Latch (Jared Cameron)

Chapter 8

Aella Theos walked silently next to Jared, their hands entwined as they went. They approached the hole where the casket layed, Jared wiping at his face as he did so.

He muttered something, Aella comforting him to the best of her ability as he dropped the red rose on top of it. Aella repeated the action, trying to smile at Sue, who managed to give Aella a nod in return.

It was the day of Harry's funeral, a week from the events that led to his untimely death. Leah had shifted before him, Harry having a heart attack as a result and Seth shifting shortly afterwards.

Leah and Seth both struggled to shift back, even when Sam arrived to help. Seth shifted back soon after, the news of his father's death making him want to join his mother's side.

Leah, on the other hand, could not shift back. She couldn't regain control, especially not around Sam. It was not until Aella showed up and helped to comfort Leah that she became human again, defensive towards Aella at first. Aella, though, understood her agony and numbed the pain as much as she could.

It had also been a week since the Cullen family, or the Olympic Coven as Aella knew them, had returned. Aella had not been the only one to see Bella jumping off the cliff before she could do it as one of the Cullen's could see the future.

Jacob hadn't explained what happened very well but Aella gathered that there was a miscommunication and Edward, Bella's stalker ex, thought that Bella was dead. He became suicidal and went to Italy, also prepared to end his life. Bella had gone to save him and long story short, the family came back.

The wolves were especially on edge with the news of the Cullen's return, anxious about Victoria as well. Harry's death made things even more tense and Jared, more overprotective. That was why he insisted on accompanying Lyra and Aella to meet the Cullen clan.

Lyra had said that it was best to meet the family, so no misunderstandings could happen. Aella agreed, not afraid of a few vampires, a few vegetarian vampires at that. Jared, though, was paranoid and didn't trust the Cullen's around Aella. He had gotten special permission to cross over to Cullen territory, in order to not break the treaty. Carlisle Cullen, the head of the family, had allowed it, for Aella's sake.

The car was quiet as Jared drove to the Cullen home, his hand still in Aella's, placed on her lap as he drove. Lyra sat in the back, checking her watch and reading some book on vampires in the back.

Jared pulled up before a glass home, both girls staring in shock at the biggest house they had seen in Forks. Aella could not help but wonder why they had such a transparent home if they hid such a big secret. Was it hiding in plain sight?

Jared helped Aella out of the car, Lyra striding ahead of him. The couple shared a look, Aella leaning into Jared's side as he brought their hands to his lips, kissing hers.

Lyra knocked on the door without hesitation, Jared tensing as the scent hit his nose. "It reeks here."

"They could say the same about you" Aella reminding him. A dark haired woman opened the door, a warm smile on her face. She looked youthful, a gorgeous women but she was clearly Esme, the oldest of the Cullen women.

"Hello, you must be Lyra. I'm Esme."

"Yes I am. Nice to meet you."

"And you. And you two must be Aella and Jared. Come in, come in! I made lunch."

The three walked in, Jared especially defensive, although the mention of food somewhat softened him. He had to miss Emily's lunch after the funeral as Aella had left to meet Lyra straight after. Needless to say, Jared was starving.

As the door closed behind them, Aella tightened her grip of Jared's hand for comfort. Jared, sensing her distress, let go of her hand, instead choosing to wrap an arm around her waist.

The couple entered the living room behind Lyra and Esme, the two women conversing quietly between themselves. The four were greeted first by Carlisle Cullen, a blonde man with a kind smile on his face.

"Lyra, Aella, Jared, welcome. Thank you for agreeing to come."

"It was no bother, Carlisle."

"Except for Harry's funeral." Aella muttered, the man's smile dropping slightly.

"I am sorry about that, had I known I would have changed the date."

"It doesn't matter. We're here now." Lyra dismissed, shooting Aella a look. Carlisle led them in, Jared holding his breath slightly as he tried to get used to the sweet smell.

"I'll go set the table for you two. Lyra told me she ate, but I'm sure you two are starving." Esme walked to the kitchen.

"Take a seat. This is my family." Carlisle motioned to the rest of the Cullen clan, Aella not surprised to see Bella sitting there with them, next to a boy that Aella assumed was Edward. Judging by the way he held Bella close and away from the others, he was her mate.

Edward watched her carefully, looking almost annoyed at her. She then remembered that he could read minds. Using his own power against him, Aella dove into his thoughts.

How is it that I can't read her thoughts either? Could Bella be half goddess? Is it a goddess thing that blocks their minds from me?

Aella chuckled as she let go of his thoughts, Jared staring at her questionably.

"I'm Alice, this is Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, and you know Bella."

"Nice to meet you all." Aella kept quiet as Lyra spoke to the family, she and Jared messing with the bracelets on her wrist.

"It's ready!" Esme's call had everyone standing, Aella and Jared ushered to the dining table. Bella also took a seat, Edward sliding in the seat next to her.

Lyra and Carlisle slipped away, probably to discuss business. Meanwhile, Esme served the lunch, the couple eating hesitantly. One bite in, Jared could barely control himself. The cooking was almost as good as Emily's.

"It's delicious, thank you, Esme." Aella spoke, the woman smiling.

"Thank you. I love to cook, it's a shame I can barely do it. But with Bella, I keep in practice."

Said girl offered a hesitant smile, Aella ignoring her and turning to the blonde girl.

"You're Rosalie, right? I heard that you were the Cullen with the most attitude."

"So?"

"I think we'll be great friends." Jared rolled his eyes at the statement, finishing his food.

"Oh no. You're already hanging around Leah, I don't know how much more attitude you need."

Rosalie smirked, turning to the redhead despite herself. "I think I agree with you. We'll be good friends."