Alex pov continued.

"Sooo, did you have fun?"

"Jasper."

"Sorry, I'm just trying to make conversation."

My head was resting awkwardly on his thigh. I got the message and sat up. He adjusted himself and offered to hold me again. We relaxed against the headboard.

"So Peter got in your ass about raising your voice?"

He laughed and shook his head no. I was informed that my father took it upon himself to remind Jasper exactly whose child I am. Although Peter sent him after me, he agreed on the matter of me staying away from Isabella and was concerned I'd need assistance on leaving her tonight.

"I can't get a read on him."

"That's cause you're looking for some hidden motive, Peter is, the way he is."

"There's a lot of history between you two."

"There is."

"Why didn't you tell him you set him free?"

He just got quiet and introspective. So I laid my head on his shoulder and hugged him. He responded by squeezing me tight. His fingers ghosted down my arm until I could barely feel them sitting on top my hand. He was working up courage to ask.

"I don't need to. I think in a way I've always known just how, damaged, sorry for not having a better word but... We are. We are damaged people. I'll tell you why I let my friend live, because I had to. It was either I let him go or I would have had to kill him. We were exposed, and Maria was notified immediately. If I hadn't have allowed him to get the upper hand, I'd have had to make an example of them and I. I just couldn't. I think, I'm thinking of Brutus because of Peter. I loved my father and I couldn't kill someone that I loved again. So I understand and I'm sorry. I was such an ass earlier... I'm just scared."

When he lifted my hand to kiss my dead fingers. The lights in the house got cut and the sound of windows shattering snagged our attention. Jasper was up immediately as three newborns burst into the bedroom. He managed to corral them in the doorway. This forced them to battle in awkward positions. As he ducked and dodged and destroyed. I just paused.

I'd feel bad but Jasper was fine and didn't particularly need my help. I paused because a thought came to me that sparked something unexpected. The thought was, There's no getting off this fucking ride. Which yes, I've had that thought an endless amount of times but for some reason... I don't know. I boredly snapped my fingers and one of them burst to a crisp. Jasper tossed a thank you over his shoulder and beheaded the last unlucky sacrifice. I spoke too soon. Bella needs to hurry up. I'm getting annoyed with Aro's antics already... I felt a boil burn in my gut as I had a horrible realization, she won't stop this. Why would she stop building her ranks? These newborns are for Lilith's new babies. The ones safely tucked inside the new vessel. That's why Bella has to kill Aro... not for the crown, but for his little infectious nest.

I shook my head and fucking stewed. Jasper was starting to get overwhelmed but not once did he call out. It took him a moment but as he started building a groove and enjoying himself as the hallway was overrun with those things. A small smile crept. I'm a little concerned that I enjoy this too. I mean. I think I understand why he enjoys this. War is messy and gritty and... and, you almost feel more alive once the threat of death arrives. As I pointed my finger towards one of those rabid fucks clawing to get near me and this beam of light escaped my hand and disintegrated its body into nothingness. A fit of giggles and hiccups burst out. So I did it again and again. Ah yes, this is where it got strange. As I was thinking, I'm never getting off this ride, I felt happy. I think I felt that way because the closest to dying that I've ever gotten. Is when I take life from others. Jasper evaded my beams effortlessly as he flitted around snagging strays. Though occasionally he'd look off to me. Those inquisitive eyes inspecting the damage, assessing how much is left of my soul.

"You alright, hun?"

"I think, um, I'm having fun."

"Oh? Okay. I think, we need to talk about that."

I chuckled at the worried tone and rebutted by asking if he was using fun too. The last body fell at his feet. As he awkwardly stood and attempted to respond. He quickly moved to my side and sat down on the edge of the bed. He then anxiously caressed my fingertips. I kept my eyes on his pained face. His Adam's apple bobbed and then his brain went blank. It's a pleasure to watch that old well-oiled steel wheel just. Rust.

"I think it's time to leave."

The words were strained. I meekly looked around and spotted the damage. It was very pretty before, Bella really did have good taste. The ceiling was painted a dark eggplant. I noticed that there were micro lace details in black sprawled throughout. The paint ran onto the walls a bit, it gave the illusion that the ceiling was much higher. The walls were more of a neutral taupe. The furniture chosen complimented and gave a mature but still sexy vibe. That energy she exudes with ease these days.

"Just a moment longer."

Jasper kissed my hairline and held me close. The moment of peace was gone. This is becoming ridiculous. Before we were attacked once again. I snagged the letter Bella wrote and transported outside. Before our feet touched the ground, we were able to witness the dead taking the land of the living. I didn't see the point in allowing this tragedy any longer. In our wake, we left the land burning. Where we landed wasn't much better. I gazed up at Brooke manor. While Jasper was bent over trying not to blow chunks. It hurt to see the nasty things people have said and left behind. I shook my head at all the crosses pinned up, they never learn. These symbols mean absolutely nothing to me.

"You could have warned me!"

"You'll be alright."

Jasper moved behind me and I could feel heat rise to my face and my fist clench. I doubled back to stare up at him. Oh, he's pissed! I pressed into his side and he relaxed. This new mate thing is going to take time to get used to. Though Bella's theory about them all being able to tap in worries me. Does that mean they are in danger from her too? I couldn't even deal with that thought and moved to enter. The house greeted me by opening the door and the lights coming on. Jasper was slow to follow but as he tiptoed inside he kept looking around all strange. Scaredy cat.

"Why are we here?"

"I left some stuff behind."

"Not possible. I left orders for Edward to grab everything of importance."

I rolled my eyes and made out to the kitchen and up the hidden staircase. The door to my bedroom opened to expose her deeds. She's been here. My closet was ransacked. She took our pictures. She gets on my nerves but I'm sort of glad. I can't have any slip-ups. What I was looking for was my stash. Alright, listen. During unpacking, right around my first week of school. I found some stuff that Clara had managed to miss. Hidden inside a gutted book is some pills from before I got clean. I was going to throw them out but decided to keep them. I don't know why. I mean, ok, if I'm honest, I wasn't planning on staying clean... but meeting them and Bella, changed that. Sort of dumb right?Fun fact, a good portion of the reason so many witches utilize mind-altering substances? They boost our magic, but that's not why I wanted to be blitzed, I...Im going to need all the help I can get to forget her. Just as I slipped them into my pocket, Jasper was standing in the doorway. He hadn't suspected anything. I continued to grab a few things that Edward had missed. Nothing I needed. It wasn't until we were about to leave that things became annoying. It's like these vamps are tracking our scent or something. Before Jasper had a chance to put them down they burst into flames and their ashes billowed around the kitchen.

"What's up with you and burning things?"

"I'm a pyromaniac."

"You don't say."

A gaggle of newborn vampires put me in a mood as they herded themselves around us. These ones were pretty stupid, like they weren't fully aware. Just a bunch of hungry animals snipping and snapping in threat while hunched over like apes. Their beady eyes followed our every move. Jasper had his back pressed to mine. Looks like we gotta fight our way out. Again. We worked well as a team before but something was different now. I don't know how to explain it other than I knew every move Jasper was going to make. Seemingly, the second he decided to do it. We moved completely in sync. Once they were dead. We stood there freaked out.

"Something weird is going on."

"I was going to say the same."

"We should go see Carlisle."

"Well look who decided to show up."

I wasn't expecting for Black to enter but I was pleased to see him alive. Jasper greeted him as he was about to step out. Leah reminded him the treaty was long gone and he didn't need to. She greeted me with a curt nod and gave her condolences for Isabella. The interaction gave way to a sob that got caught in my throat. The pain crushed into me as if an elephant sat on my chest. My emotions shifted and I regained composure.

"Where are all these newborns coming from?"

"You haven't heard? Of course not. We've been dealing with them for days now. More and more arrive every day. Looking for you! We do what we can, but."

"Where's the nest?"

"Nest?"

"Where do they congregate?"

"Forks High."

"Let's get to it then."

We hopped in Emmets Jeep. It was gifted before we fled. I tried not to beat myself up for not leaving any protection behind. Our escape left the people of forks vulnerable and my actions left many dead. The pills in my pocket felt like little time bombs. I didn't want to feel, I needed to focus. So I didn't think about it as I transported one and let it slide down. I laid my head on Jasper's arm and relaxed. The night air smelt dank. A new moon is out. Trees looming overhead. I realized as we bypassed the high school that we were headed somewhere else. The Weber farm. Angela was sitting out on the front porch of this little white house with a shotgun. A can of beer out next to her. She wiped her brow and stood up to greet us in the drive. She hung outside my door and pulled me in for a hug. Damn, I missed her. We hung out a lot, especially while Bella wasn't speaking to me. We drifted once we both got into our respective relationships...

"What's up, babe."

"Whole lotta hell."

"I hear that."

"Nice to see you too, Angela."

"Oh, he speaks?"

She was just pulling his chain. Before I had arrived at forks. Jasper was the resident scary. Most thought him the school shooter type. He became more sociable after he got shoved into me. Jasper grasped my hand and grounded me to the present. It's hard to not think about life before. That sweet spot of time with her. I shook my head and we all got out and trecked to a red barn hidden a ways off. Oooo wee, I see Eric has filled out. Oh my god, I think I'm starting to sound like my dad! Anyway. High school Eric was sawing away at his own double barrel. That's when I noticed all the artillery hanging around. A beautiful bow caught my eye and it flew to my hand.

"You know how to use that Morningstar?"

"Don't act all new 'cause you glowed up."

I checked the sights on the crossbow. It was a killer instinct. This thing is several grand. There's no way they bought this.

"Newton still kicking around?"

"Yep."

"Hmm. So he just let y'all rob his shop?"

Nope."

He burst out laughing and retold the tale of Newton being bitten. Turns out it's his homophobic ass that's coordinating the attacks. They've attempted to take him down yet they always lose large numbers. They're just barely hanging on. I drifted near the wall and grabbed a hammer, nails, and soldered them. The rest followed and began preparing. It was quiet. I was off on my own while the others naturally grouped. Jasper was the furthest away. I feel he's taking this hard. He's holding back his emotions. I can get a feel of them but everything is muffled. I know he's normally constipated...but he's being uncharacteristically cold. I'm a bit worried his volcano is about to blow. I noticed as we were heading back to the Jeep. Angela was headed in the opposite direction. From this angle, I could see a pooch. For a moment I just thought love was making her healthy. That was until I could see a separate glow in her aura. I'll be damned. I had to stop myself from running to greet the little bugger. I gleaned Eric doesn't know and she's not sure she wants to keep it. I reached out.

-I can help. If you need it.-

She knew of my powers but I don't think she was expecting to hear my voice reverb in her noggin. She stood still. We kept moving and hopped into the Jeep. Just as we were pulling out. She sat back on the steps and waved at her husband. He blew her a kiss just as her hand shakily moved to lift the beer, tipped it in acknowledgment of my offer, and drank. A single tear slipped and slid out her eye and fell to the concrete step she sat on. It didn't take much to single in. As she sat perched with her legs spread and her elbows digging into her thighs. Her head hung low in guilt and sorrow. I ripped the cord. Almost immediately she rose in panic as she had spotted red. A pause. As the remains of her child pooled between her thighs. She whispered a thank you and dashed inside to hide the evidence of him.

Turns out I can get glimpses of futures too. Futures of the lives that may be but are not yet certain. Justin Yorkie would have lived an alright life, at the expense of his mothers. The hospital didn't make it. In this timeline, she would have given birth at home and bled out in her bed. Despite the loss, Eric would maintain his wits and care for his son to the best of his ability. After Forks becomes overrun, they escape deeper into the mountains. Have a quiet life. He and Eric would have been thick as thieves until his father's death, having now been orphaned at the ripe age of nine. He would try to stick it out. Do the things his father taught him. But winter will come. So he eventually leaves to find someone, anyone, after getting picked up by a traveling group. He'd settle with them. Not for long but he keeps moving, until eventually, he passes on his twenty-second birthday. Went out to celebrate with his buddies, and they get ambushed by a new and improved mutated vampire. One that's demonic. He went down swinging and ready to go. Now that he's gone? She will live long.

Jasper leaned into my side. His arms wrapped around me tightly. He crumbled into me and sniffed the air around us. I knew he meant to thank me before the words slipped out. The anxiety from earlier dissipated and his body completely relaxed and a lopsided grin spread. He howled out and then reached between Jacob and Eric to crank the radio. They joined in on his pre-battle hype. It dawned on me. He just realized he's around a human and for the first time ever he doesn't want to drain them bone dry. Leah was squeezed onto Jacob's lap and was getting irritated by their antics.

"So Leah? When did you start on Black?"

She ignored me. She had a bit of an attitude earlier. I just went for it and asked."I take it Seth isn't around?" She angled her head to cut her eyes at me.

"I suggest you keep my brother's name out of your mouth."

"Is he dead?"

"Not yet."

She hopped off Jacob's lap and leaped out the Jeep. Her transformation to her wolf form happened so quickly. By the time her paws hit the pavement, she took off.

"She's been like that lately."

"How's everyone doing?"

"There somewhere in the Middle East. Sam hasn't called in today... she's worried. We don't know anything else."

"I wasn't looking for information. That kid saved my life. I'd do the same. I've got my people looking for my uncle. If I hear anything before you. I'll call you."

He reached back and grabbed my hand.

"I didn't know about, Isabella. I honestly thought you had been hurting her."

The action and his admittance slammed into that flimsy wall of indifference. I yanked away and stiffly nodded. Then pushed up against the door. I didn't want to be touched. Jasper attempted to fix my anger but thought better of it. He's right. It's better to let this feeling build and fester. To allow myself to vilify my wife.

"It's alright, her whore got what she deserved and then some, it seems you did too. You two look cute together."

He recovered and thanked me.

"Yeah... she's cool."

This deep blush came up on his cheeks and he tried to act like he wasn't smitten. As we neared the school. The tail lights got shut off and the radio silenced. We were parked off in the woods. Leah was scouting the area, while we were unloading. Jacob immediately took charge and began giving out orders. The main reason they struggle is exactly what I thought. The newborns are familiar with our scents, to combat that, I shrouded us.

As long as they aren't right on us. We should be able to go completely unnoticed. As we neared the parking lot it became clear just how bad things had gotten. Newborns were everywhere, most of them were just slumped in hunger twitching. While others had begun eating on themselves. The smarter ones would venture out to hunt. This is what happens if they aren't trained or told the rules. They struggle to adapt and end up starving themselves. The best way to handle this was stealthy. I silenced my crossbow and just began popping them like water balloons. As I thinned the heard the others moved in to slice heads and legs. We made it alright to the front door.

"Alright, this is where it's gonna get tricky. We've never gotten this far. I don't know what's going on in there."

"Jasper and I will go in first. You three take the back. If it gets hairy I'm transporting us out and just burning it."

Jacob was taken aback but handed me the reigns. I stretched my arms and popped my neck before placing my hands out and shutting my eyes. In my mind's eye, I could get a glimpse of the other side. Nothing was around. I transported inside. The coast was clear of any traps. I opened the door and let them in. Jasper took the lead and we began a sweep. Checking the rooms and halls, any vampires we stumbled upon we took out with ease. It wasn't until we entered the gym. That it became obvious we had been herded. The doors locked and newborns began coming out from the boys' and girls' locker rooms. As they blocked us in. I found that smug bastard beaconing me. He screeched and they reared their ugly heads and ran at us.

Michael wasn't expecting his little toy soldiers to fall to their knees and submit. He stood there in confusion as he kept attempting to roust them. I ordered the others to take them out while they were under my control. My shoes squeaked along the waxy flooring with each step I took near him. He backed up until his legs hit the bleachers sending him onto his ass. Even as a vampire he's an ignorant coward. I leaned over him and stared into those red eyes. He sneered but found he couldn't open his mouth to speak. I grasped his chin so tautly his face cracked. I licked the blood that leaked. He whimpered and shook under my touch.

"Was it you that defiled my home?"

His jaw painfully unhinged and his tongue fell out. I pinched it with my nails.

"I think it was. That's something you would do. You've always been an asshole. But um, you never were that bright. Here's a tip about your precious Jesus. He was a witch. Oh, yeah. A necromancer... you do know what that means, right?"

His neck creaked and cracked as it moved side to side against his will. I was more than excited to explain what a necromancer was by grasping the sides of his face and pushing my lifeforce into him. As the red receded from those eyes and he felt his heartbeat. Michael screeched to high heaven as I plunged my hand into his chest to rip his heart right out. That blessed organ thumped three times and dripped blood down my wrist. He wheezed his last breath just as I licked the chambers of his heart and took a bite. The succulent meat slid down with a moan. I wasn't done yet. I revived him. As he gasped for air and that brand new heart bumped at the speed of a bullet train. I grabbed him by his hair and drug him across the waxed floor. He kicked and screamed and begged for mercy. So I kicked him in his ribs until they cracked.

"Mercy?! You plead for mercy when you have none of anyone that doesn't look or think like you. No. I don't think I will."

The others looked on in fear, while some, in pleasure. I take it Eric has been dying to kill this asshole for a while. I didn't care if they judged or envied me. With the type of storm brewing inside and remembering all the shit this fucker pulled. All I wanted to do was slaughter. I transported Michael and I outside. He landed on his ankle shattering the joints. As he blubbered. I snapped the other one.

"Where was your mercy for my aunts?"

"I'm sorry!"

"No you aren't, you're nothing but a racist fuck that gets off on hurting others. It's time you've learned your lesson."

My hands danced in intricate patterns. The sounds of his bones snapping out of place filled me with a sick joy until I cackled. All while he prayed for god to save him. When I kindly reminded him that god wouldn't dare lift his finger to me, let alone to save him, he plead his fealty to me. Swearing he'd serve as my slave. That he'd do my wicked bidding. I grew tired of hearing his lies and weaved wire into his lips forcing him silent. Then I pondered. What to do? In my creativity, I felt it fun to shatter and hoist him until he slumped like a doll and made him pose. He resembled the dying witch himself hung up on a cross and bleeding out. As it burst into flame, I summoned s'mores. While I ate in peace. Footsteps approached. I was surprised to find it was Jacob. The others had headed back.

"I take it this was personal?"

"He's the reason my aunts were attacked. He was a racist homophobic prick but this was mainly me expressing myself. "

"She did say you were artistic."

"I tend to be that way when in love."

"You know, I was always afraid of you. We knew what you were the moment you stepped foot on our land and many of us were against it. Our elders chose to keep you safe. What are you going to do to help us? Because... I can't do this alone."

"Round up who's left, I can save your people, this land is for the dead now."

"That's not good enough, I promised."

"Yeah, and I made a lot of promises too. You need to decide if it's worth it to stick around to defend this place or start over."

It didn't take long. My heart hurt once I saw all that was left were just some kids that had been kicking it on the farm with Eric and Angela... I fucking hate it here. To help with the load, Ambrose got us out. We landed directly inside the home. To paint a picture. It was me, Jasper, Ambrose, Eric and Angela, Leah and Jacob, and a good thirty or so kids... we were dumped in the entry hall. I noticed how young they were, It's forbidden to transform children. It hurt to think of what must have happened to their parents and siblings. What they saw or were forced to do. I didn't have long to ponder since another pair of kids caught my attention.

We had crashed in on an invasion. Dead smack in front of me was Jane and Alec. He didn't look so hot and she wasn't taking it well. His limp body was cradled to her chest like a baby doll. She was dazed and wildly attacking anyone that came near her and her sickly brother. My first plan of action was to send anyone that wasn't essential away. It was just me, Jasper, Carlisle, and Esme. I was a good ten feet from that psychotic brat. My hands are in plain view. The closer I got to her I could feel my flames threatening to burst. She's not in control. I've seen that look and it's one of fear and pain.

"I'm not gonna hurt you, okay?"

"He won't wake up!"

"Hey. Listen to me. Just put him down."

"Help me!"

Her screams were deafening and sent me to my knees. It's strange. Out of every soul that's crossed my path. Not one has rubbed me the way she does. I continued to crawl near her until I could embrace them both. She collapsed into me. It was odd because at that moment all I could see was a hurt child. I held them both. She sobbed and begged for me to save him.

"What happened?"

The words that echoed from that little girl knocked into my numbness and solidified just how far Isabella has gone off rails. My wife has taken her throne and in her wake, she has turned Volterra into a war zone. Demons have already taken residence and are staking claim on their bodies. I looked at that little boy and knew. If I don't save his soul. His sister is going to be a real motherfucking issue.

Before she had a chance to say anything else. She was stuck in the neck with a needle and Carlisle plunged some strange fluid right into her aorta. She hit the marble tile and twitched in agony. Alec was left dangling in my arms. I felt a deep dread fall as Carlisle watched over her with this twisted grin. I witnessed the mad scientist Carlisle truly was burst from the carefully hidden mask. Hmm. I see why Esme has been trippin. He ain't all there, is he? Out of all of that. The absolute worst part was hearing the screams of Tanya, Kate, and Irina bellowing on high from the third floor. They have a personal beef with Jane. She's the one that killed their mother and that sweet immortal babe. So on top of vampires running rampant, demons have befallen, witch lives are in danger from all sides, now I've got this demonic child in my care and the other one is... I don't know what he's done to the girl but Kate looks hungry for blood. Time froze. Ambrose was perched on the steps. I was paralyzed with what to do. How do I fix all this mess crashing in?

"Breathe, just breathe and think."

"They can't stay here."

"You're right."

"She's not leaving until he's ok."

"That's true."

"He's possessed... so, an exorcism."

"There you go."

"Wait! I can't do that here... there are too many spirits... they'll attack."

"Go somewhere, else."

"Ambrose! I don't have time for riddles."

"You have plenty of time. Just go."

"How?!"

Time unfroze. Gods I hate him. Help me! In real-time. Kate jumped from the balcony and landed over that little girl. I mean, I know I'm scary but damn, she's scary! I'm ready to get off this roller coaster, now! She didn't respond well to Carlisle protecting her with his life. That's when I noticed Jane had gone completely still, almost like, a corpse. A real one!

"What was in that needle?"

Two sets of heels clicked down those elegant steps. The first pair belonged to Frost. She looked all suited up for work in a lab coat. While the second? Those black pumps belonged to a pair of feet I hadn't seen in a while. Someone I had long thought I'd never see again. It was Clara.

"The cure to death."

She said that statement with a heavy heart. All words ceased to exist. I could only look up at her and down at Jane. This is it. That information stunned Kate, yet she was still reluctant to forget her plans. I can't blame her. Mere minutes ago I took my own revenge. I'd be hard pressed to sway her from her mission. Tanya intervened and she limped away from us. Both Jane and Alec were carefully lifted and led upstairs to Frost's lab. Emmet and Jasper were forced to guard. While I? I was sent to the library to prepare for a long arduous rite, hopefully, I can save him, either that, or Jane never wakes up. Fucking hell Izzy, could have fucking warned me!