The Other Cullen

Chapter 2

Two Years Later

We now live in a very small town. Forks, Washington, to be exact. Carlisle is a doctor, Esme is an interior decorator, the rest of us waiting for school to start. Yes, we are all going to high school. Apparently, it'll help us blend in. Edward, Rosalie, and I need to watch Emmett, the newest to our family. Rose saved him last year when he was mauled by a bear, which is now is favorite to hunt. They are mates. He's just gotten out of the newborn stage, but is still extremely strong. Esme and Carlisle are like our parents, and the rest of us are like siblings. It's great!

My gift has gotten stronger. I apparently have powers over the mind. I can hear thoughts, move objects and people, and make people see or hear whatever I want. I try not to use it, only practicing when it's absolutely safe. I'm also faster than anyone else in our family, except for Edward. That means we race. ALL THE TIME! It kills time when we aren't reading, cleaning, shopping, or playing music.

That's what Edward and I are doing right now. The first one to the Canadian border and back wins. We can take any path as long as we make it to there and back. I think I'm winning, which I love, but I know he isn't too far behind. There's only five miles to go until I reach home. I smell something awful nearby, but don't pay any attention to it. I'm indestructible without fire, so why should I be worried.

Something huge jumps out at me, catching my leg between its teeth. I scream in pain. Edward, I need help! Something huge just ripped off my leg! I'm surrounded by several animals that look like huge wolves. "CARLISLE! HELP!" The animals start growling, coming closer and closer to me. I prepare myself to use my gift. The biggest one launches at me, only to be met by Edward. He picks me up and jumps straight to where our family stands. Rosalie holds my leg, waiting for me so she can reattach it.

"Carlisle, these are shapeshifters. They protect their tribe from threats. Their ancestors were attacked by a vampire, so we seem like a problem." Carlisle nods his head. "We mean you no harm. My family and I are different from our kind. We only hunt animals because none of us want to take a human life. May we make peace and go about our lives like civilized people?" The big one looks to Edward, thinking something to him. "He doesn't want us going farther that the stream in the middle of the forest. We also can't bite another human here. The town is neutral ground. I think that's okay." Carlisle looks to each of us in turn, lingering on me. "We will agree, except add that you won't hurt anyone in my family or friends, now and in the future. My whole family will stand by this." They nod and walk away.

"Are you alright? I'm sorry it took me so long, I went a completely different route." Edward is beating himself up about it. "I'll be okay as soon as we attach my leg. I should have stopped when I smelled them. They really stink!" That got a laugh out of everyone, breaking the previous tension. "Besides, I could have used my gift to get away, but I didn't know what would happen if I did." Once we get home, Carlisle reattaches my leg, sealing it on with venom. Edward rushes to me, hugging and squeezing me tightly. "I'm so sorry, Maddison. I am so happy you're okay!" I smile at him. "That wasn't your fault. I just don't want to see those wolves for a while after we finalise the treaty."

Howling fill the air, adding to my point. Carlisle walks toward the door, the rest of us trailing behind. Rosalie and Edward put themselves in front of me, shielding me from the huge beasts. Those two remind me of my biological family. I think Ethan would have grown up to be like Edward, and Rosalie acts just like Sarah always did. Emmet walks beside me, bringing me peace of mind from all sides. The wolves stand along the creek, waiting and watching. Ready to attack us in my opinion.

One man stands among them, proud and tall. "I am the Alpha of the pack. We have consulted the Elders of the tribe, and they agree to the terms. This treaty is official as of right now. Let us have peace for the rest of time." We watch them go, hugging each other before heading home.