Chapter Ten
This guy was so charming, it hurt. I smiled a little.
I still wasn't sure. This definitely was the same guy I'd met out in the trees that night, but he didn't seem as tense. Dark brown hair, neatly sitting on his head. Despite his dark crimson eyes, he seemed to be the friendliest person I could ever meet. Just like that night. He seemed politely confident. Respectful, but I knew he was tough. Like he didn't need to point out how strong he was. I could read it easily on him.
"Yes." He murmured mostly to himself, glancing around as he probably read my silence as nervousness, "I know I may be way overstepping my boundaries, by quite a bit, but I had to see." I was nervous, but that was only because I was here alone.
"Don't run." I finally said, "They won't hurt you."
"Ah, you do speak." He smiled a wide but gentle smile, "I'm relieved, but I don't intend to run this time."
"I don't know how long they'll be gone." I admitted quietly, fidgeting a little where I stood on the stairs.
"That's alright." He replied, "I'll wait."
It was quiet for a moment, as I slowly stepped down the stairs the rest of the way. Hesitant, but too curious for my own good. He studied a few pictures on the wall, seeming curious. I was more curious about him, though. He didn't seem mean. Or even bothered by my scent.
"What's your name?" I asked quietly, and he looked to me again. For a second, I froze again, but continued moving as I shook it off. The instinct to stop was something instant, as was the instinct to fear, but I managed to get passed both.
"Oh, I'm sorry." He spoke up, chuckling, "I'm being so rude today. My name is Cole."
"I'm Leandra." I replied, close enough to lean against the armrest of the couch, "Can I ask you something? A favor?"
"Darling, you can ask me anything." He replied, and I smiled a little.
"Can you turn me?"
He seemed surprised, shocked I'd ask something so forward.
"You're serious." He murmured with a surprised quiet laugh.
"Completely." I murmured, "My family won't. Not until I'm older, but I can't wait."
"Leandra," He sighed, "Believe me when I say this is something you do not want to rush into impulsively. If it's truly your decision, you need to decide differently."
"It'll happen anyway." I murmured, "I just don't want to have to go as far as making them worry about whether or not I'll survive." He frowned, trying to figure out what I was saying, "It's the only way I can protect myself." His charming smile finally faded, replaced by the concern I saw and heard in him that night.
"Are you being threatened, sweet pea?" He asked, and slowly, I nodded. Watching as he slowly stepped forward, studying me.
"Not here." I clarified, keeping my eyes down now, "Not by my family. They'd do anything to keep me safe, but by someone else. I want to be able to protect myself, so they don't have to get hurt trying to. They can tell me all the time that they won't get hurt, but I know that's not true. I know him too well."
"You wish to be turned for your own protection." He mused, and again, I nodded, "That's a much better reason than most give, I must admit."
"I want to be strong." I murmured, "Tough enough to handle anything." He reached out, and took my hand. Gently pulling me away from the couch, and held my hand up away from me. As if inspecting me.
"Why won't your coven turn you?" He asked.
"They say I'm too young." I replied, "They don't want me to be turned so young, before I've even had a chance to live. I think it's bullshit, but that's just me." He smirked, "If you could just bite me now, they won't have a chance to stop it."
I looked up at him as he seemed to debate. Still holding my hand, his crimson eyes studied my green ones. I held my breath as he slowly brought my hand forward, toward his mouth and pulling me closer as he leaned down.
I thought he was going to do it, turning my hand over for access to my wrist. Instead, he only kissed the inside of my wrist, and pressed another kiss to the back of my fingers.
"I'm sorry." He told me, "I must agree with them. They're absolutely right."
I sighed a little, looking down.
"You're their human, darling." He continued, "Not mine to decide what to do with."
"I guess I get that." I murmured, disappointment in my tone. I at least appreciated the way he called me their 'human', and not their 'pet'. Out the window, movement suddenly caught my attention. Someone else was outside, pacing near the trees.
I watched out the window, suddenly transfixed as I moved closer, watching as the other outside turned, facing the house now. I recognized everything about him. From this far, I could see everything I needed to see. His jet black hair, the way he held his shoulders. I saw him, but I couldn't believe it. He was here. It was him.
"Oh, that's-"
"Mikah." I gasped, a huge smile coming to my face. I hoped I wasn't wrong, but Cole smashed that nervousness immediately.
"Oh?" Cole asked, smiling as well, "You know him?"
"I know him." I sobbed now in happiness. I turned sharply, fully prepared to run outside, but his hands gently caught me.
"Whoa, darling." He stopped me, "You may not want to do that."
"Why not?" I asked, looking up at him.
"See, Mikah isn't as practiced at self control as I am." He replied smoothly, stroking my cheek lightly, "We wouldn't want to tempt him, now would we?"
"Oh." I mumbled, looking back out the window, "No. I guess not." I paused, turning my eyes back up to look at him, "Why have you been around?" I had to ask that question. It was the most important, yet here I was, nearly forgetting to ask it.
"Curiosity." He mused, "And.." He paused, "Well, Miss Leandra." He smiled, "I've heard some things, and I must say. It's quite puzzling how a human like you has made her way right into the middle of a.. Very protective coven."
"That's a long story." I mumbled, "And no, I'm not a pet."
"Of course not." He told me, "Not with what I've seen."
"They took me in." I admitted quietly, "They're all I have."
"You're not in any trouble, darling." He chuckled lightly, picking up on my tone, "I'm only curious." He paused, watching as I started to believe him. I looked down again, until he spoke, "How do you know my Mikah?"
"He is.." I paused, "He was a friend of mine. He disappeared a few months ago. From somewhere in New York."
"He didn't disappear." He smiled, "He was with me."
"I know that now, but I didn't know before." I replied, "He means.. Meant a lot to me."
He hesitated, looking up suddenly. Puzzled, I followed his gaze, and out the window, Mikah was gone. He smiled a little.
"Never fear, darling." I was suddenly lifted off my feet, "They're not going to be happy to see me inside, so just sit tight. I only need them to pause for just long enough." He held me easily in his arm, like any of the others would hold me. They must have been close. However, this close, I felt a little uncomfortable. I wasn't used to anyone but my family holding me, and I grew nervous, which he noticed instantly.
He smiled at me, "You're okay." His tone was light, "You have nothing to be worried about with me. We just have to make your coven see that too. That's all I'm doing here." He adjusted how he held me so I'd be more comfortable, "My goodness, you're cute." I couldn't help smiling at the way he told me that, and the soft, light way he stroked my cheek with this finger both bothered me, and tickled a little. He was just too likable.
That was how they found me. I looked over at the suddenly crowded area of the room. I met the eyes of my incredibly unhappy family, my smile fading quite a bit. Sensing how unhappy they were to see me held by a stranger, not knowing I was okay where I was.
"He's okay." I said instantly, "He's fine." Cole smiled at me, before turning his eyes to the family.
"He won't be in a second." Emmett's tone was more threatening than I'd ever heard it.
"No." I mumbled, holding his gaze.
"Hello." Cole greeted them, "I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time. I'm only here to visit. My name is Cole." Both Emmett and Jasper stepped forward, but Cole countered, stepping back and holding me tighter. Softly stroking my hair in a very reassuring way, "Now, now."
"Don't." I told them, "He's okay." I looked to Cole, "This probably wasn't a good idea."
"Has he hurt you, shorty?" Emmett demanded, not at all pleased. I looked to him again.
I shook my head, "No."
"Why would I?" Cole asked, "She's too sweet to harm." I smiled again, "And I'm not here to harm anyone."
"Then why are you here?" Jasper demanded, and I flinched a little at his tone.
"Now, you're scaring your human." Cole murmured, "Perhaps-"
"Perhaps you should put her down." Emmett interrupted, "And move away from her."
"This definitely wasn't a good idea." I murmured, shaking my head as I met Cole's eyes again.
Cole sighed lightly, "You startled my newborn." He chuckled, "But he's hardly anything to worry about. He isn't like the ones you've faced today. Should you spot him, please don't destroy him. He's done nothing wrong." So he did know what my family was off doing. That solved a question I didn't know I had.
"He brought Mikah." I added, and that seemed to surprise them. Cole smiled at me again, and I returned his smile.
"Don't worry, he's not allowed near the house." Cole told them, "The closest he'll come is the trees, I assure you, and he knows not to hunt in the area. Your human is quite safe."
"Good." Emmett grumbled, "Now put her down, and maybe I'll kill you quickly."
"No." I protested quietly, "Don't."
"Emmett." Esme spoke up, and he fell silent.
"Perhaps this will ease you." Cole sighed, and slowly, he set me down gently onto my feet. I took two tiny steps away from him, looking back at him.
"I'm really not here to cause trouble." Cole told them, holding his hands up in a comforting gesture, "I came to see you, as I have some information you may be interested in. But your leader is missing." I realized that just as he did, and I whimpered.
"Carlisle will return soon." Esme informed him, slowly stepping around Jasper, "I apologize for such hostility." She must have been one of the ones to step up for Carlisle when he wasn't around.
"It's quite alright." Cole smiled, "I understand completely. I'm not supposed to be this far passed the line. This is your territory, after all, and I was just using your human as a shield."
"Where's Carlisle?" I asked, still nervous. She said he'd be back soon, but where was he now?
"He's fine, Leandra." Jasper assured me, "He's helping one of the wolves." I sighed, instantly eased, "Come over here."
Without taking his eyes off Cole, Jasper waved me toward him. I looked to Cole, who smiled at me and nodded. I didn't want anything to happen to him, but he seemed confident that he'd be fine.
I hesitated, unsure. I really didn't want to watch him get hurt. I liked him. He leaned forward and gently pushed me forward. Toward them.
I slowly crossed the room. Cole made no move to stop me, which probably helped his cause. Whatever his cause was. Behind Jasper, Alice took my hand, pulling me further to safety. She very obviously looked me over. Checking every bit of exposed skin she could find.
"I'm fine." I mumbled, irritated and squirming away from her assessment.
"She's fine." Alice looked to Emmett and Jasper, "Not a mark on her."
"Alright." Jasper sighed, seeming eased, "Now what are you here to say?"
"I really would prefer to wait for your leader." Cole murmured. At Jasper's look, however, he spoke again, "I do snooping, of sorts. Out of curiosity, I suppose you could say. When something major happens, like the situation in Seattle, and especially when the Volturi get involved, I go looking around.
"I found your scent long before I knew you were involved. I was curious as to why you weren't avoiding the situation. Why you were still settled here. Which was originally why I showed up."
He slowly paced a little as he spoke.
"I don't normally make it a habit to bother others like this. I might have heard a few things." He continued, "I don't know if you're aware of this, but you.. Your coven.. You're all quite watched. Closely. Not just by me, or others, but by those that matter."
"The Volturi." I murmured, and he gave a nod.
"They had every opportunity to stop the newborn army in its tracks before it got this far." Cole told them, "Weeks ago. Their decision, however, was to let them do what they were intended for. I have no doubts they knew. If I knew, they had to know. I mean, it's common sense to everyone who knows the history of our kind."
"Of course." Esme murmured, prompting him to continue politely.
"Given the fact you are the only coven anywhere nearby, it didn't take much to understand the reason behind the newborn overpopulation. If they had any belief that it wouldn't work, they would have destroyed them. Guaranteed, but.." He trailed off, "This tells me two things. One, they were hopeful that army would succeed, and two, they're very disappointed they didn't. Which also leads me to one conclusion." He turned a little to face them, a small smirk crossing his features, "You're a thorn in their side."
Nobody said anything, probably still tense.
"Could that, possibly, have anything to do with this little cutie?" He asked, gesturing lightly to me, "Of course, I'm just being nosy. Pardon me."
"This isn't news to us." Esme told him, "We've been aware of our status with the Volturi for quite some time. This doesn't come as a surprise."
"You don't seem very concerned." Cole pointed out, surprised, until he shook his head, "Again, none of my business. I apologize. Sometimes my mouth runs away with me."
"Was Aro there?" I asked, and Cole looked to me.
"Leandra." Alice murmured, telling me to keep quiet.
"No." Cole answered me, "From the conversation, Aro had absolutely no knowledge of Jane's involvement." He sighed, "I wouldn't be surprised if Jane was behind it all. Though it does seem odd Aro gave her that much freedom, but what I can be sure of, is they don't like you."
"Thanks." Emmett grumbled.
"No, what I'm meaning is they don't like you. There has to be a reason why. You've obviously not broken any rules, as they've yet to come directly looking." Cole was thinking out loud, "They must not be directly aware of little miss over there."
I spoke up, "I wasn't-"
"Shh." Alice shut me up, and I looked up at her. It was clear in her eyes that she really didn't trust Cole yet.
"As for the fight today," Cole spoke up, "I would have brought my coven to help, but they were a little reluctant to follow when they discovered the Volturi were involved. As I'm sure you can understand." Cole explained, looking around curiously.
"You're part of a coven?" Esme asked, interested.
"Leader, actually." He replied with an easy smile her way, "Well, it's more of a.. Friendship, I suppose you could say. We come and go as we please, but when we're together, it's not surprising that we can be intimidating. We make an effort not to bother anyone. Avoiding confrontations when we can. That's all I ask of my members."
"Likewise." Jasper replied, "Where do you come from?" I sighed, Jasper's tone telling me they were less eager to kill him where he stood. Just slightly distrustful now.
"Originally?" Cole asked, "We're all over. However, I like to base myself more south. We tend to frequent Louisiana. Mississippi, on occasion." Jasper nodded, "Lots of cover there." His smile was so contagious.
"How many to your group?" Jasper asked, and he seemed only curious.
"It depends." He replied, "At the moment, two. Counting myself, of course." He looked to me and smiled, before he looked back to Jasper, "Tomorrow, it could be six. Or eight. We've been as large as twelve, thirteen, but I do want you to know that we're no threat to you or yours."
"It's appreciated." Jasper gave a nod. The way Jasper was eased, seemed to ease everyone else. Cole seem encouraged by the way he still lived, his demeanor even friendlier now.
"Especially after more recent activity in Seattle, no doubt." He said, "We've all heard things, and I believe quite a few of my friends have even met Carlisle once or twice. Not a single one of them had one negative thing to say, so in my book, that makes you all alright. Admirable, actually." He looked to me again, "And I find it absolutely fascinating how you all seem to know my newborn. Mikah. Particularly that one there."
"We first met Mikah while he was human." Esme explained, "We have a home in New York."
"Do you?" He asked, interested, "Well, dang. Small world." He chuckled a little, "I only picked him up because he was half dead. Somebody did quite a number on him, and I just couldn't leave him. I normally don't meddle, but in this case, I made an exception, and I'm rather glad I did. Mikah is a wonderful companion. Eager to learn, and quite good at it.
"Miss Leandra seemed eager to run to him." He said, "Obviously, I stopped her. Mikah's done quite a bit of learning when it comes to self-control. That's lesson one when it comes to a newborn, you know. Especially if you want to remain anonymous, and I don't take chances with my newborns on the rare chance I create one, but I wouldn't trust a human to run at him just yet." He smiled, gazing out the window behind us, "There he is."
I turned quickly, spotting him immediately back near the trees. Now that I was closer, I could definitely see it was him. Aside from the obvious differences, it was him. His black hair seemed messier now, though. Instead of being neatly untidy, it hung looser in his eyes.
"I wish I could let her see him." Cole sighed, "It seems cruel to keep her from him. What is her story?"
"Mikah was the older brother of a friend of hers." Esme explained, and Cole nodded slowly.
"Mikah has mentioned having family." Cole allowed.
"And she may have developed a small crush." Esme admitted, and I blushed horribly.
"No. I didn't." I muttered, embarrassed.
"And then he disappeared." Cole pieced it together, saddened, "Oh, Miss Leandra, I'm truly sorry." I could hear in his tone just how much he meant it.
"Don't be." I replied quietly, "You helped him. I've just missed him so much." I looked back out the window.
Mikah took a step, but Cole spoke up, "No you don't. Stay there, boy." And he did. It was easy to see just how much control Cole had over him, and it was easy to understand why. His tone had firmed up solid in just those few words to him.
Emmett, however, had different plans. He picked me up and turned. Heading straight for the door.
"What are you doing?" Esme asked as she, and everyone else quickly followed us outside.
"Just for the record," Cole spoke up, "I do not recommend this."
"Emmett." Jasper spoke up, "Stop." He finally grabbed Emmett's arm, stopping him in the middle of the yard. I grunted a little at the force of Jasper's stopping him, as it jerked me slightly.
"I'm not letting him disappear again without letting her at least see him." Emmett told him, "He's what helps her. Haven't you noticed?"
"But really, risking her this way.." Esme trailed off, shaking her head.
"Since she's known him, it's always been him that's brought her out of some mood." Emmett murmured, "You've seen it. Jazz, you've felt it. Tell me I'm making it up."
"Nobody's denying it." Jasper sighed, "But I'm not comfortable with her being brought so close to such a new vampire. You don't know how unpredictable they can be."
"If he jumps, I'll catch him." Emmett replied, "It's not like I'm letting her walk right up to him alone."
"I'll help." Cole offered, and that seemed to ease them. They didn't argue out loud again.
Emmett nodded to him, and he took the hint. Moving forward first.
Held securely by Emmett, Rose and Alice to my left, Jasper to my right and Esme to his right, I wasn't too concerned. I was well protected. Mikah seemed to brace himself, nervously fidgeting as Cole spoke to him quietly.
The closer we got, the happier I got, and the more nervous I got. He watched us, and I knew he recognized me by his tense smile.
"Just don't expect him to talk, shorty." Emmett told me, "He's being smart, and holding his breath so he doesn't kill you."
"I know." I replied, "It's okay." Cole moved forward, closer to Mikah's side. Probably as a precaution, but Cole studied him closely.
"I think he's alright for now." Cole murmured, giving them a nod, "I'll let you know when to be worried." Emmett let me on my feet, and I stayed beside him. Esme greeted Mikah with a smile, which he returned as he kneeled. Still several feet away, this was as close as he or they were willing to let me get.
"I wish I could talk to you." I told him quietly, "There's so much.."
"I know." He did allow himself to speak, but didn't replace the breath used in those words, "But your safety is everything." I smiled, though, at just hearing his voice. How different it was didn't bother me.
"I can't believe you're here." I laughed a little, and he smiled again in return, "I never thought I'd see you again." I had to be honest with myself.
He chanced a breath, and I watched the pain cross his features as he turned his head a little, but he only looked at me again.
"He's alright." Cole assured them again. Just in case, Emmett hugged me into his side. Keeping me close the whole time.
"I never meant for this to happen." Mikah told me, "But it's getting better. You'll see." I hoped he'd say what I needed to hear, and sure enough, he did.
"Everything will be fine."
He paused, turning his head for another breath.
"Can you tell me.." He paused, "How is Alyssa?" My smile faded. I didn't know how to answer him.
"Before we left," I murmured, looking down, "She was devastated. She missed you, and she was so worried. After we moved back here, I really couldn't say. I've been pretty busy." He nodded, but there was no way he knew.
"Don't push yourself too much, boy." Cole told him quietly, "You're doing outstanding. I don't think we should risk it." I glanced up at Cole, but he was right. I sighed, letting Emmett lift me again. As I was lifted, Mikah stood. Staying even with me.
However, a sadness made me speak.
"Don't go." I couldn't help it. I started to cry. My voice reflected my emotion, quiet and heavy. Mikah clearly heard that, and immediately looked to Cole. I could see how much my emotion had hurt him.
Cole sighed, "We'll stay, if we're welcome to, for a bit longer. I certainly don't wish to overstay our welcome."
I looked to Esme, as I knew it was ultimately up to her.
"Of course." She said immediately, "Friends are always welcome." Cole smiled, giving her a nod. He obviously liked that.
We went back inside, this time Mikah followed. He stayed back by the door, though. Leaving it open for the air. I stood much further away. Closer to the couch, and the chair than the door.
"This isn't so bad." Mikah muttered after a moment, "As long as I stay here, and she stays there, it's tolerable."
"And I'll stay here." Emmett grumbled from directly beside me. He stood between Mikah and I, like he was permanently fixed there.
"That too." Mikah laughed nervously, "Completely understandable."
"I've really missed you." I admitted quietly, and the talking stopped. His smile softened, and he sighed. Wincing again, but not nearly as much as the first time.
"I've missed you too, princess." I smiled a little at his nickname, "I can't be around all the time yet, though. Not until I know for sure you'd be safe."
That made me sad. I knew he saw it, as I looked down.
"But." He continued, regaining my gaze, "Now I have a reason to try harder. Believe me. I won't be far."
"You may need to change your diet." Jasper muttered, "I don't know if I'm comfortable with-"
"I don't care if he kills people." I said, "I'd do the same thing."
"No," Mikah chuckled, "He's right." He didn't understand just how serious I was, "If I'm going to be around you, for any length of time, I need to change my hunting habits. I don't want to make a single mistake with you."
"But then that just means you'll have to stay away longer." I pointed out, disappointment in my tone. I looked down again.
"I'll still be around." He assured me gently, "You'll still see me, princess. Now that I've found you again, I'm not leaving you. I've just got some growing up to do."
I smiled a little at that. Amused at the way he said that.
"Okay." I murmured, nodding.
"And apparently," Cole added, "She does too." I frowned a little in confusion, looking up.
"Be careful with those implications." Emmett found that amusing, "I'd rather not think about that."
"Think about what?" I asked, looking up at him. Alice smiled, sitting next to me.
"Stay ten forever, shorty." Emmett replied, and I looked back down with a glance to Cole. I could see Emmett had just reminded him.
"I would if I could." I muttered, "But nobody wants to bite me."
"Yes." Cole frowned, "Your human seems convinced she needs to be turned to be safe."
"What?" Emmett asked, surprised.
"She asked me to turn her myself, but obviously, I declined." Cole continued, "Though I am quite curious. You've obviously taken care of the threat in Seattle, yet I still seem to sense that she feels threatened."
"Leandra." Alice sighed, disappointed.
"I may be overstepping," Cole murmured, "But I'm rather curious. Are you still under a threat?"
"I'm confident that we can handle it." Jasper replied.
"I apologize. All I mean is, it may be useful to open yourself to options of possible alliance." Cole murmured, "Only in this case, of course."
"That's very generous of you to offer." Esme replied quietly, "But I hardly think it'll be necessary."
"Please don't misunderstand." Cole chuckled, "I have no doubts you're capable of handling it yourselves. It's just.. Well, I've grown attached to this little cutie." I looked to him, "And I know she means a lot to Mikah. I can see the difference in him already. I'd like to help, if you'd allow me."
We all looked toward the door at Carlisle returning. I smiled a little in relief, crossing the room as he came inside. Mikah moved away as I neared, like an negative-attracted magnet, but he smiled a little. I hugged Carlisle, which he returned instantly despite his surprise at our visitors.
"I told you." I murmured, looking up at Carlisle, "I told you I could talk to him."
I looked to Cole, who stood back with a soft smile.
"We've got some new friends." Emmett explained, "Quite a few new friends."
"Carlisle." Cole took a step forward, "I can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you. My name is Cole."
"I apologize." Carlisle murmured, "I'm just a little surprised."
"Completely understandable." Cole nodded, "No need to apologize." He smiled down at me.
I had to move back over to Emmett, apparently, as he stepped forward and plucked me away from Carlisle. Eyeing Mikah closely.
"Too close for my taste, shorty." He told me quietly, but I didn't argue.
I sat in Emmett's arms as Carlisle was filled in. I figured I'd let them explain. They were better at it. While they were doing so, Mikah had to leave the room. Slipping outside, and leaning tensely against the porch railing. I watched after him, but I understood.
I felt bad, looking to Emmett.
"I'll go talk to him." Emmett told me quietly, and I nodded. That made me feel better. I could see how hard this was on him.
"Perhaps I should." Jasper corrected him, gesturing to me. Meaning, Emmett had my scent on him, because he was holding me. That would only make it worse.
"Don't be mean to him." I requested quietly, "Please." I recalled easily how reluctant Jasper was to accept my crush on Mikah before. How would he react now? I watched after him as he stepped outside. Closing the door behind himself.
Rosalie sighed, now that the danger seemed to be passed, and headed up the stairs.
"What the hell?" I heard her call down the stairs, and I suddenly remembered about my fortress.
"What is it?" Carlisle, clearly worried, started up the stairs after her.
"Leandra's been busy." Rosalie called back, "Building a fort?"
Esme gasped, "Don't touch it." She grinned, running up the stairs after Carlisle, "I want pictures." That request seemed a little weird.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
"Leandra, how often do you do normal kid things?" Alice asked, and I shrugged. She had a point there.
"Did you have to use my pillows?" Rosalie called and I winced a little.
"Sorry." I called to her, "I needed all of them."
"I've got to see this." Emmett chuckled, setting me down as he headed up the stairs.
I looked back out the window toward Mikah and Jasper still on the porch. I couldn't hear what Jasper was telling him, but whatever it was, it looked to be hard for Mikah to hear.
"What's he saying?" I asked quietly, hoping someone would tell me. Cole was listening closely as well from the other side of the room, his arms crossed, a frown on his face.
"He's telling Mikah," Alice murmured, "That he needs to try harder."
"He's done so good." I murmured, confused.
"He needs to try harder, Leandra." Alice shook her head, "Jasper is concerned, and he has good reason to be. Because he knows you need Mikah."
"I don't need him.." I mumbled, looking down, "I just like him to be around. I just feel like I don't have to worry so much, but I mean.. I don't want him to be uncomfortable. It's not fair to him."
"Shorty, that thing was well built." I looked up as he, Carlisle and Esme all descended the stairs again, "Got a little bored?"
"No." I mumbled, looking down.
"Then why build it?" He asked, and I laughed a little to myself. Shaking my head.
"Okay, I was bored." I replied, "That's why." I'd rather admit I got bored, than admit the real reason. It was so stupid.
"Well, part of your north and your east wall have been taken back." He told me, "We'll have to find something to replace it with." I laughed a little, finding that funny.
"No." I laughed, "It's okay. Sorry I stole your pillows."
Esme was only too thrilled to shake her head, telling me it was fine.
My smile faded a little as I turned my gaze back outside. Just in time to see Jasper turning back to the door. Opening it, he looked in.
"Carlisle." Jasper spoke, and that's all he needed to say. Stepping passed me, Carlisle made his way outside, Cole following. Jasper looked to me before the door was shut, "Don't be so nervous, Leandra."
I couldn't help it, though. I stood up, taking just one step closer until I was yanked up off my feet gently. Emmett hugged me tight, and I laughed a little, returning it.
"I'm glad you're okay." I told him.
"And I'm glad you were right about what's-his-face out there." Emmett replied, "You got lucky."
"I did get lucky." I admitted, laughing a little as I pulled back to look at him, "I actually had no idea if he was safe or not."
"Are you kidding me?" He seemed outraged, but laughed as he tickled me lightly, "Now, about this asking him to turn you business.." I looked down, "You seem to underestimate us."
"No." I said immediately, "I don't underestimate you. I just don't want to give Jack the chance to hurt any of you. I'd much rather face him myself than let you do it."
"Not a chance, shorty." He told me after a second of hesitation.
"I know it's gonna happen." I said, "I just don't know when, or how that happens. I don't want the reason why he gets a hold of me to be because you couldn't save me."
"Leandra, remember what I said about visions." Alice spoke up, and I looked to her, "We didn't know before that he'd been turned. Now we know, and it may have evened the field, but now we know what to expect from him." I looked down.
"I know." I sighed, "I just.." I didn't know what to say.
"You're scared." Alice murmured, standing, "That's to be expected, but I swear. We can handle him."
I looked back to the porch as the door opened, and Mikah stepped back in. Followed by everyone else. I was surprised to see Mikah able to get so close to me. I was even more surprised to see them let him.
"No matter what it takes," Mikah told me quietly, "I'll fix it." It took me a moment, but I figured out what he was saying. I looked beside him to Jasper.
"You told him?" I asked.
"He needed to know." Jasper replied, and I looked down.
"Leandra, I'm sorry." Mikah told me, and I looked up. Confused, "I had no idea that day."
"You had no way of knowing." I murmured quietly, "You have no reason to be sorry."
"Either way, I will find him. I'll make it right." The determination in his tone threw me off for a second. He held my gaze for a moment, until he suddenly turned. Striding for the door. I believed him.
What I said after that shocked me. It shocked everyone else too, given the way they all looked to me.
"Don't hurt him."
Mikah paused, looking back at me.
"Don't hurt him. Please." I repeated, "Leave him alone."
"You can't be serious?" Mikah asked quietly.
"Shorty, tell me you're joking." Emmett murmured, and I looked down, just so I wouldn't have to see their shocked gazes. It was easy to see why.
This wasn't asking Mikah not to get hurt. This wasn't asking Mikah to avoid him. I was protecting Jack. I had to question my own sanity, because I knew full well what he'd put me through, but I couldn't bear the thought of anyone hurting him.
That's what it'd always been. I loved my family more than anything, but to me, my family included Jack. I felt torn.
"No." I finally cried, shaking my head, "Please. Don't hurt him."
Jasper seemed the most surprised out of everyone, "After everything he's done to you-"
"I deserved everything he did to me." I insisted through my tears, "It's not-"
"Don't you say it." Emmett told me firmly, "Please don't say it."
"It's not his fault." I said it anyway. He set me on my feet, turning. I only stood there for a second, until I was lifted again, drawing a yelp from me at how quickly it happened. Looking over, it was Jasper that held me.
"Explain." Jasper demanded.
"I've seen this before." Cole spoke up, and we looked to him, "She can't be helped. This man.." He slowly stepped forward, "Her stepfather.. He raised her. She did the majority of her growing up with him. Whether you want to believe it or not, she did manage to build an attachment to him, and he's taught her to believe that everything bad that happens is her fault."
He looked to Carlisle, "It explains her behavior, Carlisle. You know as well as I do that she wouldn't be this scarred if she wasn't still attached to this man. To her, he's done no wrong. To her, she deserved it. Everything."
I bit my lip. I didn't like it either, but if Edward hadn't told me to look closer at my memories, my thoughts and nightmares, I wouldn't have ever realized this. I would have kept denying it, refusing to see it.
"The final moments with him must have sealed it." Cole murmured, shaking his head. His expression sad, "It's not her fault. Don't be upset with her."
I was pulled suddenly from Jasper, and I yelped again at how quick it happened. I didn't recognize these arms that held me, and I was startled at first, until I noticed who it was.
Rosalie held me now, turning and sitting me down in the chair behind us.
"If you ever say that again, I won't be very happy."
"Are you ever happy?" I countered.
"Please don't be upset with her." Cole spoke up again.
"You shut up." Rosalie snapped back at him.
"Rose." Esme corrected her, but Rose wasn't paying attention to that as she looked to me again.
"Don't yell at him." I told her.
"What?" Rose snapped at me now, "Was that your fault too?"
"Yes."
"My actions are my actions." I hadn't been spoken to like this since knowing them, "They're not caused by anyone, and definitely not caused by you." I closed my eyes, looking away, but she took my chin, making me look at her again, "Leandra, listen to me. You are not responsible for the actions of other people. I don't care what he told you. Just.." She trailed off, her voice getting less firm, "Don't do that. Don't you dare defend him. I saw this coming, but I didn't do anything about it."
"I tried." I was back to crying, "It's not his fault. It's mine."
"How the hell do you figure that?" Rose asked, "Did you ask him to beat you? Did you ask him to do what he did?"
"He had to." I shook my head, "If I wasn't such a bad kid, he wouldn't-"
"Don't buy into that." She interrupted me sharply, "That's what he told you."
"I did deserve it." I told her, "You know the things I think."
"You think that way because of him." She stressed, "Use your head, Leandra. Listen to what you're saying. You're defending him. Think about everything he's done.." This really bothered her.
I looked down. She sighed, standing.
"You are not a bad kid." She said, "You're scared, and you're stuck in a defensive mentality which really does screw with your mind. I'm sorry for telling you about him the way I did, but I really did think you needed to know."
"That's not it." I mumbled, standing up, "Edward told me-"
"Edward." Rosalie nodded a little, "He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"He knew before I knew." I said, "He told me that I needed to look harder at what I saw. That there was something there I wouldn't let myself see. This has to be it."
"Or it could be something else." She countered. I shook my head, looking down until she caught my cheeks between her hands and had me look up again. I whimpered a little, not used to the action, but I was suddenly pulled back with yet another yelp from me. Away from her.
I didn't recognize the growl from the one holding me. I looked up at Mikah, surprised at just how fast he could move. He faced Rosalie, who wasn't happy either. He moved me around, settling me on his back, but I had trouble holding on due to how hard I was shaking.
I wasn't afraid of him exactly. Just shaken up at how fast I'd been moved. Literally, one second I'd been standing there, and before the next second could come, I was held off my feet by Mikah. I knew they all could move that quickly, but they showed at least some restraint when it came to me.
"I wasn't going hurt her, you animal." Rosalie growled as the pair of them were suddenly surrounded. I was, yet again, pulled away. Gently, slower to my appreciation, taken from his back, and I looked to Carlisle as Cole handed me off to him. He held me easily, and I took a breath, trying to adjust.
Cole moved to his side, "Mikah, don't cause trouble."
"You certainly weren't helping her." Mikah grumbled, his eyes on Rose. Ignoring Cole completely.
"Listen." She growled, "She's not yours to decide what to do with."
"I'm not just going to stand back and watch you-"
"Yes," She snapped, "You will, because she's ours. You have no say-"
"Enough." Esme stepped forward, placing herself between the two of them, "Both of you. Take it outside." I watched from Carlisle's arms as they took her demand, and he followed Rose out the door. Emmett and Jasper both trailed after them, probably to keep her from killing him. I hoped.
Once again, I had to call, "Don't hurt him."
"I must apologize." Cole said immediately, "He's never done anything like that before."
"Well, newborns are unpredictable at best." Carlisle sighed, "Are you hurt, Leandra?"
"No." I replied, "Just not used to being moved that fast. Still a little dizzy."
He sat me down in the chair, letting me stay stationary for a moment. It was already well into evening, much to my surprise. Time went by so fast with Mikah. It always had.
I was fine by the time they all came back in. Rose looked to me as Emmett trailed her, and I stood up, ready to run. I didn't like being scolded for the truth. I felt the way I felt, and not much could change that.
I decided to change the subject while I could.
"How long are you staying?" I asked, looking to Cole. I really hoped he would stay forever, especially with Mikah. There was no need to change the subject, as Rose headed upstairs anyway. Not a word to me. I wondered who won.
Mikah watched me closely, but not in a worrysome way. Like he was just as amazed I was here as I was to see him.
"We'll be heading back tonight, darling." He told me, "But we'll be around. Mikah has some work to do, though." I looked to Mikah now. He still stayed back by the door, even more careful now, if that was even possible. I could tell in his smile.
The fact that they'd be leaving ensured I didn't go to bed when I should have. That, and I still hated my room, but I wouldn't bring it up.
Before, it was ignorable how unsafe I was in my own room. I could ignore it before, but Emmett showed me just how vulnerable I was there, and that was a real eye-opener. However, conversation was dying down, and Emmett mistook my slightly tired state as boredom.
"Hey, shorty." Emmett sat next to me on the couch, "Want to watch a movie?"
"No." I practically shouted, along with three others, as I dove across his lap to yank the remote from his right hand. I threw it across the room, and Esme caught it. Hiding it behind her back. I looked up at him, narrowing my eyes a little and shaking my head as I whispered again, "No."
I was glad I wasn't the only one to react the way I did to that question.
I stayed awake as long as I could, but the longer the silence stayed, the closer I got to sleep. I fought it. Half laying and half sitting propped against the back of the couch, I fought sleep until I couldn't anymore.
I thought I was dreaming, at one point, hearing Mikah's voice so close to me.
"Sweet dreams, princess." His tone was soft, just hardly louder than a whisper, "I'll never be far." The unmistakable, soft and slow feeling of a brush of a kiss against my forehead was what I fell asleep to.
I flinched awake, though, to bright morning light. As if just waking up from a nightmare, but I couldn't remember what it had been. I breathed deeply, looking around me. I'd been taken upstairs again, back into Jasper and Alice's room to sleep.
"It's alright." I jumped at Alice's voice beside me, not having noticed her there, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up."
"No." I mumbled, "Sorry."
"I just figured you'd be more comfortable up here." She reasoned, and I nodded. Rubbing my eyes firmly, "I wish there were unused bedrooms upstairs we could move you into."
"Me too." I sighed, scooting back from where I'd sat up, "I'm pretty against my own room now."
"Don't worry." Alice smiled a little, "Once Bella and Edward are married, she'll be turned, and they'll have their own place. I'm sure Edward wouldn't mind giving you his room." My heart sank a little, frowning as I looked over at her.
The house.
"The house." I mumbled, "Their house."
"Yes." She replied, concerned now. She could clearly see how much I wanted to cry so suddenly.
"It's out in the woods." I murmured, and she stayed quiet, "Esme renovated it for them. It's real small, and.." I trailed off as she watched me intently.
"Leandra," She said as I stayed quiet, "We haven't found a house yet. We haven't even started looking."
"Out in the woods." I mumbled, "There's an old house there. That's the one Esme picks." She looked up as I did to Esme and Carlisle standing there in the doorway, "After the wedding. After.. Everything." I was getting upset now, as things began to get clearer.
I remembered what happened, further ahead of myself now than I've ever been able to before. Months ahead. Everything that happened before. Here it was, only June, and I saw December. January. The trouble. The snowy clearing, and everything before it.
Aro.
I remembered Aro. I remembered what made me so special. I remembered the deal I made with him, and my breathing, my heartbeat stopped, started twice as fast when I remembered why I made the deal I did.
I remembered the fight.
"Leandra, breathe." Alice told me quietly.
"The wedding." I started to cry, "No. It's happening again."
"What happens at the wedding, Leandra?" Carlisle asked, and I shook my head.
"No." I cried, "Not the wedding. After the wedding. It can't happen again. Please don't let it happen again."
I looked over at Carlisle's concerned gaze as Jasper and Emmett made it to the top of the stairs. Just outside the bedroom door, but it was all leaving me. Quickly. The more I panicked, the faster it faded.
A/N: Uh-oh. :D
I hoped this solved a lot of questions, but also raised a bunch. I realize almost this entire chapter is one long scene, but there was so much that needed to be said and handled, it was impossible not to continue it.
THANK YOU! To my awesome reviewers of the last chapter! Love it!
Chapter Eleven is already half finished, so it shouldn't take me very long. I apologize for this taking so long, but I'm relieved I finally got it out there for you guys. :)
As always, until Eleven, my friends. :D