THE THIRD SCENT — PT.1 (VICTORIA & JAMES X READER FANFICTION)
The bus drove in a slow pace towards the dark and cloudy sky of Forks. The raindrops tapped slowly on the window, creating a slow but repetitive monotone rythm. Y/N was following the compass of the dripping raindrops on the window, her earphones playing a soft The Smiths song, perfect for the ocasion really, it really romanticezed the place she saw through the window.
England was nothing compared to the United States, but Forks came close.
The freezing wind, the grey and depressing clouds hanging above her head, the green woods.
But the only difference here was the mountains, this mountain woods were what caught her attention here.
Her hypnosis was interrupted by her friend tapping her shoulder softly.
— Y/N, we gotta get off now.—
— Is this our stop? Already?— She raised an eyebrow looking a bit confused.
— That’s what it says on the map.— her friend shrug her shoulders softly. — Come on guys! This is our stop!— She called their other friends in the seats surrounding theirs.
As soon as the bus stopped, the group of 6 got off and took their backpacks with them.The air hit them immediately, cold and damp, carrying that fresh pine scent mixed with rain. Y/N pulled her hood up and grinned, already feeling the thrill.
This was not just a hiking trip, this was THE TRIP. The one they had been planning all year when Y/N started about these amazing mountain woods she heard about in Forks. And since all her friends loved hiking, they decided that would be their next group destination.
— Sooo what are we gonna do now?— one of the boys asked curiously.
— It’s pretty early, what if we go out for some beers and then dinner, they should have a pub out here right?— One of Y/N’s other friends said looking around the small town street.
— Doesn’t it get dark here earlier??— another girl asked.
— Yeah, but if we go towards the mountains around 6-ish, i think we should be all set up before sunset.—
— Let’s go out and explore a little then!— Y/N said excitedly.— I’ve got all these notes from the library back home. Old articles about weird sightings, people disappearing near the woods. This place is supposed to be full of stories.—
One of her friends laughed softly. — You and your creepy research again. We’re here for hiking, not ghost hunting, Y/N.—
— Hey, the hiking is better with a little mystery, — Y/N shot back with a grin. — Imagine if we actually see something. Vampires, giant wolves, whatever the legends say. It beats sitting around back home.—
One of the boys called Ethan, fell into step beside her, that familiar easy smile on his face. He had been flirting with her for months, nothing official, just those lingering looks that made things interesting.
— Lead the way, researcher. I’m in for whatever as long as it includes beer first.—
They found a small local pub after asking a local for directions. The place was dim and cozy, with wooden tables and the low hum of conversation from a few locals. They grabbed a booth, ordered pitchers of beer and some greasy burgers.
— Okay, spill it, Y/N, — One of the boys said after the first round arrived. — What’s the craziest thing you read about this area?—
Y/N leaned forward, eyes bright. — There are reports of people with super pale skin, never out in the sun, moving way too fast. And howling at night that doesn’t sound like normal wolves. One article from years back talked about a whole family that just… vanished after moving here. It’s all connected to the mountains and the rez nearby.—
— Sounds like that new vampire book everyone’s reading, — her friend teased, taking a sip. — You sure you’re not just chasing fiction?—
— It’s more than that, — Y/N insisted. — The Quileute stories go way back. Protectors, cold ones who drink blood. I printed maps of sighting spots. We’re camping right in one of the hotspots.—
Ethan chuckled, his knee brushing hers under the table. — You’re gonna get us all killed with this enthusiasm. But I like it. Makes things exciting.—
The group laughed and kept talking, the beer flowing as they shared more stories and jokes.
— Bet you ten pounds we see absolutely nothing but rain and trees, — the boy said, passing the pitcher.
— You’re on, — Y/N replied with a grin. — And when I win, you’re buying the first round back home.—
By late afternoon they had stocked up on supplies and started the hike toward the mountains. The forest swallowed them whole as they climbed. Towering trees dripped constantly, moss thick and slippery under their boots. The trail grew steeper, but the views made it worth it. They reached a quiet clearing with a small stream nearby around six, the perfect spot.
Tents went up fast amid groans and laughter about the mud.
— These stakes better hold or we’re all sleeping in a puddle, — one of the girls complained, hammering one in.
Y/N helped Ethan with his tent, their hands brushing more than necessary. — This is gonna be awesome, — she said softly. — Thanks for coming. I know it’s kinda random.—
Ethan’s eyes met hers, warm and close. — Wouldn’t miss it. Especially with you leading the weird research crew.—
Soon the bonfire crackled to life, pushing back against the chill. Drinks came out, cheap whiskey burning warm in their cups, more beer cracked open. Sandwiches, chips, and marshmallows roasted golden on sticks passed around. The fire popped and spit sparks into the misty air.
Y/N sat close to the flames, legs tucked under her. — Okay, serious story time. This area has so many legends. People disappearing, sightings of things that aren’t human.—
The boy took a swig and smirked. — You mean the sparkly vampires? Come on Y/N, that’s just the book.
— Not just the book, — she shot back, eyes bright.
— Real reports of cold ones who hunt at night. Massive wolves protecting the rez. We’re basically sitting in the hotspot right now.—
Her friend leaned in, the fire lighting her face.
— Alright, you’re freaking me out a little. What if we actually hear howling tonight?—
— Oh calm down, nothing is gonna happen babes.— one of the other girls answered.
Laughter rippled through the group as they kept talking, sharing more drinks. The stories grew wilder, voices dropping low when the wind picked up through the trees.
By eleven the chill and the alcohol finally won. Most of them yawned and headed for their tents.
— Night guys. Don’t let the vampires bite, — one of the boys called dramatically as he zipped his tent shut.
— See you in the morning, research queen. Try not to wander off and find Bigfoot.— another of her friends said before dissapearing into her tent.
After a while it was just Y/N and Ethan by the glowing embers. The whiskey had loosened everything, making the night feel warmer and cozier. Ethan looked at her, his gaze lingering.
Ethan poked at the embers with a long stick, sending a small shower of sparks dancing upward. He glanced sideways at Y/N, the firelight catching the easy smile that always seemed to play on his lips when she was around.
— So… you really think there’s something out here? — he asked, voice low so it wouldn’t carry to the tents. — Or is this whole trip just an excuse to drag us all into the middle of nowhere?—
Y/N laughed softly and bumped her shoulder against his. — A little of both, maybe. Come on, admit it. The stories are fun. All those old reports about cold-skinned people who never age, moving faster than anyone should. Doesn’t it make the woods feel… alive?—
— It makes them feel dangerous, — Ethan replied, but his tone was warm, teasing. He set the stick down and turned toward her more fully. — You get this look in your eyes when you talk about it. Like you actually believe we might see something tonight.—
— Maybe we will. — Y/N took another small sip from her cup, the whiskey burning pleasantly. She met his gaze, the fire reflecting in both their eyes. The forest around them had gone strangely quiet, just the crackle of the embers and the soft patter of rain on leaves.
— Life back home is so… ordinary. I wanted something different. Something exciting.—
Ethan’s smile faded into something softer, more intense. He reached over and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek.
— You know, I didn’t come on this trip just for the hiking.—
Y/N’s heart picked up pace. — No?
— No. — His voice dropped even lower. — I came because you’re here. Been wanting to do this for months.—
The air between them thickened. Y/N felt the buzz of the whiskey and the thrill of the night mix together. Before she could overthink it, Ethan leaned in slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away.
She didn’t. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened as the months of flirting finally snapped into something real.
His hand slid to the back of her neck, warm against her cool skin, while Y/N’s fingers curled into the front of his jacket, pulling him closer.
The kiss tasted like whiskey and campfire smoke. It started sweet but grew hungry, both of them smiling against each other’s mouths between breaths.
— Finally, — Ethan murmured when they broke apart for air, forehead resting against hers. — God, Y/N… I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long.—
— Then don’t stop now, — she whispered back, a little breathless, a playful spark in her eyes.
He didn’t need telling twice. They kissed again, deeper this time, hands starting to wander. Ethan’s palm slipped under the edge of her jacket, warm against her waist.
The log suddenly felt too small, too exposed. Y/N pulled back just enough to glance toward the silent tents, then back at him with a mischievous grin.
— Your tent’s closer, — she said quietly, voice laced with excitement and nerves.
Ethan’s eyes darkened with want. — Yeah?—
He stood first, offering his hand. Y/N took it, letting him pull her up. They moved quietly across the small clearing, boots soft on the damp ground, stealing one more quick kiss before ducking into his tent. The moment the zipper closed behind them, the outside world felt far away. Inside it was warmer, cocooned in sleeping bags and the faint scent of pine and rain.
Clothes came off in a rush of clumsy laughter and eager touches. Ethan kissed down her neck, murmuring against her skin.
— You’re sure? — he asked, pausing to look at her.
— I’m sure, — Y/N replied, pulling him back down. — Just… don’t overthink it. Tonight’s for fun.—
Their bodies pressed together, the heat building fast in the small space. Whispers and soft gasps filled the tent as hands explored and hips moved. It wasn’t polished or movie-perfect, but it was real, urgent, and exactly the kind of impulsive night Y/N had been craving on this wild trip.
When they finally collapsed together afterward, tangled and breathing hard, Ethan pressed a lazy kiss to her shoulder and drifted off almost immediately, snoring softly with a satisfied smile.
Y/N layed there for a few minutes longer, heart still racing, a giddy little smile on her face. Eventually she slipped back into her clothes, careful not to wake him, and quietly unzipped the tent to head back to her own.
The woods were quiet at this hour, and there was no real cold, icy wind anymore, it was just the crickets that filled the background noise of the night.
She looked up for a minute, the sky was filled with stars, she softly smiled and let out a small sigh, it was so incredibly peaceful to her for some reason…
But then, a weird vibe came over her… she got goosebumps instantly, a small disembodied voice was heared, it was a whisper, but she could perfectly hear it.
The crickets stopped making any noise, sudden silence fell over the woods, like danger was about to swallow it whole.
— Ethan!— She whispered loudly, while walking back to the boy’s tent backwards, trying to not lose sight of any movement that happened in front of her eyes.
— Well, well, well.— a dark shadow appeared near the trees. — Aren’t you quite the investigator.—
A man with red eyes came out of the shadow and fastly ran towards his next victim. Walking around her in a slow pace, observing her from head to toe.
— You know everything about my kind don’t you?— he stopped in front of her.
She opened her mouth to start screaming but he rapidly raised her hand, making her unable to speak, she became mute, sound trapped in her throat, impossible to call for help.
— Oh oh.— He warned her. — Why do you have to wake your little friends up from their sleep? That’s not really nice, is it?—
He got closer and grabbed her throat in a fast movement. — Cause in the end, they’re here because of you… and you know what they say…— His thumb started to run down her neck, following the line of her vein pumping purely out of stress. — Curiosity killed the cat.—
Without being able to move, the vampire sank his fangs in her neck. It was truly soundless because of his ability to mute his victims in real time if he wanted to.
This time it wasn’t going to be any different.
The pain was liquid fire flooding her veins. Y/N jerked uselessly, eyes wide in terror. But suddenly the vampire froze mid-bite. His head snapped up, red eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.
He hissed low, like he had sensed something, or someone, was watching. For a long second he stood completely still, listening. Then, without finishing the job, he pulled back, leaving her only half-drained. Venom still pumped into her system, burning and changing.
— Not worth the trouble tonight, — he muttered, wiping his mouth. He blurred away into the trees, gone as fast as he had appeared. Y/N collapsed to the damp ground, unconscious, venom raging through her body.
The next day, Y/N woke to birds chirping way too loud and her friends’ muffled voices. Weak sunlight filtered through the branches. Her head pounded, but a strange buzzing warmth filled her veins.
Everything felt sharper. Leaves rustled like thunder. She could smell the dying fire, wet earth, and Ethan’s cologne on her skin.
Her friends acted completely normal, laughing about hangovers.
— Man, that whiskey was a mistake, — one of the boys groaned.
— Morning! Hangover hike still on? — her friend waved excitedly.
Y/N stood carefully. — Yeah… I’m just gonna clear my head for a minute. I’ll be back soon.—
— Don’t go too far. — Ethan called sleepily.
She headed deeper into the woods alone. The buzzing took over. She tested it, jumping logs effortlessly, running at impossible speeds, snapping thick branches like twigs.
— Holy shit… It worked. The legends are real…
Thunder cracked. Clouds rolled in fast. Rain hammered down.
She kept pushing further, the forest alive in ways it never had been before. Every sound, every scent hit her hard. Part of her wanted to freak out. Another part felt thrilled, like she’d finally found the supernatural proof she’d been researching all year.
Thunder cracked overhead like a gunshot. Dark clouds rolled in unnaturally fast, swallowing the weak sunlight. Rain hammered down heavy and cold, soaking her instantly.
— One of them escaped babe.— Victoria’s voice was filled with excitement while holding James’s hand, looking down from the mountain seeing Y/N walk back to the campsite by herself.
James grinned, predatory and sharp — Breakfast is ready, let’s get her first, and then the other’s.— He jumped down the big ravine in a fast movement, being followed by Victoria. They landed silently in the storm, already moving like shadows through the trees. They had tracked the group for days. But as they closed in, something shifted.
Y/N spun around when she heard movement. Two figures blurred through the rain, stopping just ahead of her in the small clearing. A tall, athletic man with blonde messy hair and a dangerous smirk. A striking woman with wild red hair, eyes locked on her with intense focus.
— Stay away from me! — Y/N shouted, backing up fast, her new speed making her slip in the mud. — Who the hell are you? —
James tilted his head, inhaling deeply as he started circling her slowly, still thinking easy hunt.
— Running already, little human? We watched you last night with that boy. We’ve been tracking your whole group for days. Time to end the game.—
Victoria moved to the other side, cutting off escape, her expression hungry at first. — You came looking for monsters with all that research, and now you found them.—
But then, Victoria froze mid-step. Her eyes widened as Y/N’s changed scent hit her fully, the venom mixed with something deeper, magnetic, right. The mate bond slammed into her like lightning. Her whole body softened, fierce protectiveness and sudden, overwhelming love flooding her. This girl wasn’t prey. She was their mate.
— James… stop, — Victoria said sharply, stepping between him and Y/N. Her voice was full of wonder and steel at the same time. — She’s not just human anymore. Can’t you feel it? She’s changing… she’s a newborn. I feel it in every part of me. And… she belongs with us.—
James laughed darkly at first, still advancing. — What the hell are you talking about, Vic? She smells like flesh and fear. An easy meal. Move aside. We kill her and move on to the camp.—
He blurred closer to Y/N, reaching out with clear intent to grab her throat, still driven by the hunt.
Victoria moved faster than he expected, shoving him back with surprising force and positioning herself protectively in front of Y/N.
— Don’t you dare touch her! — she snarled, eyes flashing with raw possession. — She’s mine. Ours. Look at her, James. Really look. That pull… it’s the bond. I’m not letting you hurt her.—
Y/N pressed back against a tree, rain pouring down her face, heart slamming. She knew something was deeply off with her body, but this was chaos.
— What are you talking about? Stay away from me! Both of you! I don’t know what you want, but I’m not whatever you think I am. Just leave me alone!—
James’s expression twisted with intense jealousy. Seeing Victoria, his Victoria, standing so fiercely protective over this stranger, already looking at her with open love and adoration, burned hot in his chest.
— Vic, snap out of it! This is ridiculous. She’s just some half-venom girl from a random bite. We don’t do thirds. We don’t need anyone else. You’re mine. Let’s finish this and go.—
Victoria didn’t budge, one hand reaching back almost instinctively toward Y/N. — No. You feel it too, I know you do. Stop fighting it. She completes us. I love her already. She’s ours.—
James growled low, jealousy flaring brighter. He tried to circle around again, still intent on ending the hunt.
— Victoria, this is the venom talking or some trick. We’ve been fine as two for decades. Don’t throw that away for some confused human who was fooling around with a boy last night. Let me kill her. It’ll be quick.—
— Back off, James!— Victoria warned, her voice dangerous now, she was ready to kill James in that very instant and she shielded Y/N with her own inmortal life. — I won’t let you. She’s mine.
Y/N’s head spun with confusion. — Mate? Bond?— These words sounded familiar, and then it clicked, the research she had done, the whole reason of this trip. — You’re both vampires!— she screamed out.
Before James could push forward again, Ethan’s voice called out from behind her on the trail.
— Y/N? You okay? I thought I heard voices—
All three of them turned. Ethan stood there, squinting through the rain, eyes widening at the tall blonde-haired man and the red-haired woman standing too close to Y/N, tension thick in the air.
In a blur of motion, James and Victoria vanished into thin air, gone like ghosts.
Ethan rushed forward. — Who the hell were they? That guy looked dangerous. And who was the woman? What’s going on?—
Y/N forced a shaky laugh, still buzzing with adrenaline and utter confusion. — I don’t know what you’re talking about Ethan. You’re probably still drunk from last night. Seeing things in the storm. Come on, let’s head back to camp. I’m fine. Really.—
Ethan looked doubtful but let her pull him back toward the campsite, the rain still pouring. Y/N glanced once over her shoulder into the trees, heart racing.
Whatever was happening, those two, especially the way the woman had looked at her, it wasn’t over.