A/N: Happy Valentines Day! (Or at least its feb. 14 the day I'm finally typing this.) Sorry for disappearing for awhile there, but here's the next chapter is you guys don't hate me for taking forever to update. Reviews make me happy! Even if they're just you guys yelling at me to update.

Previously…

Then I heard it. There was someone else here watching just in the trees.

I straightened up and felt a growl building in my chest. Whoever it was I had never met them. My instincts screamed at me to run but I held back. I couldn't just leave Jasper by himself.

The intruder got closer and appeared on the edge of the clearing before stopping suddenly.

I stared at him unwaveringly. One more step and I was going to lose control over my protective instincts.

Then the stranger spoke.

"My name is Garrett and someone named Carlisle called me here. I'm just looking for him."

Jasper told him that we were in Carlisle's coven and gave him the directions to the house, but the man just stood there unmoving.

Then, he spoke again.

"Um, I can't move forward. Is one of you blocking me?"

Tant Pis- Joyce Jonathan (this is a French song but her lyrics and voice are just beautiful...im totally jealous)

BELLA POV

Jasper looked at me impressed. "Great job Bella, but you can let him come over."

I didn't budge or move the shield. I did not trust him.

"Bella? I know it's hard but you're gonna have to fight those newborn instincts alright darlin'? He's not a threat. I promise, you're gonna have to trust me."

At Jasper's calming words I was able to draw the physical shield back, but stretched a mental shield over myself and the blonde vampire next to me.

My eyes remained locked on the dark haired vampire as he and Jasper talked. I stayed by Jasper's side and kept quiet, watching for any change in the cordial atmosphere.

"Is she a newborn then?" Garrett asked, shooting a glance at me.

"Yeah, as of five days ago." Jasper replied, smiling wryly at the red-eyed vampire's awe-struck expression.

I felt his eyes rove over me again and I met his stare unflinchingly, causing his gaze quickly flit back to Jasper.

"And she was the one who put up that shield around you two?"

"Bella." I interrupted. "My name is Bella."

"Sorry. Bella, that shield was your doing? I'm impressed."

Ignoring his flattery, I asked why he was looking for Carlisle.

"Because he called me. Carlisle and I met a long time ago and well, he helped me out of a tight situation. So I'm here to repay the favor." Garrett explained glancing around the forest anxiously, as if he was waiting for someone to jump out of the trees at any second.

"Come on, Bella and I will take you to the house." Jasper said before we all three took off into the trees.

Refusing to let the other vampire follow behind where we could not see him, I let myself fall behind him, bringing up the back of our line. This way if he tried anything I would be able to stop him.

As we entered the house Carlisle and Esme were sitting on the living room sofa, but their presence is not what surprised me. It was the two unfamiliar vampires sitting across from them.

"Well it looks like everyone chose today to arrive." Carlisle commented, standing up to greet Garrett. "It's good to see you old friend. I had no idea that you were coming or I would have met you."

"It's quite alright Carlisle." The visitor replied, glancing warily at the two other guest vampires in the living room.

"Oh right. This is Maggie and Siobhan from the Irish clan. Maggie and Siobhan, this is Jasper and Bella, who are both in my coven. And Garrett who is an old friend that just arrived."

I looked at the two other guests. Maggie was a shockingly young vampire. She looked about sixteen and had honey blonde hair just past her shoulders and shining red eyes. There was a certain innocent air about her that made it hard for me to picture her in a fight. Siobhan was her exact opposite, looking to be in her early thirties with short black hair. Immediately, I could tell she was a mother figure for Maggie with the way she was eyeing Jasper's scars cautiously.

Jasper nodded at both vampires and I smiled softly at them.

Tanya and Eleazar chose that moment to come down the stairs.

I saw Garrett's eyes widen at Tanya's entrance and felt my lips tug upwards into a grin. I saw a flash of amusement appear on Jasper's face for a second before he quickly covered it.

Introductions were made and we all remained in the living room and discussed the Volturi's impending visit. This topic eventually moved onto the different powers that each vampire had. Eventually, I was able to relax and found that Garrett was actually a really kind vampire, even if he was a little reserved and quiet.

Siobhan seemed very outgoing and had a witty sense of humor. She and Carlisle got along really well and I wondered if there was ever anything between them in the past. But Esme didn't seem put out so I swiftly discarded the errant thought.

Maggie was really observant and smart for her age. I noticed myself feeling a pang of sadness at how young she was when her human life was taken from her. But I was also really impressed with how observant she was. I guess that she had to be for her "lie detecting" power to work.

"Hey Bella can I talk to you for a second?" A voice brought me from my thoughts.

I looked at Tanya, mildly surprised that she was addressing me directly.

"Uh, sure." I agreed, hiding the confusion from my voice.

We walked to the front steps of the house, to at least keep up the allusion of privacy.

The sun was setting, paining the sky in orange and pink. Even as a vampire I could tell the air was cold outside. If I was still human I would be wrapped up in a huge jacket.

Leaning against the pillar on the porch I waited for the strawberry blonde to begin speaking.

"I never did get to really apologize for Irina." Tanya began hesitantly. Her gold eyes looking at the forest to our left.

I felt a slight pang of jealousy at her eye color. Jasper had said it would be about a year before the red completely was faded from my eyes.

"You don't have to apologize." I responded automatically. "Really, it's in the past."

"Okay if you say so. And I also wanted to make sure you knew that I am sorry for not helping you guys with the last fight against that red haired vampire." She continued, meeting my eyes finally.

"Oh. Yeah, really it's all water under the bridge Tanya. You're helping us now, and I know that means so much to everyone."

"Okay. And…Just to let you know." She lowered her voice suddenly to barely a whisper. "I didn't stay around just for Edward. I really do like the Cullens and consider them family."

It was a little strange talking to Tanya about my ex husband when she was clearly interested in him. I think I hid it well though.

"I know that Tanya. And you could do so much better."

She laughed lightly, a high-pitched and delicate sound, as she headed back into the house.

Well, it looks like things between Tanya and I are patched up…for now at least. We're not best friends now or anything, but I think we can afford to be cordial and occupy the same room without the awkwardness.

I decided to remain outside and savor the peace and quiet. I knew the minute I went back inside I would be constantly watched by someone and have to watch my expressions. There are so many people in this house that I can't help but feel almost suffocated.

I can only imagine how Jasper is doing since he has to feel everyone's emotions, which probably aren't at ease right now.

"Hey, what was with you and Tanya?" Rose asked as she joined me outside, unable to mask her curiosity; not that she would anyway. Rose was not the type of person to sugarcoat things. She said her opinions without caring if she offended anyone. It was a trait I greatly admired in her.

"Why? Jealous that I'm replacing you?" I teased, bumping my shoulder against hers.

"Like you were with Jasper and Irina." She shot back.

I rolled my eyes and ignored her comment.

I wouldn't expect her to understand, but that's okay. It's probably one of the reasons we were able to become friends so quickly. Our differences, I mean.

"Speaking of which, how are things since the bitch twins left?" She continued, smiling mischievously.

"What things?"

"Don't play ignorant with me Bella." She said, narrowing her eyes. "I'm a woman too so I know how those games go."

I swallowed the venom in my mouth and glanced back towards the house warily, fearing someone was listening in on this conversation. This was a conversation I would rather keep quiet.

"Fine." She acquiesced. "But don't think you've escaped this conversation. We're going to talk about this eventually."

"Not if I can help it." I muttered, watching her go back into the house.

"Oh yeah, Esme wanted me to tell you that Edward is on his way back now." She commented, laughing when she heard my exasperated sigh.

"Why? Aren't you excited to hear more of that lovely piano music? At least Carlisle has been inventing things for Edward to do at the hospital so that you can have a few hours without being stalked." She continued before continuing her retreat into the house and shutting the front door behind her.

Probably off to do god only knows what with Emmett.

I wanted to practice my shield but figured it would be best to wait until after I hunt again. I was still new at my shield and using it for a sustained period of time wore me out. For the past couple of days I had been expanding it, whenever I was strong enough, to mentally guard the other vampires in the Cullen house so that Jasper wouldn't have to feel the tense atmosphere. Having to monitor and influence everyone's emotions really took a toll of Jasper, especially with the number of vampires here.

Jasper and I had become hunting partners since we both needed to hunt often; an arrangement which didn't bother me in the least.

Truthfully, at moments I could almost feel this connection with Jasper…and it scared me. It was almost as if I could hardly bear to leave him alone. It's completely involuntary when I find myself feeling this way. Thank goodness that so far I have been able to hide this confusing thought from him. The last thing I need to do is scare away one of the only people who have stood by me through everything.

Besides, it's probably just his venom coursing through my veins. I never thought about it but almost every vampire maker changed their mate in the Cullen household. Rosalie changed Emmett, Carlisle changed Esme (and Edward but that would explain so much). Edward never even wanted to make me a vampire. That just proves everything more.

This explains why I feel so close to Jasper ever since I became a vampire, he changed me. Part of himself is flowing through me and keeping me alive. Okay, so maybe that sounds a little dramatic, but it makes sense. These feelings should fade eventually, I just have to get used to immortality and the new experiences that it brings.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I froze as the speaker sat down on the front steps a few feet away from me.

"Hi Edward."

A/N:

Okay I know this chapter was shorter than usual but I thought this was a good place to end it. Don't forget to spare 10 seconds to review! :)

NEXT CHAPTER:

"Hey has anyone seen Alice?"

"She just got back and is off shopping with Rose now." Esme said to Jasper, not realizing that I was in hearing distance.

I blanched, feeling the traitorous sting of betrayal.

Rose was on speaking terms with Alice now? Since when?

"She wasn't around here for a couple of days...where'd she disappear to?"

"Shopping in Italy I think. It was Carlisle and I's suggestion that she get out of the house for awhile."

"Smart move." He commented and just as I slipped away I heard him continue. "But don't tell anyone I was looking for her."