DISCLAIMER: All characters and story world belong to SM. All lyrical references and quotes are property of their original artist. No copyright infringement intended.
[Beta'd by: UnBeta'd]
Special thanks to: Ocdmess
Last chapter I asked you what one song in this fic is your favorite and why?
My answer: Performance wise, Bring Me To Life is the most solidified in my mind for how I see it being performed. Overall – Something I Can Never Have, because it fits Edward's pain perfectly, and I can relate to the song as well. That entire chapter (9) was my favorite to write, even to date.
I also asked what one song you hoped to have included in the story still, and while I can't really answer that (since I'm writing it), I figured I would give you a list of songs that didn't make it into the fic that I considered:
Blue October – A Quiet Mind, Rob Thomas – All That I Am, Maroon5 – Back At Your Door, Garbage – The World Is Not Enough, Chris Isaak – Wicked Game, Slipknot – Snuff, Creed – My Sacrifice, Evanescence – My Last Breath, Matt Nathanson – Come On Get Higher, Evanescence – Good Enough, 12 Stones – The Way I Feel.
I recommend all of those songs, and it was really hard to not include them. Who knows… maybe there will be a sequel one day with a few of them.
Also, the one song that never made it into the story, but is on the Beautifully Sacred CD: Evanescence – Taking Over.
Chapter Playlist:
The Cure - Trust (this is the song Edward is composing while at the piano)
Evanescence - Forgive Me
http:/ /www[dot]youtube[dot]com/user/BeautifullySacred
*Oh… Warning required for this chapter. Mature readers only, please.*
Chapter 27
EPOV
Monday, September 4rd, 2006
"Again!" Jasper shouted from the other side of the clearing, a deep growl following his order.
I watched as Bella huffed loudly, dug her feet into the soil and launched herself at my brothers. Garrett and Emmett's minds were overcome with fear and shock as they gritted their teeth and cringed in slight pain. They paused involuntarily for a split second, giving Bella a chance to grip Emmett's neck before twisting to the side for Garrett.
We had been practicing for a few hours in the empty field behind our place in Cantwell. The tour was over; Maurice had given us our profits and set up a time after Bella's birthday to discuss future plans for both bands. From the moment we arrived home, we started planning for the wolves stay and began training with Jasper and Garrett how to kill the newborns.
Bella was most comfortable with using Jasper's talent via her shield, so we planned on using it to our advantage. She, along with Jasper, could manipulate the newborns into feeling panicked, scared and even manufacture a small amount of pain. If they could stun them with an overabundance of unexpected emotions, it could possibly render them incapable of reacting for a moment or two, giving us a chance to catch them unaware. Having both of them to manipulate emotions while Garrett changed their decisions was a serious advantage.
Surprise was our best element of attack, and we were going to have plenty of it with the wolves, Bella's shield and Garrett's talent. Eleazar and Kate were working with Bree to hone her skills and learn to fight while Jasper and Garrett helped Bella practice. The rest of us took turns having a go, switching between newborn prey, and skilled predator.
"Bella, you keep hesitating. I know this is just Emmett and Garrett, but you need to put everything into your attacks. Garrett could have grabbed you from the side when you moved between them. Never expose your back or sides – it's the easy kill for them." Jasper spoke with eagerness, but he wasn't condescending or upset.
Bella sighed and nodded as she wiped her hands on her jeans, smudging the dirt across her thighs. "I know. I'm trying to focus on the connection with you while I push the emotions out. I've only really practiced reading them, not manipulating them," she replied, a frustrated edge to her voice.
"You'll get used to it in time," Jasper said.
"When? We don't have time, Jasper. I need to get this, and I need to get it now! I can't even protect all of you at the same time because it takes so much concentration. Even if I do manage to protect everyone, I can't keep Edward in my primary shield – hearing everyone's thoughts is still too overwhelming for me. I can't do this. I can't protect the people I love! What kind of gift is this if it just renders me useless?" she sobbed.
I ran to her side, pulling her head toward my chest and stroking her hair. "Shh, Bella. You'll get better. We have a week, maybe longer. You're doing great. Garrett pretty much taught you how to fight after you were changed, now we're just utilizing different talents with your shield. No one expects you to be perfect," I said soothingly as she shook in my arms.
"I know. I'm just scared and frustrated." She took a deep breath, held it in and then slowly exhaled. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Jasper," she said, turning to face him.
He smiled half a smile and bowed his head casually. "It's quite alright. I've been pushing you for a few hours now; maybe we should take a break."
"No!" she said, twisting out of my arms and readying herself to go again.
"Pushing yourself won't get you anywhere, Little-Bit. Relax. Watch us fight for a while. Keep a close eye on our movements and remember them. It might help you," Garrett said compassionately.
She scowled and turned, taking quick steps toward the house. I pinched the bridge of my nose before turning to look back at my two brothers and Garrett.
'She'll be fine, Edward. She really doesn't need to learn how to use my talent; it would just help to have more distractions for the newborns.' Jasper eyed my cautiously as he thought, Bella no longer shielding him. 'I don't want her to feel too much pressure to do everything herself – that's how mistakes are made.'
I nodded once, glancing at him quickly, and then turned back toward the house. I should talk to her.
Emmett and Garrett immediately returned to what they were doing; Garrett taking the newborn position, and Emmett trying to outsmart him. The sound from the collision of their bodies rang in my ears as I flung the door open and stepped inside. I scanned the room quickly, but there was no sight of Bella. I closed my eyes, drawing on my sense of smell and hearing and took a deep breath.
"I know, Bella. Everyone's worried about Charlie. We haven't forgotten about him. Come on, let's get out of here for an hour or so,"Alice said from somewhere in the house. 'Give her some time away, Edward. I promise we will be back shortly.'
I sighed, turned and walked back outside, defeated. I was thankful that Alice was there for Bella, but I wished it were me instead.
As I stepped off the porch, Esme and Rosalie pulled up in the SUV. I decided to busy myself with helping them while I waited for Alice and Bella to return. I helped carry the large bags of blankets and bedding while Rosalie and Esme carried in the groceries and put them away.
"Thank you, Edward. Where is everyone?" Esme asked.
I started pulling the blankets out of the plastic bags and stacking them. "Carlisle is at the hospital. Kate, Bree, Eleazar and Laurent are at the Denali's. I think Tanya, Irina and Carmen went out for a hunt and Alice and Bella went for a walk. Everyone else is training outside." I finished folding the last blanket quickly and picked them all up. "Where do you want these?"
"Oh. I was just going to make the beds downstairs in the basement," Esme said as Rosalie continued handing her groceries to put away.
"I'll take care of it. You have your hands full with the food," I said passively before I turned to leave.
"What's wrong with him?" Rosalie asked as I pushed the basement door open and descended the stairs.
"No idea," Esme said softly.
The music equipment had been stored at the Denali's house and five beds had been set up in their place. I quickly got to work putting sheets and blankets onto the mattresses and finishing with the pillows and pillowcases. Once finished, I headed back upstairs to see if they needed more help in the kitchen.
"Well, I don't trust him. Everything is far too convenient and it doesn't add up," Rosalie said as I walked into the kitchen.
"We just have to have faith, Rosalie. I know that may be a problem for you, but just try to get along, please; for the sake of everyone's sanity?" Esme pleaded. They both turned toward me, Esme smiling faintly and Rosalie scowling.
"Fine," she mumbled and fled the room.
"Are the beds made, dear?" Esme asked, changing the subject.
"Yes." I leaned against the counter and clenched my jaw. Rosalie didn't trust Laurent and I couldn't blame her, but he hadn't given me any reason to doubt him. I glanced at the clock and it was a few minutes passed three in the afternoon.
Esme's mind was filled with different meal plans for the pack, and curiosity of their preferences. I could tell that there wasn't much left to do unless I could cook, so I left her to the planning. I took a seat at the piano in the front room and sighed as I stared at the keys. I let the image of Bella linger in my mind as I closed my eyes and pressed my fingers down on the ivory. I played a slow, somber melody as I thought of Bella and everything she meant to me. Time passed and my family kept themselves busy around me. I had managed to tune everything out except for my thoughts and the soft sound of the piano until a presence of someone behind me pulled me from my intense focus.
My fingers stilled and I opened my eyes. Bella sat down beside me, resting one hand on my thigh and looking at me lovingly.
"I'm sorry I left like that. I needed to clear my head and think for a bit," she said softly.
I nodded, my eyes not meeting hers but studying her hand on my leg instead. "I understand. Will you tell me what's bothering you?" I asked quietly.
Her hand slipped from my jeans and she clasped her other hand in her lap. "I'm just scared, Edward; for Charlie, our family, the wolves, Bree, Garrett… for you." She sighed heavily and slowly turned to look up at me again. I met her gaze and nodded.
"I know you are. We're all worried, but we have to stay strong. It will be over before we know it and then we will be planning CDs and shows and this will all be behind us." I forced a smile, only holding it for a moment before looking away and clenching my jaw.
"Since when did you become so optimistic?" she asked, a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Someone has to be, right?" I asked, my tone cold.
We sat in silence for a moment, the air felt charged and tense around us. Outside, most of our family was training, only Esme and Alice inside.
"Promise me something?" Bella asked very quietly.
I turned, arching my brow and stared into her eyes. I knew better than to promise without hearing what I was promising to do; especially since I couldn't read her mind.
"Try to keep your temper when the wolves get here? I know things will be tense, but the last thing we need is to fight with them when we should be working with each other."
I huffed smugly and looked away. "They're the ones with temper problems. As long as they stay focused and don't give me any reason to be upset, I don't see there being a problem."
"Edward, I have no doubt that they will stay focused, but you can't ignore why they feel so strongly against you and your family," Bella said.
"What do you mean?" I asked sharply.
Bella scoffed, turning slightly on the piano bench to look at me straight on. "They probably still hate you, and I'm not just talking about the mortal enemy's kind of hate."
"I know what I did wasn't the right choice, but I can't go back and fix that now, Bella. I'm sorry," I said, looking her straight in the eye. I grabbed her hand gently and squeezed, emphasizing the words. "I've told you so many times that I'm sorry, and I meant it every time. I will never be able to erase my actions or the pain I've caused you, but I don't see how that is their business or how it gives them the right to hate me or my family."
Bella's jaw dropped and I furrowed my brow. "You can't be serious. Edward, they were there for me when you left. Sam Uley found me in the forest after I got lost, searching for you. They protected Forks when Victoria came back with a newborn, and they even threatened to kill Garrett. They protected me more than your crazy plan did. If it wasn't for them, I would have died that night in the forest or later when Victoria came back for me. How can you say they have no right to be upset with you? They have just as much of a right as I do – as Garrett does. They put their lives on the line to cover for your mistake!"
"They chose to get involved – they can't hold me in their debt because they protected you. I'm thankful; I'm more than thankful. Don't get me wrong, but I don't see how you can sit here and tell me to play nice when it's them with the temper and the resentment. I harbor no bad feelings toward them, but yet it's me you're concerned about starting a fight?" I shook my head, my mind reeling over her opinion of me.
"I simply asked that you not get hot headed with them and try to be reasonable, but I can see that isn't going to be possible for you. You always put the blame on others. You can never face the fact that you're wrong until it's too late to fix anything and people have gotten hurt. I only asked that you try to get along! So much for being the bigger person," she said with a bitter tone. She stood quickly and left the house before I could get another word in.
What the hell just happened? Did we seriously just argue over me not arguing? And about the wolves, no less. I ran my hand through my hair violently, gripping a handful and pulling as I inhaled through my teeth. Do I run after her, try and calm her down or do I let her work through it on her own? I closed my eyes and grinded my teeth together as I thought. Am I seriously wrong, or is she just being overly emotional and frustrated?
I sighed, stood quickly, the piano bench toppling over loudly and walked into the kitchen. Esme's gentle, gold eyes met mine and she visibly sighed and held her arms out toward me. She'd heard everything.
'It'll work itself out, Edward. You two are meant for each other, she's just stressed. Let her work through it and just be there for her. It's all you can do,' she thought lovingly as I wrapped my arms around her. She rubbed my back gently and I closed my eyes.
"Was she right?" I asked, practically whispering.
'On occasion that can be the case, yes, but I think this time it was just her expelling her pent up frustration on someone she knows can take it. It's not fair, but that's a relationship for you. Sometimes we don't always deserve the distasteful words our partner has to say, and sometimes they aren't even true, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. She knows you'll still love her and accept her, and she trusts you. It was an odd way of showing it, but like I said, she'll come back around – just give her time.' She squeezed me gently before she pulled back and smiled somberly at me.
"I should start preparing meals to store in the fridge for while they're here. You're welcome to join me, if you wish," Esme said as she turned to open the fridge.
I shook my head, hunched my shoulders and walked out the back door. Garrett and Rosalie were sparring, working on their hand-to-hand combat skills. They didn't pay me any attention as I slowly walked at a human pace toward the hills.
I used to retreat to these hills… climbing them as I let my thoughts linger over how much I missed Bella. That was when I had been firmly set in my opinion that leaving her was the best thing for her. Back when I would leave the house for days at a time to give Jasper a break from my self-loathing and myself some distance from their intrusive thoughts.
As I climbed, walked and leapt, I thought about Esme's words. It's not fair, but that's a relationship for you. Could she have been right? Was Bella simply releasing her rage on me because she knew I would take it or had she truly meant what she said? Was I wrong as I have been many times before?
I stopped at the same spot Alice had once found me, and challenged me to a race. It felt like only a few days ago the ground was covered in snow, and all hope was lost within me.
How quickly things can change.
Light rays gently reflected off my skin as the orange and pinks sank in the sky and the night crept in. I sat for a while longer before my phone vibrated in my pocket. I peered down at the house and could barely make out a tiny figure standing on the back porch illuminated by the lamp's yellow light.
Alice.
"Yes?" I asked, holding the phone to my ear.
"They will be arriving sometime after nine thirty tonight. That's when everything goes black," Alice said calmly.
I nodded to myself and spoke quietly, "Thank you, Alice."
"And Edward?" she asked.
"Yes?"
"It's almost eight, now. You should consider coming home," she said before hanging up, turning around and walking back inside.
I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed, closing my eyes. I guess I should stop avoiding the problem. I hadn't realized I had been gone for so long, but I wasn't keeping a close eye on the time, either. I made my way to the house faster than I had left it.
When I arrived, everyone was there except for Laurent. The entire room turned to look at me and I noticed their minds were open – Bella wasn't shielding anyone. She was curled up on a small leather chair by herself in the corner. I wanted to go to her and lift her into my arms, setting her down on my lap, but I had no idea how she was feeling or if it would only upset her or not, so I stood on the opposite side of the room, leaning against the bookcase.
'Thanks for joining us, Son.' Carlisle's eyes were fixed on me, and I nodded in response.
"So, I guess we should recap before they arrive," Carlisle said. He glanced to Eleazar to take to the lead and smiled faintly.
"Well, Bree is making great progress. She has learned to recognize connections between others, but we're still working on how she can manipulate them. It will take more time than we have I'm afraid, but it can be useful. If Edward can see through Bree and determine who has the strongest connections of unity and trust to Victoria, we can take them out first," Eleazar said, one hand on Bree's shoulder and the other wrapped around Carmen's waist. They looked like a family together. Bree was paler than they were, but she had the same colored hair and almond shaped eyes.
I took a moment to look through Bree's mind. She could see thin, faint lines tethering everyone together. We each shared light blue strings, but each mate held a more vibrant, darker shade, closer to indigo. Esme seemed to be as strongly connected to everyone as she was to Carlisle. She really did possess the most patience and trust, not to mention the fact that she saw us as a real family.
Bree caught my gaze and she smiled before looking down. The thin lines faded away and her thoughts rang clearly in my head. 'Oh, God. He caught me checking. How embarrassing.' She glanced up just as I smirked slightly and she rolled her eyes. 'God, and you heard that. I'm sorry! I just find it so fascinating how you are all connected.'
I chuckled slightly and everyone turned toward me. I quirked a brow at Bree as if to challenge her to tell, but she shook her head and looked away.
"Nothing," I mumbled, my smirk still spread across my lips.
"What about fighting?" Jasper asked Eleazar.
"They taught her a lot there, so we've just been teaching her how to counter newborn attacks. She's hesitant," he said, glancing down at her. "But she'll get it."
Bree smiled timidly and nodded. "I'm practicing really hard. I'm scared to fight, but I owe it to you all for getting me out of there," she said quietly.
"Laurent? Does he have any news?" Carlisle asked, moving on to the next topic.
"Nothing yet. He thought that she might return to try and persuade him, but he could be wrong. He said that she was always very spontaneous – it's what she and James shared most in common," Irina responded. I searched her thoughts for any sign of lying or stray clues that she was deceiving us, but she was hardly thinking anything at all.
Rosalie was scowling at the ground with dark eyes as she thought about Laurent. She wanted to trust Irina – they had always been close friends, but she just felt like something was off in general. She was the closest to the Denali sisters, and she had been jealous ever since we moved back to Alaska because of Irina's new relationship. Rosalie didn't like change, especially when it involved her getting less attention than she had been used to.
The conversation continued until around nine and Bree and Irina left to go back to the Denali home. I could tell that Bree didn't feel as comfortable with Irina as she did the other sisters, but she didn't seem to protest when they waved goodbye to everyone.
Kate and Garrett sat on the loveseat, only a slight distance between them. It was apparent to everyone that they were well matched, but they both seemed to be denying it to themselves. Jasper checked their emotions often, and a few times the corner of his lip lifted before he returned his attention to the conversations taking place around the room.
We were making idle chat when the wolves arrived; their barrage of thoughts was first, followed by their awful stench. Bella stiffened across the room and I could tell she was holding her breath.
'I know you can hear me. There are six of us. We've come to do our part in protecting Bella, but make no mistake – we want nothing to do with you or your family,' a heavy, tense voice said mentally.
"They are here and with one more than we expected," I translated, leaving out the more personal note. "We should meet with them outside."
The entire room stood and filed outside slowly. Myself and Carlisle took the lead, Garrett and Jasper directly behind us. Alice sat on the banister of the porch while the rest of us formed a casual curved line across the front of the house.
In front of us stood six giant wolves with human-like eyes. They varied in color and size, but the Alpha was a solid black and easily half a head taller than the rest. The next largest was a deep chocolate brown directly to his right. The other four varied in browns, greys and tans, and were much leaner than the front two. I silently wondered why a sixth had come along, and who was who.
"Thank you for coming," Carlisle started. "It means a great deal to all of us to have you fighting beside us. We know this won't be easy for either group, but we've tried to make accommodations to make it a bit more habitable. My wife, Esme, has fixed meals in the fridge and set up beds in the basement for you. Please, make yourselves at home. We will be training every day in groups of two and three. You are more than welcome to watch or ask questions."
The deep silver colored one to the left huffed loudly and squinted. Their thoughts mingled together and it was hard to discern who was who once again. The one I assumed was Alpha asked for silence and they all quickly obeyed.
'I can't allow my pack entry into your home. I still don't know that I can trust any of you, and with your numbers easily doubling ours, I can't risk their safety.'
I suppressed my snort and stared blankly at Carlisle. "They don't trust us enough to accept our hospitality. We vastly outnumber them and they still see us as a threat," I repeated with a monotone voice.
Garrett sighed heavily and stepped forward. A low growl rumbled through the wolves as the lowered their heads and barred their teeth. He stopped three feet from the Alpha and stared.
"Sam. I'm sure you remember me," Garrett said calmly. The wolf nodded his head once as the rest of the pack whispered their concerns about his proximity mentally. Their connection was fascinating, but terribly confusing.
Garrett dropped to his knees in a quick, fluid motion. He was easily six-feet-five, but on his knees his head was level with the Alpha's.
Sam, I made note.
A few jeers flickered through the minds of the wolves on the left and Sam asked for silence once more.
Garrett extended his hand toward Sam, palm up. "Please, friend. We have our differences, but we worked together once before to save her life and now she needs us again. We need you and your family. I'm asking for your aide. One family to another."
Sam huffed once more and blinked. He glanced at me quickly and narrowed his eyes before turning back to Garrett.
"He wants to know why you are willing to work with me and my family after what I… did to Bella," I translated.
Sam's eyes narrowed and he stared at me once more, but Garrett continued to look directly at him and never moved his hand. "This isn't about the past or who was wrong or right. This is about protecting someone I care very deeply for. Edward and Bella's past is between them, and I will not stand between her and anything she wishes to do with her life. That is her choice and I am not her keeper."
Sam scanned the line, taking in our stances and considering his options. The rest of his pack was entirely silent, but their muscles were tense, coiled and ready to spring given the slightest movement.
He took note of how Bella was surrounded by everyone, but also that she and I weren't standing as close as the rest of the mates and his mind ran over possibilities with curiosity. I held back any commentary that it was not his concern, remembering Bella's words from earlier.
"Please, Sam." Garrett's eyes bored into Sam's. "Trust me. Just accept their offer of hospitality."
Sam blinked slowly, his thoughts wavering with slight hesitation. He leaned back on his hind legs and calmly lifted his front right paw and rested it in Garrett's pale hand.
"They accept," I translated and Garrett smiled, nodding once. Sam turned toward me, his thoughts quick, sharp and to the point.
"They need to have one of the pack shifted at all times. They keep connected to the other members this way in case of an emergency." I quickly thought about how their telepathy worked within the pack and over such long distances, but pushed it aside for analysis at a later point. "They've had a cramped flight and long run," I translated.
Esme took a step forward, her hands clasped in front of her. "The fridge is loaded with food, and there are a few showers upstairs. The beds are made downstairs, but I only bought five. I can go out in the morning to buy a sixth. Please make yourselves at home. I truly appreciate you being here." Esme turned and glanced at Bella, her lips lifting into a brighter smile.
"A sixth bed won't be necessary. They are used to sleeping in shifts. They are going to go discuss a few things and phase. They will be back," I translated.
Sam slowly turned and led the way back toward the tree line. I noticed small bags tied around their ankles and furrowed my brows in confusion.
'Must be their dog treats,' Emmett thought with a smirk spreading across his lips.
I rolled my eyes and returned inside with the rest of my family. As we passed through the archway, I rested my hand on the small of Bella's back. She glanced over her shoulder at me, her lips twitching slightly and I smiled back. She sat on the sofa and I sat beside her, praising whatever God was watching us that she was allowing me to be so close to her again.
Our family joined us and we all sat, waiting in silence. Everyone's thoughts were similar: 'I wonder what they know and what has been happening in Forks since we left,' and 'I hope they can fight and are up to the task.'
The wolves were still within range for me to read their thoughts and I found it interesting that they were obeying Sam without too much arguing. He was telling them to trust us because he trusted Garrett and Bella. I recognized Jacob and he seemed to be giving the most trouble to Sam about cooperating. I heard a seventh and eighth voice and was amazed that they could still communicate with the members back in Forks. They shifted, leaving one still phased, and quickly dressed.
So that's what the bags were for on their ankles. I gave them their privacy and returned my full attention to the room full of friends and family. Bella quickly glanced at me, raising one brow but not speaking. I smiled casually and rested my hand on her knee. When she didn't object, I silently praised the heavens again. I seriously hoped she wasn't still angry with me.
The pack filed in, all dressed in casual clothes and a grimace on their faces. Several of us took note of how crowded the room quickly became and looked around curiously.
"Perhaps the dining room would be more suitable?" Esme asked. She stood with a smile across her lips and led the way to the dining room.
We had never used the dining room. In fact, I could still hear Emmett's commentary from the day the table was delivered as to why we might even need one.
'It's not like a zoo would willingly sit down at the table for us.'
Esme had, of course, scoffed at him, and Rosalie smacked him across the back of his head, but he made a good point.
'Because what if my clients want to sit down and discuss something here instead of at their place? What will I tell them? I'm sorry, I don't have a dining table?' she had replied.
I smirked at the memory and took a seat. Carlisle took one end of the table, and Sam took the other. We all sat next to our mates and the pack left an empty space between Garrett and themselves. Silence filled the room while awkward commentary filled everyone's mind.
"Would you like to begin, or shall we?" Carlisle asked.
"I'll go first, I guess." Sam looked at his pack, then at Bella beside me before clearing his throat. "We've had multiple vampire scents cross into Forks, most of which steer clear of the reservation, but they all lead back to the shore near Seattle. We haven't checked beyond the shore to find out where it starts again, however. One of the scents matched the one in the Bella's room the day she was attacked. We are guessing this is Victoria. It's been a few weeks since she last came back, and she is always alone. The other scents are different. There are two other distinct vampires crossing into the town, but they always check the same places. Your abandoned house, the forest as you come into town, and the Swan residence."
Bella tensed, her hand squeezing my thigh gently. I dropped my hand from the table and stroked her thumb gently, trying to calm her.
Sam's eyes flicked to Bella and he frowned slightly before continuing. "Charlie has been staying at the reservation lately. He first started coming around because he said it was too quiet at his place. Billy, one of the Elders and Charlie's closest friend, seems to think it's because it holds too many difficult memories for him. He stayed at Billy's for a while, only going home a few nights a week. Over the last two months, however, he's formed a close relationship with Sue Clearwater. She is the widow of one of our Elders, and mother to two of our youngest in the pack."
"Two? You mean she has three kids?" Bella asked.
Sam smiled slightly but shook his head. "No, just two, Seth and Leah."
Confusion and curiosity ran rampant through everyone's mind.
"But Leah's a –"
"Girl. Yes, she is," Sam finished.
"Then the gene… it's not gender specific?" Carlisle asked.
"Apparently not. Her father passed away shortly after Bella's… well, anyway. Shortly after he died, she and Seth phased. Whether it was the spike in emotions and hormones or the stress or just simply their time, we aren't certain. They aren't the youngest to phase, though." Sam looked visibly upset and in his mind he said two names I wasn't familiar with: Brady and Collin.
"So do you know what these different vampires are after? Obviously we can assume they are working for Victoria if they always check the same places, but that doesn't tell us what they are looking for," Garrett said.
"We aren't certain, but we think it may have to do with information on Bella in general. Perhaps they are looking for clues that she has returned? However, how would she know that Bella didn't die?" Sam asked.
"She knows because I was forced to tell her," Eleazar said calmly. All eyes turned toward him. "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself. Perhaps I should do that? I'm Eleazar, and this is my wife, Carmen. Tanya and Kate are both part of my coven, as well as Irina and Laurent who aren't here right now. We are close friends with the Cullens and have agreed to help. Victoria came to our home a week ago and threatened to kill Carmen, whom she had by the throat, if I didn't give her answers to her questions. I told her that Bella was still alive, and that she was with Edward, but that I didn't know where that was. Victoria was alone when she came, however I wouldn't be surprised if she had backup nearby. We think she was coming for Laurent, Irina's mate, because of their history together. Laurent was once part of Victoria and her mate's coven."
The pack visibly tensed but Sam remained calm. "Are we trusting Laurent, and if yes, why?"
"Good question," Rosalie scoffed.
"My family trusts Laurent. However, not all of the Cullens share our opinion, and you definitely aren't being asked to, either. Laurent has learned to abstain from human blood since coming to live with us, and has been a perfect gentleman. It is evident that he truly cares for Irina, and so we trust him," Eleazar said confidently.
Sam nodded, voicing his appreciation for the honesty silently as he thought about the timetable. "That still doesn't add up, though. The different run-ins we've had were all spaced out and at least over two weeks ago for the most current visit. Victoria wouldn't have had the information confirmed – she would be acting on a hunch. So we still don't know for certain what she was after."
"Does anything get touched? Moved? Taken?" Alice asked.
"Touched, yes. Possibly even moved or shuffled around, but never taken. Not that we've noticed, anyway."
"Perhaps they are looking for information on where she could have gone or about your pack. She obviously knows that you exist and are connected to Bella in some fashion," Alice replied.
We all thought about it for a moment, admitting to ourselves that the idea held merit.
"What else has been going on that could help us?" Carlisle asked after a moment.
"Nothing much. The investigation on Bella's death has finally been closed. Charlie is staying at Sue Clearwater's place and we've been running patrols around the reservation and Fork's daily. Since we only left a few back home, they are doubling up on shifts to make sure nothing slips through."
We all nodded and Carlisle introduced Jasper, letting him take over the update on our side of things. He explained about Bree, and the information she has supplied us. Garrett or myself interjected comments when necessary, but I tried to keep myself out of the conversation. It seemed that every time I opened my mouth or caught the wandering eye of a Quileute, I was given a dark glare and some nasty thoughts.
During the conversation, Esme made sandwiches and snack trays for them. After nearly two hours of planning, strategizing, and setting up training times, the meeting came to a close. Esme showed them around the house quickly before escorting them downstairs to the bedroom. Jacob left, and a younger boy returned by the name of Quil to get some food and a shower. Jacob agreed to take the first shift keeping communication open to the pack at home while the rest of our house guests went to bed.
"Would you like to go for a hunt with me?" I asked Bella as our family went their separate ways in the house.
She nodded slowly, avoiding eye contact and waited for me to lead the way out of the house. Once outside, we were surprised to find Jacob curled up on the porch. He immediately lifted his head and turned to look at us.
'Damn life-stealer,' he thought as he lowered his head back down to his front paws.
"Excuse me?" I asked in disbelief.
He made a snorting noise but laid perfectly still. 'You heard me.'
"I fail to see how it's relevant or even true," I said sharply.
'Easy. If it weren't for you she would have never been involved in this mess. Hell, if it weren't for your family coming back to our land, we never would have been damned to this life either,' he jeered.
"What?" Bella asked, turning to look back at me, and then down at Jacob.
"Nothing," I said through pursed lips.
'What, too afraid of her knowing the truth to be honest with her?'
"No, she doesn't need to hear your negative commentary, that's all."
"What's going on?" Bella asked.
"Jacob is blaming my family for his shape-shifting gene being triggered."
"What? Jake?" she asked, confused.
'Decided to leave out the part that it's your fault she's in this mess.'
"Because it's not true," I countered.
'Bullshit. Because of you she knows about this part of reality. Because of your family, her life was taken from her and she was damned to be another leech, just like you.'
"Is that really how you feel?" Bella asked Jacob, her hand resting on her hip and her head cocked to the side.
'What? How can she?'
I focused on Bella for a split second and realized that she had pulled me into her shield. She could read my thoughts as well as Jacob's. Her lips twitched as I realized this fact but she didn't move or say anything.
"Because this life seems to be more suited for her than anyone could have ever predicted. She has one of the most powerful talents of our kind," I said with a hint of bitterness in my voice as Jacob's eyes flicked to mine and then back to Bella's.
'You mean she can read thoughts too?'
"Kind of. When I choose to and Edward is nearby. I can mimic any talent I am within range of by shielding them with my mind. It's difficult to explain, but you didn't answer my question."
'I… wait, what?'
"I asked if that was how you truly felt? That I'm a leech, just like them. That their family is to blame for all of this."
'Of course it is. How can you think any differently?'
"Because I seem to remember a certain fifteen year old telling me the legends of his tribe. Edward didn't introduce me to this part of reality, Jake. You did."
'Well… maybe technically, but you would have found out soon anyway,' he argued. He lifted himself from the ground and turned to sit in front of us.
"Maybe. Maybe not. My point still stands that it isn't Edward's fault. It's no one's fault. Life happens, Jake. I've come to slowly accept that. Fate has an odd way of sorting things out, but in the end, we all end up where we were meant to be. I'm happy where I am. Would you please be happy for me too?"
'You're happy because you're making the best of what you were dealt. You can't honestly say you wanted for this to happen though? To be a leech like him and the rest of his blood-sucking family? What kind of life is that to have? Not to mention leaving your family behind like you did. He's heartbroken, Bella. I've never seen Charlie more devastated.'
"I wanted this from the moment Edward decided to stay. The day he stopped running away from me and started asking me about my likes, dislikes, life, and goals. The day I really fell in love with him and admitted it to myself. I've wanted to be with him ever since, no matter where life led us. He never would have changed me. I don't even have to ask him to know that. He didn't want this for me, but I'm happy, and that's all that should matter. I'm making music, surrounded by people that love me and care for me. I miss Charlie – more than words can express, and it rips at my dead heart every time I think about him, but we all have to grow up, Jake. I hope he finds happiness with Sue and can move on." Bella glanced at me quickly and the corner of her lips lifted. I took her hand in mine and squeezed gently, letting her know that I loved her as well. She repeated the words mentally as her smile stretched across her lips.
'I… well, I don't agree with it, but fine. If you're happy, then fine. I'll never forgive him for what he did to you, but I can see that my opinion holds no importance to you.' He huffed loudly and turned around before lying back down on the wooden porch.
Bella bent down and traced her hand over his spine very gently. "Thank you, Jake. I'm glad you're here," she said quietly before standing back up.
He huffed once more and closed his eyes. 'Yeah. Me too.'
I tugged Bella's hand gently and she followed me off the porch and toward the woods. She left the connection open between us and I tried to manage my thoughts to that of hunting and not the curve of her waist or the flow of her hair glowing under the moonlight.
She glanced back at me curiously as we broke into a run and laughed lightheartedly. I darted ahead of her, focusing my senses to the possible animals around us. She quickly took down her first prey as I watched and listened for another.
We hunted for a few hours, travelling a long distance between each kill and making light conversation and jokes between turns. When we finally came to a stop, we we're somewhere in the north-west section of the Denali National Park and it was a few hours until sunrise. I leaned against a tree and watched Bella as she traced her thumb along her lower lip, wiping away any spilled blood. I closed my eyes and suppressed a groan as I tried to not think of how much she turned me on.
A faint chuckle filled my ears and I smirked, knowing she had heard my thought anyway. "I'm beginning to understand why my family hates me so much," I said.
"They don't hate you," she replied with another chuckle.
I opened my eyes and she was standing only a few inches from me. Her bright, golden eyes glowed vibrantly and took my breath away. I studied her irises as my fingers traced her jaw line. "Bella… your eyes," I whispered.
"Are you serious?" she squeaked.
I smiled and nodded. "They're gold."
She sighed heavily and closed her eyes, a giant grin forming across her lips. "Finally," she whispered.
"Hey, open those back up. I wasn't done looking at them yet," I teased.
She grinned even wider and opened her eyes. She met my gaze and listened to my thoughts as I took in every detail. They were a vivid gold with flecks of brown and bronze around the edges. "Beautiful," I whispered inches from her lips.
She closed her eyes again and leaned her head forward, pressing her forehead to my lips as she rested her hands on my waist. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
"For what?" I asked as I nudged her chin so she would look at me.
"For everything I said and did. I was such a bitch. The words have been playing in my head all day and I can't believe I said that to you. I didn't mean it. I've wanted to apologize all evening but you were gone, and then the wolves showed up and –"
I pressed my finger to her lips and smiled. It's okay.
'Forgive me?'
"Of course." I lowered my finger from her lips and wrapped my arms around her tightly. The smell of freesias filled my lungs as I inhaled and I felt completely at peace.
"I had a song prepared, you know. Just in case," she said as she rested her head on my shoulder.
"Oh?" I asked with a laugh.
She nodded against my chest and I could feel her lips pull into a smile.
"Well, I think I might have to take back that acceptance then if it means I get to hear it."
She scoffed, pulled back and stared at me in disbelief.
"What?" I asked with the most innocent look I could attempt to pull off with such little notice.
She rolled her eyes and looked away as she chewed on her lower lip, avoiding her ring.
I bent down slightly, wrapped my arms around her hips and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist as she squeaked in surprise. She looked at me curiously and I met her gaze. Please, I thought in the saddest and most desperate tone I could manage.
She huffed as her lips twitched again and she wrapped her arms around my neck. 'Fine.'
I waited in silence, more than ecstatic about how quickly she agreed.
"Can you forgive me again? I don't know what I said, but I didn't mean to hurt you." Her voice was filled with remorse and her brows were furrowed.
I turned and leaned her back against the tree as I removed one arm from under her. I pressed my palm to her cheek as she sang quietly, a sad sort of smile lingering on my lips.
"I'd give anything now to kill those words for you," she sang softly.
I pressed my lips to her forehead and held her closer to me. I'll always forgive you, Bella. I love you. I leaned into her as I pulled my head back and looked down into her eyes.
"Because you were made for me. Somehow I'll make you see how happy you make me. I can't live this life without you by my side. I need you survive, so stay with me," she sang with a smile.
Before she could finish the next line, I pressed my lips firmly to hers and sucked gently on her bottom lip. I tongued her ring as I enjoyed the taste of her, remembering just how much I loved it – how much I loved everything about her.
'I love you too,' she thought.
I moaned against her and she returned the gesture. Her fingers slipped into the hair at the nape of my neck and she curled her fingers, tugging gently. I moaned louder, releasing her lip and tilting my head back. She attacked my neck with fervor, tracing her tongue over my clavicle to the bottom of my ear. God, how I want to feel you.
She seemed to pause for a miniscule second before pulling my ear between her teeth. The sensation was more than I could have ever imagined and my knees buckled. I landed with a thud and groaned as I held my breath. That feels amazing.
She released my hair and framed my jaw with her fingers. Pressing her thumbs against chin, she tilted my head, exposing more of my neck and sucked my skin softly. Her right hand slid down my throat and began unbuttoning my shirt as she continued to plant openmouthed kisses down my neck to my collarbone.
"Bella."
Her hands stilled and she leaned back to gaze into my eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Are you sure? I didn't trust my voice.
She nodded once, kissed my lips slowly and continued unbuttoning. I leaned back on my knees, tensing my stomach and thrusting my hips up slightly. Bella stood quickly, her navel at eyelevel and pulled her shirt over her head, exposing her bare chest. I sucked in a sudden rush of air and held it in. She was stunning.
She turned her head to the side and I knew she would be blushing if she were still human. She pulled her lip ring between her teeth gently and closed her eyes. When she opened them again a few seconds later, they were pitch black and filled with lust. I reached for her hands and pulled her down on top of me as I lay down on the soft dirt. My shirt fell to my sides, exposing my chest and she slid against my pelvic bone gently as she positioned herself over me.
"Say it. Out loud," she whispered.
"You are perfect in every way. I love you," I said firmly with my hands resting on her hips.
She leaned down quickly, her hair falling over her shoulders and creating a wall around our faces as she kissed me passionately. She slid down, pressing her chest against mine. My hands traced the curves of her hips up to her breasts, her nipples growing harder in my palm. I moved my hands down her stomach to the top of her jeans and undid the button. She broke the kiss, the taste of her still lingering on my lips, and undid my pants as well.
She stood a second time and began to take off her pants, but my hand stilled over hers and she stopped. "What? Did you want to do that part?" she asked with a serious expression.
I laughed and smiled up at her. "Yes, please." My fingers hooked beneath the fabric and I slowly pulled them down. As she stepped out of the jeans and underwear, I studied her figure with lust filled thoughts.
"I'm so happy I can't blush anymore," she said quietly, looking away.
"You do, you just don't show it with color," I commented with a grin.
"Your turn," she said, changing the subject.
I stood before her and smiled, laying gentle kisses across her lips. Her fingers made their way to my waistband and she slowly pulled them down. A quiet gasp and the sudden loss of mental connection made me chuckle as she stood back up and I stepped out of the pant legs.
"Please don't shut me out," I whispered, raising her chin and looking into her eyes.
"I…"
"What's wrong?" I asked, concerned.
"I don't know what I'm doing."
"We can stop, Bella. It's okay," I said soothingly.
"No, not that. I want to. I just… don't know what to do."
"We'll figure it out together. We won't be perfect the first time… that's what forever is for," I reminded her.
She nodded a few times, sucking in her bottom lip and took a deep breath. "Alright."
"You know it might hurt, right?" I asked, worried that she would be turned off once this became a reality.
"I know, but at least the bleeding thing isn't an issue," she said jokingly.
"That's true," I chuckled, "but the tearing of your hymen will hurt."
"To late for that."
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"Tampons. Age thirteen. That's not an issue."
I stared at her in shock. Well, that takes care of that problem, then.
"Are we done?" she asked, quirking her brow. "I feel a little strange just standing here naked with… you pressed against me."
I looked down and laughed as I ran my hand through my hair. "Yeah. Where were we?" I asked with a smirk.
I picked her up from around the waist and she straddled my hips once more. I pressed my lips to her neck and placed kisses along her skin. I walked the few feet to the tree and pressed her bare skin against the bark gently. She writhed against me and moaned my name.
I cupped her and lifted slightly, positioning myself at her entrance and pulled back to look into her eyes. "I love you, Bella," I whispered seconds before lowering her around me.
My skin felt like it was encased in pure bliss as the sound of her gasp echoed in my ears. She leaned her head back and arched her spine, pressing her chest closer toward my face. I sucked her delicate skin between my lips and rolled my tongue over her nipples.
Slowly but evenly, I lifted her up again and then lowered her. She was tense around me and I could tell she was holding her breath. "Does it hurt?" I whispered against her breasts.
She nodded slightly and I held still, letting her grow accustomed to the sensation. I tasted her sweet skin again and gradually felt her chest rise and then fall. She took another shaky breath before she began to move on her own. She tensed her stomach and leaned back before pressing forward again. The intensity of the feeling was entirely different, but just as amazing.
"More," she whispered.
I pressed into her again as a wave of pleasure ran through my body and made me feel alive. I leaned my forehead against her shoulder as I thrust again, inhaling her intoxicating scent mixed with her arousal. She clenched her thighs around me and I nearly came undone. My teeth traced her skin as I breathed heavily. I felt the mental connection in the back of my mind and I pressed my lips to her clavicle, licking gently before kissing.
'I love you, too, Edward.'
I thrust once more and she clenched around me as she arched her back and moaned. There was no holding it back. Wave after wave of pleasure coursed through my body until I felt as though I couldn't move out of fear of collapsing. My fingers were pressed firmly into the curves of her hips and my mouth was hanging open as I gasped in breath after breath, each rush of air filled with the scent of her.
Oh, God. I'm so sorry.
A burst of giggles flooded the air and I buried my head against her neck and hair.
God, I'll never live this down.
"It's okay, Edward," she said through giggles. She stroked my hair gently, threading her fingers through it at the base of my neck. She kissed my temple and smiled. "Seriously."
"No, it's not," I mumbled, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Really," she insisted and kissed me again.
I shook my head and took a few steps back from the tree. She kissed down to my jaw, giggling faintly every time her lips left my skin and I sighed.
I'll make it up to you.
"You don't have to," she said quietly in my ear.
"Trust me, I want to."
I slipped my arms out of my shirt and tossed it onto the ground before carefully kneeling down and laying her on top of it. She stared into my eyes as I moved down her torso, pressing my lips over every inch of skin between her nipples and navel. Her mind was racing with worry, fear and self-image issues as I made my way lower.
You're beautiful, Bella. Please don't worry. I love every detail about you.
She took her lip between her teeth and I moaned gently against her skin. She wiggled slightly, the vibration apparently making her ticklish. My hands made the journey to her pelvic bone before my mouth did, and I pressed my hand against her skin, applying pressure and rubbing in a circle slowly. Her back lifted from the ground as her hips slid up from my touch. I pressed my middle finger through her folds and rubbed the hood of her clit carefully.
Her reaction was even more intense this time. Her mind lingered on the sensation as she squirmed beneath me. Apparently it was intense, but also extremely pleasant. I wondered if she had ever done this to herself before I remembered that she could read my thoughts.
'Kind of… but never,' she gasped, 'like that.'
I grinned at her response and rubbed a little more firmly. She squirmed against me again as I placed openmouthed kisses on her hip bones. I moved my palm lower and slipped my finger in, using my thumb to continue the circles over her hood. She instantly tightened around my finger as she gasped and writhed.
The moment my tongue touched her hood I was overwhelmed by her scent, taste and thoughts. A pulsing tension built in my groin and I moaned against her as I pushed a second finger in. Her body rippled from head to toe, first lifting her chest, then her hips and last her knees as she cried out. A loud gasp mixed with the sound of my name on her lips made me groan once more.
God, Bella.
Like a wave, her body tensed and then trembled beneath me as she held her breath, arched her back and dug her fingers into the dirt almost violently. Her mind was flooded with a constant repetition of 'yes' and 'Edward' as she climaxed.
I watched her from below as she rode out the last few pulses of pure bliss coursing through her.
After a few moans and writhing, her body lowered back down to the ground with a sudden thud and she exhaled heavily. I kissed her pelvic bone with a smile across my lips and slowly removed my fingers, tracing them along her slit before bringing them to my lips. The taste was just as intoxicating as the smell and I moaned involuntarily.
'Thank you.'
I chuckled once, moved my fingers to my lips and stared into her eyes. "Never thank me. I enjoyed it just as much as you did," I said lovingly.
She giggled slightly and looked away. Vampire blushing, I noted, and she laughed harder.
"We should get home, it will be light out by the time we get back if we stay much longer," I mentioned. She nodded but sighed. She reached a hand out toward me and I leaned down. I turned a laid beside her as she rested her head on my chest and sighed more contently.
"Can we stay here like this a little longer?" she asked. She thought about how much she enjoyed having the mental connection, and how upset it made her to know she wasn't accustomed to hearing everyone else at the same time yet.
"Sure," I said quietly as I placed a kiss against her temple and pulled her closer.
We laid there for easily an hour, enjoying the sound of our breathing, the noise from the trees blowing and the stray thoughts of one another. When we finally got dressed and ran home, we did so at a steady pace and our minds connected. Once we reached the surrounding area of our home, Bella retracted her shield from around my mind.
By the time we reached the house I noticed that there was an eagerness in everyone's thoughts. I immediately tensed and searched their minds for the cause of the commotion.
We came to a stop outside the house by the front of the porch, and Jasper and Alice were waiting for us. A wave of calm washed over me and my body noticeably eased, but I was still confused.
"Jasper?" I asked.
"Laurent is missing," he said plainly – not a hint of emotion behind his words.
Song question for the chapter: BATTLE! Sorry... Michael the movie flashbacks with John Travolta. Alright, give me a song that gets you pumped. Like, fighting kind of pumped. We all know it's coming... so let's hear it!
Two chapters left, then the epilogue. It's been a long ride, and I seriously appreciate all of your feedback, support, honesty, critique, and love. I'm going to go hide under a rock now. Sorry this took two weeks! Let's just say it was performance anxiety and enjoy the joke, yeah?