ROSALIE'S FAMILY

Rosalie smiled, not expecting to meet her mate during a hunting trip. She held onto Isabella's hand as Isabella led her forward, with Nyxshade following close behind. They chatted about their lives, hopes, dreams, and favorite things. As the Cullen house came into view, Isabella remained unworried; her shield would prevent anyone from sensing their arrival or overhearing their conversation.

Isabella stopped, and Rosalie halted beside her. Gently, Isabella lifted Rosalie's chin. "You should know that animal blood isn't good for you. Eventually, it deteriorates the body and drives vampires to madness. I've seen it happen to a few who thought feeding on animals was a noble sacrifice, but they ended up suffering and, in some cases, dying."

"But Carlisle said it's safe," Rosalie replied, her brows furrowing. "He believed we'd be closer to humanity by feeding on animals. I didn't know it would lead to that."

"Who is Carlisle?" Isabella asked.

"My coven leader. He's also the one who turned me," Rosalie answered quietly.

Isabella sighed. "Human blood provides more nutrients and keeps your body stronger. If you faced a vampire who drinks human blood, you'd be at a disadvantage. I watched you while you hunted; it took you minutes to realize I was there. As your mate, you should sense me immediately when I'm near, animal blood dulls the senses."

Rosalie exhaled heavily, and Isabella lifted Rosalie's hand to her lips. "Please think about it. I want you healthy and happy. And you don't have to hunt innocents; there are criminals, bad humans, the world is full of them, unfortunately."

"I'll think about it," Rosalie replied.

Isabella smiled. "Thank you. Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?"

Rosalie smiled. "Yes, I will."

"Good, I'll pick you up at eight." Isabella leaned in, kissing Rosalie softly, her emotions filled with love. Rosalie felt her toes curl in response. Isabella pulled back, looking into Rosalie's eyes. "If you ever need me, just think of me and call my name, and I'll be by your side immediately."

"That's it? It works like that?" Rosalie asked, intrigued.

"Yes, just like that. Call me if you feel lonely at night, and I'll…" Isabella trailed off, licking her lips.

"Okay, okay, I got the picture!" Rosalie laughed, amused at Isabella's antics.

Isabella's face brightened. "Do you get the picture?" she teased.

Rosalie chuckled. "You're going to be a handful, aren't you?"

Isabella smiled mischievously. "I'll see you tomorrow, Rose, and wear something sexy for our date."

Rosalie grinned. "See you then." She hugged Isabella tightly, playfully squeezing her ass before stepping back with a wink. "You know, you could hold it a little longer."

Rosalie laughed at her mate's antics as she turned to leave, Nyxshade let out a small roar and jumped onto Rosalie's back. Isabella laughed. "It seems she doesn't want you to leave!"

Rosalie laughed, surprised when Nyxshade shrank in size and perched comfortably on her shoulder. "She can change her size?"

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"Yes," Isabella replied, watching Nyx with admiration. "Go ahead, pet her. She's not ready to leave yet."

Rosalie held Nyxshade close and petted her, feeling the soft vibrations of Nyx's purring. "Are you sure it's okay to bring her with me?"

"Yes, Nyx will find me when she's ready," Isabella assured her. Rosalie smiled as Isabella stepped closer, kissing her deeply and leaving her with a lovestruck grin.

Rosalie walked toward her home, Nyxshade now comfortably settled on her shoulder, waving a small paw goodbye to Isabella. Isabella whispered, "Take care of her, Nyx." Though too quiet for Rosalie to hear, Nyx nodded knowingly.

Once Rosalie was safely inside, Isabella vanished in a puff of dark smoke.

Inside, Alice greeted her, eyes wide with curiosity. "Um, Rose? Is that a cat in your arms?"

Rosalie nodded, stroking Nyx as she purred contentedly. "This is Nyxshade, my new friend. Isn't she beautiful?"

Alice stepped closer, gazing at Nyx. "How did you get her to trust you? Animals are usually terrified of us."

"I don't know; she just jumped on me when she saw me."

"That's… strange." Alice tilted her head.

Rosalie smiled fondly. "But I love her already. Isn't that right, Nyx? You're so beautiful." She scratched Nyx's head, causing her to purr even louder.

"Can I pet her?" Alice asked.

"I'm not sure; ask her," Rosalie replied playfully.

Alice hesitantly reached out, but Nyxshade hissed, her fur standing on end. She then leaped back to Rosalie's shoulder.

"Sorry, Alice. She doesn't trust you yet," Rosalie explained, petting Nyx to calm her down.

Emmett came barreling down the stairs with Jasper, Edward, and Esme in tow.

"Rose, how did you get permission to bring a pet home when I can't?"

"This is different, Emmett," Rosalie explained. "The bear you wanted was too big to keep in the house and it's terrified of us. Nyxshade is small and seems unbothered by vampires."

Nyxshade sat on Rosalie's shoulder, watching the vampires intently.

Edward stared, his face intense with concentration.

"Did you already name her?" Jasper asked.

No…" Rosalie hesitated, torn between keeping Isabella a secret and being open with her family.

Sensing Rosalie's hesitation, Nyxshade rubbed her head against Rosalie's cheek, purring reassuringly.

Esme sensed Rosalie's unease. "It's okay, dear. You can tell us."

Rosalie took a deep breath. "After my hunting trip, Nyxshade appeared and jumped on me. Then… a beautiful woman emerged from the forest. She introduced herself as Nyx's owner. She's my mate."

Alice's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Why didn't I see this?"

"Oh, that's wonderful, dear!" Esme exclaimed, hugging Rosalie carefully so as not to jolt Nyx.

"Yeah, congrats, Rose!" Emmett grinned.

Esme stepped back, eyeing Nyx. "So, this is her… pet?"

"No," Rosalie corrected. "She said they're more like friends."

Jasper's brow furrowed. "Is she human? Why would she be deep in the forest if she were?"

"And why can't I read your mind?" Edward asked, his voice tense. "Is it her doing?"

Rosalie looked at them, her face growing distrustful. "It's none of your business what my mate is," she retorted. "And you have no right to invade my mind, Edward!"

Edward's face contorted with anger as he moved toward her, fangs bared, eyes black.

Nyxshade leaped from Rosalie's shoulder, growing to the size of a tiger mid-air, and knocked Edward into a wall, sending him crashing outside.

Emmett whistled in admiration. "You're right, Rose. She's amazing."

Alice nodded, equally impressed. "Yes, she is."

Edward reentered, brushing off the dust on his clothes. "I knew you were hiding something. I don't like that I can't read your mind."

Nyxshade growled fiercely, taking a defensive stance in front of Rosalie.

"I don't give a damn what you like, Edward. You're just a controlling jerk," Rosalie shot back.

Edward hissed, lunging at her, his nails elongated.

"EDWARD. STOP. THIS." Esme shouted.

But Edward ignored her. Everyone else just watched the interesting scene

Nyxshade pounced, grabbing his neck with her powerful jaws as Edward cried out in pain, her teeth piercing his neck.

Edward's eyes widen in fear, he is surprised that Nyxshade teeth were able to price his diamond skin.

Rosalie approached and petted Nyx's head. "Thank you," she whispered, then turned to Edward. "Let this be a lesson, Edward. Stay away from me, or you'll regret it. Do you understand?"

Grinding his teeth, Edward muttered, "Yes."

"Good," Rosalie said, softening her gaze as she turned back to Nyx. "Let him go. I hope you didn't catch anything by having him in your mouth."

Nyxshade released Edward, shrinking back down to sit proudly on Rosalie's shoulder, hissing a final warning. Rosalie smiled, ascending the stairs with Alice and Emmett close behind.

As Edward picked himself up, holding his injured neck, he muttered, "Carlisle will hear of this."

Esme shook her head in disappointment. "I'm sure he will," she said, heading upstairs.

Jasper stared darkly at the hole in the wall, his thoughts unreadable.