Chapter 13

CatPOV

I became a little nervous. Emmett seemed to not like this Jacob guy and they left him in charge of Chance. I swear if anything happens to him, I'll kill Jacob, regardless of how Bella feels about him.

I could sense that everyone's relationship with Jacob was complicated, so I didn't press the issue.

"Emmett, what do you mean about Jacob being a 'dog'? Is he some sort of jerk? Should I question y'alls judgment on leaving Chance with him?" I couldn't help but allow the worry slip into my voice.

"Don't worry about him, Catty. He's taking good care of Chance. As for him being a dog, I mean just that. He's a dog." Emmett burst into him booming laughter. Bella looked very irritated.

"You have a dog watching my dog?" I was confused.

Emmett couldn't stop laughing long enough to answer my question, so Bella did. "Jake is a shape shifter from the Quileute tribe back in Washington. He and a few members of his tribe can change into wolves. They are the protectors of the tribe."

"Protectors? Protectors from what?"

Bella sighed. "Protectors from us, vampires. The wolves are the mortal enemies of the vampire."

"What?!" I screeched and leapt up from my spot. Jasper did the same, though he did not take an defensive stance. "If he hates me, what to stop him from hurting Chance?"

Bella gently laid her hand on my arm. The gesture made me slightly calmer. "You don't have to worry about that, Catherine. We may not have the most perfect relationship with the pack, but there's a mutual… respect. As long as we abide by their rules when we are in their territory, then everything will be fine."

"But how can you trust him, Bella? How can you just take him at his word?"

"Jake is a very good friend of mine. He would never do anything to harm me, which guarantees he won't harm any of us." Bella's expression was soft with just a hint of sorrow. I knew not to ask. It looked like there was more to the story than I was being told.

I pondered for a moment before I spoke. "Okay, Bella. If you trust him, then I trust him."

She smiled triumphantly. I didn't miss the glance she threw Edward's way. Edward looked like he had a million words on the tip of his tongue that he was biting back.

Tell me later? I thought.

Edward nodded slightly. I smiled, excited that I was going to get the whole story.

"I'm going hunting," Edward announced, standing from his chair.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, standing as well.

Edward gave me a smile and nodded.

Emmett stood to some with us, but I pushed him back down. "No stay with Rosalie. You put so much time into me lately. Take this time to be with your wife. I'll be fine with Edward."

Emmett had the briefest moment of hesitation before he scooped Rosalie into his arms and then ran up the stairs. I laughed at the sight then wondered if I should be disturbed.

Alice and Jasper also took the opportunity to spend time together. They walked up the stairs hand in hand at human speed, staring longingly into each others eyes. It was nice to see Jasper with that kind of peace.

I looked over at Edward who was kissing Bella goodbye. She had hunted recently so she didn't need to go with us. Good, I thought. I really want the entire story on Jacob Black.

"You ready, Betty?" I asked, breaking in to their little moment. I'm not really known for my patience.

They broke apart and looked into each others eyes. "Be nice," Bella said. "Don't scare her away. I can never have too many sisters."

"Oh please, Bella. Do you really think this pretty boy can scare me?" I raised my eyebrows and allowed my Texan accent to pulverize every word in the sentence.

Bella laughed and gave Edward a quick peck on the cheek. When he turned around to meet me at the back door, she playfully smacked his butt.

"Oh, you two," I said rolling my eyes.

Edward gave out a short laugh before arriving at the door.

"Let's go stud," I said jokingly. Edward ran out the door. I followed him, staying close on his heels. He zigzagged through the trees. I laughed as I was easily able to keep up with him. I knew it was only because of my newborn capabilities, so I would enjoy it while it lasted.

We ran a few hundred miles away from home before Edward found what he wanted. A single mountain lion was drinking out of a stream, unaware of our presence.

Edward snarled lightly and took a predatory stance. I hung back to watch. His hunting style was very different form Emmett's. Where Emmett attacked like a bull Edward was more feline in his approach. I found myself being lost in the way he moved.

Edward pounced on the unsuspecting cat and drained him cleanly. Not a drop of blood was wasted. I was in awe.

"Can you teach me how to hunt like that?" I asked when he was finished.

"It just takes practice. You'll learn it by observation." His voice was reminiscent of a government professor I had in Texas that I admired. He would make an excellent teacher.

"Thank you," he said in response to my thoughts.

I was feeling a little thirsty, but I wanted to hear the story first. Edward wasn't having any of that, forcing me to hunt. I was able to find a bear about 30 miles north of where we were. When I was able to pin it down and drink from it, I understood Emmett's enthusiasm towards the creature. It was the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I attempted to apply the techniques Edward used when eating so I wouldn't get dirty. It helped, but I still stained the front of my shirt.

"You'll get it," Edward encouraged. "It takes time, but you'll eventually get it."

I smiled at his change of nature. He had never really been friendly prior to now.

"And I'm truly sorry about that."

I like talking to you. You make it easy, I thought.

He smiled and we sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the scenery. It wasn't quiet for long. My impatience wore me down.

"Should I worry about this Jacob Black? Be honest with me."

Edward took in a deep breath. "You don't need to worry about him. Jacob is a very… complicated subject matter." His hesitancy irked me.

"How so? Edward, tell me."

Edward paused and looked me over. I don't know what he was thinking about or waiting for. Whatever it was, he was satisfied enough to continue. "Okay, I'll tell you the story. But only if you promise to answer a few of my questions."

He waited until I agreed before he continued. The story that infolded rivaled the soap operas my grandma watches. He started with the events of Bella's birthday that led to Edward leaving her. He talked about how Bella was broken while he was gone and Jacob was there to pick up the pieces. This eventually led to Jacob falling in love with Bella, but his feelings were not returned. He told me about Alice's vision which took him to Volterra. He smiled as he recounted the memory of Bella coming to save him, but scowled when he told me of their meeting with the Volturi. He talked about him and Bella's reconnection and Jacob's anger about it.

"So that's it? That's where it ends?"

"Be patient, Catherine, there's more."

Edward told me about Victoria and the newborns. He talked about the involvement of the wolves in the battle and how the gratitude Bella had towards Jacob will always hang over her head. He ended with the story of their marriage and the pain it brought Jacob. Bella hasn't seen Jacob since the wedding and has spoken with him very little.

"So why did he come back here to help?"

"Because, Catherine, she'll always care about him and the same goes for him. He can't have her the way he wants, but he'll take her any way he can. It kills him, but he can't stop himself."

"Well how do you feel about it?"

"How do you think I feel about it? I absolutely hate it. I hate that she is so connected to him, but it's my fault. If I never left her, she would have never needed him in that capacity. She cares about him and will always need him in her life. I don't like it, but I could never deny her that."

I nodded, having a newfound respect for Edward. But I couldn't also help but feel bad for Jacob. Loves makes people do crazy and stupid things. Unrequited love could make people do insane things. Being around Bella and Edward must bring him unimaginable pain, but he couldn't be able to stop himself from coming if she called.

"Now my question."

I got a little worried. I wasn't sure what he could possibly want to know. "Okay, shoot."

"Why did you… do what you did that day?"

I was momentarily confused. I knew he was talking about the day I ran my car into a tree, but he cold read minds, he should know.

"Your mind was a jumbled mess. I couldn't decipher much of what you were thinking. When you told us about what in Texas, it cleared most of it up. I just don't understand what would drive you to choose suicide as a way out."

I smirked. "Edward Cullen, are you lecturing me on why suicide is never the answer? I don't know if you're the one qualified for this."

"That was different," he explained, frustration painting his features. "Bella is my… life. She's my everything. Without her, there's no point in playing out this ridiculous existence."

I laughed, which angered him. His features furrowed and a growl erupted form his chest.

"I'm sorry," I said, shaking my head and still chuckling lightly. "That's a little overdramatic don't you think?"

Now it was Edward's turn to smirk. "And this coming from the girl who spazzed and ran her car into a tree."

I laughed. He didn't hurt my feelings. What he was saying was true. I got serious as I thought of how to formulate my answer.

"I thought… Emmett was lying to me. He never mentioned Rosalie or having a wife and I thought he was… playing me or something."

Edward cocked his head in curiosity. I could tell he still didn't understand, so I continued. "To me, it felt like I couldn't find a decent person. I went to some of the greatest lengths to make sure I was never hurt like that again. I left my family, my friends, my entire life in Texas in order to get away from the memory of the worst mistake of my life. And when I got here, I completely alienated myself. I never spoke to my neighbors; I never went out to meet new people.

And then Emmett came along. He had Brad's smile and it melted away every brick of this wall that I had built in order to keep everyone out. I didn't understand why I let him so easily. So imagine my surprise when the first person I let into my life since the fire turns outs, in my mind, to be exactly what I've been trying so hard to get away from. I figured I could no longer trust myself to not put myself in that situation again. I was just going to live out my life constantly looking over my shoulder or falling for the wrong guy over and over again. It was sad. Why live that kind of life? So I decided to end it."

I took in a deep breathe and let it out with a shudder. To actually voice these fears out loud was exhausting. I looked at the ground and was kicking around the dirt. I couldn't meet Edward's gaze, which I felt penetrating me. I heard him move towards me and flinched slightly when he put his hand on my shoulder. He didn't pull away.

"I know you don't know us very well, so I don't know how much power this statement will hold. But here, with Emmett, with us, you're safe. No one will hurt you. You may not feel like it yet, but you are our family. We would do anything for our family."

I forced myself to look up. Edward's expression was soft. I smiled and placed my hand over his. "I'm honored to have such wonderful people as my family."

Edward returned my smile then wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug. I laughed and patted him on the back.

"Alright, alright. No need to get all mushy on me," I said with a giggle. "Are you ready to head back?"

Edward nodded. Without word, he took off running towards the direction of the house. I ran next to him.

The run home was quiet. I could tell Edward was mulling my words over in his head and it gave him a serious look on his face. I wanted to cheer him up.

I began humming a little tune. Edward turned to me with an inquisitive look on his face. I began to sing. "I need you to hear. I need you to see that I've had all that I can take and exploding seems like an imminent possibility…"

"Oh how appropriate," Edward laughed.

I continued, wailing loudly and off key, "Toooooo mmmmmeeeeeeee!!!!"

Edward joined me on the next line. "So pardon me while I buuuuurst… into flaaaames!"

We began to laugh uncontrollably at the lyric and walked into the house still in stitches. Esme, Carlisle and Bella met us in the family room looking at us like we just walked out of the madhouse.

"What could possibly be so funny?" Esme asked us with her hand on her hip and her head cocked to the side.

Edward and I looked at each other and burst into a new fit of the giggles. By this time, the rest of the Cullens gathered downstairs and stared at us.

"I don't think Eddie's ever laughed that much before," Emmett said incredulously. The rest of the siblings nodded with their mouths open. All except for Alice, who must have had a vision of the occurrence. She just stood there smiling at us.

"It's so dumb. I don't think you guys will find it funny," I squeaked out in between gasps of air.

Edward was finally able to regain his composure. "I'm sorry. Catherine just has a strange sense of humor." Edward was barely able to finish his sentence before his resolve crumbled and he began to laugh again which caused me to laugh some more.

"Oh come on guys! I wanna know!" Emmett whined.

I shook my head and moved to wipe away tears. It still took me by surprise when I couldn't find any. "Seriously, Emmett. It's dumb."

"She's not lying," Alice piped. When Emmett gave her a puppy face, Alice explained the vision she had of us singing in the woods.

Emmett looked at us in amazement. "You guys are ridiculous. I say way funnier stuff than that and Edward never laughs."

"Well maybe you're not as funny as you think," I taunted.

"Oh yeah?" Emmett said, raising his arms and eyebrows. He sprang towards me and we rolled in the living room wrestling. We only stopped when Esme began to beat us with a broom, screaming at us to stop before we broke something.

We stood up, clapping each other on the back. His sunny disposition was so infectious that I couldn't help but feel incredibly happy.

When I fixed my attention to the family, I saw that Carlisle was looking at me expectantly.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I have a theory about your power. Would you care to discuss it?" He sat down on one of the chairs facing my special couch.

"Sure," I said, taking a seat. The rest of the family sat down as well, eager to hear Carlisle's theory. "This can't really be interesting for you guys, can it?" I asked in disbelief.

"Your power is really strange," Edward said, speaking for the family. "There has never really been such a physical power as yours. Most powers vampires possess are mental. To have such an explosive physical manifestation is… unique, to say the least."

I felt a little self-conscious. I didn't want everyone to hear about how big a freak I was. I was about to ask everyone to leave when I remembered what Edward had told me about everyone considering me family. Family knew everything about each other, the good and the bad. I could only accept them as such if I let them in.

"Okay, Carlisle. Shoot."

"Well," he began. "I was first alerted to how different you were when you first met Jasper. He said that he could feel an underlying pain that was always with you. It didn't matter if you were sad, happy, or nervous; you still carried with you an ache. Your pain was such that it was always with you. I felt that this would have something to do with your power.

When Edward mentioned your excellent memory recall, this only solidified my initial theory. You are so haunted by the events that happened in Texas that your vampire mind will not allow you to forget them. The fire, which is the root of all your most painful memories, would have to find a way to follow you into your vampiric life. Thus, the reason you are able to create a flame."

He leaned forward and placed his hand on my own. I had been clenching and unclenching my hands nervously. My body shook lightly as I was trying to compose myself. "Catherine, dear, are you okay?"

I managed to pull my face into the picture of perfection. There was not a shred of evidence of the panic and pain I was feeling written on my face. "That's very interesting Carlisle. Thank you very much." I turned to Esme. "Is my room finished? I think I would like a little time by myself in order to process everything."

Esme smiled warmly. My heart panged as I thought of my mother. I hadn't had one in so long, I had forgotten the way a mother's face could project such love so effortlessly. "Of course. Right this way." She stood up and I followed her. She led me to a room tucked away in the back of the house on the first floor.

When I opened the door to my new sanctuary, I was floored. The room was painted in a pale green. One of the walls was completely covered in books and a rather extensive music collection. There were pictures of Dad and Brad framed and hung on another wall. They must have came in my apartment and taken some. There was a metal framed bed that had a silver bedspread with a delicate pattern running through the fabric. If I had a breath, I would have certainly lost it.

"I took a look at your apartment to get a feel of your personality. Everything except for the books isn't flammable, so you really shouldn't have a problem if you get a little heated." She chuckled a little at her small joke.

"Th--thank you," I stuttered. I ran up to her and wrapped my arms around her. "It's perfect, thank you."

She hugged me back and whispered, "It's not a problem, dear. I was happy to do it."

I was a little overwhelmed by the scenario, but I didn't want to be rude and just kick Esme out. I didn't need to. Like a good mother would, Esme sensed my need to be alone and left. The door closed with a soft click.

I turned to the wall with all the media and looked at the music. There were a lot of things that I owned when I was human as well as some new things. Upon closer examination I found a note that was left for me. The handwriting was elegant, the letters drawn out and long.

Catherine,

Your taste in music almost rivals mine. I chose a few additional things to add to your collection. If there is anything else you need, let me know.

Edward

P.S.-- I borrowed your Chopin. I love those nocturnes.

I smiled at the note and browsed through my new collection. I found Wagner's Tristan und Isolde and put it in my new stereo. I scanned through the opera until I found the aria I was looking for. I laid down with my head next to the speaker and listened. There was something about this particular aria that calmed me and allowed me to straighten out the thoughts in my head so I could think.

Today, Tristan und Isolde was just not doing the trick. Emmett told me it might take me a while to adapt to my new vampire brain, which can hold several thoughts at once. So instead of sorting out the thoughts, I decided to drown them out.

I searched again through my collection, hoping I was able to find what I was looking for. My skin began to warm when I couldn't find it. I tried to calm myself down, but my temper was getting the best of me. Right before I exploded into flames, my door opened.

Alice stood in the doorway holding a CD and a pair of headphones. I walked over to her and saw the CD that I was looking for in her hand.

"I saw you burning your new bedroom screaming, 'Where's my Aenema?!' It took me a little while to figure out what it was that you wanted. Imagine my chagrin when I realized it was just a CD." She had a small smile on her face and was waving the CD in front of me.

"Thanks," I muttered as I grabbed it from her. "It's stupid to get so mad over something so small, but I can't help it. My emotions are absurd right now."

Alice smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it." She handed me the headphones. "Take these. Edward won't appreciate you blasting Tool throughout the house."

I thanked her again. She turned around and left, closing the door behind her. I put the CD into my stereo and turned it on. I plugged in my headphones and relaxed as the first track of the CD began to play. I flipped it over to the fifth track and turned up the volume loud enough where it drowned out all my racing thoughts.

Without realizing I was doing it, I was continually turning up the volume little by little. I closed my eyes and let the thrumming guitars do their work. I was humming softly, but I guess it wasn't soft enough. I heard my door swing open.

Edward came stalking towards me and turned down the volume on my stereo. "I don't know how you can listen to this crap," he muttered.

Bella followed in behind him and smacked him on the arm. "Edward! How rude!"

I laughed. "Now I know your weakness, Cullen."

Edward scowled and walked out of my bedroom. Bella threw me an apologetic look and I returned it with a smile.

I guess I could get used to this I thought.

EmPOV

As I lied in bed with Rosalie, I couldn't help but bask in my happiness. Catherine was here to stay, and I liked that. It was nice to have a piece of my old life with me.

She's been with us for about a month now. I dropped my classes at the college so I could spend time with her. It disappointed Carlisle and Esme a little bit, but ultimately they understood why.

Most of the time, Catherine and I spent the time play fighting. My fighting skills had gotten considerably better thanks to the moves Catherine was teaching me. I'm pretty sure I would be able to contend with Jasper now. Her brother had taught her well. My chest swelled with pride as I thought about it.

We also spent time working on her temper control. It took a couple of weeks, but she was finally able to not burst into flames every time I smacked her in the back of the head. I don't know why it pissed her off so much, but it served its purpose.

She was now at the point where she could not only wield the flame over her entire body, but she was also able to concentrate it to one specific area, mainly her hands. It took a little more concentration, but she was eventually able to master just warming her body. This made her the most happy because it was the closest she would be to appearing human.

She was also able to bond with everyone in the family. Whenever Bella came home, Catherine would immediately rush up to her and ask her about her day at school. Bella would recount the day and all her lectures while Catherine would listen intently. They would have numerous debates and discussions over tons of different subjects. When they did this, I usually excused myself to go play video games.

With Edward, she would listen to music and they would have dorky music humor with each other. It was surprising to the family to hear him laugh so much. Even Bella would be surprised. Occasionally, she would join in on the humor, but I don't think she found it as enjoyable as Edward.

Alice, of course, was obsessed with trying to dress her properly. Because she was so stocky to begin with, Catherine was a very muscular vampire. Nothing like me, of course, but definitely buff for a girl. I would tease her and call her "My Little Linebacker." She, in turn, would hit me. I could tell it greatly irritated Catherine to have to bend to Alice's will, but she allowed it.

Carlisle and Catherine had a funny relationship. It wasn't really father/daughter. I think Carlisle understood that fierce love Catherine has for her father and didn't want to make her feel like he was trying to take his place. It was a more teacher/student relationship. Catherine held his opinion in high regard and tried very hard to take all the advice he would give her into consideration. I'm pretty sure he was the reason she was able to learn to control herself so quickly.

I think out of everyone, Catherine liked spending time with Esme the most. Esme reminded her of the mother she lost, and Esme was more than happy to fill that role for her. They would just go off together and have mother-daughter time. I have no idea what it was that they were doing, but it really didn't matter. Catherine would always come back from their time looking extremely happy.

Things between Catherine and Jasper were a little strained. Catherine could sense that Jasper was still a little wary around her. Jasper once confided in me that she is always a little afraid when he's around. Part of him was hurt by that, but the military man in him loved that and did whatever he could to hold on to that.

Rosalie loved Catherine like she was her little sister. They were sisters in pain. They never talked about it as far as I knew. They really didn't need to. It was just a glue, a shared experience that held them together. Catherine needed Rose in her life. I couldn't be more grateful to Rose for how she was treating her. I made sure to thank her in my special way every night.

I was just about to share my gratitude for Rose again when she stopped me. I was about to protest when she hissed.

"Do you hear that?"

I strained my hearing and heard nothing. "No."

Rose looked at me like I was an idiot. "Listen, it sounds like…"

I listened and was able to hear a very soft sob. "Is that Catherine?" I whispered.

Rose nodded and it was all I needed. I jumped out of the bed and dressed with lightening speed. I ran down the stairs and stopped just outside her door.

"Come in, Emmett. I know you aren't going to go away," Catherine said with a touch of irritation in her voice. Well tough shit, I wasn't just about to let her cry in her room by herself.

"What's the matter?" I asked as I closed the door behind me.

Catherine looked at me with glassy eyes. She was holding a picture of Christy in her hands. My heart broke at the sight. "I just miss her so much."

I walked over to her and sat down next to her. I draped my arm over her shoulders and pulled her into me. She was trembling slightly so I kissed the top of her head. "I know, Catherine, I know," I murmured.

She stayed like that for a moment. She was completely silent except for a few strangled breaths. She cleared her throat then asked, "When can I see Chance? I'm pretty sire I won't eat him or anything."

I scrunched my nose and thought of the possibility. "I don't know, Kitty Cat. It's not that we think you're going to eat your dog. We're just worried about getting you around the human population."

"Well, maybe, can that guy Jacob bring him here?" She looked up at me with imploring eyes.

As much as I didn't want him here, I couldn't deny Catherine this. Not only that, but I was really close to her and if I pissed her off, she may burn my arm off.

"Alright. I'll have Bella give him a call tomorrow morning."

She laughed and squeezed me tight. I yelped in pain before she released me.

"You have no idea how happy you have made me," she said with a bright smile.

"Yeah yeah yeah," I said, rolling my eyes.

That morning I had Bella call Jacob at dawn. It made me laugh to hear his grungy sleep voice. He agreed saying he would be there that afternoon when Bella got out of school.

When I told Catherine, she screamed and ran to find Bella. I followed her into Bella's room when Catherine had tackled her and was kissing her all over her face.

"Thank you so much, Bella!" Catherine yelled.

"You're welcome," Bella managed to laugh out. Edward was staring at the pair like he was given an early birthday present.

"Dude, ew," I said. "She's my baby niece."

Edward looked at me with shock then quickly pulled his face into his little Edward mask. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

I growled and chased him out of the room. When I was satisfied that he was far enough from the scene, I pulled Catherine off Bella, who was still hugging her fiercely.

"Alright, let the girl breathe."

"She doesn't need to breathe," Catherine said laughing.

Aw hell, what am I supposed to do with this girl?