Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
*Big thanks to my beta Vintagejgc and my pre-readers kikki7 and Nkubie. Love you ladies!
Chapter 21:
In the blink of an eye, chaos ensued.
While the Volturi gave chase to the remaining newborns who were trying to flee, the packs were going wild with fury. They raced toward Peter, jaws open wide and sharp-teeth bared.
Charlotte had thrown herself forward to stand in front of him and Emmett ran to flank her. He had come to love Charlotte as though she was his daughter and now, like a protective father, he didn't hesitate to defend her. Rosalie, of course, followed suit. Jared sped forward twisting his body, snaking around the vampires and going to Leah, choking whimpers emerged as he saw her lying there, broken and bloody. The rest of the packs were not far behind.
"Stop!" Edward yelled, but their submission was done, overridden by rage.
It was then that a great wind swept across the battlefield, strong enough to make even the vampires struggle to remain upright. The air seemed to curl and dance, rain spinning like a twister above them while ear-splitting thunder boomed from all directions leaving several clutching at their ears and hissing from the sheer volume.
Then came the lightening, cracking in sharp deadly strikes that surrounded Leah, allowing no one to get close. The vampires did not move- could not move-fearing the incinerating bursts that came down faster than they had ever seen.
Surrounding them. Keeping them in place.
The wolves whined as they slowly moved away from Leah- pulled by some unknown force, unseen reins upon their bodies dragging them away.
Lightening continued to strike in rapid succession, dozens of cracked streams of searing light descended upon the spot where Leah lay. Brilliant and blinding it came down with enough force to make the earth shake violently beneath them.
The entire sky was lit up, the black night masked with an eerie white glow and as quickly as it came, it was gone, leaving all in darkness again.
Edward was reeling, shocked at what he was seeing and feeling.
Leah was gone.
He had felt Bella's presence, strong, fierce, and absolutely undeniable. He knew exactly what she'd done. He wasn't sure whether to be angry or grateful, everything had happened so fast- the wolves were confused at the sudden change- they somehow knew Leah was safe but they didn't quite understand what had happened.
Edward sniffed the air, finding not a trace of Bella's scent. He delved into the minds of every vampire finding shock, confusion, hesitation, except for Peter. He lunged toward Jared only to be held back by Emmett and Charlotte. He was riled up and restless- he wanted to challenge the wolves, to fight them and was willing die if necessary to defend his coven.
Charlotte was pleading with him to calm down but he was too far gone, out of control. He pushed her away and fought against Emmett's hold. The wolves stood at attention, ready for him to break free.
With a cry of frustration Emmett released his hold and then found himself stepping backward uncontrollably. He wanted to get out, to get away as quickly as possible and after a quick look around he noticed that everyone else was doing the same, everyone except for Esme.
Her expression was pained but her eyes darted around wildly. She grabbed Carlisle's arm and shoved him behind her before growling at nothing in particular.
She tried holding her breath, tried to control it but she couldn't hold back. She was frightened and angry- anger always fueled her wrath. It took her a moment to realize that she didn't want to hold back. She wanted this all to go away.
"No more. It's over!" She seethed.
"Esme... stop," Carlisle whispered and she snarled at him.
"No. I've had enough of this," she hissed wrapping her arms tightly around Carlisle, focused with all of her might and watching as everyone ran from them.
~O~
Jasper slowed as he approached the small home at the edge of the desert, nothing more than a dilapidated shack where Maria was hiding. He was terribly confused at his own actions, a deep-seated shame clawing at him as he realized that he had fled the battle. Maria would be outraged, livid, at his cowardice.
With a deep breath he sent his gift out, trying to get a feel for Maria's mental state. What he found baffled him even further. He felt a myriad of conflicting emotions- wavering trepidation and giddy anticipation saturated with satisfaction and weirdly, remorse. Remorse? This was new. Never had he sensed remorse from Maria. Curiosity peaked; he bridged the gap and continued on to the house.
When he reached the door, he did not hesitate to enter. Maria had surely caught his scent by now.
As soon as he stepped inside he sank into a crouch, the smell of Maria's venom was overwhelming. It had been spilled- it was everywhere and instead of Maria's gaze, he found a stranger- a tiny wisp of a girl with the widest eyes, her irises a buttery gold.
"Hello, Jasper," she said, her voice soft yet firm.
A growl rumbled in his chest as he looked her up and down, assessing her height, weight, and possible strength. He had no doubt that he could take her down easily. Her emotions had shifted into a practiced calm but there was something else bubbling under the surface, something she was trying to hide.
Before he could use his power to try and dig out whatever it was she was hiding, she took it upon herself to show him. Remorse rolled off her in waves followed by the tiniest prickle of glee.
"Where is she?" Jasper gritted out, his voice turning shrill as he continued. "Where is Maria?"
She gave a mirthless laugh. "That woman, Maria. Her plan... This uprising would have been the death of us all. I've seen it."
"Where is she?" He screamed and Alice flinched, his expression hauntingly familiar. It was from the one vision that had frightened her the most. He would try and kill her now, and Alice resigned herself to an unknown future. Perhaps she had abused her gift... Perhaps she had put too much focus on this one moment; she had wrapped her mind around it to the point of strangulation. There had been too many visions and too many outcomes. Her sight lent nothing but a dream of what could have been.
There was nothing left for her to do except lay herself bare.
"Dead," she said simply, giving a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I killed her."
He stilled, shocked, numb one moment, furious the next. For the first time in so very long he didn't know what he was feeling, didn't know what he should feel. With his human memories dead and buried, Maria was all he had ever known and now she was gone. Resentment boiled with him, he wanted to scratch and bite, kill and drink, to lash out, and his ire was spreading, rolling over Alice like sandpaper causing her to want to lash out right back.
Her eyes narrowed, hands balled into fists as she spoke, "She never loved you and you know it. She deserved to die for using you the way she did."
Jasper stood up taller and clenched his teeth together. The sincerity of her words branding him with a painful truth. She was right, of course, but Jasper knew what he was. A murderer of innocents, a demon, he didn't deserve love, nor would he pine for it. No amount of atonement would absolve him.
"It doesn't have to be this way," Alice whispered, stepping directly in front of him, her hand ever-so-slowly reaching out.
"Don't touch me." He flinched away before she could make contact.
Alice moved swiftly then, lunging for him knowing he would fight back. In a blur of movement she twisted and arched, her body moving of its own accord, avoiding Jasper's hands as he attacked. She seemed to know what he would do, always managing to avoid him and finally turning mid-stride and facing him with not an ounce of fear.
"I'm going to catch you," she said with a smirk. "I always do."
She advanced on him in a purposeful stride and Jasper faltered, absolutely befuddled at the genuine amusement that seems to trickle from her.
He staggered backward, swaying in indecision. What the hell was her game? "You always do?"
She laughed and the sound tickled him, broke him, pierced his hard shell of defense and left it in a crumble of rubble that was his emotions.
Her leg kicked out in a sweeping motion, effectively tripping him but she broke his fall. Alice yanked on the back of his shirt, pulling him toward her and grasped his shoulder with one arm and his head with her other.
His neck was exposed to her, his body shuddering in vulnerability, and he closed his eyes in acceptance, welcoming death.
And Alice... In her mind was a revolving loop of memories. Every vision, every dream of him, there was no way she would give up on him, not now, not ever.
"Always," she whispered then pressed her lips against the skin of his neck.
Jasper sucked in a breath at the feeling, amazed yet unbelieving, choking sounds coming from his chest before he openly sobbed, trying in vain to push away the glorious love that emanated from her. He tried to ignore her feelings, couldn't understand why she was trying to comfort him.
Alice tightened her hold on him. "No! Don't shut me out. Feel. It." Sheer desperation twisted her features and her hold on him shifted- she cradled him. With her lips still on his neck, she begged, pleaded and let him feel. "This is real, what I feel for you, what you truly deserve. Let me give it to you, please."
It was all too much for him. He went slack in her arms, letting himself be immersed in her pure and simple affection. Where he thought there would be pity there was confidence. Undeniable adoration and love were where black hatred should be.
She touched his chin, guiding his face upward and looked into his eyes. In that moment he realized that her golden eyes spoke not of weakness but of the ultimate strength.
"That's right," Alice cooed, stroking his hair, his chin, her fingertips grazing his lips in an unprecedented act of trust. "I love you."
~O~
Edward let out a ragged breath, cringing at the scene before him. The earth was charred black and small brush fires tainted with dark purple smoke dusted the horizon.
Esme's gift had been incredibly strong; he hadn't been able to shield himself against her. It was wearing off now and he focused anew, gathering himself and the packs.
His body felt weak and sluggish. Bella had warned him this might happen, this harsh come-down. She had also told them that apparating might not be possible with the earth around them in this state. She was right. There was an unnatural stillness to this place, the elements were wary and keeping their distance. He sensed very little elemental power here.
Jared moved to stand beside him, nudging Edward's shoulder with his muzzle, signaling that he was ready to begin. Leah wasn't the only one who had the ability to channel now; Jared could too, and Edward was grateful for help- thirsty and mentally exhausted, he wasn't sure that he could do this by himself. Vampire and panther channeled together while the pack surrounded them in a tight circle. They were able to conjure much needed water in the form of rain and coaxed the air into a breeze. It was enough to afford a mild change, the earth slowly regenerated and bestowed upon them enough power to teleport home.
The air in La Push was refreshing, alive with moisture and movement. Edward was flat on his back taking deep cleansing breaths in an attempt to drive the apparating sickness away. His empty stomach twisted in hunger and he groaned as he rose to his feet, running inland in search of sustenance. It was a quick hunt, only enough to sustain. He couldn't wait any longer to see Bella.
He burst through the door of the fishing cabin to find Leah lying on the floor asleep or unconscious- he wasn't sure which. Jared was squeezing her hand and Bella was kneeling beside her- a soft pink glow emanating from her hands as they swept over Leah's body. In human form, Leah looked so small, so young, so utterly different than her wolf form. So fragile...
Edward came to kneel behind Bella slipping his arms around her and kissing her temple. Bella craned her neck and pushed her body back into his, relief flooding her, her need for him rising.
"How is she?" he asked quietly, squeezing her gently.
"She'll be fine. She just needs rest now."
Jared moved to lie beside Leah, snuggling close and draping his arm around her waist. Bella ran her fingers through his hair and gave one last wave of her hand- bright white light spreading over the two of them before she got to her feet and faced Edward.
She threw herself into him and hugged him tightly, the air crackling with heat before they apparated to Hoko Falls. They landed in the water. Sinking down into the deep end of the punch bowl, Bella was still clutching onto him, kissing him frantically, touching him all over, making sure he was real and there. She felt pure and utter contentment in his presence. She could finally let go of all the fear that had plagued her in his absence.
Gradually slowing her movements, she pressed a soft kiss upon his lips, her thoughts a litany of thank you's. The water around them swirled, the falls above rushing a little faster. They stayed there for some time, just holding each other, savoring one another, their spirits lifted now that the danger had passed. They had succeeded.
When they finally swam to the rocky shore, Edward stood before her, cupping her cheeks. She had deep bags under her eyes and her skin had a ghostly parlor.
Concern marred his expression, brow furrowed; he asked frowning, "Are you okay? You... look ill."
She nodded slowly. "I'm alright. It took most of my energy to heal Leah. I just need some time to heal."
He picked her up bridal style and kissed the tip of her nose. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better? Anything I can get you?"
She smiled up at him and put her hand to his chest. His skin was warm under her palm, the dull pulse of fire so similar to a heartbeat. A tear fell down her cheek and she smiled wider. "Just hold me."
They spent the morning in each other's arms, occasionally swimming in the falls. Edward insisted on carrying her, which normally Bella would have protested, but not today. She was perfectly content to let him cradle her. After the scare with Leah, she wanted him as close as possible. She shed her clothes and Edward's too- it wasn't sexual, it was a base need for skin on skin, to connect with him on a physical level. They experienced intimacy without lust, just two halves of a whole feeling complete within their embrace.
They channeled together, and were soothed with gentle water and dried by the wind. In the afternoon they went back to the cabin to check on Leah.
Jacob was there, watching over her when Jared had to go home.
"No change," Jacob said, sitting in the chair by the fire place. "Except for the talking."
Leah shifted in her sleep, turning over to her side and snuggling into her blanket.
"Isabella…" she mumbled. "Go."
Bella rushed to her side and put her palm to Leah's forehead, finding her body temperature high but not dangerously so.
"I think she's dreaming," Bella said moving a lock of hair from Leah's face.
"You can't read her, either?" Edward asked. Leah's mind was blank to him.
"No." Bella scrunched her brows together. "I think she's shielding. That can happen sometimes after a trauma." Another tear streamed down her cheek. "Oh, Leah, I'm so sorry."
Leah snorted. "Shut up, Bella."
Her eyes fluttered open and she cracked a small smile. "Don't start apologizing again," she rasped.
Bella took her hand and squeezed, silently thanking the elements for their healing powers. She lay next to Leah as she drifted in and out of consciousness, waking for a few moments here and there from a restless sleep.
Leah didn't often remember her dreams but these… They were so very different from any dream she'd ever had. So vivid and clear, sounds and smells intense and tickling her senses at every turn.
Tangible scenes played out behind her eyelids, as she dreamt of so many things.
Of being thrown into freezing water, the jarring cold forcing her body to convulse. She dreamt of new honey-eyed vampires beside her and great explosions of light coming from the sky. She saw the night reborn, darkness pushed behind a shock of stars, brilliant but for some reason it made her so sad.
"Edward, Edward!" She was talking in her sleep again. He sat beside her, holding her hand and offering comfort where he could. "You have to trust her now."
She writhed a little and pushed her blanket away. "Hush," Leah admonished, both Edward and Bella were so very curious as to what exactly she was dreaming about. Leah snorted again, a smile spreading across her lips. "You'd better be good to her or I will find a way to kill your sparkly ass."
~O~
Leave me a review? Pretty please?
Fic rec?
Stranger than Fiction by MasenVixen. Summary: Six years after Edward left, Bella's written a bestselling book about a girl and the vampire who loves her. Edward returns to her, hell-bent on recapturing the happily ever after that he destroyed. AU. Rated M for lemons.
And for you Eric/Sookie fans out there...
Bored to Death by ericzmine. Summary: What if Bill hadn't had the chance to scare Sookie in regards to Eric?…for me the answer is simple. She'd have been just as relaxed as she had been when she met Bill… She might have treated Eric like 'just another guy'. Perhaps timing really is everything.