𝟎𝟎𝟏. 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒

Delilah Swan had always been a familiar presence in Forks. Known for her warm smile and effortless charm, she was the kind of girl who could wave at half the town and know everyone's name in return. Being the eldest daughter of Chief Charlie Swan, she was practically Forks' princess—humble, approachable, and adored. But her real joy was in the quiet moments, like sitting across from her dad in their favorite booth at the diner every Thursday night. Those dinners, sacred and unchanging, were her anchor.

The addition of Mabel, Charlie's fiancé of two years, but her stepmother for nearly eight, had made things even better. Mabel, a witty and kind-hearted nurse with a knack for fixing anything from scraped knees to broken hearts, had quickly become family. Delilah adored her, almost as much as Charlie did. Together, they formed a team, often ganging up on Charlie in the most affectionate way possible.

As Delilah sat in the passenger seat of Charlie's squad car, waiting for him to finish giving directions to a rookie officer, she checked her phone. Bella's flight was due to land in an hour, and Delilah was practically buzzing with excitement.

"Alright, you ready to pick up your sister?" Charlie asked, sliding into the driver's seat.

Delilah leaned back, a teasing grin on her lips. "Depends. Are you ready for two daughters under your roof again? Last time, Bella and I fought over the bathroom for a week."

Charlie chuckled as he pulled onto the main road. "I'll let you two duke it out, besides now that we got the bigger house, you each get your own bathroom. Just don't involve Mabel. She's got enough to deal with at the hospital without referee duty."

Delilah snorted. "Mabel would take my side, and you know it."

"Only because you've got her wrapped around your little finger," Charlie shot back, the corner of his mouth twitching into a rare smile.

As the familiar tunes of Delilah's playlist filled the car, Charlie surprised her by tapping the steering wheel to the beat. When a pop song from the 90s came on, he even started singing along—off-key but with enthusiasm.

"Dad, I didn't know you had such... range," Delilah teased, laughing so hard she could barely breathe.

"You mean talent," Charlie corrected, grinning.

Their lighthearted banter was interrupted by Delilah's phone buzzing. She saw Mabel's name flash on the screen and answered immediately.

"Hey, Mabel!" Delilah greeted, her voice warm.

"Hey, sweetheart. Are you two on the way to get Bella?" Mabel's voice was cheerful, though Delilah could hear the faint hum of hospital equipment in the background.

"Yep! Charlie's serenading me as we speak," Delilah replied, shooting her dad a sly look.

"Is he now? Let me guess—off-key and overconfident?" Mabel quipped.

"Exactly!" Delilah laughed, and even Charlie couldn't help but chuckle.

"Tell him to save his energy. I need him in one piece for dinner tomorrow, and cake tasting," Mabel joked.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't strain his vocal cords," Delilah promised, smirking as Charlie rolled his eyes.

After hanging up, Delilah glanced at her dad. "You two are so cute it's almost gross."

Charlie just shook his head, his expression soft. "She makes life easier, kid. You'll see when you meet someone like that."

Delilah smiled but said nothing. She didn't need to say how happy she was to see him so content—it was written all over her face.

Bella barely had time to glance around the small, damp terminal before the squeal of her name rang through the air. Delilah sprinted toward her with the kind of energy that had always seemed endless. Bella barely managed to brace herself before Delilah enveloped her in a hug so tight it nearly knocked the plants she was carrying out of her hands.

"Bells! You're finally here!" Delilah's words came in a rush, as if she was trying to cram months of updates into a single breath. "You look great! I mean, look at you—and those plants! Are these alive? Oh, they're alive. You brought plants?"

Bella couldn't help but laugh as she hugged her sister back. "I'm fine, Deli. And yeah, they're alive. Mom thought you'd want one too."

Delilah took one of the plants and Bella's bag without hesitation, balancing them with an ease that suggested she'd done this a million times. "Classic mom. Anyway, let me grab this—Dad! Over here!" Delilah waved to Charlie, who was hanging back awkwardly, giving them a moment to reunite. Bella turned to him and offered a shy smile.

"Hi, Dad."

Charlie stepped forward, a little stiff, but his love for his daughter was evident in the way his eyes softened. "Hey, Bells." He gave her a quick hug, patting her back. "You look good. Taller."

"Thanks," Bella replied, her tone light but unsure. "It's good to see you."

The drive back to Forks was quiet at first, a stark contrast to the noisy airport terminal, or to when it was just Delilah and Charlie belting out 90s pop songs. Delilah sat in the back, texting rapidly in a group chat with her friends, informing them of everything since leaving school. She glanced up now and then, trying to stifle a grin at the awkward dynamic between Charlie and Bella.

"So," Charlie said after a pause, glancing at Bella through the rearview mirror, "your hair's longer."

Bella blinked, caught off guard. She fingered the ends of her hair and nodded. "Yeah, I cut it since last time you saw me."

"Looks nice," Charlie mumbled, clearly trying but unsure how to bridge the gap between them.

Delilah cringed slightly at the awkward exchange. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the middle console, and smiled warmly. "Okay, this is painful. Dad, Bells, let's not talk about hair."

Charlie raised an eyebrow at her in mock offense. "What's wrong with talking about hair?"

"Everything," Delilah replied with a laugh, then turned serious. "Actually, Dad, can you drop me off at the hospital? I want to see Mabel and talk to someone about an internship."

Charlie glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Internship? You didn't tell me you've been thinking about this already."

Delilah shrugged. "I'm a senior, Dad. It's time to figure things out. Medical field or law—it's between those."

"Law, huh?" Charlie chuckled. "You'd make a good lawyer. You've got the arguing part down."

"Ha-ha, very funny." Delilah rolled her eyes but smiled.

Bella, who had been quietly observing, tilted her head. "You're looking at internships already? That's... impressive."

Delilah grinned. "Well, I'm not just Forks High's other Swan sibling, you know. I have plans. Dreams. Things to do! Besides as I'm in the running for valedictorian, and if I want to keep my status as head cheerleader and student council president I need to be on top of everything." She said it lightly, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes.

Bella frowned slightly, surprised by how much had changed. The last time she'd seen Delilah, she'd been full of the same bubbly energy, but this was new—a clear sense of purpose that Bella hadn't expected. "You're... close with Mabel, huh?" she asked, trying to mask her curiosity.

Delilah nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah, she's been there for Dad and me through everything. She's amazing, Bells. You'll see. I mean I love mom, but I never had that bond with her you had, my home is with dad and Mabel."

Charlie pulled up to the hospital's entrance, the lights reflecting off the damp pavement the rain still coming down lightly. Delilah kissed his cheek and gave Bella a quick squeeze on the arm. "I'll see you guys at home, okay? Don't worry, Bells you'll love the new house!"

Bella snorted. "Thanks, can't wait to see it."

Delilah bounded out of the car, waving as she disappeared through the automatic doors. Inside, the sterile smell of disinfectant greeted her, but Delilah hardly noticed. She greeted passing doctors and nurses with a bright smile, her familiarity with the place evident.

The hospital buzzed softly with activity—the muted beeping of monitors, the murmur of voices, and the occasional clatter of a rolling cart. Delilah moved through the familiar halls with ease, offering bright greetings to the staff she'd come to know over the years. But this time, her steps held a hint of purpose. She was nervous but determined.

Her eyes lit up when they landed on a tall, blond man in a white coat. Dr. Carlisle Cullen stood at the nurses' station, his posture relaxed but commanding. He was scribbling notes on a chart conversing with the nurse stood next to him.

When she reached Dr. Carlisle Cullen, standing at the nurses' station, he turned at her approach, his serene expression melting into a warm smile. His presence had always been calming, a blend of quiet authority and kindness.

"Delilah," Carlisle greeted, his voice smooth and gentle. "What brings you here this evening?"

Delilah beamed at him, her confidence bolstered by his easy demeanor. "Hi, Dr. Cullen. I was wondering if you might have a moment to talk. I—uh—I need some advice, and I think you're the best person to ask."

His golden eyes sparkled with curiosity as he gestured toward his office. "Of course. Let's step in."

She followed him into the space that seemed quintessentially Carlisle—neatly organized yet inviting. Her gaze flitted around the room as she sat, taking in framed photos of his family, a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. She recognized Esme's soft smile and Alice's pixie-like exuberance, Rosalie's incredible beauty, but there were others she hadn't seen before.

"Are those your extended family?" she asked, gesturing toward one of the photos.

Carlisle chuckled as he sat behind his desk. "Somewhat. They're from a... different time in our lives. We've moved around quite a bit."

Delilah nodded, sensing the unspoken boundaries of the conversation. She respected him too much to pry.

Carlisle folded his hands on the desk, his expression open and encouraging. "You said you needed advice. What's on your mind?"

Delilah took a breath, her initial nerves giving way to her natural candor. "So, I'm a senior, and I've been trying to figure out what I want to do. It's between law and medicine, but the medical field... it fascinates me. And you're, well, the best doctor I've ever met. I was wondering if there's any way I could shadow you or do an internship here over the summer. Just to see if this is what I really want."

Carlisle's smile grew as she spoke, his admiration for her sincerity evident. "It sounds like you've given this a lot of thought."

"I have," she admitted. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm not afraid of hard work. And if I'm going to try this, I want to learn from the best. That's you."

Carlisle chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Well, I appreciate your faith in me, Delilah. The hospital board often consults me on these decisions, so I'll speak to them on your behalf. I can't promise anything immediately, but I'll do my best to get you a spot in the internship program."

Her face lit up with excitement, the earlier tension melting away. "Really? Oh my gosh, thank you! I won't let you down, I promise."

He smiled, his golden gaze steady. "I have no doubt you'll excel. And if you ever have questions or need guidance, my door is always open."

As she stood to leave, Carlisle extended his hand. Delilah took it, momentarily distracted by the coolness of his skin—a stark contrast to his warm demeanor. She'd known the Cullen family's secret for months now, ever since she'd stumbled upon it during the summer. They knew she knew, but an unspoken agreement had settled between them: mutual respect and trust.

"Thank you again, Dr. Cullen," she said sincerely. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"I think I do, and please call me Carlisle," he replied, his voice tinged with fondness. "You have a bright future ahead of you, Delilah. Don't let anything dim that."

Delilah practically floated through the halls after leaving Carlisle's office, her enthusiasm evident in her wide smile. When she reached the break room, she spotted Mabel sitting at a small table, her scrubs slightly wrinkled from her shift.

"Mabel!" Delilah chirped, bounding over to her.

Mabel glanced up, her tired expression softening into a smile. "There's my girl. What are you doing here?"

Delilah plopped into the seat across from her, tucking her legs under her. "I just had the best meeting with Dr. Cullen. Guess who might be getting a summer internship?"

Mabel raised an eyebrow, amused. "Really? That's amazing! Tell me everything."

Delilah launched into a detailed account of her conversation with Carlisle, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke. "He's so... I don't know, wise? And kind. And so so so compassionate. And it's like he really sees you, you know? Like he knows exactly what you're thinking before you say it."

Mabel chuckled, brushing a stray curl out of Delilah's face. "He has that effect on people. But don't sell yourself short, sweetheart. You're the kind of person people want to help—because you're kind, hardworking, and you genuinely care."

Delilah rolled her eyes playfully but grinned. "Stop, you're going to make me cry."

Mabel laughed softly, patting her hand. "You've always had it in you, Delilah. I'm so proud of you."

Delilah leaned into her soon-to-be stepmother's hug, feeling a warmth that went beyond words. As they sat there, the buzz of the hospital around them, Delilah couldn't help but think that life, with all its uncertainties, was exactly where she wanted it to be.

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Evander Denali leaned back against the icy rock face of the mountain, the crimson glow of his eyes flickering as they adjusted to the muted light of the twilight sky. The young woman in his arms slumped to the ground, lifeless, her pale face a stark contrast to the snow beneath her. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, relishing the lingering euphoria of her blood coursing through his system.

"You're sloppy," a voice hissed from behind him.

He didn't flinch; he recognized the sharp, electric tone of Kate Denali before she even stepped into view. With her arms crossed, golden eyes narrowing in judgment, she surveyed the scene before her.

"Did you really have to leave a trail?" she snapped, motioning to the disturbed snow and the streaks of red painting the once-pristine landscape.

Evander shrugged, an infuriatingly nonchalant grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "What can I say, Kate? The hunt got exciting. You should try it sometime—oh, wait, you don't indulge, do you?"

Kate's glare hardened, and in an instant, the air crackled with static, a warning of the electric shock she was capable of unleashing. Evander raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk faltering slightly but kept it intact.

"Relax," he said smoothly, stepping over the corpse without a second glance. "No one saw. I'm not stupid, I'll dispose of the body, it's not like anyone had ever found them."

"Not stupid?" Kate barked, her voice rising. "You're playing with fire, Evander. Tanya's going to hear about this, and you know she will not be happy! This isn't the first time!"

Hours later, Evander found himself standing in the Denali coven's cozy Alaskan home, facing the wrath of Tanya, the coven's leader. Her golden eyes bore into him as she paced in front of the fireplace, the warm glow doing nothing to soften her expression, it was unnerving, and he hid how scared he really was surprisingly well.

"You can't keep doing this," Tanya said, her voice cold but firm. "Do you think you're invincible? That the Volturi will keep turning a blind eye because you're... talented?"

Evander crossed his arms while rolling his eyes, leaning against the wall with the same irritatingly calm demeanor. "Why not? They haven't come after me yet."

"That doesn't mean they won't," Tanya snapped, her voice trembling with frustration. "You're reckless, Evander. And it's not just your life you're putting at risk—it's all of ours."

"Then why don't you just kick me out?" he challenged, his tone sharp but his face betraying no emotion. Truthfully he would never want to leave them, he owed everything not only to the coven but mostly to Tanya.

Tanya stopped pacing and turned to face him fully, her expression softening slightly. "Because you're my family. I chose you when no one else did. I found you half-dead and thought you deserved a chance at something better. And yes, you are a handful but I would never trade it for anything else. Don't make me regret that decision."

Evander's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. For a brief moment, his usually impenetrable mask faltered, and something akin to guilt flickered across his face.

Tanya sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Carlisle's agreed to take you in for a while. Maybe being around humans, around his family, will help you see what we're trying to preserve here."

Evander barked out a laugh. "You're sending me to high school? With humans? You think that's going to teach me morals?"

"Maybe," Tanya said simply, her tone regaining its edge. "Or maybe it'll teach you restraint. Either way, you're going. Pack your things."

Carmen and Eleazar stood in the doorway as Evander loaded the last of his things into his car. Carmen's golden eyes glistened with venom that'll never fall as she reached up to cup his face.

"You'll do well," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I know you will. Just... try to listen to Carlisle, okay? He's wise, and he cares for you like we do."

Evander kept his face neutral but a flicker of emotion passed over his features, and for a moment, his hardened exterior crumbled. "I'll try, wouldn't be the first time I get shipped off to him." he muttered, his voice quieter than usual.

Eleazar clapped a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "Stay out of trouble, hijo. And remember—you're always welcome back here."

When it came time to say goodbye to Kate and Tanya, however, the mood shifted. Kate offered a curt nod, her expression unreadable, while Tanya crossed her arms, her gaze unrelenting.

"Don't make me regret this, Evander" Tanya said, her voice low but firm.

Evander met her gaze with a raised eyebrow, his smirk returning. "You won't, tell Irina I'll miss her." he said, though they both knew it was a promise he wasn't sure he could keep.

The roar of his midnight blue Ford Mustang echoed through the empty roads as Evander sped toward Forks. The car gleamed under the faint moonlight, its sleek design a testament to the wealth that vampires like him so effortlessly accumulated.

He couldn't help but laugh to himself as he thought about Tanya's plan. Sending him to Forks, to Carlisle Cullen, to high school. It was almost too ridiculous to believe.

"What are they expecting me to do?" he muttered to himself, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel. "Make friends with humans? Resist the temptation to drain every last one of them?"

The thought made him chuckle, but underneath his humor was a flicker of doubt. Part of him wondered if Tanya was right—if being around Carlisle's unwavering moral compass might actually change something in him.

But another part of him, the part that had relished every drop of human blood he'd ever tasted, wasn't so sure.

As the town of Forks came into view, the dense trees lining the road seemed to close in around him, the sky dark and overcast the promise of raining looming overhead.

Evander Denali parked his Mustang behind a sleek silver Volvo and remained in the car for a moment, the engine purring softly before he shut it off. His crimson eyes, a stark reminder of his wavering control, flicked to the house in front of him. The Cullen residence loomed modern and pristine, a beacon of calm amidst the darkened forest. His jaw tightened, and he adjusted his rearview mirror to check his face—immaculate as always, though the red eyes might cause a stir in a household filled with gold.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered, grabbing the single bag he had bothered to pack. He didn't need much; vampires rarely did.

As he stepped out of the car, the sound of the front door opening reached his ears. A blur of movement shot toward him, and before he could react, he was tackled with the force of a small hurricane.

"Evander!" Alice squealed, her tiny frame clinging to him as though she hadn't seen him in a century.

Stumbling back slightly, Evander caught her easily, his expression shifting from surprise to mild amusement. "Alice," he drawled, squeezing her tightly and setting her down. "You know you're not a dog, right? No need to greet me like one."

Alice beamed, unbothered by the jab. "I missed you, too."

"Well, one of you did," he muttered, just as a tall, blonde figure approached.

Rosalie's golden eyes were sharp, and she carried herself with the grace of someone who could intimidate without trying. She didn't stop walking until she was standing in front of him, her expression unreadable.

"Rosalie," he said smoothly, his smirk already forming. "It's been a—"

The words barely left his mouth before her hand shot out, slapping him across the face with a crack that echoed through the clearing. Evander's head snapped to the side, a faint fissure forming on his cheek.

"—pleasure," he finished dryly, straightening and rolling his jaw. He wiped his thumb across his face, feeling the crack begin to knit itself back together. "Missed you, too, Rosie. Real heartwarming."

Rosalie's lips twitched, but she didn't fully smile. Instead, she stepped forward and pulled him into a quick, almost begrudging hug.

"Don't screw this up," she murmured in his ear before stepping back.

Evander raised an eyebrow, watching her as she moved toward the house. Alice, meanwhile, was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Come on, Evander!" she chirped, tugging at his sleeve. "Everyone's waiting inside."

"Lovely," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he followed the two women toward the Cullen household.

The interior of the house was just as he remembered it: spotless, modern, and radiating an aura of calm. The pale walls and expansive windows gave it an open, welcoming feel, though Evander couldn't help but feel slightly out of place.

As Alice darted off with his bag, he reached up to hang his coat on the rack. "Not that I can't carry my own things," he called after her.

"Just making sure you don't leave it in the car like last time!" Alice shot back without missing a beat.

Evander chuckled softly, shaking his head before turning toward the living room. Waiting for him were Esme, Jasper, Emmett, Edward, and another vampire he hadn't met before, though he quickly identified him as Rhyland.

Esme approached first, her warm smile as soft as her embrace. "Welcome, Evander," she said, holding him in a hug that lasted just a beat longer than expected.

Evander shifted uneasily under Esme's warm, maternal gaze. Her golden eyes, soft but unwavering, carried a quiet judgment that cut deeper than any scolding. It wasn't disapproving, not entirely, but it was enough to make the immortal vampire feel something close to guilt. Jasper, standing off to the side, met his glance with a faint nod of understanding. Evander knew that Jasper, of all people, could sense the turmoil rolling off him—whether it was genuine or an echo of his fractured self-control.

"Good to see you, Esme," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle leaving a soft kiss on her cheek. She always had that effect on him, a motherly presence that managed to pierce through his often-jaded exterior.

Next was Edward, who gave him a rare genuine smile as they clasped hands briefly. "Evander," Edward said, his tone polite but reserved.

"Edwardo," Evander greeted in return, his smirk reappearing. "Still prying into everyone's thoughts, or have you learned some self-control?"

Edward's smile didn't falter, his eyes rolling at the nickname. "Nice to see you haven't changed."

Evander moved on to Emmett, who grinned broadly and pulled him into a quick bear hug.

"Man, you've still got Rosalie's slap mark on your face," Emmett teased, poking at the fading crack on Evander's cheek. "What'd you do this time?"

Evander rolled his eyes, pushing Emmett's hand away. "Exist, apparently."

Jasper was next, standing slightly apart from the group. Evander nodded at him and offered his hand, which Jasper shook firmly before the Denali pulled him into a hug, out of everyone Jasper knew best how hard it was to resist human blood.

"Howdy, cowboy," Evander said, his grin widening.

Jasper's lip twitched in amusement. "Evander," he replied simply, his Southern drawl faint but present.

Finally, his gaze landed on Rhyland, who stepped forward and extended a hand. "You must be Evander," Rhyland said, his tone friendly. "I've heard a lot about you."

"All bad, I hope," Evander quipped, shaking his hand.

"A mix, actually," Rhyland replied with a grin.

As Alice returned to his side, chatting animatedly about his arrival, Evander caught a snippet of conversation between her and Rosalie.

"There's a human who knows about us," Alice was saying. "Delilah Swan. She's Charlie's daughter—you know, the police chief?"

Evander's eyebrow shot up as he looked at Rosalie. "You're okay with this?" he asked, skepticism clear in his voice. "You, of all people?"

Rosalie's golden eyes met his, and she shrugged. "She's harmless. If she wanted to expose us, she would have done it by now."

That answer did little to quell Evander's curiosity, but before he could press further, Esme ushered him toward the couch.

Meanwhile, Alice's impatience was palpable. The pixie-like vampire bounced on her toes, arms crossed but not out of annoyance—more like restrained excitement. "Come on, Evander," she chirped, her voice almost sing-song. "Your room's ready. I promise you'll love it!"

Rosalie snorted from the far corner of the room, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against the wall. "You'd better follow her before she combusts," she said, smirking.

Evander sighed dramatically, throwing up his hands. "Fine, fine, lead the way, Alice. Let's see what level of interior design chaos you've unleashed on me this time."

Rosalie's laugh followed him as he ascended the stairs behind Alice, her light footsteps leading him up two flights. He could feel her excitement radiating as she threw open the door to his new room with a flourish.

Evander stepped inside, his red eyes scanning every detail. The room was large and impeccably designed, its dark walls accented with deep blue tones that gave it a sleek, masculine edge. A four-poster bed stood against one wall, its black-and-blue canopy draped elegantly.

"I don't sleep," he said dryly, gesturing to the bed.

Alice rolled her eyes, already darting around to place his belongings where she thought they belonged. "It's not for sleeping, silly. It's for...aesthetic. You know, like a statement piece! Amongst other... things."

"Right," he said, raising an eyebrow as he stepped further into the room.

The bookshelves lining one wall caught his attention first. They were stocked with a mix of classics, historical texts, and modern fiction. He immediately recognized Jasper's taste in some of the titles. Next to the books was a state-of-the-art record player, along with rows of vinyl records. The collection was extensive and eclectic—clearly curated by Edward.

He walked over, running his fingers along the spines of the records. "Jazz, classical, rock...Edward really went all out, huh?"

Alice grinned, perching on the edge of the desk. "Of course! We all did. Esme helped pick the furniture, and the guitar over there? That was Emmett's idea. He said you needed something to pass the time and to... charm the ladies I believe."

Evander turned to look at the acoustic guitar resting in the corner. It was sleek and brand new, its glossy finish catching the light. "Well, I'll give him points for effort."

Alice hopped down and darted to his side, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "You like it, though, right?"

He hesitated for a beat before wrapping an arm around her and pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Yeah, pixie, I like it. Thanks for everything."

Her grin widened, and she pulled back just as her head tilted, her expression going distant. "Carlisle's home," she announced, a sing-song lilt to her voice.

Evander smirked. "You know I can hear him, too, right?"

"Doesn't make it less exciting!" she replied, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the door.

At the bottom of the stairs, Carlisle stood with Esme still tucked under his arm. His presence radiated calm authority, and Evander couldn't help but feel a pang of respect for the man. Carlisle had always been a force of reason and empathy, and while Evander often pretended to shrug it off, he admired him deeply.

"Evander," Carlisle greeted warmly, stepping forward and offering his hand.

Evander shook it, his smirk softening into a more genuine expression. "Carlisle. It's good to see you uncle, you still trying to save damned vampires like myself?"

Carlisle chuckled. "Still causing trouble, I hear, so yes I am, however you're not damned. You love this life remember?" he replied, though his tone was light.

Esme stepped forward next, hugging Evander briefly. "We're glad to have you here," she said softly.

"Even if it's because I'm Tanya's problem child?" he quipped, though there was no real bite in his words.

Carlisle smiled knowingly. "Everyone deserves a chance, Evander. And who knows? Maybe Forks will be good for you."

Evander arched an eyebrow, but Carlisle continued before he could respond.

"We've already enrolled you at the high school," Carlisle said, his tone growing more serious. "You'll be starting as a senior tomorrow."

Evander opened his mouth to protest, but Carlisle raised a hand, stopping him. "It's important, Evander. If you're going to stay with us, you need to understand the life we've built here. That means blending in."

With a sigh, Evander nodded. "Fine. But only because you're letting me crash here rent-free."

Later that evening, Evander found himself lounging on the couch, his feet resting in Rosalie's lap who was watching a movie intently the Cullens scattered around the room doing their own thing. Rhyland, the newest addition to the family, sat next to him curiously.

"So, Evan," Rhyland began, his tone light but inquisitive. "Alice mentioned you've got a gift. Something about copying abilities?"

Evander smirked. "That's right. If someone's got a power and I'm around them long enough, I can use it."

"How many can you handle at once?" Rhyland asked, clearly intrigued.

"Depends on how rare the gift is," Evander replied. "Most of the time, I can juggle four or five. Anything beyond that, and things get...messy."

Alice chimed in, her voice teasing. "Messy is putting it lightly. Remember the time you tried to copy Kate's power and Jane's at the same time when the Volturi first approached you?"

Evander winced, recalling the jolt of electricity he'd accidentally sent through himself and a sparkle of Jane's pain. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder, pixie."

The room filled with laughter, and for the first time in a long while, Evander felt a flicker of something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years: belonging.

As the evening wound down, Evander returned to his room, the faint hum of conversations drifting through the walls. He sat on the edge of the bed—not to sleep, but to think. Forks wasn't where he expected to be, and yet, surrounded by the Cullens' unwavering acceptance, he couldn't help but wonder if this strange little town might offer him more than just a temporary refuge.

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a/n: well about time huh?
hope y'all enjoy it!