Hello my Darlings! This chapter is relatively short. But it is action packed! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. But the wickedness is my doing!
Chapter 25: Cullens…Friends? Or Foes?
Jasper's POV
"Carlisle!" I shout frantically as I carry Edward through the front door of the Cullen Mansion. In an instant Carlisle is standing in front of me with Esme by his side.
"Jasper what is it? What has happened?" He says looking at Edward as I carry him into the living room. I gently lay him on the couch but his eyes are shut tight obviously still in an enormous amount of pain.
"We were attacked!" I answer Carlisle's question.
"What!? By who?" Esme asks concerned and yet defensive. Esme is usually a very passive person but if anyone ever hurts someone she loves she attacks like a ferial lion.
"Witches! Edward's grandmother!" I say keeping myself on the edge of falling into full blown hysteria.
"Ms. Bennet attacked you?" Rosalie says coming into the living room accompanied by Emmet and Riley.
"No, not Ms. Bennet. Edward's other grandmother…his Grandmother Masen," I clarify.
"More witches have come to Forks?" Riley asks worried.
"That can't be good," Emmet vocalizes what everyone is thinking.
"Stop…just stop…" Edward says still in pain and clearly confused.
I rush to his side.
"It is okay Edward. You are okay," I try to comfort him.
"You are all vampires!" He says opening his eyes for the first time. The look in his eyes is one of shock and fear.
I do not confirm his statement because I am overwhelmed with worry. So he knows about vampires? Is he going to turn me away? He knows the truth about my family and me. There is no use hiding it anymore.
"Too many of you here! You need to leave!" Edward says closing his eyes again and speaking incoherently.
His words were like needles scratching against my heart. He didn't want me…and it hurt. I was worried he would turn me away once he knew the soulless monster I really am. But I need him to understand!
"I am not going anywhere Edward. I am not leaving you again," I say trying to convince him.
"Stop thinking! All of you! My amulet, I need my amulet!" Edward says adamantly and holding his head between the palms of his hands.
I look at him confused. Stop thinking? What is he talking about? Why is he in so much pain?
I immediately see Carlisle's eyes widen with understanding. He approaches the couch where Edward lays.
"Edward, are you a telepath?" Carlisle asks.
Edward shakes his head affirmatively as tears slide down his face.
Of course! It all makes sense now!
"Jasper where is his amulet?" Carlisle asks me. "It must protect him from all of our thoughts consuming his mind at once!"
I immediately reach for the necklace around my neck but it is not there! It must have fallen during all of the commotion.
"I don't know! He put it on me!" I say as I search for it frantically.
"No Stop! Please stop! You all need to leave!" Edward demands again.
Seeing Edward in so much pain is unbearable.
"We don't need the amulet!" Riley says as he approaches Edward. He focuses intently on Edward for a few seconds and Edward's eyes open in relief.
"It stopped. I don't hear you anymore," Edward says.
Relief consumes me and I wipe Edward's copper bronze hair out of his face while examining him intently for any hint of pain.
"Riley has the power to neutralize your gift, Edward. Do not worry! It is only temporary," Carlisle explains.
Edward just stares at me…looking directly into my eyes. I would give anything to know what he is thinking right now.
"But Carlisle, I still do not sense that Edward has any powers," says Rosalie confused.
"That is very odd Rosalie. But nonetheless, he does have them," Carlisle confirms.
Suddenly Edward's anxiety returns to him and he attempts to sit up but he only moves his arms and shoulders.
"You are all vampires!" Edward says for the second time, anxiety in his tone.
I send a wave of tranquility in his direction to calm him.
"Yes," I answer.
"Are you going to hurt me?" He asks. And the simple question devours what is left of my breaking heart.
"No, I would never hurt you!" I say wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief Esme hands me from her pocket.
He just looks at me pleadingly.
"Jasper I can't move my legs," he says. I look down at his legs then back at him. What did the witch do to him?
"Carlisle?" I say pleading for his medical expertise. Carlisle is immediately by Edward's side.
"Edward, can you squeeze my hand?" Carlisle says placing Edward's hand in his own. Edward squeezes it weakly.
"Good!" Carlisle says encouragingly. "Now, wiggle your toes."
But they do not move.
"Tell me when you feel pressure on your toes," Carlisle says as he pinches the top of his shoe. But Edward never says a word.
"He is paralyzed from the waist down," Carlisle says.
I immediately panic. How did this happen? Is it permanent? It is my fault! If I would have stayed away from him, none of this would have happened. He doesn't deserve this!
I look down at Edward and see his eyes go wide.
Carlisle places his hand on my shoulder distracting me from my panicked thoughts.
"You are projecting Jasper," he warns. I quickly reign in my emotions and relinquish another wave of calm throughout the room.
"Jasper what happened to you two?" Riley asks.
"I went to Masen Manor to speak with Edward but he wasn't alone. His Grandmother Masen was there. When he introduced me to her, I shook her hand and she instantly knew I was a vampire. She warned Edward to get away from me before she began chanting in a language I could not understand. Then suddenly, I felt as if my head was going to explode and a million knives were being driven into my skull. Edward tried to get her to stop but she ignored him. He placed his amulet around my neck and my pain had disappeared as immediately as it came. But then I heard Edward scream and he collapsed to the floor. His scream distracted his grandmother and she stopped her chanting. I took advantage and grabbed Edward. I ran here as fast as I could. I couldn't leave him there! For all we know, she isn't his grandmother! What kind of grandmother attacks their own grandson?" I explain.
"We do not know that Jasper," Carlisle cautions. "For all we know she knew Edward's amulet would protect him and only stopped her spell once she realized he had removed it."
"Carlisle is right," Edward confirms. "There is no doubt that she is my grandmother. She is in town with her daughter, my Aunt Patricia. Nana and Sam have met them before."
"What was she doing to you two?" Esme asks clearly upset.
"It was a psychic spell to incapacitate," Edward answers.
"That would explain why you were no longer in pain when Edward put the amulet on you. It must have neutralized the spell," Carlisle says.
"I have never heard of witches speaking in another language," Riley says suspiciously.
"Perhaps they are not witches," Carlisle says and looks at Edward. Edward says nothing and returns his gaze.
"You are not like the other vampires," Edward states. "Your eyes are not red."
"What other vampires, Edward?" I ask confused.
"The ones in the meadow today," he answers.
"You saw other vampires today?" Riley approaches quickly, concern written all over his face.
"Yes, they attacked me!" Edward declares.
Vampires in Forks? I immediately fear that the Volturi had found Edward.
"This is not good Carlisle!" I say.
"What did the vampires look like Edward?" Carlisle asks quickly.
"One was a tall blonde male and the other was a female with red hair. Their names were James and Victoria," Edward answers.
My heart drops from both relief and shock. They were not members of the Volturi. These two are members of Maria's army. Riley's eyes immediately go wide.
"They have found us!" Riley says. "Where are they now?"
"James is dead," Edward answers. I look at Edward wide eyed. Was Edward powerful enough to kill a vampire on his own?
"Dead?" Riley asks again not believing that the vampire sent to track him would be gone forever.
"Yes, my Aunt Patricia killed him. Set him on fire," Edward says looking at the floor as if ashamed.
Relief immediately washes over Riley's eyes.
"And his mate Victoria?" I ask.
"Escaped," Edward answers.
I suspected she would escape. Victoria is gifted in evasion.
"This is not good Carlisle! Victoria could be reporting to Maria as we speak! Tens maybe even hundreds of vampires may be on their way here!" Riley urges to Carlisle as his anxiety easily returns.
"More vampires in Forks? That explains why the wolves were hunting," I say thinking out loud.
"You came across the wolves?" Carlisle asks me.
"Yes, I was on my way to see Edward when I sensed a wolf tracking me. They chased me across the river but I eventually lost them when they turned and ran in the opposite direction. They were chasing something," I answer.
"What wolves? And who is Maria?" Edward asks confused.
Edward has every right to know the answers to his questions. But now is not the best time. We have to focus on him first!
"I understand you must have many questions Edward and I promise I will answer all of them. But first we need to get you to a hospital!" I say.
"No! It is best not to move him. I do not know how he became paralyzed but if we move him and the spell caused real physical damage, the paralysis may be permanent or worse….it may kill him. Perhaps if he had his amulet, it would neutralize the spell much like it did for you!" Carlisle suggests. "Do you know where you may have lost it?"
"It could be in the forest. I may have lost it when I ran here," I confess. "Maybe Riley can neutralize the spell?"
"This is not just any kind of spell Jasper…it is a curse. And my power does not work that way. I can only take powers away, I can't neutralize spells once they are cast," Riley explains.
"Jasper you must find that amulet. Go through the forest and retrace your footsteps," Carlisle urges.
I know Carlisle is right and as much as I hate to do so I have to leave Edward. He would be safe with my family. The sooner I find the amulet the better Edward will be.
I lean down and kiss him on the forehead.
"I will be back, Angel," I say before sprinting as fast as I can into the forest.
XXXXX
Edward's POV
As Jasper leaves I immediately become worried. Am I safe here without him? I don't want to tell the Cullens too much about Grams or Aunt Patricia because I am unsure if I can trust them. If they find out about my family, would they hurt them? The Cullens are vampires after all. And vampires kill witches, right?
As if sensing my thoughts and anxiety Esme is by my side and places her hand on my shoulder.
"Relax, you are safe here," she says. Her light brown eyes are so soft and caring I can't help but believe her.
"Esme is right, Edward. You need not fear us," Carlisle says. "As you have noticed, we are not like the other vampires you met earlier today. Our eyes are not red because we do not feed off the blood of humans. My family and I have learned to control our thirst and we only feed off of the blood of animals. We try to live a quiet normal life. Well as normal as a house full of vampires can live that is."
"So you do not kill people?" I ask to clarify.
"Absolutely not," Carlisle says reassuringly.
"Do you hunt witches?" I ask.
"No. We do not engage in the war between vampires and witches. We only want to live in peace with the members of the craft. Rosalie, Riley, and Jasper used to be witches after all," Carlisle says.
"Jasper used to be a witch?" I ask surprised.
"Right… I guess you two really haven't had the chance to discuss this yet. Perhaps I shouldn't say anymore and let Jasper tell you for himself," Carlisle says before returning to Esme's side.
This information is shocking. Jasper was a witch? Is he gifted? Who turned him? Why was he turned? And suddenly I am overwhelmed with a longing for him. I want him by my side. I have so many questions. Today, I had a glimpse of the caring and protective Jasper I first knew….The Jasper I fell in love with.
Angel! He called me Angel!
I reach out to touch the spot on my forehead where Jasper kissed me but my arms do not move!
"Ughhhh Carlisle, I can't move my arms!" I say in a panic.
Carlisle returns to my side and places his hand in mine.
"Squeeze my hand as hard as you can, Edward," he instructs.
But my body does not respond to my commands.
"The paralysis is getting worse. It is spreading," Carlisle says to Esme.
"What can we do?" Esme says with concern.
"Nothing for now. We have to make sure he doesn't move. Without knowing what truly caused this, I am afraid any sudden movement could make the paralysis permanent." Carlisle says.
"Jasper needs to find his amulet," Rosalie says.
"Even if he did find it, are we absolutely sure this would fix Edward?" Emmet says vocalizing the question everyone was thinking. Everyone looks around the room at one another but no one answers.
"Carlisle, I need Nana. She may be able to heal me," I say to him.
"Yes, I agree," Carlisle says.
"I will call her," says Esme as she makes her way to the telephone.
"No need Esme!" Emmet says as he looks out the window closest to the front door of Cullen Mansion. "She just arrived with four other women!"
They are here? Even Aunt Patricia? How did they know where to find me? No one has ever been to the Cullen Mansion except for me…not even Alice.
"They don't look very happy!" Emmet continues. "One of them is HOT!"
Rosalie slaps Emmet over the head and gives him an angry glare before looking out the window to see their guests.
"I can sense them! Ms. Bennet is a warder and Edward's Aunt Samantha has the power of telekinesis," Rosalie says. "The other two are not witches at all. They are sorceresses!"
"I suspected they might be," Carlisle says looking at me.
I avoid making eye contact with him. He knew? How could he have possibly known? Does this mean he knows I am an original witch?
"But I still do not sense Alice or Edward. It is very strange," Rosalie adds.
The fact that Rosalie is able to sense the powers of my family takes me by surprise. She is obviously a gifted vampire. But why can't she sense Alice or me? Could it be because we are original witches? Or is there another reason?
"This does not look good. They look as though they are ready to fight. If there is a fight someone will get hurt!" Says Riley.
I was scared this may happen. I do not know Grams or Aunt Patricia very well, but I suspect they may consider the Cullens a threat. I am still not sure if the Cullens can be trusted, but if they wanted to hurt me they would have done so already. Plus they have never been anything but nice and welcoming to me. I have to let my family know I am okay and unharmed. But how? I can't move!
"There will be no fighting today," Esme says calmly before taking Carlisle by the hand.
"Let's not keep our guests waiting," Carlisle says.
"Wait I should go with you!" I insist.
"I am sorry Edward but that is not an option. You should not be moved until we find out what is causing your paralysis. Do not worry! We are just going to talk with your family. We will not harm them," Carlisle says assuringly. "Rosalie, stay here with Edward. Remember, under no circumstances should he be moved."
"Okay Carlisle," Rosalie agrees.
Riley and Emmet follow Carlisle and Esme as they make their way outside.
"Perhaps you two should stay here also," Carlisle suggests.
"No way Carlisle! If what Edward says is true, and his aunt was able to kill James. You are no match for two witches and two sorcerers. I can at least neutralize their power if they try anything," Riley says.
"And I am going too! For back up!" Emmet says flexing his muscles.
"Very well then, but let me do the talking. Understood?" Carlisle asks.
Both nod in acknowledgment.
The four vampires make their way to the front door to greet my family and Rosalie stays behind. As Riley leaves I sense my telepathy returning. He must have to remain within a certain proximity for his gift to be effective. Rosalie's thoughts consume my mind.
If anyone can calm a situation Carlisle can! But I still wish Jasper was here!
That makes two of us. I do my best to block out Rosalie thoughts but it is not easy. Suddenly familiar thoughts fill my head clear as day.
Oh God I hope Edward is okay!
Alice! For some reason I could hear Alice's thoughts from long distances with almost little effort. I focus all my strength on Alice's thoughts alone and it is as if our senses merge into one. I can see everything she sees and hear everything she hears.
"Where is my grandson?" Nana questions Carlisle sternly.
"Welcome, Ms. Bennet. It is very nice to see you," Carlisle says cordially.
"Bullocks! Gives us the boy!" Grams says angry and short tempered.
"I assure you Edward is safe. He is in our home. You are welcome to come in and see him if you would like," Carlisle says calmly.
"You mistake us for fools vampire." Aunt Patricia declares. "We would not walk into a nest of vampires willingly. Bring me my nephew and you have my word that no one will get hurt," she says confidently. Her calm tone and tranquil mannerisms rivals that of Carlisle's.
"I wish we could, but you see the curse your mother intended for my son to incapacitate him seems to have affect Edward instead," Esme says with malice in her tone.
"Edward is paralyzed from all extremities. I believe moving him would only cause him further injury," Carlisle explains.
"Rubbish!" Grams says. "I see your son is not here?" She says looking amongst them for Jasper. "If he has hurt my grandson in any way, I assure you he will die a painful death!"
"My son is searching for Edward's amulet because we believe it will neutralize your curse! And I assure you…if any harm comes to my son…I will show you the meaning of true pain!" Esme says with a look of fury I would not expect from her.
"Now there is no need for threats here," Carlisle says trying to calm the situation. "We mean you no harm…"
"This is your last warning!" Grams interrupts Carlisle. "Bring me my grandson or face our full power!"
Grams threat only serves to fuel Alice's anxiety. I can sense her fear and apprehension. She does not want anyone to get hurt and she instinctively believes the Cullens are telling the truth.
"Nana! Maybe he is telling the truth!" Alice argues.
"I am sorry my darling, I have never met a vampire that is a friend to witches," Nana says.
"Don't worry Alice," Sam says. "We will get Edward back. One way or another!" She says as she exposes her belt of stones and wooden stakes to be seen.
"Get ready my darlings." Nana whispers to Alice and Sam. "And remember the plan."
"Please there is no need for violence. If you would just come inside…" Carlisle attempts again.
And through Alice's senses I see Aunt Patricia and Grams eyes become consumed in a foggy haze.
"We will not come inside!" Grams shouts. "Samantha now!"
Aunt Sam raises her hand and Carlisle flies across the clearing towards Aunt Patricia.
"NO!" Esme cries as she charges after him. Emmet catches her and holds her back.
Aunt Patricia summons the roots from the ground and commands them to restrain Carlisle in place. At the same time, Nana extends her arms and encompasses Carlisle and my family in a shield preventing any outside entry.
"Looks like they want a fight!" Emmet says eagerly.
I sense Alice's heart racing and mine follows suit. No! Don't do this!
"This will be simple. Hand us the boy and your leader will go free. Refuse, and I set fire to the roots!" Aunt Patricia says threateningly.
Suddenly Alice takes a gasp of air as if suddenly forgetting how to breathe.
And through her eyes I see her vision go black before coming back into focus.
Everything happens so quickly.
"Enough of this!" Riley says charging at full speed towards Nana.
"RILEY! DON'T!" Carlisle shouts.
But it is no use. Riley neutralizes Nana's shield rendering her powerless. The look on her face shows that Riley has taken her by surprise. In a flash he is standing in front of Nana with his right hand gripped firmly around her neck.
"NO!" Sam screams and sends three wooden stakes from her belt flying at Riley.
But Riley is too quick and moves Nana's body into their path. I watch as the wooden stakes stab Nana square in the chest…one of them directly into her heart. Blood flows from her wounds and mouth as she falls to the floor… lifeless. Riley's eyes turn coal black from the sight of blood.
"NOOOOO!" Sam screams in horror.
"I WARNED YOU!" Aunt Patricia yells and ignites the roots constraining Carlisle. An inferno erupts and Carlisle screams as the flames consume him!
EDWARD HELP!
I hear Alice think.
Dun dun dun! :) I know my cliffies drive you guys nuts...but I can't resist.
I must apologize to all of you that reviewed and have not recieved a response from me. I have started writing my thesis and I just haven't had the time to respond to all of you. I want you all to know that I absolutely appreciate all of the reviews I recieve. It is my bread and butter for writing this story! Until next time.