Hello friends. Here is the next chapter. Thank you all for reading, I appreciate the views and comments. Hope you have a good week. As always, none of the characters are mine. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

IPOV

As we returned from the run I heard Jasper groan in frustration. There were some scents around the perimeter that I did not recognize, but Jasper seemed to know who it was and was not worried about a threat. I could hear a conversation going on by a corner of the house. I listened in on it just to be sure we are safe. I know it is not necessarily the most respectful thing to do, but I learned in the camps that you took every advantage you could get.

I don't trust the Cullen family and I will not be caught without a plan of action. Jasper could tell I was on edge though, so he ran a hand down my arm to calm me. "Isa, you do not have to be afraid around my family. They will not hurt us." He was reassuring me of their loyalty when I could feel he did not truly believe it himself sometimes.

When I was a new vampire I did not have complete control over my powers. I couldn't control the physical shield when I was first changed, as is evidenced by the fact that I have so many scars. When I was first put in charge of the troops I was on watch to make sure none of them ran. I had tried to talk to everyone and make sure they were well fed and would just relax for the night. None of us wanted to be here, but it wasn't like we could leave. After a short talk a few of the newborns got into a fight over who knows what. I was called over to help separate them and get everything back under control with them.

What I failed to catch was the escape of a few vampires into the night. They were some of the best fighters that Maria had. I was punished heavily. That night I received 25 fresh bites. 5 for each vampire that escaped her clutches.

Ever since then I have been wearier of my acquaintances. I don't trust them until they give me a reason to and the Cullen family is no different.

"Ah yes Aro, thank you for the call old friend. Yes, yes, yes, we will plan on visiting some time. … Have a good day Aro, goodbye." Carlisle was ending the call as I focused on the conversation again. Hmmmm he is friends with Aro Volturi then. That will be very interesting in the future.

"Ahhhh Jasper, there you are!" A blonde screeched as she ran full speed at my mate. I quickly spun him behind me and hissed at her. I was ready to take her hand if she thought of touching my mate.

The blonde pulled up short as she saw my stance and red eyes. "And just who do you think you are? Jasper what are you doing? I heard you broke up with Alice to finally be with me." I hissed involuntarily at that remark. Over my fire warmed ashes will she be with him.

"Irina, you might want to back away. That woman is ready to take your head off at this point. Hello, my name is Kate, we are from the Denali coven. In front of you is my sister Irina, behind me is my other sister Tanya. My father is Eleazar, he is coming to the door with his mate Carmen. We will not harm you or Jasper."

I was calming down slowly with her talking and Jasper sending me calming waves of reassurance. I was still weary, and every time Irina would move I tensed up again.

"Jasper just walk around her and come give me a hug. I haven't seen you in years. I bet she can't even fight and is just doing this all for show. We need to reacquaint ourselves." Irina shook her hips seductively with that last comment and I lost it.

I pounced and had her in a submissive pose in less than 30 seconds. "Listen here you little whore. Jasper is my mate and I will kick your ass. Do not get close to him again if you want to keep your life. I will end you." I hissed in her ear as the others came to separate us. They may not have believed that I was serious, but I would not hesitate to take off her head and burn it on a spike if I ever saw her near my mate again.

"Now Isa, please get off our guest. It is rude to get in a fight. Irina was just joking around when she said she was going to get acquainted with Jasper. She is just trying to joke with her cousin." Edward was about to grab my arm to pull me off when Jasper intervened.

"Listen Eddie, if you ever think of touching her I will burn every contact point and roll in your ashes." Jasper was growling at this point. It was really hot to watch.

"Okay everyone, calm down and separate." Esme's voice rang through the yard. Jasper released Edward without question. Probably because his adoptive mother was speaking, and he respected her. Irina also tried to wriggle away, and I let her, but I am not constrained by the same need that the others are. "You will all act civilly while you are here. Jasper, please try to let Isa in on the relationships that are present now. Irina, you should have realized that your actions were upsetting Jasper's mate and been nicer. Now, let's all go in and catch up a little, shall we."

On that note Esme turned and started to the house. The first to follow was Edward, then the Denali girls. Emmett hung back next to Jasper and me as we began walking to the house. "Wow, Isa, that was badass. How did you learn to fight like that?" Emmett was impressed by my skills. That wasn't good for the cover I was trying to keep, but as a soldier in the Southern Wars some things are just second nature.

"Well, I was recruited to be a soldier when I was turned after some outside circumstances didn't pan out." I tried to be brief on my history, they did not need to know the pain that I went through. On the plus side Emmett seems to be accepting me a little better knowing that I will protect Jasper with everything that I am.

I caught up on what happened while we were gone by piecing together flashes of the thoughts around me.

Apparently, after we went for a run Carlisle fussed over Edward until he knew there were not any injuries then tried to convince Esme that they should kick me out of the house. Alice used some fake vision to describe the threat that I pose to the coven and Jasper. Esme said that I would not be leaving. Jasper is part of the family and they would accept him. Rosalie really stepped in when they wanted Jasper to leave. She is his sister after all. Her and I will be friends.

Not long after the conversation about mine and Jasper's presence at the house the Denali Coven showed up at the house for a surprise visit on the way to vacation.

A sharp stab hit my shield as we entered the living room. I looked up straight away to find the source of danger. The "father" of this coven was staring at me as if I were an animal at the zoo. I raised an eyebrow at him and waited for him to speak.

"Hello Jasper, it is wonderful to see you again. It has been a long time, and this must be your companion."

"Mate actually Eleazar. This is Isa Whitlock."

"Wow, she already carries your last name." Tanya commented from beside her "mother" rather rudely.

"Well, I'm afraid he didn't have much choice on that matter. I had joined the Whitlock Coven before I met Jasper and did not remember my last name. Peter gave me his for documents and as part owner in the Ranch that we run in Colorado." I interjected as I felt Jasper tense.

"Oh, pardon my rudeness, I was just wondering if we had missed a wedding. I get a little jealous about such things." Tanya laughed off the incident as did I. I can understand her hostility to an extent, but I hoped to not have to talk to her much.

"So, Isa we did not get a chance to know you earlier. Would you be willing to tell us about yourself?" Carlisle was saying to the room as we settled into our seats. Mine was on Jasper's lap in a lounge chair in the corner of the room. Ever the military mind, we didn't want people to sneak up on us.

"Of course, Carlisle. Well I was changed about 200 years ago in Mexico. And I began traveling the world about 80 years ago." I was short in my response to see who would ask the question they were all thinking.

"So, Mexico and travelling what did you to do for the 120 years in the middle?" Kate asked me. "If you don't mind my asking that is. Sometimes the question is a painful one and I don't want to bring up any bad memories for you." Kate continued her explanation before I could answer. I like her. She has spunk.

"It's okay to ask. I was in the Southern Wars up until then." I again answered concisely. The others in the room just seemed to stare in amazement. Hmm, I mean survivors of the southern wars are rare, but they have another sitting right next to them. Okay time to end the awkward silence. "Okay, so what do you guys like to do for fun?" I asked a little louder than normal. It brought them out of their thoughts.

"Oh Dear, I am so sorry you had to go through that, but I guess that does make you the ultimate mate for our Jasper here." Esme was the first to come out of her stupor and speak to me again. "As for your question dear, we like to go hunting in the mountains of Canada and possibly go shopping. We also have game night every week. This week it just happens to be tonight, so I am glad everyone will be able to join." Esme was beaming with pride and Emmett was radiating excitement I was starting to be affected by it.

Carlisle cut in before we could start getting to excited though. "First, I have a few things we need to talk about as a family. As you all know I got a call from Aro today and the discussion was interesting to say the least. He is under the impression that drinking from animals is not healthy for vampires and would like the family to visit in the next year. I think he is just wanting us in Volterra to keep Edward and Alice there. He is power hungry and greedy, but we will need to go with at least a few people in the next few months." While Carlisle was grumbling about having to go to Italy, Eleazar was watching me again. This time with curiosity. I would have to get him alone to talk to him before he left.

"I think Jasper should go to see Aro," Alice started her argument as to why my mate should be going to Italy and I perked up to hear the rest of the conversation. "Jasper is well known in the vampire world for being ruthless and uncontrollable. Once Aro sees that the animal blood has calmed him down and given him some source of control it will be easy to see that animal blood is not a problem for vampires to drink." Plus, if he gets himself killed then I could be the grieving widow to the best fighter on the planet. Or maybe he would take out some of the Volturi on the way and I could take over easier. From those thoughts Alice's mind drifted to the next outfit she was going to buy.

"I don't think Jasper will be going to Volterra any time soon. He is going to come with me traveling the world after we have visited here." Jasper wasn't leaving my sight and I was not going to Italy, so that cleared that problem right up.

"Isa is right, I am not interested in going to Volterra. I am content here in the United States. They still see me as somewhat of a threat after my background in the South." Jasper chimed in at the perfect time and Esme was quick to reassure us.

"No no, we will talk about logistics later. Traveling is great fun and all, but we need to focus on what is right here for now. How about we all go hunting then come back here for game night. "Esme was quite the coordinator.

"One more thing before we leave. Aro was talking about a vampire that he sees in people's thoughts that is completely blurry, but always able to help others. He has amassed a good number of friends and Aro suspects that the person will be coming to the Western part of the United States if pattern continues, so please if anybody sees a lone vampire be careful but polite and invite them back here. Okay let's go hunting." Carlisle eyed me as the others started to disperse. "Isa, please remember what we talked about earlier. There is no hunting in the surrounding area, and please try to stay away from the reservation. It would be a shame if something were to happen to you."

I mentally rolled my eyes at the concealed threat. "Don't worry Carlisle, I am not thirsty, so it will not be difficult to follow your treaty." I smiled and leaned into Jasper from where I was standing.

I turned around to see Eleazar about to walk out the back door. "Eleazar, would you have a moment to speak with me?"

"Of course, Isa, Carmen you go on, I will catch up in just a minute." Eleazar kissed his mate as she walked out the door. "What can I do for you Isa?"

"Oh, I just wanted to get to know you a little better, ask why you have been staring at me as if I was some kind of zoo animal" I was never known for being subtle.

"I must apologize my dear, you see my gift is to see other's gifts and I have had a hard time figuring yours out, so it has me confused. I have encountered one like you before, but not near as strong. You are a shield yes?" I had gotten worried in the middle there that he was going to know I was a sponge, but luckily for me he can't get around the shield.

"Yes, that is correct. I am a physical and mental shield. It took a while for me to get control of both, but through the years I have mastered their quirks."

"You know, with Aro wanting to come and check on Carlisle's family, you might want to call him and introduce yourself. I am obligated to let him know of any strong gifts I find that could threaten his power, and you are one of those people. I think it wise that you call him yourself."

"I have no desire to go against the Volturi, Eleazar. I spent too long fighting already. I don't want to do anymore."

"That may be, but I have no choice. He would know of my deceit the next time he touched me, and I do not want to be obligated to the guard after I have found my mate. I will wait until the day I leave to call him, but he will know of you." Eleazar smiled softly at me in apology with that last statement.

"I understand Eleazar. Perhaps you could give me his number." I smiled sweetly at him. It isn't his fault that Aro gets paranoid. I will call him shortly, but first I need to talk to Jasper. "We better go catch up to the others before they get all the big game." I joked as Eleazar handed me a folded piece of paper with the King's personal number on it.

We ran out into the woods following the others. I was looking for Jasper and he was looking for a meal.

Thank you for reading. Until Next time!