Chapter 43 - Simply Shocking
Bella POV
My spectacular, wonderful, awesome, glorious mate and I were running through the woods toward the house where the others awaited us, having dressed in the clothes Uncle Pete left for us in the woods. I frequently allowed my gaze to linger on the mating mark I had given my Jasper, while lightly fingering the one he had given me. It was amazing how wonderful it felt to be able to see and feel these marks, shouting our relationship to the rest of the vampire world in such a visible, tangible way.
My sweet Jasper was bitterly muttering under his breath about how inconsiderate our enemies were to interrupt our mating process and about how quickly he intended to dispatch them, so we could get back to the much more important and interesting issue of claiming one another. He continued with his very quiet tirade about how much he resented their timing, how he intended to teach them some manners, and how very much he wished they could have waited just a few more hours before demanding his attention. He was busy making plans, strategizing, and considering contingencies, not for the upcoming battle we were meeting with the others to discuss, but how he intended to get me away from everybody else as soon as stupid Victoria and the vile Volturi had been demolished.
I knew he wouldn't appreciate my humor in the face of his discomfort, nor the stares I was giving him as I wondered if his pants could take the strain of his cock's desperate attempts to escape its confines, as we had no time to play, so I found myself getting lost in my thoughts along the way instead.
One of my earliest memories, from the day I was born, was of defending MY Jasper from that evil Alice girl. Even though I was scared and confused as I sat in the dirt, surrounded by who I now know to be members of my family, a small, determined voice insisted Jasper was MINE, not hers. That same voice warns me if anybody, like Emmett usually, is trying to sneak up on me, tells me where my prey is when it's time to feed, helps me figure things out that are new to me, and is always aware where Jasper is in proximity to me. It tells me, upon meeting others, if they are friend or foe, whether or not they can be trusted, and whether I should flee or fight.
I remembered from my first day, a statement Mommy made: "Aw, how cute! Bella's instincts are telling her Jasper belongs to her." I didn't really understand what she meant at the time, so I thought 'instincts' was the name of the voice loudly proclaiming Jasper was MINE. The funny thing, is that Daddy had unknowingly fueled that belief, when he told me it was natural and good to listen to my instincts, as my instincts would protect me.
When I first learned the letters of the alphabet, I spelled the name phonetically - Nstnx, so that's what I've called my inner voice ever since. I later learned that when they say instincts, they are referring to their 'vampire' side, versus what they consider their 'human' side. The problem is that I don't really have a 'human' inner voice to counter my 'vampire' voice, not like the rest of them seem to have anyway.
Nstnx is part of me, not separate from me - not like the Major is for Jasper. Nstnx isn't a persona, or my monster/beast/animal. It's essentially the voice of my body, telling me what my body needs, what I need to do or say to protect myself and make sure I have everything I need to both survive and be happy. I don't struggle with Nstnx for control or fight whatever her voice tells me, because I know she is just the part of me that handles my safety and survival. She is me. So, rather than thinking of myself as having 'vampire' and 'human' sides, I have 'practical' and 'emotional' sides that debate over the best course of action in a given situation. I don't feel any shame for not being human, like so many of my family members do. I'm happy to be a vampire.
I mean, it's nice to be told stories of myself as a human, but I don't have any real emotional connection to them. I just feel more secure that when we meet other vampires, I have a past I can explain. I'm somebody, with a full name and a history. I felt vulnerable, not knowing who I was before, wondering if someone or something would eventually come back to haunt me. It turns out I was right to worry, as this Victoria character was someone coming after me and my family because of a grudge she's holding against us from my human days. If I didn't know the story, how would I even know she was gunning for me? How would I know I didn't deserve whatever she wants to do to me in her crazy attempt for revenge. Though, truthfully, I would try to avenge my Jasper if someone took him from me, even if he were the one at fault for his own demise, so I can't really blame her. What would my life be worth without him?
As far as Charlie goes, I do have some residual affection for him, and I appreciate him making an effort to give me all those pieces of my past. I hope he doesn't plan to stick around and hover though, the way he has been since they arrived. How will I get my much desired alone time with Jasper if he's always watching us and sending my empathic mate all his feelings of disapproval? I mean, I care about him, don't get me wrong, but my mate will always come first. I know he was my human father, but I'm not human anymore and never will be again. Besides, according to his stories, he barely even knew me. What kind of relationship could we have had if he only saw me two weeks a year?
He clearly didn't help raise me, not the way my vampire parents have. So, I'm fine with calling him 'Dad' and letting him hold onto a piece of his past, as long as he doesn't try to take Carlisle's place in my life and doesn't try to interfere in my relationship with Jasper. My bond to him is like a thread in comparison to the steel cables connecting me to my vampire family. Of course, my mate bond is stronger than vampire ski - it's completely unbreakable and makes steel cable seem as dainty as a paper chain.
Speaking of my mate, I wonder who could possibly have been stupid enough to challenge the God of War and try to take his mate right out of his arms? Did the vampire have a death wish? Was he attempting suicide? Surely it would have been less painful to simply throw himself into a pyre? I thought Jasper had been rather restrained in the way he handled and was curious why he had gone so easy on the other vampire. Nstnx had starting purring with delight, watching Jasper rip that man's arms off to both punish him and protect me. It called to me in such a delicious way, sending tingles throughout my body, when Jasper defended our bond. I felt safe and loved and wanted to be as close to Jasper as possible.
I was still angry inside that Kate had gotten away with her behavior toward my mate with a simple apology and promise not to let it happen again. Why didn't Daddy punish her, like I'd asked him to do? Why is she still here with our family, so close to my Jasper? I hadn't wanted to 'forgive' her without teaching her a lesson with a little limb removal first, but Mommy was set on keeping the peace. She asks me for so little that I felt obligated to at least pretend to forgive the filthy succubus. Why is she allowed to stay, but Alice was banished, when both of them committed the same crime?
I didn't understand it, and Nstnx couldn't explain it to me either. I figured it was another one of those weird 'human' things I'd never understand, like drinking animal blood instead of the much yummier human blood designed to quench our thirst much more effectively. Wouldn't it be better for the human race of we ate all the bad guys? It would be a win/win for them and us, just not the individuals who choose a life of crime. Dad had been a police officer as a human. Maybe I should ask him what he thinks about it.
Still, I couldn't wait to see Kate's face when she sees our mating marks. I couldn't be more thrilled that Jasper would now wear the mark of my teeth forever, a clear sign to any other vampire that he was mated and unavailable. Nobody else would ever be able to use the excuse they didn't know he was mated, with my mark on prominent display, like a shining beacon in the darkness. Anybody else who tries to make a move on my Jasper will get her head tossed into the flames before anyone can stop me.
I adored the knowledge Jasper was currently saturated with my scent, as I was with his, and I couldn't wait for Kate to get a nice big whiff of us. My Nstnx was keeping a close eye on Kate for me, making sure she didn't come anywhere near my Jasper for the remainder of her stay. Nstnx had warned me, just before she made her move on my mate, not liking the way she was looking at him. My Nstnx had warned me about Alice too, allowing me to come between her and Jasper before the bitch could get too close to him.
I broke away from my thoughts as we broke through the tree line, into the back yard. Uncle Pete was standing on the back deck, wearing a serious expression, instead of his normal playful demeanor. Jasper sighed with irritation and defeat, ready to get down to business and giving up all hope of getting back to our mating anytime soon. Really, the interruption was for the best, though I wouldn't tell Jasper that in his current frame of mind.
As much as I wanted Jasper to claim me fully and complete our bond, Nstnx warned strongly against allowing it to happen yet. Nstnx had reminded me of the large changes that occur in both mates during the claiming and subsequent completion of their bond. It was important that we be equals in each other's eyes when that happened, because afterward, it was nearly impossible to change our status with one another. He had been helping to raise me, along with the rest of our family, and if we failed to connect on the same plane, he would forever have a paternalistic attitude mixed with that of a spouse. My opinion and viewpoint would never be taken as seriously as his own, if we bonded too soon, before I'd had a chance to come into my own as a woman. So as much as I desired to complete our bond, I trusted my Nstnx enough to wait for the go ahead.
"Report, Captain!" Major commanded, strolling the rest of the way to the house.
"The newborn is suitably chastised. He has realized the error of his ways and is ready to apologize to both of you. He misinterpreted the scene he saw and thought he was acting in a way to protect her, not realizing he was the one causing her fear. Due to his ready remorse and quick understanding, as well as the upcoming battle, he has been allowed to reattach his arms. We need to begin training straight away, Major," Peter informed him, careful to stay in a subservient position in case something he said caused my Jasper to retaliate.
He thought he was protecting me by taking me away from my mate? Was he utterly clueless or what? Oh, well. Jasper will be able to sense his sincerity when he apologizes. If it was an honest mistake, and Jasper is willing to let it go, I suppose I can forgive him too, since he was properly punished for his presumptuous behavior.
Jasper nodded to Peter grimly, and Peter opened the back door, standing to the side to allow someone to step past him. My human father shuffled out onto the deck, his shoulders drooped, his demeanor dejected, and his head hanging. What's wrong with him? I wondered.
"I'm so very sorry for trying to separate you two. I thought I was helping at the time, but afterward I realized I was only hurting you. I promise not to try to come between you two again," Charlie apologized.
Charlie was the vampire who attacked us, who tried to take me away from Jasper? The man who had once upon a time been my human father was the one who nearly committed one of the worst crimes in the vampire world? Why would he do that to me?
"If you are going to try to come between me and my mate or me and my vampire family, then there is no place for you in my new life!" I blurted out in shock, anger, and disappointment.
He looked up and met my eyes with his pain-filled ones. "Please, Bella, I'm truly sorry for hurting and scaring you! Please give me another chance, and I promise I won't make you regret it!" he begged.
I looked to Jasper for guidance, sending him my uncertainty. He replied with a burst of reassurance, shooting up through our joined hands. If Jasper trusts him, then I will too.
"Okay, Dad," I agreed with a small shrug, leaning back into my Jasper and tilting my neck to show off my new mating mark. He winced slightly when he saw it, but recovered quickly.
"Thanks, Bells, Jasper. Congratulations on your mating," he mumbled, giving us a sad smile.
"I haven't claimed her yet, Charlie," Jasper announced, knowing everyone else was anxious to know. "Though we did choose to mark each other." He proudly pointed out the mark I had made on him, and Charlie relaxed a lot more, giving a more genuine smile to us this time.
The rest of the vampires joined us outside, gathering in small groups and waiting for us to finish talking.
"We are going to be fighting against a bunch of newborns," Uncle Pete declared. "The Major, Char, and I have a lot of experience fighting newborns, so we'll be helping you all learn a few moves that'll hopefully keep you from being caught off guard and injured."
"I too have much training and will be working with those who have gifts to expand their talents," Eleazar calmly stated. "Kate, if you could assist me, please?"
"Yes, of course," she readily agreed.
"Kate practiced for many years to expand her gift. She used to only be able to shock others with her hands, but over time was able to increase the effect until it works over her whole body," Eleazar explained.
"What is it like?" Billy asked. "Does it shock you too, or only the other person?"
"It only shocks the other person, and the way it feels depends on the level of intensity I use," Kate replied, walking over to him. She reached over and touched his hand, ignoring the territorial growl Tanya gave. I frowned. She doesn't even respect her own sister's mating bond? I don't trust this girl at all.
Billy jerked his hand away in surprise. "Oh, I see. That would certainly startle an unsuspecting opponent."
Kate chuckled and rolled her eyes. Charlie raised an eyebrow and gruffly complained, "Startling them may buy you a second or two, but I fail to see how this gift is truly useful. If you expect that to save you in battle, then I think you will be sorely disappointed."
Kate glared at him disdainfully, marched over and grabbed his hand. He instantly hit the ground convulsing as if he were having a seizure.
"What was that?" I asked.
Kate smiled cautiously at me, flicking her eyes over to Jasper and then back to me. "If I turn up the intensity of the shock, it's more like being struck by lightning than the small tingle I gave Billy."
Charlie had recovered somewhat and was scuttling backward away from her, fear apparent in his eyes. I looked back up and noticed most of the family watching me carefully. Do they think I was going to attack her or something? Not for touching Charlie, I won't. Besides, he was the one pulling the condescending bullcrap. If he'd talked to me that way, I'd have been tempted to shock him myself. Teach him a little lesson in respect.
He's got a lot to learn about the difference between vampires and humans. It's like he expects us all to just be humans with an eating disorder or something. Kate's been taking care of herself for the past thousand years, right? Somehow I don't think she appreciates having a newborn second guess her.
"Still think my talent is useless, Charlie?" Kate taunted goodnaturedly.
"Uh, um, no, no, of course not," he hastily replied.
"Sure you don't need another demonstration just to be sure?" she teased.
He shook his head emphatically. "No thank you! I should never have doubted you."
Kate smirked. "Yeah, remember that next time," she giggled.
"Bella, would you mind allowing Kate to try her gift on you?" Eleazar asked politely.
I stared at him like he was crazy, and Jasper immediately started growling protectively. "Are you kidding me?" I demanded.
Eleazar appeared embarrassed. "I didn't mean with the strength she used on Charlie. I was thinking more along the lines of what she did to Billy."
"Why the hell would I agree to that? Do I have 'stupid' tattooed on my forehead?" I growled.
"Oooh, good one, sis," Emmett cheered, giving me a fist bump. He really was the best big brother ever. I smirked back at him.
"Go ahead. Shock my mate. See what happens," Major dared Kate, arms across his chest, appearance forbidding. He really is so sexy when he lets his 'vampire' side come out to play. It makes me want to just rub my whole body against his, combining our scents together. Mmmmm. I'm so lucky to have him as my mate. I couldn't even imagine being with somebody else.
"Ooooh, I dare you!" Emmett challenged gleefully, rubbing his hands together. "I triple dog dare you!"
"Emmett!" Rose exclaimed, whacking him on the arm and giving him 'the look'.
"What?" Emmett pouted. "I just wanted to see what would happen."
Kate glared at him, knowing as well as the rest of us did, it wouldn't have been a pretty sight. "Thanks, Emmett. I love you too."
Emmett beamed back at her. "You're welcome!"
Kate and Rose rolled their eyes.
Daddy chose that moment to intervene. "Actually, sweetie, we're pretty sure her power won't work on you because of your shield. That's why we asked to test it."
Her power won't work on me? How awesome is that?
"Okay, Daddy. If that's what you want," I agreed. He smiled at me and gave me a hug.
Jasper started growling, and Daddy instantly backed away, not wanting to accidentally provoke him, but he was growling at Kate, not Daddy. She had sidled up next to me, while I was talking with Daddy.
I grabbed Jasper's hand to calm him, just before Kate grabbed my other hand. Jasper's growling increased in volume, and he quickly had me safely behind him. I peeked around him and saw Kate's hand twitching on the floor in front of us, while she cradled her arm to her chest. Oh, goody! She finally got her punishment! Though I do wish I could've done that instead of my Jasper. Still, it's all good. I won't complain.
I began purring for my Jasper, and he instantly calmed down, turning to embrace me as if we were the only ones in the room. I wish we were the only ones in the room, I thought, my mind taking a dirty turn. I wouldn't mind some more Jasper loving.
"Kate!" Eleazar cried, breaking my concentrated focus. "Are you okay?"
Jasper and I looked over to see him helping Kate fuse her hand back in place. He glared at us. "Was that really necessary?" he asked in a condescending tone. I hate being talked to in that manner. It's so rude. I bared my teeth at him in response.
Jasper raised an eyebrow and replied in an even more condescending tone, "She touched my mate without permission, so, yes, it was necessary."
Eleazar frowned and dropped his gaze. "At least we know her shield worked, since she obviously didn't feel anything," he muttered.
"She agreed! I heard it!" Kate protested, flexing her wrist and fingers to make sure they were all working properly again.
"She had agreed to testing, but the Major hadn't," Mommy answered coldly. "I'm not the least bit surprised by his response, and I think you deserved it, considering he'd already warned you against it."
"Oh, yeah? Well, I think you deserve to share my pain, since you can't control your rude, unruly children," Kate sneered and began stalking toward Mommy. Mommy's eyes widened and she quickly stepped behind Daddy, so he could protect her. "You can try to hide behind him, but I'll just take him down first and still come after you."
What the hell? Had she gone bat-crazy? Does she think I'm going to sit idly by while she hurts my parents? I mean, I know I didn't reacted when she went after Charlie, but I only just met the guy.
Mommy darted out from behind Daddy and started running for the house, with Kate hot on her heels. Everybody just stood there and watched, including Daddy. They must've been frozen in shock. I'm not going to let that witch hurt my Mommy!
Don't worry, I've got it, Nstnx assured me. I reached toward Esme and a red film shot out toward her from my body. It wrapped around the contours of her body, encasing the two of us in a strange oblong bubble. That's our shield, so now she's protected too, Nstnx informed me.
Wow! I wonder if anybody else can see it. I had gotten it around her just in time, as Kate pounced and grabbed hold of Mommy's arm with both hands. I heard the indrawn breaths of everyone around me and knew the anticipation, anxiety, and fear everyone felt was probably overwhelming my Jasper. I snuggled closer to him and began purring again, trying to lend him my strength.
"Nothing's happening!" Kate shouted in surprise. "Not even when I use full force!"
Mommy looked straight at me, beaming like she'd just learned she was pregnant, with twins. "Thank you, Bella, for shielding me!"
"It worked! It really worked!" Eleazar shouted excitedly, twirling Carmen around in his arms.
"Thank you, princess, for protecting your Mommy," Daddy buzzed, speaking at full speed. He then raced over to his mate and cradled her in his embrace. I couldn't wait to see what kind of punishment he'd dish out to Kate for threatening his mate.
"Sorry about that, sugar," Uncle Pete drawled, approaching Jasper and me cautiously. "While you and Jasper were busy in the forest, Eleazar, Carlisle, Billy, and I were discussing the best way to teach you how to use your shield. Since time is of the essence, we thought that if you believed someone you loved was in danger, you would seek to protect them, at least once you knew you could."
"So this was just a set-up? Kate wasn't really threatening Esme, but pretending to, so Bella would figure out how to use her shield to protect others, along with herself?" Jasper queried.
"Exactly," Uncle Pete replied, nodding his head.
"Are you sure?" I asked doubtfully.
"It matches the emotions they had at the time," Jasper informed me. "Esme wasn't scared, and Kate wasn't angry. Carlisle's emotions were even more telling. He wasn't upset, angry, or worried, but hopeful. I didn't understand why he was hoping for Kate to shock his mate, but it makes sense now. He was hoping you would protect her."
"If she can control her shield to protect all of us, the confrontation with the Volturi will be much less traumatic and dangerous for us," Daddy offered, walking up with his arms around Mommy.
"We didn't expect the Major to rip off her hand, though," Eleazar grumbled, as he moved to join us, with Carmen tucked into his side.
Just then, Eleazar's phone started to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the caller ID. "It's Laurent!" he announced happily, moving to open his phone.
Uncle Pete grabbed his arm, halting him for a second. "Be careful what you say! It's a trap!" he hissed in warning.
xxxxxxx
AN: There you go - a little insight into Bella's mindset. She's different from human Bella, because she has only ever known being a vampire. Plus, we're now catching up to Alice's vision . . .