Damn you, ever-nagging plot bunnies … I just can't get this one out of my head. I am focusing on one story, but I wanted to get a foundation on this new one. So, here we go … This will be similar to Buying Love, Friends with Benefits, Mafia Princess and The One That Got Away, with shorter chapters and weekly updates: Sundays with teasers on Thursday.
Up next will be time in court and a possible confrontation with Edward and his adoptive parents. We're also going to address the whole mating/bonding thing, along with Edward and Bella's ceremony to tie them together. You would consider it a wedding, but I need a name for it other than a wedding or mating ceremony.
Chapter Twenty-One
EPOV
Upon our return to Seattle, I figured out my schedule for the legal aid office. I would maintain my 'promotion,' but it would require me to be more hands-on with my clients. And by hands-on, it would be my training and fine-tuning my magical abilities. Each day, I got stronger, more confident with my abilities. Peter was a patient teacher, helping me maintain my animal form for longer periods of time. He also helped me with my preternatural grace as a fae and my fighting skills. Garrett would come up from Portland and working collaboratively with Emmett and Peter, we'd spar and improve my abilities in battle. In regard to my magical abilities, my freezing and the like, that was mainly done on my own. We had yet to find someone with a similar power to help guide me.
It was trial and error.
Mainly errors, at this point.
Bella was also working with Kate, Rosalie and shockingly enough, my sister. Carmen also assisted with Bella's training, focusing her assistance on Bella's recitation of spells, incantations, charms and prayers. Having those at easy access would be beneficial. She could call upon her magic, enhancing whatever she was calling upon with her magic. The coolest thing was an incarnation of a phoenix. It was fast, hot and deadly. The damn thing destroyed half of the forest behind the castle. Marcus called upon his powers, ancient earth magic, healed the scorched earth and it was restored back to its verdant splendor.
She was trying to increase her powers to create a thunder bird, or even better, a dragon. However, the incantation was only as strong as the person saying it. Bella had to grow her powers to get a bigger and more powerful beast.
"Edward should know these incantations, too," Bella argued with Carmen, as she sipped some water. The summoning of these beasts drained her and made her thirsty.
"Keep in mind, he's a shapeshifter. He could, in theory, become what you're requesting," Carmen said.
"I thought I could only shift into actual animals," I said. "Like eagles, mountain lions and shit like that."
"The animal is a reflection of its owner. From everyone that I've spoken to, you are the strongest fae, with great power, coursing through your veins, Edward," Carmen said. "Right, Peter?"
"She is right. You are limited by the amount of power. The more power, the greater the animal," Peter explained. "But, you are …" He looked at me, with an appraising eye. "You're stronger than your father ever was."
"I don't feel like it," I shrugged, idly making a flurry with my hands, watching as the snow fell onto the ground.
"What was it that you wanted Edward to try?" Carmen asked. "The incantation?"
"To summon an ice dragon," Bella replied. "I can't do it because my main power is related to fire, but with his freezing abilities …" I walked over to Bella, looking at the book with the spell. It was written in the fae language. The words were garbled and I wrinkled my nose. I blinked at the picture and looked at it, studied it. "Try the incantation."
I mumbled the words, probably mispronouncing everything, but nothing happened. "I'm not that strong. There was nothing. Not even a kernel of power."
"Using the picture and your imagination, try to shapeshift," Peter said. "You may not need the incantation. You will become the ice dragon."
"Will our magical 'block' hide me if I become a dragon?" I asked. Carmen nodded. "I don't know if this is going to work."
"No harm in trying," Bella said, showing me the picture.
I blew out a breath and closed my eyes. Deep, from within my core of my body and allowed the power slowly release and I felt my body change from human to fae. I reopened my eyes and I called upon the cool air surrounding me. A larger power surge grew from within me. I closed my eyes again, pushing it through my veins. With a snarl, I fell forward, my hands were no longer hands but wicked looking claws, covered in deep blue scales. I pushed the power further through me with each heartbeat. It was taking longer to transform. I felt my body get bigger, deadlier and inhuman, totally supernatural. With a roar, I completed my metamorphosis. I was easily the size of a Mack truck with wicked talons and wings that were the size of a jet's.
Peter had changed and was a falcon, perched on a tree across from me. Edward, can you hear me?
Yes, I panted. It takes a lot of power and concentration to maintain this form.
But you did it, Peter said, pride filling his voice. Do you think you can fly?
Won't I be seen?
No. Carmen and Bella are reciting an incantation to make you invisible to humans. Spread your wings … fly!
I did as he asked and sat back on my haunches. Spreading my wings, I leapt from the ground and was shocked at how nimble and fast I was in this form. I pushed myself higher, above the clouds and roared with glee. I flipped, rolled and danced among the clouds. However, after a few moments, my body stuttered. I was getting lethargic and I was starting to fall. Edward, you're changing back to your fae form. Can you fly?
I … don't … I choked out, moaning as my body reverted back to my fae body. I was in a free fall, exhausted and sore as hell. I tried to spread my membranous wings, but they would not cooperate. "Peter …" I whispered.
Edward, you have to spread your wings. You may be immortal, but you can be injured if you crash to the ground. Open your wings. I know it hurts. I know you're sore. DO IT! Peter screamed mentally. With a yell of frustration, I spread my own wings and leveled off. The wind pressing against them was sensitive and made me scream in agony. Bank left. Lower your left shoulder.
I did as he asked, seeing a large meadow. I whimpered as I made my way for it, landing and ducking into a roll as every bone in my body screamed. Peter shapeshifted, landing softly next to me. I was shivering, freezing cold and delirious. "It's okay, Edward," he whispered. "I'll get you home."
"W-W-W-What h-h-h-h-h-happened?" I asked through my chattering teeth.
"You are strong enough to do that, but we need to build up your endurance," he replied, brushing back my hair. "Can you move?"
"H-H-H-Hurts," I shuddered. "Why?
"Why what?" Peter asked, helping me sit up and having me lean against him. I relished in his warmth and panted heavily. "I think I can guess. It's my fault, my lord. I shouldn't have pushed you to try and fly. Though, I'm impressed you held your form as long as you did."
"S-S-S-S-So c-c-c-c-c-cold," I hissed.
"That was the most power you've ever used," Peter explained, wrapping his arms around me. There was a rustle in the trees and Peter stood up, guarding me. I tried to move, but whimpered. However, I readied my hand, in case I needed to zap them with my power. If I could summon enough power, but I was fearful that I wouldn't even be able to …
"Emmett," Peter breathed.
"Garrett's with me, too. He's parking the car," Emmett answered. He was still in his human form. "Damn, Edward. You look like shit."
"Thanks," I deadpanned. Emmett rolled his shoulders, growing and becoming fae. He ran over to me and with Peter's help, got me to my feet. I trembled and was sucking the warmth from both of them.
"I think I'm getting frost bite from Jack Frost here," Emmett quipped.
"More than likely," Peter said. "His body temp is way below normal."
"He's right here," I stammered, my teeth still clattering.
"We need to move quickly," Garrett said. "I scented some wolves and dark elves nearby." I drew on all my strength, removing my arms from Peter and Emmett. I was wobbly but able to stand on my own. "Come on." We took off, running through the trees and arriving at a large SUV. "My lord, can you return to your human form?" I blew out a breath, returning to my human appearance. I was still shivering, weak and in extraordinary pain. Garrett was barely in the car when he pealed back onto the highway. I heard a low snarl, looking behind us. There was a large russet wolf and a caped figure near where we had exited the forest. "That was close."
"Too close," Peter muttered. "I'm so sorry, my lord. I understand if you want to execute the xyr."
"The what?" I asked. Still stammering.
"It's a punishment. You take his powers, draining him and adding them to your own," Garrett answered.
"No! I won't do that," I spat, trying to calm my stuttering. "With Aro amassing this army, we need everybody we can get. I will not drain you of your powers."
"But, it was my fault that you're this weak, my lord," Peter whispered. "I should be punished."
"Well, your punishment is to make me stronger by teaching me how to build my endurance, stamina," I growled. I shuddered, drawing my feet up and curling my body around my legs. Emmett tossed a blanket around me and rubbed my shoulders. I whimpered. "Don't. I hurt. Everywhere."
"What happened?" Emmett asked.
"I've been working on Edward's shapeshifting. Bella's been working on incantations, summoning creatures and using her powers to strengthen them. Bella suggested that Edward try an incantation to summon an ice dragon. He couldn't do it. So, he shapeshifted into an ice dragon. I pushed him to spread his wings and fly, but he lost his form about ten minutes after …" Peter trailed off.
"I think some ibuprofen, a hearty steak and Bella laying on top of me will be all I need," I said. "Oh, and a twenty-year nap, too."
"I'm glad his brush with death hasn't dimmed his sense of humor," Emmett teased.
I gave him a shaky smile and then flipped him off. We made it back to the castle in about two hours. Apparently, my crash landing was somewhere near Forks, a small town that you'd missed if you blinked. When we arrived back at the castle, Bella threw herself at me and her body burst into flame. I melted against her, finally feeling warm after my power was practically drained. She pulled back, taking my face in my hands. "I was so worried," she whispered.
"I'm better now," I said, my voice weak but no longer stammering. She furrowed her brows and helped me out of the car. Inside, we went up to our room and Bella stripped me out of my clothes. I trembled and she removed her clothes as well. She slid her arms around my neck, igniting her body and I gasped, feeling the healing powers of her flames. I also felt the frozen lump of power within me melt and I was able to breathe easier. "Thank you, sih'rena," I whispered.
"You're still frozen solid," she said, her brown eyes glowing a deep amber. "And I can feel your pain." She tightened her hold on me and I clung to her, allowing her strength, her power to heal me. I shuddered and she released me, her body cooling. I tugged on her hand, leading her to the bed. "You need to eat, my love."
"I need to rest," I whispered. "I need to hold my mate." She smiled softly, laying in my arms and within seconds, I was asleep.
xx TMW xx
A couple days passed after my foray in becoming a mythical beast. I was still weak, but with each passing moment, my power was rebuilding within me. However, today, I was going to court. Not as an attorney, but as a client. Marcus was representing me as I was heading to the courthouse to get my trust fund reinstated in my name. My sister was with me, along with Jasper and Bella. I was dressed impeccably, in a black suit, with a grey shirt and burgundy paisley tie. Alice was in a demure grey dress with heels. Her hair was freshly shorn, back in its usual pixie style.
"According to the research I've done, you both have an excellent chance of getting your trusts back," Marcus said. "Just let me do the talking." He cleared his breath and looked up at me. "Um, my lord."
"Oh, for fuck's sake," I grumbled. "I'm your client, Marcus."
"Sorry. I just …" he rambled.
"Do I need to take over my own case?" I deadpanned.
"That would be a real slap in the face to Mums and Daddums," Alice snorted.
"I also have the wrongful termination suit against your old firm ready to go, too," Marcus said, straightening his tie. "Just say the word." I rolled my eyes and looked around the courthouse. I bristled when I saw my parents. Carlisle Cullen and his dutiful wife, Esme were standing next to their attorney, looking so put out. Marcus turned around, wrinkling his nose. "We've got this, Edward."
"We may have it, but I'm not ready to see them," I hissed. Ice crackled all around me. Bella slid her hand into mine, warming up the floor. She was in a green dress, hugging her curves. "Thank you, love."
"Your father looks so cold," Bella whispered.
"Adoptive father," I said. "And he is cold."
"He's a heartless bastard," Alice snapped. "And she's a drunk bitch. I hate them both."
"Get in line, Pix," I retorted. Esme turned and saw us. She widened her eyes, taking a step toward me and my sister. Carlisle saw her move, blinking up at us. His cold, dead eyes met mine and he captured her arm. He hissed something in her ear. I heard every word.
They're nothing to us, Esme. They're entitled, selfish brats. We'll win and then make them pay for dragging us into court. We should have legally disowned Edward after he was committed. He's weak. Pathetic. We're better than him.
I growled, wanting to freeze him solid. Bella took my face in her hands, kissing me tenderly. "You can't make an icicle out of him, Edward," she said. "His car?"
"Ooooh, yes," I smiled. "I love the way you think, Bella." She just giggled.
Marcus gestured for us to enter the courtroom. I sat down at the table with my sister at my side. She was vibrating with anger. I just took her hand. "Don't make a scene, Pix."
"You heard what they said," she spat.
"I did and I'm not going to let it affect me. We're stronger now and Carlisle will have a hell of a time removing his beloved Mercedes from an ice block," I said.
The bailiffs entered and we all stood for the judge. Marcus went over his arguments, passing along his research and how both my sister and I were denied access to our trust funds, even though they were in our name and we could legally use them. He also showed some further research showing my father using money from our trust funds to pad his campaign for Congress. My adoptive father tried to deny it, but the evidence was clear as day.
My parents' attorney argued that since we were not blood related, that we had no legal claim to the Cullen family fortune. They also tried to pull the mental illness card amongst others and it was a weak argument. After a ten-minute recess, the judge granted us our full trust funds, ordering Carlisle to repay what he'd taken from my fund, with ten percent interest. Each day he delayed, another five percent would be added to the interest fee. The money was legally ours, regardless of our relationship to Carlisle and Esme. We became their family when they adopted us. So, the blood related bullshit was just that … bullshit.
Marcus approached their overpaid attorney and they exchanged information, which was mainly the new accounts I'd set up for me and my sister. When Marcus returned, he said that the trusts would be deposited by the end of business today, along with the money from my father. I looked over to my parents, who were livid. I gave them a smile and a curt wave before leaving the courtroom. We went down to the parking garage, passing my father's car. It was obvious it was his. His license plate said 'RepCCul17.' "Should I?" I asked.
"Please do," Bella giggled. "Oh, but let me just melt the tires first."
Marcus rolled his eyes, saying a chant to scramble the security feed. Bella used her powers to melt the tires and I encased it in a six-inch deep block of ice. I blinked to Marcus, who stopped his chanting. However, I noticed the camera dangling by its cords. "Power surge?"
"You could say that," Marcus quipped. "Congratulations, my lord. I'm glad I was able to serve you."
"I'm grateful for your help," I smiled.
"Me, too," Alice chirped. "But, I feel like we should use our money for something else."
"Ali, you keep yours," I said. "I'm independently wealthy thanks to my gig as, well, you know." I made a face. "Marcus, I want you to research nonprofit organizations for women who endured domestic abuse." I slid my arm around Bella's waist. "I know that there are organizations out there, but I want to help. We got lucky, but there are too many women who aren't as lucky and who don't get out." Bella smiled softly, but there was sadness in her eyes. "You got out, sih'rena. You lived."
"I did," she whispered. She stood on her tiptoes, kissing me tenderly. "And, I think …" She paused, biting her lip. "I want to get help. If Charlotte is still willing …"
"I'll make the call when we get home, Bella," I smiled. "I love you."
"You saved me," she said. "It's time I start working on saving myself. I would have not gotten this far with you." She nodded, a look of determination gracing her beautiful features. "I love you more than you know."
A/N: Well? What do you think? Leave me some loving! Thank you for reading!
Up next will be Bella's POV and we'll get to know Charlotte, Alice and begin planning their mating ceremony. Still looking for ideas for what to call it. Send me your thoughts.
I have some pictures with this one. The phoenix and Edward, the ice dragon, are on my blog. You can find the link to that on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.