Chapter 16 - Unexpected Guests

Songs for Chapter 16: 21 Guns - Green Day

Bella's POV

Idiots, they are just truly insane. Esme came and sat by me as Carlisle talked to his children... Larry, Moe and Curly. Esme smiled at me as she sat down, I knew she could hear their conversation but I didn't care to know why I was being used as a pawn in their little game.

Esme and I sat there in silence for a minute before she took my hand. She pulled my chin up so I was looking her in the eyes.

"Bella, I know you are mad at them, but listening to their..." I cut her off by holding up my hand.

"Esme, I know there was a reason I just think they are all cracked. I really don't want to know," I said, fighting tears.

Alice had really scared the shit out of me and with my adrenalin wearing off, I was finally feeling the effects of it. I felt a tear run down my cheek and a pair of strong arms wrap around me. I looked into his eyes and kissed him.

"I'm sorry, baby, they did that to prove a point to me. They won't do it again," he growled as the others came into my view.

"Bella, darlin', I'm sorry, don't cry," Jasper drawled out.

"Bella, sweetie, I'm sorry too. We all love you and just want to make sure you stay safe," Alice said, kissing my cheek.

I looked into their faces. I could see the regret on Jasper's face, Alice was smiling as usual and Emmett looked pissed. I kissed him again and giggled. They all looked at me like I was completely tapped so I decide to ask why.

"Well, since I am the pawn in your game of let's scare the shit out of Bella... tell me why?"

Alice signed and came to sit on the log by Esme. Emmett set me down and took a seat on the ground. I turned and sat in his lap facing the fire pit. Carlisle walked over and started the fire. Jasper had gone and gotten a blanket for me and handed it to Emmett.

It was daylight but the wind had picked up a bit and it was getting cold. Emmett lifted me up and wrapped me in the blanket. I couldn't contain the giggle that broke free as his hand slid across my ass while wrapping the blanket around me.

He sat me back down in his lap and I was home. I had to wiggle a bit to get comfortable. I felt his cool breath on my neck as he kissed the side of my neck and whispered low enough I almost missed it.

"Bella, if you keep that up... I'm gonna have to run you into the woods again."

I could feel his lips curl into a smile against my neck as my heart rate spiked. I felt my cheeks blush with heat. I looked over to the rest of the family and the only one showing a hint of knowledge was Jasper. As I looked up at him, he winked and I giggled. I looked down at my lap and composed myself.

I looked up at Jasper and Alice, took a deep breath and started speaking.

"Alice, I want the truth, why did you do that to me and to Emmett?"

"I have a bad feeling that's all. He wouldn't let us stay to make sure you were okay," she said, looking at me with pleading eyes.

"What?" I said, jumping up. "Did you see something, what in the hell is after me now?" I was gasping for air as I started to get dizzy.

Emmett pulled me back down into his lap and wrapped his arms around me.

"Shh, baby, you're fine. No one is coming after you. Alice is just overly cautious when it comes to you, we all are. I should have let them stay then this little experiment could have been avoided," he said.

I felt a calm come over me and looked up at Jasper. "Thank you," I whispered. He nodded his head and Alice continued on with her explanation.

"Bella, I know we have been through a lot lately and I am just worried we might have unexpected visitors. I feel danger coming. I don't know how else to explain it. I have not had any visions or anything like that I promise, I just wanted to prove to Emmett that it would be easy for you to slip by him," she said, looking down at her lap.

I sat there for a minute to process what she told me. I know Alice and she'd never lie to me so I just had to look at it rationally. They loved me and wanted to protect me. I felt my anger bubble as I thought about what she actually referred to. She thought someone could get by Emmett to get to me. I felt more calm wash over me and I fought it. Damn empaths.

"Alice Brandon Cullen, do you seriously believe someone, some stranger could actually get by your brother? Did it ever cross your mind that you two were able to get to me because he knew you were there? Your scents are familiar. A stranger's scent would have gotten his attention," I was yelling by the end.

I could feel the calm trying to seep back into me.

"Damn it, Jasper, stop that! I want to be mad and yell. I can't bel..." I was cut off when something stirred in the forest in front of us. It had to be something big for me to hear it.

The sight I saw in front of me was terrifying at first. When no one around me reacted I started to relax. There stood five vampires. A tall strawberry blonde, with a redhead, and a brunette. They all looked like sisters, they were stunning. Behind them were an older couple, both dark skinned, with black hair and still every bit flawless. They slowly made their way over to us.

"Tanya, Irina, Kate, Carmen, Eleazar, what a surprise. How are you friends?" Carlisle said, taking a step towards them.

Emmett's grip tightened around me and Jasper took a step towards me. Okay, boys, not a good move if you want me to stay calm. Then Alice's eyes glazed over and Jasper shook her.

"Alice?" he asked, anxious.

Alice jumped up and moved in front of Emmett and myself. I noticed a few other eyes on us and I was getting nervous. Jasper laid his hand on my shoulder and I felt calmer. I know he had to hit was something strong because he looked like he was in pain.

"Jasper, are you okay?" I whispered.

"Yeah darlin', I'm good. Just a lot at once," he said, his eyes never leaving the group in front of us.

Jasper POV

We heard them as they approached. I recognized the scent but it was strange for them to come out here to find us unless there was a problem. The tradition was they'd not show up until the week before Christmas and then stay until New Years.

"Tanya, what a surprise. How are you my friend?" Carlisle said, greeting our adopted family as he took a step towards them.

They were across the clearing fifty yards away from us. I heard Carlisle address the remaining family members as he reached them.

"Irina, Kate. How are you?" he said, hugging them.

"Fine," they mumbled.

"Eleazar, Carmen, how are you?" he said shaking Eleazar's hand and hugging Carmen.

"Carlisle, we got some disturbing news and we came to see if it was true," Tanya said.

We could tell from their stance that they were anxious and Tanya was angry, but I had no idea why. I saw Emmett pull Bella closer to him and Alice's fear spiked.

"Alice?" I asked, anxiously.

Alice jumped up and moved in front of Emmett and Bella. I could feel everyone's confusion then the fear, loathing, lust, protectiveness and anger hit me. I knew the confusion was coming from everyone. Bella and Emmett both were throwing off lust and Bella was fearful.

She had never met the Denali 's and was not sure of the situation at hand. Alice moving in front of her after a vision did not help, either. I lay my hand on her shoulder and I sent her calming waves. Bella looked up at me and I could feel her concern before she spoke.

"Jasper, are you okay?" Bella whispered.

"Yeah darlin', I'm good. Just a lot at once," I said, looking to the group in front of us.

Alice kept shifting nervously in front of Bella and Emmett. He must have noticed as I did, his grip on Bella loosened and he pushed her behind himself. Everyone's emotions were causing me pain but I had to stay alert. The soldier in me was keeping me focused. I could feel Tanya's hatred grow as they talked.

"Alice?" I said, as she froze with fear.

She turned to look at me and the look in her eyes made me nervous. I pushed a wave of calm into her and she relaxed a little.

"Jasper, everything just... went blank," she said, looking scared.

Chapter Notes: WTF?? I know but you will find out soon enough :) If you love it/hate it, let me know hit the pretty green button :)