It was crazy to Haven that it had been just over two weeks since everything went down with the Volturi. Some of the weeks felt like a whirlwind, but other parts felt stretched out beyond belief.

She missed her father, him being gone was still a fresh wound and of course she was glad he was alive, but at the same time it didn't really felt like he was, apart from the few phone calls and occasional video chats. Haven was grateful for what he had done for her, saving her from the grips of the Volturi was something that she could never repay him for but she truly did just miss him.

The brunette would also never admit it, but she was jealous of Carlisle. The vampire had so much more of a clue into her father's life than she did, he even often gave her updates on how he was feeling which he experienced through their connection. Haven never thought she would see the day when her father would befriend a vampire, but it seemed to have happened.

Her bond however was not going well in the slightest. Outbreaks of anger like in the hotel with her father were becoming a regular occurrence, the amount of times she has had to apologize to her mother, Jacob and even Edward for abruptly nearly pushing them through a wall was becoming rather ridiculous. Aro would occasionally pop into her mind, his chiming voice in her thoughts making sure she knew that he was still with her. It was not like she could forget anyway, with her mood crashing down several times a day because of his influence. Oh how Haven would love to use her array of weapons to cause him lots of physical harm.

Carlisle had a few theories on how to get rid of the connection, but he refused to try any of them until he had fully investigated the ins and outs of each. This only made Haven more anxious, especially since her dad had said that the only way to overcome the overwhelming feeling of the person on the other end was time. Haven found it hard to believe that she would ever get used to having Aro constantly with her, which only made her more desperate for any kind of cure.

Haven found herself being brought back into the situation around her by massive amounts of applause. It was the day that she graduated high school, which was terrifying to the brunette. It hadn't been long ago that she walked into the doors of Forks High for her first day. That coincidentally was the day that she met her best friend - who just so happened to be sitting next to her, clapping slowly.

Joining in to make it look like she was listening, Haven began to clap as well and watched as Jessica was the one who walked off the stage. It seemed that in her haze of not listening, she had missed the teenagers valedictorian speech that she had been going on about for months. Haven didn't know whether to be happy or sad that she missed it - considering the loud cheers and whoops from her classmates, they seemed to have enjoyed it.

"I'm glad you tuned back in, it would have been awkward when they called your name and you just sat there."

Haven turned her gaze from stage to where Jasper had made the comment beside her. He - like everyone else in the room - was decked out in a mustard colored graduation gown, the same unflattering cap Haven had rested on his blond locks, "I was already listening."

Jasper didn't respond, only giving the girl a knowing smile. Alice nodded from under his arm, the same look of knowing that the brunette in no way was listening was on her face.

Ever since the situation in Volturi, this was a usual occurrence for Haven and the Cullen's. They had grown a lot closer, the prospect of death seemed to bring them a lot stronger in unity. This made Bella ecstatic, but the same couldn't be said for Jacob.

He still wasn't a big fan of the Cullen's, or any vampire for that matter so with Haven getting closer to them it meant that there were a few arguments between the two. Haven somehow knew that if she hadn't nearly been taken away from him then he wouldn't be so worried, that was why the brunette let his jealousy slide quite often.

Another advancement since the altercation in Volterra was that Haven's mother was trying a lot harder to accept how her daughter was trying to live her life. This meant that Casey was being friendly towards the Cullen's, Quileute's and even accepting Jacob as her daughter's boyfriend. Jacob was often around at the Eldridge house now, Haven was actually initially scared at how well her mother and werewolf boyfriend were getting along.

The two were even sitting together in the crowd today to cheer on Haven. The brunette still found it all hard to believe.

The principal then started to call the names of the students, who then went up to receive their diploma. The Cullen's all went first, followed by Haven as the alphabetical order of the students was how they were called out. As the huntress walked on the stage, shaking the hand of the man who ran the school she couldn't help but wonder how she even had enough credit to graduate - school was the last thing on Haven's mind during her senior year here.

Haven had to let out laughter at the sound of Charlie whooping for his daughter when it was her turn, the older man even going as far to stand up. She thanked the heavens above that Jacob or her mother hadn't tried to pull anything like that with her - she wasn't in the mood for embarrassment on a day she felt content for once.

"I'm so proud of you," Casey exclaimed enveloping her daughter in a hug after the ceremony, "I don't know how you balance everything."

"Sometimes I wonder that myself." Haven quipped back.

Her mother caught a glimpse of someone behind her daughter and smiled, "I'm going to go see if Carlisle knows how your father is feeling. He would have loved to see this. Have fun at Alice's party, make the most of it."

Haven nodded, not wanting to speak about her father. She had talked to him earlier this morning and promised to again once she got back from the graduation party Alice was throwing, but Haven still wished he was here. It was such an important milestone in her life and the brunette couldn't help but think it was her fault that he missed it.

"I, unlike your mother, know how you balance everything." Haven spun around to see Jacob was making his way towards her, he was the person that her mother must have spotted from behind Haven.

Haven raised a brow once he stood before her, his hands immediately finding their way to rest on her hips almost upon instinct, "Do tell then, I would love to know your theory."

"Because you're the strongest person I know," Jacob said the words so simply, almost as if it was such a basic thing that everyone should know. Then again, no one really knew Haven like Jacob did, "I don't think there is a thing in this world that you couldn't handle. Every time you get pushed down, you get right back up, no matter how much it might hurt. It actually puts the rest of us to shame."

Haven stared at the boy, whom was looking in her eyes with a fire of passion that she hadn't seen in a while. A slight tinge of pink appeared on her porcelain colored face at the flattering words that came out of Jacob's mouth. She had been called strong before, especially since entering the supernatural world, but Haven didn't think anyone else's words would have meant as much to her as Jacob's did. Haven lent so her head rested on Jacob's chest to hide the blush forming on her cheeks, Jacob immediately let out a small chuckle which the brunette could feel vibrating through her body at their contact.

He placed a quick kiss on the top of her head before speaking again. "As much as I love complimenting you, I actually have to give you something. Think of it as a graduation present."

Haven rose her head from where it was placed to look up at the boy who had an anxious smile on his face. He dove his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small silver bracelet. There were three wooden charms dangling from the dainty chain, Haven eagerly took it from her boyfriend's grip to get a closer look. Her slim fingers grazed over the carved charms and a smile lit up on her face just by looking at the hand crafted items.

One was a bow with an arrow loaded in it, Haven instantly recognized the familiar details of her own weapon. Another was carved out in the shape of a wolf, obviously signifying not only Jacob but also the pack she had gained despite their supernatural differences. The final charm was the one that stumped Haven, she could obviously see that it was a house but what she didn't understand was what it was supposed to mean.

"If you are trying to suggest that we move in together then the only thing I can say is that we both don't have jobs and there is no way we can pay for food, let alone afford house expenses."

Jacob let out a small laugh and shook his head. "No, it doesn't mean that. Your dad would probably kill me if I even thought about asking."

"Very true, but continue. What does it mean?"

"I tried to put aspects of you on that bracelet; the bow and arrow because it's your weapon, the wolf because of our connection and the pack you're apart of. The house is kind of my charm, because you always feel like home to me and keep me grounded, like a safe haven."

Haven watched the boy curiously, his brown eyes flicking down to the ground as he spoke like he couldn't look her in the eye. She immediately gripped his chin in her fingers, raising his head to look right into her wooden colored eyes, "It's not stupid, I can tell that's what you thought I was going to think. You feel like home to me too, and I don't think there is a place I would rather be."

Jacob tightened his grip on her hips, "So, you like it?"

A small scoff came out of Haven's mouth, "Like it? I love it. Thank you, Jake. How long did it take you to make these?"

His large hands fiddled with the clasp as he secured it around Haven's left wrist, "Not that long, my dad helped with some of it. He was the one that taught me after all."

Once the bracelet was placed on her wrist, Haven immediately pressed her lips onto Jacob's, the familiar feeling of fire rising up in her at the connection of the two.

In that moment everything else seemed trivial, her thoughts weren't on the Volturi or the fact her father had to miss her graduation. It was only her and Jacob, just the way Haven liked it.

---

Haven entered the Cullen household with Jacob's hand encased in her own. Her head started to unknowingly bop to the catchy beat blasting through the speakers littered around the familiar house. Embry and Quill were lagging behind slightly, after many complaints from them in the car about coming to a vampire's house they had relented and entered the home.

"Don't go into any of the bedrooms, that's where they keep the coffins they sleep in." Haven called back to Embry and Quill whose eyes widened slightly but then shot glares at the huntress at the sight of her knowing smirk. Embry came up to stand beside Haven, Quil moving to Jacob's side.

"So funny, Haven. Play on our insecurities." Embry stated, nudging his shoulder with the girl's.

Haven shrugged simply, "It's not my fault you guys are scared of a few vampires."

"We're not scared." Quil interjected, but Haven only nodded in response letting out a small laugh. She knew they were scared, if even a tiny bit.

Looking around at the many people whom had turned out for the party, Haven was surprised by the fact that she would barely miss any of them. Most of these people were forgettable and it didn't really bother the brunette that she would barely talk to them again.

"Did she use the coffin line again? You already used that on your mom when she first came here."

They all turned at the voice behind them, Haven smiling knowing it was her best friend's familiar tone. Letting go of the grasp she had on Jacob's hand, Haven instantly wrapped Bella in a hug before speaking, "Hey, I have to use it as much as possible. I find it funny."

It seemed that Bella had tuned out however, her gaze set on someone who had just come down the stairs. Haven turned to see Alice standing there, that familiar blank look on her face that only came when she was having a glance into the future.

It didn't take long for Bella and Haven to lock eyes and immediately move past the werewolves to get to the vampire, who was still standing full of shock.

"Alice, what did you see?" Haven asked the pixie looking girl, she knew that whatever it was wasn't going to be good.

"The decisions been made," Alice said, blank look still on her porcelain face.

"What's going on?" Jacob's voice came from beside Haven, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder easily.

"They're not going to Seattle." Bella interjected knowingly, referencing towards the incline of newborn vampires that the Cullen's had picked up on.

"No, they're coming here."

---   

"They'll be here in four days." Alice's voice sounded through the room everyone had gathered in away from the party guests.

Everyone in the know had heard about the vision that Alice had seen and it called for action, which meant they were trying to figure out what the plan was. Edward, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper, Haven, Jacob, Embry and Quil were all present in the room that held so much tension.

"This could turn into a bloodbath." Carlisle stated, pacing across his spot in the room.

"Who's behind it?" Edward asked, his shoulders looking heavy with tension and anger.

"I didn't see anyone I recognized," Alice spoke with disappointment coating her voice, like she was angry at herself for not doing a better job, "Maybe one."

Everyone watched as Edward shone a look of recognition, clearly using his mind reading ability to get the picture of what his sister saw, "I know his face, he's local. Riley Biers. He didn't start this."

"Whoever did is staying out of the action."

Carlisle sighed slightly, "They must be playing with the blind spots in your vision."

Jasper spoke up from his spot beside Alice, "Either way, the army is coming and there aren't enough of us to protect the town."

"Hold up, what damn army?" Jacob voiced his confusion, which went along with the two other members of his pack.

To be fair, everything had paled in comparison for the Cullen's when Haven had been taken to Volterra and they hadn't been paying too much attention to the situation in Seattle. They were definitely wishing now that they looked into it more, considering it was all about to blow up in their face.

"Newborns," Carlisle answered easily, "Our kind."

"They're the same ones that you guys were aware of before, right?" Haven asked to which Alice nodded.

"What are they after?" Embry's higher pitched voice inquired, he was taking a more serious tone than when he was joking with Haven earlier.

Alice looked pained as she said this part of the information, "They were passing around Bella's scent, that red blouse."

"They're after Bella?" Jacob's voice faltered at that, the thought of one of his best friends being in danger made the seriousness of the situation dawn down on him. "What the hell does this mean?"

"It means an ugly fight," Carlisle tried to reason with what he knew was going to happen, especially if newborns were involved, "with lives lost.

Haven watched her boyfriend and could easily see that he was tossing up the scenario in his head. It was obvious that he wanted to help Bella - she was one of his best friends after all - but that also meant that he would be putting the pack in danger. Looking over to his two pack mates, they both nodded silently knowing that helping the Cullen's get rid of this vampire problem would only serve to protect their people, which was what they were born to do. "Alright, we're in."

"I'm in too," Haven spoke up to which everyone gave uncertain glares, "I'm fine and maybe this will do me some good. If anyone has a bone to pick with vampires, then it's me."

"Are you sure?" Jacob asked her uncertainly. She had already been through so much and the last thing he wanted for her to do was burn out or even worse, lose control of what she had been working on. Jacob was in no way telling her not go - he knew better than that by now, Haven was never one to listen to others - but he just needed to be sure she would be okay.

Haven nodded, "Yeah, I need to do this."

"No, no way. You will both get hurt, and the pack." Bella complained, not wanting to drag her friends into a mess that was revolving unwillingly around her.

"We weren't asking for permission, Bella."

"Besides," Haven added on to her boyfriend's words, "We would do anything to protect you. I always said I wouldn't let you get hurt and I intend to keep that promise whether you want me to or not."

Bella looked at her boyfriend for help, turning her head to the left in hopes that the vampire that held her heart would be able to reason with two of the people that meant the most to her. Edward simply looked between both Jacob and Haven, mainly trying to make sure that the huntress wasn't in danger of hurting herself by doing this, but just by the look on her face he could see the sheer determination, almost like she had to do this. "It means more protection for you." Edward simply finished off, knowing that he would do anything to protect his mate.

"Jacob, do you believe Sam would agree to an understanding?"

"As long as we get to kill some vampires."

Haven hated how much that resonated with her. In no way did she blame the Cullen's for what happened to her in Volterra, but that didn't stop the shiver crawling up her spine every time a vampire was in her vicinity. It wasn't in her plan to hurt the Cullen's, but somewhere inside her she knew that getting revenge for the torture she went through and the pain that was inflicted upon her was what she wanted - Haven just wasn't sure if it was entirely her feelings that made her want it.

"They'll give us the numbers," Jasper started to calculate how the scenario would play out now with wolves and a huntress on their side, "The newborns won't even know they exist. It will give us an edge. As for Haven, with her newborn strength and agility, along with weapons, they won't even know what hit them."

"Okay, we'll need to coordinate-"

"Carlisle!" Bella exclaimed, getting agitated that she was the only one concerned about her friends well being, "They're going to get hurt."

"We'll all need some training," Carlisle stated, "Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You're all welcome to join us."

"Name the time and the place." Jacob said, taking a step towards the Cullen's to show that he wasn't backing down on this. The pack would fight.

Haven wondered whether her mother would help in some way, maybe teaching her a few new tricks she could help wipe out the newborns with. With her vampire agility and huntress talents, Haven knew she was going to be ruthless against the creatures harming her best friend's life. "I'll bring my weapons."

"Guys," Bella directed her desperate tone towards her best friends, "You don't know what you are getting yourself in to."

Walking towards the brunette, Haven grabbed her hand and squeezed it softly. "Bella, I'm going to protect you. The Cullen's can't do it on their own, having the wolves and I will only secure your safety. Besides, this is what we do."

"And we're all getting along," Jacob put a small smile on his face, "Isn't that what you always wanted, Bella?"

A knowing voice in the back of Haven's head spoke the concerns that she had as soon as the newborn threat was brought to light tonight. She knew that she could barely keep herself together enough to do simple, mundane things like hold a conversation without breaking out in anger and becoming a violent hot head. Haven just hoped that she could keep Aro's feelings contained enough so that she could protect her best friend.

---