Disclaimer- All recognizable characters belong to Mrs. Stephenie Meyer, whereas all new characters belong to me.

Chapter 17- Times like these

I held Yuzria's hand while he tipped the potion into his mouth. He shuddered and let out a groan of pain. I tightened my grip on his hand and held him as the brew ran through his blood. After a few minutes his grip loosened and he let out a sigh. " I'm okay." He assured me with a smile.

" You sure?" I asked, putting a hand on his cheek.

" Positive." He gave me a quick kiss and put the glass down on the counter. I brushed a black curl away from his eyes gently and returned the kiss. Then I touched the scar on his neck lightly, feeling him shiver from the touch.

" What's it feel like?" I questioned him, listening to his heart beat a little faster.

" Indescribable." He whispered, his eyes burning into mine. I smiled and kissed the scar softly. He let out a tiny groan and moved me so I was up against the counter. I smirked and ran a hand through his hair.

" I like having such a strong effect on you." I mused. He grinned and swept a finger across my cheek.

" You do, do you?" I put my arms around his waist and nodded my head slowly.

" I do." I told him and rested my head on his chest. He rubbed my back softly and hummed something in a language I didn't know. I sighed and closed my eyes, taking everything in. " You're so warm. . . "

" I'm glad I'm able to warm you up." I tilted my head and glanced at him. " What's troubling you?" He asked me quietly. I shrugged my shoulders and pulled away a little.

" I hurt people Yuzria, it's what I'm made to do. I don't want to hurt you." I answered.

" You won't hurt me Bella."

" You don't know-" He held up a hand and shook his head.

" You're right, I don't. Not for sure. But honestly, I don't care Bella. There's just something about you. You made my breath stop when I first saw you and ever since then you've been nothing but amazing to me. You welcomed me into your home, talked to me when I needed to. . . You've been hurt so much Bella, you've been through things I could never begin to understand. And still, through all that darkness your light shines brightly. I don't know what you were like as a human, but I know you are wonderful now. You're a brilliant fighter and so strong. . . Edward is crazy for letting you slip through his fingers not once, but twice. I don't think you know how beautiful you truly are." If I could blush and cry, I would've been doing both.

" How do you do that? Manage to make me so weak in the knees and soft." He smirked and kissed me gently.

" It's a gift." He teased when he pulled back. I smirked and brought him closer to me.

" Damn good gift." A knock from the door tore me away from his warm arms. He followed me to the door, his hand resting on my back. Lanina and Lisa looked up from the television; Travis and Laurent were in the basement practicing their moves. I swung the door open and smiled as soon as I saw Jasper standing there. " Come on in Jazz." He nodded his head and stepped inside. " What's up?" He handed me a note, a grim look on his face.

" It's from Mitchell." He said, sounding angry. I furrowed my eyebrows and quickly read the note, then I let out a low growl. Mitchell threatened the Cullens'. The note said that if they helped me, he'd come after their family.

" Who does he think he is? The frigging godfather? God damn Don Corleone?" I spat and crumpled the piece of paper up. " Jasper, tell your family that if you guys want to leave, I'd understand." He shook his head no, determination was deeply etched on his face.

" We're going to fight with you Bella. You're our family also." I smiled weakly and threw the paper onto the floor. He put a hand on my arm and sighed. " Don't worry Bella, we'll be fine. Carlisle just wanted me to run over and let you know we're being watched. Just like you probably are."

" Well, tell Carlisle thanks for me Jazz."

" I will." He went to walk back out the door when I spotted the crumpled paper on the floor. " Jazz-" he turned around and stopped. " Extra practice tonight. Tell your family to be here at seven o'clock."

" Kay Bells." I watched him start his run home then shut the door, leaning against it. Yuzria rubbed my shoulder and brushed my hair away from my face.

" Everything will be okay." He told me, sounding so sure of himself.

" Yeah, I know. I'm going to make that son of a bitch regret ever pitting himself up against me." I snarled and walked up the stairs. I had a few phone calls to make. He'd pushed my last button; now I was pulling out the big guns.

The sword sizzled as I splashed the potion onto it. I looked up and watched everyone fight, occasionally barking out an order. All in all, the Cullens' were ready. Lanina, Travis, Lisa, Laurent and Yuzria seemed born ready. And the Lord knew I was ready to kick Mitchell's ass. I waited until the liquid was dried onto the sword, then tossed it aside on the small pile that was slowly growing. I'd already charmed guns for Yuzria, Lanina, Travis and I. I didn't know if the Cullens' would want to use them. I licked my lips and picked up another sword to charm. There was no such thing as too many weapons. The moon lit up our backyard, stars glittered in the sky. Not a single word had been spoken between Edward and I. If he wanted to sulk, that was fine with me. I turned my attention to Yuzria, he looked amazing when fighting. He was practicing with Emmett. At first I was wary about that, but he'd definitely proved himself to me. He was holding his own very well. Matching Emmett's brawn with his fast thinking and skill. I looked down at the sword and found it was done; throwing it aside I picked up another one. Lanina came and sat by me, her lips pursed. " Why aren't they here yet?" She asked. She was the only one who knew that I'd called in some. . . Backup. I smiled and turned to her.

" Don't worry, they'll be here soon." I replied.

" Yeah, I guess. I just don't know how the Cullens' are going to take it."

" What do you mean?" I asked her, my eyebrows arched in confusion. She smirked and pointed her head toward them.

" Let's just say the vegetarians won't out number us anymore. Maybe we could scare 'em and drink somebody in our house." I chuckled and nodded my head.

" That would freak them out."

" Sure as shit. So, what happened between you and Edward?" I shrugged my shoulders and put the sword down; I could always do the rest later.

" I told him I needed time and that I need to think about everything."

" Do you still love him?"

" Well, yeah I still love him it's just. . . I'm not the person he fell in love with. I'm not the same Bella. And, I can't be with someone who can't take me for who I am. I mean, I know he wants to but-"

" You still think he's freaked out about you being a human blood sucker." I laughed and shook my head.

" If you want to put it like that, yes." She smiled and ran a hand through her blonde hair. We were both in sweats, although she pulled the look off better than I did. I preferred leather. Meow.

" Well, do what you need to do. You know I support you either way. You deserve someone who'll love Noleen just as much as Bella." She winked and darted up to go fight some more. I bit my lip and sat back in my chair.

" Yeah. . . " I whispered. " I do." I looked at Edward, studied him. His face was serious as he blocked Rosalie's attack and pushed her back. I sighed, what was a girl to do in times like these? My angel, would never be the person I once loved. He'd hurt me, and I knew he was sorry for it but. . . I groaned and stood up. " Alright, Laurent, get over here and let me kick your ass." I yelled and got in a fighting stance. A little one on one always helped clear up the mind. And I certainly needed my mind cleared.

A/N, short update. I know, so sorry. Another kinda filler chapter. Hope you liked it! I'll try to get a picture of Yuzria as soon as I can. Until then, review for me and stay tuned for the next chapter.

Until next time,

Faith