As the soft Forks light filtered through the glass windows, Kiara Black stood before the ornate mirror in Beverly Hale and Emmett Cullen's shared bedroom in the Cullen residence. Her fingers nervously traced the delicate lace edges of the deep blue dress that hung against her body, the fabric being soft and gentle to the touch. The dress was a masterpiece, chosen specifically by Alice for the occasion that had brought everyone together – Bella and Edward's wedding.

Well... almost everyone. Kiara had been told by Sam that they didn't expect Jacob to turn up as he hadn't came into the territory, but she knew her brother better than that. Kiara and Edward were both expecting the boy to appear at some point during the festivities, and Kiara just hoped he wasn't going to gatecrash and upset Bella. This was her special day, and it might just be one of the last ones she spent with her family and friends before she was inevitably changed.

"ln here, Mom," Kiara's eyes flickered towards the ceiling as her hearing picked up on the conversation that was happening in the room above where she was. Bella had been getting ready with Alice and Rosalie, her bridesmaids, while Beverly had been instructed by Alice to make sure that Kiara was actually ready and put on all of the different accessories that she'd bought for the wolf.

"Oh, my gosh! You're so beautiful. Oh, honey."

Kiara's fingers brushed over the little silver wolf charm that hung from her neck – a gift from Alice and Jasper that morning. The pendant was cool against her skin, a comforting reminder of her roots and the heat that ran through her veins. Yet, as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, listening in to the reunion between Bella and her mother upstairs, her eyes clouded with a hint of sadness.

The door to the bedroom creaked open, and Beverly entered, her ethereal beauty almost matching that of her sister's. Beverly's golden eyes held a warmth that seemed almost impossible for a vampire, and her smile radiated an infectious joy that instantly lifted the heavy veil of Kiara's thoughts.

"Hey," Beverly's voice was a soothing melody, "you look stunning, Kiara. Alice was right, my sister won't be able to take her eyes off you tonight."

Kiara managed a smile, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she tucked a loose strand of her long black hair behind her ear. "Thanks. You look pretty incredible yourself."

Beverly stepped closer, her fingers grazing the back of Kiara's hand as she pulled out the hair tie that the girl's hair was tied together with. They'd already curled her hair that morning, but Beverly had instructed her to keep it out of her face until she'd been able to come back and finish the job. 

"Nervous?" Beverly asked, her eyes locking onto Kiara's. She could hear the wolf's heartbeat, and noticed it was a little more jittery than usual.

Kiara let out a soft laugh, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. "More like a bundle of emotions I can't quite untangle."

"It's a big day, not just for Bella and my dearest brother, but for you too. I know how much she means to you," Beverly said, her fingers working through Kiara's hair as she gently brushed out her curls. They'd settled on a very natural look, keeping things simply and keeping Kiara in her comfort zone. "And Jake, too."

A mixture of gratitude and affection swelled in Kiara's chest. Ever since the Cullens had came into her life, Beverly always had a way of understanding her, of anchoring her in moments of uncertainty. She was thankful that it wasn't just Edward and herself that were sure that Jacob was going to make an appearance.

"I am truly happy for her," Kiara confessed. "It's just... It's bittersweet, you know?"

"It's your first family heirloom. Pass on to your daughter, and her daughter."

Beverly's eyes flickered to Kiara's through the reflection of the mirror, hearing how her heart skipped a little at Renee's words from upstairs. Everything fell into place there, and Beverly almost scolded herself for not having even thought about the emotions that this might have caused Kiara.

Beverly nodded gently, her golden eyes softening. "Because you're reminded of your mother?"

Kiara's breath hitched at the mention of her mother. The wound left behind by her mother's untimely death had never fully healed. Her heart ached, not just for the moments lost but for the moments that would never be – the moments her mother should have been there to share. Sure, Jacob, Rebecca and Rachel also lost their mother, but Kiara had always been much closer to the woman than the others had been.

"Yeah," Kiara whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I see Bella with her mother, and I can't help but think about how I'll never have that."

Beverly pulled Kiara into a comforting embrace as she finished with her hair, her arms wrapping around her with a gentle strength. 

"I can't replace your mother, Kiara, but I'm here for you. Always."

Tears welled in Kiara's eyes, and she clung to Beverly as if she were her lifeline. "I know you are. And I'm so grateful for that."

"And when you and Rosalie finally tie the knot, I'll be there to give you your something old, new, borrowed and blue, if needed," Beverly continued, wiping away at a loose tear that was about to slide down Kiara's face. "Oh shit, don't cry - Alice will literally murder me if she sees any mascara tracks and my sister will too for making you cry in the first place."

Kiara laughed at that, a genuine sound that made its way to the ears of the two vampires in the room above. Alice and Rosalie's lips both twitched upwards at the noise subconsciously, being reminded of the wolf's presence in the house. The air upstairs was filled with laughter and excitement as they helped Bella into her wedding gown, sharing in the joy of the upcoming celebration.

Beverly looked at Kiara once more before pulling away and squeezing her hand. 

"We better get downstairs and mingle, I think Seth is getting anxious since Bree isn't here."

While Seth and Bree had been taking things incredibly slow, especially since Bree was still relatively new to this entire life, he had assumed that she would be attending the wedding like the rest of the Cullens. It hadn't been until the night before that she informed him that her eyes were still too red to be around that many humans, and she wasn't sure if she could really control herself.

Instead of being at the wedding, she headed into the mountains and instead would spend the day hunting and exploring. Seth had been keen to ditch the wedding and be with her, but Kiara and Sue had reminded him that Bella and Edward had invited him as their friend and not just because of his imprint with Bree - and he had immediately felt guilty for even thinking about skipping his friend's wedding.

Kiara followed Beverly downstairs, the duo pausing as she pushed the glass doors that lead into the decorated clearing outside the house. Emmett was leaning against the decking fencing, a lovesick smile crossing his face as soon as his eyes fell on his mate. He pressed a kiss to her lips, muttering something in her ear that Kiara purposefully tried to ignore with a small roll of her eyes.

"Damn little Black, Bev wasn't joking when she said you clean up nicely," Emmett boomed, the smack on the back of his head by Beverly causing both girls to chuckle a little. She smiled at the large vampire, patting his arm slightly in thanks and appreciation as she turned to look for the younger wolf that she knew was anxious.

The crisp scent of pine and the gentle murmur of the river wafted through the air, intertwining with the delicate fragrance of wildflowers that adorned the meticulously arranged chairs along the aisle as Kiara excused herself from the vampire couple. Even though it was rather overcast, Kiara could feel the electric hum in the air of the sun, as if nature itself was celebrating the union that was about to take place. 

Kiara's gaze traveled down the aisle, and she felt her heart skip a beat. There, at the very end, stood a small group of her family and friends. Her father, Billy, was among them, his strong presence softened by a tender expression. As her eyes met his, she felt a rush of emotions that left her momentarily breathless when she saw the look in his eyes.

His weathered face bore traces of both age and wisdom, his eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. He looked at her with a mixture of pride and a hint of nostalgia, his voice a mere whisper as he turned his head to Sue Clearwater, who stood beside him.

"She looks so much like her mother," he murmured, his voice catching in his throat.

Sue nodded in agreement, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, she does. It's like looking at a piece of the past."

Kiara felt a lump form in her own throat as she heard their words. They hadn't intended for her to hear them, but she'd been so focused on them that her enhanced hearing had picked it up anyway. Jasper turned his head from where he was standing with Edward and Carlisle, feeling how overwhelmed she was feeling. Edward's head tilted in her direction too, sensing the shift in her emotions from the thoughts in Jasper's mind.

Billy's gaze returned to Kiara as she reached them, his eyes welling up with tears that he didn't attempt to hide. With a voice filled with emotion, he spoke, his words a testament to the depths of his feelings. "You look beautiful, Kiara. Your mother would have been so proud of the person you've become."

Tears welled up in Kiara's eyes, her heart soaring at his words. They'd came a long way since the day she imprinted on Rosalie. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Dad. I wish she was here today."

Billy nodded, his voice tender. "She is, in her own way. She lives on in you."

Seth reached his hand out from where he was standing beside Sue, wrapping it tightly around Kiara's. They shared a look for a moment, a deep understanding in their eyes before both wolves' heads turned as they smelt Carlisle approach their families.

"Billy, Sue, I'm so glad you could make it," the blonde vampire said, his forever welcoming smile on his face. Billy nodded back, a tight smile on his face. Kiara reminded herself that this was improvement, that this very moment was huge progress from where they had been months prior. "I know Edward and Bella will be happy to see you both. You too, Seth."

Seth smiled back at the doctor, wrapping an arm around the shoulders of his mother. There was a lot of unspoken tension between the Cullens and the pack elders, but there was a significantly growing understanding that overshadowed it.

"If you don't mind, I think we're almost ready to start. You might want to take your seats."

And just like that, the event of the year was amongst them.

_______

"I, Edward Cullen. Take you, Bella Swan. To have and to hold."

"For better or for worse."

"For richer, for poorer."

"ln sickness and in health."

"To love."

"To cherish. As long as we both shall live."

"I do."

"I do."

____

"I think my mom has a crush on your dad," Seth told Kiara as they watched Charlie, Sue and Billy interact with each other. "I think Charlie has a crush on my mom."

"You know what Seth," Kiara replied, sipping on the champagne flute that was in her hands. No one was going to mention the fact she wasn't 21 yet, but they had made it very clear that Seth was expected to stay far away from alcohol for now. "I think you're absolutely right."

The reception was in full swing, a symphony of laughter, music, and clinking glasses filling the air. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the trees, casting a warm and magical glow over the gathering. Kiara and Seth had found themselves amidst the celebration, seated at a table near the edge of the dance floor. Kiara's dark hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, and Seth's warm smile seemed to light up the surroundings.

Kiara was yet to have had a chance to speak to Rosalie, and other than a quick glance during the wedding, hadn't actually had time to fully look and take in the blonde vampire yet. She wasn't sure where she was, but her eyes kept flickering around the dance floor as she tried to spot her out. It seemed like the rest of the Cullens except from Beverly and Rosalie were present, and she couldn't help but feel a little like there was a void in her stomach from not having seen her yet.

"I mean, they do spend a lot of time together, especially with all the council meetings and pack gatherings," Seth replied, a small chuckle being shared between them as they silently acknowledged that half of the reason for the meetings had been because of their imprints.

Their laughter was interrupted as Sue Clearwater and Billy Black approached their table, Charlie trailing slightly behind them as he smiled warmly at the teenagers. Sue's warm smile radiated kindness, while Billy's expression held a certain tenderness. Kiara sometimes felt bad for Charlie being in the dark about everything, but she knew it was better this way.

"Hey, you two," Sue greeted them with a nod. "Enjoying the celebration?"

Kiara exchanged a knowing glance with Seth before answering. "Absolutely, Sue. The wedding is beautiful."

Billy nodded in agreement, a faint smile gracing his lips. "It's a special day indeed."

The conversation flowed seamlessly as the parents joined in, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories. The wedding decor became the topic of discussion, and soon they were all lost in animated conversation, their laughter blending with the joyful melodies that filled the air.

Just as the conversation reached its peak, the atmosphere seemed to shift slightly. A small breath from Charlie, and the group turned to see Bella and Edward Cullen approaching their table. Bella's shy smile was matched only by Edward's proud grin. Charlie excused himself as he noticed Renee waving him over, leaving the wolfs, their parents and the newly married couple alone.

"Nice to see you," Edward said to Billy and Sue, nothing but genuine happiness radiating off him. As much as he and Rosalie had clashed over the years, he was glad that Billy was making the effort to embrace the imprint between his youngest daughter and the vampire.

"I'm happy for you."

"Thank you."

"I hope you'll be happy, Bella," Billy said to Bella, sharing the same genuine feelings that Edward had. He had watched Bella grow up with every visit to Forks, and while this wasn't the life he would have chosen for her, he knew it was a decision that she was making herself.

"Thank you, Billy. Have you heard from him?"

"I'm sure Jake wishes you the best."

An uncomfortable silence fell over them for a moment before Billy turned to look at Seth, Sue and Kiara. Charlie walked back over, interupting them as he noticed the dip in the conversation.

"Well, I plan on getting drunk. They're serving up some pretty fancy champagne. Sue, can I get you a glass?"

"Sparkling fire water," Billy replied, turning his wheelchair and barging into Charlie's leg. The man groaned, getting the hint. Seth and Kiara exchanged a look as Sue blushed, both of them trying to hide their knowing smiles. Edward caught on to their thoughts, smiling as he realised that the wolves had caught on to the feelings of their parents. He looked at them both, nodding a little to confirm their suspicions. 

Seth wished Bella and Edward a congratulations, the three of them looking to Kiara to see she had returned to scanning the crowd for Rosalie. Edward and Bella shared a knowing look, having been very aware of where the blonde and her biological sister had disappeared to.

And then, as if the universe had conspired to grant her heart's desire, Kiara's gaze locked onto Rosalie's figure. Rosalie stood at the edge of the dance floor, her golden hair catching the light and her elegant form exuding a magnetic grace. Kiara's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only Rosalie in her vision.

As if sensing Kiara's gaze, Rosalie turned and their eyes met. The connection was instantaneous, a charged current passing between them. Rosalie's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes holding a mix of amusement and something deeper. Kiara felt her heart race, her cheeks flushing, and yet, the nervousness was laced with a sense of warmth and longing.

The distance between them seemed to lessen with each step, the energy in the air growing more potent. When she finally stood before Rosalie, the world seemed to still. Kiara felt as though the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, their flirtatious exchange creating a cocoon of intimacy amidst the bustling reception.

"Kiara," Rosalie greeted her, her voice a melodic blend of curiosity and genuine interest.

"Rosalie," Kiara replied, her voice steady despite the rapid pace of her heart. "You look stunning."

A faint blush touched Rosalie's cheeks, a reaction that both surprised and delighted Kiara. "Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself."

Kiara chuckled, her nerves giving way to a more comfortable ease. "I try my best."

Rosalie's eyes twinkled with amusement. "And I must say, your best is quite impressive."

In that very moment, as if fate itself had orchestrated the moment (although Kiara was actually sure it was just Alice noticing the couple had finally reunited), the song shifted to a slower melody—the perfect invitation to dance. Rosalie extended her hand to Kiara, her eyes holding a question.

"Care to dance?" Rosalie asked, her voice a gentle invitation.

Kiara's heart raced, her hand soft as she placed it in Rosalie's. The contact was electrifying, a rush of energy that sent shivers down her spine. As they swayed to the rhythm of the music, the world around them faded into the background. It was just Kiara and Rosalie, their bodies moving in synchrony, their connection a powerful current that pulsed between them.

As the song came to an end, they lingered in each other's arms, their breaths mingling in the intimate space they had created. Rosalie's lips were just inches away from Kiara's, the magnetic pull between them undeniable.

"Kiara," Rosalie whispered, her voice a soft caress.

And then, with a gentle yet deliberate movement, Rosalie's lips met Kiara's in a kiss. Time seemed to stand still as their lips moved against each other's, the world dissolving into a haze of sensation. Kiara wasn't sure why tonight felt so different than other nights, but she was just happy to be back in Rosalie's arms after the overwhelming emotional journey she had been on since earlier that afternoon.

Beverly had told Rosalie about Kiara's confession of missing moments with her mother, and both girls had ached at the thought. They were too far into their vampire life to remember much about their parents other than the fact they didn't go looking for them after they died. They'd rather support the powerful families of the men that had attacked them, than find out what really happened to their daughters.

"Come meet our cousins," Rosalie muttered against Kiara's lips, tilting her head to where Edward was beckoning them over. Kiara tensed at the thought, having only heard a little about the other coven that had attended the wedding. She knew their eyes were also gold, which eased her tensions a little, but she was very weary that one of them was very anti-shapeshifter.

"...and these are our cousins from Alaska. Tanya, Kate," Edward introduced the blonde dup to Bella, his arm wrapped around his bride as he looked at her with nothing but love and admiration. Kiara smiled at the act, her hand still wrapped around Rosalie's as they joined the conversation.

"We've heard so much about you," Kate told Bella, before her eyes flickered to the tan girl that was tucked against Rosalie's side. She smirked a little, tilting her head as she looked her up and down a little. "Yet, nothing about you."

"Welcome to the family. Bienvenida," Eleazar told Bella before his eyes flickered to the other girl that had joined the conversation. "Nice to meet you...?"

"Kiara," Rosalie told them, before Kiara even had a chance to open her mouth. "She's my mate."

Kiara felt warmth and pride flood through her as she heard the words fall from Rosalie's lips. Her inner wolf purred happily at being claimed by the blonde, realising that this was the first time she had actually heard Rosalie say that in front of anyone that wasn't already aware of the imprint bond.

Eleazar held out his hand, his eyebrows raising in surprise as soon as their palms connected. He mused a little, his eyes flickering to Irina with a look of understanding at the Cullen siblings before moving back beside Carmen without another thought.

"It's lovely to meet you, Kiara."

"Irina," Carmen said, turning to look at the other blonde. "Come meet Bella. And Kiara."

Kiara felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as Rosalie tightened her grip on her a little. She looked at the unfamiliar blonde vampire, and instantly felt herself get a little hotter as she saw the way she had locked eyes with Seth from across the dance floor. Edward looked to his side, noticing how Kiara was more tense than before and immediately began to regret inviting her and Rosalie into the conversation.

"I can't do this," Irina spat, her eyes glossing over a little as she looked back to her coven.

"You promised!"

"They invited one," Irina spat, a snarl on her lips as she finally noticed Kiara. Her scent hit her nose, and her anger only intensified as she realised that there was a second wolf standing right in front of her. "Two."

"Irina, he's our friend," Edward replied, standing up for Seth. His head titled to the left to where Rosalie was standing protectively beside Kiara. "And she's Rosalie's mate."

"They killed Laurent!"

"He tried to kill Bella."

"I don't believe that. He wanted to be like us. To live in peace with humans," Irina replied, venom pooling in her eyes as she glared down at Kiara. "With me."

Kiara snapped, her hands trembling a little as she went to move around Edward and Rosalie to get towards the vampire. Edward grabbed tightly on to her shoulder, something that definitely would have snapped any human's bone. 

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about," Kiara spat, having witnessed the entire incident from Jacob's memories when the conversation had been brought up previously. "He was literally about to kill her before my brother stepped in."

"Shut up, mutt," Irina snarled back, taking a step forward. Their heated argument was beginning to draw attention to them, which was the last thing anyone wanted since their topic of conversation was so delicate and not for human ears.

Carlisle walked across the floor, a fake smile on his face as he inserted himself into the conversation and instantly diffused the argument between the wolf and vampire that was brewing. 

"The Denalis! It's great to see you all," Carlisle said, wrapping his arms around Eleazar and Carmen. Irina backed down as she noticed the stern look that the rest of them were giving her, while Kiara relaxed as Rosalie placed a hand on her chest and slowly moved her away from the situation. Kiara instantly felt guilty as she realised she had almost made a scene at Bella and Edward's wedding, having been the last thing she intended to do.

"Come on," Rosalie murmured, squeezing her hand gently. "Let's go and see Bev and Emmett."

Kiara felt a warmth spread through her chest, a surge of emotion that she couldn't contain as she stared back at Rosalie and saw nothing but pure love and admiration for herself. No-one had ever looked at her life that, and she knew she never would want to see it from anyone but the blonde.

"I'm glad I came," Kiara admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Rosalie's eyes held a depth that Kiara hadn't fully glimpsed before. "I'm glad you did too."

The intensity of the moment hung between them, the unspoken truths palpable in their shared gaze. Little did Kiara know, the night was about to get a lot more intense before it finished.