December 29, 2012

Hello, faithful readers,

Happy holidays to everyone! I hope you all are glad that the world didn't end and are preparing to enjoy a wonderful new year.

It's been a hard semester, and unfortunately, my stories were the first few things to fall by the wayside. I'm doing my best to regain the momentum I had, so bear with me!

Blessings,

evelyn-shaye

Special thanks to my permanent beta, ChloeCougar, and a temporary beta, Edwardsfavoritebrunette. You both left fantastic commentary on this chapter!

Chapter Twenty-six: Gathering

The gathering of the Arikara Elders reminded me of all the bonfires Jacob and I had attended on the Quileute reservation. Every shape-shifter and their mates sat in a large circle, with the Elders and Elena at the focal point. Unlike the Quileute get-togethers, however, this amassing of people—well, creatures—was much tenser. Elena seemed cheerful enough, but the head Elder, her father, watched all of us mistrustfully, even Jacob. The rest of the gathered tribe gave us a wide berth.

I could feel Momma's shield wrapped carefully around me; she frowned in concentration but attempted to appear relaxed enough that our hosts wouldn't assume a threat. Daddy sat between her and Grandfather, who had assumed his place as primary spokesperson for our coven. Alice and Jasper were on the other side of Momma, and Alice appeared to be nearing a nervous breakdown. The holes in her vision must have been frustrating her, since they rendered her useless, but there was no possibility of her leaving the assembly. In the eyes of the Arikara, who undoubtedly equated us with Braden's coven, she would have had the opportunity to alert the rest of our family and perhaps initiate an attack.

Jacob and I, on the other hand, took our places beside Elena—Jacob, because he was a shape-shifter, and me, solely because Jacob wouldn't have had it any other way.

Elena's father, who called himself Andrew, stood to address us all. "Arikara, shape-shifters and family, we have gathered to hear testimony from my daughter, Hart of the elk herd, and her…guests—" he twisted the word with disgust—"the Cullen coven. Elena claims that these cold ones are not dangerous to us, that they are different from Braden and his followers."

The crowd hissed at his words, but I inferred that they were more repulsed at hearing Braden's name than at the possibility that we might be "good" vampires.

Andrew indicated that Elena should stand. "Daughter, please give your account," he requested.

Elena rose and, rather than remaining next to her father, moved to the middle of the circle and rotated as she spoke, addressing everyone at intervals. "My herd was guarding the western border," she began. "Since the addition of Tamara into Braden's coven, we have been more diligent about seeking out their scents. Although our particular scent in animal form is more appealing to the vampires than that in our human form, shifting sharpens our senses, allows us to hear more, see more, smell more than our weak human selves permit. We are also stronger physically. It is a price we must pay for standing up to our enemies."

Elena's speech was simple but eloquent, and I found myself enraptured by her story. I wasn't the only one. The Arikara followed her every movement, captivated, and never lost interest, even though I was certain this account was more for my family's benefit than theirs. Elena was a powerful influence in her tribe, a perfect leader.

"I caught a new scent while making a sweeping patrol—several new scents, actually," she continued. "I instructed my herd to remain in their positions and set after the scents alone." Here, Andrew shook his head disapprovingly, and Elena flashed an impish smile. "I wanted to shift to my human form and thus move with more stealth, but though I recognized two of the scents as vampires outside of Braden's coven, the other two were unfamiliar. One was similar to the distinct vampire scent, but more…human. The other smelled like our other natural enemy, the wolf."

There was a collective low growl among the tribe. Beside me, Jake tensed.

"I needed to remain in my elk form to better distinguish the scents, as well as to remain in contact with my people in the event of an attack. And then occurred an attack that I could never have anticipated."

Elena paused for effect, and the crowd waited with bated breath. I couldn't breathe, either, but for a different reason. I was the attack. If the Arikara wanted an excuse to kill me, now would be the time. It was the perfect opportunity.

My family apparently thought the same thing, or perhaps Daddy read my thoughts or some motive on Elena's part, because they moved closer to me ever so subtly. Jacob wrapped one warm, strong arm around my waist instinctively.

"The scent that was and was not vampire became more potent. The creature had caught my scent and was rapidly closing the distance between us." Elena's voice grew more passionate here. "I crouched low, pretending to graze, but really preparing to attack or run if I needed to. The creature appeared, a female with the visage of a vampire but the heart of a human, though it beat more insistently than any normal heartbeat. Still, she was no vampire, because I could smell blood in her veins.

"But, oh, her attack was quick! I had just enough time to run toward the border, where my herd was waiting. I alerted them of my distress but ordered them to return to their human forms. The other vampires would likely close in if they were in league with the hybrid, and I didn't want their scent to betray them to my fate. My sacrifice."

The crowd sighed as one, acknowledging their respect for her decision, and Elena closed her eyes. "The creature knocked me to the ground forcefully." Her voice was low, not ominous but serious. "I resisted, but she was very strong. Her hands clasped around my neck, and she nearly bit into my throat."

Elena stopped speaking and raised her hands to her throat, cupping it gently. There was no sound, but the tension was evident. Had the tribe not been so intent on her performance, they would surely have been glaring at me. If they had any sense of smell at all, it was obvious that I was the hybrid attacker; what prevented them from taking my life now?

My question was answered when Elena laughed, delighted. "And then! You will never guess how my life was spared today!" Her voice rang clear and happy, like wedding bells. "This vampire—" she pointed dramatically to Momma—"launched herself at the hybrid and pinned her to the ground, away from me! Another vampire and the wolf—for yes, he was a wolf—motioned for me to move away from the danger."

A buzz of excitement spread through the crowd. A vampire had prevented an attack on a shape-shifter, and not for the sake of claiming it as its own prey? Such an act was unheard of, I was certain.

Beside me, Jacob hummed contentedly. He understood as well as I did that Elena had spun the story so that the truth was untarnished but the emphasis was on the vampire's saving act. Elena would wrap up her account soon, and we would have nearly complete trust from the Elders as Grandfather and Jacob shared our experiences with the tribe.

Elena lifted a hand to silence them, and the buzz settled. She bowed her head solemnly. "Admittedly, I did not trust these vampires at the beginning. But they have shared with my herd and me something we have never heard of in all our experiences with the cold ones. The only reason that the young hybrid, a mix of human and vampire, attacked me is because she mistook me for her usual prey. Remember that I was not in my human form when she pursued me. She and her family of vampires feed on the blood of animals, rather than that of humans, for sustenance."

There was a chorus of murmurs among the gathered. They were intrigued by this news, and honestly, it never grew old to me, telling the story of our existence to new ears. We were a rarity, my family, something beautiful in a history of monsters.

One of the Elders spoke up. "Forgive me if I seem…skeptical of this phenomenon. But I would like proof that you did not fabricate this story of drinking animal blood in order to avoid a fight between supernatural creatures."

Grandfather inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, we understand that it is difficult to believe such a tale," he replied. "We know of only one other coven in Alaska that shares our diet."

Just referencing another coven made hope shine in some of the tribe members' eyes. I smiled at Grandfather encouragingly.

"There are subtle changes in our attitudes and demeanors: we act more civilized, have a greater tolerance of human blood, and can form relationships based more on love than physical attraction or convenience," he continued. "The most noticeable change, however, is the color of our eyes."

The Arikara leaned forward to take a look at Grandfather, who turned around gracefully, allowing them to see the unique golden hue. "Animal blood has only minimal effects on our physiology. We have noticed no diminution of speed, for instance."

"Why, though?" Andrew demanded. "Drinking the blood of humans is in your nature. Why combat it?"

Grandfather faced him seriously. "I was transformed into a vampire during a tumultuous time, when vampires ran rampant and the Church attempted to cause their extinction once and for all." He continued his story, and I smiled with admiration. Grandfather's history was one that never bored me, even though it had occurred four hundred years ago. I knew that Grandfather's age would carry some weight with these Elders, who were not necessarily very old but were certainly wise.

"If it is possible for us to be less monstrous, then we must take advantage of the opportunity," Grandfather concluded. "We survive quite well on the blood of animals and save many human lives in the process. This is what we live for."

Andrew bristled at the word "live." "I don't agree that a vampire can justify his existence," he sneered.

Jacob stood. "Then I suppose I have no reason to live, either," he countered. I hissed his name quietly in warning, but he ignored me.

Andrew redirected his attention to my boyfriend. "And who are you?" he questioned.

Elena stepped forward. "Father, this is Jacob Black, Alpha of the Quileute tribe," she introduced. Her cheeks flushed faintly pink. "He is a fellow shape-shifter."

I frowned at Elena's obvious admiration of Jacob, but Andrew's countenance changed to a more welcoming expression. "Of course, one of our brothers!" he greeted, extending his hand.

Jake smiled coldly. "Did you mean to offer your hand to a wolf, sir?"

The crowd gasped, and Andrew's hand fell limply to his side. His face hardened. "Elena, I tried to understand your bringing one enemy into our lands, but you have insisted upon inviting three different types of predators!" he admonished, gritting his teeth. "How dare you let this—this wolf cross our border?"

"That's the way it is, isn't it?" Jacob responded darkly. "Any enemy of your tribe doesn't deserve the right to live. But how many creatures consider you the enemy?"

"Jacob, please," I whispered, tugging on his arm. I didn't want this to end in a fight.

Elena, too, looked discouraged and placed a calming hand on Andrew's shoulder. "Father, please," she soothed. "Jacob supports us shape-shifters, even though he takes the form of a wolf and we, the form of elk. He has also found an alliance with this coven, through their daughter." She frowned slightly at the reminder but didn't press the issue.

Andrew eyed me suspiciously. "Would that be you, young one?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied simply. "My name is Renesmee Cullen, and I am half-human, half-vampire, carried by Bella while she was still human. Edward is my biological father." I indicated my parents as I spoke, assuming that honesty was the best policy at this point.

Andrew breathed deeply. "A true hybrid." He sighed wearily. He faced Jacob once more. "I'm sorry for my reaction. After centuries of animosity, it is difficult to eradicate two prejudices in one day."

Jacob tilted his head. "I understand, sir," he accepted. "It took the miracle of Renesmee's birth to fully change my mind." He smiled fondly at me and squeezed my fingers. I couldn't help but beam back.

Andrew nodded, somewhat relieved. "I suppose, then, that you can testify for this coven?" he asked Jacob, indicating my family.

Jacob nodded solemnly. "I would trust the Cullens with my life," he avowed. He chuckled slightly. "We're pro-life," he added, grinning.

His joke eased the tension in the group. Andrew and the rest of the Elders relaxed, and the herd fell into easy, non-threatening conversation.

"I hope," Andrew addressed Grandfather, "that your coven will excuse us to discuss a few things in private. We have many things to decide, but know that you are welcome on our territory as long as you do not act against us or any humans in our region. My people are willing to escort you to my house if you seek an audience with us."

Grandfather bowed his head. "You are very generous," he acknowledged. "I promise that we will not interrupt the natural flow of your reservation."

Andrew smiled, and then reached out to shake Grandfather's hand. "I never imagined that I would do this." He chuckled. He flinched only minimally at the coldness of Grandfather's skin.

The Arikara dispersed after that, but Elena approached us shyly. "My father wanted me to mention…" she began. "We are having our monthly council meeting twelve days from now, next Saturday at sundown. We will share the legends of our tribe, beginning with the creation account. It would sit well with us if your entire family attended, as well as any members of the Quileute tribe that would be willing to make the journey. I'm sure you would find it informative and interesting, and perhaps we may begin to strengthen this alliance we have found."

I squeezed Jacob's hand eagerly, showing him my enthusiasm. We haven't seen the pack since Easter! It would be wonderful to see them, and you know they wouldn't want to miss this opportunity.

Jacob nodded with excitement. "I will contact our Elders and my second-in-command," he informed Elena with a smile. "I'm sure that Sam can spare a few of us to attend the meeting."

I knew exactly whom he was thinking of: Seth, Embry, Quil, maybe Leah—all of the old crowd. The latter three would likely be upset about leaving their imprints behind, but Seth would be jazzed to go, and they would never let the "little brother" attend such an important event without them.

"We, of course, will be happy to attend," Grandfather added. "It will be nice to introduce the entire family properly."

Elena inclined her head. "Well, then, I will look out for you next Saturday." She turned her attention to Jacob and me. "Maybe I'll see the two of you before then," she said hopefully, her formal demeanor temporarily replaced with youthful familiarity. "I don't patrol every day, and with summer vacation, I have a lot of free time."

I stepped forward and extended my hand. "It would be nice to get to know you without lunging at your throat." I grinned.

She laughed and shook my hand, smiling. Our temperatures nearly matched. "I can't wait to see you around."

I couldn't wait to see her, either. As my family crossed the western border to return to our hunt, I considered my future friendship with this young leader. She was like Jacob in a lot of ways, carrying herself with authority and dedication to her task; but outside of her position, Elena was…cute. She had small dimples that highlighted her smiling face and an infectious personality—one that, to me, seemed as if it could be sweet and genuine one moment and sly and playful the next, like a trickster.

I shared my thoughts with Jacob. "She is something special," he agreed. He frowned slightly. "You're not jealous, are you?"

Damn it, he'd caught me. I'm trying not to be, I admitted.

Jake stopped beside me, while the rest of my family continued onward, giving us a moment of peace. "Nessie, until today I had no proof that other shape-shifters existed," he reminded me. "Today's encounter is really significant to me, and my interest in Elena is only mutual admiration, leader to leader. As Alpha, I may be working very closely with her in the future."

While I sit here, completely useless.

"Is that what you're worried about?" He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. "That's something you never have to worry about, Ness. Honestly, I'm glad that you're not in a leadership position like Elena. I'd be constantly concerned about you, feeling like I needed to back you up. You'd be in more danger…" He trailed off.

You're concerned about me, anyway.

"Yeah, well, that's just the nature of the imprint," he answered, trying to close the subject.

I changed tactics. I think she likes you.

Jacob sighed again. "It's hard to tell, after Tamara's blatant displays of affection. But I think it's very possible that she has a small crush on me," he conceded.

Well, I don't like it, I announced. I twisted my mouth in annoyance, and my hand that wasn't in his shifted to my hip.

"And I don't like it when any guys stare at you the wrong way, even though it should be considered sinful not to find you attractive," he countered.

I giggled softly. I liked the way he used "attractive" to describe me.

"That's my girl," Jacob responded, smiling. He pulled me into a hug and kissed my hair, the way he always did. "You have nothing to worry about with Elena. I know who I love, who I have always loved and will continue to love for all eternity, and that's you, Renesmee Cullen. My Nessie."

I lifted my eyes to his, and Jacob took advantage of the opportunity to brush his lips gently against mine, setting them ablaze. I kissed him back more passionately. Jake laughed into my mouth.

"What?" I asked.

"You," he teased. "You're so silly to think I could ever want anyone else in my life."

A grin played at my lips. "I don't know, Jake. You seemed pretty into that bromance with Seth a few minutes ago," I joked.

Jacob gazed into the distance thoughtfully. "Oh, Seth, how I have missed thee," he breathed, just barely keeping a straight face. I giggled, and he soon joined in on the laughter.

Once we had composed ourselves, he ruffled my hair affectionately. "Come on, you little monster. Let's take care of that hunt we started a few hours ago."

I smiled at him. "Race you to the rocks," I challenged, taking off at full speed in the direction we had come from. Jacob didn't bother to grace me with a response, phasing as quickly as possible and joining me at my side—ever faithful, ever supportive.

I settled back into my more disconnected vampire state, but for once, Jake didn't seem so far away.