The Invitation
The day was quiet, silver clouds hanging low over Forks, when Alex's phone buzzed.
Alice's message was simple but loaded:
Come with us tonight. It's time you met everyone properly.
—A
A moment later, Rosalie followed with:
Don't overthink it. Just be yourself.
Alex leaned back in his chair, a strange mix of excitement and unease swirling in his chest. After the night by the river—with its flashes of magic, vulnerable confessions, and stolen kisses—he'd known this was coming.
Still… meeting the family was a big deal. Meeting a vampire family? That was something else entirely.
Not that they're dangerous to me, he thought wryly. It's just… I've never met my girlfriends' family before, in any life. This is going to be awkward as hell. But fine—let's get it over with. Besides, I'm keeping close to canon… sort of.
By early evening, the smooth purr of Alice's car pulled up outside. Alex stepped onto the porch, letting a little showmanship spark at his fingertips. With a flick, two fresh flowers bloomed into existence—one for his pixie‑bright Alice, the other for his cold, stunning Rosalie.
Alice's eyes went wide in delight; she practically bounced in place as she took hers. "You just—made this?!" she laughed, cradling it like a prize.
Rosalie accepted hers with her usual reserve, but there was the faintest softness in her gaze. "Show‑off," she said under her breath, though she lingered on the flower in her hand.
As Alex slid into the backseat, he grinned. "So… should I be wearing a tux to make a good impression, or just rely on my natural charm?"
Alice shot him a playful look in the rear‑view mirror. "No hints. Spoilers ruin the fun."
Rosalie smirked faintly. "We're just letting them see what we already know."
The Cullen House
The road wound out of Forks, the forest pressing in until it opened on the Cullen house—sleek glass and warm wood standing like something that belonged in a film… only better.
Inside, golden light poured across open spaces. Books were stacked in cozy corners. A stray piano note drifted from another room. The air smelled faintly of rain on old wood. Elegant, yes—but unmistakably lived in.
Esme was the first to greet him, her graceful warmth washing away most of his nerves. "We've heard so much about you," she said, smiling like she meant it.
Carlisle followed, his handshake cool but reassuring. "Welcome, Alex."
From the kitchen, Emmett appeared, already grinning. "So this is the guy." He shot Rosalie a knowingly smug look before adding, "Hope you ate before you came—dinner's not really our thing."
A quiet laugh came from beside him—Edyth, dark‑haired with intelligent, amused eyes. "Ignore him. We have our own ways of making guests feel welcome."
Across the room, Jasper inclined his head, intense but polite. Beside him stood Iris—taller than Alice, graceful in a way that reminded Alex of a dancer. Her eyes were warm, her voice soft. "It's nice to finally meet you."
Edward lingered near the window, gaze fixed on Alex, an unreadable frown knitting his brow.
Alex caught it and smirked inwardly. Can't read my mind, can you? Not with the safeguards he'd built. Reality manipulation had its perks—even if most of it stayed under wraps.
Carlisle's voice cut through the moment. "You probably know more about us than most guests—at least from Alice and Rosalie."
That drew a subtle ripple through the room—shoulders tightening, glances sharpening.
Before the silence could thicken, Esme stepped forward, changing the subject with practiced ease. "I think you must be hungry, Alex."
He laughed lightly. "Well, I'd be rude to ignore something that smells this good."
Her smile grew warmer. "After Alice and Rosalie said they were bringing you, I decided to make a few recipes I haven't tried in a long time. It's nice to cook for someone who'll actually enjoy it."
Alice and Rosalie led him to the dining table, set with a few steaming dishes. Sliding into his seat, Alex shot them a playful look. "You're not joining me?"
Alice smirked and shook her head. Rosalie's lips curved faintly. "You know we can't."
"I know," Alex replied, lifting his fork. "But you might at least steal a bite to keep me company."
He took his first mouthful and froze for a fraction of a second—then smiled. "Esme, this is… honestly great."
Her satisfied smile was subtle but full of meaning.
He ate eagerly, the low hum of conversation filling the space. It struck him just how comfortable this felt, despite everything.
When the meal was over, Esme excused herself to join Carlisle and the others in the main room. Alex followed, with Alice and Rosalie close at his sides. They settled into the wide, open hall—Cullens perched on armchairs or against bookshelves, casual but all focused on him.
Carlisle was the first to speak. "I think it's fair we talk openly. Alice and Rosalie clearly care about you. That matters. But it also means you're part of a world that isn't… simple."
Alex leaned back slightly, glancing between the two women beside him before meeting Carlisle's gaze. "I'm fine with complicated. I'd rather know the truth than live pretending."
From his corner, Jasper's voice was low, considering. "You didn't flinch when you walked in here tonight. Most humans… feel something when they're near us."
"That's because," Alex said evenly, "I'm not exactly most humans." He left it at that—earning himself a sharp, curious look from Edward and a ghost of a smile from Rosalie.
Edyth leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee. "Then what is it you want from them? Be honest."
Alex turned to Alice and Rosalie. "I want exactly what we've already started—honesty, trust, and more nights like the ones we've had. I don't care about labels. I care about us."
There was a brief silence. Iris, who had been watching quietly, spoke next. "He means it. It's in his eyes."
Esme's smile returned, soft and approving. "Then you're already ahead of most. This family… we don't often get to grow."
Carlisle nodded, meeting Alex's gaze one last time. "If you're willing to stand with them, you'll be standing with all of us—through good and bad."
Alex's grin was easy but certain. "Then I guess I'm family now."
Alice squeezed his hand. Rosalie's touch lingered on his arm, the barest show of affection but one full of meaning. Around them, the tension seemed to ease—just a fraction—but enough for Alex to feel that tonight, he'd passed a silent test.