Sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter out. I've been really busy with real life. Work, concerts, general trying to stay afloat. Real Life is kicking my ass right now, and this is my only escape. Instead of just crunching out a bunch of chapters, I'd rather take my time making each one exactly that way I want it to be.

Some of the plot/lines were taken from Chapter 18 of Eclipse, but I'm not delving so much into the schematics of the fighting until we get to the actual fight scene chapter. (Whenever that may be.)

Also, I am ecstatic to announce that LTLA has been nominated for the Indies Twific Awards! I am so flattered and thankful to whoever nominated me. If you like the story and want to vote, please go here: .

This chapter is from EPOV.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, any of the characters in Twilight, or anything related to the books and/or movies. If I did, I would be way too busy- doing dirty things with the Cullen boys- to sit down at my laptop and write this story. The scenes and general plot ideas that I did borrow from Stephenie Meyer have been revamped to fit my story.

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Learning to Live Again

Chapter Forty-Six: Unraveling

Edward, he told her

Great, just great. It wasn't bad enough that we were trying to protect my ex-girlfriend- whom I was still in love with- from a deranged nomadic vampire, but now I was going to have to deal with her attitude as well. I looked over at my sister and shrugged my shoulders to her. There was nothing we could do now.

I heard Jasper and Bella approach the clearing. His thoughts were louder than his quick footsteps.

Dammit, why didn't I just keep my mouth shut? Because I'm weak when it comes to her, that's why. Now she's pissed and hurt, and I have no clue how to talk myself out of this one. How the hell did Edward used to do this?

I chuckled to myself. Jasper hadn't been with Bella long. He didn't know that there was really no logical way to reason with her. It seemed he would be finding out soon enough, though. This would be their first fight.

As they entered the clearing, Bella jumped off Jasper's back and jogged over to where Emmett and Rosalie were standing. She threw herself into Emmett's arms and started crying. His face was that of shock, but he wrapped her into a hug, offering the comfort that only a big brother could give. Bella mumbled for a moment into Emmett's shoulder, explaining to them what had happened.

Rosalie looked over to me and Jasper who was now by my side with Alice. We all looked down as her face changed from confusion to anger. She really had become closer with Bella these past few weeks and was upset that we would keep something from either of them.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, right? Emmett and I have never been anything extraordinary to our family. Why wouldn't you three exclude us from your masterful plan that is currently blowing up in your damn faces?

I shook my head, trying to show Rosalie that we weren't thinking like that at all. Before I could go over and explain, the wolves entered the clearing. I approached the one in the lead, knowing this was Sam.

We thought it would be easier to understand how to fight the newborns if we were phased. We also need to acquaint ourselves with each of your scents so that we can distinguish you from the other vampires during the fight.

"That's a great idea. I'm embarrassed that I didn't think of it myself," I acknowledged. "I know that you all have families and normal lives to get back to, so let's just get started right now." I waited until the rest of our family had walked over to us before I continued. "Jasper has had a lot of experience with newborns and knows their strengths and weaknesses. He will be able to instruct you on the best way to take them out."

Bella, please, baby, just look over at me. Just give me a smile so I know that you'll be able to forgive me.

Jasper was otherwise preoccupied, so I cleared my throat and nudged him with my elbow. "Jasper, please."

He shook his head, finally tearing his gaze away from where Bella was still wrapped in a hug with Emmett. Her sobbing had slowed to a sniffle now, and her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. Unfortunately, it was not the first time I had seen her like this because of me. I noticed the pained look on my brother's face before he stood up straight and turned to address the wolves.

"Thank you for agreeing to help us in this battle. I know that our staying here is more than just an inconvenience for you, but I truly do appreciate your assistance." Jasper paused and swept his eyes over to Bella again. She was watching him now, from underneath Emmett's arm. Jasper's face lit up before he turned back to address all of us. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can gravel.

The wolves stayed back a few yards, all sitting back on their haunches in relaxed positions. Except for one. I noticed one of the larger with russet-colored hair edging closer to where Rosalie, Emmett, and Bella sat together on an overgrown tree root. They had moved to sit on the root when the pack came into the clearing, putting distance between them and our larger group.

"Back off, Jacob," I heard Bella hiss at one of her closest friends. He retreated with a whine, going to take his place next to a smaller, darker wolf. I recognized that it was Leah as she nuzzled into his side.

Alice came to my side and reassuringly squeezed my shoulder while Cameron stayed close behind her. He was watching Jasper with great interest. Carlisle and Esme were standing closest to Rosalie, Emmett, and Bella. Carlisle was looking at me with a questioning expression across his face. Esme was too concerned with Bella, watching her with worry. There would be plenty of time to explain ourselves later.

"Let's get down to business," he announced. "First of all, newborn vampires are very different from us. They have close to no control of themselves. They're strong, fast, and go for an easy kill. The most important thing to do is to avoid letting them get their arms around you. Stay constantly moving to keep them off track. They won't be able to concentrate and you can slip in for the kill."

"Emmett, will you come up here and we can demonstrate," Jasper asked, turning to look over at our brother. He stood up straight, easing Bella out of his arms and into Rosalie's instead. She looked so fragile with her glazed over expression and dried tear streaks down her cheeks.

"Gladly, brother," Emmett said with an edge to his voice. If I have to deal with a pissed off Rosalie and depressed Bella, I want to be able to get a few licks in to you assholes.

"Emmett, it's not what you think," I tried to mumble to him.

"Not now, Edward," Rosalie hissed from the distance. I nodded my head toward her in understanding.

Emmett walked to stand a few yards from Jasper. "Emmett relies on his strength for fighting," Jasper began. "I will show you how to get past their strength in order to gain the upper hand." Jasper nodded his head to Emmett, signaling him to try to get him.

Emmett lunged forward toward Jasper, and I had to stifle a laugh. Our brother truly was not one for subtlety. His obvious advance was easily avoided by Jasper who was able to slide out of his grasp. Behind me, Jasper was the fastest of our family. Emmett cursed as he fell forward a third time, missing Jasper by a foot.

They both stood and locked eyes. Jasper recoiled with a shocked gasp escaping his lips before Emmett turned and went back to sit with Rosalie and Bella.

"Jasper?" I whispered.

Edward, I think we've made an even bigger mess of our situation. I've never seen him look so vulnerable or betrayed. And he feels even worse. Almost as bad as Bella.

"What's the hold up, boys?!" Rosalie yelled. She had stood from the tree root and had her hands on her hips, looking at us with a frustrated expression on her face. "It would be nice to move this along so that Bella can go home and get some sleep, you know."

"Yes, Rosalie, I am aware that my girlfriend needs to sleep," Jasper retorted, taking a long stride toward her. "I don't need you telling me what Bella does or does not need."

"Obviously, Jasper. You seem to know her so well that you have managed to screw your relationship up within the first month," Rosalie antagonized. She took another fluid step forward. "Congratulations."

"Shut your mouth, Rose," he warned. "You have no clue what you're talking about."

"Don't talk to her like that," Emmett joined in with a loud growl. He had stood and placed Bella behind him. He was obviously looking for a fight. Before I could take a step forward to mediate, Esme did.

"Children, please. We can speak about this later. I'm sure that Sam and his pack don't appreciate seeing us quarrel and wasting their time," she urged. She had moved to stand beside Jasper and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. Carlisle was doing the same for Rosalie.

"You're right, Esme," Jasper said softly. "I'm sorry," he spoke as he turned to the wolves. "Cameron, would you please come up here to demonstrate as well?"

With that, the lesson was pushed forward. Cameron and Jasper sparred for what seemed like hours. Jasper was able to avoid all attacks but one. Jasper had gotten distracted when Bella had fallen off the tree root and looked over to her to make sure she was okay. Cameron had been able to get a bite in.

It was hard to gauge who was more worried in that moment. Jasper or Bella. I knew that they would be okay and that they would work out their problems. I only hoped that I would be able to as well.