36. Ambush

Canada

January 2011

Peter

After Victor squealed like a baby, the Major kept his word much to my disappointment. Instead of burning him in the house, we gave Garrett the duty of carrying him outside. Even though I was less than pleased about showing mercy, one look at Robyn's face and I saw the reason the Major had done it. Robyn was proud of him for sticking to his morals. Right out front in view of everyone, we lied Victor down on the grass bringing his limbs next to him. Even though death is a terrifying thing, Victor seemed to see it differently. Maybe the Major was right, maybe Victor had seen the bad side of the war at last. If not the war itself, he had seen the bad side of Maria too many times to believe she still loved him.

I had to hand it to Maria, she was a good manipulator. She managed to keep Victor at her side always with just enough affection to keep him interested. The Major wasted no time in striking a match and setting him aflame. While I worried about his truthfulness in his comrades, the Major didn't want to risk him conspiring with the others before they got information out of them. Victor had always been the type of person to crumble under peer pressure. We suspected that could happen again.

Once Victor was burnt to a crisp nothing more than ash, we left Garrett to deal with that. The Major was looking over the map while I headed inside to give Rosalie, Emmett, and Robyn an update on what we learned. Of course they most likely heard everything Victor had given us on the map, but they didn't know our plan yet. If everything went well, maybe by tomorrow afternoon, we'd be rid of the problem of Maria's scouts. At least long enough to get to the Denalis. Though the more I thought about, the more I realized it might not be that easy. Convincing vampires that were friends with the Cullens, Carlisle in particular, would take a lot. I didn't want to put Robyn at risk, but it might our only solution.

Robyn was at the door when I walked in. She gave me a smile, but I could see the worry. It had been a few days since her last hunt. I could tell it was beginning to settle within her. Her once orange eyes would take a few more trips to turn completely gold. I lifted my hand, touching her cheek and she immediately turned her head into my palm. Without another word, she stepped into my arms breathing me in.

"Rose, Emmett, could you come out here please?" Rose and Emmett had been hiding away in their room during the interrogation. Garrett had been keeping Robyn company, to keep her mind off our current predicament.

The bedroom door opens to reveal Rose and Emmett. She gives a tight smile, but I know she's worried. Even though I've been worried about their motives in being here, Rose has been something for Robyn none of us could manage. Plus, Emmett has given her a little slice of her human life again. I can't be angry with that. Pulling Robyn out of my arms, I sit with her on the couch in the room. It's not exactly the most expensive but we can decorate after our fight with the Volturi.

Immediately I begin to explain in detail what we learned from Victor. As I expected, they all heard most of it, but are curious about our plans. The Major comes into the house by this point pulling the rooms attention. Garrett comes trailing in afterward standing by the Major's side. I actually enjoyed that the Major brought Garrett into the fray. He's a valuable asset even if he doesn't believe so. The Major begins to detail most of the plan, where Victor's cohorts are hiding. We are a bit outnumbered but with Robyn's gift we hope to catch them off guard. According to Victor, none of them knew about Robyn's gift until the unusual patterns began to take place with me.

Victor hadn't been able to tell Maria about the development. As human her gift wasn't as powerful as it became when she turned. Maria had been kept up to date on a daily basis while we were still in Texas. With distance, that became harder because Maria was still advancing her territory and with the addition of assisting the Volturi, she was stretched pretty thin. We had at least that advantage. Before the Major concluded the announcement of our plans, he took in Robyn's appearance and her darkening eyes.

"Before get started," his eyes held mine and I merely nodded. "We all need to be in top shape. While we have good abilities all around at night, it might still give us an advantage. In the meantime, to prepare, everyone needs to hunt. Unfortunately, Garrett will not be able to hunt because I don't trust his ability to go alone. If Garrett feels okay in hunting animals, it's his choice. Otherwise, immediately after this, he will go hunting. Rosalie and Emmett can watch each other while hunting. Myself and my mates will go hunting now. Either Rose and Emmett can hunt nearby or wait until we get back."

His eyes drifted toward Rosalie and Emmett. "We'll take an area where you all aren't hunting."

His eyes landed back on Garrett. The idea of leaving Garrett alone in the house didn't sit well with me. Garrett hung his head just a little. "I've got this. I doubt they'd move on the house. Just in case, try not to be gone too long."

The rest of us laughed just a bit. Holding Robyn closer, she rested her head on my shoulder peering up at me. "Guess I wasn't hiding it very well." Her voice is low, a murmur on her breath. I shake my head, trailing my fingers across her cheek.

"Actually if it wasn't for your eyes, you were hiding it well." I suspect my hunting was the true reason she was suddenly thirsty. Rosalie and Emmett took that time to head out the door for their trip. Garrett proceeded down the stairs to his room. Something about catching up on his reading until we get back. I never really expected him to take part in the animal diet even if it would save his damn life. Though I know at least one person might change his mind with her golden eyes and golden hair. Maybe Robyn's promise to find his mate had changed his destiny.

"Before we hunt," I begin, taking Robyn's hand. "There's something we need to do first."

The Major smiles nodding as he seems to understand what I'm talking about. Between my new visions and the interrogation, there's something Robyn hasn't been able to do yet. Taking her hand, I lead upstairs exactly where I know a mirror resides.

Robyn

I almost gave Peter a quizzical look as he leads me upstairs instead of toward the door. He really does have something up his sleeve at the moment. Instead of questioning either of my mates, I allow him to lead me upstairs. Jasper, or the Major, trails behind us, his scent traveling up my nose and calming me. With both my home and safety next to me, I feel completely calm, the thirst a simmer in the back of my throat.

Peter leads me toward the empty room across from ours on the second floor. Actually it's more like the third floor with the basement. Jasper steps in behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. Peter kisses my forehead before walking across the room. It's suddenly nice that when one leaves the other keeps a touch of my skin. Peter surprises me by dragging something on wheels with a sheet across the front.

It takes me a moment to realize exactly what it is. It's a mirror, a large rolling mirror. The kind of mirror that I can see my entire body in. Suddenly I get really nervous. They are both finally here as I wanted, but I feel strange. I know seeing myself in this new body will be a shock. Yet, my mates have loved me in both. My fingers gently pinch the edge of the dress, for a moment worrying I might tear the fabric. Jasper removes his hand from my shoulder stepping beside me, taking my hand in his, kissing my knuckles.

When I look at him, I smile because I see the easy set of his eyes now. Jasper has returned. The Major understood that this moment should be shared with the easy going of the two.

"No need to be nervous," he coos against against my skin. Brushing hair from my cheek, he rubs a thumb over my jaw. "You will just be able to see yourself as we've always seen you."

Jasper kisses my lips quickly before joining Peter at the mirror. "Ready?" Peter asks, lips forming a smirk. In that minute, I wonder if he's seen my reaction from his vision or if it's hidden from him. I give him a nod, and together, Peter and Jasper pull off the sheet.

In that moment, I take in the gold trim on the mirror, but then it's gone, replaced by the image in the reflection. My hands immediately go to my face. I don't recognize the woman looking back at me. She's strikingly beautiful, full pouty lips, orange eyes almost golden within a few more trips. Her skin is pale, almost ghostly, but in a way that makes her uniquely beautiful. Tears well in her eyes at sight of the reflection. Dark brown almost black hair trails to her back. I distinctly remember my hair being short before, but after the change it's grown out.

After a moment of staring at my reflection, Peter joins one side while Jasper joins the other. My reflection was one thing, but to see them on either side of me brings out the butterflies. I know I've always belonged at their side, but seeing the beauty I now possess, I finally feel that belonging. I feel worthy of them now. I'm strong and durable, but beautiful enough to stand at their sides without others thinking I don't belong.

Jasper's finger rests under my chin. "Now you see how we've always seen you. It is us that are not worthy of you."

I reach forward kissing him deeply and passionately. The rational side of my brain keeps it simple, however. I do not want a repeat of our last hunting trip. We've got more important things to worry about right now. I will make sure that becomes a priority soon, but for now, we've got work to do.

Jasper

After Robyn had finally seen her reflection, the three of us sped from the house. Even though Peter had recently fed, he took the Major's advice. In case he had any vision in the field, we needed to be prepared. All three us hunted together, not a single one of us threatened by the other. We could easily hunt side by side without difficulty. However, it was harder for Peter not to get overwhelmed by the sight and feeling of hunting with Robyn for the first time.

His instincts the first time he was hunting animals had been a little different. With the Major in control, they allowed themselves to be intimate. At the moment, Robyn was worried about her gift and the effects it could have on us during a fight. Though I could both see and feel Peter's disappointment. Knowing that I had been with them both separately, made my decision easier. I knew neither would like it but if the Denalis were going to listen to anyone, it would be their own people. With Rosalie, Emmett, and I traveling to Alaska, we might accomplish more. I'd have to talk it over with Peter first, know what his visions told him.

We headed back to the house to meet up with everyone when it happened. They had taken their chance to affect us while apart. My eyes flipped to Peter who immediately gave a nod and pulled Robyn close, back to back. We hadn't had the chance to train her to fight properly, but she was about to get an advance course.

Once Peter had her close, I could no longer hold him off. My eyes flickered and the Major stepped forward.

The Major

They thought we were caught off guard. In fact, this was the other part of my plan. We knew it was risky to split up to cover more ground but while hunting they might see us as weak. Having Rosalie and Emmett in the same forest would bring us together. Garrett would hold down the house, allowing them to cover the house at all angles. With Garrett inside and the rest of us hunting, they'd never expect someone to come from behind.

Four vampires jumped down from the trees. I had spotted them only a few minutes earlier. It was hard not to laugh or spook them. All four had dark red eyes, but a couple were getting closer to full black. They were all men but two were dressed in regular clothes while the others had dark cloaks. Having not seen the Volturi or Maria's army in a while, I wasn't sure if they were with Maria or the Volturi.

They growled and snarled. Though the two regular dressed men were surprised by our lack of shock. Ripping my shirt from my body, Peter did the same. The bite marks on our skin usually deterred most vampires. It was a warning sign of danger. However, all four stood their ground. It made me grin as I strengthened my stance and ran at the weakest with full strength. He was caught off guard and immediately launched into the air as we collided.

The others took their chance away from me with Peter and Robyn. While Jasper worried in the back of my mind about Robyn, I knew Peter would keep her safe. The vampire landed back on the ground with a grunt, but I didn't let him get far. Before he could react, I was next to him watching him fall as the sound of his ripped limbs echoed around the forest. His scream was loud and enough for Peter to get the upper hand on the vampire circling Robyn.

I'm not sure how or what happened, but as I was feeding calm to the vampire on the ground with his missing limbs, the other vampires fell to the ground around Peter and Robyn. They each had a dazed look in their eyes before falling back to the ground. Peter pulled Robyn into his arms looking at the vampires surrounding them. The vampires had meant to ambush us but it turned out, we ambushed them.

"Did I somehow do this?" Robyn asks, nodding toward the dazed vampires.

"I would assume so," I say, lips twisting as I look around at the vampire on the ground. "Could both of you or one of you remove their limbs. We can't risk them coming out of it and running off."

I toss the limbs of my vampire toward the ground and headed to another. The vampires are so dazed from my cocktail of emotions they barely flinch as Peter and Robyn rip their limbs. Peter suddenly touches Robyn's shoulder to indicate where to put the limbs when his eyes shift. It's only a couple minutes but Robyn is at his side waving me to them both. He comes out of the vision when I stand next to him.

"Rose and Emmett will be heading this way with three more." Suddenly a wicked smirk spreads across his lips. "Why don't you try giving them another emotion? I want to test something."

I feel his mischievousness only minutes before we hear Rose and Emmett. "Jas!" Rose yells, "We're coming!"

It seems our plan worked well. While we didn't automatically think the vampires would attack while we were separated, we hoped they would. We just needed an opportunity to give them exactly what they wanted. A chance to attack us separately.

Robyn grinned over at me, walking to my side. Rose, Emmett, and three other vampires on their tail burst between the trees. The vampires seemed shocked at the sight of their companions on the ground, but I gave them no chance to change their path. Feeding one vampire, the one in the back a hefty dose of pleasure, he fell to the ground moaning. Peter bursts out laughing as the entire area is filled with three moaning vampires. Thankfully with Robyn's influence I'm able to pick the vampire to affect this time. I notice the reason for that this time is because she's touching my shoulder.

"What the hell have you done?!" Rose asks, as both she and Emmett take in the sight of calm sereen and moaning vampires.

"Looks like Jasper found a way to affect more people, Rosie." Emmett can no longer contain his laughter letting a few chuckles escape. Rosalie is in the same boat, giggling under her breath.

"Uh, Jas?" Robyn says, pulling on my arm to get my attention. Her eyes flicker to the first vampire we affected. While it was funny, it's become downright hysterical when that vampire closes his eyes and shouts his release. The confirmation of his release is the wet spot forming on his pants.

Robyn looks a little uncomfortable as everyone realizes the others are close. Immediately I reign in the lust and pleasure giving the remaining vampires calm. They each slump to the ground as we remove their limbs.

"We should get back to Garrett," Peter says, looking at the vampires. Dividing what we have amongst ourselves, we head back toward the house. Surrounding the house when we return are about six more vampires. Victor either was holding out on us or more were lying in wait than he knew. About thirteen vampires were watching us which meant the Volturi were hoping Maria's army would do away with us without them getting involved.

Garrett has come out of the house as expected. He managed to take about two on himself. Venom leaks from Garrett's chest. His clothes have been ripped and he's growling toward the other vampires circling him.

"Can you effect this many?" Rose questions, looking over at me with wide eyes. Instead of answering her, Robyn comes to my side, eyes bordering on black once more. She's using too much of her power that makes her weak, drains her of mental strength. Considering with Robyn at my side I've managed to keep six vampires calm tells me that I can handle this.

"Not sure if we can keep the others calm," Robyn whispers. "This might take the rest of my strength." I hope with the Denalis' help that Robyn will be able to use her gift without so much effort.

Dropping the calm of the vampires we've been carrying, I direct it toward the house and collection of vampires surrounding Garrett. Instead of hitting Garrett, the vampires all fall, one by one. Garrett stands in shock as vampires fall around him with no explanation. When he looks over and spots us, he falls to his knees.

"Took you guys long enough! I was dying here." Garrett says, huffing toward the ground.

Peter takes Robyn from my side who giggles following him to quickly incapacitate each vampire. Once all their arms and legs are gone, I touch Peter's shoulder. "Garrett needs to go hunting. He's not in the condition to hunt alone. Would you go with him? I'll just question these vampires and burn them. We have no use for them. We'll discuss Alaska when you return."

Peter nods, reaches over and kisses my lips softly. Instead of letting him go, I tug him closer, kissing him harshly. When we pull apart, Robyn is giggling with a sigh.

"That's never going to get old." She smiles lovingly at us both. Peter kisses her lips afterward both us enjoying her moan as she tastes us both.

"I'll see you both soon." Peter disappears to Garrett's side with a clean shirt. They both run off through the trees heading toward town. Robyn, Rosalie, Emmett, and I move the vampires around and begin interrogating.