A/N Hey everyone, sorry that it took me so long to get the chapter to you guys but I'm working on trying to get things moving faster. I would like to bring to all of your attention to those who already know or those who don't that I received some really cool news the other week. It seems that someone nominated Red Dawn for the Twific Fandom Awards, I was really surprised but really grateful. I'm not aware who nominated Red Dawn or if it was multiple people I just wanted to say thank you too all of you guys who made mention of it so it was at least considered amongst the other nominees. The first round voting has finished but on Saturday (14th November) we'll all find out if Red Dawn made it to the second round and it would mean a great deal to me if you would show your support should we make it through. Voting for the second round starts on Sunday (15th November) and I'll leave a link to the site for anyone who isn't sure where to find it, I know that some of you guys have already voted and thank you for that.
Red Dawn was nominated in the Favourite Out of this World Fic.
. / twificfandomawards. .uk/
So fingers crossed guys that Red Dawn makes it through to the second round of voting and even if it doesn't you should all take a look and support. There are some really talented authors with stories up for voting some I'm more then sure you'll all of heard of, I'll admit it was pretty cool seeing my name and story alongside some of my favourite authors on this site for voting. That's all down to you guys though with all the support you've given me and Red Dawn, so to whoever it was that threw my name into the hat thank you. I'll let you all get to the chapter I'm sure you've all been waiting patiently for me to get this too you :)
As Always massive thank you to my Beta, RDoster2012.
BETA READER: RDoster2012
Enjoy :)
RED DAWN
SUMMARY: Edward had always warned Bella that the pack was dangerous. They are hostile, volatile, and aggressive by nature. She ignored him, testing even Edward's vampire instinct, by staying friends with his enemy, Jacob. One event will change them all. Bella never truly understood the supernatural world; she didn't understand the aggression that lay dormant even in her controlled mate until it was too late. WARNING: Violence and Character Death.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all the Characters.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bella had never believed she'd be able to forget the images that would now be forever frozen in her mind, even though she'd been warned of the effect the change had, she knew these would linger. The complete helplessness she felt, and deep resentment at those around, even though she knew this was all under Edward's own desire to force himself through this training couldn't help her anger. Time had seemed to stand still as she listened and watched. The sound of her fiancé, the man she loved and her mate in the vampire world yelled out in utter agony. Bella, who had been made to stay a good distance away from the group, had been told to hold both Carmen and Tanya's hands to ensure some kind of protection from the bursts of Edward's ability. The only person Bella even desired to protect now was Edward though. She knew that this wasn't anyone's fault, but the irrational part of her mind and the protective side that demanded she protected her mate, the one that they seemed to be torturing, needed to be angry at someone. Even now as once again Edward released his own power over those around him, his entire body seemed to sag, and then he nodded to a refocused Eleazar.
"Again!" Edward demanded, and yet it felt like all she'd watched was constant shortcomings. No matter how much he endured under Jasper's emotional manipulation, and Kate's painful touch, he only seemed to hold off a little longer each time. It didn't matter though, because eventually he always burst forward with his ability, causing those who caused him pain untold agony for a second. That could only be the one thing they considered to be any type of progress; was how quickly Edward was able to pull back from using his ability, he seemed to almost instantly pull his hold away once it reached out from his own body needing to defend him from the onslaught.
"You need to get a better handle on this Edward. Where is that control? Where is the control your father believed rivalled even his own?" Eleazar snarled out, Bella wasn't even sure if that was how he truly felt, or if it was from the excess of whatever Jasper was fuelling through Edward. It seemed to have a reaction in Edward though. From Bella's position the second Eleazar mentioned Carlisle, Edward seemed to find some strength behind the fatigue. Those around him holding tighter as Edward's body powerfully tensed and jerked, almost causing Emmet to fall back as he held his arms tighter around his torso.
"I forget you've become a killer. You've welcomed the beast and the nature you've always denied, and now you can't get a handle on anything, you're failing Edward. Our families are dying and you wish to lead us into battle? All you will lead us into is our death, you are a child playing solider." Eleazar growled, pacing in front of Edward, the rage seemed to spike again but this time nothing came and even Bella could feel the surprise in Carmen and Tanya's hands as they seemed to tense briefly while holding each of her hands.
"I will end you!" Edward roared menacingly, causing Jasper to shift his body even more, his face impossibly tensed and focused, the rage was oozing around Edward almost making him completely feral. Kate reached forward as Eleazar nodded then.
The words that left Edward's mouth were a slur of rage and pain as Kate used her highest charge to send shockwaves through every nerve in his sensitive body. Edward's face visibly trembled under Kate's shocking touch then as he felt his arms try to wrench free from his captives, even then, through his agony and anger he tried to hold onto his own mind. Even then as that all too familiar lash of a whip, it was the most peculiar thing to him as he felt his entire world seem to enhance, like a fog had been cleared from over his mind as if he'd lived in a world of dulled tones not only in sight but sound in that moment and he knew it was his mind opening and linking to all those within his range. During these trials he was learning, seeing signs he'd denied before but this time he was prepared for the retorts, and pain, and so very tired of failing. Edward was so very tired of feeling like the weak link in his family when it was essentially his war he was leading them to. They'd lost Irina, lost Carlisle, and lost Esme; he would not lose another.
The moment that his mind was completely open, and receiving the minds around him, Edward knew they would once again force him harder, the touch on his face only becoming more unbearable. His mind and body screaming for some kind of reprieve, the words that Eleazar shouted towards him almost distant to the hearing that he usually believed enhanced, he felt submerged in water then, until the voices surrounded his being. The sounds of thoughts around him so very loud and unclear seemed to sharpen even more, and despite what his family was making him endure, the belief that he could do it, made his belief so very strong. Still as he continued to fail they believed. They all believed in him, even those he was not close to, even Rosalie who still held so much anger towards him because of his part in helping Esme pass from this world found herself hoping he would succeed, believing he would.
"Find me Edward, I'm here, focus Edward. Hear my mind, around the pain, around the anger, around my mate's taunting, hear me Edward!" A mind he'd barely been even trying to focus on because it hadn't been part of the plan, but of course Eleazar had never wanted to make this easy on him. He was testing, and putting him through trials, Carmen's voice barely a mental whisper now under her own mate's command trying to reach out in her mind to Edward during the agony he endured. Eleazar had never set him up to fail, he wouldn't make it easy though. Edward found his respect for the ancient heightening, his masterful planning and understanding of abilities. He knew eventually Edward would begin to recognise his own signs of the ability starting to lash out, he knew from Edward explaining each scenario that he felt a sharpening in his senses for a moment before he lashed out. They had needed to find a distraction amongst the anger and pain when his mind was most focussed on those around him, to give him reason enough to want to stop his gift. Carmen had that distraction as she called to Edward, showing him, or at least trying to send images of Bella, his mate to him in his instinctual breaking point.
"For your mate, Edward. For her, you must learn for her. Tame this Edward, like you tamed the hunger. Tame this so you can control it, she loves you, and she balances you. Her gift is not strong enough yet to contain you, so now you must do this alone Edward."
Carmen's soothing, soft toned, mental voice was so much like his mothers in that moment, even as his body was forced beyond conceivable pain for even his kind, and he latched onto her. He could not latch onto his mate's mind; he could not use her silence now when he needed something tangible, so Eleazar had placed his mate with the task. Then Edward found himself remembering that moment in biology when he'd first inhaled her intoxicating scent, the pure inferno that scent had casted on him. The torment had been unlike anything he'd ever known; he'd created so many ways to have her and yet had somehow managed to wait an entire hour before fleeing. Already she'd enchanted him enough in his crazed hunger to stop him from lunging, and not only ruining his own life, but that of so many others in a slip of his control. While he'd been mocked for it many times, and found himself releasing some of it recently, knew he'd always held much pride in his own restraint.
Edward felt all of the minds around him, felt them all so completely, and he felt that need to strike them down, as he had countless times now in this process of his punishment. The sight of his mate, standing between Carmen and Tanya, holding their hands and looking worried, however seemed to centre him.
His mind, caressing through Kate, and subtly whispering for her to lower her charge until she sent nothing at all through the contact, then Edward targeted Jasper, this battle was unlike a physical one, the emotions were new to him, something he didn't know, but his will fought to allow him purchase in Jasper's mind, beating down upon the anger and fear Jasper was working his powerful influence on, until Jasper felt himself physically gasp at the feeling of a strange presence and found himself pushing himself away from Edward. Jasper all but throwing himself a distance away from Edward, was stunned to feel his brother's presence inside his very mind.
"Yes!" Eleazar said aloud, seeing in the reactions of those around, seeing how Edward remained calm, his face even though pained, slowly morphed, the contentment even in spite of Jasper's manipulation was inspiring.
The silence that over took Edward as Kate's gift drew back into herself was almost haunting to all around them, Eleazar watched as the powers moved through the air back towards their owners in perfect Technicolor, the colours moved and swirled, and created a sound that he could hear through his own ability. Seeing the way in which Edward's colour brightened and reached out to those around him, watching even more intently as he saw the ties that bound Edward's mind to all of those around him, and instead of creating chaos, he took a calm and controlled approach. He had pushed Edward beyond the brink, allowed Jasper and Kate to force untold suffering upon this young leader, and even when he himself had considered buckling, the young man had refused. He'd endured knowing that failing could risk them all; he'd taken his suffering and only desired to endure more until he could be sure. Eleazar didn't believe that even Aro truly knew the potential of this creation of his passed friend Carlisle. For all his respect for the laws and the Volturi itself, Eleazar truly believed he might be looking at one half of the mated pair that could bring about the fall of Aro should he force his own motivations upon this family. Edward could only become stronger, even more so once his mate was no longer human. He hoped for them all to survive the coming fights, only so he could bear witness to that potential coming to life within both Edward and Bella, as immortals bound eternally, everything that he saw with his gift only furthered his beliefs that he was seeing something truly rare to this world.
"I can feel it." Jasper said, as he had moved back towards his own mate, trying to break the physical connection with Edward as the rest of them still held tightly to Edward, surprised that he no longer struggled. Kate still completely unaware that her ability was no longer shocking Edward at all, as she held even tighter looking confused at his relaxed silence.
"It's truly incredible, you can all release him. He's found his tether; he's found his link to some sense of holding this off. Edward was so used to using his gift for command and dominance. He's beginning to see its other side, the gentler subtler side of this amazing ability." Eleazar smiled watching one tie that not even he could truly explain from Edward's ability.
One that went against all that he knew, Bella who was able to defend against abilities, who was silent to Edward's mind had the strongest tie. Where all other ties reached into the very being of the person, through Eleazar's vision this tie wrapped around and embraced Bella completely. As if an invisible barrier kept the tie from breaking through, but allowed the tie to remain strong still. Stronger then all others, it was something that astounded and made Eleazar even more intrigued to what it could possibly mean.
It did answer one question though, about Bella's latent power. Seeing Edward's ability wrapping around Bella like a cobweb of strands, Eleazar could see so clearly the wavering of her shield. For the first time, he was able to see for certain that Bella was a shield, but only due to the fact that Edward's own ability was shimmering around her as it reached out to connect to her. Even his gift, like in reality, it desired to be one with her, as the strands coiled and caressed around her petite form looking for any way to connect completely to her. It was strangely beautiful to his gifted sightseeing the way Edward's own ability seemed to cocoon Bella's own blurred gift, like it too wished to protect her and wrap around her.
"You're sure we're good to let him go?" Emmet asked, still slightly concerned, the only one to not have broken his hold of Edward, the strange silence and relaxed expression on his vacant face worried him that they'd pushed Edward too far.
"Wait." Edward whispered, his eyes parting and looking from Eleazar to then Emmet, and then shaking his head as if clearing a fog as he dropped his connection to whatever it was he had done. Edward wasn't sure he could make an accurate description of the feeling of sharpness he had, it was like he'd seen the world in a way even more enhanced then his usual vampire vision. The way he'd felt like he had physical ties to people, the things he'd shared in through the link in Eleazar's mind, the even more fascinating sight of Bella under his gifts ability protected by her own gift and yet his own still holding onto her completely. He was both overwhelmed and completely exhausted, and yet, he felt confident enough that perhaps he'd found in Bella the answer.
It seemed almost ridiculous he'd not considered it from the very beginning, that she would be the best way to tether his control. Had he not used her all along in the past to hold onto that control? He could only believe that maybe his destruction of his control when fearing for her life had made him doubt his own will to control himself. Or the other alternative, that he'd simply not wanted to, the ability he had, only lashed out when he'd needed it, and was that truly something he desired to stop. Of course he never wished to harm or to force his will upon his family but initially the ability had reacted as a way to protect himself. He still had far too much to learn about the gift he had. For now he would have to believe in himself and if Eleazar was truly correct in the fact that it was his will that allowed his ability to work he would have to will it, so that he could control it.
It seemed oddly ironic that for so long he had doubted himself and loathed all he was, that of course this ability that Eleazar believed was linked to his will had never shown itself. Or once again Edward was faced with the reality that perhaps it had and he'd simply ignored it, as he suddenly understood how he'd been able to hear those within his family for further distances. It had never been that his range of hearing was growing it had been that he was finally seeing those invisible ties that only Eleazar had been able to view within his gift. Edward had seen the strange coils of colour the way they seemed to reach out like tentacles and latching onto those around him. He'd witnessed the levels of strength and perhaps that had been it all along, he'd never been a mind reader he'd just always had access to the minds around him through the ties that seemed to reach out all around him. It was almost too hard for him to think over, even his vampire mind felt pushed to its very limit with trying to decipher the meaning behind all that he'd learnt in such a short time. It only heightened the loss of his father in his grief as he realised the one man who he would have turned to with his theories was no longer with him, that his father who would have listened and tried to help him understand, would forever be lost to him now. Jasper moved to Emmet's side then, feeling Edward's shift in emotions placed his hand on Edward's shoulder.
"I'm okay Jasper." Edward whispered, and he felt that familiar sense of fatigue but not from his brother's influence, this had come from the exertion of pushing his mind and body beyond even immortal limits. Never ending stamina and yet he could feel the exhaustion over his mind, like he needed time to pause, to just allow himself time away from those around him. The need to be alone with his mate was all that he desired in that moment.
"Let's get him up on his feet." Jasper said to Emmet, as the both of them easily pulled Edward onto his feet, the scene peculiar to most around, not understanding the feeling of fatigue due to their enhanced capabilities. Eleazar moving in close to the three males as he reached out and placed a hand on Edward's back, standing beside him as Emmet stepped away after once more looking Edward over and seeing he was somewhat himself.
"You controlled it, even more so then what you did for Esme. While under a great deal of torment too. Do you feel you could at least hold some sense of control during a fight?" Eleazar questioned, his desire to continue working on it very much present at the front of his mind but he knew that time was drawing closer to making plans for their attack upon the pack. It had been a very long time since he'd found himself in the presence of helping one of his kind learn to use their ability, many denied his offer of help simply because of his past as one of the Volturi, fearful should he ever decide to tell the masters of what those gifted amongst their kind could do and they find themselves faced with Aro and his guard.
"I believe I could at least recognise the beginning signs of it becoming more then I can handle. I'm confident I can at least hold myself together enough not to bring all around me to their knees in one thought. I should have thought to use Bella from the beginning; she was always what I used to control my hunger before. My need to always keep her safe." Edward said, truly frustrated that he had not been the one to think that it would work much like he had with his lust for blood, and also the lust he'd carried for her body. He'd used his overwhelming need to keep her safe to stop himself from taking both, though now he knew that his fears had not nearly been as dangerous as he'd believed. His love for her had beaten his need for her blood and his love for her made him incapable of harming her body when all he wished was to love her completely. Man and beast, it seemed almost stupid of him to think that he'd ever believed his beast had ever wished to harm her now. His beastly desires were the ones he found that even the man he was wished for, even in his tired mind he still wished to take her from this place and have her again. He'd unlocked that part of their shared bond, he doubted he'd ever be able to close it ever again, now even with so much around them he found his mind once again straying there.
"Do not be so hard on yourself. Before our testing of your ability it had happened without anything but instinct holding power over you. You reacted, your instincts didn't give your time to think. This was truly the first time you've even tried to gain some sense of control over it, even with Esme. What you did for her came from a place of desperation I'm sure Edward. I can't imagine what you emotionally had to endure to have to do that for her. You can only progress further now Edward, soon we shall be able to test exactly what it is you can do. We've seen you send commands, but what can those commands create? Illusions? Actions? Much is still unknown. I'm willing to continue to offer my help with this long after we make it through these harsher times. I'd also like to offer any assistance with Bella also, our home is isolated from humans it would be an ideal place to introduce her to this life." Eleazar said, and Edward was grateful to him for wishing to assist him in this, Edward had not made his plans to change Bella after this fight known to his family but he would need to. First they would deal with the pack, and then they would need to make it appear that they had left Forks. Edward truly believed that once allowed to channel their complete attention upon Victoria and the new-borns they should be able to get rid of them quickly. Though Edward was completely adamant that he would be changing Bella, as soon as the threat of the pack was dealt with. First he was going to need to get her far from Forks. To create a way to remove her from the lives of those she knew in Forks, and from her parents; he knew that would be most difficult.
"I appreciate that Eleazar, and if you wish I would accept any help you are willing to offer. You've done much to help my family, Bella's change will happen as soon as I can make it possible without the threats looming over us. It's becoming even more clear that I need her as my equal in all ways, even those of us immortal are not incapable of being harmed, leaving her human only risks us both. The longer we prolong it, the more risk we have to those who are human in her life seeing something they shouldn't. I know Charlie is becoming suspicious of what is happening at the reservation but he hasn't said anything, simply because they have made little contact with him. Though one of the council members was asking him questions, which in my anger I did not allow myself to look deeper into what she may have been seeking to find out. It's another of my failings I'm afraid we should have been watching Charlie more closely. I'm not even sure if old ties between the council and Charlie would keep him from being targeted. We end this tonight so it isn't something that can come to pass, she'd be heartbroken if Charlie was harmed in this." Edward said honestly, as he finally looked from Eleazar to Bella, who was finally released from both Carmen and Tanya and moving towards him quickly. He knew he was right to worry about Charlie too, something he'd foolishly looked over, simply because he'd believed the pack's need to kill him and his family would hold priority. Now he wasn't sure if they would target Charlie if allowed to, not only to hurt Bella, but to hurt himself as well, to take Charlie from Bella in such a way would break his mate. He had to believe that they'd likely not done anything to Charlie due to the once standing, old friendship, or his place within Forks itself as the chief of police. Questions would not be easily avoided if he were harmed.
"Bella will be with her father when we plan to strike against the pack on their own lands. Should we not leave one of us with her?" Eleazar asked, concerned, and this was something that Edward had worried over since his choice to make their move this evening against the reservation. His fear that something should happen, that if they should all fail and be destroyed she would be left completely alone and defenceless to their enemies, not only the pack and Victoria but the Volturi as well. Aro knew of her ability, and had made it clear she was to be changed; the thought alone was enough to torment him worse than even Kate's touch.
"There are so many numbers to the pack. While I'm confident in our own numbers and experience amongst our kind I can't help but wonder the same. I want my mate safe, I can't imagine anyone would wish to be forced to stay back while the rest go into this fight where some may be lost. If only Alice's visions were concrete I'd be sure of Bella's safety." Edward had stopped then, as Bella was finally within hearing range of what he was saying. She looked upset, her eyes still slightly puffy and he knew that what she had witnessed him go through had been hard for her. He welcomed her into his arms then, without hesitation as his small vulnerable love had flung her body at him, Edward wrapping his arms as tightly as he dare around her warm body.
"It's okay love. I'm okay Bella." Edward whispered into her hair as she clung to him, her body almost shaking in his embrace while he pressed his lips against her hair. Inhaling the distinct smell of freesia and strawberries that was completely her own, a scent that still now brought the most pleasurable of burns to his throat.
"I'll give you two some space. Edward, perhaps I have a solution to your concern of leaving her alone however." Eleazar said aloud but Edward could see from his mind that there was much he didn't say.
"While my mate isn't the best fighter within our force, she'd protect your mate to her last breath. I desire to keep her from these wolves, at least then Bella would not be left unaware of our fates if Carmen remained close by. Should they come for her after we were defeated Carmen would get Bella to safety."
Eleazar offered, sharing a brief final glance with Edward, it was something that Edward knew he would already agree to. He knew that he would allow Eleazar this, it was not only in the interest of protecting Bella but he also knew that this came from Eleazar trying to keep his mate from a fight he didn't believe she was ready for. He himself didn't feel completely ready for this fight with his loss of a limb but he'd spent much longer in this life learning to fight within the guard. Carmen had lived a much more peaceful existence, while there had been moments within her life where she'd had to defend herself it had come after she'd found Eleazar and the two had disposed of the threat together. Edward couldn't begrudge Eleazar wanting to keep Carmen from the coming fight when he knew even if had Bella been immortal he would have wished to keep her from it. Edward was sure many of the mated pairs within his family and friends would desire to keep their other half from harm, it came from the need to protect. They couldn't allow that however, this enemy while vulnerable still had many ways to end them, they could use the numbers they now possessed to destroy. They'd already proven they could, now Edward would punish them for believing they could do so without consequence.
Bella clung to Edward, she didn't want to let him go, and yet she knew that the time was coming, and that would be so much harder than even having to watch him suffer. She knew that soon enough she would have to return to her home, that she would be left alone, and would be forced to sit and wait as her family went to fight in a war that she'd had as much a hand in creating. Many of her choices had lead to this moment, for all the blame, she knew her own mate took upon himself, and she knew she had as much guilt in it.
Time was up and she hated that she couldn't take her place at his side, she hated that her family and friends would be walking into danger while she would be safe. The chance of forever was all but one fight away, one fight away from her being able to join Edward as his equal in every ways, but she knew and felt this may become one of the greatest trials they'd ever had to face. This fight between the pack and her family would challenge them all in ways she didn't even want to linger her own thoughts on. Bella could feel it in the very pit of her stomach that the drastic changes that had been happening around her were not over, like a looming dark cloud that still had yet to truly wash away everything.
She could only pray and hope that in the end Edward was able to defeat their enemies, and not succumb to the grief she knew was inside of him, once all their enemies were beaten. She had the easier task of explaining to her father that she was leaving with Edward on vacation, even if he questioned it, and she knew he would. Talking to Charlie was by no means difficult in comparison to what she knew Edward would have to do; he would need to lead all of those closest to them into danger. All eyes would be on him, the amount of pressure he'd have to endure not only by others but by himself too. It made Bella even more grateful to know how much Jasper had been unwavering at Edward's side from the beginning, even in her moments of weakness at the start of this, he'd never once faltered.
"You're sure your okay?" Bella finally asked, looking up into his calm face, but she could see the seriousness in the harder tones around his eyes, knowing that he wasn't as free as they had been together hours earlier. Still, even while Bella wished she'd allowed Edward to convince her to remain in his bedroom in the bed they shared together, she couldn't regret that perhaps he'd been able to find some control with his gift. Even watching him fight against those in his family had allowed her an insight of how he was able to defend himself, seeing him best so many of his family, some with what had appeared almost complete ease, while it had been nerve wracking, it had instilled some confidence in her that he wasn't nearly as vulnerable as she may have feared. The disturbing reality of her own mind reminding her constantly that he'd bested three wolves all alone with her injured and not been harmed. Bella finding that she was slowly refusing to see the wolves as the boys and men they had been, as if denying them the names she'd once called them by would completely remove any once former memory of them. She didn't want to feel sympathy or guilt or even shame for what was coming to the men she had once considered friends, now they were simply the wolves. The pack that had harmed her, that had killed Irina and Carlisle and Esme. They didn't deserve her guilt, especially when she knew how much pain Edward had and would continue to suffer because of them.
"Love, I'm fine. While Kate's ability hurts, it isn't something that lingers, at least not once her touch and the initial pain is gone. I'm fine Bella, the emotions weren't truly my own but manipulated by Jasper too. I'm okay, well as good as okay as I could be." Edward said softly, cupping her cheeks into his hands, and softly running the pad of his thumbs beneath her eyes as he looked down at her, trying to reassure her and yet also memorise every single detail of her face. Knowing now how completely she owned him that even his own ability seemed to find just a hint of control within his need to not fail her. To never fail his mate. There was also the dawning dread of separation coming; he knew he would need to take Bella home now. Edward knew that the time to make actions to complete the final plans for what was to come had to be done now. They had to be carried out now, while she'd been strong and by his side, not once questioning the need to end the pack. Edward still wanted to protect Bella from that violence, from the planning of the deaths of people she had once viewed as friends. Also he couldn't help but feel it was beneath her somehow, that allowing her to be present may make her see him in a light that he'd yet to reveal, even in all that had happened. Even in his anger he had not explained to her the process of what his killing of the pack would be, he wanted to protect her.
"It's time isn't it?" Bella felt her throat close up at her own question, the tenderness in his touch and the gentle way his eyes -even in the strange red hue with specks of gold- looked over her face. It made her throat tighten and the pit of her stomach churn, that moment when she knew she would have to part from him. It made her want to be the girl from what had been weeks ago, even though her mind and body felt she'd lived a lifetime in those days that had gone. She knew in the past she would have clung onto Edward, she would have cried and pleaded with him and she would have essentially made him weaker. She would have challenged that very will that made him so formidable and powerful now, all this time his talent had been in his will and she'd been his ultimate weakness. Countless times she could remember now with clearer sight how she'd broken his will, even when all his beliefs had argued against her. He has always been so strong for her and now she would have to be as strong for him. Bella felt her resolve tighten as if somehow Jasper was beside her helping her, but knowing this was of her own doing. Maturity had finally found her in ways not even she had known she'd needed to grow, clarity to a world and relationship she'd once taken for granted. To cry and plead now would make Edward doubt, and sending him into this fight doubting everything could risk not only Edward but also all of them. Her family, the friends she had made through these times, even the future of a life she wanted, still even amongst so much heartbreak.
"I won't be leaving you alone. Eleazar believes it would be a smart choice to have Carmen stand guard over you. So should anything... should I not make it... should we fail this night…" Bella pressed her hand over Edward's mouth, seeing the struggle, seeing that moment in which he realised that his own mortality was under question, he'd lived over a century in a life he'd seen more of a curse. So many times he'd wondered and pleaded for an end, and now with all he could ever hope for standing before him, he found himself pleading for more time. His death could be upon him and instead of embracing it like he'd been ready for before Aro, now he wanted more time. He needed more time, he had barely lived, and he'd wasted the second life his father had given him when he'd been dying of the Spanish Influenza, which had taken the lives of his human parents. Now with Carlisle and Esme both leaving him an orphan and facing the chance of his own destruction and losing Bella, he saw how much of his existence he'd wasted. To long he'd wasted his life mourning what could have been, instead of being thankful for what was and is.
"You'll come back to me. You always come back to me Edward. If it makes you clearer minded to have Carmen watch over me I won't argue it. But please... just don't think of that... we're so close now. So close to our forever you can't for a second think it won't happen. You'll do what must be done and you'll return to me, and I will be waiting Edward. I'll always be waiting." Bella said strongly, even if her mind and heart were conflicted, even if right in that moment she could have pleaded for him to run and she knew there might have been a chance to completely convince him of simply leaving. Had she truly begged of him anything, he would have given it, but with her words she could see that it strengthened his resolve as he stood straighter, his eyes taking a more serious edge to them, as he leaned forward resting his forehead against Bella's.
"I love you. No time with you would be long enough. But let's start with forever." Edward whispered huskily as those around the two found themselves moving to those they cared for most. Groupings of two forming all around the clearing of space, the final moments of love and tender words being shared, they all knew what was about to happen this evening, that while the enemy was not nearly as indestructible as they were they held the numbers and ferocity to destroy them.
"Forever. I love you." Bella leaned in closer, removing any distance, no matter how little between them as she kissed his cool thin lips, her hands fisting at the torn shirt that clung to his chest still.
"Come on love." Edward whispered against her lips as the two finally pulled apart, but their hands coming together almost naturally without even thought as they walked towards the rest of their family hand in hand.
Jasper and Carmen were both waiting ahead of everyone else for the two, the decision that would have Carmen removed from the fight was something she didn't completely agree with. She did however understand not only her own mate's fears but Edward's also, if they ever hoped to have his mind clear and free from worry over his mate as he fought, he'd need to know she was protected. Carmen knew of all of those she was the least capable in fighting, even within the training she had taken on with Jasper, and even taken to trying outside of normal sparring she wasn't confident facing this enemy. The attack that had left her helpless watching her mate and family fighting those large beasts had terrified her. Even more so when the one had chased her from the scene as she'd clung to the severed arm of Tanya. Carmen had lived a mostly peaceful life and while she wanted to fight beside her family, she feared her own mate too would only come to harm worrying over protecting her. At least remaining behind would mean she could protect Bella, their most vulnerable member, and also perhaps the most important. Carmen truly believed that in Edward, they held the key to protect all of their family. Carmen seeing no divides between them, all those who stood with her now was family, and Edward would forever be someone she believed would lead them all through life now. The subject had been broached many times in the last few days between not only herself and Eleazar, but both Tanya and Kate, that instead of remaining separated they would ask to join Edward and the rest of the Cullen's. That no longer would they be distant friends but of the same coven, these harsher times and grief inflicting events had bonded them all together. At least for now, and the foreseeable future, the Denali coven found themselves honestly believing they would benefit from residing and remaining part of the Olympia Coven, that under the leadership of Edward, and the teachings at least in battle from Jasper, they would be safer all together, also the deeply set belief, that they could not leave them after what they had all lost.
Sticking together felt like the only option, when they had both lost so much.
"I'll be taking Bella home. You'll prepare everyone back at the house for the plans; I know you've already been thinking of a way to draw the wolves out away from human sight. I'm hoping to catch them by surprise; too many times they'd caught us off guard. They have managed to single our numbers out when we have been fewer. I'm trusting you have something to obtain such a strategy brother?" Edward said, looking to Jasper, mentally Jasper showing images so fast and quick that even Edward found himself truly impressed with the layered mind of his warrior brother. Jasper may believe Edward a weapon all unto himself, but Edward would always know to never underestimate Jasper, even with his own abilities he knew on a level playing field that Jasper would best him. He found himself somewhat thankful that time would never come, and that the both of them would never be at odds and he himself without his gifts.
"I've already been speaking with both Peter and Emmet. Xavier seemed interested in perhaps breaking away with his own mate Rochelle, to break away and use her gift to sneak through. Play as a type of bait to draw some of the pack deeper into the forests where it would be more prudent for us to have this confrontation. We do not want to fight the large numbers they have in open space, the trees would act well as barriers for us to move amongst. It's only an idea, but I have many more. Don't worry of that." Jasper said with an air of cockiness to him, as he tapped his own temple, but then found his eyes turning to look in the direction where Eleazar and Alice were sharing a very hushed conversation, that none could hear even with their enhanced hearing. Edward could however pick up that Alice was finally approaching Eleazar about her own gift, the reason behind her visions failing her, and feeling that she wasn't in control of them anymore. It had surprisingly taken her longer to talk with Eleazar then Edward would have believed it would have. Normally confident and never one to be cynical, Alice hadn't felt like herself since her visions had fallen beyond her control.
"She fears they may never come back. Much of what she sees now is unintentional, random visions that are beyond her control. When she does see things it's more than just a single moment. Like with seeing the arrival of Peter and Charlotte and also you... with Esme." Jasper said, finally turning his eyes to Edward as he spoke to him mentally, not wishing to voice his own concerns over his own mate's fears. Many of them were now facing those last moments of struggle and self-doubt, all believing they weren't nearly as ready as they would have to be to survive the coming fight. Edward silently reached towards Jasper, even in the fatigue he'd once felt before, trying to once again reach towards Jasper mentally with his gift. His hand clasped in Bella's as he touched and made contact with Jasper's shoulder and neck, all but trying to use and channel his own control through Bella to be able to do this. He felt the binding that was to his brother, the sharpening of hearing Jasper's own mind as they looked into each other's eyes.
"Have faith. Believe that she will find a way. Even in the blackness of her second sight she still sees around it. Perhaps not gone but simply subdued." Jasper's eyes widened as he heard the clear tone of his own brothers voice in his mind, looking at him shocked that he'd been able to do so, but knowing the vast difference between what he'd experienced countless times during their training and this moment here where he simply heard Edward's voice. The stunned gaze of Jasper shaking his head as he looked at Edward and then turned to Eleazar and seeing in Edward, just what Jasper knew Eleazar believed was there. This gift that Edward had, was far more then what any of them could understand. The fact Edward was already using it, even if in only small amounts with little effort showed what it could really become.
"It's good to see that some confidence has allowed you to use that gift instead of forcing it away. It's just the beginning though, we still have much to deal with. That gift being one of them, it seems almost endless. What you could simply will to happen." Jasper said aloud, both Carmen and Bella watching the men intently, but realising that Edward had done something, that he'd somehow managed to say something to Jasper without speaking at all. Both women realising that Edward had used his gift again without it lashing out and violently harming anyone around them, that he'd been able to use only the contact of skin that time, between himself and Jasper only.
"We don't have to hide from our abilities any longer Jasper. Not you or I, not even Alice. She isn't blind, she has still seen around the wolves. Let Eleazar speak with her as long as he needs, I believe Eleazar knows all he needs to know to be able to help Alice get her visions to return to her. My sister and your mate, isn't nearly as beaten as she may feel." Edward said with an edge of pride and confidence that made Jasper smile, and Edward truly believed from only the brief hints of what he could see in Eleazar's mind, that this ancient former Volturi guard would help Alice as he'd helped Edward's own ability.
"You ensure the safety of my sister and then return to us brother, because I have plans. Tonight we finish what these creatures started and then I shall hunt down the woman who seeks revenge against you while you make this mated bond more permanent." Jasper pointed between Edward and Bella and then moving forward, squeezing Edward's forearm before leaning forward and pressing his lips to Bella's cheek.
"Do not fear Bella. Do not fear for us, fear for those who oppose us. Pray for them if you feel the need, we will end this tonight and then we shall prepare for your rebirth into our family. It will be very nice not to feel such hunger around your presence." Jasper said with the underlined tone of the devastation and destruction he planned, but even in what he said Bella found herself smiling as he grinned at her. The fact that they could even joke about her scent making him hungry showed just how far they had all truly come. Jasper, who in the past, had been all but told to keep his distance and he himself had happily done so for fear of his lust for human blood, now stood before her able to be so close while teasing her about her scent.
"Just be safe Jasper." Bella said simply, not only wishing for him to be safe for her and Edward, but for Alice too, she couldn't stand the thought of losing anyone else. They had already lost too much. Jasper saluted Bella once more, smiling before moving to join Peter and Charlotte who were talking with Both Tanya and Kate, the sparring was over, the practice and preparing was done, now was a time for drawing battle plans and Bella knew that this time her place was away from her family. It would not forever be this way but for now her place was to be away from them so she didn't risk them. She was vulnerable, she was human and the mate of a vampire that led this coven and family, leaving herself open to harm risked them all. She would swallow her fear, and stay within her home with her unaware father and her protector of a vampire whose own mate would be lunging into battle alongside her own mate.