Freedom of Choice 11
Several days after the bomb dropped it was agreed upon by Jasper to meet the wolves in the field that they played baseball in. Everyone but the head of the Cullen household was on board, even Rosalie which surprised Bella.
**FLASHBACK**
After Amelia's declaration of war, she told Bella to get to the Cullens as quickly as she could. Bella didn't want to wait, but she understood. With that Jake escorted her back to his place.
Sam looked over at Amelia, "War?"
Nodding, "Newborns are more dangerous than regular vampires, they still have their human blood, and are heavily influenced by basic instincts. Jasper, Peter, and Char were in the Southern Vampire Wars, they were decades of brutal war. Those three were the top ranking soldiers in Maria's army. I won't go into any further details, because it is their story to tell, if they do."
The wolves looked nervous. Sensing some of their discomfort Amelia looked at Sam.
"Jasper will be leading this, Carlisle is ineffective as a leader. He will contact you or have me reach out in a day or so." Taking a moment she eyed the rest of the wolves.
"I need to head back, it's going to be an interesting conversation with the Cullens."
Sam nodded his head. "We will be ready when you call."
As Amelia walked into the Cullens home, she could hear yelling. Making her way into the living room she could see that the Cullens distanced themselves away from Carlisle; Rosalie was being held back by her mate.
"YOU AND YOUR STUPID NEED TO GIVE EDWARD WHATEVER HE WANTS HAS PUT OUR FAMILY IN DANGER AGAIN!" Rosalie growled.
Esme was holding herself together, how could fate be so cruel to give her such a useless mate.
Carlisle stepped back, "Rose, please, how was I supposed to know that this would happen?"
"BECAUSE A GODDAMN WAR VETERAN TOLD YOU! EVEN YOUR WIFE AGREED WITH HIM." Taking a moment to look around. Rose reached up and grabbed her crest and threw it at him. "I will stay and fight with the Whitlocks, I will help clean up yours and Edwards' mess, but after I am no longer a member of this so-called family." She looked at Emmett, hoping that her mate would have her back.
Esme turned her head, Carlisle ruined her family. He treated her like a possession. She wanted to leave, but knew if she made such a declaration it would make him run; and there was no way she was going to let him run like a coward.
Emmett took off his wrist cuff with his crest, he looked at Esme, "I'm sorry Esme, I love and respect you, but," pointing to his former leader, "his inability to do what is needed or listen to anyone else but Edward or Alice," openly glaring at him now, "YOU BETRAYED BELLA, for Edward, he has done nothing for this family in the time I have been with you, YOU listened to him when he told us to leave her. AT WHAT POINT would have realized that we are your family."
Bella was dumbstruck, she couldn't believe that Carlilse was so enamored with keeping Edward happy. Thinking back to when she arrived at the Cullens house, she caught the tail end of Emmett's declaration of leaving the family after. Amelia noticed her walking in, and called her over to her. She felt better now that she was with the Whitlocks. Looking over at Carlisle, she just stared at him. "You allowed him to take what little family I had, you knew that I would do anything for you, I did, after almost 6 months of being ignored by my family, your favorite daughter comes barging into my house after she thinks I'm dead, what exactly was her plan? I'm dead." She took a moment to collect herself, trying not to cry, "But she comes anyway, your son throws a temper tantrum and I end up flying across the world to save him. We get back, and you still allow him to dictate my change, even after your kings tell him that there is no option. Did I really mean that little to you?"
**END FLASHBACK**
Bella was laying back on Amelia's bed, the last couple days were taking its toll, the Cullens well now the McCarty's as Rosalie and Emmett are now being addressed. It surprised her that Rose didn't waste any time.
Being lost in her own thoughts, Bella was relieved that she was able to test out of highschool, at least now, she could spend all her free time with Amelia. After the conversation with Carlisle and learning that Victoria is coming with a vengeance Amelia told Bella to handle her school shit and take a few mental days, because once everything personal was done, it would be time to teach Bella to tap into her shield, along with physical training. If she was being honest with herself, she was nervous, but excited. Finally someone who took interest in helping her become better. Her train of thought was broken when Amelia walked out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel.
"What's up?" Amelia asked.
Slightly blushing, "Umm, just thinking that tomorrow you're going to torture me."
Amelia grabbed some clothes and headed off towards her closet. Amelia wasn't shy, but knew Bella was, and the last thing she wanted to do was make her feel awkward. Quickly dressing, Amelia stepped out and went to lay on the bed with Bella. "Torture is such a strong word, I would describe it as being committed to mental and physical improvement."
Bella laughed. "You would." Turning her head, "So, what happens tomorrow?"
Sighing, Amelia did the mental checklist, "Garrett will be here tomorrow sometime, Jasper will arrange a time to meet all the wolves, and I guess training will begin. You and I will remain here and we will start your meditation, and yoga. It will be extremely important for you to at least feel your shield."
Disappointment crossed her face, "I was hoping to go to the training with everyone. I wish I wasn't so useless." she stated.
"Hey, don't do that. You're not useless Bella. You're untrained with your gift, which I am going to help you with. It will help you when you're changed."
"So when the battle starts where will we be?" she asked.
Before she could answer, Jasper flitted into the room, Amelia looked over, "How was your hunt?" she asked.
He couldn't help but smile, seeing Bella relaxed was something new for him. As he looked at both his mate and his sister, he felt content. "Yes, it was fine," looking at Bella then back at his mate. "And to answer your question, during the battle we will set you both up somewhere up in the mountains with a wolf."
Bella went to argue, but Jasper wasn't having any of it. "Bella, I know that you want to help, and I will allow you some leeway to help, but make no mistake, you will follow orders here, it's not just for your safety Bella, it's for ours."
It was frustrating that she couldn't be of more use, but she understood. "I understand Jasper, I have an idea. A day or so before they arrive, I can have Carlisle draw my blood and we can spread it around where we would like the newborns to go. Would that work?"
He took a moment to think about it. "That's not bad Bella, it would help corral them."
Amelia could see that Jasper giving her a compliment was what she needed to hear, her self esteem was fragile at best.
Jasper could see that Bella wouldn't be leaving Amelia's side tonight, her anxiety was starting to spike. While he wanted to have some alone time, he also knew that Bella was doing her best to remain calm in a very turbulent situation.
Walking over, he kissed his mates lips, "You two have an extremely long day tomorrow, get some sleep, and I will wake you in the morning." With one last kiss to Amelia and a quick goodnight to Bella, Jasper sent a wave of calm and lethargy towards the girls. Soon enough he could feel that they both drifted off to sleep.
Wanting a little time to himself he left the house and went for a run, he needed to channel himself, because until this threat was over, they needed Major Jasper Whitlock, not just Jasper.
As the sun peeked through the windows, Amelia stretched her body and found a warm body next to hers. Looking over at the person next to her, she could see that Bella was starting to come around, quickly getting up she headed to the bathroom, after using the toilet, she jumped into the shower. Once her hair was washed and conditioned, she stepped out of the shower wrapping a towel around herself. Walking over to the mirror, Amelia grabbed some hair products putting into her hair. It was a tedious task, but it needed to be done. As she completed this, she finished up in the bathroom, walking out of the room she saw that Bella was sitting up. "Go jump in the shower, I'll be downstairs getting breakfast ready for us, pick something comfortable to wear."
Bella sat up as Amelia spoke. "Will do. If Char's here, do you think that she would braid my hair?"
Amelia couldn't help but smile, "I'm sure that won't be a problem." Amelia walked into the closet and quickly got dressed. Going with a pair of faded jeans, long sleeve forest green shirt, and her boots. Leaving the closet she caught Bella walking into the bathroom, Amelia headed out and went straight for the kitchen.
Before she could get to the bottom floor, she felt herself pinned to the wall. Reacting on basic instinct she launched her attacker. Not giving herself a second she felt her body's energy build up, looking towards her attacker, she was about to ground him into dust. Before she could launch another attack, Jasper was in front of her growling and ready to kill.
The vampire in question quickly got to his feet, putting his hands up "Woah woah, Snowball, relax, it's me Garrett, just checking your reflexes' since we're going to war." He looked at Jasper, "Major, I meant her no harm." Holding his hands up. Garrett never took his eyes off Jasper, he knew that he may have made a mistake. Regretting not listening to Peter.
Soon enough the living room was filled with the Cullens, McCarty's, and Whitlocks. Eying the situation Amelia needed her mate not to kill Garrett. While it would serve him right, he was her best friend.
Gently placing her hand on his shoulder, "Major, I'm alright, Garrett, is my best friend, I'm sure he meant no disrespect." She looked over at Garrett, "Please, don't kill him for being a dumbass."
Everyone watched in rapt attention. Char wasn't concerned that Jasper would hurt Amelia, she looked at Garrett, dumbass is too nice of a word. Peter, the protector, stood in front of his mate.
Several long minutes passed, before Jasper relaxed his body. Never taking his eyes off Garrett, he pulled Amelia towards him, he quickly checked over her body; needed to reassure himself that she was safe.
Standing still, she knew that he needed this, as his hands checked her over, she focused on sending him emotions of love. As his eyes locked with hers, she spoke; "Thank you for coming for me Jasper. I can't help it if my best friend can be a dumbass."
He kissed her deeply, tasting her on his lips helped center the beast that wanted to kill anyone that even looked at her. As he pulled away, he kept his head on hers. "Garrett, if you ever touch my mate like that again, I will pull your spine out." Turning his head slightly he locked eyes with Garrett.
Understanding the severity of the situation, even Peter didn't make a joke. Still keeping his hands up and neck tilted, "I'm sorry Amelia Whitlock I will not do that again." Looking over towards the Major, "Major Whitlock, I apologize for my actions, she is my best friend; I am used to goofing around with her, but I didn't take the considerations of a newly mated vampire. That will never happen again."
Jasper felt himself relax. Looking back at Amelia, she smiled gently at him. "You're forgiven Garrett, but please don't push Jasper. I'd really hate having to glue you back together." And just like that, the air in the living room got lighter.
Even Garrett couldn't help but laugh. "Glue? I deserve that!"
"As fun as that was, I'm going to get breakfast ready for Bella and myself," Looking over at Jasper, "would you like to sit in the kitchen with me as I cook." Knowing that he wouldn't want to be away from her.
Nodding, he followed her into the kitchen, as well as Peter and Char, Garrett followed behind them.
Grabbing some eggs and veggies, Amelia set out to start cooking some omettles. Once the eggs and veggies were in the pan, she turned towards the vampires, "So what's the plan for the day for you guys?"
Peter answered for them, "We are going to be leaving towards the field that Alice saw, get familiar with the surrounding terrain, locking it down, making sure that we can funnel them into that area. The wolves should meet us there as well, and we start training. We have little more than 2 weeks to get the veggie vamps up to snuff so they won't die." That was the one thing that Amelia loved about Peter. Didn't sugar coat shit.
Plating the food, Amelia was about to call for Bella, but Char said that she was almost in the kitchen. Looking up, Amelia saw that Bella was wearing jeans, and a dark burgundy long sleeve shirt. She noticed that Bella stiffened when she saw Garrett. "Bella, this is Garrett, he's a friend. He won't hurt you."
Amelia half expected Garrett to make a smart ass comment, but looking at him, he seemed like he was in a trance. Well I'll be damned.
Garrett watched as a lovely brunette walked into the room. She smelled amazing, but he didn't recognize her as food. Her hair had some red highlights in it, her eyes were the color of chocolate. For a human, she was beautiful. Never once in his long life did he notice a human so. It was kind of unnerving. Shaking his head, he looked around the room, it was Amelia's eyebrow arched that made him realize that he was caught checking out a human. Looking back at her, "Pleasure to meet you."
Bella nodded. She knew that all vampires in one way or another are beautiful, but he took it to another level. She knew that he was a human drinker, his eyes were the color of rubies. His dark brown hair hung around his eyes, giving him the ultimate bad boy look. Tall, he was definitely taller than Edward. Wow. "Ummm, you too." Bella could feel her face turn red from blushing. Amelia the life saver called attention away from her.
"You hungry? I have veggie omelettes!" she announced. Placing one in front of her. Quickly eating, Bella could feel that all the vampires were looking at her.
Char could tell that something was happening between Garrett and Bella, but she also got to know the girl. She is painfully shy, so speaking quickly only for the vamps; she effectively told them to get lost.
Jasper could feel that something was happening, so when Char told them they needed to go, he nodded, "Alright, let's leave the ladies to their breakfast. I'll reach out to the wolves. Esme, Emmett, Rose, it's time to start getting ready to go to the field. Training starts today. So go hunt, and meet us there in 2 hours or less. Oh, Esme, Carlisle is to keep his mouth shut, I will handle all conversations with the wolves." With that the only ones in the house were Bella and Amelia.
Finishing up breakfast, Bella washed the dishes, Amelia cleaned the kitchen. Once that was done. Amelia looked over at Bella. She could see that she was in deep thought. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Putting the last dish away, Bella let out a sigh. "What the hell was that with Garrett? That was different from Edward."
Amelia leaned against the counter. Shrugging her shoulders, "I can only guess that you're attracted to him. There's nothing wrong with that."
Biting her lip, Bella thought about it. "Well he is definitely hot." Bella couldn't help but blush. "But I mean, I'm not sure a vampire could you know, with a human."
Amelia didn't mean to laugh so loudly, it just came out. "Who said that? Because Jasper and I have had sex many times since we found out that we are mated. Even if we weren't humans and vampires can have sex."
She couldn't help but feel embarrassed. "Edward.."
Before she even finished that sentence Amelia cut off. "Do not finish that sentence. Everything that Edward said of vampire nature, toss that out. If you have questions, ask Char, she will tell you the truth, or you ask me. If I don't know, I will find out. Going forward, your vampire education is in full swing. Follow me." With that Amelia headed out towards the sun room. Sitting down on the yoga mat that Char placed there.
"1. Humans can be mates to vampires, but the only way to confirm is with the vampire tasting the blood. 2. Sex between vampires and humans can happen, but for obvious reasons it will has to be done carefully. 3. Vampires are instinctual creatures, so how the Cullens live is considered abnormal. Any other questions?" she asked.
Bella looked stunned. She had a million questions but she also wanted to get started on shield training. "I do, but right now we have something more important to work on. But as time permits, I will start asking questions. That OK?"
"Hell yea." Sitting crossed legged. "Sit like this." Once Bella was in the same position, Amelia started the process of teaching Bella how to meditate. Setting the mood, Amelia lit a bunch of candles, opened the windows to hear the sounds of nature.
Hours have passed, Bella was finally in a place where she was truly relaxed, breathing in and out. Amelia told her the key to finding her shield was not trying to find it stressed or scared, because that was easy, being able to find it when she was calm would give her the best control over it.
As the hours passed, Bella could feel something surrounding her mind, it gave her the impression of something like soap, slippery. She could almost see it in her mind. Trying to push through her tiredness, Bella felt herself lose control of the image, feeling something snap back into her mind, Bella's eyes popped open.
Amelia was sitting right in front of Bella, and as soon as the hold of the image was lost, she could feel it snap back into Bella's mind. Looking over at Bella, she looked exhausted. Taking a deep breath, and letting it out, "You did fantastic, Bella."
Smiling, "I could almost imagine it, it reminded me of soap. I couldn't really get a grip. But I felt it!" Her excitement masked her need to eat and sleep.
Amelia knew the feeling. The first few times that she was able to feel her gift, and just touch it without it pushing something away, it was special. She was glad that Bella was able to feel that as well.
"That's great. Let's get some food, and relax, the others should be back soon enough."
That statement was closer to the truth, because it seemed like one darked haired vampire couldn't stop thinking about a beautiful brunette. And was counting down the minutes until he could see her again.