Twilight - Dimensional Traveler

The atmosphere was tense. The entire Cullen family stood on either side of Mark, baring their fangs at the enemy. Even Edward, who had been stunned before, quickly recovered and stepped back to shield Bella.

But everyone was shocked by James's pitiful state—they hadn't expected Mark to be so powerful. Edythe had mentioned a few things, but it was hard to draw conclusions from just words.

"Leave before I change my mind," Mark growled through clenched teeth, as if restraining his rage. In truth, Mark was just acting. At first, he'd considered killing the vampires outright to solve the problem easily.

But curiosity got the better of him. Some time ago, he discovered the coordinates of an apocalyptic world where all of humanity had turned into zombies. What if he sent these vampires to survive in that world, devoid of living humans? Mark wondered.

He also realized James was a tough guy. Even after losing to Mark, he was already plotting revenge on the Cullens—specifically targeting Bella.

Edward, who heard James's thoughts, wanted to finish him off immediately. But he knew that a vampire who drank human blood was stronger than one who fed on animal blood.

Carlisle, ever passive, disliked the idea of taking another creature's life. Everyone would follow Carlisle's approach, even though Mark had told the three to leave.

Laurent was extremely nervous, thinking of saying something to spare his life—until he heard Mark's words. He quickly looked at Victoria, and the two grabbed James and left without saying a word.

As they disappeared into the forest, the tension began to ease. But Edward, who had read James's intentions, was still distressed.

"Why did you let them go? You've put Bella in danger," Edward snapped.

"Edward, no. Take Bella and let's leave," Carlisle stepped in to calm things down.

"Carlisle, he said he's going to hunt Bella—he wants to toy with all of us," Edward insisted.

"Don't worry. We'll protect Bella," Alice said.

"No need to worry. I didn't let them go," Mark said at that moment.

"What nonsense are you talking about? You just let them go," Edward snapped again, while Bella tried to calm him.

Mark looked at each member of the Cullen family—his gaze sweeping across them before settling on Edward. In that simple glance, the Cullens felt like they were being stared down by a wild beast that could end them at any moment. Even Edward, who had been furious, fell silent.

"You are the family of my partner, and now my family as well. Since Bella is my brother-in-law's partner, she's my family too. Anyone who threatens my family doesn't get to see the sun rise the next day."

Mark continued to stare at Edward, who was under the greatest pressure. Thanks to Mark's excellent control, only Edythe and Bella were unaffected.

He withdrew his gaze from Edward, scanned the others once again, and then eased the pressure before continuing:

"I'll protect all of you. I let them go because I didn't want to kill them in front of my family."

Mark gave a sincere smile, took Edythe's hand, and said: "The game was ruined—shall we leave?"

Sensing the tension had lifted, Carlisle spoke: "Alright. Mark must be far stronger than we ever imagined. Though I'm not proud of being protected by our youngest family member, I'd like to thank you on behalf of everyone. Thank you."

"Mark, thank you for protecting Bella," Alice said, following Carlisle.

"No need to thank me. Besides, I've already dealt with them," Mark replied with a grin.

"What do you mean 'dealt with them'?" Bella asked, confused.

Mark smiled and said, "Like this."

Boom.

A loud explosion sounded, and everyone turned toward it. What they saw left their eyes wide and mouths agape.

They looked at Mark, then at the figure that appeared with the blast. They looked at Mark again, then at the figure.

"You have a twin brother?" Edythe asked, confused.

"Haha, of course not. It's one of my abilities—Shadow Clone," Mark said, walking lightly toward the clone.

"How'd it go?" Mark asked.

"Too easy. I think they're going to love the surprise," the clone replied.

"You did well," Mark said.

Poof.

With a puff of smoke, Mark's clone disappeared, still leaving everyone confused and trying to process everything.

"This is insane... Edward, take me home," Bella broke the silence, her voice tired.

Edward quietly took her and left. Mark didn't want to stay either—he took Edythe and left as well.

On the way back, Mark was bombarded with thousands of questions. For a moment, he regretted showing off his power in front of everyone.

Mark wondered if he should've made his character a bit more arrogant—someone who doesn't owe explanations to anyone. But then again, he was born with a good heart.