Chapter 21: Incoming

Bella POV

After the chaos of Jared's new Hummer died down, Seth declared it was time for snacks, so we all went inside. Dad wanted to personally congratulate us all, and confirm the wedding plans for Saturday, before heading back to the station for the night shift. He told us he invited a few people from his work, so he needed the details to pass along.

Alice informed him of all he needed to know. When he thanked her, he told her they could use detailed and efficient workers down at the station, like her. She beamed at him, but apologized, telling him that her heart was in fashion and party planning instead. He chuckled and told her she'd be perfect, no matter what she chose. Dad really had a soft spot for Alice.

Dad stayed for a couple of hours, just hanging out, and getting to know everyone. Believing us all to be young adults about to graduate, he'd pretty much offered almost everyone a job before he left. To Charlie, Jasper and Emmett seemed the most likely to take him up on the offer, but after they'd made their excuses, it was Rosalie that shocked him, and the rest of us, by accepting.

Rosalie told him that she had already completed all her school credits, except for her volunteer hours. She explained that those were to be completed before the end of the school year, and at her discretion. She had approval from the school to do so, during regular school hours. Rose promised to meet him at the station on Monday morning, to fill out an application, and wanted to attend deputy boot camp offered by the station. After his shock wore off, he smiled happily at her eagerness.

After Charlie left, taking Sue with him, so she could get her car from house, Rose told us the reason behind her decision. She wanted a legitimate reason to be at the station, to guard Charlie, in case anything came his way. Her offer touched me deeply, making me hug her tightly, thanking her. Even Jared expressed his gratitude, for her offer. The rest of the night was spent discussing our plans Christmas Eve. Arrangements, were also made, for all the vampires that the Cullens had amassed to come to our aid.

Every one of the Cullens, reached out, to as many of the friends that they made over the years. Luckily, many of them agreed to come. Within days, foreign covens and nomadic vampires, from all over, would be arriving in Forks. The wolves in our company became nervous about that, because, the majority weren't vegetarian vampires. Carlisle assured everyone, that the town's people would be protected, and he made sure that each of the invited vampires accepted the terms, laid out to them by the Cullens. They did that, because they all chose to stand beside the Cullens, against the Volturi.

Just as I was thinking of heading to bed, Edward announced there was a car approaching the house. He said that from the minds he read, it was the Denali Coven. Great – I thought bitter sweetly. I knew they were coming to help, but I had already heard about Tanya wanting my Edward, for herself. I hoped she was ugly, but knowing what I did of vampires, I was sure she would be a knockout. Double Great – I mentally grumbled. I had to keep a mature and level head, especially around the enemy vampslut - I giggled to myself. Edward turned a questioning look my way, but since we weren't touching, he couldn't hear my thoughts. I just shook my head at him with a small smile, which got wider when he gave me his adorable pout.

Jared and his pack remained in their seats, while the Cullens went to greet the Denali Coven on the Porch. Except Edward and Rose, who stayed behind. I stood up beside Edward, and Rose came to stand by me. I wasn't entirely sure why, but I took it as a sign of solidarity or protection. Either way, I was grateful. I reached for Rose's hand, surprising her, which I didn't think was possible to do to a vampire. I giggled softly, squeezing it and murmured my thanks. She smiled beautifully and shot me a wink, then we turned to welcome the entering Coven.

An exotically beautiful couple, entered with Esme and Carlisle behind them, while chatting amicably. I figured they were the patriarch and matriarch, Eleazar and Carmen Denali. After them, Alice walking in while chatting happily, with the impressively blonde bombshell sisters. Life is so unfair – I sulked silently, but plastering on a smile. I couldn't be sure which was which, and while they were beautiful, I didn't see how any of them held a candle to Rosalie.

Edward, having heard my thoughts, to whisper in my ear "Poor men's Bella, each of them." Then he kissed my temple, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by any of the newcomers.

"So, Edward, this must be the Bella I've heard so much about." Carmen said jovially, as she walked in our direction. She was walking slower than I knew vampires could move, and I noticed Edward nod at her. It dawned on me, that she was being respectful of him. I can do this – I told myself up and released Edward and Rose's hands.

I held my head high and walked to Carmen, instead of waiting for her to finish her approach. I gave her my hand, and moved in for a one-armed hug, as I greeted her. "Yes, I'm Bella, and you must be Carmen. I'm very pleased to meet you." I said smiling confidently.

"Es un Tesoro!" She exclaimed happily, in Spanish after she'd accepted my hug, then translated for the English speakers. "She is a treasure, Edward. I can see how she has stolen your heart. Bella, this is my husband, Eleazar." She guided me towards him, still with my hand in hers.

"Hello Eleazar. It's nice to meet you as well." I said to him, studying his features and extending my hand, to shake his. He might not have been an exceptionally handsome man before his change, but certainly wasn't ugly by any means. I noticed he was studying me as well, for a moment, but I wasn't sure why.

"Bella, it's lovely to make your acquaintance." He shook my hand softly and spoke with a bit of an accent, that reminded me of the Spanish accent I often heard, while I living in Phoenix. That brought a smile to my face, but it changed to confusion, when he spoke again.

"You, lovely Bella, are gifted… even as a human. I suspect that will increase significantly, if you're ever changed." He said completely casually and sure of himself.

Huh? – I questioned, entirely too confused. How would he know that, and what gift could I possibly possess? – wondered to myself. I must have spoken out loud, because Edward came to stand beside me and took my hand, then answered me.

"Of course, Eleazar. Bella, his gift is to know and identify gifted vampire abilities. He has detected that you are a Shield. They are rare, and I've only ever met one. Even then, they haven't been as powerful as you, never the less as a human. How had I not thought of that?" Edward was saying.

I was still stuck on that fact that I seemed to have an ability at all. What would that mean for me or my children? Hadn't I heard somewhere, that Aro liked to collect gifted vampires? Would he want to take me now? What about the rest of the Cullens? – I wondered, becoming alarmed at the ideas swimming in my head.

"Bella, you might be on to something, regarding Aro!" Edward suddenly exclaimed, breaking me out of my thoughts.

He was wearing an astonished but grave look on his face. I questioned what he meant, as did Carlisle and Eleazar. Edward told us what I'd thought about. Then, Eleazar told us that in the time he'd worked for the Volturi, that had been Aro's way. He would find a particularly, gifted vampire he wanted, he would offer them a place in his guard. If they refused him, it wasn't long before that vampire or their coven was accused of a crime. More often, than not, Aro would pardon the gifted vampire. But, not before he destroyed everything they held dear. Then, he'd flip their allegiance to himself, with the influence of one of his gifted vampires.

"Then, the Cullens must be like a buffet for him… But, not until I came along." I said to everyone and realized the truth in my words, making me feel guilty. "If I hadn't come along…." I started to say, but was cut off by Rose.

"Then, he would have found another way." Rose said confidently and trying to calm me.

"She's right, Bella. That has always been Aro's way. I know this, all too well. He used me for decades, to identify gifted vampires for him. I couldn't even hide to truth to protect anyone, because he's touch me, and learn the truth for himself." Eleazar confirmed, bitterly, then softened his tone and said, "Do not feel guilty child, for I'm positive Aro's had this planned, long before you were born. He's only using this time, using you, to execute his plan."

I nodded accepting his words, but still felt rotten, about everything. That only escalated, when one of the blondes, walked towards Edward and me.

"Enough with the all that, for now. We still haven't all said hello." She said, grabbing Edward by the forearm, of the hand I was holding, causing him to let me go. Then, she pulled him into a hug, which he did not return. Good boy – I praised him mentally, but couldn't keep the bitterness from spilling into my thoughts.

Tanya – I realized. Not today, vampslut – I told myself, making a move to detach her from him.

"Tanya, I presume." I said harshly, while keeping a fake smile on my face and stepping between them.

My action caused her to release him, just as I'd wanted, and she took a step back. She regarded me standing before her, blocking her from Edward. She seemed stunned that little old me, would stand up to her, Still, she masked her shock and quickly, and smiled back at me. I was sure her smile was anything but genuine. She made no move to shake my hand, and I kept my hands on my hips as well. Edward's hands came to rest on my hands, as he held me from behind.

"Yes, Bella. How nice, to meet you." She said falsely.

I've got your number vampslut – I thought, while still smiling up at her. Edward heard my mind, because he coughed a chuckle.

"Charmed, I'm sure." I responded just as falsely, barely disguising my disdain.

I didn't know where my boldness was coming from, but I just attributed it to having Edward literally at my back. It was comforting to know he never returned her feelings. It didn't hurt, that I also had an entire vampire coven, not to mention a shifting-wolf brother and his pack on side. Nothing else was said between us, and for the few seconds our standoff lasted, no one else spoke. That was remedied by Emmett, of course.

"Is there gonna be a chick fight? Cause, I can bring the body oil for you gals, if you wanna get into it." He said jokingly, but I had to wonder if he was serious.

I chuckled at him anyway, and took that as my chance to turn towards the other two blonde vampires, I had yet to meet. As I walked over to them, I heard Rose tell Tanya a quick hello, then quickly caught up to me. She made it seem like she was going to introduce me to them, but I knew the truth. She was being a protective sister to me, and I loved her even more for it.

After she'd greeted them and introduced me to Kate and Irina, I realized two things. Kate seemed genuinely happy for Edward and myself, while Irina appeared to be put off by me. At first, I thought she might be taking Tanya's side, but then I noticed she was shooting dark glances, towards my brother and his pack, and I figured she might be wary of them.

I took that moment to introduce my brother as the Pack's Alpha and newest Quileute Chief. Then, I introduced Leah as his wife, and then Jake and Seth as well. Everyone murmured their greetings, but no one moved from where they were. I knew, as did everyone else, that it was decades upon decades of distrust, and not rudeness per say. So, we all just accepted their cordial hellos. All, except Irina, whom had more to say.

"I know you wolves killed Laurent. Victoria sent me a message, before she'd left to Volterra. I presume she wanted me to avenge his death against you. I will admit that I thought about it, because even if he was not my mate, I had come to care for him. I felt he was on a good path; that we were on a good path." She spoke assuredly, but I could see the sadness in her eyes.

"I realize the truth now. His actions against Bella and the town, speak for themselves. It's obvious, that his loyalty remained with Victoria. That said, I do not feel comfortable with the shifters, at all. All I will say is, if they star clear from me, you will not have any problems from me." Irina finished.

I looked to see my brother nod at her words, as did the others. I felt that must have been harder for her to get out than it appeared, so I held out my hand to hers. She looked at my hand uncertainly for a moment, before extending hers to me. I held her hand and thanked her, for putting her feelings aside and staying loyal to my family. My gesture must have thawed her, because she smiled the first genuine smile at me.

"Alright, everyone. Pleasantries can resume tomorrow, during Christmas Eve dinner. Some of our guests, need sleep and the others will need to make living arrangements for the night. We also got preparations to finalize for our newcomers over the next couple of days." Esme said energetically.

At her words, everyone seemed to disperse. Jared hugged me goodnight, as did Leah, Jake and Seth, before heading to the basement. Two of the rooms down there, aside from the game room and the wine cellar, had become their bedrooms. Just as I heard Alice begin room assignments, I was suddenly whisked away by my handsome and very sexy vampire.

"You're so fucking sexy." Edward said into the kiss he'd pleasantly surprised me with, the second he'd slammed his bedroom door shut.

I wasn't sure what he was referring to, but I wasn't about to question him either. I was busy responding to his kiss. His hands were roaming all over my body, while he'd leaned me up against the wall.

"Bella, you're always incredibly sexy to me… but I was referring to your assertiveness downstairs, against the vampslut." He answered me between kisses with a chuckle.

His words made me chuckle, but it quickly turned into a moan, as he continued his ministrations. He took control of our movements and I surrendered gladly, knowing the ecstasy that awaited me. And, for the first time, caring very little that anyone could hear us. Let her hear – I thought for a moment.

"Mine!" I growled out as I was rapidly approaching my peak.

"Yours, only yours." He agreed, never ceasing his motions.