Edited 6/9/22.

A/N: This chapter contains blood and graphic violence.

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Slender fingers trace the dark bite mark near Marshall's shoulder as he stands in front of a full body mirror. He appreciates every small ridge with a soft touch, light shivers escaping him. Only a thin crescent shape is visible due to the natural curve of his trapezius muscle; but a simple change in position lets him graze each sensitive impression near his upper scapula as well. Against his pale complexion, the scar is a vibrant shade of deep purple.

Golden eyes move along the smooth contours of a defined collarbone before settling on a swaying silver pendant. Just the mere sight of his choker makes a neutral expression shift to a more delighted one.

Both gifts make it feel like Paul is still around, even though Marshall is alone in his loft. It helps him feel more at ease in his surroundings. And it helps quell a budding sensation of loneliness.

He turns away from his reflection after a moment to finish getting ready. Partial attention is brought to a nearby chair that has a dark blue button-up draped along its back. The vampire grimaces when he puts the shirt on because it visibly shields his new marking.

It feels unnatural to do such a thing. There's an encompassing want to flaunt his glorious, and literal, love bite; and show everyone that someone has claimed him. He wants to revel in the intoxicating secretion of musk that's been permeating from the mark since its initial placement weeks prior.

That can't happen though—because something like that wouldn't fly around the Cullens. Their views on certain... issues... leaves Marshall with no choice but to routinely mask his favorite scent with a stronger cologne.

Things are a little more calm now than they were initially, but that doesn't mean everything has been okay.

He honestly does love his family. Due to the whole ordeal of breaching his privacy though, the vampire is forced to remain guarded around his coven. He's forced into a near permanent state of discomfort when present in his own household thanks to their unwanted desire to snoop.

One would think he'd receive apologies for what happened, but he hasn't. It's why the overall atmosphere of the house has remained tense. It's also why the Cullen estate has felt less like a home, and more like a prison.

Marshall combs through his hair with his fingers after tucking his shirt in. Dark waves are styled haphazardly, but it's done in a way to make the unkempt appearance seem purposeful. He gives himself a quick glance over. Dark blue button-up, patterned tie, black dress pants—perfect. A wink is shot at his reflection before he makes his way toward the kitchen.

Dress shoes sound muffled against the carpet near the sofa. Soft thumps become louder upon reaching hardwood flooring. His fingers dance along the edge of the counter before meeting an expertly wrapped gift meant for Bella.

It's her birthday, and Alice decided it would be a good idea to throw the human a party to celebrate the ordeal.

He's rather indifferent about seeing the now eighteen year old. Perhaps that has to do with an ever present anger towards Edward clouding his vision. Either way, Marshall would like to get this night done as quickly and calmly as possible. The thought of giving Bella her gift and retreating back upstairs is tempting. He can imagine Rosalie's reaction to that though. She'd probably say something along the lines of, "If I have to sit here and suffer through this, so do you." The thought makes Marshall chuckle.

A leisure pace is taken out of the loft. Footsteps are quiet down multiple staircases. Golden irises catch Bella on the second floor. She's seen wearing the same dress that Alice had been wrapping earlier in the day. It looks a bit plain, but that just seems to be Bella's go-to style.

Marshall notices her gaze is set on a large portrait of the lead Volturi members. The sight of it makes him stiffen. He forces his expression to remain neutral while approaching the human with her gift in hand. "Evening, Bella."

She turns around, surprised. Her brown eyes glance over the older male's semiformal attire. "Oh- hi, Marshall. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Have you and your father been alright?"

"Yeah- he's still working hard as always. I'm just trying to settle into the craziness of senior year."

Marshall gives a short hum. "Just take it as it comes. You'll enjoy it more that way."

Sweet copper invades his nasal cavity. He turns, catching Edward as he observes the interaction from afar. Feeling like he's being snooped on again, Marshall lets out a sigh.

He brings his attention back to Bella. "Well, I'll leave you to get settled. See you downstairs."

Edward is given no verbal greeting as Marshall brushes past him down the stairs. The vampire takes in the scene of a moderately decorated family room.

A few balloons and streamers are dotted in random spots along plain walls. Soft music is playing. A large cake sits atop a circular table with ceramic plates being used for place settings. Everyone is clad in similar semiformal wear as well, and they're spread out around the room.

Esme and Carlisle are looking over the food options; Alice and Jasper are looking over some of the party decorations to make sure everything is in order; and Emmett and Rosalie are standing off to the side near the staircase.

Marshall holds Bella's gift against his chest while continuing his descent. Piercing gazes thrown his way are ignored. He offers a small nod to Rosalie in greeting. He stands beside her with no further attempt at speaking. They aren't even close enough to have their bodies touch in any way. It's purposely done to show the older male's clear distaste about being around his family right now.

Rose seems to understand because she purses her lips. The gesture isn't retaliated though, and Marshall stares off into space until he hears Bella and Edward descending the stairs as well.

Alice takes a picture of the couple before engulfing Bella in a hug. She accepts it in the awkward nature she does everything else. Marshall takes a few steps away from the group once they start crowding around the birthday girl.

He feels out of place but chooses not to say anything for the sake of keeping things civil.

Edward glances over. The brunet offers a short nod in understanding. Instead of responding, Marshall looks away. Random conversations around him are tuned out. He only tunes back in when Bella starts receiving her gifts.

A believable facade of confidence is used to mask discomfort. He presents the item with a friendly smile, and Bella takes it with her own small grin. She rips through the colorful wrapping. Esme takes the thin scraps of paper, setting them into a spare garbage bag.

The human looks down at a series of vinyl records of some of her favorite bands. It makes her smile widen. "Wow, this is great- really great, actually. Thank you, Marshall."

"Happy birthday, Bella."

Without further inquiry, he steps back into his own space again.

Bella turns her attention toward the eldest Cullens who present their own gift—one which is taken with a bit more excitement.

Marshall takes a glimpse at trembling hands as she fumbles with a tightly knotted ribbon. His eyes widen at the sight of red suddenly pouring from her finger.

A sharp breath is sucked in, and the present is dropped to the floor. "Ouch- papercut."

The scent of blood smacks Marshall in the face.

Because of his more developed sense of smell, Bella's blood is more pungent to him than it is to the others. Well, except for Edward of course.

Marshall forces himself to hold back a snarl. He turns his face in the direction of his bonding mark. Secretion of his partner's scent helps the vampire calm down. Momentary reprieve is taken away, however, when he hears a loud crash.

Jasper has been thrown into the piano, and Bella into a table full of glass vases.

Fragile décor shatters underneath her weight. She smacks against a wall before sinking to the ground.

A simple paper cut has now turned into a full blown injury, thick blood seeping down Bella's inner arm from multiple cuts.

It paints her skin an enticing red.

Marshall feels an overwhelming urge to run up to her to get a taste. He gets the instinctual thought out of his head by literally shaking it from side to side.

Quickly, he runs over to the table housing the cake. A cloth napkin is grabbed. He uses enhanced speed to get to the frazzled human. She jumps when her arm is grabbed and winces when thick fabric is pressed against it.

The older male ignores an overwhelming sensation of blood seeping onto his hand. Instead, he helps Bella to her feet. She leans against him when they're led out of the room by Esme.

The trio settle into Carlisle's home office. Marshall purses his lips at the sight of Bella trying to fight tears, her arm probably hurting more than she's letting on. He leads her to a small bench near the computer desk. She winces again when sitting down.

Her free hand is taken. Marshall takes his away from the cloth after setting hers against it. "Keep pressure on that. I'm not sure if the wound is deep enough to have nicked anything important, but still. Just keep the pressure light, so you don't force glass to go any deeper."

Bella nods her head in understanding. She also offers genuine thanks for being aided when necessary.

Esme sits down next to her, and the two women look over darkened stains on the human's now ruined dress.

Marshall backs up. His eyes leave the scene in front of him. He focuses on the stained hand clenching at his side.

Intense, deep red is an alluring color. The blood is fresh and cooling against his palm. It makes him gulp.

The vampire catches his reflection in a far away mirror. Golden eyes have changed to a menacing, predatory black. In search of reprieve from his frenzied instincts, he leans toward the direction of his bonding mark. It helps ground him.

Marshall nearly jumps at the sensation of something soft caressing his blood soaked hand. A wet napkin is cautiously slid into it. He sighs, taking the tissue and wiping his skin clean.

"Thank you, Marsh. I can take it from here," Carlisle states with a firm voice.

Blackened eyes glance over at Bella for a fleeting moment. Marshall tosses his napkin into the office trash bin before leaving.

The soft voices of Carlisle and Esme are drowned out by heated ones coming from outside. An argument is going on about the party, Bella's injury, and a severe lack of control in terms of natural instincts.

Lax hands ball into tight fists.

While walking upstairs, Edward's tense figure is spotted through a window. He's talking with a clearly guilt ridden Jasper. They both look up, catching Marshall's gaze. A nonverbal request of assistance is being asked for. He frowns and shakes his head.

Instead of going downstairs to talk everyone down, he turns on his heel in the direction of his loft.