "You would do that? You would choose to remain by my side, to share this endless existence?"

Kiara reached out, tracing the lines of Rosalie's face with a gentle touch. "Yes. I choose you, Rosalie. For eternity."

Tears shimmered in Rosalie's eyes, reflecting the moonlight that filtered through the windows. She pulled Kiara into a tight embrace, their hearts beating in sync. "I never thought I'd find someone who would choose this life for me, who would willingly walk beside me through all the ages. But here you are..."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, surrounded by graduation caps that bore witness to time's passage, Kiara couldn't help but find herself almost excited at the thought of growing young with Rosalie. The places they'd go, the life they'd live... and while she knew she'd have to watch her family grow old without her, no part of her could imagine a life without her imprint by her side.

"If we're being honest," Rosalie said, her voice a little more serious now. "I also had something I needed to talk to you about - but it's not a fun conversation."

"Great way to ease the anxious tension, Rose," Kiara deadpanned, causing the blonde to roll her eyes.

"We need to give you a heads up about our cousin Irina."

"Okay...?"

"Her mate was Laurent, a vampire that had aligned himself with Victoria and tried to kill Bella. Your pack killed him, and we're worried she might try to retaliate during the wedding."

There was a moment of silence between them before Kiara sighed and rubbed at her face.

"Way to ruin the moment."

____

The crisp, cool air of La Push rustled the leaves as Bella Swan sat on the cliff edge, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape. Her heart danced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, the upcoming event in her life almost too monumental to grasp. In a few days, she would be marrying Edward Cullen, the love of her life, the vampire who had captured her heart in ways she never thought possible.

"Lost in thought again, Bella?" came a teasing voice from behind her. Bella turned to see her best friend, Kiara Black, approaching with a playful grin on her face.

Bella chuckled, a faint blush tinging her cheeks. "Yeah, you caught me. Just trying to soak in the calm before the storm."

Kiara plopped down beside Bella, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. "You mean the storm of matrimonial bliss?"

Bella rolled her eyes with a smile. "More like the chaos of Alice's wedding planning. Who knew it would be so... intense?"

"Well, you're marrying a vampire, Bella. Intensity comes with the territory, I guess," Kiara joked, her legs also dangling over the cliffs edge. She looked at Bella for a moment, her eyebrows furrowed a little as she studied the girl. "Came to ask about Jake?"

"No..." Bella mused before seeing the look Kiara was giving her. "Maybe. Yeah. I just feel weird, not having him here."

They both shared a knowing look, the bond between them strong now than it had ever been. Kiara and her brother had been seriously injured and almost died making sure that Bella was safe from the newborn army, and that was something the human could never repay.

"He'll come around," Kiara said, although they both knew that there was a strong chance that Jake never would get over the betrayal he felt - even though Bella was neither his nor Edward's and had made the choice of her own accord. "I just hope he imprints or something... would make things a lot easier."

"Easier is one way to look at it," Bella replied, not entirely sure that the situation would be clearer if he did. "He'd have to accept the imprint."

"Oh," Kiara said, a small laugh on her lips. "That's not really how it works, Bella. We automatically accept the imprint, I just chose to force my body to reject it. Not recommended, for obvious reasons. I never thought I'd be so accepting of vampires, let alone falling for one."

Bella turned to her friend, a soft smile on her lips. "You and me both, Kiara. I never even imagined vampires were real, let alone that I'd love a vampire, but here we are."

The two friends shared a moment of quiet reflection before Bella's playful side emerged. "You know, Kiara, I have this recurring nightmare that I'll trip and fall flat on my face while walking down the aisle."

Kiara burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the tranquil afternoon. "Bella Swan, the epitome of grace, tripping on her own wedding day. That's something I'd pay to see."

Bella nudged her shoulder, feigning offense. "Hey, it could happen to anyone!"

Kiara's laughter subsided, and she looked at Bella with a mix of fondness and sincerity. "You know, Bella, no matter what happens on that day, you'll be the most beautiful bride. Graceful or not."

Touched by her friend's words, Bella felt a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Kiara. That means a lot."

Their conversation shifted, taking a more lighthearted turn. "So, how's everything with you and Rosalie?" Bella inquired, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Kiara's cheeks flushed slightly, a playful smirk curving her lips. "Oh, you know, the usual. Just spending my days with a stunning vampire and all... but don't think I can't see through you. You don't usually ask about our relationship - so what are you really wanting to ask here?"

Bella blushed, her usual sheepish expression falling on to her face as she hyped herself up to ask Kiara the question she had been wanting to have the answer to for a while. Her and Edward had already spoken a little about it, but she wanted to hear someone else's perspective before she talked to him about it again.

"How long did it take for you and Rosalie to..., you know?"

Kiara's eyes widened, and then she burst into laughter again. "Bella! I didn't mean ask me about that!"

Bella shrugged with a grin. "Hey, we're friends, right? Friends discuss everything."

Kiara shook her head, still laughing. "Well, to answer your question, no, we haven't yet. It's been... complicated."

Bella's curiosity was piqued. "Complicated how?"

Kiara sighed, her expression softening. "Rosalie and I come from such different worlds, Bella. It's not just the vampire-wolf thing. We've both had our fair share of pain and heartache, I know she told you her past... and I think we're both a little afraid of... losing ourselves in each other."

Bella reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Kiara's arm. "You love her, don't you?"

Kiara nodded, her gaze distant yet resolute. "More than I ever thought I could love anyone. And I know she loves me too. But love doesn't erase all the fears and doubts, you know? There's an aspect of control there too - I'm not the best at keeping my cool and one wrong move could kill me - literally. You get venom, sure, you'll become a vampire. If I get venom... well, you know."

Bella nodded, her heart going out to her friend. "I understand, Kiara. Just remember, love is worth the risk. And besides, at least neither of us need to worry about pregnancy."

Kiara managed a small smile, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks, Bella. I needed to hear that... the risk part - not the pregnancy part. So, when are you and Edward..."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the porch, Bella and Kiara continued to talk. About love, about the future, about the challenges they faced. The bond between them grew stronger, a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring strength of the heart.

_____

The sun peeked through the trees, casting a warm golden glow over the clearing outside the Cullen residence where Edward and Bella's wedding would take place. Edward stood on the edge of the balcony in his room, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Tomorrow, he would marry Bella, the woman who had captured his heart and breathed life into his seemingly eternal existence. He turned his gaze to the shimmering sunlight filtering through the leaves, lost in his thoughts.

"You just have to break them in."

"I've been breaking them in. For three days. Can I just go barefoot?"

His lips quirked a little as Bella and Alice bickered about the heels that Alice had picked out for Bella, having gotten a little carried away with the wedding preparation. He supposed it looked good for their family - having a large wedding and inviting normal humans too. Kept up their human appearance a little better than getting married in secret.

"Busy, isn't it?" a soft voice spoke from behind him.

Edward turned to find Kiara Black walking toward him, a serene smile on her face. She was looking more relaxed these days, even though Edward was very aware that he was a main factor in her brother leaving without saying goodbye. He didn't need to be able to read her thoughts to know that she didn't blame him or Bella for that - Kiara had reminded him every day since.

"Kiara," Edward greeted her with a nod. "Yes, it is. I think Alice is enjoying this too much."

She approached him, her eyes filled with understanding. "Nervous?"

Edward let out a rueful chuckle. "Is it that obvious?"

"Only to someone who knows you well," Kiara joked, knowing that they didn't really know each other that well. Kiara didn't really know much about any of the Cullens, but that was something she was trying to actively change. "But don't worry, Edward. Bella's love for you is as strong as the bond between the earth and the sky. She's choosing this, just as much as you are."

"Wise words," Edward mused, a slight smirk on his face. "Eat a dictionary for breakfast?"

"Very funny," Kiara replied, coming to stand fully beside him on the balcony. They watched as Alice directed her siblings with various wedding decorations, including entire trees. Kiara hummed out a small chuckle as she noticed the exasperated looks on Rosalie, Beverly and Emmett's faces as they moved the fallen trees around.

"Where do you want them, boss?"

"On either side of the aisle."

"What aisle?"

"Does no one have vision?"

"I don't want her to regret this, Kiara. I want her to have a chance at a normal, human life." Edward continued, snapping her attention away from the scene below. His voice was soft, clearly limiting it so that no-one else overheard their conversation.

Kiara tilted her head, her eyes gentle. "You of all people should know that 'normal' is a relative term. Bella has found something extraordinary in you. Something worth leaving the ordinary world behind for."

A smile tugged at Edward's lips. "You really do have a way with words today, Kiara."

She grinned. "Comes with the territory. I've been mediating between hot-headed wolves and stubborn vampires, remember?"

He gazed into the distance, lost in thought. "I can't imagine my existence without her anymore. She's become my reason for everything."

Kiara squeezed his arm gently. "And that's exactly what makes your love story so profound, Edward. You've found something worth cherishing for eternity. I wanted to let you know - that the pack will turn an eye if Bella gets turned."

Edward looked at her in surprise. He knew that Sam had mentioned it to Carlisle, but it was different hearing it confirmed to him in person.

"Jake won't be happy, but if it is what Bella wants, then we will allow it."

"But the treaty..."

"Has been violated many times since you all came back to Forks. Rosalie and me, Seth and Bree... exceptions can and should be made sometimes, Ed," Kiara replied, very nonchalant about the whole thing. "As long as she doesn't have any mistakes, you'll be fine by us."

Edward nodded, a smile on his face. "Never call me Ed again."

"Deal."

Edward's nervousness began to ebb away, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose. Kiara's words had kindled a fire of confidence within him—a fire that burned brighter than the doubts and fears that had clouded his mind. Tomorrow, he would stand before Bella, his heart wide open, and pledge his love for her in front of their friends and family. The start of their little piece of forever.

"You, go home and get lots of beauty sleep. That's an order."

Edward smiled as Alice looked up at them both after saying that to Bella, raising an eyebrow in a challenge. He rolled his eyes as she stormed away with a huff, turning to look at Kiara with a glimmer in his eyes. He had been witnessing Alice's planning for many weeks, and not only had she been meddling with the wedding, she had also given herself a side mission in the form of Kiara and Rosalie.

"You should get some sleep too. She says you'll need it."

"Ominous, but sure," Kiara murmured, rolling her eyes. "See you tomorrow, Mr Swan."