Before The Storm | J. Hale & A. Cullen

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Coming to a stop in front of the house at the address Bella had given him, Michael couldn't help but stare in awe. It was a rather modern-looking house, and an expensive-looking one at that. Judging by the number of windows, he assumed that it would be quite open on the inside as well.

He shut the door to his red 1969 Dodge Charger as he slung his duffel bag over his shoulder before making his way up to the house. He paused in his tracks as he heard his name get called. He turned around to catch an excited brunette, who came flying at him, in a hug.

He relaxed as he took in the warm caramel scent that came from his best friend before reluctantly pulling back. He looked her over, tempted to fix her hair like normal but he was pleasantly surprised when he saw that it was in great condition.

He was broken out of his thoughts as she grabbed his hand and started to lead him inside the house.

"C'mon Mykie, hurry up. Oh my God, I swear you walk so slow for a vampire." She said as she rolled her eyes, as playful as ever.

Michael scuffed softly in response, though he did pick his pace up just to satisfy the girl. He gazed curiously around the house as they walked in, though he let out a surprised growl as he met the gaze of the golden-eyed Cullens.

"Why are there so many of them?! You didn't tell me it was a big coven, Izzy!" He muttered quickly under his breath, fully aware that they could all probably hear him.

If any of them heard his comment, none of them showed it. Michael's posture reflexively straightened as a man with slicked-back blonde hair stepped forward and offered Mykie his hand. Mykie shook it without hesitation, keeping his grip firm as he introduced himself with a charming smile.

"Michael Avery Lane, at your service. You must be the coven leader, Carlisle, right? I must say, your coven always manages to impress me. You run it better than most, you might even manage to pass as a normal-ish family. And the eye color is a benefit; easier to hide than burgundy, I suppose."

Carlisle nodded his head in response and answered while wrapping his arms around his mate.

"Thank you, it's not an easy thing to do but we try our best. This is my wife, Esme; and these two are my adopted children, Emmett, Rosalie. Edward is currently picking Renesmee up from Charlie's, but he should be back soon. Alice and Jazz left shortly after we were informed the Volturi were coming to us, but they'll come back when they see it necessary. For now, you can stay in their room; Rosalie can show you where everything is and help you get settled in."

Rosalie scuffed quietly as Carlisle volunteered her, but nodded her head nonetheless and began walking up the stairs, not bothering to look back and see if Mykie was following her. Squeezing Bella’s hand one last time, Michael let go and followed shortly behind Rosalie. His sky-blue eyes admittedly looked over Rosalie as they walked, but he averted his gaze with a faint blush when he realized what he was doing. He was broken out of his thoughts when Rosalie came to a stop, barely having been paying enough attention to stop himself from walking into her back.

“This is the room you’ll be staying in from now on. Don’t mess anything up, Alice will kill you and make you redo it when she gets back because she had everything set out ‘perfectly’.”

Michael nodded his head while listening to her as he walked into the room. He set his duffel bag down on the edge of the bed and spoke while looking at Rosalie as she turned to leave.

“Is the animal diet easier? At least, consciously? I think I'd rather take a deadbeat human's life than the life of an innocent animal. I'm just…curious.  I’ll try my best not to bother any of you. You all seem like lovely people, but I’m here for Isabella. She helped me out when I wasn’t doing so good and I am willing to return the favor.” He looked around the room before adding on. “Have a good night, Ms. Hale. It was nice to meet you.”

Rosalie nodded her head in return before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. Michael started to look around the room as he pulled off his jacket, hanging it on one of the hooks by the door. He absent-mindedly dragged his fingertips along the dark grey walls as he walked over to the other side of the bed before sitting down. Golden light reflected into his blue eyes as he looked at the fairy lights that were strung across the room. Kicking off his shoes and picking up one of the books that sat on the bedside table, he began to read as he leaned back against the headboard to successfully pass the time until Bella’s husband and daughter returned.