Dark Awakenings - after Breaking Dawn (Twilight)

Meeting

The next few days Edward kept his distance from Mari. He stayed in his room or went out to hunt or work.
Carlisle and Esme thought a party would lighten the mood and give everyone a Chance to rejoice Bella's killers demise and to officially welcome Mari to the family. It happened to be her first birthday that next weekend, so the day was set. Her eyes were already beginning to change.
One afternoon after he'd finished work, he returned home to find Mari reading in the lounge. He'd not spoken a word to her since they'd met. So the awkwardness was still present.
He flashed her a glance as he passed through to the kitchen. He stopped to pour a glass of his favourite red nectar. He sensed her enter the room shortly after. Her odour wasn't sickening no more, it was still unfamiliar but not too unpleasant.
"Hi" she said reading his thoughts which couldn't help but make her smile.
"Hi" he replied with No tone. "Drink?" He lifted a clean glass from the cupboard and held it aloft without even turning to face her.
"Please" she said shyly plunging her hands into her jeans pockets desperately trying to keep her thoughts clear.
Edward never let on he heard her thoughts. It had been a while since he'd heard any thoughts like that, well directed to him anyway.
He cleared the smile from his face before he turned holding out the glass to her, making her have to walk towards him to receive it.
"Thanks" she smiled. It was only then he really saw her eyes. For a second he was lost. Feeling uncomfortable she broke away her stare. She sensed he was warming to her and didn't want to push it. Angry at himself for letting his thoughts wander, barked at her "just remember to wash it up after yeah?" And stormed from the room.
Mari felt his uneasiness around her. Esme had told her all about Bella and that Renesmee was half immortal. She never knew animal feeders existed. She never wanted that life in the first place and it always felt wrong somehow. She was turned by Michael. Who afterwards told her it was the best thing ever, feeding on humans. It just seemed ...wrong...and she had that confirmed when he killed that beautiful immortal with the strange eyes, very different from their own.
When she asked why they were different he told her about a small group of immortals who fed on animal blood instead of human. But was quick to tell her this made them weak, especially against human feeders like themselves. She took his word, but it still remained in her mind that somehow it still felt wrong. When the group of 'yellows' returned that night in the forest she hid..confused as to what was right and wrong, but seeing their strength against the 'reds' confirmed her suspicions that indeed they were not weak but in fact strong. She prayed they wouldn't find her. But when Esme held her hand she felt immediate calm and she knew then where her path led.
Animal blood tasted strange at first, not unpleasant, but just....different. She was positive this was the way she wanted to live her death. Her urge for human blood soon faded as the stronger more pungent animal type warmed her stomach. She knew straight away Renesmee was safe in her presence and already thought of her as a sister. They were yet to allow Renesmee into the house since that first night as Though to keep them both safe.
Edwards wariness was wearing off as each day passed, he knew soon her eyes would turn yellow and then he could let his guard down some more.
The party evening arrived and while the family decorated the house Edward stayed with Renesmee, although he was warming to Mari, he still remained protective. She had come with news that Sam's injuries were not good and he had stood down from being Alfa. They had all voted and decided Jacob would lead now. Another reason to celebrate.
"See you found a shirt?" Edward teased Jacob.
"Yes" he said looking down at his cream neatly pressed shirt. "I do get dressed sometimes at home when I'm not pinned to the bed!" He teased Edward back, he loved winding him up about being his daughters mate.
"Damn!" Edward recoiled
"Jake! Stop teasing him!" Renesmee chuckled.
"He started it!" Jacob smirked
"Now I'm ending it!" Edward pounced for him playfully. As playful as a Werewolf and Vampire could be anyway.
"You two ... Honestly" Renesmee laughed.
The mood stood still as Mari entered the room. Both Jacob and Edward froze. Edwards instincts took priority again and he walked to his daughters side.
"Dad! It's fine." Renesmee held up a hand.
Jacob sneered but remained across the room.
"Um ..I...just wanted to formally introduce myself to you both." Mari said quietly. She walked to Jacob first showing him she had no intentions of harming his mate. She held out her hand and said "I'm Mari"
Jacob shook it politely and just said "Jacob" his nose instantly smelled her unique scent. It wasn't as unpleasant as he remembered from before, slightly sweeter. "I won't harm her Jacob" she said softly before turning and walked towards Renesmee and Edward. From a good distance she held out her hand and smiled at the beautiful young woman in front of her. "Hi..."
As hard as it was Edward stepped aside and let Renesmee walked towards Mari. He was fully aware she had no evil intentions by reading her mind.
Renesmee stopped in front of her and within a split second she threw her arms around Mari's neck. Jacob took one jumped to be by her side. Edward too.
To all their relief all went well. Mari smiled at Edward as he bore his eyes into hers. She curled her arms around Renesmee's waist. And mouthed to him "it's ok...I promise. Read me.."
Carlisle entered the room and watched the tender moment. "Drinks are served in the lounge kids" Mari pulled away and retreated out the room as a sign of submission.
Jacob puffed out a long held breath as Edwards eyes returned to yellow. "See I told you guys she's fine"