Chapter 19: Battle dawns.

Caius POV…

The morning came too fast for me as I lay with her still in my arms. After we made love, she slept peacefully through the night but there was little peace for me. My thoughts preyed on me relentlessly as I held her. Now that we were eternally joined my instincts to protect her was now increased dramatically. I couldn't take just lying there I had to get up and pace, so I went outdoors. The storm had drifted away with the coming morning hours, leaving the forest covered in soft blankets of snow. Silence was consuming for the snow had killed off the remaining bugs and drove animals to warmer areas. It was too quiet, and I became super aware. I growled at every noise and my eyes darted around the tree lines for any sign of movement. I almost attacked Jacob as he returned from his patrol with the pack. I was relieved to see him. He came up to me in his wolf form and then phase into human. He stopped in front of me and sniffed.

''So, you and Bella are mates now huh?'' he asked as he crossed his arms with a huff.

''Yes, please don't let this put a wedge between the two of you. Your relationship means a lot to her. ''I say and then he shot a glance towards the tent.

''I wanted her.'' He said simply defeated.

''It was not meant to be, Jacob. ''I replied softly.

Just then we turned to see Bella emerging from the tent. She looked at us both with a worried expression then took careful steps towards us. Jacob stood firm next to me as I reached my hand out for her to take. She gave a small smile to me and took it. She faced Jacob and then reached for him. Jacob looked startled at her a moment then sighed. He gave her one of his sideways grins and took her offered hand.

''You mean so much to me, Jacob.'' she said kindly.

''I know Bella. I see you have chosen Caius.''

''We were made for each other, it was our fate, we just needed to accept it.'' My mate wisely said, looking up at me fondly.

''Yeah, I know. it's like the imprinting we do as wolves. I understand but it does not make it any easier.'' Jacob said sadly.

''I understand Jake. It's alright. ''Bella says with empathy.

Suddenly Jacob sniffed the air and then a clamor from someone emerging from the edge of the forest came to my ears. Seth sprang out through the trees with such a racket, it resounded through the surrounding area. He skidded to a stop in front of us.

Jacob gasped. ''They're here, it's time. ''Jacob wasn't wasting a moment in phase to Join Seth.

We watched them dash away. I listened to the battle waging on in the field, miles below the campsite. Bella waited with me looking at me for any news. I could only hear so much as I waited with my body going rigid with my anticipation mounting with every passing minute.

''I wish I knew how they were doing, but it's hard to tell. The fact that the army has been held back this long tells me that the plan has been a good one. ''I say reassuringly to Bella.

''I hope Jake is alright. ''She frowned in worry for her friend.

Only a slight twinge of jealousy rose slightly but I buried it. I knew of her loyalty to me and besides, he was a lifelong friend, and her feelings were of real concern. It was a mark of a true friend. Suddenly I felt it. The evil was nearly palpable. Two separate scents drifted towards me and I knew there had to be more than one. Then he appeared into my site coming over the Hill. He was him! The newborn that tried to kill my mate weeks ago! I growled and he came to a halt at the sight of me. I sniffed the air trying to pinpoint the other and she soon appeared at the tree line near him.

''Victoria. ''Bella confirmed nodding to me.

''What is your name boy! ''I demanded.

''It's Riley, what does it matter anyway? And who the hell are you? '' He answered heatedly.

''I'm the fucking king of vampires you foolish child! You chose the wrong mate to mess with and now you die! ''I growled out.

His eyes went wide as he saw me coming. My fury became a formidable ally as I rushed Riley and tore into him. The mating bond increase my instincts tenfold and there was no seasonal vampire stronger than I was now. His eyes darted around in a state of panic as he experienced my overpowering violence. He thought he could just take the life of my mate, but she was not so vulnerable as he first perceived. One element he did not count on, it was me. Kill. Protect her! My inner beast roared in my mind. I will rip him apart for this outrage. He will not get his hands on my mate.

As we battled in our fury, dust of snow flurried around us as we struggle to take one another's head. Suddenly, from my peripheral vision I saw Victoria joining the fray. I threw each of them from me in return as they came back for more. They were powerful, a cooperating pair and soon had me subdued.

As I was disabled, they had my arms pinned in my head in a deadly hold. Even so I refused to stay down and give up. Bella! I felt her near, and then I glanced up to see my mate. She stood there unprotected and exposed showing me a sharp stone in her hand. Her face was fierce, and a small knowing smile played on her lips. She was in that moment more beautiful than I've ever seen her. She stood with power that radiated such exquisite bravery, it was beyond belief. She means to distract them. She is going to put herself at risk for me! I realized in disbelief as she cut herself without hardly a flinch.

Has her lifeblood flowed down her arm and dripped on the white pure snow she created a delicious tempting lure for my opponents? They hissed and their faces twisted in her direction. This gave me enough time to act as I kicked Riley away a sudden snarl erupted from the trees and Seth lunged and bit Riley on the neck. His face was panic stricken as he begged Victoria for help, but she rejected him and faced me. I was not surprised at this, she wanted vengeance for her mate and nothing more. We battled furiously as a frenzy of sound like grinding stone, cracking, and breaking filled the air as we struggled for victory. I watched from the corner of my eyes as Seth dragged Riley away and I knew he was a dead man.

As she started to look where my beloved was her sweet blood flowed in a crimson puddle. I looked her way and was still astonished at what she had done for me. I took a moment to grab Victoria's around the neck. She screamed in surprise and rage as I pulled hard. Her strong hands trembled and clawed at me, trying to free herself. But it was too late for her. I roared with fury in the yanked her head from her shoulders then let her body fall at my feet in pieces. Then I lit her on fire.

Bella rushed to me with tears streaming down her cheeks to grab me into an embrace. I rush for her and caught her around the waist and lifted her in my arms.

''You will never put yourself at risk like that for me again, ''I say with a feral grunt and my eyes bored into hers with a predator's expression, wild from the fight.

Bella's breath came out harshly as she gazed into my face. Before she could even answer my mouth swooped down on hers. I showed her no mercy as I displayed my anger and relief at her at the same time in a single kiss. I felt her yield to my authority and go limp at my raw desire to brand her with my unbridled passion.

I heard through our haze of pleasure activity dying down miles below us. I pulled away and looked up suddenly. ''We got to go down there I hear the battle coming to an end. It's all over. Hang tight my dear! ''I said to her and then flitted as fast as my legs could carry us.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bella's POV …

"Where's Jacob?" I asked in panic, as we broke through the trees.

We scanned the surrounding field, and I caught sight of him. Although we were some distance from the battle, I could see many bodies flying over the field, torn to shreds. My eyes rake the final scene finally located Jacob. He Looked like he was defending someone from the Volturi. And the Cullen's were trying to convince him to let the newborn live. I gave Caius a look of confusion then we flitted to the scene.

Jane and Felix stalked closer to Jacob and he growled furiously at them for daring to challenge him. The other wolves stood at by ready to help him if needed and the Volturi appealed to the Cullen's to listen to them and help.

''That thing has committed a crime and is just as guilty as Victoria! 'Jane argued.

''She surrendered, Jane. We can take care of her. We will show her our ways. ''Carlisle stated his intentions.

''No there will be no reprieve for this newborn, she must be eliminated. 'Felix said decidedly.

My mate put me down by Esme and stepped between them. The guard bowed their heads acknowledging Caius's rank. He lifted his hands to his guard, and they soon backed down. Caius turned Jacob.

''Jacob will you not speak with me in the human form?'' Caius ask calmly.

Jacob ceased his vicious snarling, and in a flash, Jacob was in front of Caius in human form and remain in a protective stance in front of the newborn. I was amazed beyond comprehension. What was Jake doing? He hated vampires.

''Jacob what's going on here? Why defend this one? ''Caius ask gently to keep his tone non-threatening.

''I've imprinted on this girl, and I will not have her harmed! By law she is mine! ''He declared and all of us gasp at the knowledge.

I saw as Caius stook in the severity of his words then nodded to Jake. I saw Caius move around and talk to the girl. He gave her a reassuring smile that she was in no danger then helped her to her feet.

''You surrendered, yes? 'she simply nodded. Caius continued. ''Did you kill anyone? ''She shook her head. Caius nodded his understanding to her.

''This girl is innocent of the crimes directed at her. I hereby grant her life and give her over to her mate Jacob. ''Caius announced graciously.

The guards bowed once more in the Cullen's gathered around Jacob and his mate.

Jacob took her hands and looked happily in her shy eyes. ''And who might you be?''

The small girl with black hair an angelic face replied, ''My name is Bree.''