Chapter 14

EPOV

The first vampire's were in view now. They were coming out of the trees in bucket full's. More like truck loads. One after the other they emerged. I wish that Alice was here right now. She would be able to help. Sigh.

There were about 30 vampires. I guess they were mostly newborns. At the far end of the army, leaning against a tree with an evil smile on her lips, was the infamous Maria.

She didn't look so tough but I knew not to judge a book by its cover. She was trained in combat. Which is more than I can say for our side. We had 4 vampires and 9 wolves. We were screwed. Unless we got lucky.

Jasper's muscles were tensed to the extreme. Hate burned in his eyes as he stared into the face of his creator. His jaw was tight and his breathing was heavy. His hands were clenched into fists.

Maria started walking agonisingly slow towards Jasper. I couldn't hold down the growl that escaped my chest. I was more than ready to tear her limb from limb. I crouched slightly, but Emmett's hand held my shoulder firmly.

This is Jasper's fight. He thought. I backed down. Noble, but stupid. He needed us more than ever. I guess he was trying to destroy his haunted past once and for all. I heard Jacob's thoughts too. Give the word when you want us to destroy the blood suckers.

"We'll hang back a little and see how it plays out. This is Jasper's fight. We'll join when it gets ugly." I replied. His huge wolf head nodded.

Maria was approaching Jasper faster now. She swayed her hips a little to look more seductive. She made my skin crawl. She tilted her head a little as she looked Jasper up and down.

"You looked much more handsome when your eyes were red. This new colour doesn't suit you." She said to him. "I suppose we can fix that." She moved closer to him. Jasper didn't move an inch.

Hate burned strongly in his eyes. Maria leaned in to examine him. Then the unexpected happened. She moved and touched her lips against his. I growled loudly. She looked me straight in the eyes and simply smiled.

"Well Jasper. We meet again. I expected more of a welcome." What the hell? Has she lost her marbles? Rose and Emmett stood in shock along with me. The wolves were indifferent but itching for a fight.

She circled Jasper. His eyes followed her, but he didn't move at all. Maria's army was standing aside waiting for a fight. I remembered Jasper's words. I analysed the army and searched for the vampires with the red bands on their arms. I tried to memorise their faces.

I listened in to some of their thoughts. Werewolves? This was unexpected. I guess its good practice for my sector. We've only ever faced other vampires. Interesting. One of the leaders was thinking it. Damn that chick standing next to the big guy is hot. I wonder if Maria would let us spare her. Rosalie would be flattered as well as sickened.

Most of their thoughts were of battle. Typical.

I turned my attention back to Maria. She must have heard of my ability because she blocked her thoughts out.

"Jazzy, why don't you come back with us? It'll be like old times. You could be the most powerful vampire in the world with my army. You could command as you used to." Jasper moved for the first time to face her. "I will never join you. Never."

Maria seemed to have expected that because she smiled. "I guess the rest of your 'family' will have to die then." Her red eyes glinted. A couple of her army hissed. Jasper's body tensed up.

"This has nothing to do with them. You got what you wanted. You murdered Alice. You will not touch my family." He said viciously. His eyes were coal black. She laughed hysterically.

"You really believe you family will let you fight me alone? Tsk tsk Jazzy. Have you learned nothing in all your years with me?" She said with another laugh. "If you won't join me, then you will die."

BPOV

We arrived at the Cullen's home shortly after we left the forest. Carlisle had Alice's limp body in his arms. I had been on Esme's back. I hadn't stopped crying since the whole thing had happened. My best friend was gone. At moments like this I regret not accepting her invitation to go shopping. If I had only a few more minutes I'd just tell her I love her.

She is gone... Forever. Carlisle had taken her up to his study. I think they were waiting for Jasper before they did anything.

"Bella, dear. Can I make you something to eat?" Esme asked me with a kind smile on her face. She was hurting more than she would let on. I had lost my appetite long ago.

"No thank you, Esme. I don't think I could keep anything down." I replied. She just gave me an understanding smile. Esme led me over to the sofa and turned on the TV. She sat next to me and Carlisle joined her. None of us watched it, but it offered a distraction.

We sat in silence for a few moments. I got up and turned to Carlisle.

"Do you mind if I have a talk with Alice for a minute?" I said with my eyes downcast. Carlisle nodded. "Take as much time as you need."

I walked upstairs to Carlisle's study. On the way up, I passed the grand piano and thought of how only hours ago, Alice had played to me. The melody filled my head and made my chest ache.

I found Alice on one of Carlisle's couches in his study. She had a blanket draped over her. I sat down on the floor beside her. I leaned my back against the couch so I wouldn't have to look at her face.

"Hey, Alice." I said stupidly. She couldn't hear me anyway. "I thought I would just come and talk for a while."

I won't drag it out too much longer. I'll try wrap it up in another few chappies unless you have other ideas. ;) Much love.