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Carlisle hunted with his family along one of the forest paths they were permitted to use within Forks.
Rosalie was the first to strike, bringing down a large animal with practiced precision. As the others moved in, Carlisle suddenly stilled. A sound—soft, wrong—cut through the forest.
He turned sharply, already moving toward it.
The scent reached him before the sight.
Moments later, he broke through the trees and stopped short.
A young vampire—no more than a teenager—stood in a small clearing. A mangled animal lay at her feet, but she wasn’t feeding from it directly. Instead, she held a cup in trembling hands, dark with blood.
Esme appeared at Carlisle’s side, her breath catching quietly at the sight.
The young vampire froze when she noticed them. Her eyes widened, panic flaring—and she took a step back, ready to flee.
Before she could, Carlisle moved. He appeared in front of her, careful not to startle her further.
“Shh,” he said gently, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “My family and I were hunting nearby. We heard you—please, don’t be afraid.”
She whimpered softly, her grip tightening on the cup. Her voice barely carried.
“I… I didn’t know this hunting ground belonged to anyone.”
Esme stepped forward then, her movements slow and unthreatening. A gentle smile softened her features as she looked at the girl.
“What’s your name?” she asked softly.
The young vampire hesitated. She licked her bottom lip, instinctively catching a trace of blood before she seemed to realize what she was doing. Her shoulders tensed, as if bracing for judgment.
She swallowed.
“Rain,” she whispered.
The rest of the family emerged from the trees, drawn by the sound of voices.
Jasper stopped when he saw the blood in Rain’s cup. His gaze lingered, hungry and curious. Without hesitation, Rain held the cup out toward him.
He took it.
And drank.
Carlisle’s eyes narrowed in quiet disappointment at Jasper’s sudden greed.
Rain’s face went pale, shock written across her features.
“I didn’t know vampires could have bad… impulse control,” she whispered, voice trembling.
Jasper blinked, startled by her reaction, then looked away, ashamed.
Carlisle stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “He’s new to the diet. He drank human blood before he met us.”
Rain nodded slowly, absorbing the explanation. The tension in her shoulders didn’t loosen, though.
She looked back at Carlisle, her voice barely audible.
“I’m going to go home now.”
Carlisle’s expression tightened, his lips pressing together. He took a step closer.
“Wait,” he said softly. “Why don’t you join our family?”
Rain stared at him for a long moment, as if trying to decide whether this was a trap or a miracle.
“Why?” she asked, cautious.
Carlisle’s gaze softened.
“I can tell you have no one,” he said gently. “Please… let us take care of you.”
Rain bit her bottom lip gently, eyes fixed on the ground.
Then, before she could talk herself out of it, she whispered quickly, “I’ll join your family.”
Carlisle’s eyes softened and brightened at her words. A smile spread across his face, quiet and relieved. He stepped closer to her, careful not to rush her.
His fingers brushed against her messy, knotted brown hair—gentle, almost reverent.
“Do you use vampire speed a lot?” he asked softly.
Rain flinched slightly at the touch, her gaze snapping to the side. She swallowed, then looked back up at him, her amber-brown eyes shining with a strange mixture of fear and hope.
“No,” she whispered. “I enjoy walking… unless I have to hunt.”
Carlisle smiled gently and glanced toward Alice.
“Go get the car,” he said softly.
Alice nodded once, then vanished in a blur of speed.
Carlisle turned back to Rain. “I think I should introduce you to your family now.”
He looked toward the blonde woman. “The woman who left was Alice.”
He gestured toward Rosalie. “That’s Rosalie, and her mate is Emmett.”
Then he pointed toward Jasper. “Jasper is Alice’s mate.”
He shifted his gaze to the couple standing nearby. “That’s Edward and Bella. They’re mates as well, and Bella is newly turned.”
Carlisle then turned toward Esme, his smile deepening.
“And this is my mate, Esme.”
He looked back at Rain. “She would be your mom, and the rest would be your brothers and sisters.”
His voice grew even softer, as if the words were sacred.
“And my name is Carlisle,” he said gently. “And I would be your dad.”
Rain’s bottom lip trembled, and if she could have cried, she would’ve. Her eyes stayed fixed on Carlisle as she stared at him, unblinking.
Esme stepped forward without hesitation and wrapped Rain in a gentle hug.
Rain flinched at first, surprised by the sudden closeness—but then she hugged her back, stiff and unsure at first, then gradually more naturally.
As Esme held her, something inside Esme clicked.
A sudden, overwhelming wave of protectiveness flooded her—pure and fierce. It was like her heart had found its purpose all at once.
And Esme knew, without a doubt, that everyone else felt it too.
Carlisle’s gaze softened even more.
Rosalie’s stance tightened, as if ready to defend.
Jasper’s eyes went distant for a moment, as if he was trying to process the sudden shift in his emotions.
Edward’s expression became unusually quiet, almost reverent.
And all of them, without realizing why, knew one thing:
Rain mattered.
Once they got home, Carlisle led Rain through the house and showed her to her room.
The room was simple and quiet, filled with soft shadows and the kind of stillness that felt safe.
“Rest,” Carlisle said gently. “We’ll talk later.”
Rain nodded, then retreated inside.
Carlisle stayed behind for only a moment before heading toward his office. He wasn’t sure why, but he needed answers.
He needed to know what exactly they were dealing with.
He found Alice in the hallway and motioned for her to follow.
Together, they began searching through Carlisle’s files—old records, ancient books, and scattered notes. Hours passed as they sifted through paper after paper, letting their minds race through possibilities.
Finally, Carlisle stopped, his finger hovering over a page.
Alice leaned closer.
Carlisle’s voice was quiet when he spoke.
“It’s her power,” he said. “Bonding amplifier.”
Alice’s eyes widened. She ran her gaze over the research again, confirming what he already suspected.
“That’s… extremely rare,” she whispered.
The room went quiet.
Alice’s voice softened. “We’ll have to keep her hidden and safe from the vampire royals.”
Carlisle nodded, his expression grim.
“If anyone finds out,” he said, “we say she’s a normal vampire who joined the Cullen family.”
—
Carlisle gathered the family together later that evening, including Rain, to share what he and Alice had discovered.
When the words were finally spoken aloud, Rain’s eyes widened with fear.
She spoke quickly, almost before she could stop herself.
“Are you guys in danger because of me?”
Carlisle shook his head immediately, his voice steady and gentle.
“No, darling. As long as we keep it under wraps, everything will be okay.”
Rain’s bottom lip trembled. “But what if the royals find out?” she whimpered.
Carlisle appeared in front of her, moving with quiet confidence. He placed his hand softly on her cheek, thumb brushing her skin like a promise.
“Then we will fight for you,” he said softly. “Because that’s what family does.”
The letter arrived months later.
The cream-colored envelope bore a familiar, elegant seal.
Carlisle read it once.
Then again.
His jaw tightened, and a low hiss slipped past his lips as he lowered the paper.
“They want to meet her,” he said quietly.
Esme looked at him in alarm before turning sharply toward Rain. She moved instantly, gathering her into her arms.
“No,” Esme said softly but firmly, holding Rain close. “She can’t go. They’ll find out.”
Carlisle exhaled slowly. “I know. But this isn’t a summons we can refuse.”
Rain was curled into Esme’s side, her body tense, her fingers clutching the fabric of Esme’s sleeve.
Carlisle knelt in front of her, his voice gentle but resolute. “We’ll go with you,” he said. “We’ll protect you.”
Alice stepped forward, her expression troubled.
“If she goes and they discover her power,” she said carefully, “they’ll assume you’re challenging them. That you’re preparing for war.”
Before anyone else could speak, Rain moved.
She reached out and placed her hand on Carlisle’s arm, her voice trembling.
“A war?” she whispered. “No.”
Carlisle immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
“It’ll be okay, sweetheart,” he said softly. “If a war happens, it happens. But there’s still a chance that it won’t.”
He rested his chin lightly against her hair.
“And we won’t let anything happen to you.”
Rain nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I know,” she said. “I just… I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
Carlisle lifted his hands and gently cupped her face, his touch steady and sure. His voice was low, resolute.
“It’s not the aim,” he whispered. “But I will protect my family if it’s needed.”
Rain nodded again and leaned into him, resting her head against his chest as his arms wrapped around her, holding her close.
Esme stepped forward, placing her hands reassuringly on Rain’s back. She looked up at Carlisle, concern shadowing her eyes.
“When do we leave?” she asked quietly.
Carlisle exhaled, then turned to the rest of the family.
“Tonight.”
—
Carlisle had booked a private plane for the trip.
Rain had never been on one before.
The moment she stepped inside, she strapped herself into the seat without a word. Her fingers trembled slightly as she fastened the belt, and she bit her bottom lip hard, as if she could keep the fear contained that way.
Rosalie took the seat beside her, which surprised Rain. Without a word, Rosalie handed her a book.
Rain accepted it quietly. Rosalie didn’t comment or explain—she simply stayed there, calm and solid.
Emmett dropped into the seat next to Rosalie and leaned forward slightly.
“Ever been on a plane before?” he asked.
Rain shook her head.
He laughed softly. “It’s pretty fun.”
Alice leaned over the back of her seat, instantly joining the conversation.
“Yeah, and this isn’t like normal planes,” she said brightly. “We don’t get bumpy rides.”
She caught Rain’s eyes and softened her voice.
“Everything’s going to be okay. I saw it.”
Rain nodded. “Thank you for telling me,” she said quietly. “It helps… I’m just nervous for a lot of other reasons.”
Alice nodded in understanding.
Jasper shifted in his seat, then leaned forward and held out a sealed blood bag. His expression was careful—almost pained.
“Carlisle made this for the trip,” he said. “There’s plenty more, so… eat up.”
Rain took it and sipped slowly, the familiar taste grounding her.
Across from Rain sat the parents she’d never had in her human life—Carlisle and Esme—along with Edward and Bella.
Carlisle smiled at her as she drank, his hand intertwined with Esme’s.
Esme returned the look with a gentle, reassuring smile.
Edward tilted his head slightly.
“How did you turn?” he asked.
The air in the plane shifted instantly—tight, serious.
Rain finished the last of the blood and lowered the bag, staring down at her hands.
“Well,” she said quietly, “I was a runaway. From Ohio. I was camping at the time.”
She paused.
“There was a man camping nearby. He seemed nice, I guess. But when I went to sleep in my tent… something happened. I don’t remember much. I just woke up screaming.”
Her fingers curled slightly.
“Within a few hours, I turned. The man was gone afterward, so… I’m guessing he was the one who did it.”
Silence settled over the cabin—heavy, protective emotions, and unresolved feelings.
Carlisle leaned forward in his seat, releasing Esme’s hand. He reached out and gently took Rain’s hands in his own.
“Look at me,” he whispered.
Rain lifted her gaze to his.
Carlisle’s voice stayed soft, steady. “Sometimes vampires turn others for cruel reasons. Sometimes for amusement.” His thumb brushed reassuringly over her knuckles. “I’m glad your creator didn’t stay. You didn’t deserve to be bound to someone like that.”
Rain nodded slowly.
“I kind of wish you had turned me instead,” she whispered. “At least then… I wouldn’t have been alone.”
Carlisle’s expression softened completely. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
“So do I, darling,” he said quietly.
Rain smiled, letting out a small giggle when Alice suddenly poked her cheek from behind her seat.
Bella spoke up next, curiosity soft but genuine. “What year were you turned?”
Rain blinked in surprise. “This year. 2026.”
Everyone stared.
Rain shifted uncomfortably under the attention and frowned. “What?”
Carlisle reached out, brushing his fingers gently through her hair. His voice stayed calm and reassuring.
“It’s not a bad thing,” he whispered. “You just don’t give off a newborn aura. Most are… more volatile.”
He glanced sideways at Edward. “A bit more bratty,” he added lightly.
The plane filled with laughter.
“Hey!” Edward protested.
Even Rain laughed at that.
After the laughter faded, Carlisle spoke again. His hands were still holding Rain’s, his thumbs brushing slowly along the sides of her hands in a grounding, steady motion.
“What was your human life like,” he asked softly, “before you became a vampire, Rain?”
Rain let out a small, broken whimper.
“It was awful,” she whispered. “My mother was abusive. My father only cared about himself.”
Carlisle squeezed her hands gently, his voice calm but attentive.
“Is there anything else we should know,” he asked, “before we reach the Volturi?”
Rain bit her lip, her voice barely audible.
“I had a baby when I was sixteen. I was hurt… badly.” She swallowed. “But I carried her to full term.”
The plane went completely still.
Carlisle lifted one hand to cup Rain’s face, his touch reverent.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
Rain shook her head slightly.
“I gave life,” she said softly. “I don’t regret my baby. But I almost died, and… I don’t think anyone cared.”
Carlisle moved from his seat and knelt in front of her, wrapping his arms around her carefully, as if she were something fragile and sacred.
“We care,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “What you did was brave. Bringing life into the world, even when it came from pain… that takes unimaginable strength.”
Rain whimpered and leaned into him.
“I gave her up for adoption,” she whispered. “She deserved a better life than I could give her.”
Carlisle nodded, holding her closer.
“I’m proud of you.”
At that, Rain made a soft, broken sound, her body trembling as though she were crying—though no tears could fall. When Carlisle finally pulled back, he noticed her eyes were glazed with venom, mirroring his own.
Esme immediately wrapped Rain in a tight embrace, holding her as if she would never let go.
The rest of the family gathered close—silent, protective, unified—each of them feeling the weight of Rain’s pain as if it were their own.
Carlisle rose and stepped away, unable to sit still any longer. His hands clenched at his sides.
He only hoped Aro would not dare try to use this against her.
Once they reached Italy, they wasted no time. The rented car sped through narrow streets toward Volterra, Carlisle eager to finish the meeting and return his family to peace.
Hours later, they arrived.
They pulled on dark cloaks before entering the ancient stone corridors. Rain stayed pressed to Carlisle’s side, her fingers gripping his coat as they moved through the winding halls. Carlisle’s arm slipped securely around her waist, grounding her with every step.
Esme clung to his other side.
The rest of the family stayed close, a silent, united front.
The massive doors at the end of the hall opened on their own.
“Ahh,” Aro’s voice echoed warmly. “The Cullens.”
His gaze passed over each of them—then stopped.
Rain stiffened as his eyes lingered on her.
She curled deeper into Carlisle’s side.
Aro chuckled softly. “She’s awfully clingy.”
Carlisle’s hand lifted, gently stroking Rain’s hair. “She was turned this year.”
Aro hummed thoughtfully. “Understandable.” Then his eyes gleamed. “Rain, dear… come here.”
Rain looked up at Carlisle, fear flickering across her face. He gave her a small nod of reassurance.
She stepped forward.
Aro took her hand delicately—and froze.
His breath caught as memories flooded him: emotions, bonds, connections weaving tightly around her.
“Incredible,” Aro whispered, releasing her hand abruptly. “A bonding amplifier.”
Rain immediately retreated, pressing back into Carlisle’s chest. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, his posture unmistakably protective.
Aro’s gaze snapped to Carlisle. “Are you building an army, Carlisle?”
Carlisle scoffed quietly. “No, Aro. You know me better than that. I’m building a family.”
Aro studied them for a long moment, eyes calculating.
“We will be watching you,” he said calmly.
Carlisle inclined his head. “As expected.”
Without another word, he turned, guiding his family out—Rain never leaving his side.
Some time later, they were finally home in Forks.
Carlisle gathered them close near the front of the house, his voice gentle but full.
“Now that that’s behind us,” he said, “let’s enjoy our time together.”
“I call the TV!” Emmett shouted, already sprinting inside.
Laughter followed him through the house.
Rain lingered near Carlisle and looked up at him.
“Do you have any more animal blood?” she asked softly.
Carlisle nodded and went to the trunk, pulling out a large cooler.
“I made a generous supply,” he said. “For everyone.”
Rain squealed softly and took a sip, her eyes lighting up.
“It’s good,” she whispered.
Carlisle smiled down at her, warmth clear in his expression.
“I’m glad,” he murmured.