Chapter 4
Alice sighed as Josh stormed into Edward and Bella's cottage and Edward read his thoughts. He shook his head, but Josh scoffed.
"Yea right, I know you two knew everything. You knew he was coming here. You knew she was lying to me and you definitely knew what she was doing with the nuclear codes," he accused and Alice huffed.
"Oh of course I did, are you new? I mean, yes, there were tense moments and I wasn't sure of her intentions from the beginning, but do you really think I would allow someone to be in your life if they were truly a threat or danger to any of us? She would never go through with the plan and you should be ashamed of yourself for even entertaining the thought that she would," scolded Alice and Edward nodded in agreement.
"It isn't who she is. Look Josh, I know you are frustrated with her, but you have to stop thinking about it only from your perspective. You are asking a lot of her."
"How? All I want is for her to be with me, to be happy, to travel the world and have an amazing life," he argued.
"You are asking her to change everything she knows about the world because it was a world before she knew you. The world that we have here is not the world most beings know. It isn't even the world we knew for a very long time. Before the island and being in the good graces of the Volturi and before we moved back to Forks, we understood things that you never will. This world can be cold and dark and evil does linger. It isn't always kept at bay in the shadows. Sometimes, it wins and for a very long time Aro and the Volturi were evil. They were very good at winning with the darkness. She had nothing before she met you. She was taught to deceive to survive, not because she wanted to be evil, but because she wanted to live. Asking her to just suddenly forget all of that isn't just unrealistic, it is selfish, and you need to figure out if you can be what she needs," said Edward and Alice nodded as she walked over to Josh.
"You may be new to this whole imprint thing, but remember, it isn't just about you finally getting the mate you have always wanted. You become whatever she needs you to be, whether that's a protector, or a lover, or a friend. Are you really being what Natalie needs you to be right now," challenged Alice and Josh slowly nodded before leaving the cottage. Jasper and Bella walked out of the living room with amused smiles and Edward groaned.
"No teasing us," he whined and Bella smiled mischievously.
"Wow," she said and Jasper nodded with a smug smile.
"Tell me, darlin' did you ever really think even in your wildest visions that one day you would be using Jacob's words about imprinting to give advice," teased Jasper and Alice let out a shudder.
"It felt gross," she admitted.
"I still can't believe he said those words to Bella," groaned Edward and Bella laughed.
"He was just trying to explain it to me," defended Bella.
"Was this before or after he tried to imprint on you," teased Edward.
"I thought it was when he imprinted on your child. The old vampire memory isn't what it used to be," teased Alice and Bella shook her head in amusement.
"I think the bigger surprise is that you, Alice Cullen, are doing your best not to meddle. Who are you? Do we know you," asked Bella and Alice sighed.
"I am trying to do better and be better. While my meddling is always amazing and deserves far more credit than this family has ever given it, I made a deal with Natalie to not meddle in the same way I meddle with others as long as she promises to never use her power to manipulate my visions. I am a woman of my word." Jasper kissed her.
"Yes, you are darlin. I am going to speak with Haines. I hear he is quite the historian. Would you like to come," asked Jasper, but Alice shook her head.
"You go ahead. I need to speak with Edward for a minute," she said. Bella kissed Edward before following Jasper out of the cottage.
"They are right, you know? This is very unlike you, but I think it is noble. It is good to see you are taking Asa's words to heart."
"I hate that she is still blocking certain paths, but I understand and I know I would be tempted. This is a great test of my patience though. We both know it will end well and there is no real threat to the family, so I got this. I can do it. This is fine."
"This is killing you though," he said with a crooked grin and she stomped her foot.
"So much! Why can't I meddle? All I had to do was call Tess, have Connell take her to Tomas in Lisbon…"
"Alice…"
"She could even just tweak his plan. Instead of going in search of his long lost love, he could go in search of his one true love, his actual mate…"
"Alice…"
"Maybe I should find his mate for him and…" Edward placed his hand over her mouth, but quickly removed it when she stuck her tongue out to lick it.
"You know I hate it when you do that!"
"And you know I hate it when you cover my mouth, so we are at an impasse, but you were saying, dear brother of mine," she said with a shrug and he huffed.
"You are doing the right thing by letting it play out and remember what Haines was saying. This needs to play out so the vampire world can see that the Volturi do their job, even when we are involved."
"Yea, yea," she grumbled as she marched out of the cottage and he chuckled as he followed her.
Rosalie wore an amused smile as she watched her best friend pace back and forth in her and Emmett's cottage. Leah hadn't said a word in over an hour and Rosalie grabbed a book before sitting down on the couch. As soon as she opened it, Leah spoke.
"She better not even think about leaving him!" Rosalie tossed the book on the couch and smirked.
"I knew it. I knew the moment you didn't have my attention you would want it back again. I have patiently watched you for the past hour pacing and grumbling and being all…well…wolfy, but the second I decide to peruse a book…"
"Can we focus on me, please," exclaimed Leah.
"If we must," she conceded.
"Am I the reason Natalie is second-guessing things with Josh right now?"
"Do you want the hard truth version or the best friend version?"
"The best friend version."
"Without a doubt, definitely, totally," said Rosalie and Leah frowned at her.
"That was the best friend version?" Rosalie giggled.
"But there are other issues between them as well. Are you a pain in the butt and a thorn in her side? Definitely…"
"I take it back. I don't want any version…"
"But it comes from a place of love and concern and deep down she knows you don't have a problem with her as a person as much as you would have an issue with anyone that became his mate. The bigger issue is that she needs time to come to terms with her past just like you and I did and Josh needs to be patient with her or he will push her away." Leah groaned and plopped down on the couch as she pouted.
"Why must this be so difficult?"
"I think compared to other relationships in this family, this one is a breeze. She just needs time."
"Yea, time," agreed Leah. They were silent for a moment and Leah glanced over at Rosalie, who was wearing a sly smile.
"There's more, isn't there," she grumbled.
"Just because she needs time doesn't mean you can't push things in the right direction," suggested Rosalie.
"I don't want to," she whined and Rosalie shrugged as she grabbed her book.
"Fine, stay here and pout. Let your son suffer through this for even longer than necessary all because of your pride. It's not like there is a potentially dangerous vampire suitor out there trying to take your future daughter-in-law's heart, which could lead to more drama than necessary or anything," said Rosalie. Leah glared at her as Rosalie began reading and pretending she wasn't there. She gritted her teeth and stood up.
"I hate you," grumbled Leah as she exited the cottage.
"Have fun," called Rosalie in a sing song voice as she turned the page of the book.
The moment the door unlocked she knew who was entering. She learned the pace of his walk, the way he almost gleefully glided down the halls of the castle tower as the people in the rooms he passed begged him for mercy or to let them go. She didn't look up when he entered and it wasn't until he sat down at the table where the chess board was set up for them that she even acknowledged his presence.
"Hello, Natalie are you ready for today's lesson," he asked and she was quiet. He clicked his tongue at the lack of a response.
"I heard you had a rough day, refusing to eat and biting Felix," he said as he made the first move on the board.
"Felix deserved it. As for the human, she was a teenager. She reminded me of someone I used to know."
"Your human memories will begin to fade soon enough. I am impressed by your ability to control your blood lust. Most newborns are not known for being picky eaters. I see you are still in those rags. Was the dress Chelsea brought you not to your liking?"
"I am not really a dress wearing type of girl," she said as she moved a chess piece and he smiled.
"Well you cannot continue to reject everything, especially your meals. You are a newborn. You need to feed. You truly are a mystery to me, which is saying quite a bit. I have given you everything you could ever need. This chamber is one of the best in the castle, fit for a princess. You have the nicest gowns at your behest and I make sure you are kept occupied. What more could I give you," he asked as he made his move.
"My freedom," she said as her eyes stayed trained on the board.
"Freedom is earned and you will be removed from this chamber once you show me you can be trusted."
"Trust goes both ways," she reminded as she moved another piece.
"I have given you reasons to trust me."
"Then how about one more, a true show of good faith in me," she suggested. He grabbed a pawn, showed it to her, and placed it in another position.
"Good faith you say," he asked.
"I want to see Tomas."
"You two have grown quite close. I understand such things. However, we are on high alert. You know of the whisperings."
"There are always whisperings," she reminded as she made her move.
"Yes, I suppose so. I learned a very difficult lesson about such things early on in my existence. I had a sister once and I loved her dearly. She was always kind to me. She was kind to everyone. It is why I held no ill will toward our mother for treating her like her favorite. It was clear to me even in my hazy memories of my human life that my family favored her. She had a way of making everyone around her happy. When we were blessed with immortality, she carried a gift into this world as well. It was different from mine, but very powerful, and I realized early on that it would be an issue. Her ability clouded the mind and judgments of others. Hard decisions had to be made, but they were made for a greater purpose. I learned centuries ago that sometimes we must make sacrifices in order to survive. While you are still a young one, I believe you have already learned the toughest lessons of this existence as well. To get something, at times we must lose something," he said as he held out his hand to her. She glanced up at his hand before staring at the chess board a moment longer. She made her play and then hesitantly gave him her hand. He smiled as he sifted through as many of her thoughts as possible. He grinned even more when he found what he was looking for and she pulled her hand away as she looked away in shame.
"I will be sure to pass the information along. We will finish our game later. You should eat soon. Your eyes are looking quite thirsty," he said as he stood up and headed toward the chamber door.
"What about Tomas?"
"I will make sure there is time in your schedule between lessons to see him. Oh and do not concern yourself with Kacper. You should feel no remorse. Traitors cannot be tolerated. Let that be the lesson for today." The chamber door opened and he glided out of the room. Before the door closed, a burly human was tossed inside the room and he screamed and banged on the door when it slammed shut. A part of her hated herself for setting Aro's sights on an innocent newborn. Kacper could never lead a rebellion against the Volturi, but as the monster inside of her stalked toward the man cowering in the corner, she reminded herself that there were only two ways to survive, to stay sharp and protect the man she loved.
"We thought we would find you here," said Kate and Natalie jumped as she was startled out of her memories of her newborn years.
"And by thought, we mean Alice told us,"' added Tanya as she, Kate, and Tia walked over to the side of the mountain where she was sitting.
"How did you get here so…Connell," she answered her own question.
"Alice is always persistent, so how may we help you," asked Tia and Natalie frowned in confusion.
"Um, I came up here to be alone. I didn't call any of you to come speak with me about…"
"To be new to the ways of Alice Cullen, I miss those days," said Kate and Tanya giggled.
"I miss those days too," said Tanya and Kate sat down beside Natalie.
"Let me break this down for you if I may, one of us has a problem, Alice sifts through all our personal business to find a solution through her visions, and then said solution appears for no real reason at all. Problem….solution," explained Kate as she pointed to Natalie and herself.
"Fine, at this point I am tired of fighting it," conceded Natalie.
"So, how may we help you," asked Tia.
"I love Josh. I really do and I know he wants us to be this happy, amazing couple that hangs out with his family and friends and you are great, really, but there are things about me that aren't so great," she confessed and Kate sighed.
"Aw, I get it now. This is about your past. Let us remind you that you are not the only one in this family that has a horrible story to share about the beginning of this existence. In fact, most of us have horrible, violent, tragic beginnings and it took years…for some of us, even centuries…to get over," informed Kate.
"Well, Josh doesn't seem to get that. We just met and he already has our lives all figured out." Tanya giggled as she sat down beside her.
"He is a boy and a wolf and just one of those things is impulsive enough. Josh still has a lot to learn about being a mate. You both do though and you will learn those things together. Ben and I had to go through a lot and it literally took us years to realize we belonged together. I was grieving the loss of a sister and he was held captive by a madman. There were obstacles," said Tanya. Natalie looked over at Tia and Tanya and slowly nodded.
"That's right you and Benjamin were originally mates. He kind of rushed past that part of the story," said Natalie and Tanya smiled slyly as Tia cleared her throat.
"Originally mates is a strong assumption. We were close when we were humans and he didn't want to be alone. Amun, the madman who kept us under close watch, called us mates and for a very long time we thought we were, but once we were able to escape and see the world, we knew it wasn't true. He found his true mate and I found mine."
"Sometimes it just feels like things from my past are too much to overcome," admitted Natalie.
"For a long time after escaping Amun I didn't really trust people. The only friend I truly let in was Maggie and her aversion to lies had a lot to do with it. I was afraid of commitments or feeling trapped. I always had to be in control and there are still times when I feel that way. It doesn't just go away overnight, Natalie. What happened to you was horrible, but it can get better if you let it and you and Josh just need to get through the rocky parts," suggested Tia and Natalie took in a deep breath.
"Yea, but none of you killed people like I did," she said as she looked down, but she was surprised when all three of them scoffed. Kate raised her hand.
"I was literally a bodyguard before I was transformed. I was trained like an assassin and was very good at what I did, but it also meant I didn't value human life very much when I first was turned," confessed Kate.
"We are also responsible for the tales of the succubus and can never wash our hands clean of all the men we killed, but we try to be better now and we continue on in this existence embracing the good in us," added Tanya.
"Killing humans is the natural way. Just because we adhere to the diet doesn't mean we don't know the taste of human blood. Very few of us can actually say they have never taken a human life. We are vampires, Natalie. We may resist some of our urges, but none of us are judging you or looking down on you. We are very much aware of what we are and that we have all done things we can't take back," explained Tia.
"Josh hasn't," she said and Kate shrugged.
"True, but you and Josh are different. We are all different and he has done plenty of things that he isn't proud of. You two are mates though so while you will always see him as this amazing being because of what he means to you, you will also learn to lean on each other and accept your flaws. We all have them," she assured.
"Josh just seems so perfect," she mumbled.
"Oh trust me, Josh is not perfect and neither am I," said Leah and they all spun around to see her standing behind them with Connell. Tia smiled at her mate as she, Kate, and Tanya walked over to him.
"I guess you're up," said Kate with a wink and Leah gave a sheepish smile as she sat down beside Natalie.
"Be right back," said Connell before teleporting away and Leah sighed.
"Hi," said Leah.
"I really don't have the energy to argue with another Black tonight, Leah."
"Good because I am not here to argue. I am here to get you to stay." Natalie shook her head in disbelief.
"You wolves and your mood swings, I thought you would be happy to see Tomas if it means getting rid of me."
"Natalie, I don't want to get rid of you. Contrary to popular belief, I do not hate you. In fact, I have a…well…a somewhat fondness for you."
"You have a funny way of showing it," grumbled Natalie.
"I am sorry for not clearing the air sooner after what happened in Italy, but I had a right to be upset. I understand that you do not trust the Volturi, but putting yourself and Josh in danger isn't the answer."
"I know that and I am not upset about that anymore. Funny how having someone come back from the dead gives you a bit of perspective," said Natalie as she stared up at the sky.
"About that, are you really considering leaving with Tomas?"
"I love your son very much. I do. I am just not sure if this is the right life for me. We are so different and Tomas and I have been through a lot together."
"That doesn't make him your mate. I am sure you remember the stories about my past with Allie's father." Natalie tried to hide her smile as she nodded.
"Yes, yet another complicated relationship in this family."
"Very complicated, I truly did believe that Sam and I were meant for each other. I thought we were soulmates long before I knew about imprinting or mates. Losing him crushed me and I never thought I would find love again. I pushed people away because of it, hid behind my anger, and was really good at being alone, but I can honestly say that Jacob is my soulmate. We have more together than I ever thought possible and everything worked out the way it was supposed to for everyone involved."
"When I am with Josh, I am at peace. I feel like I belong with him, but there are times when it feels so hard. It feels like we are too different and have too much to overcome."
"I know you have been through a lot and probably need time to process everything, so I will just say one more thing. You two are still getting to know one another in a lot of ways and have eternity to figure everything out, but you already know the most important thing. You love one another. You are his imprint. He is your mate and Tomas is not. Remember that before you make any hasty decisions," advised Leah before leaving her with her thoughts. Natalie looked up at the stars, letting her mind roam in hopes of finding the answers she wanted.
Josh stared up at the stars as he sat back down in Natalie's favorite spot overlooking the cliff. He wasn't sure when Natalie would return, but he hoped it was soon. There were many things he wanted to say and the more he replayed their conversation, he wished he could have said them in the moment.
"You know, when I heard her mate was Joshua Black, I was surprised. It wasn't just because you are wolf either. You aren't really her type," said Tomas as he approached and Josh smirked.
"Wow, let me guess, your time together under duress makes you think you know everything about her, right?"
"I know who she really is and this isn't it. Natalie doesn't care about material things. She doesn't care about your islands or fancy jets or designer clothes."
"Nice sunglasses, does Ray Ban know the X-Men jacked their designs? Just asking for a friend."
"These nice sunglasses are the only thing stopping me from roasting you like a hot dog, smartass." Josh stood up.
"Oh, very original, never heard that one before. Did Professor Xavier and the gang teach you it," taunted Josh, but his eyes widened when Tomas began to shake with rage. He took off his sunglasses and Josh jumped behind a boulder as fire shot burst from Tomas's eyes.
"Okay, I guess Cyclops has a temper. A little help here," called Josh to no one in particular. The ground caught fire and Tomas spread it toward where Josh was hiding.
"I tried this the nice way, so maybe it is time for a different approach, pup! Natalie is my soulmate and you are nothing but a mutt that is in our way. I don't know what hold you have over her, but we vowed to be together long before you even knew she existed, so paws off," roared Tomas. Josh sighed in relief when Tomas flew backwards and crashed into the ground with a thud. Zach shook his head at his best friend as Allie helped him up.
"Really, you wanted to fight a firestarter," exclaimed Zach as the flames grew higher.
"Fight is a really strong word. Taunt was more of what I was going for," defended Josh. Tomas made it back to his feet and aimed the fire exploding from his eyes in their direction, but he was caught off guard when fire blasted right back at him. Josh smiled when Keegan, Zafrina, and Benjamin appeared. Benjamin used some of the waves from the water below to put out the flames and Tomas growled in frustration as Keegan circled him.
"Enough, you need to calm down. I know what you are feeling right now, like the fire will never end, but…"
"You don't know a damn thing about me," shouted Tomas as he turned his wrath on Keegan. Zafrina wanted to pounce but trusted her mate as he shot fire from his eyes to meet the burst of flames from Tomas.
"This would be really cool if he wasn't trying to kill us," said Josh as they watched Keegan and Tomas fight for dominance over the burst of flames, pushing back and forth against one another with all their might. Keegan pressed forward, sensing that Tomas was losing his energy and with one last burst of flames, the man flew backwards and crumbled on the ground. Zafrina used her power to blind him as Keegan walked over to grab his sunglasses. The flames sputtered to a stop and Tomas frantically felt his eyes.
"I can't see," he exclaimed and Keegan sighed as he knelt down beside him.
"Calm down, you are fine. She will remove your blindness once you put these back on," he informed and Tomas grabbed for his sunglasses. He sighed in relief when they were back on and Zafrina allowed him to see again. He hesitantly took Keegan's hand to stand up and gulped.
"You're the firestarter, the one like me," said Tomas and Keegan nodded.
"I prefer to be called Keegan."
"You mean they don't call you Cyclops," he asked and Keegan arched an eyebrow at Zach and Josh.
"Really," he asked and Josh pointed at Zach.
"He started calling him that," he said quickly and Zach smiled sheepishly.
"To be fair, the sunglasses are why we call him that, but point made. He is nothing like Scott Summers anyways, which is totally disappointing," said Zach and Zafrina shook her head in amusement. Connell let out a low whistle as he and Natalie appeared.
"The wee one was right. Someone is going to be in trouble with Esme," said Connell as he looked around at the charred ground and plants. Natalie ran over to Josh and showered him with kisses.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt," she asked and he shook his head with a smile, more than happy to get attention from his mate.
"I am fine. Just have a bruised ego," he grumbled as she glared at Tomas. He looked down as she marched over to him and pushed him in the chest.
"Have you lost your damn mind? You could have killed him," she shouted.
"Natalie, I…"
"Never touch my mate again, understand," she said in a sinister voice and he slowly nodded.
"Yes," he said and she gave a curt nod before running back over to hug Josh. Connell shook his head.
"Never a dull moment with these lads. By the way, you should probably get inside. It took all of Jasper's power and a lot of explaining from Alice to keep your parents from coming out here, Josh," informed Connell and Josh groaned.
"Great, I was almost roasted alive and now I am grounded. Awesome," he grumbled and Allie shook her head in disbelief.
"What part of firestarter confused you," asked Allie and Josh rolled his eyes at her as Zach laughed.
Once the flames were completely out and the chaos died down, Tomas headed back toward the jet to wait for Alexander, Lena, and Haines to take him back to Portugal. He rubbed at his temples and sighed as the pressure built up in his head.
"You can't suppress it or it will just get worse," said Keegan as he walked over to him and Tomas turned to face him.
"You tapped into so much of your power so quickly, but were still able to stop. How," asked Tomas and Keegan smiled adoringly at Zafrina, who was lingering a few steps behind them.
"I had help from my mate. I learned to accept that it is a part of me and not something I am cursed with. That helped a lot and then I practiced. It also helps that I have someone to manipulate the flames in case they get out of control. Ben is a great fire extinguisher when I need him to be."
"You are really lucky," mumbled Tomas as he looked down. Keegan looked over at Zafrina and she nodded.
"You know, after the new year, we will have some free time. Zafrina and I love Portugal and I am sure we can talk Ben and Tanya into joining us if you want some help learning control," he offered and Tomas eyed him suspiciously.
"Seriously, you would do that after everything that just happened, why," he questioned.
"My journey to this family wasn't supposed to have a happy ending. I know what it is like to feel cursed and I would like to help you if you are willing to be helped," said Keegan as he held out his hand. Tomas was hesitant, but shook it.
"I don't know if I can be helped. I have never once been able to control the fire. If anything, it controls me, but I want to try."
"Good, one catch though, some other family members may want to be there to watch. I promise they come in peace. Garrett is just easily entertained," he informed.
"I'll let you take a ride in our stealth jet if you say yes….as long as you don't burn it down," called Garrett from the porch of the main house and Tomas chuckled.
"Tell me something, are they always like this," asked Tomas. Before Keegan could answer, Natalie did.
"You should see them play video games," she said as she approached. Keegan clapped Tomas on the back.
"We'll be in touch," he assured and Tomas nodded as Keegan and Zafrina went inside. He and Natalie stood in awkward silence for a moment as both tried to find the words to say.
"Look Tomas, I know you don't think Josh and I are…"
"He is your mate. It hurts to say it, but it is true. When you thought I hurt him…you have never looked at me like that before, like you wanted to hurt me." She slowly nodded.
"It was us against the world, well against The Program, but things are different now. We aren't in Volterra anymore and Aro is dead. He can't hurt us anymore and I think we both need to come to terms with that. I know we promised to be together if we ever made it out but…"
"It's okay, Natalie. I didn't get it before. I don't think I wanted to. Holding onto you, to us, was the only thing that got me through at times, but you are right. We aren't under Aro's control anymore. We were forced together due to circumstance. Maybe it is time to see who we are without it." She cupped his cheek and he leaned into her touch.
"I know who you are. You are the man who sacrificed himself to save me."
"And I would do it all over again if I had to. Besides, he wasn't completely wrong in what he read in my mind. I was behind the mutiny plans. He just never realized there could be more than one mastermind."
"His fatal flaw, his inability to trust anyone but himself, which meant he could never understand how we could be equal partners. You know for years I grieved for you too. I felt responsible for your death. You were protecting me, shielding me from his power and it got you killed."
"And it was totally worth it. We got the last laugh anyways. We survived and he didn't."
"You also tricked the all-powerful Aro. He really thought you just slipped up, didn't he?" Tomas smiled and nodded.
"Yes because in his mind, there was no way I would just sacrifice myself for you. He realized I could shield part of him from my thoughts. I was never as good at it as you, but it is why he kept me alive. He saw potential."
"I see it too but in a different way. You are a quick learner. Listen to Keegan, he can be trusted, and soon you won't need the glasses. Speaking of that, here, this is for you," she said and he chuckled when she handed him two comic books.
"So this is the guy I remind them of, I look nothing like him," he said as he flipped through the pages.
"It's the glasses. Anyways, think of these as an olive branch from Josh and Zach. Apparently they are collector's items. Even if you don't like them, you can sell them for a lot of money," she assured and he grinned slyly.
"Noted," he chuckled and she gave him a hug. He kissed her forehead and sighed.
"If you ever need a break from the life of royalty, you know where to find me." She winked at him as he headed over to the stealth jet. Carlisle and Esme walked Alexander, Lena, and Haines outside with smiles.
"Alexander, Lena, will we see you in Alaska in a couple of days," asked Carlisle and Lena nodded.
"Alice wouldn't have it any other way," assured Lena.
"Haines, you should join in on the festivities," offered Esme, but Haines shook his head.
"It's not my crowd, but thank you for the invitation. Try to keep the family additions to a minimum in the New Year," he teased and Carlisle chuckled. Natalie waved goodbye to Tomas and he gave her a smile before getting onto the jet. The moment it was back in the air and on its way, she sighed in relief, which made Carlisle and Esme laugh.
"I don't know how this family does it on a regular basis," she admitted and Esme patted her on the shoulder.
"Years of practice, dear, we are off to go hunt, but make yourself at home. Oh and when his mother is done yelling at him, please tell Josh and Zach they owe me some manual labor for the landscaping that was destroyed," called Esme as she and Carlisle stepped off of the porch. Natalie took in a deep breath and entered the house. She could hear the scolding from outside and decided to brave the wrath of Leah to stand by her mate's side. She had to hide her laugh as she entered the living room and saw Leah yelling at Josh as Zach, Allie, Rosalie, Emmett, Seth, Kaya, Renesmee, and Nahuel pretended to be busy with nothing in particular in the kitchen.
"He starts fires when he gets angry, so you decide to make him angry," challenged Leah and Josh sighed.
"Okay, sure, not my finest moment, but I was trying to defend my love for my imprint. Dad, you would do the same thing."
"Oh don't bring me into this," said Jacob with his hands up and Leah crossed her arms.
"You are in so much trouble. I should just ground you right now and…" Natalie cleared her throat as she slipped her hand into Josh's.
"While I agree it was ridiculously stupid of him to take on Tomas, is no one going to deal with the real issue at hand," asked Natalie and she hid her smile as Alice darted into the room with Jasper, Edward, and Bella right behind her.
"Natalie Daveed, you traitor," she exclaimed.
"The deal was that I wouldn't use my abilities to manipulate your visions. I never once said I wouldn't throw you under the bus to save my mate," reminded Natalie and Alice's jaw dropped as Edward smiled crookedly.
"Well played," whispered Edward. Leah glanced back and forth between all of them.
"What are you talking about," questioned Leah.
"Well, I wasn't blocking Alice and Tomas doesn't have that type of power, which means she saw all of this occur and did nothing to prevent it. She even sent Tia, Tanya, and Kate to speak with me, which means she was capable of meddling, but chose not to intervene in the fight between Josh and Tomas," explained Natalie and Zach smirked as he poked his head back into the room.
"Is it really a fight when one person is hiding behind a rock and screaming for help," asked Zach.
"Hey! You are not helping. Besides, I wasn't screaming. I was loudly voicing my concerns," assured Josh and Zach chuckled. Leah arched an eyebrow at Alice.
"You even stopped me from intervening. What the hell, little pixie," shrieked Leah and Alice huffed.
"It was fine. I knew Josh wouldn't be harmed. I made sure Zach, Benjamin, and Keegan were there to keep him safe."
"They shouldn't have had to keep him safe in the first place," argued Leah.
"I mean yes, but…well….it was funny, okay? There, I said it! It was funny," she confessed and Josh's jaw dropped.
"Alice how could you," he exclaimed and she scoffed.
"Oh, don't you take that tone with me Joshua William Black! You…"
"There would be no tone to take if you stopped this madness in the first place," accused Leah. Josh nodded and was about to speak up, but Natalie gently squeezed his hand.
"Take the win," she whispered and he nodded as they quietly slipped out of the room. Alice playfully glared at Natalie, who winked back at her before going into the kitchen with Josh. He grabbed a cookie and sighed in relief as Allie and Rosalie nodded impressively at Natalie.
"That was beautiful," said Rosalie.
"Talented, brilliant, wonderful, amazing," added Allie with a giggle.
"I think you are going to come in handy around here, Natalie," said Seth, but Natalie shook her head.
"Sorry, but no, let's not make this drama a regular thing. Josh, I know you are exhausted. Let's get you in bed because I could really use some peace and quiet."
"Whatever you want, Nat," he said with a grin. He grabbed two more cookies before Seth could slap his hand away and then headed out the backdoor toward the cottage.