Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.

Death is Only the Beginning

A/N: This story is written as a collaboration by both Xo BellaItalia oX and DeathsQueen26. We hope that you enjoy the story and look forward to reading your reviews.

Chapter 21

(Isabella's POV)

Jasper and I made our way home after we air dried. We had to take another shower, but this time he used one of the others, that way we could get downstairs and continue speaking about what we were going to do.

Since Peter called and Alice had her vision, I knew that something was going on other than Maria wanting just Jasper, myself and Tami back. With the Fire Starter with them, we will have to work on a way to take her out first, because I don't know if my shields - either of them - could keep fire out. That was something that I hadn't thought of.

Rushing through my bathing routine, I washed my hair and body then rushed down stairs after I dressed in faded jeans with a black tank top with a black bra with black lacy panties. I could hear the others talking downstairs as I made my way down. I smiled when I spotted Tami next to Alice on one of the couches.

I made my way over and was about to sit on the love seat when there was gust of wind and I was pulled down into Jasper's lap. I couldn't help, but giggle as I leaned down into his embrace. I looked around and saw that most of the mated couples had their significant others on their laps or close by. I cut my eyes to Tami and raised a brow. I could see in her eyes that Tami and Alice were working on their relationship, but she was clearly uncomfortable with showing her any affection as they sat side by side with a little bit of of space in between them. It was obvious that Tami was getting used to the idea, but that didn't mean that she would act on it. However, I could tell that it would happen in time. I could only smile as I looked at Edward.

"What are we going to be doing?" I asked breaking the silence. "Since the wolves are here protecting the town, shouldn't we go to them?"

Carlisle shook his head. "If we go to Maria then they will have the advantage. However, if we let her come to us then we will have the advantage." He looked at Jasper who nodded.

"Carlisle is right." He said tightening his grip on me. "Maria is trainin' them ta fight, which means I need ta teach y'all how to handle yerselves. I don't want any of you ta get hurt during the fighting."

"Don't worry, Jazz." Alice smiled, reaching to hold Tami's hand. "From what I can see, everything will work out, but my vision is coming in and out as if there is something that we are missing." She closed her eyes shaking her head as Tami slipped her hand back out of Alice's embrace, but threw her a small smile to reassure her that she wasn't upset with her brief display of affection.

I was struck with an idea that might just put us at an advantage. I looked at Jasper and the rest of them. "Do you think that the wolves will help?" I asked quietly as I looked at everyone. Alice's eyes widen as she searched the future.

"That's it, Bella!" Alice exclaimed. "That is the decision that needed to be made. From now on you can't count on my vision, because of the fact that the wolves from La Push block them out." Her eyes focused back on us. "I think you need to call Peter back and ask him, Jazz."

I still couldn't help the low growl that came from my chest as she smiled at him. As soon as she heard it she adverted her eyes. I ducked my head and hid it in his neck. If I could have blushed, I would have at that moment.

"Sorry, Alice." I whispered glancing at her seeing her with a grin on her face.

"Don't worry about it." Alice smiled as she leaned her head over and Tami's shoulder. "It's just your mating instinct."

Tami stiffened, but relaxed after a moment. I could see that she was still worried about what the others would say, because of her mated to another girl. I needed to take her aside and talk to her about it a little later.

I looked at the others. "Now that we know we need to get the wolves involved, what should we do?" I couldn't help but think that we needed to do something to prepare.

"I will go call Sam and tell him to meet us there." Carlisle said as he stood. "Should I ask them to bring Charlie?"

I shook my head. "No, I want to see him, but I will go there, because I don't want Bree to do something that will hurt her in the long run." I cut my eyes to her. She smiled gratefully at me. "Once we are done with training, then I will go see Charlie. I don't want him in any danger."

Everyone nodded as they looked at each other. I looked at Tanya, Kate and Irina. I couldn't help but giggle slightly at the sight of Tanya trying to get as close to Edward as she could, only for Edward to constantly scoot away with an uncomfortable look on his face. I could also see that Eleazar was still looking at me and Tami with awe filled eyes. Frowning I looked down at Jasper and nodded towards Eleazar. I didn't understand why he was so amazed.

"Remember how Eleazar has a gift for seeing gifts of others?" Jasper asked me in a tone that everyone could hear. "He might be shocked as to the fact that the two of you have such extremely rare powers." He tightened his grip on my waist. I could tell that there was something that he was worried about. I filed it away to ask him about later.

Eleazar smiled at me and Tami. "I am truly sorry if I disturbed you in anyway." He apologized. "Just as Jasper said both of your gifts are extremely rare and since we didn't get to go into detail about them earlier, I was curious about them. How long did it take you to wake up?" He looked at Tami then to me.

"From what I remember, it took me only about 17 hours." I told him honestly. "Tami?" I asked her.

"The same amount of time." She answered. "Maria was rather happy that it didn't take any longer for us to turn, because she knew we would be special. I found out that Maria had a gift for seeing the strength of one's gift. It was how she picked out her soldiers by how rare or special their gifts are. Of course, she won't know what they are until after they are turned and develop them."

Eleazar nodded. "It is a gift that is a branch off of my gift." He explained to me, Tami and Bree. "It is really hard to categorize gifts, because no one person is the same. Two people can have the same kind of gifts, but it doesn't mean that they will be the same. Like Edward and Aro, one of the Volturi Kings. Where Edward is able to hear thoughts by just being in the room with someone Aro must touch someone in order to hear their thoughts, but he can hear every thought that the person ever has had."

I nodded understanding what he was trying to say. "What do you think caused them to wake earlier?" Carlisle asked. "Most of changing is burning for 3 days, however Tami and Bella only burned for 17 hours."

Eleazar shrugged. "I do not know." He looked from Tami to me then back. "In fact, their eyes are already golden, whereas Bree's are a mixture of red and gold."

"I noticed that before, but I wonder if they were already meant to be a vampire." Carlisle offered. "Bella was supposed to meet Jasper here in high school. However, it changed when Tami was taken by Maria."

Jasper stiffened. "Tami, why did you tell Maria about Bella?" His tone was harsher than it should be. I heard Alice growl at him and I only smirked.

Tami looked at me. "Maria told me that she needed one more person to complete her newest batch of soldiers. I thought that I had been the last, because that is what the word was when I woke." She bit her lip. "As soon as I was under control and feed, she took me into the dessert, telling me that she needed to take care of something. I was shocked when I spotted Bella and I asked her what she was going to do. Maria was going to kill her, but I suggested that Bella be changed. Maria liked that idea because of her gift after she got a closer look. I saved Bella's life by asking Maria to change her." Her eyes were down and her head bowed.

Tami and I had already spoken about why I was brought into Maria's hands, but I also understood that for me seeing her stalking Tami I put myself in danger even though I had no idea. I felt compelled to keep an eye on Tami about two days before she was taken. Thus the reason I saw Maria watching Tami. Jasper relaxed under me which must mean that he understood why she did what she did. Carlisle looked at Tami and I could see the pride in his eyes.

"Tami, you did the right thing." He told her standing and walking over kneeling down in front of her. "Not only by saving Bella you saved Jasper and yourself by association. If we hadn't gone down there for rescue you and Bella, we wouldn't have found Bree and Edward wouldn't have some of his human family with him in this life." He cupped her cheek. "I am proud to have you part of this family."

I could see the venom in Tami's eyes. "Thank you." She whispered as she took Alice's hand.

I could see the shock behind the light that began to shine in Alice's eyes when Tami took her hand. I could only smile and pray that things would go our way with Maria. I hated the fact that I brought this trouble onto the family, but I also know that with Tami, Bree and the others, I will be able to stand strong, because I not only have my mate, but I still have my best friend. I was still in shock from learning that Jacob was a werewolf.

(Jasper's POV)

The family sat and chatted as we waited for Carlisle to get done speaking with Sam. I still could not believe that I had my mate and she was so wonderful. Where I had a terrible time dealing with this diet, my mate has no problem with it at all. In fact, she is just the opposite as every other vampire out there, other than Tami, of course. Bree, on the other hand, I had dealt with her before. Not her per say, but the type of newborn she was. She was fidgety and she couldn't sit still. Every time she smelled human blood, she would get black eyed and started to snarl. That was one of the many reasons why she wouldn't be starting school with us next week. It wasn't the best time to start school, but living where we were so close to humans, we couldn't risk exposure by having the law press truancy charges on Carlisle and Esme, and since Bella was found, Charlie too.

Everyone in the room quieted down as soon as Carlisle came back into the living room with a worried look on his face. I could feel the guilt that was plaguing him, but I wondered what happened. I also felt sorrow as well as remorse. I truly wondered what happened now as he walked over and sat down next to Esme. Even Edward was quiet, because his eyes were glued to Carlisle.

"Is it true, Carlisle?" Edward asked looking from him to Bella. I frowned at that.

Carlisle nodded. "It is true son." He took a deep breathe then looked at Bella. "You know Sue Clearwater and Harry Clearwater, Yes Bella?" She nodded frowning.

"I also know about their two kids, Leah and Seth." She was starting to worry. "What is it Carlisle?"

"Your father went on a hunting trip, because there were a bunch of animal attacks killing people up between Forks and Seattle, however from what the pack have seen it's a trio of nomads; one red headed female and two males, one blonde with a ponytail and one African American with a French accent and long dread locks." His eyes went soft. "While they were out, Harry turned the woman's attention away from Charlie and she hissed at him, causing him to have a heart attack."

There were gasps all around the room. "However, that isn't the worse part." Carlisle closed his eye. "It seems that both Leah and Seth have joined the pack now, as well. Harry's death caused them both to phase, which means that there are three new pack members; Seth, Leah and Quil."

"A female shifter?" Emmett asked surprised. "Whoa… bad ass."

Confusion poured from Bella as she looked up at me and I turned to look down at her as I explained. "We have never come across a female Quileute shifter before. So, it's surprising to learn that one has changed. We were expecting Seth, because of who their father is…was… but never knew that it was possible for Leah to change as well."

"Are Leah and Seth ok?" Bella turned to ask Carlisle in a hush tone. "I was never close with them, but I still feel guilty for bring this on you all. If I hadn't been taken from Arizona, then none of this would be happening." I could feel herself loathing, worthlessness, guilt and worry all mixed together. I could also feel her love for the family and that out shined all her other emotions.

"You would have been a part of our lives one way or another." Alice told her. "I have seen you as one of us for about 10 years."

Bella's eyes widened. "10 years!" Alice nodded. "Wow, that is a long time." She shook her head. "So, when are we going to meet with the pack?" She looked at Carlisle.

"In a little over an hour." He told her from his spot next to Esme. "They need to help Leah and Seth with their anger and it takes time. Sam told me that both of them will be there, that way they can get our scents in case they run across us when we are hunting and get their first glimpses of a vampire."

"That seems like the right thing ta do." I nodded. "If they have new members, then we also need ta meet them. Especially if there is a fight comin' and we are gonna be fightin' with 'em."

"That is what I said to Sam. He believed that it was a good idea." Carlisle looked at Edward. "We will defiantly need you there, son, because you can translate for us. Jasper, as well, because of the temperaments of the new shifters."

Edward nodded. "Of course, Carlisle." He smiled as he squeezed Bree's shoulder while I nodded, as well. "Is there anything else that we need to speak about? I believe that Bree, Tami and Bella need to feed before we go meet with the wolves."

Bella straightened as I felt all three of the girl's blood lust sky rocket.

'Newborns' I sighed as I swallowed the venom that came with my own increase of blood lust due to theirs. Edward chuckled while Bree hit him in the arm. Tami shook her head while Bella became embarrassed. I stood with Bella in my arms and let her on her feet. "I'm gonna take Bella while Alice and Edward take Bree and Tami. We can meet up in the clearing next to the treaty line."

Carlisle nodded. "That's fine, son. Just be careful." I could tell that he was worried about me, but with my mate I would be fine. I was not the newest member to the animal diet any longer but I knew how hard it was to switch.

I took Bella's hand and we ran down the stairs then ran out the back door. Bella dropped my hand as she darted through the trees. I could only smirk as I followed after her. She was getting faster by the day of course she still couldn't out run myself or Edward. I let Edward think that he was the fast in the family but I really was the fastest and strongest, but I let Emmett take that title.

(~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~)

Author Note - So, what did everyone think?! Any ideas about what will happen when they meet at the treaty line to talk with the wolves? How will Seth, Leah and Quil react to seeing and smelling their first vampires? Victoria, James and Laurent are also being introduced into the story… any idea what part that they will play? What about when the Cullen's start school? Review!

~*Dragon*~