Author's Note
Please forgive any spelling and/or grammar errors. I hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!
Any dialogue you recognize is from New Moon or Breaking Dawn, most is changed at least a little to fit this story best. PS I'm not Stephenie Meyer, so I don't own anything :(
Ch 12
The first thing they became aware of was Edward yelling at two wolves, his arms extended to stop them from advancing. "Jared, Leah, stop! She's hurt. She didn't cross the boundary on purpose!" he screamed, voice raised high enough to be heard over their snarls. He shifted, lunging this way and that to keep them behind the barricade formed with his body.
Bella recognized the wolves at once. They were the other two from earlier who'd not appreciated the Cullens involvement or their return to Forks.
A third wolf was there too, busy tearing a large male vamp to pieces, the job nearly complete. Already the limbs were scattered about like debris after a tornado, and his powerful jaw was locked around what remained of the pleading male's neck.
But where was Alice?
"No, please! Victoria made us, please!" he begged, the words falling on unsympathetic ears. There were none who'd help – especially if he really had harmed Alice.
Where was she?
The grinding, ear-splitting crunch as the sandy-colored wolf's teeth snapped together almost drowned out her sister's pained whimper. Bella's head whipped towards the distressed cry.
There!
Alice was on the ground near Edward. He'd been blocking her small form as they'd come in on the unfolding scene.
Jazz and Bella flashed to her side. Jazz skidded to a stop, sending up a wave of dirt that pelted the snarling wolves right in their salivating muzzles. Edward continued his light-footed shuffling, reading their minds and making it clear he'd intercept them if either tried anything.
"Alice," Bella breathed, dropping smoothly to her knees on the other side of Alice's tiny, broken form.
One of Alice's hands was missing, but much more concerning, was her neck. A huge chunk had been bitten out. Then, judging from the cracks radiating outward from the decimated area, it looked as though someone had tried to rip her head clean off afterwards. Only a few millimeters of granite skin and shimmering crystal remained intact to connect her head to her torso. It was grisly and horrifying to see how close she'd come to being helpless during an attack, especially since the wolves seemed eager to help finish her off, viewing her as a foe as well.
Bella knew fire was the only sure way to truly kill a vampire, since they could always reattach broken or missing parts, but what about decapitation? She wasn't sure that it didn't do lasting damage as well. No one had ever mentioned what happened. But judging from the way Alice was holding perfectly still, despite the enormous pain she must be in, Bella wondered.
"How?" she breathed. The soothsayer was supposed to be nearly invincible thanks to her gift.
"I couldn't see," Alice gasped hoarsely, struggling to speak with her ravaged vocal cords. Her pained explanation was gibberish, and Bella regretted asking anything that forced her sister to attempt speech and suffer more. "I was blind and tried to run. Wrong. I was too close – the wolves."
Bella's hands hovered over Alice, afraid to touch her and cause more hurt, while Jasper was searching the area, frantically seeking the removed piece of Alice's neck before it was incinerated and lost forever.
"Hush. That doesn't matter now," he said, infusing the words with calm reassurance, though it was slightly less potent than usual given his distraction. "Just stay still, and we'll get you fixed up in no time, promise."
Bella started to look around as well, but Alice's piteous sob stopped her. She couldn't bear to leave her sister's side when she was so clearly distressed.
"Jazz, I'm sorry," Alice apologized, a quiver rattling the words.
"Nothing to be sorry for, sugar," Jasper promised, locating the wedge-shaped, crystalline stone that had been bitten off.
The insides shimmered like ice, shattering the light that passed through the fractured surface planes. But it was more complex than ice – more like the glacial ice she'd seen when hiking. Because there were things trapped within, though not pebbles or grit. A tube-like structure – her pharynx, or was it larynx? And other, more unfamiliar things. It was almost like looking at an insect trapped in amber.
Never had she expected to see the insides of a vampire body. But now that she had….
Was that how and why they still needed to breathe to speak? Was that how the blood they drank gave them strength in their limbs? It was so similar, yet foreign to human anatomy. How did they function when they were hard as rock? How was it possible–
Bella shut the intruding thoughts down at once. This wasn't some unknown enemy trying to kill them. It was Alice. Jazz held a piece of their beloved sister.
"Is everyone else all right?" Alice persisted, eyes darting frantically around. "I can't see anything. The future is…a blackhole."
The rest of the family hadn't yet joined them, and now that Alice had brought the topic up, Bella was equally worried. Had they run into some of Victoria's people as well? Was everyone okay? Esme? Bella knew she wasn't a strong fighter – it was the reason Emmett was assigned to stay with her.
Bella looked up, ready to ask Edward if he heard the others, but he still appeared to have his hands full with the two growling wolves. He was speaking fast and low to them, negotiating, it seemed. She didn't bother trying to make out the words. All that mattered was whatever he was saying was working. They weren't attacking. But things were obviously tense, and she didn't want to distract him unnecessarily.
Jasper seemed to be hurrying to set Alice to rights, prepared to leap into the fray if another fight did begin, but wanting her cared for first. Bella was grateful for his ability to prioritize, and the way he put family first.
At least the vamp the third wolf had been dismembering was now burning. Lavender smoke rose from where a pile of granite limbs had been tossed. The natural venom appeared to act as lighter fluid and caused the destroyed vampire to ignite faster, the embers getting swept up into the wind to be carried off until no trace remained to document the individual's existence at all.
"Don't worry about that now," Jazz soothed, tenderly repositioning Alice's head. She gasped and whined as he did. "Just a bit more," he promised, directing his gift to relax and reassure Alice.
Bella winced in sympathy, the bite she'd sustained throbbing in unison. Given the lingering burn she felt, she assumed Alice was suffering significantly more. No one had ever warned her how bad it would feel to have another vampire's venom enter your system after you'd been turned. She'd imagined being injured would be like taking a hit – disorienting and uncomfortable for a moment, but easily shrugged off and forgotten about. It wasn't at all like that.
Learning this made her appreciate the magnitude and significance of the number of scars Jazz had sustained all the more.
Alice's pain-darkened eyes turned towards Bella, and she was unable to resist the inherent plea within them. "As far as I know," she answered, offering a strained smile – the best she could manage right then.
"This is going to hurt," Jazz warned, stroking a hand across Alice's brow, then meeting Bella's concerned gaze. "Bella, I need you to hold her head still for me, darlin'."
"Here, I can take it," a guy said, handing something pale to Jazz then reaching for Alice's remaining hand. He had an easy grin stretching across his face, and when Alice looked at him, he winked playfully.
It took less than a second for Bella to take the new arrival in – including the fact that he was completely naked. He kneeled right beside her and appeared comfortable in his nudity. Not surprising considering how well endowed and ripped the man was. His muscles seemed to have muscles. Bronze skin stretched tight over his chest, abs and arms. Long, honed legs folded compactly beneath him. He'd tower over Alice, dwarfing her already pixieish frame. And his charm was nearly magnetic as his ready smile grew.
"I heal fast, so break as many bones as you need to," he added easily, lifting Alice's tiny hand, their fingers interwoven as he cradled it securely within his own, encouraging her to do as he suggested.
"You saved my life," Alice said wonderingly, obsidian gaze now fixed on the stranger.
"Yeah, that's what we're here for," he replied modestly, a faint stain of red highlighting his cheekbones. He ducked his head slightly, almost bashfully, and a thick lock of inky hair, the color of a starless night fell across his forehead. "I'm Seth, by the way."
While Seth spoke, Jazz licked the piece of Alice he'd collected. Had he done such an intimate act with anyone else, Bella would have been seeing red. For once, though, she wasn't the least bit jealous. Probably because there was nothing sexual about the gesture and Alice was her sister. She knew there was nothing between them, even if she'd once believed differently. Had they desired a relationship, they'd had plenty of time to try their hand at it. They hadn't. That was enough for Bella.
Bella braced Alice's head as instructed, nodding at Jazz. He bent to Alice's throat, placing his mouth against the cracks. She hissed and writhed, twisting against Bella's unrelenting hold. Seth inhaled sharply, but made no other acknowledgement regarding the vice grip Alice had on his hand. Then Jazz lined the missing piece against Alice's throat, fitting it into the gaping hole like a puzzle. He helped Bella stabilize Alice, holding the piece in place as Alice released a ragged scream. Again, Seth grimaced, but didn't let go.
She had to close her eyes against the sight of her sister suffering. This was not the way she would have wished to learn about vampire healing. When she opened them again, it was to find Alice's eyes were now closed as well. She was taking very deliberate, even breaths in and out.
As though sensing her curiosity, because he probably did, but also for the purpose of distracting Alice, Jazz explained, "Cracks heal themselves, though it takes several minutes or hours depending on the severity. Additional venom can speed the process. Reattaching appendages requires the extra venom to act as an adhesive."
"Does it have to be someone else's?" Seth asked curiously. A question Bella wondered about as well.
"No, but the pain is the same, and it's far easier if another helps," he answered clinically. Bella knew what he wasn't saying. Alice was his family. He wanted a hand in looking after her since he felt responsible for her injury – as ridiculous as it was. "We can reattach our own limbs if we are capable of moving, but if we lose our head, we lose the ability to move our arms and legs, so another must help before any of the pieces are burned. There's no coming back from that."
No wonder Alice had been so still. Only the smallest fraction of sinew and skin had been holding her together. She'd very nearly been a sitting duck with two enraged wolves ready to attack any and all vamps. And a pyre within throwing distance.
They could have lost her today. Forever.
Jazz lifted the mysterious item Seth had unflinchingly handed him earlier, and Bella saw it was Alice's missing hand. He licked the wound again before bringing the missing appendage in contact with Alice's arm. She was breathing rapidly, her nostrils flaring as the two parts fused together. Her blown pupils continued to swallow the typical topaz of her rounded eyes, and Bella wished there was more she could do to relieve Alice's agony.
"Pain? How much? How long?" Seth inquired sharply, leaning towards Alice as though to physically shield her from enduring more.
"Healing an injury like this will feel like changing all over again – only slightly muted," Jazz answered gravely, meeting Bella's stare. She knew at once what he was saying. While the bite Bella had received would burn and sting for approximately three days, Alice would have it much worse. She would experience something similar to the roasting, scorching flames of transitioning, though probably to a lesser degree, for the next few days. "It's nothing to shrug about."
An elongated, persistent growling rang out, the note dragging ominously. It was enough to gain Bella's and the others' attention. One of the two wolves was sitting down, watching the scene play out, but the other, the lithe grey wolf, was right in Edward's face, its muzzle mere inches from his nose. Edward had mentioned the boundary earlier, but her focus had been on Alice. So it wasn't until that moment that Bella understood they were on the wrong side of the boundary, and the wolf was not at all happy about it.
No wonder they were so worked up. It hadn't just been because a few vamps were nearby. Nor had it been the heat of battle driving them into a frenzy insistent on killing any and all enemies. Alice had broken the one rule explicitly expressed, then she, Jazz, and Edward had as well.
"Seth, your sister is extremely worried about you," Edward said, prompting the man to offer a bit of reassurance.
"Oh, Leah, give it a rest already!" Seth huffed dismissively instead, all but ignoring her.
Pursing his lips, Edward gave Jazz a meaningful look. Serenity filled the area at once. Layers upon layers of the artificial calm blanketing them. It was oppressive and suffocating, particularly since Bella was aware it wasn't the real thing, but she hoped it would work regardless.
They didn't get a chance to find out, because suddenly Edward's head snapped to the north. "The others are coming. We should move now, if possible," he announced, gesturing towards the creek marking the boundary line.
Jasper and Seth each helped Alice to stand. Bella was relieved that she could, but noted how her sister kept her head unnaturally still, her neck not moving even the barest inch as she walked stiffly between the two men, demonstrating none of her usual dancer's grace. Bella guarded Alice's back, not truly convinced Leah wouldn't attack, and Edward backed up slowly, trailing a few feet behind.
As Seth stepped across the invisible boundary, his bare feet squishing in the soft mud along the bank, Leah let loose a roar of outrage.
She crouched, muscles bunching and quivering like a leaf in the wind as she prepared to pounce, but suddenly Jake was there, authority radiating from him as brilliantly as the sun at noon on a clear day. He threw himself between the opposing parties and barked out, "Stand down! You will not attack any of the Cullens without my express permission!"
At once Leah stopped, her furry tail dropping to tuck between her legs, though that only lasted the barest of moments before she was bristling again, a distinct line of coarse hair standing on end along her spine. But at least she didn't try to attack again.
"How many total?" Jacob asked, taking in the smoking remains. They were still smoldering a bit, the flames releasing the occasional crack or pop, but for the most part, the unknown vampire had been reduced to a handful of meaningless ashes mixing with the muddy earth.
"Only the four. We got three," Jasper relayed precisely.
"Victoria got away because we were too busy fighting each other," Edward added pointedly, shooting a glare in Leah's direction, animosity apparent for all to see. Her lips curled back in response to bare the sharp points of her ivory teeth. There was no love lost between the two.
Jake looked apologetic, but he quickly reminded, "Everyone's a little touchy about vampires since we only just lost three of our brothers. Sam was their alpha first. There's nothing like that bond. "
In the heat of the moment, Bella had forgotten. No wonder they were so tense and aggressive. That certainly explained why Leah hadn't wanted to extend even an ounce of courtesy or understanding to Alice for crossing the border. And hadn't Leah been in love with Sam too?
Without her sight, Alice had probably been terrified and disoriented. She hadn't said anything outright, but Bella wondered if she'd deliberately headed towards the wolves, seeking their help, not realizing they'd be so unforgiving and refuse. All except Seth, apparently. But why was he different?
The other wolves and missing Cullens slowly joined them, making it clear they'd been unable to match Jake's speed as he raced to oversee the mounting friction between his pack and the Cullens. The new arrivals looked around, and Bella could well imagine what they were seeing. It wasn't difficult to detect the animosity and tension permeating the air between the natural enemies, despite Jasper's efforts. It was punctuated with a boom of thunder. A second later lightning split the sky, forking through the clouds and casting an eerie glow over the forest in the late afternoon.
"Of course," Carlisle opened, infusing the words with understanding as he looked his family over, eyes zeroing in on Alice, her face pinched from the internal boiling her injury was roasting her with. He must have heard Jacob as he approached. "A simple misunderstanding." He truly was the consummate peacemaker, even if the last held a bit more bite and condemnation than it ordinarily would.
"Paul and Brady are following the redhead's trail. Hopefully this rain holds off long enough to track the scent." Another boom echoed through the area, ricocheting off the nearby Olympic mountains and magnifying the ominous vibes. A soft drizzle had already started, but not enough to wash away their scents. The essence of wet dog was still very much present, unfortunately. "I've warned them not to engage, but perhaps we can find where she's hiding or the route she's using to come here," Jacob informed the group. Bella frowned, wondering when he'd given the order, but Edward nodded as though confirming its validity.
"Perhaps you'd be willing to meet later tonight to discuss our options moving forward? We should try to form a more solid alliance and plan if we're going to work together. But right now, I need to tend to my daughter," Carlisle announced, inspecting Alice's neck and nodding approvingly at Jazz.
Jazz stepped further away, giving their father room. He went naturally to Bella's side as though summoned, winding an arm around her waist. She sought him automatically, leaning into him and taking her first real breath since before the fight started. Her mate was all right. The whole family had survived.
Emotions cocooned her, and Bella felt as though Jazz was deliberately wrapping them securely around her, establishing their connection in the most natural and unobtrusive way possible just then. He exposed her to all the turbulent chaos he was currently experiencing: joy, concern, anxiety, relief, and most prominent of all – love.
There was a touch of guilt too, and Bella knew its source at once. Because she felt the same. Guilt that they were each grateful Alice was the one so badly injured rather than one of them. Neither of them could bare contemplating what it would be like to have the other so badly injured. Bella was certain she'd burn down the world in her quest for vengeance over her mate.
Was it any wonder Victoria was attempting the same?
"I need to see my father and get them," Jake began, nodding towards the two smallest wolves, "home, then I'll come by. Shouldn't be too long."
"Can I go with them?" Seth asked suddenly. Bella saw that he'd yet to release Alice's hand – or put a stitch of clothing on. He met Jake's searching gaze with a beseeching one of his own. Jake's lips parted as he studied his pack member, a wrinkle forming in his brow as he tried to understand the desire. Something unspoken passed between them, then aloud, Seth begged, "Jake, please."
Leah growled again, voicing her protests angrily, but apart from the quelling glare Jake leveled her with, no one acknowledged her.
"I'm not sure–"
"Jake," Seth insisted, inching closer to Alice. His body seemed to curl over her, shielding her for the rain like an umbrella. It was a pose Bella was familiar with. Jasper adopted the same near her.
Carlisle interjected, nodding affirmative as he took in the way Alice was still gripping Seth's hand. "It's all right with us. He is welcome in our home, and I give you my word that he will be safe from us."
Bella wondered if it had been like that when Edward first introduced her to the family. Had they, primarily Carlisle, accepted her because it was clearly the wish of his child? Probably. And like now, they probably hadn't fully trusted the interloper. No wonder they'd been willing to leave her behind before she'd truly become part of their family. Judging from Rose's scowl, she certainly didn't want Seth around now, likely fearing potential consequences. But that was Carlisle's way. He always supported his kids and put their needs first, even if he remained initially cautious.
"Guess we've got to start somewhere," Jake sighed, appearing uneasy but at least willing to take Carlisle by his word. Leah disagreed, pawing the ground and bristling unhappily. Jake shook his head at her, but when she released a low whine, bowing her head submissively, he relented. "Leah, go with them, but don't start anything. That's an order."
At that, Bella protested herself, having seen Leah before Jake arrived. She didn't just dislike the Cullens – she despised them. "I'm not sure–"
"She won't try anything," Seth promised.
Almost eagerly, Edward, with far too much relish at the chance, added, "She can't. Jacob is her alpha. Leah physically can't disobey a direct order like that."
"She is, of course, welcome as well…with the same promise of safety," Carlisle intoned, wishing to move on before Edward could saying something provoking enough to put that to the test.
Seth, relieved, untied something from around his ankle – a pair of muddy, brown gym shorts. He quickly slipped them on, then their group began heading for the Cullen residence at a clipped pace. In deference to Alice, it was much slower going than it had been on the way there. Bella, too, was grateful, gritting her teeth at the twinge in her shoulder with each step she took.
"I can't believe I missed out on the action! Of all the luck," Emmett pouted, miming punching and kicking a few invisible foes.
"You're welcome to switch places," Alice quipped.
Seth was still by Alice's side, watching her with undisguised fascination, though they no longer touched. Bella marveled at the ease he displayed interacting with Alice – so unlike other humans. Jazz appeared equally as interested, and more than a little surprise by whatever he was picking up on. She knew, because he'd yet to stop projecting his feelings her way, a fact that meant more to her than she could truly comprehend. Jazz wanted her to know him – all of him. Even at a time like this when his emotions were amplified and more primal than ever. He concealed nothing from her. And Bella welcomed the refreshing honesty and trust that fostered, sharing herself completely in turn.
Edward was beside Seth, having deliberately wedged himself between the massive Quileute and the horse-sized werewolf. Leah loped along the farthest outskirts, struggling to balance a desire to put some space between herself and a horde of vamps, and a need to protect her brother.
"Don't even suggest it," Rosalie hissed, tossing her long, golden hair over her shoulder in a fit of pique.
"The most action we saw was Jacob Black shifting back and forth from fluffy wolf to naked human," Emmett continued to grumble.
"How did you come to be injured, Alice?" Esme inquired, fretting her bottom lip.
"Edward heard Victoria's thoughts. He went to help the others, and I went to warn the other wolves," Alice admitted, seeming embarrassed by everyone's attention and concern. Not to mention, her own actions and where they led.
"I didn't know you'd do that. I should have warned you – they can communicate telepathically in wolf form," Edward said gruffly, obviously blaming himself.
"Yep," Seth confirmed, drawing out the word and grinning. Probably because it sounded like a pretty awesome ability. "We read each other's minds."
"Like Edward can?" Carlisle mused, clearly intrigued.
"I guess?" Seth answered, glancing around. Bella wondered if he even knew which one Edward was or that Edward was reading their minds when communicating with them before – Seth had been rather…distracted at the time. Though if they could really read minds, Jake probably shared a few things about Bella's ex….
"How extraordinary. Is it only in wolf form that you can communicate?"
"Yep." I giant grin stretched his full lips, and Bella noticed a drop of rain caught in his long, soothy eyelashes. "We hear every one of each others' thoughts. Nothing stays hidden for long, so we don't even bother trying." Again, Bella was amazed by how comfortable he seemed around them. The few times she interacted with humans, they were skittish and…dazzled. Yet Seth wasn't the least shook. You'd never suspect he was surrounded by so many of his natural enemies.
Leah was a different story. And she apparently didn't like us discussing pack secrets, judging by the way Edward was assessing her again. Would she really forego attacking them simply because Jake ordered her not to?
Did it mean anything to Leah that Jasper had shared secrets – potentially lethal secrets about them with Seth? And now that they knew about the mind reading, all of the others would too. That was information they could use against the Cullens if circumstances between the groups ever changed. For a second, Bella wondered why Jazz had taken such a risk. Then it hit her. He was building trust, giving them information they would feel indebted to have. He was banking on them having loyalty and honor – traits they'd already demonstrated when they'd allowed Irina to take Bella. It was a very calculated move.
Detecting her admiration, Jazz flashed her a feline grin. He was more glorious than ever with the misty air making his wind-swept hair curl about his head like a mane. And he was hers. She laid claim to his brilliant, tactical mind and perfect body. Her other half.
Carlisle, sensitive to the tension continuing to pour off of Leah, gestured for Alice to continue. "I was nearly there when the male appeared. He sprang at me, and I realized I'd not seen it. I panicked," she admitted in a small chirp, shaking her head ruefully. "I froze, then tried to run, but he caught me… We struggled, and I couldn't get free…lost my hand, then he bit me."
Her hand pressed against her neck, and Bella winced again in sympathy. A dull, but steady throb pounded in her shoulder like a glowing coal. Every few seconds the heat flared, rushing out like incandescent lava being pumped from a relocated heart.
"That's when I arrived. I lunged at him, pulled him off Alice. Leah and Jared caught his shoulders, tore his arms off. Then Leah noticed Alice, but Edward arrived before she could do anything, so I finished the vamp," Seth concluded, jumping in to share his side of events and ending with the bit Bella was already familiar with…possibly, so Alice didn't have to relive her injury.
She'd been so proud of the fact no one could best her. Today had to be a huge blow to her pride. It was enough to rattle anyone.
Seth shot a glare at his sister. It suddenly occurred to Bella that Leah was deliberately refusing to shift as Seth had, and converse with them normally. Instead, she prowled nearby while Jazz briefly relayed their side of events to Carlisle, and Emmett added commentary.
He'd just finished when the massive white house came into view. As they came to a stop, Jazz pressed his lips to the bite she'd received on her shoulder, then nuzzled her neck. Bella felt cherished and loved. She craved a moment of privacy with him. Wanted to feel the connection between them in a much more physical way and know he was safe, but Esme was attempting to shepherd everyone inside, and Bella couldn't sort out a polite way to decline. Jazz's deep chuckle let her know he understood her frustration.
"Soon," he promised, squeezing her hip meaningfully.
"I'll hold you to that," she mumbled grumpily.
"Leah, would you like to come in as well? I'm sure you'd rather not sit out in the rain. I have spare clothes you can borrow if necessary," Esme offered kindly, maternal warmth lighting up her face. It was easy to see she relished the opportunity to look after someone new, and none of her children were bothered by the wet to need fussing over.
The group paused on the porch, waiting for a response.
Rose looked furious as she realized the pair of wolves were being invited into her home and treated like welcome guests rather than temporary and forced allies. With a vicious hiss, she stormed into the garage, slamming the door so hard behind her that the frame splintered and a crack fissured across the nearest window.
"She won't wear them," Edward said apologetically to their mom. Confusion and rejection morphed Esme's features. Seeing it made Bella's breath catch and prompted Edward to explain, "They smell like us."
"Ah, Leah, don't be like that!" Seth sighed, distinctly uncomfortable with his sister's rudeness.
A growl rumbled through Leah, competing with the thunder overhead to be loudest. Immediately following was a series of bangs from the garage, each one a cacophonous complaint about the current situation.
Groaning, Emmett glanced around, protesting, "Ah, man, I'm going to miss the action – again!"
As he lumbered off, stomping his feet and muttering, Edward and Leah stared each other down.
"Someone needs to translate since you're refusing to shift," he spat angrily.
It was so unlike him to behave this way. And yet… Apparently, Leah had just become his outlet for all the pent up hurt and regret he felt over losing Bella and witnessing her constant happiness with his brother.
Leah's near constant snarl grew louder and she inched towards Edward. A few strands of his hair shifted when she exhaled, her breath fanning over his face in their close proximity. Jasper tensed beside her, preparing to intercede. Her eyelids sank to half mast, lethargy and peace stealing over her. It was the first time since becoming a vampire that Bella had felt even close to tired, but the two it was meant for were forcibly shrugging it off.
"Leah, please. I'm sorry, but–"
Another grumble sounded, cutting Seth off awkwardly mid-sentence. This time it was coming from the direction of his stomach. He offered an embarrassed chuckle, and Bella felt the heat of his blush drift her way, warming the damp air.
"Well, I guess it's a good thing Emmett bought groceries in town yesterday when we arrived. I'll make you both something to eat, at least," Esme said decidedly, attempting to defuse the mounting tension.
Edward's lips pursed, and he shook his head irritably, announcing, "She won't eat anything from us either."
Leah lunged at him, but he used his shoulder to knock her to the side. The steely grey wolf rolled, her paws scrambling for purchase on the wet grass. A second later she shifted, shoving up to stand and point an accusing finger at Edward.
"How dare you speak for me!" she shrieked, wet hair plastered to her face as she took in rapid breaths, her breasts swaying openly as she did.
"Carlisle," Esme beeseached, willing him to put a stop to things, but he looked utterly flabbergasted and at a loss. Bella doubted any had ever witnessed Edward lose his calm like this. Jazz looked fairly stunned as well.
"Would you rather I translated verbatim? I wished to spare my family your insults, but if you insist I–"
"If I had something to say, I'd say it myself," Leah yelled, not backing down.
The whole scene was so surreal, she could do nothing but gape at the arguing pair. It reminded Bella a bit of her own situation with Edward before he'd first left. He'd shield her or only share what he felt necessary. He'd not been forthright or respectful. His "handling" of situations set her on edge. Leah didn't appear to appreciate it any more than Bella had. Except Leah really could take him on and put him in his place.
With a shove to Edward's chest, Leah spun, shifting as she raced into the nearby woods.
"Uh, sorry about her. She didn't mean anything by it," Seth tried, expression conveying a sincere apology.
"Oh, she meant it," Edward said pointedly.
"Edward, I can't believe your behavior," Esme chided, scolding him. He merely shrugged, scowling at where Leah had disappeared.
"Did you mention food? I'm starving, and would be very grateful to you," Seth inserted cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood again.
"Of course," Esme agreed softly, once more ushering those remaining on the porch inside. Though the number had dropped dramatically in the span of two minutes.
Bella hesitated, again considering stealing Jazz away as well, but Carlisle was already murmuring to him and seeking his council in regards to Victoria. With a sigh, Bella perched on the arm of his chair, understanding the current predicament was more pressing.
Bella, deciding she was too new and inexperienced to contribute anything useful to the conversation, opted to just take it all in. She'd speak up if she thought of anything, but for now, she listened to Jazz, Edward and Carlisle plot with half her attention, while the rest was on the conversation Seth and Alice were having as the pair tentatively got to know each other. Alice tried to pull Bella into the conversation, but she resisted, too intrigued by the way Seth hung on Alice's every word to interrupt. Several times Alice pressed a hand to her neck and stifled a groan. Each instance was followed closely by Seth, his whole frame leaning into Alice, though Bella wasn't sure what he thought he could do to help beyond distract her.
Jake strode into the yard in wolf form shortly after. Leah joined him at once from where she'd been hovering like a guard dog on the perimeter. He nudged her with his massive head, and Leah seemed to sigh and lean into his side, seeking solace. The sight reminded Bella about Leah just losing Sam. She felt a teeny bit more sympathetic to her plight. It must be difficult for her to be around them after suffering that sort of loss. Bella knew that she would have been out for blood if she'd lost Jazz to wolves – any wolves.
"Don't feel sorry for her," Edward said sharply, shaking his head as he watched the pair with Bella. Jasper must have detected her mood for Edward to have known. "She'd rip out your throat in an instant if Jacob hadn't ordered her not to."
Lovely.
"They're talking about me, aren't they?" Seth asked knowingly.
"Yes," Edward answered readily, attention still riveted on the conversation outside. He was entirely unabashed as he eavesdropped, fascinated by what he was learning. At that moment, he really did seem like he was stuck at seventeen.
"Well?" Seth prompted when Edward failed to elaborate.
"They're discussing imprinting." Everyone waited for him to explain. Of course he doesn't.
Seth simply nodded, his new thoughts snagging Edward's attention. Edward stared sadly at Seth, but as the Quileute stood to join the other wolves, he addressed Alice, saying, "It's a wolf thing. I'll explain later."
"Hmph." He brushed his fingers over Alice's shoulder as he left, making her shiver visibly. "Not. One. Word," she grit out before the door had even fully shut behind him.
"All the family needed was a mangy, flea-ridden pet," Edward said snidely.
"Edward!" Carlisle gasped, appalled by the statement.
Esme's gasp from the kitchen could be heard as well. "I expected a comment like that from Rosalie, not you," she said, moving into the open doorway.
More heavy banging sounded from the garage in response to the comment, followed by Emmett trying to sooth his angry wife.
"I was referring to the ill-tempered sister, not Seth. He's great. But it appears they're part of a set – can't have one without putting up with the other," Edward complained, not bothering to offer a false apology. "But I guess we've got a bit of practice with that already."
He really was in rare form today. Bella hadn't known anyone was capable of getting under his skin to the degree Leah had in less than an hour of knowing one another. Then again, Bella wasn't exposed to even a fraction of what the wolf was thinking the way Edward was.
Jazz had to smother his laugh against Bella's side, holding her tighter when Edward's comment set Rose off again. They were so distracted, they didn't notice Seth and Jacob shifting outside until they joined them, not bothering to knock before they entered the house.
"So what's the plan?" Jacob asked, smiling slightly when Seth immediately reclaimed the spot beside Alice.
"If you're agreeable, we're going to call our cousins in Denali to come help. You've met two of them previously," Carlisle said hesitantly.
"More leeches are coming?" Jacob demanded.
"We want the odds stacked in our favor so no one else gets hurt," Jasper explained practically.
"I hate this. I don't know what's going to happen," Alice sighed, rubbing her temple.
"Can you try to see…around the wolves?" Bella asked, suggesting, "Maybe focus on a decision one of us will make once away from the wolves.
Alice nodded slowly, wrinkles already creasing her brow from the effort as she agreed, "I can try."
"We're taking the fight to them. To Seattle. With our numbers, we'll catch them off guard next time," Carlisle continued, returning to explaining the plan he and Jasper had devised.
"When are you thinking of going?" Jacob asked, onboard. More than likely he was just ready for the whole thing to be over.
"One week. Gives us enough time to heal and prepare, without giving them the opportunity to regroup and attack here again," Jasper announced commandingly. He appeared very much a military leader right then. His confidence was intoxicating, her trust in him absolute.
Alice's hand flashed from her temple to cover her mouth as her eyes finally took on the far-off, out-of-focus gaze they frequently held when she was seeing the future. At almost the same instance, she gasped, "Oh!"
"Great suggestion, Bella," Edward gritted out, pain twisting his face until he resembled the burning man Bella had seen the day she'd chosen Jasper over him.
She was completely unprepared for the sight. What had Alice seen to upset him? What had she been thinking about that – oh. It hadn't been her, even if he was remarking on her idea for Alice. Jazz was the one who'd made a decision about the two of them in the near future, apparently planning something along the same lines as she had earlier.
Poor Edward. He really wasn't haven't a good go of it today.
Carlisle cleared his throat, directing his question to Alice, as he quickly asked, "What about Seattle? Can you see any of us if we're in a different area than the wolves? Perhaps we could split up–"
But she was already shaking her head. "I really hate this," she groaned.
"Anything at all, Alice?" Edward pressed.
"No. Just trying hurts since the wolves are planning to be there. I'll keep searching, but right now it's a total blank. All gone," Alice admitted, shrinking into herself slightly. "I'm basically useless."
Bella knew she was thinking about being unable to properly fight without her gift guiding her. Bella didn't feel like she'd fared much better during her earlier attempt.
"Should I move away? Would that help?" Seth suggested, his entire focus on the fortune teller seated beside him.
"No," Alice said quickly, then added, "having you close makes trying hurt my head less. You're like my personal painkiller."
"Glad to help. And you can still fight, just stick close to me," he said confidently, trying to eliminate her concerns. "I'll watch your back, and you can watch mine."
Alice seemed flustered, Edward didn't bother to hide his smile, neither did Jazz, for that matter. Bella wished she had a more active gift like they did. Hers was pretty useless, though Jazz had once suggested Kate could help her with it in time. Maybe one day she'd be able to help the family as Alice ordinarily did. Of course, seeing Alice struggle today drastically reduced the envy Bella felt over having such a gift.
Bella also admired Seth's determination and bravery. He was not at all afraid to put his feelings out there and expose himself to possible rejection. Had Alice ever had someone so readily taken with her? Judging from her reaction, it was unlikely.
Esme brought big platters of the food she'd been preparing at that moment. Both boys gladly accepted them, and began shoveling huge bites in their mouths before she even finished saying, "I tried to touch it as little as possible."
"Speaking of fighting…we should go over a few tricks. I can show you some moves that'll help," Jasper told the wolves, resting his hand on her knee and lightly tracing circles. "I wish we'd had time for me to teach you, but I honestly never thought you'd face a newborn."
"I'm still a newborn," Bella pointed out, grazing her fingers along the back of his neck. A rumbling purr seemed to unconsciously sound from his chest at the contact.
"Not an ordinary one," he drawled, the heavily accented words carrying a double meaning. "You've never acted like them."
A replay of the fight played out in her mind thanks to her perfect recall. The girl had been savage. Mindless. Nothing calculating about her actions. At the time, Bella had searched for tells, but there'd been none, just wild attacking.
They probably hadn't been turned that far apart. But Jazz was right. There were subtle differences now that she thought about it.
"How soon can we get started?" Jacob asked, jumping on the chance to have an advantage. Anything that would keep him from losing more of his pack.
"Tonight. I need to hunt first," Jasper said decisively, fingers giving Bella a meaningful squeeze.
Anticipation raced through her.
At least until Jacob threw an unwelcome bucket of ice water on it with his request.
"I'll let the others know," Jake agreed, getting up, but he paused suddenly, "Mind if I talk to Bella before I go?"
As much as she desperately wished to, she couldn't refuse. What was she supposed to say? Sorry, no, my instincts are demanding I have sex with my mate after the events of today? There was no way that'd go over well. And it wasn't as though she wished to snub Jake. The family was counting on the pack's help to eliminate Victoria – a threat that existed because of Bella.
"Sure, Jake." She gestured outside, and noticed the others were leaving Alice and Seth to talk alone in the family room as well.
At least she could get a few answers – like why his packmate kept making puppy eyes at Alice.