Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight; it is the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are mine. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Italics for thoughts (Edward can hear it if he's present)

Stages of forms

Tiger: first form (actual tiger)

Tigris: second form (were-tiger, like werewolves, larger than actual animal)

Taiga: third form (cat ears, tail, more tiger musculature, fur, full canines, paws)

Tigam: fourth form (half and half, humanoid form, light fur, tail, nearly full canines, paws)

Tegamen: fifth form (mostly humanoid, no fur, stripes marking the skin and claws and longer canines)

Higar: sixth form (human but with cat senses and scent, regeneration and able streak mind)

Human: seventh form (completely human)

Chapter 26

Child against Parent

Kayla POV

She was a fool but this image of weakness was an old game well associated with me. I had not been challenged since my children had children. By not playing for power during my life I had become some one sought for council not battle. This was going well, perhaps it would end as Tam believes.

I am saddened by the events that have had to come into play for Bella to be able to save us. At least the deaths were swift and just. Perhaps they would not weigh her down too much, though there is nothing that is going to ease the pain of killing her own mother. Tam's views on her mate and the family she is around give me hope. But there is little in ways of knowing how all of this will play out.

"Kayla?" a child asked as I passed near them. Looking at him I smiled and slowed. "I was wondering if you could help me with something?" I smiled and walked over to him. We walked slowly together and I could feel the hesitation and uncertainty in him.

"What is it Paul?" I asked gently as the boy fidgeted with his hands. He had yet to master human form but had reach Higar many times.

"I fear that my father will not return." He stated as he looked up at me fearful and sad. I smiled at him as I pulled him into my arms. His father was Gabriel though why he had chosen to have a child only so late in life was unusual.

"He has passed." I told him and the boy shook in my arms. There was going to much of this if Bella failed and I hoped that we did not face it as children against parent. For many hours I stood holding the child to me giving him my strength and comfort. He was alone his mother had passed more than 100 years before I would care for him until he could once again stand on his own. As an elder it was my duty as a mother it was all I could do and wished I could do more.