D/C: I do not own the characters
Jaspers Pov:
Whilst Isabella had changed since being a vampire she was still had that sense of vulnerability and I knew that planning for a fight was not something she was cut out for yet. If I could have I would've left with her, the emotions coming from her broke my heart and I wanted nothing more than to comfort her but I knew right now she needed to think. Aro's emotions were the next that made me worry, he was filled with grief and sadness, I wanted to play it off as just upset due to the upcoming battle but it felt deeper than that. Sending him a questioning glance he avoided my eyes and a small amount of guilt flooded through him.
I'd find out from him later. I made a mental note to ask him, before focusing on the discussion. 'There will be 34 newborns, to our 27 guard. The wolves decisions haven't been made yet so I cannot tell whether or not they will be on our side or there's. if they are on ours the numbers will be even. They have strength on their side we have rationality and the ability to think.' Aro began, as he spoke plans began to form in my mind and then diminish, it had to be perfect, every plan that had a flaw I dismissed immediately. Looking at Caius I could tell he was thinking the same.
Shock filled Aro, 'the Cullens will fight with us' he breathed out. A low growl left me; 'we cannot trust them Aro' and for the first time since the beginning of this conversation he met my eyes. They were filled with deep pain, similar to Marcus's, it was as though he'd lost his mate. But she was alive and wouldn't be near the fight. I don't understand. 'Trust me young one' he nodded at me before turning back to the group. 'We will train them and begin to work on Isabella's control with her shield, she will need it for the fight.'
'She won't be there, she's not strong enough yet' instantly I knew they were talking about my mate and I growled lowly.
'You will not decide for her' I looked Emmett in the eyes as I told him this, a part of me understood he was worried for her and looking out for her but the more animalistic side of me was unhappy with anyone making decisions for my mate. Recognition, grief and guilt flooded through Aro again and I raised an eyebrow at him. Emmett looked as though he was about to protest before Rosalie placed a hand on his arm. Peter however didn't get the memo.
'Isabella will not be fighting' he growled lowly at everyone, a dark looking coming over his face. I was torn, my best friend hell one of the only friends I'd ever had but then my mate. It was her decision we all knew that, and emotions were high. 'Peter' I warned him. He shook his head in response and I saw him tense slightly, knowing he was going to pounce or run to hide Isabella I began to push calm at him, but it didn't work. Instead his eyes grew darker than black and pure rage filled his face. I could tell what he was thinking, he was weighing up who was the biggest threat, me or the upcoming fight.
Quicker than anyone realised he'd decided and was gone. Simultaneously in a way that could have been comical we all turned open mouth the the hole where the door used to be, then began to chase him. Slowly we stopped, as we witnessed Peter stood in a doorway looking at something with awe and love radiating from him, as well all took in the sight I could feel and see we all were doing the same as him.
Isa had a pure look of glee and happiness, something none of us had witnessed since she'd been changed. She was also floating alongside Felix, that was probably the more shocking thing. In that moment I really understood how beautiful my mate was, everything about her was radiating and she simply shone. As a human she hadn't been anything amazing but as a vampire she really embraced it. When she noticed us she seemed to lose concentration and the shields that were holding herself and Felix up dropped. A booming sound echoed through the room as Felix hit the floor whilst Isa sat happily in Demetri's arms. 'Got you princess' he told her. And before I could get jealousy his emotions registered to me, it was purely admiration and a friendship love he held for her.
'What about me huh?' Felix grumbled as he got to his feet. That broke everyone out of their shock and murmurs about what was happening began to set in. Isabella flitted over and settled herself in my arms whilst gripping Jane's hand. 'Is it all decided?' She whispered to me, nodding against her back I told her about the plan, her mood dropped slightly until she watched Emmett and Peter tackle Demetri and Felix. It was quite funny.
'I love you Isa' I whispered to her, 'I love you Mama' Jane also turned and told her. Tears filled her eyes as she squeezed us both closer, 'And I love you' she told us both.
It had been decided mates wouldn't be allowed to fight together as they would be more distracting to one another than help, I would be paired with Charlotte, Peter with Rosalie and Emmett with Jane. The kings would have a handful of guards, Isa would have Demetri and Felix; the Cullens would fight as a three. Seven other members of the guard would be there but would be on a larger scale of watching out for everyone. I worried not having Isabella by my side but I understood that it was for the best. I knew she could defend herself with her shield and I knew Demi and Felix would protect her.
Eventually we all ended up in a cuddle pile, I knew we all enjoyed this trait that she had brought from her newborn phase, and whilst her biting had slowed we all received a fresh mark from her and she allowed us to give her one too. It had been forever since I had had a proper family, but looking at them I couldn't imagine it any other way.
Aro's PoV:
As the Whitlocks chased after Peter Caius coughed to get my attention. 'I've got some news Aro' he began, 'Ive researched their bonds. Isabella is the glue that ties them all together, aside from the mating bonds all of the other bonds within the cover have her at the centre of it. She makes them all stronger, she amplifies their gifts aswell. It is likely she had many more gifts that she will never discover because she had not be raised in an environment from her human birth that would allow for this. If Isabella was to die, all those who she is bonded to would seek revenge, and would struggle to want to live; however because of the bonds she has placed upon her coven mates and us even her Mate would be able to live. We would all find pieces of her in everyone else. If she was to die her soul would scatter, and plant a piece into each of us. She is called the 'Dean tertiadecima' she's created 13 bonds which supply her and everyone around her with immense strength. Myself, you, Marcus, Jasper, Peter, Emmett, Rosalie, Charlotte, Jane, Demetri and Felix. I can't figure out the 13th. Once these last bonds are made we are tied to her as she is to us. Until then the only thing that happens is our gifts are slightly stronger, if she dies only Jasper will have the only instinct to seek revenge, everyone will want to but he will have to because he's her mate. Once the bond is complete all of us would have this instinct, we wouldn't be able to do anything but seek revenge.'
Had he been human he would've been gasping for breath, and had I been human I would've fainted from shock. This small girl stumbled into our lives 15 years ago when a mute Marcus saved her from a nasty death. And now here she was again. A part of me worried about the vulnerability she would bring to the Volturi. However another knew she was worth it. The only question was who were the 12th and 13th?