Don't own Twilight
Jake's soft snores in my ear wake me up. My headache has ceased, and vision has cleared. I remember from my last few times waking up that trying to move is going to cause my ribs to hurt.
My ribs are still very tender, a lesson learned when Jake joined me up here on my tiny twin sized bed before it got dark. He casually mentioned how proximity to imprints aids the healing process, but I'm sure it was a ploy to get closer to me.
Not that me wanting him closer to me too doesn't make it a ploy.
Anyways, his head is propped up on his arm, and he's lying on his side, as if he fell asleep staring at me. Entirely possible, and surprisingly, not creepy at all.
I scoot closer to Jacob trying to be as quiet as humanly possible. And keep the squeal of pain that wants to escape to me complicates this.
I'm almost asleep when I hear a floorboard creak in the living room.
Maybe it's Kensi?
Kensi would've stepped over the board.I look around my room and find Kensi and Embry asleep on the floor of my bedroom. Her head is resting on his stomach and his fingers are tangled into her hair. Both dead asleep. I grab whoever is closer to me, happened to be Embry's wrist.
I force myself into his head and he groans quietly.
Sh. I hiss inside his head. Embry there's someone in the house and I have no idea who. I can't smell them.
I watch Embry's eyes snap open. His first thought is Kensi, and where she is.
Hell, Embry, she's using you as a pillow right now.
Embry quickly realizes this as almost silent footsteps echo down the hallway.
I can't smell them either, Dani. Embry says.
I bite my lips, nails digging into his arm. Wake Kensi, quietly.
Embry obliges, sitting up and clamping a hand over Kensi's mouth. She struggles silently for a few seconds, very violently too. Bucking and throwing elbows, trying to shake off Embry's grip. She struggles for almost a minute before Embry hisses something I couldn't hear into her ear. Immediately she stills, relaxing against him. Slowly he removes his hand from her mouth and she crawls out of his lap. Somehow, while moving so quickly I couldn't track their movement, Embry ended up locking her in a headlock covering her mouth while holding her in his lap.
Kensi still has a radiantly bright red dusting in her cheeks as she dives under my bed and grabs her weapons. Kensi is an active sleeper, often moving around and talking in her sleep. She's restless and always moving. She's learned to keep her weapons close, but far enough away she won't accidentally hurt herself in her sleep.She comes up from under my bed holding her sword, the metal glowing a soft golden amber in the pitch darkness. It flares at her touch, casting a golden sheen over her skin. Embry silently stands as Kensi creeps over to my door. She looks around frantically, while Embry just stares at her. Kensi is beautiful, and it's no wonder Embry is looking at her like a damn cartoon steak.
She lunges forward, connecting with Embry's skin. He glares at her, shaking his head.
"Please." She hisses before darting back behind the door. She takes an offensive position, holding the sword perpendicular to her sternum in front of her, and her dagger in the other hand.
Embry opens his mouth to object but I just shake my head.
He sighs, lying back down on the ground in front of my bed, and pretending to be asleep.
There's hushed voices outside my door in seconds.
I can hear two individual heartbeats, but without scents.
The door is pushed open silently and two hooded and cloaked figures enter my room. They wear long dresses and are both holding weapons, whether it be a dagger or a sword.
It took ten seconds.
Kensi leaps out of the shadows from behind my bedroom door. She twists her hips and sends the one chick flying backwards against my closet door. She lets out a pained scream as she hits. The assailants' sword chatters across the floor and I jerk my head to Embry who grabs it and hands it to me. He retreats to the window where Kensi ordered him.Kensi's eyes linger for mere milliseconds to make sure the first assailant us down, in a tangle made of her gown and her cloak. She struggles through the layers of that while Kensi throws the second intruder against my wall, pinning her there with her short dagger. She tosses me her sword with one smooth movement and I snag the hilt out of the air, ignoring the sharp stabbing pain that radiates through my side.
The first assailant leaps to her feet finally, moving with a speed only known to Elementals. Kensi's sixth sense picks up on the movement easily, and her sword arm tenses, snapping out holding the second assailant at bay with the sharp point of her sword. Blood fills the air as Kensi's sword pierces her neck.
"What do you want?" Kensi growls. I watch in the shadows as Embry bristles at the tone of his imprint's voice.
Speaking of imprints: Jake snoozes quietly beside me. His soft snores mark the silence with bright colors.
There's a quiet, throaty and yet obviously feminine laugh from under the first assailant's hood.
"You never fail to impress me Kensi."
The sword digs deeper into her delicate flesh. I wince as my sister ruthlessly ignites her sword, sending bright illumination into the room. The firelight provides more light to see by than her sword had in moments previously. I can see the curvaceous forms of both women. They both wear a modern version of 18th century dresses worn by the upper class women. Long, with several layers. The necklines on the dresses dip low, revealing the tops of their breasts and their collarbones. Their dresses have short sleeves that leave their arms bare, aside from long black gloves that cover their forearms. Around both of their waists are empty scabbards, their swords in my hands.
"Pretty men you ladies choose to keep company." The voice is familiar.
Kensi bristles while Embry glances to the side a little embarrassed. Jake told me that Embry always had been shy and bookish, even after he phased. Suppose that tracks at least.
"I doubt either of them are going to stoop to kiss your shoes no matter how far you pull down the bodice on your dress Mara."Mara!
Kensi's hostile voice rouses Jake.
"What the hell?" He whispers sitting up. I turn my head back, loving the way the reddish light creates shadows on his regal facial features.
"I thought after what you went through with your father and brother you'd have stayed away from werewolves." The second voice asks. And if Mara is here, then Colette is more than likely here too.
"Fuck off Colette." I sneer sitting up.
"Dani." Jake whispers as I easily stand up. I ignore my pain, which is minute compared to my anger.
"At ease, girls." Colette sighs. "You never fail to impress me, Kensi, with your skills. You're devastatingly effective."
Kensi growls. "Flattery will not cajole me into whatever you want. The answer is no."
Mara laughs and the sword inches closer, abruptly cutting off her laughter. "You don't know why we are here."
"You had a point to prove to us and yourself by sneaking into my sister's bedroom at an ungodly hour of the morning." Kensi snarls. "Which, by the way, is very dirty, seeing as how I forewarned you of Dani's condition less than 12 hours ago. 12 hours of your time is mere minutes." Kensi spits angrily. The fire in her sword blazes brightly and I worry for a second she might murder the two women. Her back is to me, but she is rigid as a board, and poised for a strike. Her rage and fury are murderous at this point.I glance at Embry, as I shift again. Jake wraps an arm around my waist, which makes me happier than I care to admit.
"Here you are, 19." Mara coos. "With more power and skill than any Elemental I've ever crossed."
Kensi snarls at Mara, "Lieutenant, with all due respect, if you put a little more effort into your duties as a Lieutenant and a little less into being a whore, age might've made you a stronger elemental, which would've made you a wiser leader."
My eyes widened. Kensi's foot, here comes her mouth.
But Mara laughs. "I told you, Colette. The woman has spunk, fire, power, wisdom and skill. She has what we need."
"My sister is injured." Kensi says. I stand up walking over to the women, holding their two words, one in each hand, feeling ready to pass out from pain. Jacob isn't far behind me.
"She is. She hides her weakness well." Colette says running her eyes over me, clearly judging the dark blossoming bruises under my clothing. "As do you, Kensi."
"Kensi." Mara asks finally. I can sense her discomfort with Kensi's flaming blade at her throat. "Can you lower the weapons so we can talk?"
Kensi shakes her head. "I'm not dropping shit. You want to talk, talk. But I am not budging."
"I found someone." Mara blurts. "He's amazing, Kensi." Mara raises her arms slowly and pushes her hood off her head, her features illuminated by the golden haze from Kensi's flaming sword at her throat. "He's so generous, and sweet, caring, loyal, and loving." Mara looks so in love while speaking of him. Her face is unique. She looks so young, no older than Kensi or myself, but her eyes harbor scars from the things she's seen in all 300 years of her life. But they've healed considerably in the past few months since the last time I've seen her.Kensi realizes this, because the tension between her shoulder blades unwinds slightly, her muscles that were tight and poised moments ago relax, but minimally.
"I'm done." Mara smiles. "I'm going to throw the towel in." There are tears in her eyes, and one of them drips off her mascara-laden eyelashes, cascading down the apple of her cheek, and leaving a black river on her face. "I can't imagine going on with life after he's gone, Kensi. I can't imagine him growing old while I stay 18. It hasn't been easy to decide whether or not I should let him go, or if I should throw out my powers. And if all else fails, I can always come back to my powers and get back into the practice of things."
"Congrats Mara." Kensi says in a toneless voice.
"We came for Dani." Mara says dodging Kensi's blade. I raise the blade for Kensi, but I know it's no use when I'm not going to be able to swing it.
Mara brushes her fingers against my side and I can feel my ribs healing internally. I growl in pain, falling into Jake's side, while holding her at sword point. Tears sting my eyes but I hold fast.
"Why?" Jacob asks, his arm tightening around my shoulders, melting me to his side.
"Well, Kensi and Dani have displayed all the traits that Queen Marnie looks for when looking for her Lieutenant and Captain. They display courage, intelligence, wisdom, power, skill, spunk, fire, and confidence. However Kensi's temper made you, Dani, the superior option to her."
Embry stands beside me, not ready to let them take me. They won't, they just give me something to think about.
"However it seems like the wolf pack claimed you before we could." Mara smiles. "Congrats on being imprints. Both of you."
Embry winces as Kensi's knuckles could be heard cracking as her grip on the hilt tightens.I brush Embry. You have to tell her to go along with it somehow. I know you might not want to tell her yet, but if you don't do it now, they will beg and beg her on the pretense there's nothing holding her here. And she'll leave. And you'll be miserable.
There's a flash of physical pain across Embry's face. But what if she wants to go?
Trust me. She doesn't. She's been fighting them for years. I assure him.
"Did she not know?" Mara asks.
"Of course I knew." Kensi spits. "I would just like to know how you know that."
Does she really? Embry asks. Who told her? His voice sounded far off and distant, not talking directly to me, but musing to himself.
She's sharp, Embry. The only way she wouldn't figure it out is if you were affectionate towards someone else, or openly despised her guts. Or the more likely option, she's lying through her teeth and had no idea. I know my sister, she's oblivious when it comes to men, but she's a damn good liar.
Embry grits his teeth against the very thought of pretending he wasn't in love with her. I can feel his overpowering desire to be with her. It's stronger than that of what I felt from Jake. But Jake isn't ever distracted enough to forget to hide his feelings. Embry is very distracted.
Mara sighs finally. Her eyes drift toward Jake's hand, resting in my hip, supporting my weight.
Finally Mara answers. "I didn't. Not for certain at least. I knew of wolf legends here in La Push, a truly magical place if you ask me. And I knew of Kensi and Dani's lineage, heritage, and genetics and naturally assumed when I saw the twins with two werewolves…"I let go of Embry's wrist as his thoughts become an angry flurry of emotions. It's confusing for me. Embry controls his exterior well, schooling his face and heartbeat while I cuddle against Jake's side, further selling our relationship, hoping Mara will be sympathetic.
"I have a wolf." Kensi says confidently. She's always had a natural gift for lying. She's amazing at it. "Mara, if I wanted to take your position as Lieutenant, I would not feel comfortable leaving my wolf and probably myself in misery." Kensi's voice is strong and bold, leaving no room for air in her tone. No room for argument or translation. And any ambiguous element is removed in the direct, forthcoming, and straightforward tone.
Mara sighs. "Kensi, you're everything I'm looking for in my replacement. I need you to do this. I have served my time."
Kensi's eyes widen. "You served your time!" She cries in outrage. The sudden volume makes everyone in the room flinch. "I agree there but I'm 19 years old for God's sake!" Kensi hollers. "I'm not going to spend all my time in facilities abroad, making council choices until my family here is dead."
My eyes widen as Kensi goes on. Her sapphire eyes are alive with malice and murder as she goes forward. "My brother might be a shapeshifter but he sure as hell isn't going to be shifting forever now that he's got a daughter and a girlfriend. Speaking of, I've got a niece to watch grow up and spoil the hell out of, and a sister whom I know damn well doesn't want to be an Elemental forever, but rather, wants to settle down sometime and live her life. And I have my wolf to think about. If he doesn't want to phase for the rest of his life, who am I to make him? I have a family. A life here."
Mara opens her mouth but Kensi goes home. "We all know that every other Elemental. Every other Guardian, every member of the Hierarchy spent every moment they could with their family if they had it. How is it fair to deprive Dani and I of the same privilege?" She snarls.
Mara shakes her head as Colette and Mara both try to cut a word in unsuccessfully.
"95% of our Elemental population is between 100 and 300 years old. Meaning that there are hundreds of other applicants who have power that can contest with mine as well as wisdom and courage they've found through the years. How can you deprive others of their shot at leadership before giving it to someone who doesn't want it?" Kensi growls.
Embry grabs her shoulder and I feel the tension in the air diminish minimally. His touch has that much of an effect on her.
"And you yourself said my temper is a negative trait that is dangerous to have on the throne." Kensi snarls. "So knowing there are more deserving applicants who deserve a shot, that I'm not a perfect candidate, and that I won't do any leadership position that will pull me from my family more than I already am while on missions, I think you both realize you should take your recruitment efforts somewhere else."Mara and Colette sigh.
"We could base you out of La Push-"
"And come into whatever city you're in every week? Figure a day for travel, two days meeting, another day of travel, that's a waste of everyone's efforts." Kensi snarls.
"Kensi-"
"No." Kensi vehemently objects. Her tone is cold and hard, and I watch the sharpness of her clipped tone send a shiver down Embry's spine. If she hasn't figured out what wolf imprinted on her, she'd be right plain stupid.
"Kensi please." Mara begs. "Your objection to leadership shows your humility, you don't want this kind of power."
"You're right. I have reasons for it too." Kensi snarls. She lowers her dagger from Colette's throat and jerks her arm. "Now get out before the Queen needs to replace her High Guards."
Mara laughs humorlessly. "Hell hath no fury like Kensi Marie Lahote."
I twist the swords around, pressing their cool blades against the inside of my forearms, offering the hilts to Colette and Mara.
"Admit it." Mara says quietly. She's saddened by my sister's strong objection. Her movements are slow and painful as she grabs the sword from my hand. "You just didn't want to wear dresses all the time."Kensi snorts. "Lieutenant or not I sure as hell wasn't wearing a damn 18th century gown."
"Be a sight for sore eyes." Colette agrees, taking her sword from my other hand.
I realize with a start that I've never seen her wear a dress before in my life either.
"Can you do one thing for me Kensi?" Mara asks.
Kensi doesn't answer, but her currently harsh and unforgiving eyes look at Mara expectantly. "Be on the lookout. You're one of a kind and as close as I can get to you without it being you I'll take."
Kensi looks uncertain. "No strings attached." Mara whispers. "Just be on the lookout for me. I'd like to find someone as soon as I possibly can. I'll owe you for the rest of my, hopefully, short life."
Kensi sighs. "Fine."
Colette nods to Mara. "Let's go."
"Wait!" Mara cries constricting Kensi in a hug. My eyes widen in shock. Kensi won't even let me hug her, let alone someone who is as estranged from her as Mara. "While I wish we could've convinced you into a Lieutenant, I'm glad you're doing this much. I understand your reasons, and respect you for it."
Mara pulls away as Kensi stares at her in what I'm assuming is shock. Her back is to me, but I can tell she's surprised."Good luck, Kensi. Dani."
Mara disappears but Colette hesitates. "Don't be afraid to call for backup regarding the war with Katherine. 40 newborns is no joke."
My eyes bulge. "40!" I cry. "Wasn't it 18!"
Kensi is just as shocked with a tense disposition. "My thoughts exactly sister."
"You didn't know." Colette whispers.
"Evidently not!" Kensi snaps.
"When we sent you after Morrow we didn't know he was affiliated with Tift. Now we do. Now we know you killed Tift's brother and his mate, he is sure to try to kill you. And since your family is here in La Push you can guarantee that's where he's going even if you aren't." Colette explains. The shock sends a ripple, a shiver, up Kensi's spine. From here, I can see the goosebumps and the hair sticking straight up on her arms.
"Ten wolves." Jake says from behind me. "And I'm sure we can maybe employ the help of the Cullens." I cringe away from the name. They're good… people… but after dad died, and Carlisle failed to bring him back, I'm struggling to renew my faith in the particular coven of Golden Eyed Vamps.
"They will." Embry says looking at Jake. "If nothing else than to help us protect Nessie."
"Eight vampires and ten wolves." Kensi says. "Depending upon their timing, also two Elementals."
"She healed my ribs Kensi." I assure her.
Kensi nods before reverting her gaze back to Colette.
Colette nods. "I'm going to send 25 of our Guardians to your aid. If the number increase, I'll increase our guard. As of right now, we don't know when the fight is. So if you hear anything, do let me know."
Kensi nods. "Got it."
Colette turns and leaves the house.
"Hell hath no fury like Kensi Marie Lahote." I retort.
Kensi says nothing for a few seconds.
Kensi says nothing for a few seconds.
"I have a question." She blurts.
Embry winces knowing what's coming next.
"When the fuck did you two become a thing?" Kensi demands turning around and pointing a finger between Jake and I. Embry visibly relaxes and smirks.
"About… a few hours ago." I answer sheepishly.
Kensi smirks. "Well in that case, I am going to my own room, because it's clear that you are in good company here. And I know I won't operate as a cock block because knowing you Dani, you'd do it while I'm right here."
I blush back to my roots and Kensi laughs. "Oh don't pretend to be all bashful now."
"I am a 19 year old virgin thank you." I mutter.
Kensi smirks. "At least wait until I leave!" She pulls Embry out and shoves him through the door before closing it behind me.
"What the hell just happened?" Jake asks.
"Elementals have a hierarchy kind of like a wolf pack. Instead though, we have a Queen, instead of an alpha, a Captain instead of a Beta, and we added another position Lieutenant. And everyone else is under and part of the Elemental Guard. Called Guardians or Elementals." I explain pulling Jake down onto my tiny twin sized mattress. "And when an Elemental wants to start aging and start a life, she stops using her powers right? Anyways, Mara found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with, and she's retiring. Just so happens she's a Lieutenant and now needs to find her replacement. She wants Kensi to do it, but Kensi refused."
Jacob nods smiling at me in the darkness. "You should get some more sleep. We can talk some more in the morning."
I smile at him and nod. I scoot closer to him, resting my head against his chest, and throwing a leg over his waist.
I hear his heartbeat rapidly accelerate and I smile to myself. Oh I think I might be the death of this boy.