XXV.
Perfection
He let me phase back just before Leah returned. She returned with the head of the vampire she was chasing in her mouth. She flung it on the fire casually as if she always behead newborn vampires and threw it on a forest fire. She looked at us, puzzled at why we were here instead of helping the others.
What are you guys doing here? This is not the time for flirting around! She said irritated as she jumped into conclusion.
No. Andy here followed you, RJ scowled, matching Leah's irritation.
What? I don't need help, kid. I could fight a newborn without your help.
No, I know you can do that. I'm not worried about that. I saw Alec follow you here, I told her, defending myself.
Alec? Where?! she said stunned, looking around her expecting to see Alec launching himself to fight us. Where is he?!
RJ pointed towards the fire consuming most of the trees almost surrounding us now. He's dead.
Leah's eyes widened, shock wafted through the thick air. You killed him? she asked me in disbelief.
No. He did, I told her, looking at RJ who was still staring at the fire. I think we should get out of here. It's not my plan to be burned to crisp.
Sure, we should go. Besides, the others might need our help, I suggested listening to Nicole's, Sean's, Liv's, and Jake's thoughts but they were all a blur as they fought the newborn vampires. Faces flashed before my eyes as their enemies launched themselves but I only got glimpses of them.
Leah and RJ agreed with me as they examined the rest of the pack's thoughts also. They don't really want the others to be left in a battle that should be teamwork. I don't want to think of what will happen to them if one of their enemies overwhelmed them. I shrugged the thought off, not really wanting to think about what might happen. I was so absorbed in worry that I didn't hear the thoughts of RJ and Leah. All I could hear was the pounding of three pairs of paws on the forest floor as we dodged the thick fire forming now. Hearing my name caught my attention. I listened to what the others were saying.
She shouldn't have done that. There was no excuse for it. I didn't want to know think about what would have happened if Alec...if I didn't get there in time... No! I don't want to think about that. She's safe now and that's what matters, right? She's such an idiot, risking her life like that! She shouldn't have decided to take Leah's place. I have never met any girl so reckless as her, it's a miracle that she's even alive now! Gosh, why didn't I notice her before?! I've always took her for granted. I knew she was already feeling strong feelings towards me even before she phased into a wolf and imprinted on me but I just ignored it. She's beautiful, yes, but I guess I have never bothered to get to know her. Now that I am getting to, I have never been so frustrated in my life! How does she expect me to be always relaxed when I know she had her impulses to protect people?! It's not like I don't care about Leah. She's been great, bitter at times, but she has been a great mentor. She could have defended herself well enough without her interference. Gosh, what an idiot!
I don't get it. I was doing fine, I argued suddenly, fuming over his words. And thanks for the insults toward my intelligence.
Well, you are! You didn't have to do that!
How many times do I have to tell you I'm sorry?! You didn't have to go that far!
You made me so mad, did you know that?! Don't ever do that again, ever!
I already told you I won't. I'll try not to again but I won't guarantee you anything.
What?!
You can't expect me not to lay my life on the line for the people I care about, do you?
It's not fair. I can't comprehend what will happen to you. I...don't want to think about that.
Leah was listening intently at us, observing our argument. She saw RJ's memories of Alec choking me and how he killed him. I saw how she saw RJ in my eyes. I shivered at RJ's face etched with deep hatred and anger. RJ could be terrifying if he wanted to.
Do you want me to resolve to that? he asked me suddenly, observing his face on our memories with dislike.
Oh, I'd like to see that. Wouldnt' that be interesting? I teased lightly to ease the building tension already.
Shut up.
Before I could retort anything, we were in the spot were the others where. There was no trace of the newborn vampires and the others seem untouched. They looked exhausted but Jacob was very glad that there had no serious damage on his pack and they were able to beat all of the enemies without much effort.
Good job, everyone, he said as if this was just a training session and everybody seem to be doing well. Now we should really find the others. We need to find out what they plan to do with this fire.
Do you think anyone died? Sean asked hesitantly but he asked the question that everyone was worried about.
No. They're all fine. I could still hear their voices and they're just about finished too, RJ soothed all of our worries and we breathed in relief though there was no one more relieved than Leah. She was thinking about Ethan now. When she realized that we were all listening, she quickly pushed Ethan's image away. RJ suddenly gasped and what he saw in Alice's head wasn't good. They're coming!
We all ran to where they were. If the Volturi came, the Cullens would need all of our help. My heart sank at the thought that we might be too late. What if we didn't come there on time? It looked like it was Jake's, Leah's, and RJ's worry too. They know much more about the Volturi than Nicole, Sean, Liv, and I do since Jacob and Leah already encountered them and RJ saw what they were like when he probed Edward's head for information about them.
I think we should phase into humans, RJ suggested. The Cullens still want to prove to them that we are not interested in taking over their power.
But wouldn't it be risky? Nicole asked.
We don't have any other choice now so just do it, Jacob said as he led the boys toward a patch of thick trees where they could dress. We went to the opposite side to dress to. As I changed and placed on the thin clothes, my heart hammered against my chest. I flinched at the deep wound still bleeding on my back.
"Don't worry, it'll heal in about an hour or two," Leah said, examining the deep wound. "Wolves heal fast. Just don't let it get infected. If you do, then you will certainly have a huge problem. Here, we could help wrap this around you." She ripped one of her sleeves clean. She ripped one of Nicole's sleeves too and tied them both tightly. Then she tied the makeshift bandage around my waist and tightened it.
The Cullens were fine; a bit disgruntled and their clothes were also wripped in different parts, but otherwise, they were fine. There were not a trace of the newborn vampires around, just the angry fire that was bearly consuming the forest now but not even touching us. They already know the Volturi were coming and we were so alarmed, jumping at the smallest sound.
"Good, you phased back to wolves. We need to prove to them that we only want to live peacefully. Bella is not even going to put her shield up but once Edward sensed that the Volturi is planning an attack, her shield will be up at once," Carlisle said as he saw us, relief crossing his face. "Edward told me you met Alec."
"Yeah. He went after Leah and Andy went after him. RJ killed him though," Jacob reported.
Carlisle sighed. "We saw him and were coming after him when he just...disappeared."
"Why aren't you coming after the other vamps? There's gotta be some who ran away when they saw the fire," Jacob said, looking around the Cullens.
"The Volturi are taking care of them now. We just need to stay put for now. Look, the fire is starting to stop. I think the Volturi are stopping it as we speak." I looked at the forest. It was true, the fire forest wasn't spreading any longer and there was some kind of path of burned grass and trees that was large enough for people to go through without being harmed by the raging fire. Before anyone else could speak, a group of beautiful people came out of that path with a smug smile in their faces. I smelled the smell of fear, mixing with the bitter scent of smoke. RJ automatically grabbed my hand and this confirmed my worst fears- the Volturi had come.
"Ah, Aro," Carlisle said pleasantly but I could smell coldness in the air around him.
"Carlisle, we meet once again," the vampire in the front said calmly. He seemed to be the only one visible while the others settled in the shadows. I smelled the air around him and realized he had the same powers as Edward and RJ though there was a hint of something different, though I could not quite point it out. I could tell he was also fond of collecting power. It was not only him who had an ability though I did not see who the others were.
"Yes, we do seem to meet at the most...unpleasant circumstances."
The vampire named Aro shook his head. "I am not pleased, Carlisle. You have killed two of my guards."
"But you have not came here to punish us. You did not help them," Carlisle said smugly.
His milky red eyes lit up. "Yes, that is true. We only came here to clean up after what mess Alec did."
He would have killed Alec and Jane himself if they survived their encounters with us, RJ thought bitterly, communicating with our touch. Shoot. I was puzzled by the sudden exclamation but he closed me out before I could inquire about it. Then I saw Aro was studying us, his eyes focused on our pack.
"Ah, Carlisle, it seems your return to Forks have triggered the phasing of new wolves," Aro said as if stating the weather. "Ah and off-springs of the old pack and...your granddaughter." He spat the words slickly but the insult was evident.
"Yes, we needed to return when we found out Alec was going after Leah. We weren't really going to let that happen. I'm sorry if we had to left suddenly. It was rude, I must admit."
"I must say, your...new allies have very, very interesting powers. Andrea got her talent from you, Ethan, I believe? But it only strengthened with Leah being a wolf," he said, his eyes met mine and I could feel him probing inside my head and I didn't like it. RJ clasped my hand firmer.
Don't worry about it, I know, I don't like him being inside your head but just calm down. RJ whispered inside my head.
"Ah, and young RJ. You look so much like Jacob, but your eyes. Yes, I recognize those eyes. But it belonged to a human who gives out a very mouthwatering smell." Aro smiled as he saw our hands locked together. "You have both your grandfather's and your mother's power. You can communicate outside your wolf form. Interesting. And you imprinted on young Andrea."
RJ's jaws locked together so tight that I was afraid he was going to break his teeth inside. If you do anything to her, Aro. I will hunt you down myself.
RJ! Don't say such ridiculous things! Edward scowled. It's not worth it!
Foolish boy. Do you think your short years of experience will be enough for centuries of my existence? You should listen to your grandfather; he's a very wise man. And don't you think it is Andrea's choice whether she wants to join my guards if she wants to. You could come also but I do not need your mind-reading and I do not care about what you think, Aro sneered.
"No, thank you," I said out loud, shouting it in my head so he would hear clearly. "I am not interested."
"Ah, too bad. And I don't think your children have changed their minds also?" he asked, looking expectantly at Bella and Alice.
"No, Aro, I'm quite fond of my family," Alice said, her eyes going cold as her skin.
Bella also looked at Aro directly. "I still did not change my mind."
"Very well then. We do not need to stay here," Aro said as he swept his eyes for the last time.
"What?! Are you going to let them go again?!" a voice from behind shrieked. "They have done the most crimes! They have killed two of our guards and you'll letting them go?!"
"Peace, brother. We do not need a war right now. We are not ready and they are not ready. I am not fond of fighting with an unfair advantage," Aro snapped, his eyes seeming to lose its milkiness and his blood red irises were terryfying; something that you might see in your nightmare. Without even looking back, he whipped around and walked out of the small blackened area where a few smokes were still rising up from the fire. When they were gone, we were all relieved, the smell was immediately released.
Without caring about the fact that everyone was still with us, RJ grabbed me and pulled me into a hug; my body fit around his arms perfectly. His arms were locked so tightly I thought he was never going to let me go, which was perfectly fine with me. I buried my face on his chest while he buried his face on my hair, his breath warm against my scalp.
It looks like your parents are all right now, he thought. I pulled my self out from him slightly just to look at Ethan and Leah. My jaw dropped as I saw them in a tight hugs, their lips pressed against the other moving madly. I couldn't help smiling. At least they were okay now.
Then something flashed in his head and he let go off me right away like he was shocked. His eyes traveled around the pack without really seeing us, pain was coming out strong in his scent. I looked worried at him and I took a step forward. He didn't see me. He was scaring me, I didn't like seeing him this way.
"RJ?" I asked. "What's wrong?"
Edward placed a hand on his shoulder, assisting him. "You should go," he told his grandson. "He was like a father to you."
"What's going on?" Jacob asked, looking from his son to Edward. "Are you all right, RJ?"
"Jacob," he gasped, clutching on Jake's shirt collar. "I-i-it's Billy! He's being rushed to the hospital right now. He's with Sue. I-I-I don't think he can make it." I could smelled the shock beginning to thicken in the air that it was unbearable. Then I smelled the pain that was beginning to get thick too. I was worried about Billy too. I have lived my whole life on Jacob's leadership but I know Billy enough and he was like a father to everyone in the reservation. "We need to go now." Without warning, they both phased into wolves, tearing their clothes apart.
The rest of the pack started moving towards them too, but the Cullens all grasped us by the arm before we could take another step forward. We all looked back at the Cullen who was holding us at the same time. They were staring at us right in our eyes, piercing our souls.
"I think we need to leave them alone for now," Carlisle told me, his eyes never leaving mine. "You could pay your respects later on. Just let them be right now."
"But Billy is our old chief!" Leah exclaimed, trying to free herself from her husband's grasp.
Edward shook his head. "We understand that but it's time for their family. Comfort them when they need it."
The sun was slowly rising up when I walked by the cliff where RJ, Jacob, and Renesmee just watching it rise. I could feel the grief in them and I shared their pain too. RJ and Jake were still both in their wolf forms. I sat down beside RJ and he looked at me. The others didn't seem to notice me. I touched his head and whispered I'm sorry. His eyes were watering but he nodded. I've known Billy for all of my life. I've witnessed his wisdom and bravery. I've seen the influence he had in his son, grandson, and every boy in the tribe. His death was a real loss. RJ settled his head in my shoulder and I could feel hot, warm tears flowing from his cheeks and soaking my sleeve.
"I'm sorry," I said sadly, making my voice loud enough for Jacob and Renesmee to hear me too. My voice was already thick with tears.
Renesmee sighed after a minute. "I think we should go home. You guys must be exhausted. Come on Jake." She stood up and Jacob followed. I couldn't say he looked like her dog because he and his son looked too glorious to be considered as pets when they're in their wolf forms.
I wiped my tears with the back of my hands. "I think we should go too," I whispered to RJ. He lifted his head and followed Renesmee and Jacob. I stood up and gazed at the son. Rest in peace, Billy, you'll be missed.
I hesitated. His bedroom door seem to be daring me to go in. I finally entered and saw him lying in his bed, staring at the wall, only wearing shorts. My hormones were having a wild party inside me and I could feel my face heat up uncomfortably. I was already with him and I shouldn't really be uncomfortable around him. He looked up and saw me standing there. I settled down on his chair by his desk. He stood up and walked to me. He held out his hand, his chocalate brown eyes were blank. I took it hesitantly, never lifting my eyes on his face. He scooped me up and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Thanks for sleeping over," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair off my eyes. His palm cupped my face. He was coming so close I could see every strand of his long eyelashes. I wanted him so much but I forced myself to push myself back as far as his arms would allow me. He looked disappointed.
"No. You're in grief and lonely. I don't want to be used to temporarily satisfy your lonliness. Besides, what's the rush?"
"What do you mean?"
"We have forever, don't we? We can't let go of each other so there's no use rushing into anything."
He sighed. "You're right." But he still held me close to him. I didn't mind it a bit. I like being in his arms, feeling like nothing could hurt me. I let his smell wash over me, letting it weaken and strengthen me at the same time. "Can you promise me something?" he asked after a few minutes.
"That depends."
He scowled at this but ignored it. "Promise me you'll always tell me what you think. Tell me what your thoughts are without editing it, all right?"
"That wouldn't really matter. You would hear my thoughts anyways so why make me promise something like that?" I frowned, searching for a clue that would explain what he was asking for in his eyes.
"I know. But if you do this, I'll know you trust me enough to tell me what you think."
My frown deepened. "You already know I trust you."
"Please just do this. Besides, if we share our thoughts, we don't have to share anything personal or private to the pack."
I sighed. "I guess. But that's not fair."
He leaned his head to the side. "What is?"
"Well, you would know what I think and you will know that I'm not editing anything I'm saying. But I won't have any way of knowing what you think or what you're saying is what you think."
"Then I would have to just hold you all the time to let you know." At that moment, he looked so boy-like. He was unbearably cute. I couldn't help smiling.
I sighed and placed my cheeks against his bare chest. "Will you hold me like this every time you can?"
"Forever," he whispered, placing his forefinger and thumb on my chin. He forced my face to look up at him. He was starting to come closer to me once again. I couldn't move at all, his fingers were holding me at place. His chocolate eyes, warm and melted, held my gaze. His smell was overwhelming me again, making me weak. I could feel my knees shake under my weight. He scooped me up, holding my whole form in his forearm. At last he took his fingers off my chin. I thought I could pull away but he placed his hand under my hair. He was coming closer and closer that I could feel his sweet breath on my lips.
I let him overwhelm me. The moment our lips met, I felt I was going to melt. I thought of fighting from this but my yearning for him won. I kissed him vigurously as he did too. Every cell in my body seem to be made up of him, my whole life revolved around this boy holding me, and my whole identity seem to be made up of him. He was my heart and I was sure I am his too. I could feel my heart hammering against my lungs while my whole body heated up. I was starting to get uncomfortable just being supported by his arm. But I didn't mind all of this at all. There was so many imperfections around me but this moment was just perfect. As long as it was his lips pressed against mine, I don't care what happens to the world. Slowly my thoughts faded and I could only think about his lips, my head seem to be made of how I love him. I love you, RJ, forever and ever. Nothing could change that.