Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight

Chapter 8

I stayed there in his eyes and waited for his reaction. His eyes warred with its emotions for a moment, then I took my hand and placed it on his, and his eyes were set on a sight that made my heart soar. Understanding, Acceptance, and Love. He believed me, and he's accepted it. He'll always be there for me. Edward stared deep into my eyes; there were no need for us to say anything, no words were needed. The silence was peaceful. Edward stared deep into my eyes, pouring his love into me as I poured mine into him, staring into his gorgeous green eyes; into his soul. We were unconsciously leaning towards each other, and when he face was only inches away our eyes began to slide closed.

Edward kissed me slowly and passionately, letting me feel more of his love and signifying our unity. I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck as we continued to kiss, and his arms wove themselves around my waist. Edward deepened the kiss and I gladly agreed, allowing him entrance as his soft tongue massaged my own and his scent and taste swept through me. We slowed the kiss until Edward pulled away slightly to lightly kiss all over my face, ending with my nose. It made me smile, and I hugged him to me tightly, feeling whole for the first time in my life.

I pulled back to look at Edward, into his beautiful green eyes. I vaguely noticed that Lecio was no longer in my lap, but sitting over next to the doe. Edward was staring at me with such intensity that my heart could barely keep it all inside, it was so warm and welcoming. All the bad things in the world seemed to disappear. Everything was perfect. I thought to how his siblings would react to this and though back to what Alice and Rosalie had said.

They had noticed how close we were becoming, and thought we would end up together; they were right. And Alice was right too, I would understand sooner than I thought I would, and I did. Half an hour is a lot sooner than I would have expected. I felt like I was glowing, and I could see that Edward was glowing too. I broke our connection to look over at Lecio and the doe who was watching us patiently.

I felt confused for a moment, before hearing the whispering voice in my heart again, only this time saying Delvy. Delvy, that must be the doe's name, and as I looked into it's eyes I knew it to be true. I grinned slightly and said telepathically towards the doe Hello Delvy, thank you for connecting with me. My heart is getting larger and I'm feeling more loved by all of you every second, so thank you. I smiled at Delvy and she got up quickly but gracefully from the forest floor and walked over to me steadily and determined. She stopped in front of me and bowed to me, bending her neck low and stepping forward with one foot so she was elegantly bowed.

I smiled and walked over to her, helping her back up to her normal stance and stroking her neck and back, telling her It's alright, we are all equals, and all friends. We bow to no one. I told her quietly and soothingly, and it pleased her. She licked my cheek, and told me I must go, and so must Lecio, the bell for you is about to ring, and someone might see us. I look forward to speaking to you soon, Bella. She said to me. Her voice was soft and gentle, but very mature and wise. She still sounded delicate though.

I nodded to her and waved a farewell to Lecio, who after winking at me, followed Delvy into the brush and out of sight.

I turned around to Edward and found him standing behind me, and he was smiling. I smiled back at him and grabbed his hand, while also stealthily crouching behind a tree on the edge of the woods. I looked from behind it very quickly, as fast as a rabbit at all the windows and corners and everything and saw nobody there.

I was still on my guard and quickly pulled Edward along to the wall of the school building and pulled him around the corner so that we were out front. I sighed in relief and sat down on the stone steps out front where Edward joined me. I touched his hand for I wasn't in the mood to speak. The bell is about to ring. He seemed slightly shocked for a moment, for I didn't just give him the feeling of truth or an idea, I told him with my mind's voice, and I could see his shock. He hesitantly held my hand and I could hear his mind's voice in my head. Alright, I want to talk to you some more though.

His mind's voice was beautiful, so melodic. I kept holding his hand and told him I know, I want to talk to you too. After school, if its alright with you, we can go back to your house and I will explain this to everyone, in your family anyways. They're the only people I can trust with my secret; no one else can know. He seemed to understand this, and he nodded his head at me, but didn't let go of my hand.

I was glad for the touch, it was very comforting. A thought popped into my head and I wanted to try it out, so I pulled my hand away from him and thought for a moment, before directing my thoughts to Edward like I did to Lecio and Delvy. I love you Edward. He gasped and looked at me, and I could hear him ask in his mind How did you do that? I thought you had to be able to touch me?

I told him I thought so too, but my powers have already grown a bit, so I can talk to you from a distance since I've already heard your mind's voice. I think I could use this to my advantage, talking to you during class through our minds. I'll try to connect with the rest of your family this afternoon, but I won't connect with any other humans, not that I know of anyways. I smiled at him and he kissed me quickly.

As soon as he pulled away the bell signaling us to our last hour class rang. Edward stood up and offered me his hand, which I accepted and he lifted me to my feet. As we began walking inside we saw the hallways already crowded with people. Edward didn't let go of my hand once, he held onto it until we got to the gym doors, where he let my hand go and pulled me into a tight embrace. I hugged him back just as tightly and pulled back to quickly kiss him.

H released me and I heard his voice in my mind I still want to talk to you though, so don't expect to get rid of me so easily he said, teasing me a bit. I laughed and I felt like he could hear that laugh, for it rang through my mind, and I heard his beautiful laugh back, though I'm sure on the outside it looked like he was walking along in silence. I told him Alright, I am definitely okay with that. I could hear him laugh softly and then his mind's voice faded as he went silent. He'd probably start talking to me again at the end of the hour, or I would.

I entered the locker room chipper and bright, feeling a huge confidence boost. I walked over to where Alice was changing and quickly changed next to her. She took one look at me and squealed, giving me a huge hug, while still managing to bounce up and down. I laughed at her but she brushed it off and demanded she know every detail. I shook my head at her and she pouted, but I told her "I'm going to tell everyone everything when we get to your house, okay? Also, is Esme and Carlisle home today? They'll need to hear most of this too. " I told her.

She nodded and smiled at me. We walked out into the gym towards Coach Coal and she told us that we were going to spend this year taking a break from our normal activites and sharing everything with the boys, which meant free days three days a week. She said we would be in groups of the same three people of our choosing for all our class activities and asked us to choose them now. Alice, Emmett, and I grouped together immediately and got our names down on the list first.

We all high-fived and made the decision to jog around the gym and talk. Before I could tell Emmett anything however Alice piped up that Edward and I were together. Emmett wooped and picked me up in a hug and swung me around. I laughed and he set me down, giving me a huge high five. We all laughed and started to jog and talk about lots of things, when I heard the unmistakable tenor of Edward's beautiful voice in my head.

How's gym class going? Emmett nearly crunch any more girls? I could hear him laughing and I laughed in my mind too. It was a very peaceful sensation. I was still listening with another part of my brain to what Emmett and Alice were saying and was keeping up with their conversation and adding in comments every now and again while still talking to Edward. At the same time I was still jogging easily and not running into anybody or anything. Add on top of that I was completely aware of what everyone else in the gym was doing. It was very complex but very easy for some reason. To me it was like breathing, blinking, walking, and talking at the same time. Easy, effortless, and an everyday thing. I could get used to this.

Gym isn't all that bad. Emmett, Alice, and I are jogging around it and talking. These powers have made me a great multitasker, keeping up two conversations at the same time. I laughed in my mind and I could hear Edward's laugh as well. I was suddenly aware of four people coming up behind us. I stretched out my mind and I could tell who it was without looking at them; it was Tyler, Eric, Mike, and Ben. They were about to cause trouble for themselves.

Uhoh, I might need concentration for this, hold on Edward. I've got four idiots coming up on my tail. In my mind I conveyed to him a feeling a patience and he granted my wish, staying quiet.

"Look out, four idiots are coming up on our tails. Emmett, think of them like Lauren Mallory and her cronies, they're not exactly my biggest supporters. " I told him while rolling my eyes. Alice laughed at it and I joined her. Emmett laughed loudly and we continued jogging. I looked over at Emmett and then Alice, holding up three fingers as in to say three seconds. They would know it meant three seconds til we stopped. We counted down on our fingers together and when we reached zero we all casually slowed down next to the bleachers and sat on them with me in between Alice and Emmett. As I suspected the four boys stopped as well.

"Hey Emmett, what are you doing sitting there. You could catch the Swannie disease, you too girl. " Mike said to them, indicating Alice with his head. She glared at him with fire in her and Emmett looked like he was restraining himself from punching them.

"Why don't you leave Bella alone? You won't get hurt as often if you do. " Emmett told them, popping his knuckles menacingly. They didn't see worried by it, but then again they were stupid. Emmett flexed his biceps, showing off his real muscles, and I could see Ben start to worry, his eyes were getting wider. Emmett turned to glare at Ben in particular and Ben scurried off to the court, claiming he wanted to go play basketball all of a sudden. I thought of how I could make Edward feel my emotions, and I wondered if I could scare them by pushing old emotions out to them, but without connecting to them. I figured it was worth a shot, so I pushed a mass of worry, anxiety, and fear out to them with minimal effort and they started to look panicky, but none of their thoughts entered my mind, thankfully.

Emmett took one step towards them and they scampered off to the basketball court after Ben. I laughed long and hard, and Alice's tinkling laugh mixed with my own, soon followed by Emmett's booming laugh. I opened my telepathical link to Edward, still laughing, and showed him what had just happened in my memory. He laughed telepathically too and I told him the bell was about to ring and that I'd meet him at his Volvo.

He agreed and the link faded as I wanted it to. I told Alice and Emmett we should get changed and head off to the car. We changed quickly and met up outside the locker rooms. As soon as we all walked out, the bell rang and everyone in the gym was scurrying into the locker rooms to change. As we were walking through the halls I stopped at my locker for my skateboard since I would need it tomorrow morning.

We started walking towards the Volvo when I remembered there wouldn't be enough seats, so I thought over a plan. I considered the plan and thought it plausible. We walked outside to the Volvo to see Jasper, Edward, and Rosalie standing there waiting for us. When I saw Edward my face broke into a smile and he ran over to me and picked me up in a hug, swinging me around in a circle. We both laughed, and Alice and Rosalie were jumping up and down squealing. Edward put me down and gave me a kiss, which earned us a loud whistle from Emmett and Jasper. We broke the kiss laughing. I felt so lighthearted and free spirited; it felt perfect.

I remembered my plan for getting to the Cullen's house and stretched my mind way out, deep into the surrounding forests and found what I was looking for; a bear. I tried concentrating on the bear, and got its attention. I looked inside my heart for where the whispering voice of knowledge in me was, and found it within a most protective layer, so no one from the outside could intrude. I used the whisper voice for the bear's name, learning it was Lugrum. I called out to Lugrum, and he answered my call.

I requested his presence and help with giving me a ride to the Cullen house and that if he couldn't do it if he knew any other that would. I could hear him thinking for a moment before he told me he had a friend that lived on a nearby farm; a horse. He told me he would request its help and if it would help he would tell it to meet me in the woods near the school parking lot.

I thanked Lugrum and told him to tell me what the horse decides. The six of us spent the extra time talking, since Edward understood why I was waiting. A moment later Lugrum told me the horse agreed and told him to tell me his name was Shadra. He would be here in a minute, and I needed to figure out how to convince the others on what I was doing. I decided to tell them the straight truth, or at least what was momentarily necessary.

"Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper, there are some things you must now learn about me I just learned today. I can't tell you it all right now, but I will tell you that I don't want to crowd up the car since there isn't truly enough room. I will be using my powers to get there, and I will show up in your front yard as fast as I can. I will give you an advanced warning for when I am near, Edward will know when that is. I have a telepathic connection with him and I will connect with you guys later. I shall meet you there, I promise. " I told them quickly and quietly.

They all nodded their head looking excited and confused at the same time. I told them to get going and that I'd meet them at the house. They got in their car and took off, taking my board with them since it would be easier. I waited until they were out of sight to start walking towards the forest.

I called out to Shadra and found he was almost to the clearing that I had requested to them. I walked directly into the woods without a second thought, and stood waiting for him. When Shadra appeared, I was in awe. He was the most beautiful, pure white stallion I had ever seen. He was tall, lean, and very muscular. He didn't have much fat, it was all muscle. I could now see why I bear would become friends with a horse; they both shared strength qualities.

Shadra and I introduced ourselves to each other and I told him where the Cullen household was, and he agreed to let me ride him there. He told me he was one of the fastest horses in the world, bred by the best and worked to the extreme to gain his muscle.

I am honored to be in your presence then Shadra. I shall definitely keep you as a close friend, and not just because some people deserve a good kick in the face I told him, and the two of us laughed telepathically. I stroked him and he knelt down to allow me to climb onto his back. He waited til I was positioned well and until I was gripping him firmly with my legs and my hands had hold of his mane. He snorted and started into an easy trot, then quickly speeding into a canter on a trail he said he was familiar with. We came into a wide open field and meadow, which looked gorgeous in the afternoon sunshine.

Hang on tight Bella, I'm going full speed. Shadra told me and I tightened my grip just before he took off. The speed was exhilarating. Shadra was almost as fast as Edward when he's driving his Volvo. We sped across the field and into the trees where Shadra didn't slow down at all.

We're five minutes away now, tell the others. Shadra instructed me. I opened my mind up to Edward and told him we'd be there in five minutes and to be ready. He told me they were ready and I focused more on Shadra then, who was telling me to keep hanging on since he was gonna give a showfulish entrance. I obliged, telling him that would be amazing, and I complimented him on his speed and muscle. He thanked me before telling me we were nearly there and to hang on.

Shadra had to do a quick jump over a fallen tree and the thrill of it lightened my spirit considerably and made me smile in pure happiness. I could see lots of sunlight through the trees ahead and knew that was the Cullen home.

Shadra and I sped out of the trees by jumping over another fallen tree and he zoomed out, coming to a perfect dead stop in front of the porch where everyone was and rearing back and neighing. The sunlight was pouring on his mane, back, and my face. The whole thing was wonderful and exhilarating. Shadra put his hooves back on the ground and I saw everyone gasp in surprise and astonishment. Edward, Alice, and Emmett were all wearing huge smiles and soon the Hales joined them. They went down the porch steps and came to stand next to Shadra and I. I stroked Shadra's neck and thanked him greatly, saying that was spectacular.

Thank you Bella, now you and I must part, for I hear food calling my name and you have a family calling yours. Shadra told me. I nodded to him, sliding gracefully off of his back and onto the ground. I turned to Shadra and bowed to him saying "Thank you again, and farwell Shadra. " He bowed as well and told me Farewell Bella, I'll be there for you if you need me. He told me. He reared up again and charged out of the clearing into the thick cover of the woods. I stared after him, feeling at one with the world and my new friends and family of sorts. That's when I remembered that said family had just seen that whole show and were now staring at me openmouthed because they didn't know anything.

Edward came over to me and pulled me into a hug. He let go of me for the most part, except instead he put his arm around my waist. I gestured to the front door, indicating we should go inside. Nobody moved, so I shrugged and Edward and I went inside. The others seemed to recover slightly and went inside after us. We all sat in the living room and Alice called Esme and Carlisle downstairs. Emmett and Rosalie were sitting side by side on the loveseat, while Jasper, Alice, and Edward sat on the couch with Alice in the middle. Esme sat in one of the chairs and Carlisle in the other. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for me to speak.

I sighed and looked into everyone's face before I began. "So, there is a very important reason that I called this meeting with everybody, because you are the only humans I trust and you all have a right to know, plus it could be beneficial later on. First of all, as you five know" I said indicating Edward, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie, "Edward and I are now together, and there is some good reasons for that.

"The main reason, is that we not only were becoming attracted to each other, but we are soul mates. "I told them. There were many audible gasps from around the room and Carlisle and Esme were hanging on my every word now, since it was already such a big deal. Carlisle seemed not only caring and concerned, but curious as well.

I continued "So, as soul mates we are meant to spend our life together. We did not find this out easily though, and its through this series of events that you should learn everything about me that Edward and even myself only just learned today after lunch. I'm going to tell you everything that has happened today and explain it all to you, and it might take a while. By the time that and the questions you'll most likely have are done I will be needing a ride home, so do remember this isn't purely a social visit. "I told them seriously. I got a series of nods from every head in the house and I took a deep breath.

"From Science class after lunch then. In Science we were watching a movie, so I sat in my desk at the back of the room and tried to ignore the boys one table away talking about me. I looked out the window and into the woods and saw the most beautiful sight. A doe was there, eating grass, and a white rabbit came to eat grass next to it. Perfect peace and harmony. I felt a need to go out and experience it with them, to hold the bunny and stroke the doe. I got Mister Harris to excuse me to do some research in the library, supposedly.

"I walked out to the side of the school and into the woods where no one could see me. I was fairly sure the bunny and doe would not flee at my presence, for I had already known I had a connection with animals when I was younger, how they would follow me around instead of running away. They were my only friends as a child. "Esme looked heartbroken at my loneliness as a child, everyone else was sapped into the story. "I was correct in my assumptions and was able to stroke the deer and scratch the bunny behind the ears. I sat there with them like that for a minute before I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. I hid behind a dense overgrowth of bushes and trees and felt the presence of someone entering the clearing.

"I peeked out from behind a tree to see Edward standing there looking around. I relaxed and picked up the white rabbit who was shaking. When it felt my calmness it stopped shaking and looked relaxed. The doe had relaxed too, because of me. I walked into the clearing to Edward holding the white rabbit and with the doe following right behind me. He looked a little shocked, no surprise, " which earned a small laugh from everybody, "but he sat down and I sat in front of him, the bunny sitting in my lap.

"The doe gracefully lied down next to me, leaning up against my side. Looking nervous, Edward reached out his hand towards the doe, and I helped him to stroke it. We talked for a little bit, before I noticed something strange.

"There was a soft, whispering voice coming from within my heart, and it told me Lecio and Delvy. I was confused before it clicked. Lecio was the rabbit's true name, Delvy was the doe's true name, and I then learned I could telepathically speak with animals, and that they spoke back easily. It was all telepathic. Lecio, who turned out to be very wise, told me of my powers and how they would increase over time.

"He told me also about everything around me, exactly how my current powers work, and how to connect and communicate like that with other animals. He told me certain animals of knowledge and distance can call on me if they need help, and that I should answer. He told me to tell my secrets like this to only those closest to me, those who wont give anything away. H also told me, that he knew Edward was my soul mate, and that we were already connected.

"He had said that I must tell him everything, and that I must place my trusts well and use my knowledge and powers wisely. I am already able to create and push emotions onto people, multitask with amazing precision, I am overly smart because my brain works many times faster, I can speak to all animals and any person in the world if I connect with them telepathically. I have already done this to Edward, and I can also sense an animal's name so that I may freely speak with them, for that is a necessity. Now, I tried explaining as best I could, any questions? "I finished. Everybody's hands raised into the air. I chose Jasper's first; I decided I'd just make my way around the room.

"If you can speak with animals, then is that how you were riding that horse and why it bowed for you? "Jasper asked me. Ah, he wanted to start with the most recent adventure. I thought through my words carefully since it was a little confusing to put together.

"Yes Jasper, I was speaking telepathically to the horse while we were in the school parking lot and he met up with me in the woods to give me a ride here. He wanted to show off a bit when he entered the clearing. When I dismounted I thanked him aloud while he told me telepathically that he had to leave and he said farewell. "I told Jasper. He seemed satisfied with that answer, as did the others. I pointed to Alice next, who was practically bouncing in her seat.

"So, with these powers, is that how you knew the bell would ring so early in gym class and how you knew the four guys were coming up behind us without looking back? And was that why those four boys suddenly seemed so terrified of Emmett, because you pushed emotions onto them? " She fired off one after another, all the while bouncing in her seat. I laughed at her and explained.

"Yeah, I could sense their presences coming up behind us and when they weren't getting scared off by Emmett I pushed some worry, anxiety, and fear onto them full force so they were scared out of their pants. I also knew the bell would ring just because of some extra sense in timing I had, I'm not quite sure how that works yet but I'll know soon. " I told her.

I then looked at Edward, into his eyes. Speak your question aloud, we'll work on telepathy later I told him in my mind, internally snickering. He rolled his eyes and told me fine before speaking aloud. "I'm still confused on one part, when you said you had an experience somewhat like this with animals before, when you were younger and how they were your only friends, exactly what happened during that? "He asked me.

"Well, when I was younger I had had many strange occurrences with animals but I enjoyed them, though I never spoke of them to anybody. It was my secret, and my favorite childhood memory. I have a photographic memory, created by my powers when I was born, so everything from my childhood is perfectly clear.

"I remember one day when I was about four years old, My father Charlie had a lot of bunnies come into his backyard all the time. He always ignored them, but I loves all the bunnies, so I would go into the backyard and run around with the bunnies, petting them and running around with them following me. It was always so much fun, until Charlie decided I couldn't play with bunnies anymore and locked me in the house.

"Also, there was a time when I was about seven I suppose, when I was so scared of Charlie and yet so courageous, that I ran away from home. I ran straight into the woods, and went as deep in as I could. At some point, I was so exhausted that I tripped and fell onto the forest floor, and passed out. I awoke in the same spot, but I was aware of something warm and soft surrounding me on all sides.

Raising my head, I saw I was surrounded on all sides by deer, trying to comfort and help me. I stayed with those deer for five days before Charlie found me, and I was sorry to leave. Ever since I was little I'd always been connected to animals like that. " I concluded. Edward seemed to be thinking something over, and it didn't look like a happy thought. I ignored that and moved on to Rosalie.

"So you said that's why you're so advanced at everything and so smart? That was why you could learn so many languages and draw so well? "she asked curiously.

"Yes, those are like my automatic powers. I've had them all my life. They cause me to be great at many things, like school, fitness, and of coarse skateboarding. Languages are always easy for me to learn. It would probably be easier for me to learn them if I took the largest Spanish dictionary known to the world and read the whole thing; I'd be learning like twenty languages a year. Drawing has always been a hobby of mine, a way for me to release all of my emotions as Edward has learned. I will explain that in a minute" I told them. Emmett was up next, looking a little angry, though I could tell it wasn't directed at me.

"My only question is, who were the people that were talking about you in Science class that you were trying to ignore? "He asked me. I could tell what he was thinking without asking, he was being a protective big brother. I welcomed that.

I sighed before staring straight into his eyes and answering him. "Who else would it be? Who was picking on my in gym today? Who was it that I caused to be scared and will probably mess with me again tomorrow? " I asked him. Comprehension and anger filtered into his eyes and he looked ready to rip something apart. I sent him a huge load of calm and curiosity, just in case he had any more question tucked up in his brain. Esme was next, and she was looking more concerned than anything.

"Bella dear, what would happen if somehow your secret did manage to get out and everyone believed it? " Esme asked me, like a true mother. I wanted so much to just go and hug her for caring so much.

"Well, Lecio told me that there was a chance of that happening, though not by anyone betraying the trust I set in them. He said if that happens the forest is always very welcome to me and that when the time comes my mind, heart, and body would know what to do, but I would always have the choice to go back and forth between the two. Roughly translated I believe he means I will gain the power to shape-shift into a creature of the forest and have the option after that to transform into something anytime I want to and back again. "I told them. The light in Carlisle's eyes of what would probably be unending questions grew only brighter.

I looked in Carlisle's direction, but before he could speak I told him "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't completely overload me with question after question nonstop on this one round. Give me a few questions, and then I'll move on and you can go again next round, please. "I asked him. He nodded his head and began.

"This information is somewhat overwhelming, but I don have some questions and requests. I'll start with the requests. Will you allow me to study on your powers and help you work with them, along with take notes and write down all information on this gift of yours and the world of change that comes with it? It would be for my own personal study and knowledge as well as to pass it on when it is finished to anyone else with the gift, if they have it. "He requested.

I thought it over for a moment before agreeing and asking for his next request.

"I would also beg for you to please give a small demonstration of your powers? Like call. . . a fox here. I just want to see how this works. Please? "Carlisle asked and begged at the same time. I could see the opportunity would really excite him, and I obliged, telling everyone to go out onto the front porch so I could see if there were any fox nearby.

We all filed outside and I told everyone to stay on the porch while I requested the presence of an animal to come and show off a bit, to help make my few trusties with my secret understand how it works so there are no accidents made. I searched around with my mind and found that the closest fox was too far out for me to want to bother it; that would be too rude. I searched the local area and found my friend Lugrum was only a couple miles away, an easy distance for him.

I smiled to myself and called out to Lugrum, requesting his presence for a demonstration and he understood completely, said he was honored to be chosen to help. I thanked him and he said he'd be there soon.

"Carlisle, the closest fox is miles out and that's a little far for comfort for me to draw him from and I believe its rude, so I called my friend Lugrum to come for the demonstration, and he will stay for a little while. He might even go fishing in the river back there. He's a grizzly bear, just a heads up. He won't hurt anybody, he's coming on my request, is that alright? "I asked him. Carlisle nodded, looking even more pleased with me summoning a dangerous animal of sorts and informing him on what would and/or could happen. Carlisle seemed overjoyed, like he was probably doing a happy dance on the inside.

I'm nearly there Bella, I'm a good thirty seconds away Lugrum told me, and I thanked him and told the others he'd be here in thirty seconds. Exactly thirty seconds later Lugrum himself roared into the clearing and charged our direction, causing fear in the Cullens. Lugrum came charging right at me, but I was not afraid at all, I knew what he was doing, or so I thought.

I realized less than a second before imminent impact that he wasn't going to stop, though I wasn't sure why. I knew I had to act immediately and on instinct. Quicker than lightning I jumped fifteen feet up into the air, flipped, and landed down behind Lugrum, who after seeing that roared a laugh, which the Cullens took for a real roar and I could feel their panic.

Sorry Bells, Lecio told me to do that to try and force an instinctual reaction power out of you, I guess it worked Lugrum apologized and explained, and I instantly knew he was trustable. I laughed with his roar of a laugh, and went over to give him a high five, which he stood up on hind legs to give me, making me jump up high to reach it. I smiled and turned to the Cullens, who were still frozen in shock.

I laughed at them and then explained "Lecio told Lugrum to try and force an instinctual reaction power out of me, with much success. It was just a way to help boost my powers, that's all. No real danger, it's okay. "I told them.

They all unfroze and Edward came down to stand next to me without hesitation and wrap his arm around me. Lugrum saw this and his head tilted to the side before he smiled a lopsided grin that would look menacing to most people, but I could feel the joy coming off of him.

"Lecio told me. I guess nearly any animal who sees is gonna know, right? " I asked Lugrum. He nodded his big head and laughed again; he was very playful. The Cullens came down the steps together, still very cautious. Lugrum stared at them with his head tilted to the side and laughed again.

Did you know that all of them are soul mates too? And they just don't know it. Each pair is their soul mate pairs, how they all got brought together in one family I don't know, but they did. Might wanna let them know that, it'll inspire their love lives. Lugrum told me, laughing all the time. I laughed with him and whispered in Edward's ear about the soul mates thing. He laughed quietly for a moment before the two of us turned to face the pairs of soul mates.

"Hey, guess what Lugrum just told me? All animals can sense when two people are soul mates. You each are soul mates of your lovers, and you didn't even know it. " I told them, laughing a bit. They stared at their partners for a moment before they embraced the fact that they're soul mates one by one and each one embraced their partners, then kissed each other, fervently in Rosalie and Emmett's case.

I leaned into Edward's side and he wrapped his arm more firmly around my waist, holding onto me tightly. I turned back to Lugrum who was also watching the couples as well; peace was radiating off of him.

I spoke to Lugrum telepathically about what he could show Carlisle to prove that you would be kind to him because you were my friend. I told him that Carlisle and the others were already completely impressed with him showing up in the first place. He gave some suggestions of his own and he decided he'd try something out.

Lugrum ran off into the woods and now that everybody was back to paying attention to their surroundings they all stared after him.

He returned a moment later with three friendly neighborhood squirrels on his back, each holding a beautiful bunch of wildflowers in their little paws. Lugrum stopped slowly and allowed the squirrels to hop off and run to Alice, Rosalie, and Esme with their flower bunches. The squirrel's jumped onto the girls' shoulders and handed them the flowers, jumping off and scurrying back into the woods from whence they came afterwards.

Lugrum bowed politely for the ladies and roared into the air, like a signal. He had apparently asked around for help. From within the highest branches of the trees in the forest flew five small birds, a dove, a cardinal, a bluebird, a blackbird, and a robin.

They all swooped and circled over head and one after another dropped a bunch of roses around me and on top of me. They smelled so fresh and sweet, I thanked the birds telepathically since they had all as one said We are honored Bella, we bring the gifts of a favorite flower. I thanked them gratefully and pulled all the roses together into one bunch, smelling them. They smelled amazing.

Lugrum stood on hind legs and held up a paw to Edward, and Edward seemed to catch on right away. He high-fived Lugrum and Lugrum walked around on his hind legs to all the boys, giving high fives. After that Lugrum bowed to everybody and we heard the distinct sound of a car coming up the driveway; well Lugrum and I did anyways.

He glanced worriedly my way and I told him "Go, we'll be fine, we just want to make sure you are. You can head home, you've done a wonderful job, and I shall speak to you again some other time. Goodbye Lugrum. " I said to him. He roared a quieter, quick farewell and darted into the cover of the trees. The sound of the approaching tires were getting closer, the Cullens would be able to hear them soon. At the moment the Cullens were looking at me with a confused expression.

"You have company almost down the driveway." I told them, "I'll be back in a moment, I'm gonna grab some stuff that makes us look less inconspicuous." I used my new reactional instinct with the sound of the approaching car and moved at lightning speed, but with perfect clarity and precision, into the house and grabbing a few things.

I ran back out and threw a football in the air which Emmett and Jasper went to play with. I gave Carlisle a book to read in a lawn chair. I brought out and got some ice tea and home decorating and fashion magazines for Esme, Rosalie, and Alice. I also brought out a frisbee which Edward and I began throwing back and forth with a water bottle by each our feet. I winked at everybody and they started to act like they had been outside for a while when the car coming down the driveway came into the clearing, making itself known.

It was a very nice truck, brand new looking, black and shiny. It looked like it was nearly meant to go off-road and was nice and shiny. Whoever was in the car opened the door and stepped out, and whoever they were they weren't alone. A total of seven people stepped out of the car, four girls and three men. The girls were all our age, as was two of the men, except for the woman who was approximately Esme's age and who was holding hands with a man much like Carlisle.

As soon as the people stepped out of the car Alice, Rosalie, Esme, and Carlisle got up and went over to them, Alice and Rosalie squealing and hugging everyone. Emmett caught the football he and Jasper had been playing with and threw it at the newcomers, and one of the teenaged boys caught it with a smile on his face and went to join the boys, the other teenager going with him.

I caught the frisbee and set it down, walking over to Edward while looking over at the newcomers. Edward quietly explained "That's our cousins from Denali, up in Alaska where we used to live. The older man and woman are Carmen and Eleazer, they're married and these are their also adopted children. The boy Garrett both a ponytail is with the girl Kate, who has the pale blonde hair. The other boy, Laurant, is the one with the dreadlocks and is with Irina, the girl with straight silvery hair. The last one with strawberry blonde hair is Tanya, who you should watch out for. Carmen and Eleazer adopted only the girls, the boys came to live with them after they hooked up with the girls. " Edward said while rolling his eyes.

I took his word on the fact that I should watch out for Tanya; she did seem like the kind of girl who would snatch up anybody boy if she thought he looked good enough, but I knew I shouldn't judge her yet. I connected myself with the minds of the Cullens and Hales, instructing them not to tell the Denali clan anything of what's happened anywhere like school or anything about my gift.

Alice typically begged to tell them that Edward and I were together, and I allowed that without a second thought. Everyone else was clear and the link faded. I decided to go over and introduce myself to the newcomers. Before I could Emmett's voice invaded my head.

Hey Bella! Wow this is so cool, can I tell the guys about your amazing knack for getting into trouble with other students so they'll defend you too and then tell them about how good at sports you are? Can I? Can I? Emmett asked me. I almost laughed out loud, he was such a little kid sometimes. I told him yes and I heard him mentally whoop.

I shook my head and grabbed Edward's hand to go over to the Denali family.