Disclaimer: Only the new storyline is mine, the characters and recognizable passages are Stephenie Meyer's.
Previous chapter:
I can feel Bella's worry as she asks: "Are newborns really that hard to fight?"
"Yes, my daughter. Our kind is never more physically powerful than in the first few months of this life as their human blood still lingers in their body. That's why they are created."
I snicker as Bella says: "Does that mean I'm stronger than all of you now?"
Bella - BPOV
Peter lets out a loud guffaw, and I huff in annoyance as he says: "You might be stronger than us right now, cupcake, but that doesn't make you a better fighter. We're more skilled and can kick your ass easily."
I roll my eyes and say: "No shit, Sherlock. I know that you're all more skilled than I am, Peter, I just wanted to see if I could beat you in an arm-wrestling match." A pang of sadness hits me as I think of how Emmett always said he would arm-wrestle me when I became a vampire. I miss my big brother. Jasper pulls me closer to him and kisses me softly. I can almost feel his worry as he says: "What's wrong, pumpkin? Why are you feeling so sad?"
"I just remembered something Emmett always said, and it made me realize how much I miss him. Do you think that he and Rosalie are okay? Do they know what happened with the rest of the Cullens?"
"You know that Rosalie told us to seek them out when the time was right and that they would love to still call us their brother and sister. I bet that Emmett would love to see you. He didn't have time to talk to you when we left Forks. He always saw you as his little sister, even when you were human. What do you say? Do you want me to call them, darlin'?"
I nod vigorously and hug him tight as I send him a big burst of confirmation. He snickers as he kisses the top of my head. "Okay, pumpkin, I'll call them when you're practicing your shield with Char." I give him a big smile and turn to look at Char who gives me an encouraging smile as she says: "You'll be a natural, sugar. You've taken to this life like a fish to water. Mastering your shield will be no different, you just need the right incentive."
I can't help but feel worried as she turns to Caius and says: "Master, can Jane and Alec assist us in training Bella's shield? Their gifts will make for an interesting challenge."
Jasper – JPOV
I send Bella a wave of trust and confidence as Char leads her out the back door. I don't doubt her ability to gain instant control over her shield for a second. I just know that she'll be able to cover the one that's being influenced by the witch twin's gifts immediately, even though Peter looks not convinced at all. He's been moping ever since Bella mentioned Emmett.
I shake my head as I pick up on the small sliver of jealousy. Peter loves Bella as his little sister, but he doesn't share well. He'll have to accept that Emmett will always be Bella's big brother. He has a place in her heart, and no matter where he'll be, Bella will always love him dearly. I'll have to talk to Peter before Emmett and Rose get here. I won't let him upset Bella by acting like an asshole during their visit.
I watch as Char starts explaining the training exercise to Bella, Alec, and Jane and give her an appreciative nod as I notice that she decided to work on Bella's defensive skills first. I walk into the house and take out my phone to call Emmett and Rose. I smile as Rose picks up after the first ring and asks with a worried tone: "Jasper, I wasn't expecting you to call so soon. Is everything okay?"
"Yes and no, Rose. It's quite the story, and it's definitely one that I want to tell you and Emmett in person. Bella would love to see Emmett too. Please, come and visit us?" I smile as I hear Emmett's hope-filled voice in the background as he asks: "Bells wants to see me? Please, Rose, I want to go. She's my little sister."
Rose sighs, but I can almost hear the love in her voice as she says: "You heard my man, Jasper. I don't think I can keep him away now, even if I tried. Where are you and Bella staying?" I snicker as Emmett yells that he's going to pack right now so that they can leave immediately. "We're in Montana. I bought a house there decades ago, and I just knew Bella would love it as much as I do. I'll text you the address."
"Okay, we'll be there before you know it. I bet Emmett is going to drive like a maniac. I'll hold you responsible if he wrecks another car, Jasper. See you soon." I ignore Emmett's mumbling in the background as I say goodbye to Rose and smile as I end the call. Bella is going to be so happy when I tell her Emmett will be here in the morning.
I walk back outside and raise my brow questioningly at Caius as I see Jane stomping off into the forest with Alec right behind her. Bella and Char are both grinning like the Cheshire cat. Caius looks every bit the proud father he is, as he says: "Bella can successfully shield herself and Char from any mental attack. Jane couldn't penetrate her shield to reach Char, not even when she used her own gift to the full extend. Jane has never encountered someone that makes her gift null and void, and is now pissed off, as you Americans tend to say. Alec will calm her down."
I follow him as he walks over to her, and smile as he gives her a brief hug while saying: "You're incredible, mia figlia *. You make me very proud. I can't wait to see what else you can do. We will continue your training the moment Alec calms down his sister. I'm not even sure why she is angry right now; she already knew that she couldn't influence you."
I can feel a wave of sadness from my Bella as she turns to watch the spot where Jane and Alec disappeared into the forest, and pull her close for a hug. I kiss the top of her head as I say: "What's wrong, pumpkin?"
"I didn't mean to upset her, Jasper. I think she's incredible, but I couldn't let her hurt Char."
Caius smiles as he says: "You have the biggest heart I have ever seen, Bella. You did nothing wrong. If we were to feel bad every time Jane has one of her tantrums, our lives would be very sad indeed. She was changed at a young age, and that shows in moments like these. We learned to ignore these episodes, they usually don't last long."
Bella gives him a loving smile, but I can still feel the worry in her emotions as she says: "Let's hope so, I still have a lot to learn, and I really need her help and Alec's." I smile as she turns to me and says: "Did you call Emmett?"
"I called Rose and told her you wanted to see Emmett. He heard and started packing their bags immediately. They will be here by morning."
Bella - BPOV
I squeal as Jasper tells me that my big brother will be here in the morning and jump into his arms. I giggle as he spins me around, and I say: "Thank you so much, Jasper."
"No problem, darlin'. I know how much he means to you. I would never keep you from him, you know that."
I nod as I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him, before saying: "I know that, Jasper, and I love you for it. You're the best."
Jasper lets out a low growl as Peter joins the conversation and says: "Now, cupcake, that a lot of praise for a man you've only known for like six months. Char swears I'm the best and I must say that I agree with her. My gift tells me that Jane and Alex are on their way back. It's time to continue your training, missy. Let's see how many of us you can shield at the same time."
I roll my eyes as I notice the smug look on his face as Jane and Alec emerge from the forest at exactly that moment. I turn to look at Jane and sigh relieved as I notice the small smile on her face. Alec gives her a quick hug before moving to stand next to me and says: "Okay, Bella, let's see if you can keep me safe from my sister's wrath as well as the others."
Jane shakes her head at her brother, but I can see the twinkle in her eyes as she looks at him. The love between them is almost tangible. It must be incredible to have your twin with you for eternity. Jane looks at me and says: "Are you ready, Bella? Let's see if you can protect them all."
I panic a little as I notice that everyone except Jane is standing behind me. How am I ever going to shield eight people at the same time? I straighten my back as I feel a burst of confidence and love flow through me and say: "Hit me with your best shot, Jane." Peter lets out a loud laugh and says: "Spoken like a true Whitlock."
I smile at his comment as I stretch my shield to cover Jasper, Peter, and Char first. I watch as Jane's eyes flick from one person to the next as I stretch my shield even further to cover Caius and his guards next. I notice how my shield molds itself around the people around me like a second skin and smile brightly as I realize that I'm shielding everyone at the same time. Jane bows her head as she realizes that and says: "Well done, Bella. I'm glad you're on my side in the upcoming battle."
I smile at her praise and say: "I'll always be on your side, Jane. You're family." Jane's eyes widen at my comment, and her voice is barely more than a whisper as she says: "Thank you, Bella. No one has ever accepted me so easily. Most vampires out there believe that I'm a monster."
I shake my head in disbelief at her last remark and rush toward her as I see tears pooling in her eyes. Caius is right, she is still so young. I pull her into a hug and hold her tightly as I say: "You're not a monster, Jane. I can see how much you love your brother, and that love proves that you're anything but a monster. Don't let anyone tell you anything different."
I smile as Jane mumbles a soft 'Okay, Bella' against my chest, and I watch as Alec walks our way with a thankful smile on his face. Jane pulls back as she feels Alec's hand on her shoulder and gives him a soft smile as he leads her into the house while saying: "Come on, Janie, let's play a game of chess. It's been a while since we played." Jane nods and follows her brother inside, as I walk back to stand next to Jasper. I smile as I hear Jane whisper softly: "You were right, Alec. She is different, I really like her." He nods as they disappear into the house and says: "I really like her too."
Jasper - JPOV
I smile as I feel the love that radiates from my Bella as she watches Jane and Alec walk into the house, and pull her into my side. Almost every vampire on this planet would run for their lives when faced with the witch twins, but not my Bella. I kiss the side of her head and say: "Your ability to love will never cease to amaze me, darlin'."
Bella leans into me and sends me her love as she says: "It's almost impossible not to love them, Jasper, and they are family."
I purr as her love envelops me and say: "Yes, they are, darlin'. Now, tell me. Would you like to talk tactics or do something else?" Bella shakes her head and says: "I'll leave the planning to you. I'm going to prepare a room for Emmett and Rosalie. You can tell me the plan later."
I give her a quick kiss and watch as she makes her way into the house. I turn to look at Peter and Caius, and I raise my brow as I notice the worried look on Peter's face. "Captain, what's wrong?"
Peter turns to stare at the house and says: "There's something not right, Major. I just don't know what."
* mia figlia = my daughter
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