Temptations

The Cullen's needed to destroy the body of the new born vampire which immediately caused a dispute between them and the pack. Jasper was willing to dispose of the body but Sam argued that it should be left and taken care of by the authorities. But leaving the body would give the police more evidence which could lead them right to the Cullen's or even the wolves since they both been equally all over the area leaving foot prints, fur and other possible clues. Edward tried to convince Sam and the pack that they needed to be to be much more careful that that. He also pointed out that it would be much easier for their coven to simply pick up and move, disappearing from existence if need be. Not that they wanted to but if they were faced with the decision, they were willing to do what was necessary order to survive. The pack however, was well rooted on the reservation. Going in hiding or leaving was not an option for them therefore Edward suggested they worked together to resolve this problem and focus on keeping their secrets from the public for their safety.

Sam wasn't happy about the plan but he went along with it for the time being. He and the other reluctantly left the scene to allow the vampires to clean up. They wanted no part in covering up the evidence. Tara and Jasper were best at hiding evidence so they took care of the bodies. Edward cleaned up and destroyed the bloodied glass while Alice, Emmett and Bella combed the area any other clues that might be left behind. By the time Seth returned, they were all finished. He was surprised at how well they managed to remove all traces of being there. He realized now how vampires had covered their tracks for years and remained undiscovered for so long.

Tara and Seth took the car back to Forks while the others traveled on foot. Edward decided it would be best to park the car in their garage for a while and make sure that Seth stay out of sight. They all crossed their fingers hoping the incident wouldn't cause more trouble for them but unfortunately their day was about to get even more complicated. When Tara pulled into the long driveway that led up to the Cullen's house, she and Seth immediately spotted Charlie's police car with Charlie at the wheel. As the cruiser slowly moved in their direction, Charlie's spotted the both of them and quickly identified the car and plates. Nothing gets by the Chief of Police in this town. His memory was like vault.

"Oh great. Wonder what he's doing here?" Seth grumbled.

Tara became nervous. "Let's hope he's only visiting." But as quickly as she said that, Charlie's car came to a screeching halt.

"Oh no. Don't turn around," Seth mumbled, but it was too late. Charlie's car reversed back into their direction.

Tara sighed. "He's coming back," she warned, looking at him n the rearview mirror. She continued to drive the car into the garage but Charlie followed and pulled up right behind them, staring with a baffled expression.

Seth kept his head forward not making any eye contact when Charlie stepped out of his vehicle and walked into the garage towards them. Since the car window on the passenger side was completely removed Charlie's scent wafted through the air, penetrating Seth's throat like a hot a poker. His hands clutched the dash board and his fingers dug into the vinyl. He squeezed his eyes shut tight, fighting the pain.

"Try not to breathe. It helps," Tara said.

Charlie look at Seth through the open window oddly confused. "Seth?" Is that you? I almost didn't recognize you. You okay?" he asked him.

Seth didn't want to speak, knowing he could taste the air that carried Charlie's delicious scent. The silence confused Charlie though. He became concerned, wondering what was wrong with him. Tara just cheerfully smiled and decided to distract his attention. "Hey Charlie. Seth's not feeling too well. I'm just talking him into the house to see Carlisle."

Charlie had been so busy at work he felt guilty for not taking the time to go see him in the hospital. He knew Seth's condition had been very serious but he'd heard from Sue that he was making great progress thanks to the care of Dr. Cullen. It surprised Charlie to see Seth out and about already though after hearing the tragic details of his fall into the canyon from the park rangers that rescued him. Charlie put his head down closer to the window so he could see them both. His face was very close to Seth's now. In fact, too close.

"Hi Tara…" he nodded. "What's wrong… can't he talk?"

Seth suddenly spoke in a low tone. "Charlie…" he groaned.

The Chief looked very surprised upon hearing his voice. It didn't sound quite right.

"Could you not stand so close…" he continued in an aching tone.

As he observed Seth's condition, it looked obvious to him that he was in some pain but assumed it was only from his injuries. He didn't quite understand the request Seth made but he complied anyway and stood back up just before taking a few small steps back from the car, never taking his eyes off him though. "You don't sound so good son. You better get some rest…you're looking kinda pale," he observed.

The remark made Seth smirk. "I'm okay…I'd appreciate it if you stand back some more though. I have something to show you," he said.

This made Charlie even more curious now and at his request, he moved even further away taking several more steps back, waiting to see what he was going to show him.

Tara grabbed her husband's arm. "You don't have to do this. I can have him leave. I'll tell him you're not well enough."

Seth didn't even notice she was talking low enough that Charlie couldn't hear. He put his hand over hers, giving her a look of confidence. "I'm okay. I can do this," and then grabbed the handle.

"Do you want me to do something about your eyes?" she asked him.

"No…it's fine. I want him to see me."

Seth slowly opened the door and stepped out of the car, keeping his head down at first. Then when he stood directly in front Charlie, he raised his chin and stared right at him. Charlie's eyes grew as big as saucers when he saw Seth's face. He tried blinking several times thinking there was something was wrong with his vision. Nothing changed.

"Wh-what happened to you? What's wrong with your eyes?"

"Well…uh," Seth paused trying to think how to explain. "Do you remember when Bella came home from her honeymoon and they told you she was very sick and you couldn't see her?" he asked.

Charlie nodded, still staring in a daze at him, his mouth agape.

"Well…that happened to me too."

Charlie was even more confused now. "But… why?"

As soon as Tara had stepped out of the car to stand by her husband she took his hand in hers and Charlie immediately spotted the shiny gold rings on their fingers and cocked his head to the side. "Wait…are those wedding rings?" he asked. Can't get anything past Charlie.

Seth's eyes panned down realizing what Charlie had seen. Then he smiled a tiny bit and looked him in the eyes again. "Yes, they are."

"And when did this happen?" he pried, piecing the events together.

"On my birthday. We were keeping it a secret."

"Does Sue know about all this…this change … and the marriage?" he asked.

"She does, but she only just found out while I was still in the hospital."

"Okay..okay wait.. lemme get this straight…is there something about marrying a Cullen that makes you have to….uh…do this?" he waved his hand signaling at his appearance. It seemed to be an unusual coincidence that both Bella and Seth married a Cullen and ended up in the same situation.

Seth just shook his head as he answered. "No. I understand why you might think that but it was purely a matter of circumstance…you see, I was never going to walk out of that hospital Charlie. I was too damaged in the fall so this was the only solution."

He started to put the puzzle together now. Though Charlie didn't understand all the specifics involved, he realized there had to be a good reason for Seth to go through such drastic measures or he never would have volunteered.

"So… this is a good thing for you then?"

Seth nodded. "If you consider me not being dead a good thing, then yes," he answered.

Just then, the others showed up at the house and immediately spotted Charlie's car near the garage. Edward hoped he'd be gone by now but when he heard Charlie and Seth's voices, he bolted to the garage in a panic. Bella and the others followed thinking there had to be something wrong but when they all looked in at the three of them they were all amazed to see Seth calmly talking to Charlie. They all stood there staring, completely perplexed by Seth's behavior. Bella stealthy snuck into the garage to get a closer look. Her father didn't even notice at first when she slipped in next to him until he caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye and then turned his head.

"Bells!" he said completely started. "Don't do that, you'll give me a heart attack!"

"Sorry dad. I wanted to see how you were taking the news about Seth."

His eyes narrowed. "You knew about this?"

"Um yeah …I kinda got the inside scoop, ya know,"

"Right. …Well I guess you're all just full of surprises for me today. Is there anything else you plan on springing on me?"

"No, I think we covered it all," she said, leaving out the events they just returned from.

Charlie stared at the two of them standing together making observations. "So I guess now, I have two of you… like this."

Bella glanced over at Seth and then put an arm around him. "Hey, I've always wanted a little brother," she grinned. "Don't worry dad, everything will be just the same as always."

"Mmm, the same as always eh?"

"Yup." She nodded.

"Well, it sure seems the less I try to find out about anything, the more I do find out." He sighed but his curiosity kept getting the better of him. "You're eyes are different from theirs." he noticed looking at Seth's red irises.

"It's normal… at first. They'll change to look like the others."

"Hmm. That's interesting. They're kinda spooky…like something out of a horror movie."

Seth' cocked an eyebrow and pressed his lips together trying to smother a grin.

"But how is it…?" he started to ask remembering Bella just after the honeymoon. Her eyes were brown.

"No…never mind. I don't wanna know. Just as long as you're okay and Sue is happy. Let's just leave it at that," he added.

Charlie preferred to know as little as possible about their secrets. He just went along with their stories asking very few questions of them.

"Well I suppose I better be getting back to work. I just wanted to check on you. Glad to see you're okay." He said casually. Charlie was much like his daughter. He was good with weird. As he started to turn and leave, Seth thought of something to ask him.

"Hey, wait Charlie."

Charlie stopped and looked back.

"How's mom doing?" he worried.

Charlie sighed, thinking of his busy schedule. It bothered him that he'd been spending so much time away from home. "Haven't seen her much lately…been so tied up at work. She's bringing me dinner at the station tonight though. I'll tell her you seem well. I'm sure she'll wanna come see you."

"Oh um, well…" Seth panicked. He knew that might not be such good idea but he couldn't let Charlie know why he was afraid to see her.

"That okay?" Charlie asked.

Seth nodded. "Yeah. It's okay but, just…. tell her I love her please?"

"Will do," he said as he got in the car and then drove off.

Once Charlie was far enough down the road, Seth relaxed. He loosened his grip on Tara's hand and she shook it out. He held it rather tightly.

"Sorry." He told her.

"It's okay." She smiled and then wrapped her arms around him. "I'm really proud of you."

"I knew you could do it!" Bella hugged him.

"Thanks. I don't think I could have done it without everyone's help. But you were both right…when I opened my eyes and saw his face, I realized…its Charlie. The need to the need to protect him outweighed the desire for his blood. It wasn't worth it to me anymore."

The rest of the family stood just outside the garage, awed by his control - especially Jasper. Each of them wandered in slowly, following Edward who had a clear view of Seth's mind giving him a better understanding of Seth's actions.

"I feel I have a good idea of what you experienced the first time you met with your father," he said to Bella. Then he turned to Seth.

"Even though it was painful for you, you managed to reason with yourself - something newborns are usually incapable of because once the drive to hunt takes over, nothing else matters. You've managed to overcome this. It's truly incredible."

"That's also two for two," Tara reminded them.

"Maybe we'll be able to get to go back home soon then." Seth smiled at his wife. "That is, if I can just get the pack to trust me."

Upon mentioning that, Edward was suddenly reminded about his bed. "Mmm, yes I believe that would be a very good idea considering you don't seem to display the same restraint when it comes to other things." He frowned.

"Uh…oh…" Seth would have blushed if he could have, realizing what Edward meant by his comment. He remembered the bed collapsing and the image of it in his mind made Edward grumble.

"Ha!" Emmett snorted. "Yeah… I heard you wrecked the place!" Emmett held his fist out for a knuckle bump but Seth just stared at him wide eyed and a little embarrassed.

Bella grabbed Emmett's hand and shoved it back. "Really?" she frowned.

"What? You can't blame the guy, he's new! Don't be so hard on him," he said trying to defend Seth.

"Yeah, about that… I'll take care of the damages..." Seth offered.

Edward abruptly held up his hand and stopped him from talking. " Not necessary," he thought for a moment. "Your auto services would be greatly appreciated as I need them in the future," he reminded him.

"Oh, of course." Seth realized he probably owed him several years of services now.

Tara was already thinking about the idea of returning to their home. Since Seth did so well with Charlie she hoped they could persuade Jacob in to letting them return to their house.

"So are we welcome inside now? I think Seth has proven he can handle himself around humans."

Edward considered her request and then turned to Jasper for his advice.

"I think he's doing exceptionally well. I don't think there's much need to worry. I can stay close just in case I sense anything," Jasper said.

Though Edward grasped a clear picture of Seth's mind, he was still torn about allowing him near his daughter even with Jasper's recommendation. Bella stepped closer to her husband and put her hand on Edward's chest.

"You recall the moment I met her don't you?" she asked him.

He ran the event through his own mind recalling the first moment Bella held her baby in her arms. The recollection made him smile.

"It's fine. Trust me. If I handle it then think Seth is perfectly qualified. I know how much he loves Renesmee," she reminded him.

Edward knew that for a fact. She was like a sister to him. He touched Bella's face and trusted her instinct. "Okay. Let's go inside."

As they brought Seth in, he stopped at the inside of the entry and took a deep breath first. The scent in the air caused some aggravation, but nothing like when Charlie stood in front of him. He cautiously proceeded to follow Edward. The garage door shut behind him and he walked down the hall and up the stairs to the second level. He could hear the faint sound of a heart beat but it wasn't anything like he'd heard before when Jacob was hooked up to a hospital monitor. This one had a distinct swishing sound. The scent of Renesmee was also getting stronger now, as well as Jacob's. He was actually quite happy that Jacob was there because his smell almost dominated the place, irritating his nose. Finally as they came around the corner, he spotted the bed centered in the room with Renesmee reclined in it, propped up with pillows. Jacob sat next to her as they watched a movie together. The moment Renesmee saw her friend come into view though, she shouted his name. "Seth!" she gasped in surprise.

Jacob suddenly turned and became infuriated. He quickly darted towards him before he could get any closer. "NO, NO, NO! Are you nuts? Get out!" he shouted as he shoved Seth, looking him fiercely in the eyes.

Seth scowled. The sudden rejection from his friend hurt but he understood. He knew he probably would do the same thing if it was him though he still didn't like being shoved and though the sudden threat angered him he forced himself to remain calm. Fortunately Renesmee interrupted before the two of them got into a fight.

"Jake, relax! Seth's not gonna eat me! Are you Seth?' she said smiling at him.

Her statement amused him and lightened the mood, but only a tad. Seth smiled back, trying not to chuckle. "Um, no…that that's not my intention," he replied, still trying not to breathe.

Jacob trembled as he stared him down. He didn't find the joke about eating his wife funny one bit, even if she wasthe one to blurt it out.

Edward finally intervened. "Calm down Jake, if you phase and start something you could end up hurting Ness yourself," he said.

"Then why did you even let him in here? It's too dangerous!"

"Because he just stood not ten feet from Charlie and had a conversation with him. I listened to his thoughts the entire time and he displayed an impressive amount of control. I don't think Ness is going to be a temptation for him."

Jake's eyes widened and he froze. "Charlie, saw you?"

Seth nodded his head rapidly.

"Like this?" he asked again pointing his finger at his appearance.

"Yes. He knows. I just explained to him that it was a life or death decision."

This news threw Jacob for a loop. "Wow. Well…what did he say?" he asked curious now.

"He seemed okay with it, although he really didn't want too many details. I just told him I'm more like Bella now. I gotta give the guy a lot of credit. He really handles all this stuff pretty well."

Jacob rubbed the back of his tensed neck. "Yeah well…now we know where Bella gets it from." He tried to crack a tiny smile but it was quickly wiped away the moment he saw Seth's expression change and his wide eyes that were diverted past him. Jacob snapped around only to see his wife had gotten out of bed and was waddling towards them, eager to greet her friends.

"Ness! Get back!" he ordered throwing a hand up to signal for her to stop.

"Ugh please! The babies need to stretch out and my legs are cramping. I'm totally fine!" she told him stubbornly.

Tara and Seth both stood motionless staring at Renesmee's drastic changes in appearance. Their eyes widened as she neared them with a happy smile on her face. It seemed like weeks since they last seen her but looking at Renesmee now, you'd think several months had passed. The two of them gasped simultaneously. And while they both looked at her Renesmee stared back, amazed by the changes in Seth.

"Wow! Look at you!" she said taking in his new appearance. She almost couldn't believe it as she stared into his red eyes and notably pallor complexion. Then she suddenly realized he and Tara were both giving her the oddest looks.

"What?" she demanded to know.

Tara and Seth both looked at each other and then back at Renesmee. " You're… so...um…" Seth thought to be careful about his choice of words as he gaped at Renesmee's protruding belly. "…pregnant," he finished.

Renesmee started to frown.

"I love your new hair!" Tara said trying to save her husband and change the subject quickly. "How are you feeling?"

She smiled at the compliment. "Perfect! Healthy as ever and the boys are doing great."

"Um, boys?" Seth's eyebrows went up. He had been away too long, he thought.

It only startled him at first when Renesmee stepped close enough to touch him and reached for his cheek. The second he felt her warm finger tips on his skin though, he saw everything he'd missed since his transformation. For the first time her skin felt unnaturally hot to him. It was a strange feeling to feel such warmth on her fingertips. Just below the surface of the skin, he detected her pulse and the feel of her blood rushing though her veins. It almost distracted him from the vision but he managed to ignore it and enjoy everything she showed him. He smiled as the visions ran through his head.

The tension in the room shrunk as they both chuckled. While the three of them reunited, Edward was the first to realize his daughter's safety around Seth wasn't going to be an issue. Her blood was not human enough to trigger a reaction and the amniotic sack around the babies was so dense it completely masked their scent. Jacob relaxed as he watched his old friend interact with Renesmee just like he used to before the change. For the first time he was able to relax and enjoy the company of his friend again. Within a few hours of being around him, he started to believe the change wasn't going to be as much of a problem as he originally thought, that was until he heard the car pull up in the driveway.

Edward was the first one at the door. Everyone heard the door of the car slam shut and the scurry of Sue's feet as she ran up the walkway and headed for the house. It startled her when the door it flew open, seeing Edward's unhappy face in the entrance. "Sue, you shouldn't risk coming here. Seth's too new to be put through so much temptation."

"I-I know. I'm sorry. Charlie told me he saw him today and I really just need to see my son."

"You have to understand, it's painful for him to be near humans, especially right now."

"Painful?" The last thing she wanted was to cause her son anymore pain.

"It's your blood. The smell it causes discomfort when we're….thirsty."

Sue's eyes widened as the words sank in. Edward could hear her fearful thoughts. "I'm sorry to have to put it in that perspective but it's exactly what he's experiencing right now."

It was too late however. From inside, Seth already detected his mother's presence. "Mom?" he called out.

"Seth!" she cried upon hearing his voice.

When Seth leaped up, Jacob and Tara both grabbed his arms and Emmett and Jasper stood in his path between him and the door. The scent of Sue's blood set his throat a blaze. He squeezed his eyes shut and concentrated hard, trying to remember as many human memories as he could; memories of his mother, hoping they would deter him from his desires to feed. Tara moved directly in front of him, putting her hands on his face and stroking his cheek.

"You okay?" she asked

"Gonna find out," he said just before taking in a deep breath. Tara gripped his shoulders, worried about his reaction to the scent of her blood. She knew it was a lot for a newborn to handle in one day. He paused for a moment and then slowly exhaled as he opened his eyes. Then he nodded. Letting them know he was ready.

Though Tara could tell he was in a state of discomfort, he was still very calm. "You don't have to do this you know. You have plenty of time to prepare."

"I know, but…I wanna see her." He looked over at the door. "I think I can do this." There was a confidence in his voice.

Tara looked at Jacob for reassurance but he only shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what to do.

"Seth," Renesmee chimed in. "I know you can do this. I know you won't hurt your mom."

He turned back around and faced his friend and smiled. Then he did something they didn't expect, he leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you Ness." Her words gave him even more courage.

Realizing there was no changing Seth's mind now, Edward turned to Sue and opened the door wider. "Come in Mrs. Clearwater, your son wants to see you."

She looked at him nervously and then stepped through the doorway. As she turned the corner she spotted Renesmee and Jacob and the other Cullens as they hovered around her. She didn't even recognize her son until he spoke. "Mom." Was the only word that came out of his mouth and then she finally realized it was really him.

Tara and Jacob still held onto his arms. His read eyes stood out from across the room, staring into hers. She gasped and put her hands to her face and the tears began to well up in her eyes.

"Aw mom, don't…don't cry. It's okay. It's me!"

She nodded with her hands still cupped to her face. She stared silently for a moment, hesitating before she started to approach him slowly.

As she took steps towards him, the others closed in a little closer to keep an eye on his movements. Edward followed closely behind as well.

Seth never even took a breath, standing very still as he watched her every movement. She stopped nearly within and arms reach of him, observing his facial features.

"You look so….different," she said.

"It's me, mom. I'm still in here."

"Your eyes….." she said in a whisper.

"They'll change. I promise." He looked at her somberly as a tear drop rolled down her cheek. He suddenly realized he'd expelled all the air in his lungs and needed to inhale. As he took in a breath he squeezed Tara's hand. The sweet smell of his mother's blood tormented him.

Sue continued to stare at her son. Her head tilted side to side as she gazed in awe of his appearance. Seth suddenly froze when he spotted her hand coming up to his face. His eyes widened.

"Is it okay to touch you?" she asked him.

Though the others were clearly worried, Seth nodded with approval and then remained very still like as her warm, soft fingers contacted his cheek. He closed his eyes trying to distract himself with any human memories of his mother that he could, trying to remain calm. His jaw clenched when he felt the blood rushing though her finger tips as they contacted his cool skin. Suddenly, Seth felt her other hand on his cheek and sensed her inching closer to him. When he realized he could handle the situation, his eyelids lifted and he gazed at her as thought it was the first time he'd ever seen his mothers face. His eyes traced every line and detail. Her beauty astounded him.

Very carefully, he reached up and touched her hand. Its warmth heated his fingertips as he felt the frailness of her skin. He smiled when she ran her fingers over his nose and lips but when the tears began to roll down her cheeks the corners of his mouth turned down.

"Oh, no. Don't…don't cry mom, please. It's okay."

Her lip started to trembled and she shook her head. "You feel so strange. So cold."

Seth frowned and turned his head away. "Please just don't hate me for what I am."

Sue's eyes began to flood. She shook her head again. "No, never. I could never hate you. You'll always be my son."

Seth tuned back and looked in her eyes. They told the truth. He took her hand in his and held it.

"I love you mom." He smiled.

Before Edward could stop her, she wrapped her arms around her son and held him tightly pressing her cheek to his chest. He gasped and sucked in a breath. His teeth clenched together again hard. Tension in the room was at a new height as they all looked upon the two of them, waiting to see what he would do. Her warmth sent a shock through his entire body like a strong current. Edward stood behind Sue, listening closely to Seth's thoughts. The first few seconds felt like an eternity, but as the first minute passed he realized he could control himself. Sue's tears began to soak through Seth shirt as she cried in his arms. She was just happy to be able to hold her son again. "I love you too," she said to him.

When he heard the words, his body began to relax and he slowly put his hands around her back and held his mother.

TO BE CONTINUED...