Chapter Twenty-One: More Surprises
Jace and Leah were gone for what seemed like days but only spanned three quarters of one. When they came back they were bombarded with questions. "Where were you? Why did you leave? Why did you have your brother and grandmother run interference? I want answers young man. And you are supposed to be my second in command, what were you thinking?" Jacob rambled off at both of them as he struggled not to use his Alpha commands.
"I'd be more than happy to answer all your questions if you only stopped asking them for one moment so that I can answer." Jace replied somewhat smugly.
"Was he like this when Jaxon imprinted?" Leah asked to Jace.
"Yes, he actually used his Alpha command but mom stepped in to calm him down." Jace replied.
"Well he needs more practice, think what he will do if Ranaan imprints." Leah countered. "Ssh, she's still growing dad can't take that much pressure right now." Jace pleaded with Leah.
"First of all, thanks grams for the shield on Jaxon and thanks bro for boosting gram's shield." Jace announced.
"As I'm sure you are all aware, our powers are ten times greater when we are together but when we are apart they are definitely strong. As for where we were, Leah felt extremely nauseous once the imprint took hold. I'm not sure if it's because she is a female wolf or that we both imprinted on each other but it definitely affected her and me as well. I felt her pain and wanted to get her as far away so that she only had to focus on herself and me. There was too much her in the house and she was hurting so much that she thought she was dying from the inside out." He said as he took a moment to gather his next thoughts.
"We backtracked to the res and got a tent from Grandpa Billy and went off to the mountains. When Leah decided she couldn't go further I made a campsite so she could rest. But as she was about to lay down in the tent that's when it happened." He said. "What darling, what happened?" Said Esme looking as caring and hopeful as ever. "She was bleeding, a lot… I thought she was going to die in front of me. I couldn't think, I started to panic and I phased and was about to call for dad or Seth when she finally realized what had happened." Jace said. "It was my cycle, the imprint must have kicked it back on or something." Leah interrupted. "It's like the past few years it had been put on hold until she met and imprinted with me." Jace continued.
"Why were you gone so long? You should have come back, we could have tried to help you." Jacob said in a much softer tone.
"I know you have sisters but please, what were you going to do for me? Buy me five packs of midol to help me get through the pain?" Leah answered sarcastically.
"I get it, I get it. I'm being the overbearing father, alpha, chief…" Jacob replied. "But you could give me the benefit of the doubt here, I've only been a father for just one month."
"It took that long to run its course, more than five years of not having it can take quite a toll on a person." Leah said.
"We're back, we're fine, and we're ready for anything." Jace said as he hugged Leah tightly.
"Not to be a party pooper or anything but would my wonderful brothers mind breaking their link with Gram's shield so I can feel normal again?" Ranaan said from the piano bench as she slowly stroked the keys.
"Oops, sorry we forgot!" The boys said in unison. "That better?"
"Much better, by the way Grandpa Charlie and Sue will be here in ten minutes. They just left reservation, and Grandpa Billy's with them." Ranaan said.
"I'm going to have to talk to dad about his unexpected visits. But I guess it is important to let Sue know that you both imprinted. She'll be so happy for you." I said to the group.
"Grams, who's Renee?" Ranaan asked.
"Where did you hear that name, princess?" Jacob asked.
"Grandpa was talking to Grandpa Billy and Sue as they left the res that he wasn't sure how to tell you that she's coming here. That's why they're on the way here to tell you in person." Ranaan explained. "So who is she? Vampire? Wolf? What?"
"She would be your great grandmother. She's my mom and I have no clue what to tell her when she comes. Edward, you're the better liar, what on earth are we going to tell her." I said half stuttering.
"The truth, either she thinks we're all putting her on or she accepts it like your father did." Edward said.
"Somehow I don't think it will be that easy."
As dad and Sue and Billy pulled up the driveway, we all came out to meet them. Charlie quickly scooped up Ranaan into a big bear hug that felt like a butterfly pat to her. She in turned held back about ninety-five percent of her strength as not to hurt him. Sue was extremely glad to see both of her children here and they welcomed her with a group hug and quickly pulled Jace in for the squeeze. Billy as ever looked tired and I was sure he would hand off the chief title to Jacob soon. As we walked back in the door to the living room we explained that thanks to Ranaan we already knew why they had come. As dad told us that she would be here in about three days, at least we were thankful that Ranaan would have stopped growing by then. Of course when we mentioned the growing part dad had to comment on how it seemed like he was watching Nessie all over again.
"What are you going to tell your mom Bells?" Charlie asked.
"Edward thinks it should be the truth, I'm not sure she can take it like you did." I replied. "But enough with the scary stuff, let's talk about something more interesting." I announced. "Who wants to be the one…?"
"Mom, Charlie, Billy Jace and I have imprinted on each other!" Leah blurted.
"Sweetheart, that's wonderful. See I told you there was a purpose in life for everything that happens to us and around us." Sue said. "You're not angry with me?" Leah whispered.
Why would I be angry, you obviously love each other for the imprint to touch you both. I couldn't be more pleased." Sue replied. "I thought you might disapprove considering he's part vampire." Leah replied. "Have you forgotten that I married the father of a vampire?" Sue replied as she hugged her daughter again.
As they hugged, Ness sensing that she didn't want to tell about the rest of the situation with both Charlie and Billy in the room decided to intervine. She walked over to the two of them and first touching Leah she asked permission and with a quick nod put a hand on Sue's cheek and filled in the blanks from daughter to mother. "Really? Oh how wonderful!" Was all Sue said before hugging them both.
Charlie quietly leaned over to Billy and said, 'I know that look, I'll explain later during the game tonight I have a feeling that Sue and Leah will be doing something girlie for the rest of the day'.
Like Charlie had predicted, Leah and Sue had a girl's night out. Seth decided to tag along with the twins on one of their hunting adventures and Ranaan drug one of her new 'sister-in-laws' on an Alice fueled shopping trip. I actually felt sorry for Tanya, I wondered how many of those she was forced to do in the past with Alice. Jacob was ecstatic that he had actual alone time with Ness and didn't even bother to say goodbye as they ducked out in the flurry of departing supernatural beings. All of which left me with my thoughts about how to explain everything to my mother in just three short days.
"Stop worrying, I think she'll be alright with it." Edward said wrapping his arms around me and kissing the side of my neck.
"Okay so I tell her the truth and what if she does understand and accept it? She's going to be angry that she missed out on Ness growing up, not to mention her children. She's going to hate me or blame me or…" But I couldn't finish that sentence because Edward was already kissing me fiercely.
"Let's go home and if you want I'll let you worry some more." Edward said with a smug smile on his face. "What would I have to worry about?" I said as I darted out the door and threw up my shield.
"You know I'll beat you there, even with your shield on I can still smell your absolutely delicious scent my love!" Edward shouted to the open night. "And who says I'm going home, if you can smell me come find me!" I teased as I darted along the treeline.
We spent a few minutes playing cat and mouse and I was sure that Edward was holding back so I decided to up the ante, so to speak. I circled back and retraced a few of my paths until I found the perfect tree to climb in an attempt to ambush him. As I made a few more circles and made sure to leave my scent on many of the surrounding trees and bushes I then made one last large circle outward before turning to gain enough speed to make the jump. I took a flying leap and was able to jump about 25 feet up the tree before grabbing hold to settle in on a larger branch. There I sat and watched Edward darting in and out of the immediate area before he took a moment to stop and just listen to the forest around him. He stopped just ten feet away from my tree and tried furiously to hear my thoughts even though he knew I shut them off. As he gave up trying to hear me he finally called out to say that I had won and he was giving up. Silently I sat for a bit longer until he called out again to tell me that I won. I wanted so badly to laugh but it would give up my position and advantage. When he called out the third his voice sounded strained and I knew that I had to let him know I was alright. So I jumped down from the tree and snaked my arms under his from behind and said, 'I win' as I kissed the back of his neck. "You had me worried Bella, promise you won't do that again. I felt like I was useless like when you were human and in Port Angeles and I nearly didn't find you in time." Edward said in a pleading manner. "Sorry won't promise that, you had a chance at that promise when I was human but not anymore." I said as I kissed his cheek. With a low growl Edward said, 'Fine, tag you're it' and darted off in the direction of our house.
This time I wasn't going to let him win so I pondered for a moment on how dissuade him and then it hit me. My thoughts of course, I can use them against him. So I ran off in a parallel direction to him and could still smell his scent nearby, when I felt like I was positioned in the right spot I lifted my shield and quickly took my shoes off and set them at the trunk of a nearby tree. With my shield back on I darted back in the previous direction to my first tree lifted the shield again and took off my pants. I felt his pursuit so I knew I had to move fast. I now ran as fast as possible towards the house with my shield blocking my thoughts. I heard him yell out from the area where I left my pants and as I giggled I lifted my shield and tore off my shirt making sure that I was looking at my chest when I did it. Again I felt his pursuit and as I crossed the stream in front of the house I took off my underwear and dropped them at the front path. I lifted my shield and took off my bra as I walked in the door and told him I'd be waiting in the bedroom for whenever he managed to find his way back home.
As he strolled into the bedroom with a frustrated look on his face I watched him drop my clothes neatly on the chair by the door. "Not fair, not fair at all," he said as he undressed and walked to my side at the bed. "You've had a century of practice time and learning over me, I have to find advantages somewhere." I said trying to use my sweet and innocent voice. That was the last bit of politeness that went on in the bedroom that afternoon.
"I don't even want to know how bad the damage is just get me a new four poster bed." I said. "Well at least the walls didn't receive too much damage. I wish I could say the same for the chair by the door." Edward replied. "Oh that reminds me I have to go find my shoe that went through the window when you flung the chair out of the way." I said. "Yes I'm quite surprised that I didn't damage the wall when I slammed you against it." Edward agreed. "Are you sure I didn't hurt you?"
"When are you going to remember that I'm no longer human? I didn't even notice it." I said as I waded through the debris that was my beautiful bed to go to the closet.
"Where are you going? We haven't shredded the mattress yet, want to go for round two." Edward asked with seductively sly smile on his face.
"I want to go check on Charlie and Billy. Sue went out with Leah so they are probably eating junk food." I said. "I'll be at the house with Jaz and Emmett." He replied.
"That reminds me I owe Emmett some shielding, tell him I'll be there soon to assist." I replied as I jumped through the broken window to fetch my shoe. "Dang, Alice is going to be mad she just bought these last week for me."
When I got to Charlie's I could hear them yelling at the television before I even got out of the car. I guess that means it's a good game. As I walked through the door both men tried to hide their shock at not being able to hear me come in. "Bells, I didn't know you were coming over!" Dad said as he tried to keep his breathing regular to slow down his heart rate. "Just thought I'd check to make sure you were eating something other than chips and salsa. Which you have already devoured half of." I replied. "You don't need to worry about us, I'm sure there is something in the fridge we can heat up." Billy said. "Apparently you forgot about the lasagna Sue made last night, give me a moment to heat it up and I'm sure she has some sourdough bread to go along with it. Don't worry about me I can find my way around the kitchen." I said as I walked into the kitchen knowing they had already gone back to the game.
As I cooked I made sure that I didn't touch too many surfaces and would make sure I cleaned as much as possible after they had eaten. I know Seth didn't mind the vampire scent but Leah was still Leah, even if she had imprinted on a vampire/wolf hybrid. They spent just as much time hear looking after Sue and Charlie as they did at the reservation.
When I had served them a good meal and had cleaned up afterwards I left a note for Sue letting her know that I had washed the dishes and sprayed down all the surfaces. I wasn't sure if she could smell our scent even though she wasn't a shape-shifter, after all she is Quileute and she does carry the genes. As I walked out to the living room, Billy and dad were arguing about a new game this time and were trying to decide which of the players was on some sort of performance enhancing drug. I laughed to myself thinking I could snap them all like a twig without any effort.
"Dad, I'm gonna leave now. I don't want to bug your guy time. See ya later okay?" I said looking in his general direction. "I'll see you in three days when your mom gets here, by the way did I tell you she wants it to be a surprise so pretend like I didn't tell you okay." He replied as I blew kisses and made a promise.
As I ran back to the house I thought how wonderful my life was even with the impending explanations that I would have to give mom. When I walked into the living room Jasper was using his ability to agitate Emmett hoping that he would attack Edward and catch him off guard. When they realized I was here Emmett's smile grew and as Edward swooped in to hug and kiss me I gave a slight nod and returned his smile. As Edward turned to go back to taunting Emmett with his lightning quick moves my shield was already blocking Emmett's thoughts and he pounced on Edward slamming him to the floor. I quickly stepped out of the way and sat down on the couch and pretended to watch what was on TV. They wrestled for a few more minutes before a small sound of someone clearing their throat meant that Esme disapproved of the display and the slight dent in the floor. "Bella at least coax Edward outside before you give your shield to Emmett. I'm a bit tired of fixing dented floors and walls from the two of them." Esme said as she kissed my head and sat beside me. "Sorry Esme, by the way I'll need your help buying a new bed, chair and repairing the window in my room." I whispered. "You must have really had Edward frustrated if he did that much damage." Esme said as she nudged me and winked. "That I did, that I did." I replied with a smug and satisfied smile.
The next two days passed without any surprises to add to my worry. Renesmee had stopped her growth and was of course as beautiful as ever. Ranaan now looked as if she were about seventeen or eighteen years old. She was just as beautiful as Renesmee and I hoped that she would find someone just as special for her as her brothers did. The boys when they were nearby were never far from Leah or Tanya. The morning was perfect and warm all except the clear skies that let the sun shine on us. Mom would be here around two and the skies didn't have a cloud in the sky. I lifted my shield to ask Edward whether he thought it wise to stand out front in the sun or if we should just let her sit down on the couch in case she faints. I heard him laugh out loud from the other room and within an instant he was pouring on the kisses that made my butterflies vanish.
"It will be just fine grams, I love her already!" Ranaan said walking into the hall to meet us at the front door. She definitely takes after Alice, I thought to Edward and he smiled and nodded.
"Have I ever told you how much you remind me of your Aunt Alice?" I said to Ranaan. "Technically no but I did see this conversation about three hours ago." She replied.
"You are definitely going to have a blast on all your trips with Alice and Jasper." I said as I kissed her forehead.
"Oh I know, I had an interesting vision about those as well. We go everywhere and see so many places. I can't wait to tell you about my visit to the jungle, oh and Cairo…" Ranaan babbled on in a very Alice type of way.
"Just make sure that Esme gets plenty of time to spoil you before Alice takes you away. And maybe we'll take one of those trips with you if Alice doesn't mind." I said.
"Oh I know you will and Aunt Alice won't mind. Love you grams, love you papa E. I'm gonna go find Uncle J and tell him the good news about our trips." She said as she froze in her place and her eyes glazed over like she was in a trance. A vision it had to be, I sent a thought to Edward who was leaning against the door frame and staring into the forest. Immediately he turned his attention to Ranaan and started searching for her thoughts. "She's using her shield, I think it's instinctive for her to close up when a vision hits." Edward confirmed.
"Ranaan darling, can you hear me? What did you see?" I asked.
She finally started to blink and looked me directly in the eyes and asked 'who is Nahuel?'.
"Was your vision of him?" I asked. "No it was of you and papa E, but you said hello Nahuel, it's good to see you again." She replied.
"When do I greet him? Will it be soon?" I asked still avoiding the explanation of who he was.
"Soon." Was her only response. I looked at Edward for a clue and he said 'we wearing these clothes and by the height of the sun in the sky I would say about noon'.
"Oh my lord, and with my mom coming soon afterwards…" I babbled feeling my butterflies come back.
"There's a vampire nearby." Leah said somewhat suddenly.
"Leah dear could you be more specific, there are a lot of vampires here and nearby." Jace said.
"Can't you feel it, I know the presence of everyone here and this is different. I can't be the only one to know this." She replied.
"Mom, where's Grandpa E, Leah says a new vampire is near." Jace shouted to Ness. "He's out back with your uncles." Ness answered.
Leah stood and sniffed the air and grabbed Jace's arm. "There are two vampires coming. No, make that one female vampire and one hybrid." She said looking in Nessie's direction. "A male hybrid."
"It must be Nahuel, Ranaan had a vision that he would be stopping by." I said. "Stopping by, mom he lives in the Amazon. He's not just stopping by." Nessie countered.