Rekindled Ashes

Chapter 38: Terms

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, sadly, otherwise I would have a nice log cabin in the woods where I would be a complete recluse and write until my heart was content. Instead, I have a full time job! So, that being said, the characters all belong to Stephenie Meyer, but the story came from my twisted little mind. Rated M.

From your slanted view see the morning dew
Sink into the soil, watch the water boil
They won't see me run, who can blame them?
They never look to see me fly, so I never have to run

Tiptoe by Imagine Dragons

Bella's senses had picked up the intruders long before she'd heard them. She'd been tracking their silent progress through the forest as they headed toward them. She hadn't been sure whether it was animals or a threat. When the snap of a twig has sounded like a gunshot, she knew it wasn't an animal. They weren't heavy enough to break a twig like that.

All of this flew through her mind as her body swung into action, she hadn't even realized she'd given her body a command until it was finished executing it. Her mind sensed danger, and she'd acted accordingly. All of this and she still had time to be amazed by all of this.

Jasper hadn't had time to react. He'd been too involved in her approach, she'd seen the hunger in his eyes that reflected her own. She'd been thinking about it while she'd tracked what she'd thought was an animal. In hindsight, she probably should have mentioned it before, but her mind had been pulled in several directions and the alarm bells had been minor in comparison to what she'd felt as a human.

As the large vampires stepped in to the small area, she found herself pulled behind Jasper. Their roles reversed once again. Bella recognized the four that strode through the trees. One was hard not to recognize, he'd removed the heavy cloak he'd been wearing when they'd first met, but with better eyes and better instinct, she could see the shale like skin for what it was.

Age and power.

Something Aro stank of.

Aro had brought with him, the two guards from their first meeting and the small girl, Jane, who had tried to confront her in the house. His curiosity was obviously too much for him to sit and wait for an invite. How they'd found her was beyond her scope of knowledge at the moment, but she wouldn't let it happen again. Even if she had to slap her shield around her companions to make sure of it. The only upside to this visit was: if they'd followed them, the girls were safe.

Knowing that Jane was a weapon that could be used against her companions, Bella pushed her shield over them. She wasn't taking any risks. If they wanted to fight, they were going to fight fair.

As Bella's shield pushed out around her. She was almost knocked over with the results. Emotions from everyone outside of their little sphere brushed over her consciousness. She could feel how excited Jane was, how curious Aro was, and how eager the other two seemed to be. Beyond that, she could hear their thoughts. Aro was wondering how best to incapacitate the other four without inflicting serious damage, he was hoping the damage to his friendship with Carlisle wouldn't be irreparable. Jane was thinking how much she wished she could grow up, she longed to have a woman's body. Rosalie's presence made her feel inadequate, and awkward.

One of the guards, the smaller of the two she believed, was excited about engaging in a fight with Emmett, he had been looking for a worthy opponent and with Emmett's size, he believed he would have a match. And last, but certainly not least, the bigger of the two guards was watching her relentlessly, hoping he could be the one to bring her under his wing when they returned home, he wanted her as a mate.

"This is bizarre." Bella mumbled.

She stood on the tips of her toes, her mouth brushing the lobe of Jasper's ear. She heard the large guard thinking about dismembering Jasper, but she ignored it. Instead, she lowered her voice so Jasper would be the only one to hear it.

"I can feel their emotions and hear their thoughts." She whispered almost inaudibly. "I think whoever is in my shield, loans me their gifts. Can you feel their emotions?"

Jasper nodded once.

"Good to know."

"Felix is jealous." He mumbled under his breath. Bella agreed with him, feeling the same emotion. "Why?"

Bella ran her hand up Jasper's chest and Felix's emotions rose up with it, his thoughts had turned almost into a mantra. Mine.

Jasper tensed, understanding exactly what the emotion meant now. As Bella removed her hand from his chest, she tangled it with his.

"What is this?" Edward asked, taking on the role as spokesman for their group.

"We just wish to talk." Aro sighed as though he were tired of all the games. Unfortunately for him, Bella and Edward could hear exactly how much truth was in that statement.

As Bella tensed, it seemed Jasper had also found the lie, coupled with the emotions Aro was throwing off, it was understandable it had taken him a while to get to the fabrication. It was only because Bella had both his and Edward's gifts that she'd been able to get a read on it.

As silence lingered in the small clearing, Bella's mind wandered. It only took her a second to realize that the sounds of the forest had gone silent. Gone was the sound of the marching ants and the bird calls. Everything seemed still and unmoving as though awaiting the outcome of this standoff.

It made Bella nervous in light of the thoughts that would occasionally flutter through Aro's mind. He wanted this gift of hers, he wanted to use her to keep them safe in their little town. Eleazar had picked up the possibility of her shield being not only a mental barrier, but also a physical one. The only thing he hadn't seemed to pick up on was the fact that Bella had access to all gifts within the shield.

It wasn't until he decided to have Felix test the shield that she tensed. She slipped between Edward and Jasper standing shoulder to shoulder with them. There was no reason for her to hide anymore. She was just as strong as they were, and she knew how to fight. She never released her hold on Jasper's hand, the curl of his fingers in hers made her more comfortable.

With a flick of his wrist, Aro sent Felix propelling toward them. He stuck low to the ground. His hulking figured almost a ball of power as he threw himself at Bella. Bella caught his thoughts as he moved. He wanted her in his possession if they were going to follow through with their plan.

Three feet in front of her, Felix seemed to come into contact with a solid form. With the velocity of his movement pushing him forward, the contact sent him flying backwards and into the forest behind him. The crash as he pushed through trees sent birds screaming into the air above them, their silence broken as he knocked them from their roosts. Three trees groaned as they fell to the forest floor sending up a cloud of dried dirt and leaves.

"Fascinating." Aro laughed, holding out his hand as Felix charged toward them once again. He stopped the moment he saw Aro's command, though Bella could hear the grumbling in his thoughts. He wanted another shot, sure that the result had been a fluke. "I do enjoy it when Eleazar is right. You'd think after so many years I would learn not to doubt him. Unfortunately, this leaves us in a predicament."

As much as Bella wanted to tell him where to shove his resolution to their predicament, she knew it would only give away this new development in her gift. She wasn't willing to give him the satisfaction, or motivation to continue this endeavor.

"I'm afraid Bella is comfortable where she is." Edward said for her. "I understand that her unique gift is something you would love to explore more, Aro, but the choice is hers."

"I'm sure we could find something to motivate her." Felix purred. It was a suggestive comment, but his thoughts were not on Bella. They were on the girls. Bella swallowed a growl and let Jasper react for her. She had to keep her head clear and offer some kind of solution before this escalated into something that would be hard to back out of.

She knew that they couldn't beat the Volturi. They had more men and more powers than they could fathom, but Bella's shield would protect them from anything they threw at the family. The only problem was, them not giving up. Aro's thoughts swirled around the possibility and played out several strategies before his eyes fell on Edward and he smiled sheepishly.

They would be locked into a battle, and without tiring the Volturi would continue to fight them until they were rewarded. They would have to fight eventually, and when they did it wasn't a guarantee that they wouldn't lose someone. As much as Bella hated the thought of working with the Volturi in any capacity, the only way to solve the riddle was to offer them something to work with.

"Will you put a leash on your guard dog?" Bella asked, her eyes finding Aro's. "What are you hoping is going to happen here?"

"That you will join us of, of course. Bella. Your talent is magnificent and could be most advantageous to our organization. I believe you will lead quite a comfortable life with us."

"Have you even considered that I would decline the offer?"

"Of course we have, but you're a smart young lady. I'm sure whatever we offer will prove to be most beneficial to you."

"There's nothing you can offer that would make me want to leave with you, but if you're willing to negotiate, I believe I may have a solution to this impasse of ours."

"A new born with ingenuity. Now I am intrigued. Let us hear your solution, young Bella."

Bella took a deep, unneeded breath and looked around the group. She didn't want to do this. She didn't want to be some lackey that would be available at their beck and call, but she couldn't see another solution.

"I become a contract employee. If you need me to defend you, I will come. On the condition." She added as Aro smiled. "That it's a real threat. If you make a decision to contact me, I'm sure Alice will see it. If you call me for something as ridiculous as your entertainment, the deal is off. I have a life, and I will not be running around doing menial tasks for you. If you're in danger, I will arrive immediately–"

"With two of us in tow." Emmett added, giving her a wink. It was his way of letting her know she wasn't alone.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I protect my family from you until you get bored and fuck off."

Aro threw back his head and laughed. It was so unexpected even Jane jumped next to him. "You are quite the colorful character, Bella. It shall be a shame to leave you behind. However, I accept your terms and conditions. I realize a good deal when I see one."

Bella searched his mind for schemes and backhanded deals, but he seemed genuinely placated by her resolution. He was even considering having Eleazar searching for someone with similar talents to Alice's so he would have a way to check in on her answer when he did call for her.

Instead, it was Felix's thoughts that pulled her attention in. He was apparently furious and felt backstabbed by his master. Whether or not Aro was aware of it, Felix had assumed Aro wouldn't back down and Bella had, in some capacity, been promised to him.

Bella only had a split second warning before Felix pounced. Without thinking about it, she stretched her shield around Aro in the last second, throwing Felix on his ass into a tree for the second time.

"I'm going to assume you were testing Bella's abilities, Felix."

Felix grunted, but nodded, obviously realizing he was going to pay for his little mishap. Bella pulled her shield from around Aro, but kept her family covered, unsure she could trust Aro.

"It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Bella. I hope we do not need to meet again soon considering our new circumstances. Please give Carlisle my best."

"We will." Edward responded in a clipped tone.

. . .

Jasper stood with the others and watched as Aro retreated into the forest. They stayed where they were, listening to the sounds of retreat. He was thinking about Bella's gift and how she'd managed to create a physical barrier. He realized she was able to control this because he'd been able to touch her even when he hadn't felt her emotions.

"Do you think it's safe to stop protecting you?" Bella asked quietly.

"Does it take much effort?" Edward asked.

Bella shook her head and leaned into Jasper's side. Releasing her hand, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer into his side.

"None at all, you want me to keep it up till we get back to the house?"

"No, I don't think it's necessary, but I'm interested to see if being in your shield prevents us from experiencing bloodlust."

"We can experiment later." Jasper growled in her ear as he led her past the other two and down the mountain. It wasn't that he wanted to steal her away and keep her to himself, which he did, but he also hadn't wanted her to become overwhelmed. They needed to talk about all of this. Since she'd woken up, they hadn't had a moment together to talk about what had happened or how much her life had changed. She'd just promised her services to the Volturi without a blink of an eye and was now under the threat of being prodded like a guinea pig.

Enough was enough. If she wanted to try and be around humans, he'd let her experiment, but beyond that, he was going to pull her away so she could catch her metaphorical breath.

Jasper ran beside Bella easily, she was fast but he kept up with her pace, his eyes occasionally drifting to her as they dodged through the trees hand in hand. The sky was already darkening overhead, but it didn't deter him. His night vision was quite fine, and did nothing to take away from Bella's beauty.

She didn't hesitate as they reached the river. With his hand in hers, they both coasted over the gap easily and hit the ground running. The only sign at all that Bella had been nervous was the small giggle she'd given as they landed.

They circled the house and cut to the front door away from the wolf camp and were met by Carlisle. Jasper could already feel the concern and curiosity rolling off him in waves, which was a sure fire sign that he'd heard what had happened.

"Aro come to say goodbye himself?" Jasper asked, tugging Bella up the steps with him.

"I should have known he'd try to corner you. What happened?"

Bella shifted uncomfortably and leant against one of the porch posts. Her eyes met Jasper's as though asking whether he'd like to do the honors.

"He was attempting to remove Bella by force but came up against some complications."

"Complications?"

"Apparently Bella's shield isn't just a mental block. I think he realized that if it came to a stand off, they would be the ones left waiting while we got quite comfortable. You'll also be happy to know that the shield can help her control her bloodlust for any creature, as well as the fact that she can utilize the gifts of others within the walls of the shield, which Aro knows nothing about."

"Remarkable."

"Remarkably freaky maybe." Bella snorted.

"No, it makes sense. You're a private person. A fast learner and you've never been a slave to your impulses. You approach everything with caution. It only stands to reason that all that would translate. You were a unique human, and all of those traits have followed you into this life."

"That's a polite way of saying I was a freak." She teased, her free fingers playing with the frayed hem of the shirt she was wearing.

"If you say so." Carlisle responded playfully. "So what was the resolution? Aro seemed quite satisfied to be leaving without his prize."

"I'm a hired goon." Bella snorted. "If someone threatens them, I will offer my services until the threat has passed, and I get to take two of you with me so he doesn't have a change of heart."

"Well, lets hope you're not needed."

"That's exactly what Aro said," Jasper said quietly.

Before Carlisle could change the subject and lure Bella into testing out her new gift, Jasper tugged on her hand and gave his father figure a small smile. He could feel the curiosity rising in Carlisle and no matter how much he respected the man; he knew he and Bella needed to talk. He had no idea how she felt about all of this or what her plans were.

"I'm going to take Bella to her room to shower. Do you mind if I steal her away from waxing the philosophical until the morning?"

Carlisle laughed with good nature and offered a nod. Obviously understanding that there were more important things than testing the capabilities of an invisible shield that obviously wasn't going anywhere.

"Did you want to make sure you're all right with humans before venturing inside?" Carlisle asked. "Kelly has volunteered to give you a hug."

Bella laughed in a bell-like peal and nodded with enthusiasm. When Carlisle leaned toward the door, it opened before he could get to it. Kelly peeked her head out and grinned, her eyes going wide as she took in Bella's vampire form.

"Did I hear my name?"

"Yes ma'am. If you're still willing..." Before Carlisle could even finish the statement Kelly danced from the door and threw her arms around Bella with a small laugh. There was no fear rolling from her, no anticipation or trepidation, just complete faith and trust as she embraced the woman she saw as a friend.

"She won't hurt me." Kelly laughed pulling back and eyeing Bella, she reengaged her embrace and Bella breathed in relief. She'd pulled up her shield in full force without instituting the physical barrier, which meant Jasper couldn't read her emotions.

"How did you know?" Bella asked, her voice quiet.

"I know you. Just because you're a vampire, it doesn't mean you lost your humanity. It was too deeply ingrained in you."

Bella let out a small laugh and hugged Kelly back with one arm, she kept her grip loose and light as to not hurt her, and Jasper couldn't help but laugh.

An hour later, Bella had hugged every one of the girls and had managed to take a shower and change. Jasper had whisked her from the house and led her toward her father's home at a quick run. He was desperate to get her alone, and Emmett and Edward had already made sure the Volturi were long gone. It had been confirmed when the sound of planes had headed east into the night sky.

The humans were heading toward their human homes, and Rose and Esme were getting the girls ready for bed. There was literally nothing more Bella could do in the house, and he finally had her all to himself.

The moment they were inside the Swan home, he drew the line in the sand and led Bella to the couch so she'd understand that they were going to talk first.

"Jasper?"

"I know," he said quietly, his lips pressing against hers. "We'll get to that."

She laughed the same tintinnabulation and fell into the couch pulling him down with her. If she was reluctant to talk she never showed it. Instead, she nestled into his chest and waited for him to start.

"How do you feel?"

Bella sighed gently, and the block fell away from her emotions like a dustsheet. Jasper could feel every emotion moving through her. Everything was one big conflict after another. Every emotion seemed to contradict another that followed.

"Wrong question to ask?"

"No, it's not that," she said quietly, arranging herself so her head was in his lap and her legs hung off the arm of the couch. "I'd thought about this before, becoming a vampire, but it had been fleeting and I really hadn't thought about the implications. Like what I'd have to give up, what I would be risking. When I woke up and saw Stacey there, I knew I wouldn't hurt her, but knowing I had the ability to, it scared me.

"Don't get me wrong, I love all of the new stuff. The speed is addictive, the balance and instincts are incredible, and all this room in my brain to think is... Distracting. Then I think about what I gave up, and not even my losses, but, well yours."

"Mine?"

"My brown eyes, my warmth, the things you seemed to love best about me. For one moment when my eyes flickered open in the office, I was terrified you wouldn't be there. That I was no longer the person you loved. Everything else I can take in my stride, but losing you would have destroyed me."

Jasper was flooded with a small taste of the panic she'd felt and it made him shudder. He couldn't imagine his life without her in it, but to think she believe it was all so cosmetic. To believe that he'd loved her for these silly traits that, yes, admittedly he had loved. But loved only because they were hers.

"I love you because of the person inside this shell." He mused, his finger running down her nose. "The silly little things, like your eyes and your heat, they were part of you, not why I love you. I just want to know that you're all right with all of this. It was so sudden, so unplanned and your whole life has changed."

"Is that what this talk is about?" Bella asked. "About me adjusting to this life? And you worrying about how I was coping?"

Jasper shot her a grin and she rolled her red eyes. "Honestly, now I know I can stand human blood, the rest is kind of exciting. I can defend the girls better than I ever have before, I can protect us all if necessary. We can still bring humans here and help rebuild, and most importantly..." she trailed off and grinned. "You can touch me however the hell you want to."

"Oh yes?"

Bella nodded and sat up, rolling onto all fours as she grinned at him suggestively.

"And I suppose you want to test this theory out?"

Before she could even nod, he pounced, her laughter ringing out and egging him on.

Authors Note: I know, I suck with the RR's at the moment and I feel like I should explain a little bit. I work forty hours a week like I'm sure most of you guys do, but I have also been writing some original novels, which have no similarity to any of the stories here, so they're not going anywhere. That being said I've been prepping them to send to agents and publishers and it's a time consuming thing. That being said, I know how some of you feel about my apologizing lol! I just wanted to let you know the why's of it so you would understand.

Thank you all for reading, adding to alerts and favorites and for reviewing. You guys are amazing and your support and encouragement means the world to me. We only have the epilogue left now. It's been perplexing me a little lol! I have rewritten it a dozen times and it's the only thing I haven't had finished for months lol! I love you guys! I hope you know how much I appreciate your time and your patience with me!

As always... Hev99 and Sabi'sSookie, I love you two to the end of the universe and back! You're both amazing and you've been my rock through so much. Thank you for everything you've done. I love you loads!

MWAH!