NINE

If you didn't know…she could have been sleeping.

She looked so peaceful. But the sight below her face was grisly. Now that the anger and adrenaline was wearing off my stomach churning threatening at the sight and smell. A gentle tug from Jasper brought me back from reality.

"We need to go…" He murmured.

I knew he was right, but I didn't want to move. I didn't want to leave her. I didn't want anyone else to touch her.

"Don't worry, I'll call Carlisle, he'll make sure she's taken care of."

I swallowed thickly, it felt like I was trying to swallow a bowling ball. I let him tug me away. There was Emmett's Jeep parked on the street, I could faintly see Rose and Emmett but I was numb. Numb to everything. Jasper picked me up bridal style and made sure I was covered as we approached the car. Rose opened the door, she seemed like she was going to yell at me, then I wasn't sure if saw my state or Jasper's face and seemed derailed.

"Not now Rose, call 911 for a break in. Then call Carlisle, make sure he's at the hospital."

He spoke it quickly, Rose paused for a moment but did as he asked. Jasper bypassed the Jeep and continued to carry me.

"We'll meet you at the house," He said shortly.

Rose nodded. I blinked and a moment later we were upstairs in Jasper's room.

"Do you want to shower?"

I shook my head.

"Bath?"

I paused. He smiled gently as he set me on the bed and went to his room. I heard the water start and smelled the lavender scent he poured in the water. From here I could hear things being arranged downstairs.

"That's right, the graduation party…"

I didn't feel much like partying, or doing much of anything. I barely realized I was in the bathroom, and Jasper getting ready to set me in the tub. Gingerly he set me down, the water was hot but it felt good against my clammy skin. The water was milky and murky so it revealed nothing.

"It was them," I said quietly.

Jasper had been gently lathering my hair with his hands and froze when I spoke.

"You're sure?" He asked, his voice giving away nothing.

"I saw him, he was feeding on her…"

"What happened?" he asked quietly.

I closed my mind against the memories, but I stared at the murky water.

"I tore him to pieces and threw him in the fire…"

"And the other?" He asked.

"He arrived later, I snagged his arm before he disappeared."

Jasper didn't respond.

"He'll be angry," I continued quietly.

I felt Jasper's curious stare on me.

"It was his dominant arm," I said with a cold grin.

Jasper chuckled once and shook his head.

"You're conniving," he murmured with affection.

I gave a small half smile. But it disappeared at the direction my thoughts were headed. A small wave of calm entered me, while I was grateful to Jasper to distract me, it wouldn't erase the sadness and sorrow. Maybe part of him knew that…maybe that's why he didn't erase it completely.

"It's ok to mourn love, just don't block me out." He said softly.

I felt my eyes water resting my forehead on my knees, letting the tears drop into the tub.

"Thank you."

***THIRD PERSON POV***

It was almost a half hour later when Jasper found himself lying on the bed with Remi wrapped up in one of his soft button up shirts and a pair of underwear that Alice had taken the liberty of putting in his dresser drawers. One of the drawers were for Remi, not that he minded. He didn't want to leave her just now. Remi was curled up into his side, hair and skin damp with lavender lotion that he helped with asleep. She was mentally and emotionally exhausted. As expected there was a phone call from Chief Swan, who was choked up when he delivered the news. Jasper had taken then call as Remi was already asleep with some assistance of his gift. Jasper asked that if the body could be taken to Forks Hospital, Charlie agreed and Jasper offered to tell Sam of the occurrence too. Grimacing slightly, he dialed the number that was saved in his phone.

"Hale? This is unusual."

"There's been an attack," Jasper said softly.

There was silence on the phone, then movement and a door shutting.

"Who was it?"

"Remi's mother," Jasper said after a pause.

Jasper heard the phone creak dangerously on the other end. There was a shaky breath Jasper could almost taste his emotions through the phone. Anger. Sadness.

"Are you s-sure?"

"Yes, Remi and I were there," He added softly.

He heard Sam swear several expletives.

"Jesus, how is she?"

Jasper looked down at Remi's sleeping form.

"She's to be expected numb. I managed to get her to sleep and bathe. Mariare is being taken to Forks Hospital, Rosalie already has spoken to Carlisle, and he'll be there when she arrives. She'll be well taken care of. There is something else…"

Sam growled.

"You'll recall the issues they were having with her ex…"

"Trevor and Lincoln…I knew they were in town earlier…" Sam said voice hard.

"They apparently have recently been turned, not by anyone I know. I didn't recognize any scent."

Another audible growl by Sam.

"Do we know where the assholes are?"

"The elder, Lincoln was dealt with. Remi tore him to shreds…she walked in on him…"

Sam swore.

"And the younger?"

"Remi tore off his arm before he fled. Rose and Emmett weren't able to find him,"

"They were newly turned?" Sam asked.

"Yes, and not by a scent I recognize, could possibly be something to do with the attacks in Seattle."

Sam sighed.

"Dammit, damn it all to hell. I'll let the pack know. We'll keep in touch if we find anything on the reservation. I trust I don't need to tell you to watch Remi, he'll Trevor was always ambitious and petty, he'll likely want revenge for his arm."

Jasper snorted.

"I'd like to see him come after her,"

Sam gave a weak laugh. He knew just how dangerous the honey-blonde was. Out of all the Cullen coven, it was he who made Sam stand on edge. Jasper was friends with Jacob and also Remi's mate, so he was safe and protected under the eyes of the tribe. But it didn't make them any less uneasy around him.

"We'll keep in touch." Sam said finally.

Jasper bid his farewells, and not five minutes later he heard the heartbroken howl of a wolf that echoed through the forest. The sound was haunting, luckily for the guests arriving at the Cullen house the sound was drowned out by the familiar sounds of music. Alice had outdone herself this time, the entire downstairs looked like a nightclub. Jasper had no inclination of joining the festivities downstairs, he was exactly where he wanted to be.

***REMI POV***

I honestly didn't remember falling asleep, how long I was asleep for, or even really getting out of the tub. But when I woke it was in the wee hours of the morning, there wasn't a clock that I could see but I knew it was early.

"You sleep ok?" a husky voice asked in my ear.

I stretched, wincing slightly at the sore muscles. I had pushed myself too far running then fighting. I need to move about more in my wolf form.

"Yes, thank you." I said quietly sitting up.

I looked at Jasper, and he looked tense, but he looked at me with soft worry.

"I'm…ok," I finished lamely.

I wasn't fine. But I'd manage, so long as I didn't dwell on it.

"Carlisle was at the hospital, he handled the arrangements. Sam was informed, everything is taken care of." He murmured softly.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

"You're still on edge," I noticed, as I cuddled back into him.

He gave a soft huff at my clingy nature but easily wrapped his arms around me.

"There's been a development about the issue in Seattle." He said after a moment.

I didn't respond.

"Alice, saw something at the party, the newborns are coming here. The shirt that Bella had been missing was being passed around, they were getting familiar with her scent."

Something clicked for me then.

"Could we have been wrong about a random army? What if it's Victoria orchestrating all of this? As an act of revenge?"

Jasper when still as a statue.

"Didn't consider that, it's possible." He whispered.

He resumed his designs on my back with his feather light touch.

"There a training session in an hour or so with the pack if you want to go."

The first instinct was to say I'd have to be sure it was ok with…my heart ached.

"You don't have to go,"

"I need to, if I don't my mind will run rampant. This will provide a distraction."

Jasper nodded.

"Let's find you something more appropriate to wear then," He said kindly.

Although I was hot blooded I wasn't feeling any warmth. Jasper made sure to shower me with kisses, on my forehead, cheeks, shoulders anywhere he could when he helped me into a pair of comfy yoga pants and a tank top beneath a hoodie. I slipped on a pair of hard bottomed slippers and turned to Jasper. He kissed me gently on my forehead and the hugged me close. I was grateful for him, he distracted me and didn't ask me constantly if I was ok. He knew what I was feeling and knew me best to let me sort it out. He gently lift me onto his back and I hooked my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, closing my eyes I rested my forehead on the back of his neck and relaxed. I was barely jostled as we moved.

As we moved outside, I was happy that he had given me the clothes that he had, it was early morning but the air was still cold and icy. It was long when we stopped. The clearing was broad and would easily hold our coven and the pack. The Cullen Coven, minus Edward and Bella were already there. Alice looked disgruntled as we entered the clearing. It was odd for her to be blind, it made her uncomfortable. I clamored off Jasper and Emmett immediately scooped me into a hug. He was careful not to crush me but I felt the love and the tears pinpricked in my eyes. After he released me Rosalie hugged me carefully, and the members of the Cullen coven all scooped me into a hug.

"She's taken care of, no one saw her but me." Carlisle said quietly.

I nodded.

"I'll send word to Billy, about how he'd like the arrangements done. She was Quileute, I'm not sure if there was anything special that they would like to do."

I nodded not trusting myself to speak. Jasper then began to stretch his arms as if he were warming up to exercise. I couldn't take my eyes off him, a sort of possessiveness and happiness came over me watching him. He was mine, and I was his. There was movement in the woods and the air carried the scent of Edward and Bella. I wasn't too surprised to see Bella here, she wouldn't let herself be not involved, something that I'm sure displease Edward greatly. She wore jeans and a hoodie and her boots, sensible.

"Hi Edward," Emmett greeted him. "Hey, Bella. Is he going to let you practice, too?"

Edward glared at his borhter.

"Please, Emmett don't give her any ideas."

Carlisle came up to Edward, meanwhile Bella stood beside the auburn vampire.

"When will our guests arrive?"

Edward concentrated for a moment then sighed.

"A minute and a half. But I'm going to have to translate. They don't trust us enough to use their human forms."

Carlisle nodded.

"This is hard for them. I'm grateful they're coming at all."

Bella stared at Edward, eyes stretched wide.

"They're coming as wolves?"

Edward nodded, it wasn't surprising, and I was interested to see their reaction when they discovered that the pack grew. Our coven turned into a loose line with Jasper and Emmett at spear point. Jasper pulled me so that I stood beside him as I heard crunching paws on the forest floor.

"Damn," Emmet breathed. "Did you ever see anything like it?"

I noticed Esme and Rosalie exchanging a wide-eyed glance. The pack was a sight to behold. The boys were tall, about horse-sized, with thick muscle and fur, our teeth like knives. Jasper had his one arm wrapped around my waist, the other in his pocket. I counted the pair of eyes I saw, ten wolves. Carlisle took a slow deliberate step, it was careful designed to be reassuring.

"Welcome,"

"Thank you," Edward responded.

Edward's voice was detached, he was speaking for Sam, he was hard to differentiate from the shadows because of his black fur.

"We will watch and listen, but no more. That is the most we can ask of our self-control."

"That is more than enough," Carlisle responded. "My son Jasper, has experience in this area. He will teach us how they fight, how they are to be defeated. I'm sure you can apply this to your own hunting style."

Jasper was tensed and ready, his thumb was rubbing circles on my skin again.

"They are different from you?"

Carlisle nodded at the question.

"They are all very new – only months old to this life. Children, in a way. They will have no skill or strategy, only brute strength. Tonight their numbers stand at twenty. Ten for us, ten for you – should be too difficult. The numbers may go down. The new ones tend to fight amongst themselves."

A rumble passed among the wolves, I could easily translate it as enthusiastic. I fought to roll my eyes. They had no idea newborns could be crafty.

"We are willing to take more than our share, if necessary," Edward translated.

"We'll see how it plays out," Carlisle smiled.

"Do you know when they'll arrive?"

"They'll come across the mountains in four days, in the late morning. As they approach, Alice will help us intercede."

"Thank you for the information. We will watch."

There was sigh amongst the wolves, and they sank to the ground one at a time.

There was silence in the clearing as Jasper detached himself from me and moved to the empty space between the two groups.

"Carlisle is right," He said voice confident. "They'll fight like children. The two most important things you'll need to remember are, first, don't let them get your arms around you and, second, don't go for the obvious kill. That's all they'll be prepared for. As long as you come at them from the side and keep moving, they'll be too confused to respond effectively. Emmett?"

Emmett stepped out of the line with a huge smile. Jasper backed towards the north end of the opening between the allied enemies. He waved Emmett forward.

"Okay, Emmett first. He's the best example of a newborn attack."

Emmett narrowed his eyes.

"I'll try not to break anything," I heard him mutter.

Jasper grinned.

"What I meant is Emmett relies on his strength. He's very straightforward about the attack. The newborns won't be trying anything subtle. Just go for the easy kill, Emmett."

Jasper backed up his body tensing.

"Okay, Emmett – try and catch me."

Jasper was a blur as Emmett charged at him like a bear, grinning while he snarled. Emmett was very quick, but not like Jasper. It seemed as soon as Emmett had him, he grabbed nothing but air. Edward seemed very intent on the battle. Suddenly Emmett froze.

Jasper had him from behind, his teeth an inch from his throat. Emmett cussed, and I heard Esme scold him. There was a muttered rumble of appreciation from the wolves.

"Again," Emmett said, his smile gone.

"It's my turn," Edward protested.

Jasper grinned, stepping back. He was in his element.

"In a minute, I want to show Bella something first."

Alice danced forward.

"I know you worry about her, and I want to show you it's not necessary."

It was hard to watch his eyes hardened and he sank into a crouch. Alice stood motionlessly, looking as tiny as a doll compared to Emmett. She was smiling to herself as Jasper shifted forward and slinked to her left. Alice closed her eyes. The two seemed to be like a choreographed dance, Alice moved as graceful as a dance. Finally she laughed and out of nowhere was perched on his back.

"Gotcha," she said.

Jasper shook his head.

"Terrifying little monster,"

The wolves muttered again, this time wary.

"Good for them to learn respect," Edward said amused. "My turn,"

I didn't pay much attention but I realized that Alice had turned to Bella's side and that she was speaking to her softly, her face full of reproach. Alice saw something that Bella may have been planning and clearly didn't agree with it. Everyone had a turn, and Jasper would comment on those who went. Esme was hard to watch. I didn't enjoy that, it hit too close to home. Finally Jasper turned towards the wolves.

"We'll be doing this again tomorrow. Please feel welcome to observe."

"Yes, we'll be here." Edward responded in Sam's detached voice.

Edward then turned towards the family.

"The pack thinks it would helpful to be familiar with each of our scents – so they don't make mistakes later. If we could hold very still, it will make it easier for them."

"Of course, whatever you need." Carlisle answered.

There was a gloomy grumble from the pack as they rose to their feet. I took the end of the line. It was finally able to make out the shapes and colors of the pack. Sam was in the lead, as pack Alpha, he was black as midnight. Sam approached Carlisle, Jasper stiffened but Emmett who was on the other side of Carlisle was grinning and relaxed.

Sam sniffed at Carlisle, seeming to wince as he did so. Then he moved on to Jasper. I didn't blame him, the vampire's scents were harsh. As Sam approached me he gave a sad soft grumble. I smile weakly as the rest of the pack came through and sniffed us up. Jacob skipped most of the pack and stood in front of me. He leaned his head on top of mine as an awkward hug.

"Jake, I'm not a head stand." I joked weakly.

He chuffed in a laugh and bumped foreheads with me. I hugged him around his head squeezing slightly before he pulled away. Jasper pulled me to his side.

"Let's get you home," He murmured.

He helped me onto his back, I nuzzled in close as we headed out. I don't remember arriving home, meaning I must have fallen asleep on the way. Thankfully my dreams were nightmare free.