Hiya! So, it didn't take quite as long to do this chapter as I thought it would. (Thank the baby Buddah.) Lol

Anyways, we're gonna get some serious goddamn answers here people! Woohoo! I'm nervous about this chapter, but please remember, I'm not modeling them all exactly like SM's original characters. But I am definitely expanding on Bella's and Edward's abilities. I am giving them my own little spin to them, but it all will go with the story.

The usual housekeeping is going on: My Lola is awesome.

And I don't own Twilight. That's all SM's

And I'll see you guys on the flip.

Chapter 10

BPOV

We walked into the back door of the house to see Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Rosalie talking to a man with brown hair, the same eyes as the rest of the Cullens, and looked to be about thirty or so.

"Bella! Come meet one of our cousins, of sorts, from Alaska. This is Elezar." Carlisle motioned for me to come over to where they were.

Edward held my hand and I pulled him along with me. When we were beside Carlisle, I held my hand out to Elezar. He shook my hand, then had a perplexed look on his face as he stepped back beside Carlisle.

"…Carlisle, you didn't tell me everything… she is obviously pregnant… it's not possible." Elezar said, never taking his eyes off of me.

I felt Edward wrap his arm around my waist, protectively.

"Elezar, this is why I called you. I didn't want to tell you over the phone. And yes, this is what you think it is." Carlisle told him.

Elezar looked to be in total shock right now. But then walked up to us slowly, and… actually bowed.

Umm, ok…

"It's a pleasure to meet the parents of Una Potente. We've never believe that it would ever happen, but seeing you now… there is very little argument." He stood back at his full height and still looked perplexed.

What the fuck.

"Uhh…Thank you?" I said it almost as a question. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'm glad you could come here on such short notice."

"Oh, it's no problem at all. Carlisle… you have one the most rare creatures here in front of you. It's hard to reach her, but… I think I've got her. But I want to know what all has happened and what she's been able to do before I'm completely sure." Elezar said.

So we went into the dining room and sat at the huge table. It was a lovely, heavy, antique, cherry wood table with matching chairs.

Holy shit. These have to be about as old as Esme is. If not older.

She told me how old she was and with her being changed around the turn of the 1900's, it could easily be from that era.

Carlisle and I told Eleazar what has happened. Along with interjections from Alice a few times to help us, we get through it and Eleazar was totally baffled.

"This is even more than I thought. So, Bella is the one who doesn't know what her gift is?" Eleazar asked.

We nodded and he looked at me. It looked like he was processing everything in his head.

But when he spoke, I was totally shocked.

"She's the Great Shield. She is the protector. That's why no one can breach her mind. It's protecting itself. From what you've said, she only opens up her mind when she expands her shield around someone. Bella, it's something you will have to work on, but it seems you've done a little bit of it already. But at your greatest power, you'll be able to protect as many people as you want, and of your choosing. Meaning if the people you want to protect are amongst those who you want to protect them from, then you can selectively put your shield over whoever you choose to. Your gift works to protect your mind and anyone else's mind that you want from an attack. There are those among us that have gifts like Edward, Alice and Jasper. Those gifts that get information, if you will, from your mind and use their own gift on it. Alice would use your decisions to see your future, Jasper would work on your emotions, and Edward would hear your thoughts. But with you protecting your mind, no one can infiltrate you. Your mind is essentially Fort Knox. And you are the only one with the key. I imagine with practice, you wont even have to think about it with these three here. "He motioned to Alice, Jasper and Edward. "But it will take work. And you have time for that.

"But, on to the baby. The reason it has survived, is because your shield protected it as well-"

"Her." Edward and I interjected.

Eleazar looked at us, completely shocked. "You already know what it is? I thought you were only a month along when you were changed?"

Edward and I shared a look with each other, smiling.

"Yeah. We've both kind of had 'visions' of her in our unconscious states. And Alice has already had her own visions of her. I've seen it, and she's perfect." I said.

"Hold on, you actually saw her? Like really saw what she will look like?" Edward asked me. I nodded. "You guys didn't tell me about that. I want to see it. Alice?"

Alice was sitting next to me, so I was sitting between her and Edward. She got that glazed look in her eyes again, and I knew she was going back through her visions of Olivia.

I watched as Edward; no doubt, saw the same visions of us with Olivia. He was totally focused on what he was seeing in his mind, and I saw his lower lip tremble slightly. Then a sob tried to break free from him when his hand flew to his mouth. He had an almost pained look on his face. Then he turned to look at me with such adoration. He grabbed me and held me to his chest.

"She's going to be perfectly fine, Edward. You saw the same thing I did. It's what we've always wanted. Although… we wanted a house full of kids, I'll be perfectly content with this little angel. As long as she's happy and healthy. One is just fine with me. Are you ok?" I asked him in a hushed tone.

He nodded into my shoulder. "I just never thought that the glimpse I had of her when I was laying on the highway would be true. She was the most perfect thing. Graceful, beautiful, full of life, and absolutely adored you. The way she just fit into your arms… I could have cried at how perfect you two were together. It's the only other thing in this entire world that I've wanted more than anything… apart from you." He said in a low, strained voice. Then I tightened my hold on him. I would be a bawling mess right now if I were still human.

I heard Carlisle clear his throat beside us and remembered we weren't alone.

"As soon as we're done, we'll leave you two to have some time alone. You've been apart for long enough. But let's get back to this, shall we." We both nodded. "Alright then. Eleazar, you were saying?"

"Oh, yes of course. Well, Bella, your shield protected her when you were being changed. It's part of why we never understood how a baby could be born to one of us. A vampire's body won't allow it. I'm shocked to see that your body is compensating itself to the growing part." I lowered my hand down to my baby bump and rubbed it. It made me a little self conscious that it was so damn visible. "But I guess this will be an obvious learning process for all of us.

"Bella, what was going through your mind after the crash?" Eleazar asked.

I lowered my head. I hated thinking about it. I could have, should have, lost the two most important things in my life. But seeing as I have forever to live, it won't soon be forgotten.

"I thought about… protecting Olivia at all costs…trying to stay alive for her. Trying to stay alive for Edward. I knew Edward would be an utter mess if he lost me and Olivia at the same time." Edward reached over and gripped my hand tightly and pulled it to his chest. "But I made a resolve in my mind that I would protect her however I could… Why, is it important?" I asked, suddenly wondering what that had to do with anything.

"Your shield was already working with your mind and body. The shield was originally only supposed to be a defense for the mind. I've personally never seen a shield before. Much less one such as yourself. I've only ever heard of there being one or two in the world. But they are secluded and don't get involved with the things our world contains. They know of the Volturi, but run from them for fear of being used. Which is what the Volturi do. They collect gifted vampires. We also need to keep your existence a secret for as long as possible. If they get word of this, they will come for you, and bring the entire guard with them. Even the wives. It will look like a united front to seem like they are more than the power-hungry dictators that are. It's not just Olivia you will need to protect, it's yourselves, also. You two are the rarest kinds of vampires. And pretty much the most powerful ones. Edward's gift will help you know of any intentions that are not honorable or truthful. If they come for you, Edward, you will be the only one that can know of their inner truths.

"Bella, you will be the most prized possession for them. You will be the one who can stop their advances if they bring Alec, Jane and Renata. Alec and Jane are two of the most dangerous vampires. They look sweet and innocent, but are deadly together. Jane can make you feel the most horrible pain imaginable. But it's all in your mind. Alec can cut off all of your senses and make you completely defenseless. You would be a sitting duck if you weren't protected. Renata is Aro's personal shield. Although she has to be touching him for it to work. Her shield can only hold back few things, but he would rather be slightly protected, than vulnerable in any way. She came to him after I left Volterra. But you will be able to withstand all of that. Your mind is yours to protect. Some have also said that your shield will be able to physically protect you as well. It's something I've never heard anyone else coming across. But it's said that the Great Shield will be able to do that also. But we don't have someone here to test that theory right now." Eleazar explained.

Holy hell.

"Ok, that's a little intense… So, basically, I could protect Edward's mind as well if he was standing near me? Or Alice or Jasper?" I asked, trying to sort this out in my head.

"Yes. Let's say, you all are… in a fight in the city or something along those lines. If there is an enemy for each of you to fight, and you're all paired up in a fight, you would be able to shield each person in this room, and leave the other vampires at the mercy of whatever mental attack is happening. You personally, will never be left vulnerable. But it will take practice to get it to work around the ones you want it to be around. We'll be glad to help out. I can bring the rest of the Denali's down and we can work with you on this. The more people that can help, the better. And that will give you an opportunity to try to cover all of the Cullens with another group of vampires around. The only other thing I've ever heard the Great Shield would be able to do is reflect whatever gift is used on them back at whoever used it on them. Not use the gift on them, but… essentially making their gift backfire on them. I'm sure Kate would love to have a crack at this kind of exercise. She'll be one that we can test out the physical aspect of your shield, Bella. If she touches you, she can electrocute you just by touch. There aren't many in the world that has physical abilities like that, but they are out there. Which means you have to be prepared for them. Siobhan has also been visiting us, so maybe I could ask her to join us, if she's free. She can manipulate you to do things she wants. Have you do things her way. It's quite a powerful gift. She tries to stay off the radar from the Volturi. They would swoop her up in a second if they found her. She would be a huge help in preparing you, Bella. And she understands the need to be away from the Volturi's sights. She would keep you safe as long as she doesn't come across them, herself. Any questions?"

"Can vampires get headaches?" I asked, rubbing the sides of my head. This is so fucking surreal. How the hell am I suppose to protect myself from that kind of shit, much less eight members of my family?

Did I just refer to the Cullens as my family? Why the hell not. They've been more supportive than my mother ever has been, so yeah, I guess they're family now. Family is people that take care of each other and support them, help them.

I heard a few low laughs from around the table and couldn't help but laugh myself. "Sorry, this is just… a lot. I don't know if I'm ready for all of this." I looked into Edward's eyes with a little bit of panic.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm here, and so are the Cullens. You said it yourself that they have been so helpful already and that they're going to be there for us. We're not going to be alone. We've got a group of people who are willing to go through this with us. So stop worrying so much." He said, then kissed my nose.

"Awww…" I could hear Alice beside me, like she was watching some chick-flick.

We turned back to Eleazar and Carlisle. "Edward's right, Bella. We're here to help you both out. Both with your powers and with Olivia. Don't let the fact that we aren't family hold you back…" Carlisle started.

"No, Carlisle, you are family now. You saved us, saved our baby, you've let us stay with you. You're letting us decorate a baby room and our own room. You've helped me with what little I've been able to work on my gift, and you've all been there for us. And I don't know how we'll ever be able to thank you enough for it all, but I'm eternally grateful to all of you." I told him, and felt Edward nod beside me.

I saw Esme put her hand over her heart like she wanted to cry out of joy. She stood up and ran around the table to hug Edward and me. "Aw, my babies." She was one of the reasons this group of people felt like a family. She was the mother none of us had left. And Carlisle, while he was a confidant, he was also the father. And Alice… God, she was the sister I always wanted. Jasper, he was such an amazing brother and friend. And Emmett seemed like the big jokester of the family. The big, huggable teddy bear of a brother. But then that left Rosalie, who seemed to be the ice queen of the family, but that would have to be dealt with later. She can't hold a grudge forever, can she?

"Well, Carlisle, I'll leave it up to you all if you want me to call them to come down. I'm going to excuse myself to hunt. It's been over a week and if I'm going to continue to be near the human population, I'm going to have to do it soon. I hadn't expected to stay as long as I had in the city. But I'm glad I have now. It's been so wonderful meeting both of you. I hope this information I've given you two will help you better understand. Both of your gifts are extremely invaluable. I'll talk to you all when I return." With that, Eleazar excused himself from the table and out the back door to the woods.

"What do you think, Bella? This could be a great practice for you to test out your gift and Edward's as well." Carlisle asked.

I thought for a moment and felt Edward pull me into his side. I tried to focus on him and put my shield around him. I leaned my head against his shoulder and reached my hand up to touch the back of it to his cheek so he could hopefully see what I was thinking about.

I heard an intake of breath and felt Edward stiffen slightly, then relax as he held me tighter. He obviously saw my thoughts.

Edward, do you think we should do this? I'm scared to death that I could hurt someone with this gift. It wasn't much before, and now that I know I'm this powerful, I'm afraid I'll freak out and hurt someone. I thought to him.

Bell, you can't be afraid to protect yourself. Or Olivia. The best way to be sure of any of this is to test it out, practice. I'll be right beside you through it, baby. And if it's someone that Carlisle trusts, then I don't see a problem with it. As long as it's a 'controlled environment', it might be easier than doing trial and error out in the real world if we came across someone. We can do this. He thought, then kissed my temple.

"Woah. Did you two just totally have a private conversation without talking?" We looked over to Emmett.

"Yeah." I said.

"Holy fuck. Eleazar wasn't shitting us when he said you guys were powerful. Pops, have you ever seen anything like it?" Emmett turned and asked Carlisle, who had a very mesmerized look on his face.

"No Emmett, I haven't. This is extremely curious for you now, Edward. Can you do that with anyone else?" Carlisle asked.

"I don't know, I haven't tried…" Emmett cut Edward off.

"Ooo, I want to try! This'll be fun." Emmett said, rubbing his hands together.

He was looking straight at Edward with a mischievous look on his face. And I felt Edward go rigid beside me. Then I saw Emmett's hands do a fist pump in the air, and him hoot and holler.

"Woohoo! Eddie has a sense of humor! This is awesome." Emmett said.

"I'm afraid to ask…" I looked up at Edward.

"Trust me; you don't want to know right now." Edward said.

Several of the others laughed, but of course, Rosalie was off in the corner, glaring at me.

Geez, what's her fucking problem?

"Who?" Edward whispered to me.

Shit! I keep forgetting.

"Later. So I guess we're ok with having Eleazar bring the others down here. If they're willing, then I'm more than happy to have the help. I just don't want them to feel like they have too." I said.

"Bella, I will talk to them myself and explain things to them. If they decide they don't want to help us, then that's fine. But I have no doubt that they will be here in no time. They have always supported our way of living, since we taught them of our ways." Carlisle explained.

I nodded. "…Ok, let's do it then."

We waited until Eleazar was back and told him we'd like the rest of the Denali's to come down to help. He and Carlisle went off to make the call, while the rest of us talked.

We really had no problem talking to each other and learning more from each other. But Rosalie was still glaring at me. I had just about had enough of her shit now.

I could actually feel my anger rising because of her bitchy ways, and standoffishness.

"Bella, calm down. Whatever it is, don't do it." Jasper said. Obviously it's one of the times he's able to feel my emotions. But I can't focus on that right now.

"No, Jazz. I'm tired of feeling like the eternal outsider by her." I said, pointing at Rosalie. "If I'm going to be a part of this family, I don't want to feel like shit because she obviously has a problem with me. I'm not going to be made to feel like her personal pariah. I'm not going to stand around and keep pretending that it's not bothering me. Stop glaring at me, or get over whatever grudge it is you have against me. I can't be around this kind of shit right now." I said, getting up and walking out the back door to sit by the river.

I know, from what Alice told me, that she resents outsiders. And that some of what her problem is stems from the fact that I'm having a baby, and that I'm a vampire, having a baby. I understand wanting something like that, but to make someone feel like they shouldn't be around doesn't make for a great impression. Right now, I only see her as a raging bitch that has resentment issues.

I was sitting there, watching the moon dance across the water when I heard someone behind me.

"I'm fine Edward. Really." I said, not looking backwards.

"It's not Edward." I heard, what I could only figure was Rosalie, behind me.

So what do you guys think of the ability explanation?

E.C. for this week: 'The Man in Black' by prettykittyartist

And 'Mates for Eternity' by xxLuAshxx

Review please!