Note: This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the idea of Marshall not really harboring malicious intent toward the wolves from the very beginning, as seen in the last chapter. I came up with this scenario after scrapping the whole Marshall/Ephraim tidbit. So, as far as this part goes, Marshall wasn't allowed in Quileute territory by the time he and Paul started dating. It was also believed, by the other Cullens, that Marshall couldn't stand the wolves any more than they could.

So, when joining in on a meeting between the vampires and the wolves at the treaty line, Marshall has to pretend like he legitimately hates the wolves; both to keep up the act and to keep his family from knowing about his relationship with Paul.

In this timeline, the big fight caused by Alice breaching Marshall's privacy hadn't happened yet. Because of that, there's no active hostility between him and his coven mates at the moment.

Also, deleted character detail: I had originally come up with the idea of Marshall, along with having a sensitive nose, as being leagues faster than Edward; or any other vampire, really. I imagined, if there was really a desire to, he could move fast enough to make it seem like he was teleporting. That made me imagine some really hilarious moments where he would just pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, to scare the absolute life out of people. 😂

***

Marshall watched Brad's car disappear down the street before bringing his attention to the display screen on his phone.

He cursed in annoyance at the time.

The vampire was expected to attend a meeting, alongside Carlisle and Esme, at the treaty line with the wolves. He recalled a passing conversation about minor changes being made to the current pact; but if he were being honest, he wasn't really paying attention when it was brought up. Marshall had only heard small blips of information because he was in a rush to meet Brad outside so they could head to work together. The only details that stood out were 'treaty line', 'meeting', and '5:30'.

The time was currently 5:23.

It was fortunate that, at his fastest, he could get to his destination in a little over five, maybe six minutes.

Once the realization dawned on him, Marshall slid his phone back into his pocket. A quick scope of the area assured him no one was around to witness him practically disappearing from sight when making a mad dash for the nearby forest.

His rapid pace was done out of genuine desire to make it on time.

Not really for the actual meeting, but to see Paul.

Marshall could admit to himself how absolutely smitten he'd become with his partner.

The vampire wasn't normally one to daydream about loved ones. He wasn't one to sit with his feet propped up as random doodles of bubbly hearts were drawn into his diary. He wasn't the type to experience butterflies fluttering freely in his gut when getting off the phone with someone.

But Paul made things different.

The shifter did everything in his power to spoil his boyfriend with affection; whether it be from planting kisses across his entire face, presenting gifts like flowers or teddy bears, spending evenings in candlelit rooms with soft music playing, or other actions of similar caliber. Paul texted Marshall with sweet messages whenever he had free time. And, if the Cullen estate was ever empty, hours were spent talking on the phone if meeting in person wasn't an option.

Paul made Marshall feel...happy.

Loved.

Craved.

The vampire wanted to flaunt his relationship like everyone else was free to. He wanted to bring Paul home and never leave his side again.

But he knew that wouldn't fly around his family members.

With the way they spoke about the wolves, Marshall was more than aware about just how much the other Cullens hated his boyfriend's species. Despite never really meeting any aside from Ephraim Black when the treaty was put in place, the other vampires constantly spoke about the wolves' awful stench; their too-hot temperature; their proclivity to act like wild animals; their overall weaker abilities when it came to putting one group of supernatural creatures on a higher pedestal than the other. 

Even before Marshall got into a relationship, he never understood where that level of hostility came from.

Sure, he hadn't exactly loved the wolves before, but he didn't have any real inclination to hate them either. It wasn't like they interacted daily or crossed paths on a regular basis.

Having that much anger toward a group of people they'd only interacted with once or twice was just a waste of time and energy. But, apparently, the other Cullens had time to spare because their topics of conversation almost always went in that direction.

That type of habit was more like an unhealthy obsession. 

Another detail which caused Marshall to realize how much of a black sheep he was amongst his coven mates—in a good way, of course.

They were bitter and closed off about a lot of things. 

Years worth of relying solely on self-love gave Marshall the strength to do and be whatever he wanted, regardless of whether or not his family members liked it.

Most of the time.

Seeing the meetup point in the distance forced him to don the mask of the oh-so aggressive, unfriendly vampire who was definitely not in a secret relationship with a wolf.

Ugh.

He really hoped their little meeting would be quick because he was not going to enjoy this.

Breaking through the treeline at breakneck speed, Marshall jumped over a grouping of shrubs before landing on the rocky edge a few feet from a calm river. Multiple pairs of eyes darted to his somewhat crouched form.

He stood up with a light scoff, taking a moment to move his hair out of his face. "Sorry I'm late. Work and all that."

"It's alright, we haven't been waiting long." Carlisle put a hand up to introduce the group's added member. "This is my son, Marshall. He helps to oversee the actions of our other coven members, so we thought it'd be beneficial for him to be here."

Aside from Paul, there were two other shifters standing next to him in their human forms. Both men looked toward the new vampire with slightly wide eyes. Just as quickly, they schooled their expressions.

It seemed they were playing the part on their side as well, most likely as a favor for Paul.

Still, Marshall couldn't completely stifle a smirk when he shot a knowing wink at his boyfriend and was met with slightly reddening cheeks.

He thanked his lucky stars that neither Carlisle nor Esme noticed the interaction.

"I'm Sam Uley, the alpha. And these are Jared Cameron and Paul Lahote, my second and third in command. As of right now, we are the only shifters in the pack. But we've noticed quite a few of our tribe members have been showing signs of going through the transition themselves. It's only a matter of time before our numbers grow."

Marshall crossed his arms over his chest. "Great. More dogs to deal with."

"Honey." Esme lightly smacked a hand against her son's arm.

"What? I'm just saying."

"Don't mind him," Carlisle said, waving a dismissive hand at the comment. "I'm assuming your rising cases of transitions are due to other vampires getting too close to Quileute territory?"

Sam nodded. "We've been dealing with more rogues as of late, and..."

Marshall only paid partial attention to the conversation going on, adding his own little quips and jabs whenever the opportunity arose.

He found most of his focus drifting toward Paul's half-naked body.

The vampire was subtle when taking in the sight of crossed biceps making strong pectorals become even more pronounced. Faint outlines from thin veins pushed against the surface of defined forearms. Each breath accentuated the prominent sectioning between each set of glorious abdominal muscles.

Paul's chest looked rather kissable in the faint light breaking through the trees. As did his neck, cheeks, and lips.

Golden eyes caught the slightest, most minor uptick of the shifter's mouth.

Paul knew where Marshall's head was at, and he adored every second of being watched.

The vampire took a deep breath to compose himself. He looked toward Carlisle upon hearing his concluding statement.

"We will let our other coven members know about the changes. I'm sure they'll take everything we've discussed into consideration when it comes to their radius of hunting activities."

Marshall's chuckle in disbelief made Esme look at him. "You've been very confrontational today."

"Simply because I have my own comments to make that would've disrupted the meeting had I said them earlier." He shrugged in an uncaring manner. "You guys go on ahead. I have my own gripes to deal with here."

"When you're done, should we expect you home?"

"Probably not."

Esme nodded in understanding. "Okay, honey. We'll see you tomorrow then. Be careful. And don't be rude."

"I hear you loud and clear, mother dearest."

Marshall accepted a kiss to his cheek from Esme and a quick ruffling of the hair from Carlisle before the two vampires made their way into the forest together. The younger vampire continued to watch after his parents' forms, putting up a finger to keep anyone from saying anything yet.

As soon as the area was clear and they were out of earshot, Marshall turned around with a delicate laugh. "You, sir, are treating me to a good night for having to play that up."

Paul smiled, shifting his weight from side to side. "And you did a damn good job at it. But if I'm going to spoil you with affection, you're going to have to come over here."

While still remaining playful, golden eyes narrowed in a challenging manner. "What about everything that was just said during that meeting about the importance of keeping everyone on their own territories?"

"You're exempt, lover boy. Imprint protocol. Regardless of species, you can't be harmed in any way by members of the pack. So if you come over here, no one will harm a single hair on that pretty little head of yours."

Marshall raised both eyebrows in surprise. He looked over at Sam for confirmation. "Really?"

"Really."

"...Well. That's all you needed to say."

Before anyone truly had a chance to react, Marshall went from standing on the other side of the river to having his arms and legs wrapped around Paul in an excited embrace.

He laughed at the sudden turn of events. "I thought it would've taken more to get you over here."

"Normally, yeah. But...I missed you."

"I missed you too, Marshmallow."

Warm arms wrapped around Marshall's waist to hold him close. A gentle kiss was placed against the crown of his head, faster ones being smushed against his cheek.

Together, out of pure happiness, both men let out joy-filled chuckles.

A loud clearing of the throat got their collective attention.

Sam walked forward with a friendly smile, Jared mimicking the expression. "So, is it finally time for us to bring home our new family member? I know Emily can't wait to meet him."

"What do you say, Marshmallow?" Paul asked, looking at his imprint with adoration clear on his face. "Want to spend the night?"

Marshall's own grin lengthened, and a delicate warmth settled in his stomach. "I'd love to."