As Kiara and Rosalie entered the Cullen household for the last time that night, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of the fresh wedding flowers, and the slightly harsher aroma of the alcohol that had been consumed by the guests during the evening reception. Everyone had finally left, including the rest of the Cullens who had headed straight for the forest to hunt for the rest of the evening.

Jasper and Alice had been the first to leave, the former having done so well throughout the night but needing some fresh air now that the guests had all dispersed. Esme and Carlisle had followed shortly after, while Emmett and Beverly were the last to leave. Beverly had told Kiara and Rosalie they wouldn't be back until the next day, causing Emmett to send a rather suggestive wink in her direction. He had promptly received a harsh elbow to the ribs from his wife.

The silence of the house was broken only by the soft clicking of their heeled feet on the wooden floors, soon turning into barefoot shuffles as Kiara kicked her heels off as she crashed on to the couch (while Rosalie, of course, gracefully took hers off and left them at the coat rack at the front of the room). She moved to start the fireplace, before cozying up beside Kiara on the sofa.

"I can't even imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't met you," Kiara whispered, her breath hot against Rosalie's ear as they lounged on the sofa. The fireplace crackled as the soft amber glow reflected against their skins, Rosalie lightly running her hand through Kiara's hair as they snuggled up.

Rosalie smiled at her, moving her hand to tuck a strand of Kiara's hair behind her ear, smiling as she moved so that her lips were hovering just over hers. She smiled as she lightly pecked Kiara's lips, closing her eyes for a second as she just wished that she had been given a vampiric gift of pausing time - just so she could stay in this moment forever.

"I feel the same way, love. It's like everything I ever wanted and needed in life was all wrapped up in you..." Rosalie murmured against Kiara's lips, feeling a warmth run through her as Kiara beamed back at her. Kiara turned her head slightly, and their lips met in a searing kiss this time. It was a kiss born of passion, love, and gratitude for the world that had brought them together.

Their fingers played, twining together like the intricate branches of the pine trees outside. The world seemed to slow around them, nature's gentle hum soothing their nerves.

"I've never felt like this before," Kiara admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "With anyone else, it was...easy to compartmentalise, to keep a distance, but with you, it's like I can't help but be all in. And I know that it's easy to say that it's all the imprint... but Rose... I felt like this before I had even learned about this side of life."

"You, Kiara Black, have been the best surprise I have ever had in my entire life - immortal and human," Rosalie whispered back, the crackling of the fire almost overshadowing the admission from the vampire.

Kiara's eyes glistened as she felt her heart soar, a thick blush creeping on her cheeks as she stared longingly into Rosalie's eyes. She knew the imprint played a huge part in her feelings, but she knew that the love that she held for the vampire would have been there even if she hadn't been a shapeshifter. She loved Rosalie. Like, loved with a ridiculously intensely fire that she was sure would burn entire villages and send chiefs to their knees. Loved her like a tsunami wave that crashed through entire countries. Loved her with the entire strength of a natural disaster, but with so much purity and light.

"I love you Rosalie Hale," Kiara said, her voice barely above a whisper as she squeezed Rosalie's hand. "I'll love you forever."

"I love you too, Kiara Black," Rosalie said, her voice light and raspy as she felt venom tears pool in her eyes. "And I'll love you until the end of eternity and forevermore after that."

Kiara chuckled, rolling her eyes lightly. "Just had to out-do me?"

"Always."

Rosalie pulled Kiara closer to her, wrapping her arms around her and holding her tight. She knew that they had so much to look forward to, so many adventures to embark on together. But for now, she was content just to hold Kiara in her arms and bask in the warmth of their love.

As they lay on the couch, bodies wrapped tightly around each other, Kiara's hands gently traced up and down Rosalie's spine as if she was skimming through a bookshelf. Rosalie hummed ever so slightly, pressing her body closer to Kiara's as she moved her hand to rest against the side of the shapeshifter's neck. She could feel the heat radiating off of Kiara's body, and it fueled the fire burning within her.

The tension between them was palpable, a mix of excitement and apprehension. Their connection was undeniable, their chemistry uncontainable, but the prospect of taking their relationship to a more intimate level weighed on them. Kiara had thought about it a lot more than she'd like to admit since Bella had asked her about it, and she'd be lying if she said she hadn't been a bit jealous when Bella admitted that her and Edward had already spoken about it numerous times.

Rosalie let out a nervous laugh as they broke apart for a moment, her fingers intertwining with Kiara's. "It's funny, isn't it? We've both faced danger head-on, overcome countless obstacles, and yet this...this feels like the most daunting challenge of all."

Kiara chuckled, a warm and reassuring sound. "It's different... it's personal. And - for once, Rose - it's about us, not the outside world. Not about my dad or an army of newborns or Jake or Bella... just us."

"I like the sound of that," Rosalie teased, a soft smile on her face as she laughed melodically at the concept of them having something that was just theirs and not everyone else's business for a change.

Kiara leaned in, pressing her lips against Rosalie's in a gentle and loving kiss. It was a silent affirmation, a promise of understanding and patience. As they parted, Kiara whispered, "We don't have to rush into anything, Rose. We can take our time, figure this out together."

As they kissed, Kiara's hands wandered down to Rosie's hips, pulling her even closer until they were pressed together. Rosalie moaned softly as Kiara's touch sent shivers down her spine. She had never felt so alive, so wanted, so loved. She deepened their kiss, her tongue tracing Kiara's lips before slipping into her mouth. Kiara responded eagerly, their tongues dancing together in a hot and passionate rhythm.

Rosalie's hands roamed over Kiara's body, tracing the curves of her waist, hips, and thighs. Kiara moaned softly as Rosalie's hands wandered lower, cupping her behind and pulling her even closer. Their hands moved in synchrony, tracing patterns across each other's skin as they let their passion consume them. It was like they were the only two people in the world, lost in their own little bubble of love and desire. The fire crackled beside them, casting flickering shadows across the room as they explored the depths of their connection. Rosalie could feel her body responding to Kiara's touch, her own desire building with every passing moment.

"We shouldn't do this..." Rosalie breathed, pulling back from Kiara as she looked at the flustered girl on the couch with her. Kiara's pupils were blown out, and her lips were slightly plump as she nodded at Rosalie, pushing her disappointment aside as she fully tried to show that she respected the vampire's decision.

"That's okay," Kiara breathed, guilt rushing over her for a brief second as she was worried she'd taken things too quickly for Rosalie. "I shouldn't have pushed..."

"No, you idiot," Rosalie laughed, leaning forward and pressing another kiss to Kiara's lips. "Just not here, on Esme's pristine white sofa."

"Oh," Kiara breathed, letting out a loud chuckle before she continued kissing Rosalie, peppering kisses along her neck as Rosalie leaned back a little to make it easier for the shapeshifter. She allowed Kiara to continue for a moment, lost in the bliss before she registered her previous comment and moved to reconnect their lips together instead.

Without breaking their kiss, Rosalie stood up, pulling Kiara with her. She led her towards the stairs, their lips and hands still locked in a desperate embrace. They stumbled up the stairs, giggling and murmuring with pleasure as they went, Rosalie graceful as ever while Kiara navigated her own feet and the wooden stairs.

Kiara barely had time to register anything before she and Rosalie were on Rosalie's bed - a relatively recent addition to the Cullen household after Kiara had decided to stop rejecting the imprint bond. Esme had asked Alice to order one in with the intention that Kiara would need somewhere to sleep if she was tired after visiting the Cullens - while the rest of the adoptive coven had significantly other ideas as to what they'd inevitably use it for.

Rosalie lightly pushed Kiara onto the bed, crawling over her and hovering above her. As she stared down at Kiara, Rosalie could feel a hunger deep within her, the desire to devour and consume her lover, to make her hers in every way possible. But, as much as she craved domination over Kiara, Rosalie also wanted to make her feel protected and cherished. She wanted her love to be unconditional.

"I love you," she said, her voice breathy and seductive as she stared down at Kiara. "I love you with every cell in my body, every bone in my body, and every muscle in my body. Not a single part of me does not belong to you."

Kiara's breathing hitched as she felt something burn inside her, the desire to consume Rosalie as much as Rosalie was consuming her with her eyes. The wolf inside of her hummed in delight as their imprint said those words, almost as if Kiara's own conscience was finally forgiving her for trying to reject the imprint before.

"I'm yours," Kiara muttered as she reached up and pressed a kiss once more against her vampire's lips. "Forevermore, and an eternity after that."

_________

Kiara woke up to what one might consider the perfect morning. The sun was blooming through Rosalie's window, she was wrapped in sheets and blankets, the birds outside were chirping and singing in melodic harmonies, and she could smell an incredible breakfast being made downstairs by the love of her life.

The youngest Black daughter stretched her body, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. She smiled as she let herself feel the warmth of the sun on her bare skin and the pleasant pull of the sheets against her body, a reminder of the night that she had spent under them with Rosalie.

She couldn't help but admire Rosalie as she entered the room with a tray of food in front of her, her movements so graceful and fluid, almost like a dance. Kiara felt herself getting lost in the moment, but she was snapped back to reality when Rosalie turned to her after placing the tray down on the table across the room.

"Good morning, love," Rosalie murmured, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she watched Kiara's sleepy eyes refocus on her approaching frame.

"Good morning, Rose," Kiara replied, feeling a blush creep up on her cheeks as she realised that Rosalie had caught her staring at her in admiration. She didn't seem to care, however, as Rosalie walked over to Kiara and leaned down to give her a kiss. Kiara wrapped her arms around her vampire's neck, deepening the kiss. They broke apart, both of them breathless.

"I made you breakfast in bed," Rosalie said, gesturing towards the tray of food on the nightstand. Kiara smiled back, warmth crossing her entire body as she felt her heart swell with love once more.

From downstairs, Kiara could hear the boisterous shouts of Emmett as Beverly chastised him. Rosalie rolled her eyes, while Kiara felt herself blush harder as she realised that the vampires had returned while she was fast asleep - but that Rosalie would have been wide awake. She could only imagine the jokes Emmett would have made once he realised what Rosalie and Kiara had been up to.

Kiara groaned, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I can't believe they're back already," she muttered, feeling Rosalie's hand squeeze hers reassuringly. "And they definitely could have heard us if they'd been close enough outside."

Rosalie chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So what if they did? Let them be jealous of our love."

Kiara couldn't help but smile at the thought. It was true, the love between her and Rosalie was something special, something that couldn't be replicated. She felt truly lucky to have found her mate in Rosalie, despite their differences in species.

"Your breakfast will be getting cold," Rosalie reminded her.

"Oh shit," Kiara replied, reaching over and grabbing the sweater that Rosalie held out for her. She smiled as she recognised it as one of Emmett's old ones that she had borrowed previously, realising that Alice must have now added new clothes to Rosalie's wardrobe just for Kiara's benefit. "It smells so good, Rose."

Rosalie laughed and kissed Kiara's forehead, "I'm glad you think so, Kie. Now eat up before it gets cold." She sat down next to Kiara and watched as she devoured the bacon and eggs with relish. It was times like these that Rosalie felt grateful for having found Kiara, someone who appreciated the small things in life and never took anything for granted.

As Kiara ate, Rosalie couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked in the morning light. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her brown eyes sparkled with happiness. Kiara finished, before leaning forward and pressing another kiss to Rosalie's lips.

"Someone tell the lovebirds we don't need to hear round two!"

Rosalie huffed while Kiara laughed at Emmett's shouts, followed by another round of curses from Beverly towards her husband. They all knew that Emmett was one to talk about his actions at night. Kiara turned to Rosalie with a smile, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind the vampire's ear as Emmett whined at Beverly.

"I'm just trying to wind Rosalie up!"

"Succeeding!" Rosalie shouted back, causing a round of snickers to spread across the house as the rest of the Cullen's heard the exchange. Kiara threw her head back, falling into another fit of laughter and in that moment, Rosalie felt her annoyance at Emmett fade away. How could she be annoyed when he made Kiara laugh like that? Her favourite sound.

Rosalie knew that whatever happened next, she was forever glad that their lives had crossed paths. Suddenly, everything in her life seemed perfect - including Kiara.

_____

Paul and Kiara were on patrol later in their wolf forms that evening when Kiara accidentally let her thoughts slip to her night with Rosalie. The wolf almost stumbled in his stride as a short flicker of Kiara and Rosalie kissing in front of the fire crossed their link, a loud groan breaking from his shout as he shoulder barged into Kiara for the thought.

Kiara stumbled slightly at the sudden force from Paul's shoulder, but quickly regained her balance. She glanced at him, noticing the low growl rumbling in his throat. She knew immediately that he'd caught a glimpse of her thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt mixed with a spark of arousal.

"Paul, I'm sorry," she said, her voice soft as she tried to suppress the heat that was building within her. "It was just a fleeting thought."

Instead of being annoyed, Paul burst into wolfy chuckles, sitting back on his haunches as he realised what had happened. He was genuinely surprised that Kiara and Rosalie hadn't taken the step until the night before, knowing that Kiara wasn't usually one to take things slow.

"You're sorry for what? That you enjoyed yourself with Rosalie?" Paul teased, nudging her playfully with his nose. "No need to apologize for that, Kiara. I'm happy for you."

Kiara smiled sheepishly, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She had been worried that Paul would be upset or angry, but his reaction was the complete opposite. It was no secret that Paul and Kiara had a complicated relationship, having been best friends since childhood, friends with benefits as teenagers and then becoming pack mates as wolves.

"Thanks, dude," Kiara said, feeling a surge of affection for him. "I appreciate it. And I'm sorry if I caught you off guard with my thoughts... I know how you feel about Rosalie."

Paul shook his head, his wolfy grin widening. "She makes you happy. That's enough for me. Don't worry about it. It's not like I haven't had similar thoughts about your sister before."

"I can't believe you imprinted on her," Kiara replied, groaning as she pawed at the dirt under their feet.

Paul rolled his eyes, his playful expression turning into a solemn one. "I didn't choose to imprint on her, Kiara. It just happened."

Kiara nodded, understanding the gravity of imprinting. She moved closer to Paul as she brushed against his side, nudging his big head with her own. She hadn't realised that he had thought she was angry at him about it - she was just surprised, that was all.

"I know, Paul," she said, nudging him with her nose. "I'm just teasing you. I'm happy for you and Rach. Besides, there's much worse people to be stuck with than my sister... just think - it could have been one of Bella's Forks friends!"

"Yeah, no thanks," Paul snorted, a huff leaving his snot before he leaned into her nudge, his expression softening. "Seriously though... Thanks, Kiara. I appreciate it."

They fell into a comfortable silence, continuing their patrol through the woods. The sun was still high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the trees. Their patrol was almost over, and Jacob would be taking over with Sam - since the two had a lot to catch up on now that Jacob was back in town. Kiara was still yet to see him since he blew up at the wedding, and she knew that the obvious hickey on her neck from Rosalie would probably send him over the edge again if she did.

Kiara and Paul returned back to Sam's house and found him outside as he waited on Jacob to take over from the duo. They shifted back and pulled on their clothes, Paul instantly running inside to greet Emily and grab one of the freshly cooked muffins before the other boys turned up and finished the basket.

"Good to see you," Kiara said to Sam as they both chuckled at Paul's antics.

"Kiara, you look... well rested?"

"Very funny. How much did you hear?" Kiara asked, blushing as she realised Sam must have been shifted when her and Paul were having their conversation about her post-wedding antics with Rosalie.

"Enough to last a lifetime," he answers, smiling slightly as she shook his head at her before turning a bit more serious as he referenced the text that Kiara had sent him that morning. "You said you had something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Edward is going to change Bella at some point. No matter how uncomfortable that is, it's a fact."

Sam sucked in a breath of air as the conversation took a turn that he wasn't expecting it to talk. "She wants this, Sam. And I know it breaks the treaty, but I won't pick between the pack and Rosalie. I can't, and you know that."

"What are you asking me to do here, Kie?"

"Make an exception, and give me your word," Kiara said, her arms crossed over her chest as she stood talk and spoke calmly to Sam. She could hear Paul muttering to Emily about the conversation they were having, and giving her a heads up. "I know you agreed to it before, but I need to hear it again."

"You have my word; Edward changing Bella will not break the treaty," Sam said, almost as if he had already been considering the topic anyway. Kiara blinked in surprise, not having excepted him to give her his word so quickly. "But I swear, if Bella starts killing humans..."

"I'll put her down myself," Kiara interrupted, causing Sam to throw his hands up in the air.

"Wow, hold on, no need to be rash," he joked, a smile on his face as he nudged her shoulder slightly. "I was just joking."

Kiara laughed, the tension in her body dissipating. "I know, I know. But I'm serious, Sam. I won't let her hurt anyone - the Cullens won't let it come to that either. I promise you."

"I know you won't, Kiara," Sam said, his expression softening. "I trust you, and I trust your judgement. Just... be careful, okay? We don't want to give anyone any reason to come after us or the rest of the Reservation."

"I will be," Kiara promised, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She had been dreading this conversation, but Sam had surprised her with his understanding and willingness to make an exception for her. "Thank you, Sam."

Sam nodded, and just like that, the conversation was over. Kiara went inside to start on one of Emily's muffins, and Sam stayed outside to wait for Jacob. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the pack's alpha - for his loyalty and his willingness to trust her. Even if it meant breaking the treaty, Sam had her back. She knew a lot of it was fuelled by guilt for the pressure of her to reject the imprint almost killing her, but he'd always been looking out for her even before she liked the man.

Things really were looking up for Kiara Black - especially now there was no Victoria, no Riley, no newborn army and no overwhelming evil approaching them for once. Bella and Edward would come back from their honeymoon, they'd wait a few months before he'd turn her, Jacob would get a life (hopefully) and find someone else to obsess over that wasn't their childhood friend, her and Rosalie would be happy... yes, things were looking up for Kiara Black.

Well, until Bella Swan and Edward Cullen fucked things up for her again.