The silence of the cabin of the truck seem to encase Leah as she sat outside of her house. How is one supposed to feel after a date like the one she just had? Her mind was whirling and seemed to be in chaos but her heart and soul seemed to be at peace. What really surprised her was that her worries weren't about what she felt for Janet but what was to come from now on. There were so many things that she realized would be affected if she were go public with this relationship. The pack was uneasy but were bound by instinct to respect her bond but what about everyone else? How were her people going to react to this?
Leah dropped her head back against her head rest and groaned out loud. Why should she care what people thought? She had never cared what anyone thought but now for some reason she was worried. With a groan, she knocked her head against the head rest in hopes of knocking some sense into herself. The only thought going through her mind was the reaction people would have to Janet more specifically. If someone were to slander her name or offend her then Leah was sure she would do anything to defend her mate.
"Help me out Dad." Leah whispered to the quiet cabin in hopes that by some stroke of luck her father was watching over her. Would he be proud of her in this moment? So many questions ran through her head now and it was driving her near crazy. So, with a soft oath, she got out of the truck and headed to the house.
The lights were out so she assumed and hoped her mom was asleep. What was she supposed to say if she was caught coming in at this hour? As quietly as possible she opened the door and stepped in. After closing the door, she nearly phased right there in the living room…Seth had turned on one of the lamps of the living room.
"Are you crazy?" Leah whispered harshly after she gained her breath and calm back.
"Sometimes," Seth shrugged off the question and moved closer to his sister, "So how'd it go?" Seth asked with eagerness dancing in his eyes.
"You couldn't have waited until tomorrow to ask me?" Leah asked as she moved to sit on their couch. If Seth was there then their mom was already asleep and wouldn't be up until morning most likely.
"Come on Lea-Lea don't be like that." Seth whined as he threw himself onto the spot next to her.
Leah rolled her eyes at his tone and put her chin on her fist. As she thought on her date she let the smile touch her lips.
"It was good" Leah confessed softly and looked at her brother
"Yeah?" Seth asked feeling happiness seep into his every nerve at his sister's admission and the look on her face. How long had he seen nothing but anger and sadness in her eyes? This happiness and peace that was present now filled him with relief. She was finally over the hurt of what happened between her and Sam. His sister was finally healing and that brought a knot into his throat.
"Yeah," Leah chuckled and turned to look at the empty fire place as they slipped into peaceful silence. Both brother and sister feeling at peace and happy for that one moment in time.
The moon was low in the sky and the beginning lights of morning were peaking over the horizon. Jasper stood watching as his daughter skipped ahead of him into the woods where they usually went to spend some time together. Pure joy radiated from her which brought a small smile to his face. It had been years since he had seen so much joy on his little girl. Hadn't it been him who use to put that smile on her face? Hadn't she only brightened when he came into the room? Now it seems she has found another to take his place.
These thoughts danced through his mind since Janet had found Leah. How could anyone expect him to accept this so easily when it was he who was losing the light of his life? They all thought they knew the love he had for his daughter but they had no idea. Were they to fall into a terrible hell like he had and find such an innocent dove that kept them sane there, only then would they understand his love for Janet.
"Papa?" Janet asked her father as they came to a stop at the clearing where they always came to be alone. The small waterfall fed into a pond where Janet sat with her feet dipped in while in her child form.
"It was about a century and a half ago when I came upon a little dove," Jasper began as he always did when retelling Janet about the day he found her, "She had her wings broken"
Janet smiled as she watched her Papa walk back and forth a short distance while telling the story she had heard for years. It brought her back to a time when it was just her father and herself. Nothing else existed and no one else mattered.
"It has been so long since that little dove saved me. I thought I would never have to live without my little dove but as he wings have been healed she has started to fly." Jasper whispered as he sat down next to Janet and looked at his daughter as he thought of what life had thrown at them over the years.
"Papa…?" Janet didn't know what he was trying to say but she realized this was no ordinary talk between them.
"We have a bond no one will ever be able to sever my little one and through the years my love for you has not wavered though you may doubt it. I love you my daughter and have only wanted what is best for you and for you to be happy. It used to be only me that could bring a smile from you or cause you to laugh with such joy. But it seems that it is no longer my role to be your happiness." Jasper said and watched with sad eyes as Janet changed back to her true form. Tears filled her eyes but would never fall and this caused a pang to pull at Jasper's heart as he again questioned if he did the right thing by turning her.
He had always held doubt and guilt in his heart for his decision to turn her when she had just entered womanhood. Had he robbed her of her true happiness like Rosalie always ranted about?
"I will always love you Papa" Janet said and brought Jasper out of his thoughts.
"And I you my little one but it is time I stepped aside for someone else to come into your life and bring you joy where I can not anymore. Leah may not have been my choice but as we have learned life doesn't always give you what you want," Jasper paused as he put his hands on both sides of her face and placed his forehead on hers, "You will always be my first love my little one and nothing will ever tear you from my heart." Jasper whispered to his emotionally wrecked daughter.
She knew very well that her father was giving her his blessing to choose Leah over him should the time arise. Should she want to leave with Leah he would let her go and should they never see each other again he would understand. Janet could not stop the dry sobs from spilling from her as she realized she had yet to give her blessing to him over Alice. Why was she so selfish? Why couldn't she give her father that freedom and acceptance when he so painstakingly gave it to her? Did she not love her father enough for that?
"I will always love you too, Papa. You will always…be my first love," The words seemed to get stuck in her heart. After so many years with her father by her side she just didn't know how to let him go, "One day, Papa, one day I will be able to do it" Janet confessed as she threw her arms around her father's neck and buried her face into his chest.
Jasper only smiled and hugged his little girl closer because he knew she was trying hard to accept the way things were. She was really trying to let him go but she was not ready to accept she no longer needed him and that brought warmth to his undead heart. Unlike him who would always need her, she would one day realize she is ready to move on and now he had made it easier for her to make her choice. One day she would tell him goodbye and he would never be ready for that day no matter what anyone said.
"One day will come too soon my little dove" He whispered and he held and rocked his little girl like he did when she was small and still needed only her father. When it was just them.
It was day two of training and the army would be upon them in two days. The wolves were tense as were the Cullens but it did not stop Janet from sneaking smiles at Leah. Leah was trying to find her balance with her mate and her pack. There was no hostility or bashing towards Janet but Leah didn't know if that would change if she openly showed her any affection. It was hard enough to keep her thoughts from wandering to her mate.
Seth chuckled every now and then when Leah would slip up and look over at her mate. Sam had to get the pack under control only once when Paul made a snide remark towards Leah who was about to start a fight. The others didn't know what to do so the tension was present but Sam knew this would happen. He decided that he would address the Pack later.
"Rosalie" Jasper called to his blond 'twin' but knew the fight wouldn't get too serious as she wouldn't want to get dirty. Janet giggled as Rosalie scoffed and stepped forward. It was a known fact that the two would call it quits but not before Jasper made sure his sister was up to par. The family was all paired off and watching the second to last one on one battle. Jasper had told them they would be going to be paired off and he would watch to see where they could improve.
Janet was a bit put out that she would not get to train with them. It was stimulating and her venom sang with the thought of a fight. One could take the soldier out of the fight but not the fight out of the soldier. She was raised on a battlefield and no matter how many years passed or how much she changed, she would always thrive in a battle. Jasper knew how his daughter felt and it was even more potent with him but he knew if he let her let loose in training she might hurt someone on accident.
He had to spare with her in private and away from others or she would see the others as enemies. She only listened to the major when she was in battle mode and that was both good and bad. So, for now she was just to watch and spot their weak points so they could work on them.
With a sigh, Janet shifted into a child and jumped up onto a long hanging branch. It was getting boring to just be watching and doing nothing even if she knew why.
"You should slide on over there since it seems your father has this covered" Alice whispered at vampire speed at Janet and nodded towards Leah. Janet looked over at Leah who had shifted closer since her mate was a child again and that sent her instincts roaring. Alice smiled when a smile blossomed on Janet's face and she began to kick her feet as she shyly looked away.
"Father wanted me close today and besides I don't think the Pack likes me too close." Janet said while looking at the ground.
"Well Sam seems to be on your side" Alice said as she inclined her head towards where Sam was giving a nod to Leah. Leah got up from where she had been flanking Sam's left and moved some ways away from the Pack. Janet smiled broadly and jumped from the tree to practically run to her mate.
Leah looked to Sam for permission since he was the alpha no matter how much she hated it. Sam saw the looks the two were throwing at each other since the pack came into the field. He wasn't heartless and he knew exactly what Leah was going through at that moment so he nodded at Leah. It was interesting to see the way happiness radiated off the little vampire as she made a bee line towards Leah.
"Thanks Sam" Seth whispered to try and keep Leah from hearing but Sam knew she would hear him even if he tried his quietest voice.
"She deserves it" Sam answered to Seth and then focused back on the fight going on in front of them.
Janet practically skipped towards Leah who met her half way and just sat down. It was odd for Leah at that moment, she could feel the stares of some of her pack and some of the vamps.
"You know Papa has banned me from training in front of you." Janet told Leah as she took a seat beside her but left a small amount of space. She did this for Leah's comfort since they had agreed to take things slow. Leah tilted her head in question and looked at Janet waiting for her to tell her why.
"The last time I was training you wanted to take someone's head off. Granted, it was soooo romantic but it caused quite a ruckus and we had to stop training. Papa says we can't waste any more time so I am trained in private." Janet laughed at the fact that Leah rolled her eyes at the reason. It was endearing to see such a thing from her mate because it showed she was showing some of her personality traits to her. They were finally getting to know each other.
"You know when the battle starts you will have to let me fight." Janet told Leah who in turned growled and wrapped her body around Janet as if she could shield her from all evils. This pulled the attention of some of the people from the field. Janet just snuggled up to Leah and smiled contently.
"I'll have you know I can take care of myself just fine. If you didn't know, I was one of my father's best fighters and never lost a fight to anyone but my father. Best lieutenant in all the southern states." Janet stated proudly as her accent flowed through as testament to her birth place. Leah just snorted but nodded when Janet shot her a playful glare. She would allow Janet to fight but she wouldn't like it and she would probably not leave Janet's side throughout the fight.
"So, my father talked to me yesterday after you dropped me off at home and pretty much gave me his blessing. Which is a big deal when it comes to my Papa since he is a real old fashioned man." Janet told Leah as she began to run her fingers through Leah's fur. Leah laid her head down on her front paws and let Janet do as she pleased and talk about anything that came to her mind at the moment. It was amusing and entrancing at the same time to Leah the way Janet's emotions played across her face as she talked about things.
"Janet." Jasper called for his daughter causing both girls to look at him. It was obvious that he had heard their one-sided conversation and came to the conclusion that Janet needed to show just how well she could take care of herself. He decided to have a quick spar with her before his last opponent.
Janet stood and approached her father but as she got closer everyone could see the change of the free bird girl to the cold-hearted warrior. The thrill of the fight was bringing her inner soldier out of her as she shifted to her older self. Once she stood before her father he turned and addressed Leah and the rest of the wolves.
"You are not to intervene as she could be injured should you trigger our instincts. I will not seriously hurt her and she is in need of more training if we want her to be at her best." With that said he turned to his daughter and took a stance that was all too familiar to her.
She had been in this position before and for usually the same reasons. War was coming and her father was going to make sure she would make it through to live another day. The clearing went silent as both father and daughter stood and sized each other up. There was tension in the clearing that just seemed to be building as the two stood as still as statues.
"Bet little bit takes him down first" Emmett whispered to Edward as it seemed the two were about to pounce. Edward shook his head in exasperation but then a sly smile came onto his face and he shook hands with Emmett.
Janet lost her patience at that moment and lunged for her father which started what their audience would describe as a deadly dance. Leah watched in both awe and terror as her imprint fought with her deadly father. The sounds of boulders colliding and some close calls made her stand and dig her claws into the ground. How was she supposed to not react when Janet barely ducks out of the way when her father aims for her head? Janet let her mind clear of everything but the thrill of the fight and the instinct of her body.
It was a tense silence that enveloped the clearing as the two went at each other. To the others, it seemed as if they were evenly matched but the major and his daughter knew he was going easy on her. He could have had her on her back pinned in a matter of seconds but she had to have some room to grow.
There a few seconds when they all thought Janet would come out on top but somewhere along the way Jasper blindsided her and brought her down hard. The field went deadly silent as Jasper hovered over his daughter who was still glaring fiercely at him.
"Still too impatient. You must wait even if you wait an eternity." Jasper said in a voice everyone knew as the parent's reprimand tone.
"Yes sir" Janet answered through gritted teeth which caused the tension to peak in the clearing for a moment. Then she let loose a roaring laugh and threw her hands out over her head as if stretching. Jasper smirked and stood out of his crouch and watched as Janet jumped up off the ground radiating happiness.
"Did you get it all out of your system?" Jasper asked as Janet stretched as if she had just finished a work out.
"We should do that more often" Janet told her dad with a beaming smile that sent a wave of relief through everyone and the atmosphere lightened once again.
"I don't think the others would be able to handle that my little one" Jasper commented as Janet skipped around him before heading towards Leah.
"What did you think?" Janet asked Leah as she stopped to rock on her heels in front of her. Leah almost sagged in relief that the fight was over but she didn't want to let anyone know that. So instead she just nodded to Janet and sat down.
"Such a chatter box" Janet muttered sarcastically causing Leah to snort and nudge Janet with her muzzle. Janet chuckled and playfully pushed Leah away as her family continued with the training. She could hear her father talking but she was too busy to make out what exactly her was saying.
"We should have a go one day. See who wins" Janet suggested as she watched Leah lay down with a huff as if bored. Leah snorted at her mate's suggestion and the obvious high Janet was on after letting loose for a little while.
"I thought it was a good idea" Janet grumbled to her mate as she sat down next to Leah.
Janet turned back to the training going on and nearly hissed in displeasure. Jasper and Alice were sparing but she could see the instant it became just a game. With each swipe of her father's arms in a half-assed attempted to get the woman, Janet became more angry. Leah felt the shift in her imprint and became on high alert. She nudged Janet's elbow with her muzzle and caused Janet to shoot to her feet.
Alice had just tricked her father and bested him in front of the whole coven and a pack of wolves. Never in all her years had her father allowed anyone to see him less then powerful especially enemies like the wolves were. No matter the bond she had with one, the wolves were still an enemy. How could he just expose himself like that? Could he not see that he was displaying vulnerability?
Janet seethed and practically vibrated with anger at the blatant display of affection. Jasper sensed the anger and quickly turned around to meet the boiling ember eyes of his daughter. She hissed when he took a step towards her and then she disappeared into the forest with Leah on her heels. Japer knew what she was thinking as soon as he felt the anger in her. When had he ever showed that level of affection to his daughter? Never would be the answer and for him to do this in front of an audience, well he just added insult to injury.
The clearing became deadly silent as Jasper's face seemed to frost over and he continued with the training with less emotion. He had just hurt his little girl after the talk they had had the night before. Why was this so hard?
Janet could feel the sting of tears that would never fall and the ache in her chest from her unbeating heart. She knew Leah was right behind her but she couldn't stop just yet. There was some place she wanted to get to first and she knew Leah wouldn't mind talking there.
They came to a stop at the cliff side meadow that Leah took her to on their date. Janet waited for Leah to shift back and throw on her shorts and tank top.
"Do you know what happens when a vampire finds their mate?" Janet asked Leah as she stood there with her back to Leah.
"No" Leah answered and waited for Janet to elaborate.
"They find the other half of their soul and at that point all else doesn't compare. We as vampires aren't social and we limit who we interact with. Bonds between vampires are hard to make and a mate is the only one you need, after you find them…" Janet explained and her voice kept getting smaller and smaller as she continued. "when you find your mate, you will do anything for them and you can't live without them…," Janet turned with defeat in her eyes as she met Leah's eyes, "They become you're everything. Nothing else is more important than your mate."
Leah saw the resignation in Janet's eye but didn't understand why this was so bad. Was she upset because she felt that way towards her?
"I don't understand" Leah confessed after a pause.
"I'm not his everything so he can't love me anymore" Janet whispered brokenly and buried her face in her hands as tearless sobs tore from her throat.
Leah felt her very soul tear in two at the sight of her mate breaking down and what she had just confessed. Running on instinct, Leah strode forward and pulled Janet into her arms allowing her to cling to her.
"You're MY everything," Leah confessed to Janet after her sobs had turned to sniffles. Janet jerked her head up to look at her mate in pure shock and cautious hope.
"I might not be to the level of your father but if you'll have me I can love you." Leah spoke the words she felt in her heart and watched as pure love and happiness shone in Janet's eyes at her words.
They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like forever but neither minded as they began to give into the calling in their souls. The distance between their faces began to disappear slowly. Janet let her eyes slide shut and offered her heart to Leah completely and entirely in that moment. Leah looked at her mate in that moment and let a tear slip from her eye as she closed her eyes as well and accepted the love offered to her. As their lips finally touched Leah gave her heart to this angelic creature in her arms with no regret or doubt.
A/N: Took me through a rollercoaster of emotions in this chapter. Please let me know what you think it means a lot to me when you all share your thoughts.