Chapter 23—An Angry Storm

The more violent the storm, the quicker it passes.

Paulo Coelho

Jacob's POV

Riley stood behind me—alone. I balled my hands into fists to prevent myself from drawing my gun. His deadline had come and passed. He failed me. Bella was still evading my guys. Riley's plan to post men at the bar proved pointless; no one had seen her.

Where in the world was she hiding? Was someone helping her?

Tightening my hands, I turned to face him. "So, what is your plan?"

His eyes went to the gun at my waist. He swallowed hard. "We go to Forks. She'll eventually make her way there, to her parents' graves."

Until now, I thought Riley was working against me like Embry, but his idea was good. It helped that I also had a feeling Bella would want to pay respects to her parents. "Make the necessary arrangements. We'll leave immediately."

Bella's POV

Edward stopped the car outside the gate of the cemetery, letting it idle, and took hold of my hand. He sighed, staring straight ahead with his eyes slightly glazed over.

"Is something wrong?" I asked. If anyone were to be apprehensive about where we were, it should have been me, not him

"No. I was checking the area for danger," he answered.

His abilities never ceased to amaze me; there was so much he could do that I wasn't sure I could. "How do you do it?" I asked, hoping he would explain.

"I clear my mind and ground myself," he said, squeezing my hand. "Then I search for the nearest mind. If someone is in the area, I use their eyes to see who or what is in the vicinity."

"Sounds complicated."

"At times it is. Right now, there's no one in or around the graveyard."

I was glad, Monday's stop at the grocery store coming to mind. Mrs. Stanley had recognized me the moment Edward and I had entered. I was never really friends with her daughter, Jessica, but Mrs. Stanley must have forgotten about that and had proceeded to update me on Jessica's life. A situation like that was one thing I wanted to avoid the rest of my stay. Of course, I knew that wasn't why Edward checked.

"Thank you," I said. "I'd like to see if I have the ability. Could you teach me?"

Edward turned and smiled at me. "It would be an honor," he replied. "We'll start when we're back at the house."

He returned his gaze forward and looked in the rearview mirror.

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw that the others had arrived, having stopped for flowers.

Grandfather passed us in his Town Car, and we followed, winding along the road, rows of gravestones on either side of us. I didn't think we were ever going to stop, but we did in the very last section.

"Wait," Edward said when I put my hand on the door handle.

His eyes were closed when I turned.

"It's safe."

It was my turn to smile. Grandfather opened the door for me and helped me out.

"Give Isabella and me a few minutes," Grandfather said, his voice thick with emotion.

He led me over to two headstones. A star within a circle adorned both stones, and I was surprised. The symbol meant that the person was a practitioner of the Wiccan faith, which was sort of true. They did worship the gods and goddess of nature, like Edward and I did, but my parents had actual powers, not perceived ones. Their spells always worked. They could summon any object to them, making them sorcerers in every sense of the word.

"Grandfather?" I questioned, still appalled by the symbol.

He sighed. "It was their wish, lass. They left a letter for you explaining, but I don't have it with me. The short of it is this—they wanted their beliefs represented in some way. This symbol," he said, motioning toward the stones, "was the closest the clan would allow."

"Urgh!" I exclaimed, my hands going to my face. To the Cullens and the security team, it would appear that I was crying. After a minute or so, I lowered them, holding one out for the flowers Grandfather held.

Kneeling, I placed yellow roses on Mom's gravesite and yellow carnations on Dad's. "I miss you both so much. I don't understand why you had to die, but I promise to find out who murdered you and see that they are brought to justice."

I stayed on my knees, and tears finally started falling. Something was strange though. I had thought I would be angry at my parents for leaving me, but I had long ago accepted that they were gone. Stranger still was the fact that I wasn't following a normal grief cycle. I never denied that they were gone, having briefly seen the carnage. And I didn't barter with the gods and goddess to bring my parents back. I went straight to acceptance, but now, I was furious with Jacob. A fierce, harsh scream left me along with a whole lot of magic. My rage at Jacob manifested when it started pouring. Lightning split the sky in great slashes, followed by deafening thunder.

Over all the noise, I heard Grandfather. "Lad, let her get it all out." I knew he was addressing Edward.

I wasn't sure if Edward said anything back, but when strong arms wrapped around me, I was grateful that he hadn't listened. "Breathe with me, love," he said in my mind. "Good. Calm the storm within you."

I continued to breathe with him. How I lost control of my powers was a mystery to me. From the time I was eleven until now, I haven't let my emotions get the better of me. With each additional breath I took, I reined in the storm. Edward never let go, lending me his strength.

"Thank you," I whispered when a gentle rain fell. I was too drained to communicate any other way.

"You're welcome," he whispered back. He gathered me up into his arms. "Emmett, you have my spare keys, right?"

"Sure do, bro," Emmett replied, jingling them.

Edward's POV

While waiting for Bella to come downstairs earlier, Malcolm had requested that my family and I stay back. He wanted Bella to have a little private time at the graves so she could finally say goodbye to her parents.

The moment she had screamed, I regretted agreeing but remained where I was. When the storm had begun, I was through watching and rushed to her. Whatever Malcolm had yelled, I hadn't heard—Bella's hunched form was all I could focus on.

I had been prepared for rain, but the raging storm Bella had summoned—I didn't know she had that much raw power. By the time I had her in the backseat of my car, she was shivering.

"The high school," I instructed Emmett. "We need to get her out of these wet clothes and warmed up."

Emmett didn't say a word but drove like a bat out of hell to the school. Rosalie was also with us, which I was grateful for.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Cope," Rosalie said, pausing briefly. "This may sound strange, but we were caught in the sudden thunderstorm and have someone with us that was soaked. She needs to get warmed up, fast. Is there any way we can use the girls' locker room?" She fell silent. "Thank you, Ms. Cope." Hanging up, she told Emmett to head to the locker rooms near the track. "Coach Clapp will meet us. He was in the office and said we can use the dryer."

Mom and Alice were climbing out of Dad's car when I got out of mine with Bella still in my arms. I wasn't about to question how they got to the school so fast, since Dad was one to always obey the law, but to say that I was relieved would be an understatement.

Walking quickly toward the small building, I entered the locker room and sat Bella down on a bench.

"We'll take it from here, Edward," Mom said as Alice pulled Bella's shoes off.

Rosalie had retrieve a few towels and handed one to me.

There was no way I would have been able to help Rosalie, so when I was kicked out by Alice, I went without complaint. I was grateful for my mom and sisters.

"What do you suppose caused that reaction?" Dad was asking Malcolm when I came out.

"I wish I knew," Malcolm answered. "Isabella has never conjured more than a gentle rainstorm."

"And she didn't say anything on the way here," Emmett supplied.

In a way, Emmett was right; however, I knew what, or rather who, brought out the violent reaction. "She's furious with Jacob," I said, making my presence known.

"Damn the lad," Malcolm said. "What in the hell does he want with my granddaughter?" He knew as well as I that Jacob wouldn't rest until Bella was back with him.

Emmett gave me a quick, nervous look.

"From the information Emmett and I got from someone, Jacob wants Bella's powers," I replied.

Malcolm's eyes went wide, and his face turned red. "The gall of the bastard," he cursed. "He's not worthy."

"Hold up!" Jasper said. "Are you saying it's possible?"

My eyes were still trained on Malcolm.

"Aye. Isabella can bless another with her abilities if she deems them worthy."

"How?" I asked.

Malcolm gazed at me for a longtime. "Only she knows. All I know is that an intimate connection is needed."

"Looks like you're going to have to sleep with her," Emmett said with a laugh.

I ignored him, filing away the information Malcolm provided. "If she blessed me, would I be able to return them?"

Again, Malcolm studied me. "You have a special connection with her, lad, don't you?"

I nodded, not expounding on what that connection was. If Malcolm was as smart as I knew he was, he would know what I wasn't saying.

"You'd be able to, lad. Though the gifting is only temporary—a couple hours, at most."

Emmett's phone beeped, and he pulled it out to look at it. "Shit!" he exclaimed. "Jacob's been spotted in town."

Dread washed through me. I had to get Bella back to safety. Handing out candy tonight was a bust for her and me.

"Go, Edward," Dad said, his eyes moving to the door of the locker room.

My eyes locked with Bella's.

"No!" she shouted through our link.

I gave her a sad smile. "I'm sorry," I relayed back. "He's here, and we have to get back behind the protective barrier."

"Edward, get her out of here," Jasper yelled. "Use your goddamn powers to get her back home."

Bella's hand came to rest on my shoulder. "He's right," she said. "I can feel that Jacob is near, but I can't tell where."

There was no way that I was taking her anywhere until I knew where he was. "Love, you know Jacob's mind better than me. I need you to seek it out."

Bella shivered, and I drew her into my arms.

"I wouldn't ask you to do this but—" I stopped midsentence, remembering that she had asked me to teach her. A groan escaped me.

"You have to help me," she whispered.

"You're already grounded," I said, tightening my arms around her. "Clear your mind and close your eyes. Now, picture Jacob standing in front of you." It was hard, walking her through how to find his mind. I didn't want her in it, but I didn't have any other choice.

Tears started falling. "He's at my parents' graves."

"Come back to me," I whispered.

She gasped and went limp in my arms. I felt a slight twinge of energy pass into me, but I didn't think anything of it.

I gulped. "She knows why Jacob wants her," I said.

"How in the hell do you know that?" Alice asked.

"Later," I replied, vanishing with Bella. We appeared in my childhood bedroom, close to the bed.

~~ L. C. ~~

Hours had gone by and Bella hadn't awakened. Dad and Malcolm were beginning to worry, and as much as I hated to admit it, so was I—I was afraid I was going to lose her. And the fact that she was extremely pale didn't help matters.

"If she doesn't wake in the next hour, she's going to the hospital," Dad said, putting his stethoscope down.

I nodded. "Dad, maybe you should check me out, too. I'm feeling a little … off." It was the best way I could put it. I wasn't feeling sick exactly, but my heart was beating a little faster than normal, and I was tingling everywhere. I thought with time, it would pass.

"Sit up," he instructed.

Once I was sitting on the edge of the bed, he began examining me. "How long have you been feeling this way?"

I had to think. "Right after Bella gasped," I answered. "I felt a slight shock, almost like static electricity passing from Bella to me."

Malcolm shook his head. "Lad, I would say Bella gave you her powers."

I glanced over my shoulder at her still form. "How can I know for sure?"

"Have you ever changed the weather?" Malcolm asked.

"No. I've tried countless times to no avail."

Carlisle pointed to the window, saying nothing.

Exhaling, I stood and moved toward it. It was drizzling. Not sure what to do precisely, I looked up at the clouds and commanded them to move. Slowly, the rain dissipated and the sun appeared. "What does that prove?" I asked, turning around. "The forecast did call for a little sunshine today."

"It doesn't prove anything, but you don't have my powers anymore," Bella said weakly from the bed. "They have returned to me."

If it wasn't for the restraining hand of Carlisle, I would have run back to Bella's side.

"How are you feeling, lass?" Malcolm asked.

"Like I was hit by a truck," she told me using our link, but aloud she said, "Drained."

I had to resist the urge to laugh. "Do you remember what happened?"

She closed her eyes and sighed. "I wish I didn't. Jacob"—she stopped and took a deep breath—"he wants my powers."

Carlisle looked at me. "Don't tell her you knew and didn't tell her," he said with his eyes.

"Do you have any idea why?" Malcolm asked.

She shook her head. "I don't even know how he found out what I was. I'm always careful, checking the area around me before I perform any spells."

I exhaled and made a motion with my head, wanting a few minutes alone with Bella. Carlisle clapped me on the shoulder before he left with Malcolm, closing the door.

Wiping my hands, I took a seat on the bed, facing Bella. She had sat up at some point and was fussing with the pillows, trying to adjust them behind her.

"Allow me, love," I said. "Lean forward."

Once she was settled back against the pillows, I took hold of her hands. "You scared me with that fierce storm."

"I didn't mean to. I was suddenly so mad a Jacob. He took so much from me, and I wish I could prove that he was the one behind my parents' deaths."

I smiled sadly, knowing that already. "I want to be honest with you, Bella. Emmett and I spoke with James and found out days ago why Jacob wants you."

She looked hurt. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I dropped my chin to my chest, examining the blanket and our linked hands a moment. Lifting my head back up, I looked directly into her eyes. "Do you blame me for wanting to protect you?" I countered.

"No," she whispered in answer. "It would have been better if you would have told me instead of letting me learning through Jacob's thoughts."

"I know, love, but there is no going back and changing things now." I exhaled a long breath. "Was the shock of learning that what caused the power transfer?"

Bella bit her lip. "Yes. I had two choices of who to bless—you or my grandfather. What I didn't know was that I would blackout after I gave them to you."

"You had us all worried," I said, squeezing her hands, "especially me when you wouldn't wake up. I was afraid I was going to lose you, and I don't know what I would have done if I had."

After freeing one of her hands from my grasp, she cupped my face. "Edward, you're not going to lose me. I love you too much to leave you."

Blindly, I reached for the velvet box I had placed on the nightstand earlier, my eyes never leaving Bella's. This wasn't how I had planned on proposing to her, but nothing about our relationship was normal.

"I love you, too, Isabella. In such a short time, you have not only captured my heart, but you have become my life." Using a little magic, I flipped open the box, revealing the ring.

Bella's hands flew to her mouth, and she drew in a quick breath.

"Isabella Marie Swan, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

A/N: First, I am doing my best to be respectful of the Wiccan faith, but I do need to use a little creative license from time to time. I hope that if any of you practice, I hope I did not offend you with this chapter—"perceived powers" is my way of trying to distinguish between what is real and what is fiction. I haven't received any negative criticism so far—*knocks on wood*—and I hope I don't.

Second, I write for myself, and I love sharing this story with all of you. The comments that have been left make me smiles, and a few of you have made leaps that amaze me. For instance, zizinikoreanlover suggested Edward telling Malcolm about why Jacob wants Bella and seeing what insight Malcolm had about why Jacob was being relentless. By the time that I received that comment, I had already outlined this chapter and planned for exactly that to happen. Thumbs up to zizinikoreanlover!

Finally, have a suggestion, let me know—I might just use it. Or if you have a question about something, I loved to hear from you. Just leave a comment. Thanks for reading.