Ch. Thirty Eight
Disclaimer – All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the creator. The director/author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.
Author Note –OMG! I have almost 600 reviews! Come on my readers! I want more! I am so thrilled that you love this story. I have also been thinking about if I should post one new story, or two? I placed a poll on my profile which I hope my readers, from all fanfics, will vote. As I have said before, this story is coming to an end but I just don't know many more chapters there will be. XP! So, onto the next chapter. Now we'll find out what's going to happen...
NOTE – I know that a group of lions are called Prides but since Panthers usually don't group together... I decided to use Pride because Pack is for the Wolves. Hope you enjoy!
Other Notes:
Personal Thoughts
~Faith's gift~
"Telephone/Eavesdropping"
::Wolf/Feline Pack Connection/Billy's Wolf Form Speech::
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!WARNING! - TISSUES MAY BE NEEDED LATER IN CHAPTER!
(Bella's Pov – 10 Miles From Denali – 3:00 PM)
"Have you seen my present?" I asked Jasper as we grew closer to Denali.
Jasper chuckled and shook his head as his free hand entangled itself with mine. "No, I haven't." His red eyes were sparkling in the sun.
"At least one good thing came from us working with Michael." I said looking down at my arms that were still smooth and non-sparkly.
"Who knew that werewolf venom could stop the suns rays from gettin' ta us an' makin' us shimmer when put on glass." Jasper smiled because I knew that was something he didn't care for.
The sparkles.
I nodded thinking of what Charlie did. "It was good to see dad wanting to go back to work." I told Jasper because Charlie wasn't one of those guys to just sit and do nothing. "He needs to work and do good."
"Shame he's stayin' down in Forks." Jasper whispered as he cut his eyes back and smirked. "Those dogs can sleep anywhere."
I looked over my shoulder to see Seth sprawled out on the floor of the bus, thankfully we placed carpet on the ground instead of tile, as Jake was lying on the couch with Faith asleep on his chest. Aleena was the same way with Seth and I smiled because I knew my girls would always be safe.
"It seems our girls can to." I whispered turning my eyes back to the road. "Did you call Peter to tell him we would be in Alaska?" I cut my eyes to my mate.
"No, I didn't." Jasper said shaking his head kissing my hand before releasing it. "Do ya wanna give 'im a call? While his gift may tell 'em where we're gonna be, I think it'd be better ta call an' tell 'im."
I nodded as I pulled my cell phone out and pressed the redial button since Peter was the last person I spoke to on my phone. It didn't take Peter long before he answered the phone.
"Pete's delivery service." I heard Alec, Charlotte, Jane and Bree chuckle on the other end.
"Funny Peter." I said laughing. "Jasper wanted me to call and let you know that we're gonna be in Denali before you get to Forks."
I heard Peter chuckle. "Thanks, sweet heat, but I already knew where you an' the Major would be."
"Peter." I heard Jasper growl as if warning him. "What do you know?"I looked over to see his eyes darting to the phone then back to me.
"Hm..." Peter hummed through the line. "You'll just have ta wait an' see, Major."
The phone then went dead which caused me some concern. "You don't think he knows something that you don't, do you?" I frowned hating not knowing if any more trouble was coming. "Do you think it's bad?"
"Don't worry, darlin'." Jasper said kissing my hand. "I think Peter's up ta somethin' but it ain't gonna be bad."
"I hope not." I whispered as I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. "I'm gonna sleep a little." I yawned hearing Jasper chuckle.
"Go ahead, darlin'." He kissed my hand again then let my hand go allowing me to get comfortable.
The last conscious thought was that things couldn't get better.
(Quileute Reservation – Harry's House – 3:30 PM)
Harry was sitting on the porch when Steven Young appeared at the edge of the tree line. He frowned and stood as he watched the Alpha Panther walk across the grass and over to where he was.
"Harry." Steven bowed his head then looked to the Wolf Elder. "Is Billy around?"
"He's home with his mate." Harry answered as he watched Steven tense. "What's going on?"
Steven noticed that a few wolves were in the trees. "Tom and Tyler Young are dead."
"How?" Harry looked rather shocked as a howl echoed through the air.
"If you don't mind," Steven said with a guarded expression. "I would like to wait for Billy to arrive."
"No need to wait then." Billy, Esme, Rachael and Sam were coming through the trees. "What happened?"
His eyes were narrowed because he could smell panther blood on the boy as well as blood from Tom and Tyler. Even Sam and Rachael could smell the blood from the males and panthers as they grew closer. Sam frowned when he smelled Emily's venom because it smelled much like her normal scent yet a little sweeter and mixed with Jade's own scent.
"Tom tried to force Jade off our land." Steven spoke as he saw the Main Elder. "Emily decided she would go yet I decided, along with those that fought with you, that we would stand by her. Tom did not wish for us to live in peace with the Cold Ones thus he tried to break the pride apart."
"Is that why Greg's blood covers your hands?" Rachael asked since she was closer to the boy she grew up with.
Steven dropped his head. "Yes."
"Finish telling us what happened." Billy told Steven wanting the entire story. "Then I will decide what is going to happy." His eyes narrowed. "I can only assume you wish to tell Bella and Jasper."
Steven nodded and looked at Billy, his back straight. "My father knew of Tom's feelings and when Tom ordered his son to take those, who were standing against me for going to help, and attack us." He took a breathe, "It was then my father stabbed his own brother. Greg then noticed my father's back was to him and he lunged crushing my father's body with his weight." Tears were starting to swell in his eyes. "My mother rushed to help yet Greg hit her nicking her neck with his claws. Jade held my mother as she died and Emily held father."
"Oh you poor dear!" Esme cooed as she appeared beside him and wrapped her arms around him. "Billy surely you don't think that Charlie, Bella or Jasper will do anything against them, do you?" She looked to her mate.
"No we wont." Charlie said as him and Irina appeared in the clearing. "We heard the howl and knew something was going on." His eyes moved to Stevens. "I can safely say that as long as Emily and Jade are apart of your tribe, we will allow you to deal with it. If humans become involve that are not suppose to be, then we will get involved." He gave a quick nod to Steven. "Does that sound about right?"
Steven relaxed even with the female vampire hugging him. "That sounds like something we can deal with." He felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. "Dad also told Emily that her and Jade are not the Elders for the Panther Tribe. It was his last wish."
"You're not upset with that are you?" Sam asked as he held Rachael by his side. "I knew you wished to be on the Tribal Council when you got older."
Steven smirked. "Oh, Emily may be the Main tribal leader but like she told me," He chuckled as he felt he hadn't lost his sister. "She'll need someone with more humanity then her to keep her in line."
"Then I see no reason for us to get involved." Charlie said with a shrug. "I do like that you came to us first. That is the first thing that will build trust between the species."
It was then a foul smell filled the air. "Shit what the hell!?" Steven balked as he covered his nose as the vampires chuckled. "That smelled like a dead dog."
"Glad we wont have a problem then." Michael said as he walked out of the tree line.
Rachael glanced up to her mate. "What is this?" She looked around for anymore newcomers. "Grand Central station?"
Sam chuckled kissing the top of her head. "Must be because I hear more foot steps coming from the south." His eyes narrowed since Collin was out that way with Toby, one of the youngest wolves and the two with the least amount of training. "Collin and Toby believe it's vampires but they don't know."
"My panthers are on the way." Steven said as he sent a mental command to the two that came with him.
"No need." Sam relaxed as Collin got ran over by Peter. "It's Peter, Charlotte, Jane, Alec and their mates."
Hearing the Witch twins names caused Charlie, Irina, Esme and Billy all to freeze since they were told about Alec and Jane's appearance with werewolves. Charlie turned his eyes to Michael and threw his hand up to encase the werewolf in a metal sphere just as Jane and Alec appeared with pitch black eyes. Peter, Charlotte, Bree and Adam were right behind them as Billy, Irina and Esme moved over to where they were, standing in front of the twins.
"Alec," Bree whispered as she stepped in front of her mate pulling his power from him along with his sisters. "It's ok." She knew as soon as she smelled the werewolf that her mate and his sister were going to go crazy with instincts. "Please don't hurt him." She whimpered as she nuzzled her nose along his neck. "You knew there were going to be werewolves in Forks yet you still wished to come this way to see the others."
Jane hissed as her eyes narrowed because she couldn't see the person she wished to fry. Her instincts were taking over her logical thinking and her mate Adam knew it. In a flash, he did the one thing he vowed he would never to do. He pinned his mate to the ground with his teeth embedded in her neck. Jane's eyes returned to normal as soon as the pain hit her. Bree saw what Adam did to bring his mate back and since she wasn't doing any better. She decided to do something about it.
Just as she shifted, Alec flipped her around and pushed her up behind him. Bree mentally shrugged and retch up, latching her teeth onto the side of his neck where she had marked him as hers. Her legs were wrapped around his waist as her arms were around his arms, pinning them to the side. She felt Alec drop to the ground on his knees as his fingers dug into her leg. Bree couldn't help the hiss that came from her mouth but it wasn't one of pain but pleasure. Snarling she bit him a little harder which brought him back to the present as it did with Jane.
"Release me, Bree." Alec ordered his mate only to feel her push some of her venom into his wound them remove her teeth sealing it to keep her venom inside his body causing a slow burn to cover the area keeping him sane for the moment.
"A-Adam," Jane whimpered as she started to shake. "Please we need to...Ah!" She stopped talking as he did the same thing which caused Jane to cry tearlessly.
"I'm sorry, babe but you need a level head." Adam murmured kissing her neck where he bit her then pulled her up, keeping his arms locked around her, thankful he was still little stronger then a seasonal vampire.
"We only did this to keep you from hurting yourselves." Bree said as she quickly released her mate and nuzzled under his chin. "I tried not to hurt you but you didn't listen."
Jane and Alec sighed but winced as they pain in their shoulders did keep their heads level yet it still hurt like a bitch. Charlie was watching with interest as was Michael from inside the hollow ball of metal. While no one could see him, he could see everything around him as if he wasn't encased in the metal at all. He found it odd when the wind whipped through the area that he, too, could feel it through the solid form, yet his attention was mainly on the two young looking vampires in front of him.
So these are the two, who my great grandfather several times over, scarred mentally. Michael thought as he turned his eyes to Charlie. "Release me." He ordered Charlie.
"I don't think that's a good idea Michael." Charlie said aloud causing everyone to turn to him since he was the only one who could hear Michael.
Michael narrowed his eyes. "Do it." He looked back to the 'Witch Twins'. "If they are afraid of me then allow them to conquer their fear but just don't allow them to kill me."
In a split second, Michael roared causing his entire body to shake and change. Charlie's eyes grew wide but dropped his shield from those who couldn't see. It was then that the atomsphere changed. Alec was able to stay in control yet it seemed that Jane was just as scared as before and her instincts took over. As soon as Alec tried to move, Charlie encased the boy but stayed ready to defend Michael if need be. Even though Adam had his arms around his mate, her eyes were locked on Michael yet while she couldn't bring the creature of her 'nightmares' to its knees in the past, she was able to drop Michael without a second thought.
As soon as Michael was on the ground, reverting back to his human form, Jane snapped back to her senses and withdrew her power. She slumped against Adam as her eyes fluttered closed for a moment. Alec sagged in relief as did Michael who stood up and shook his body to rid himself of the dirt and grass he kicked up. Charlie had dropped the metal shield from around Alec and everyone held their breathe as Michael walked over, very slowly, to where Jane and Alec were located. As soon as he was a few feet from them, he dropped to one knee in front of them both as he looked them in their black frightened eyes.
"I know what my great grandfather Lucian did to you." Michael said in a tone that was low and nonthreatening. "That is why I allowed what I did. Lucian was not the only werewolf in that hallway that night." His eyes grew sad. "My great grandmother, several times over, was also there and saw the scared look on your face, Jane."
"That's why the werewolves left." Alec whispered as he looked to Jane.
Michael nodded as he held the vampire's gaze, standing. "Do you forgive my blood of the crimes we committed against you."
"Y...Yes." Jane said as she relaxed against Adam. "I'm sorry about that." She did look a little guilty.
"While your gift hurt, I can only image the fear you have felt for so long." Michael smiled as he turned to Charlie. "I suppose I better get back home." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Ami and Matthew are going to chew me a new one for ripping that shirt."
Charlie laughed and watched Michael head off into the trees. He looked over to see that Jane and Alec looked a lot more relaxed then when they first arrived. Clearing his throat, Charlie turned his eyes to Billy.
"I'm going to call Bella and tell her what happened." He pulled Irina to his side. "Not to mention I don't need anyone showing up seeing me sparkle." Charlie spat the word as if it was a curse word.
Billy laughed as he turned to see Peter standing not far from him. "So..."
"We weren't gonna stop but the twins smelled the werewolf an' y'all can guess what happened next?" Peter smirked as stood there with his arms behind his back.
"You wont be staying?" Esme whispered a little defeated.
Peter nodded tipping his invisible hat to her. "Sorry, ma'am but I need ta get up north ta see how Belle likes her new digs." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Don't 'cha worry, yer mate will bring ya up soon enough."
With that Peter, Charlotte, Adam, Jane, Alec and Bree were gone towards the north. Billy just sighed as he shook his head turning to look at Steven. He knew the boy had his own imprintee he wished to be with.
"Go ahead and head back to the others." Billy told the boy. "You heard what Charlie told you. I'll call with their cells in a little while and give it to Emily if you're not there."
"You sure you're alright here?" Steven turned to Harry and Sue.
Harry smirked at the boy. "And miss this drama, Hell No...Shit Sue!"
She had elbowed him in the rips as her and Esme headed into the house. Billy chuckled as Steven just shook his head as he mentally called for his pride members then darted into the trees after transforming. Sam nodded to Harry and Billy as him and Rachael headed inside with Sue and Esme. Billy sighed as he just shook his head.
"We need to go fishing." Billy commented which caused Harry to give him a dirty look.
"You and Charlie better not cheat." The only human in their triangle of friends said knowing very well Charlie and Billy would do just that if they could.
Billy smirked which caused Harry a little bit of concern. Without a word to each other, they headed inside to see what their mates and kids were doing. Harry knew that Leah was gone but he was glad Seth found his soul mate. Harry knew that with time, things would go back to normal.
Or as normal as they would be.
(Bella's Pov – Denali, Alaska – 5:00 PM)
"Wake up Belle." I heard as I felt myself coming into the waking world. "We're at Eleazar's and Carmen's."
I blinked a few times to clear my vision and looked around seeing a nice size house with snow covering 99% of everything. The only places that didn't have any snow were sides of the house. I had to admit it was a beautiful place.
"Are they here?" I asked as I stretched feeling my bones pop.
"Nope." Jasper smirked shaking his head as his blonde hair moved around his face. "Yer still a lil' ways off before we get ta yer gift."
I narrowed my eyes as I moved around and got out of the bus by the side door. "Where are the girls?" I asked looking to Jasper only to see him point over to a pile of snow.
I turned to look and smiled because it seemed Aleena and Faith had grown even more. They seemed to be able to walk by themselves yet they looked around 3. I smiled as I watched both girls turn and see me.
~Momma!~ I heard in my mind as two snow covered little girls appeared in my arms. ~Love you.~
"I love you, both." I whispered as I looked up to see Jake and Seth jogging over. "I see they had another growth spurt."
Jake blew out a breathe. "You should have seen Seth and me when we woke up and they had grown." He shook his head smirking at Faith. "It seems they are growing a little faster then planned."
Faith stuck out her tongue at Jake before she launched herself off me and into his arms. Her tinkling laugh echoed through the trees causing some of the snow to fall down. I just shook my head as I looked down at Aleena when I felt her press a hand to my face. Blinking, I looked down just as an image of Jane, Alec, Bree and Adam along with Peter and Charlotte popped into my mind. Then another one of Charlie, Renee, Felix and Irina floated into my mind and I could feel the wonder of where they were.
"I don't know where they are." I told her causing Jasper to move closer.
"What'd she wanna know, Belle?" His eyes looking from me then to Aleena.
I smirked as I saw Seth shift from foot to foot. "She's wondering where the others are."
"Who?" Jake asked as Faith sat on one of his shoulders but I noticed he had a hold of her legs.
"Renee, Felix, Charlie, Irina, Peter..." I didn't get to finish when Jasper took Aleena from my arms as he looked down at her.
My heart caught in my throat because Jasper hasn't held the girls that much because of Jake and Seth. Not that I blame them but I knew Jasper was a little leery because of their size.
"Peter and Charlotte are headin' this way with Jane, Alec, Bree an' Adam." Jasper told her as he moved from side to side. "As for yer grandma and grandpa, yer grandma is where we're goin' an' yer grandpa is back in Forks. He's gonna come an' visit."
Aleena pressed her small hand to jasper's cheek. He smiled and nodded as his eyes darted to mine then back down to Aleena. I watched as Jasper whispered something in our girls ear before he handed her to Seth. I could see Seth relax but I was curious about what Jasper has whispered. I tilted my head to the side but stiffened when I caught the scent of six vampires.
I soon relaxed, as did the others, when we saw Peter, Charlotte, Jane, Alec, Adam and Bree appear in the distance. Aleena and Faith squealed rather high as they jumped out of Jake and Seth's arms and darted out towards the six that were coming our way. I couldn't help but laugh as I watched Seth and Jake try to catch up with the two girls. I hoped that their speed and strength would wain as they grew because if not, Seth and Jake were in for a little bit of trouble trying to tame those two. I already knew that the girls had part of my selflessness as well as the gift for wanting to help others. Shaking my head, I walked over and wrapped my arms around Jasper's waist.
"Ya don't seem worried." Jasper stated as we waited for them to come to us.
I chuckled shaking my head. "I'm not." I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I watched the girls making Seth, Jake and Peter run around trying to catch them. "I'm just glad we're not having to chase them."
"Yer right." Jasper chuckled as we watched for a few more minutes before it seemed the girls energy was drained and they allowed Seth and Jake to catch them.
I also noticed that Peter had a shit eating grin on his face as he walked over towards us. I narrowed my eyes because he seemed a little to happy for his own good. I cut my eyes to Charlotte and saw her roll her eyes, which let me know Peter was up to something. I knew they had headed south but what did they find?
"Howdy, Major." Peter said as he stopped a few feet from in front of Jasper.
Jasper frowned. "Peter?" He seemed just as suspicious as I was. "What do ya have behind yer back?"
"What?" I frowned as I sniffed the air smelling the snow, their scents then something that didn't seem to belong. Dust. "What's that smell?"
"This." Peter said as he pulled a small box out.
Jasper stiffened at my side and when I looked at him his eyes were wide and his hands were trembling. My eyes went to Peter only to see his smile drop a little as his eyes filled with worry.
"Major?"
"Where'd ya find that?" Jasper's voice was so soft I almost missed what he said.
Peter cleared his throat and placed it in my mates hands. "Maria had kept it." Jasper's eyes snapped to his. "It seemed that Maria took the others back ta the first compound."
"What else..." Jasper was cut off by Charlotte.
"My mothers ring." She held up her hand to show a beautiful ring. "It was in the jewelry box," Charlotte ducked her head. "I looked through it before I knew, Major."
Jasper cleared his throat. "S'okay Char." He nodded as he held it with one hand and ran his other over the top.
"Jasper?" I whispered not knowing what was going on.
"Come on," Jasper said as he took my hand then lead me to the house.
I saw Charlotte and Peter just nod which told me that everything would be ok. I frowned as we entered the house only to see that a fire was already going in the fireplace. Jasper didn't say anything as he lead us over and sat down on the loveseat in the living room. I sat down next to him and waited on if he was going to say anything.
"This was my mothers." Jasper said as he brushed his hand across the top again, a sad small smile spread across his face. "I remember that much."
"I bet she was a wonderful person." I whispered as I took in the small engraved box.
It seemed to be carved with a scenery of what I believed the old west to look like. I could tell it was hand done because there were a few nicks here and there where someone missed the correct line. I was shocked to see that when Jasper opened it, it was lined with dark purple felt and a few pieces of jewelry was lying innocently. When Jasper gasped, I caught sight of a ring that he pulled out. It was carved out of wood, with a design of rose buds blooming from green vines.
"I neva' knew Maria had this." Jasper's voice was almost a sob. "My father made it fer my mother. It was her wedding band."
I stared in awe, because even though I loved my ring that Jasper gave me it wasn't something from his family. Jasper must have thought along the same lines as he placed the box on the ground beside his feet then turned and knelt in front of me. The wooden ring in his hands as his reddish gold eyes staring into mine.
"I know I already got ya a ring," Jasper looked a little nervous so I pushed some courage towards him. "And gave it ta ya but I would like ta ask ya now with the ring my daddy carved out of the only thing he owned. The wood on his land." I could hear someone listening in but ignored the whispers from outside. "Isabella Marie Swan, will ya do the honor of bein' my wife for the rest of eternity?"
"Of course." I told him as I let him slip the ring on next to my other ring. "I said yes before and I'll say it again." I kissed him deeply on the lips before pulling back. "I love you and will be by your side until the end of forever."
It was then a chorus of cheers rang through the outside air. I knew it was Peter and the others but I soon heard Renee crying tearlessly because she was happy. Of course, I out did everyone of them because I was proposed to twice and said yes both times. I couldn't help but feel that my life was working out the way it was suppose to.
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Author Note – Here is the next chapter of Unexpected Changes. I am happy to say that the poll is closed and I will be posting two stories but it was barely a broken tie. 9, yeses to 8, nos! LOL. So what do you think about how Jane was able to face her fear? I also think it was sweet of Michael to allow Jane to use her gift on him. Of course it seemed Jasper wanted to use his mother's ring to propose to Bella. I think I like both her rings. LOL. Now, til the next chapter -and there will be- keep reading and reviewing...
~*Dragon*~