SEASONS OF CHANGE

By: Sonja Cullens

(Stephenie Meyer, author of theTwilight Series,created and owns the names and character profiles in my story.)

I really hope you enjoy the chapter. I struggled to develop this chapter so Jacob could return to Nessie's side to keep her safe, to help his best friend prepare for the long journey that will be involved in taking down Jane.

Fallen Star

If I'm a fallen star,
I hope you'll be the one,
To catch me falling from above,
You won't just be holding stardust,
As you'll transform me into your angel.

by Fion Lim

CHAPTER 6 – SURPRISE ARRIVAL

BELLA'S POV: My loving husband, my soul mate, is now lying in bed because of that sadistic woman; Jane. Well, I have some surprises for that bitch up my sleeve. I have been training over the last few years with my brothers; building up my endurance, speed (I can even give Edward a good run for his money) and strategic and tactical planning to even take Jasper down once in a while. When my extended families visit, I use that as an opportunity to train, as well. One of my favorite coaches, Zafrina, taught me how to push illusions on others by using my mind while maintaining my shield in place to reflect others powers from me and those I am protecting. It took me a little while to master the art of it so I did my best to ensure Renesmee was not part of the training; I couldn't stand to see my daughter get hurt. I also learned how to read minds if I concentrated hard enough which enabled me to prepare myself for my opponents attack before it actually happened. I haven't shared that with anyone yet, not even Edward, because I wanted to keep this my little secret; an extra ace in my pocket. I just wish … there is just so much going. My best friend's father is laying in a hospital bed from another heart attack, my daughter was placed in danger because of two human boys that Edward felt compelled to save from Jasper and now my husband is lying in bed healing from because of the humans. Humans … what is so important that Aro had to come himself to steal this boy named Gavin. I chanted to myself, "Focus Bella; keep your mind together. You are going to need all your strength to deal with the Volturi." I need to go hunt to take my mind off this and, plus, the blood will help energize me like a shot of espresso would do for me when I felt a need for caffeine when I was in my human form.

As I walked toward the door to leave Edward's make shift hospital room I could hear the gentle sobs being wrenched from my daughter's being. The sounds were echoing from the library and seemed to be coming toward me. Renesmee, my little nudge, was my miracle baby. I love her more than life itself. I can't believe how quickly she has grown. She is so beautiful and so like … so like the ten adults that have been raising her over the past five years. I was dreading the teen years because of the drama I felt at that age but I must say, for the most part, that she is a very level headed child. I just wish her growth would slow a little because I am not ready to see her go. I pulled my thoughts from where I was formulating my plan to launch an attack against the Volturi to concentrate on the immediate problem at hand; "Why is my baby crying?" And, how was I going to calm her. My best friend and my daughter's soul mate, Jacob, is the only one to that had the power to calm my daughter when she was this upset.

RENESMEE'S POV: It felt like years since I had my best friend with me. My insides were aching for the need for him more now than any other time that I can remember my short five years of life. I know I must seem like the most selfish person in the world to not want to share my Jacob with his father, especially in the current condition he is in but I need him. I was so frightened when my father and I arrived to see the two humans in the woods. I was not frightened because I thought they could harm me. I was frightened because of how their blood was tempting me. The boy who introduced himself as Gavin seemed to have the most enticing, sweet scent I have smelled in my five years of existence. I hadn't imagined such a scent existed. My thirst for this boy burned through my throat like fire. Thank goodness my father was able to balance my needs and pull my thoughts to the trouble at hand; the wounded humans and saving them from the possible attack from Uncle Jasper. Unfortunately our offensive measures toward Uncle Jasper left my father and I temporarily weak to defend the boys against the Vampires lurking nearby. Uncle Jasper deserved a medal of valor for his strength in overseeing the need for his lust for the boys and stood in protection against Demetri. I was relieved to know that the one boy, Thomas, was now safe under the care of my grandfather but I am disappointed that we failed to keep Gavin safe. Safe ... I almost lost my father because of the Volturi. When is this clan going to stop attacking my family? Our family brings nothing but peace to all those around us. At that thought, I ran into the library to call my Jacob to let him know what was going on here and to check up on his father to get an update on his condition.

I pushed the number 1 on my speed dial and leaned against the book case patiently waiting for my Jacob to pick up but the phone automatically went to voice mail after the third ring. That is when I lost it. My sadness began seeping from the core of my being and quickly rose to an inferno of tears. The tears rolled down my cheek as my rationale being transformed from an intelligent 14 year old to a five year old within seconds. I needed my best friend now. I paid no attention as my mother came to my side, resting an ice-cold hand on my shoulder as a form of comfort. I didn't look at her, I just couldn't. My gaze was fixed on the picture of Jacob and I taken about a month ago. I couldn't stop staring at it. My need to hear Jacob's voice, smell and feel the heat of his body as he kept me safe was far greater than I have felt in sometime. I loved my mom but she was not Jacob by any means.

JACOB'S POV: The little pixie had the flight arranged and the limousine was parked in front of my house waiting for me to exit when I received the phone call that Renesmee was in danger and needed me. As luck would have it my father's coronary artery bypass surgery was successful. The surgery rerouted, or "bypassed," blood around the clogged arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen to my father's heart. The heart surgeon took a piece of a long vein in my father's leg and made a detour around the blocked part of the coronary artery. When my dad was moved to the recovery room and I was finally allowed to see him I joked that he had just been "Overhauled." Overhaulin' was one of my dad and I's favorite shows. Chip Foose is a hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, and the star of Overhaulin'. Simply stated, this man was my idol and I wanted to grow up to be just like him which means that I need to finish high school and get accepted into Art Center College of Design located in Pasadena, California. If everything goes as planned my old man should live long enough to see me finish high school, complete my degree and marry Renesmee. Renesmee ... my mind started drifting again...

I lose all sense of rationality as my mind races to capture every detail of her being every time that I see her; her hair (soft as silk, smells of intoxicating plums with a small hint of vanilla and long ringlets of curls ending just at the tip of her bottom), her eyes (warm chocolate that you just want to drown in), her smile (red luscious lips that always seemed to smell of cotton candy), skin (the softest skin that I ever felt and was breathtaking to see in sunlight) even her purposeful stride that belies the child within. I have this urge, this need, to capture her every detail as I cherish each and every one I've been blessed to experience. My Nessie is a goddess - drop dead gorgeous with a "Motengator" body! One that, with any other woman I would have daydreams of ripping her clothes off, jumping her bones, roll over and leave them. But, with Renesmee, it's totally different. I don't look at her in that light. No I'm not going gay, because I can think of nothing more blissful than making love to her, I just want every memory, every action to be perfect with her. I wish I could find the words to express the tingling I get inside every time I see her. And, it doesn't matter whether she's in pajamas, jeans, sweats, or dressed up. Her entire persona exudes beauty and seeing her drives me to a state of pure joy and ecstasy that makes me long to hold and caress her. Anyone that sees her would think she looks to be 16 to 17 years of age but in reality she was going on 6 years of age in September. The thought of her being so young always snaps me out daydreams of ravishing her body. Her body is physically matured now. There are times that I can smell her arousal around me and I can always smell when she is going through her monthly menstrual cycle. Poor thing ... she always seems to be in a lot of pain when it starts and always seems to find excuses as to why my hands hold her stomach. Deep down I know she is just using me for my heat.

The plane was beginning its decent. I looked out the window and was awe struck over the scenic view. I know understand Maine's longtime slogan of "where mountains meet the sea," and is definitely an apt description for this lovely coastal town. I had read up on Camden, Maine while I was sitting in the hospital lobby waiting for the outcome of my dad's surgery. According to the tourism guide that Nessie mailed me about a week ago ... this town is famous for its large fleets of windjammers - relics and replicas from the age of sailing. Visitors to Camden can take an excursion on one of the windjammers around Deer Isle and Penobscot Bay during the months of June-September. Camden is home to Camden Hills State Park, which is 5,500 acres of rolling hills and 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails. You can drive or hike to the summit of Mt. Battie for a breathtaking view of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay and all the inland lakes and rivers. There is also a 112-site campground within the park, and both fresh and saltwater beaches are nearby. You can rent your own powerboat or sailboat for a harbor cruise to the nearby islands, or try your hand at canoeing, kayaking or rowing. The activities in Camden are endless including horseback riding, swimming, fishing, biking, parasailing, sightseeing, and golf, exploring lighthouses or relaxing on the beach. Fun day trips will take you antiquing through the small coastal towns of Boothbay, Searsport, Castine or Blue Hill. Downtown Camden has some of the best shopping in the district, and its size makes it fun to explore its shops, restaurants, and art galleries on Main Street, in alleys and side streets around the harbor. Summer and fall finds the Camden Hills alive with festivals and arts and crafts fairs - something is always abuzz in this picturesque harbor town. And, I plan to do it all with Nessie once I resolve the latest scare caused by the Volturi.

I strolled off the plane with my carry on not sure who would be waiting for me. My thoughts kept roaming back to Alice's phone call and the danger that Edward had inadvertently placed Nessie in when he sprinted off into the woods with her. That was definitely out of character for Edward not to put more thought into his actions. As I neared the lobby of the airport I could smell the sweetening vampire stench hit my nose. I breathed in a little deeper to decipher it was someone I knew or a true blood sucker. There was no doubt if it was a Cullen. I was able to narrow it down to Rosalie and Emmett. Sure enough, Emmett and Rosalie were off to the side waiting for me to show up. Emmett ran up to me, shook my hand, hit my shoulder as he gave me a "guy" hug and stated, "Man, it is good to have you home. You have been missed not only by Nessie but all of the family. Alice and Esme have your room set up, to include a new wardrobe." I shook my head slightly, wearing a knowing grin at Emmett of how well the Pixie and Esme take care of the whole family. I punched Emmett's shoulder lightly as I stated, "It is good to be home. I have missed you guys to ... even Blondie." As I turned to give her a light hug, I marveled at how Rosalie and I's relationship has grown over the years from hatred to now friendship to ... even close brotherly/sisterly relationship. I would do anything, to include give up my own life, to keep this family safe because this family (THE CULLENS) is now my family too! The Quileute tribe leaders have strengthened the treaty agreement between them and the Cullens. For the most part, my life was going smoothly. Especially since my dad has once again proved the doctors wrong with his will to want to survive. I think his main reason for wanting to live was to see me happy, married to Nessie and to be around for our first born child.

We left the lobby, eager to get home. I collectively stated eager to get home because the climate in the house was mournful for the injuries that occurred to the young boy in the wood, the pain Jane inflicted on Edward and a missing boy that Aro stole and seems to be a valuable item to the Volturi. And, carelessness on my part, the mental anguish Nessie is feeling not having me near her. A lot of our separation was no one's fault other than timing of my father's health condition and the Cullens' need to be relocated. Everything will return to normal, or as normal as can be expected for shape shifters and vampires can hope to have. I know, no ego intended, Nessie's spirit should lift when she sees me; it's an imprint thing. Typical of Edward's protectiveness of his family that I have grown to appreciate, he sent Rosalie and Emmett to pick me up in the Guardian. The Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard edition looks for all intents and purposes like a standard version of the vehicle. This stealth is merely a disguise, however, for the extreme degree of safety that it provides all occupants. Also known as the S-Guard, this vehicle uses integrated armor and a host of other features to keep bullets, explosions and shrapnel from piercing its passenger compartment. Unlike other armored cars, which merely layer extra thick steel over a pre-existing chassis, the S-Guard is built on a dedicated assembly line that installs of the necessary special materials directly at the factory while the entire car is being built. This process also incorporates the extra strengthening that the vehicle's frame and other panels undergo in order to make them robust enough to deal with the additional weight and stress of these features. How strong is the S600 Guard's special skin? Strong enough to withstand attack from small arms fire, hand grenades and a wide range of explosives. (just as strong as the skin of the vampires. It's not just the steel and glass that has been thickened in order to keep out the bad guys – the vehicle also features a gas tank which has been designed to self-seal in case of puncture, a fire control system that will automatically suppress any flames feeding off the sedan, and tires which can escape even when shot flat. Whenever extra mass is added to an automobile, whether it be in the form of bling or in this case armor, performance is bound to suffer. Fortunately, the S600's 12-cylinder, twin-turbo engine is more than up to the task of handling an increased load. With 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, the S600 Guard was already over-equipped for regular driving, and the extra grunt helps to make easy work of handling the additional weight of all of its safety improvements. Inside the S-Guard, passengers are unlikely to notice anything different about their environment. The sedan is meant to protect in a completely transparent fashion, offering security without intrusion into the ultra-luxury world created by Mercedes-Benz. Sumptuous leather, opulent electronic features and a smooth ride are hallmarks of the S-Class. What's more, dignitaries will not attract any additional attention to themselves while riding in the S600 Guard thanks to its low-key, stock appearance. Sort of like a vampire passing itself off as human – the differences are all underneath the surface. Well, this certainly explains why Edward thought Bella would be safe enough in the Guardian and decided to keep it after the birth of Nessie. They left the car parked out front of the airport. All three of us jumped in the car and less than 15 minutes of Emmett's crazy need for speed driving skills we arrived at our new home.

I can honestly say I was speechless for once as Emmett pulled the car into the garage. This place had to be the largest of the homes that Carlisle has purchased thus far. As I exited the car my sensitive hearing picked up the cries of my baby. I quickly made my way through the house, totally thoughtless of my manners to say hello to my family as my first concern was to console my love, my whole reason for being. I skidded around the corner quickly coming within a few feet of the library. I knew that is where I could find my Nessie. I had to regroup my thoughts before I approached her because her overwhelming sweet smell instantly took over my wolf senses. My wolf within wanted, no needed, to take care of her and make her mine that no other being could ever do. As I struggled to right my mind, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder and was relieved to see it was only my best friend, Bella. I picked her up and hugged her; relieved to see her but quickly placed her back on the floor so that I could return to my task at hand which was to hold my Nessie, wipe her tears away and remind her that I love her. Just as I was thinking those thought my Nessie looked up, tears dripping down her cheek. She sucked in her breath and then collapsed to the floor; the color from her face draining. I crumpled to the floor next to her. I was relieved to see her chest rising and lowering as she breathed, My appearance must have overwhelmed her too much which caused her to pass out. I wonder when she fed last.

I picked her up and moved both of us to the leather sofa. Her skin felt slightly clammy but I could feel her coming around as she became restless in my arms. Within minutes but actual felt like hours to me, Nessie opened her eye lids, her long golden eyelashes lifted to allow me to see her deep chocolate eyes. The blush on her cheeks began to darken and her soft kissable lips gasped a little as she quietly said my name. I ran my hands through her hair and pulled her closer so that I could kiss the top of her head. As I was pulling her closer, my chest grazed hers and I could feel her nipples stick out against me and her arousal hit my nose. It took all my willpower not to rip her shirt and jeans off her and plunge my being deep into the core of her ... breaking her seal and making us one. As quickly as those thoughts came to my mind I began to feel guilt that was not my current purpose for holding Nessie. My relationship with Nessie at this point in our life is best friends. Though Nessie's body responds as an adult her actual age quickly dampened any animal instincts I was feeling to ravish this beautiful woman laying in my arms. I have eternity to meet those needs ... at this time the need to care for and repair the hurt that Nessie was currently feeling. I gently pushed a lock of hair from Nessie's forehead and brushed my lips against her letting her feel that I was here for her and that I cared. Nessie must have read my mind because she snuggled in closer to steal my heat. She seemed to be breathing deeply and just as I was analyzing why she was doing that she sat up and placed her hands against my face.

NESSIE'S POV: For once in my life, not that it has been a long life, I was so overwhelmed that I could not speak. I took in deep breaths of air so that I could smell Jacob's intoxicating scent. His smell and warmth always seemed to calm me. What was just minutes ago that my heart felt like it was being ripped from my being was quickly mended when my night and shining armor entered the library and back into my life. My selfishness instantly took over, wanting to stamp my Jacob as MINE and ONLY MINE! At that moment no thought of how he got here, how he was feeling or how was the outcome of his father's surgery. Yes, I know this is very shallow of me but then again this is me really being a six year old half human, half vampire being child. My excuse is that it is part of my genetic make up. Fortunately, this side of me was only seen when I was spent an extended amount of time away from Jacob. Seeing as I needed to communicate with Jacob and let him know I was relieved to see him, I decided to use my gift. I raised my hands to his face flashing him pictures of my travel with my family across country to arrive to our new home. I showed him the welcoming scene when I arrived and the quickened pace that took me into the dangers of the woods, the sight of the two human boys, how I controlled my lust not to drink their blood followed by the fear of my father hurt and the days as they passed patiently waiting for him to heal, my thoughts of Jacob and his pain he must have been feeling with his father under going surgery again and my weakness of when I could not reach him by phone. Silent tears glistened from my eyelashes as I came to the realization of how thoughtless I must seem for not thinking of Jacob's father. I didn't even know if he was still alive, so wrapped up in my own needs. Jacob must be so disappointed in me. I must have forgotten to remove my hand because the next set of words that left my Jacob's lips was, "My dad is okay. He shocked the doctors at how quickly he regained his strength from the surgery. He pretty much kicked me out of the house saying that it was more important for me to keep Nessie safe than hover around an old man that is not ready to die. I am the one who should be sorry for leaving you alone for so long. Please forgive me my love."

I turned to look at Jacob and it seemed as if the world around me seemed to stop. I felt as if I was being pulled toward Jacob's as invisible cables began binding our souls together. Oh my, I think I am in love with my best friend. Just as I was adjusting to my new feelings, Jacob jumped up, grabbed my hand and began tugging me to follow him out of library, through the house to the outside. Once outside, he gave me a wild look as he sprinted behind a tree to transform into a wolf. My Jacob must have misread my look of desire for his love for the need to feed. He was right though ... I was hungry. I jumped onto his back, letting him become the alpha that was his birthright and the protector I knew him to be. We ripped through the woods, slowing as we came across a herd of moose. I took down the bull and my Jacob stayed within viewing distance to ensure I stayed safe. Unbeknown to us, someone was watching from afar and not liking what he saw.

Hope you enjoyed ... please leave feedback to me on who you believe is watching Jacob and Nessie.