Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea's that deviate from Stephanie Meyer's original story line.
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Chapter 8
After Jasmine explained everything about Brady and Collin being bonded to her and Paul with a child bond, we went house hunting for a rental. She assured me I wouldn't have to worry about Charlie when we found one. We found a six bedroom so everyone one had their own room. This house wasn't intended to be shared full time by all of us but more so a place for Jasmine and I to connect and get to know each other but we also had a room for everyone to stay in if they wanted to.
I was happy to know my kids would have a place to go when they wanted or needed to get away from the other Cullens. I was worried about both of my kids. Rose kept everything close and I was hoping she'd open up about her past. I could see some lingering hurt and sadness in her eyes. I also wanted to talk to her about the connection that had formed with Emmett. He was almost as much of a son to me as Jasper is.
Jasper is another concern of mine. I've gathered there's been some problems between him and Alice, especially since I've moved to Forks but was hoping they'd be able to work things out. I want to help Jasper, so he and I have a mother-son bonding day planned for today.
We survived the rest of the week with no more surprises from the supernatural side of things. I can't believe tomorrow will be one week since Jasmine arrived and two since I flew in. So much has happened and while I hope we'll get a break and be able to live life with no more upheavals, I suspect that's not going to happen for a while. I mean with a Fairy Princess, a half Fae-half Human, 3 Vampires, and 3 Wolf Shifters something is bound to happen.
"Bella I'm here," Jasper called up. I told him if Charlie wasn't here to just walk in. No Human would be stupid enough to break into the Chief of Police's house and no lock would keep out any of the Supernatural that would be after me.
"Hey," I smiled as I walked downstairs. Of course my two left feet came into play and I tripped on the last couple stairs. I thought for sure I'd be face planting but lucked out when Jasper caught me. "Thanks!"
"No problem," he smiled. "Can't let anything happen to the mom I just found."
"So what's the plan for today?" I asked Jasper while I made myself some breakfast. Jasmine had spelled some food for me this morning for Jasper before going to Paul's. We weren't sure how much or how often they were going to have to eat the spelled food so she made enough for a regular human to eat over the course of the day. "Charlies at work all day and Jasmine is with Paul so we can stay here or take off."
"Well there's a little area I found while I was out hunting a while back and I thought I'd take you out there," I suggested. Bella, my mom, set a plate of food in front of me.
"Jasmine spelled a whole bunch of food for you today," she explained when I just stared at the eggs and pancakes. "Just remember to chew." I chuckled at that since it's such a mom thing to say.
I dug in and while it looked like eggs and pancakes with all the fixings, it tasted just like blood, but not animal or human blood. It was better than either and so filling. Everyday since Wednesday, Jasmine was kind enough to bring something for Rose, Emmett, and myself. We always felt so full and we were able to relax a bit more after lunch because we didn't have to worry about our blood lust.
"Please thank your sister for me," I asked when I was done eating.
"She's trying to help bridge the gap," Bella nodded while moving into small talk. "She understands it's hard for both her and you all so she is actively trying. She just feels bad that it's been limited so far. Once we move into the rental she's already planned to have a separate fridge that she can stock with food just for you three. And that's why she's insisting on have three fridges in the house she wants built. One for the spelled food, and two for the wolves and humans since the wolves eat so much."
"That's really nice of her," I smiled. "I know we agreed to help build the house and I'm not sure what exactly we can do for her, but if there's anything please let us know."
"So far she's only concerned about how long the spelled food is lasting until your blood lust returns."
"I know I start feeling my blood lust again in the late evenings and by morning it's back to feeling like I just fed from an animal so it's manageable," I tried to explain without causing my mom to worry even more. I like calling her mom and from the emotions earlier when I was teasing her, she likes it as well.
"I'll see if we can bring something in the mornings," Bella suggested and before I could tell her that's not what I was aiming for she powered on. "Now let's get going."
With that the discussion about my eating habits was firmly closed and Bella was up and moving. Since I didn't know what we were doing and if I would be here before Charlie left I drove my bike.
"Is that yours?" I smiled at the awe in her voice.
"Yeah, I've accumulated quite a bit of money since I was turned and like to indulge now and then."
"Can we take the bike or would it be easier to take my car?"
"The bike will be fine," I walked over to it and grabbed the extra helmet I had brought just in case for her. I explained the basics and safety stuff she would need to know riding behind me and then we were on the road.
I made sure to only go the speed limit as I didn't want to risk my mom's safety. I knew Rose would have my head if I did. It was a time for me to gather my thoughts as well. I wanted to share everything about my life with my mom and I hoped she would share with me as well.
About twenty minutes after leaving her house we got to the beginning of the trail.
"From here we'll have to hike but I could carry you so we'd get there quicker."
"That's fine, I trust you," she smiled and I picked her up with a beam on my face. I could feel the pure sincerity and trust flowing from her. I've never had someone who trusted me so completely.
"Bella," I started when we got to the meadow. She had wandered around for a bit but was now sitting down and looked at me as if she knew I wanted to tell her something. Maybe she did, don't they say mom's have a freaky intuition? Mother's intuition? "I can't find the words to tell you how truly happy I am that I've found someone who cares about me for me." I paused for a minute but jumped right into my history.
"I don't have many memories from when I was a human, just that I was born and raised in Texas. I joined the Confederate Army when I was sixteen. I had to lie about my age but no one really checked as they were desperate for soldiers. I worked my way up and became the youngest Major both officially and unofficially.
One night while I was evacuating Galveston, I stopped to help three women. It turned out they were vampires and desired me for their Army. Vampires in the south at that time were fighting for territory and would create Armies of newborn vampires as a vampire is at their strongest during the first year after they are turned.
I fought for them that first year and Maria, my maker, realized I had a gift and instead of killng me at the end of my newborn year she kept me. Overtime she put me in charge of her Army and I became the feared 'God of War'.
Eventually, I was able to leave with the help of Peter and Charlotte, two vampires I changed. Peter had been with me for many years as his expert battle strategies really helped so Maria allowed me to keep him. I let him escape with Charlotte right before she was to be killed at the end of her newborn year. That caused a world of pain for me when Maria realized what happened.
After Peter and Charlotte helped me I wandered with them but it was hard feeling the emotions of my victims and I tried going longer between feedings. In the 1950's I found Alice in a diner in Philadelphia. She was waiting and said she 'saw' me coming. Her feelings showed she was being truthful and when she said there was another way to feed that would help me so I didn't have to feel the Human emotions, I jumped at the chance.
She told me all about the Cullen's and feeding from animals. We left to find them and see if they would allow us to join them. We also started feeding from animals that day.
I haven't seen or spoken to Peter or Charlotte since I left them that day. Alice was worried I would slip if I was around them."
"Well, I hate to say this about your wife, but she's an idiot," my mom had felt so many emotions as I told her about my past but right now she was furious and I gather it's directed at Alice. "You would have been just fine if the family supported you the way they should have. A family is there through everything and should never prevent you from seeing your friends. If Alice had seen something about you slipping then she could tell you and you could have taken precautions to avoid the situation but to just override you on seeing them at all was wrong. I think she knew you were vulnerable when she met you and took advantage of that.
I'm sorry for speaking this way about your wife and the people you've called family for over half a century, but it just infuriates me that someone could be so cruel to you."
"Please don't apologize," I begged. "I've already started divorce proceedings. When you arrived in town, Alice tried to tell me that she had 'seen' you being bad for the family, but when I met you at school your first day I realized she didn't have my best interest at heart. I knew immediately you were my mom and in that moment I felt hope for my long existence.
Rose has been my sister since I met her and I always knew Alice was never my true mate, but I wanted to stay with the Cullen's as I knew I would need help on the animal diet. I knew deep down that you would support me in the way the Cullen's should have all along, especially when you stood up for our family in the cafeteria that first day. Rose and Emmett have tried but sometimes, having approval from those I look to for parental guidance would have been nice, not to mention my wife."
"As long as you are divorcing her because that is what you think is best and not because I don't like her then I'll support you in any way I can," Bella, my mom, had my eyes filling with venom even though I wasn't able to cry any longer.
I had seen Jasmine almost everyday since Wednesday and now we had plans to hang out just us today. I was looking forward to it but was surprised that Paul wasn't freaking out since he wouldn't be there. It's unusual for me or any of us younger wolves to be allowed around an imprint. Even Jared was hesitant when it came to Kim after seeing what Sam had done inadvertently to Emily.
I was nervous because I didn't want to hurt her. The more time I spend with her the stronger the bond becomes and I'm looking forward to having the type of relationship the bond is promising. My parent's have pretty much written me off since I am unable to listen to them when it comes to my wolf duties.
"Hey sweetheart," Jasmine said when I walked into Paul's place. It was easier to meet here instead of dealing with my parents. "How's school going?'
"Ok," I sighed. "It's hard to stay caught up when I miss so much for patrols. Paul tries to help but he's worried about us getting enough sleep at night and he's only one person and can only cover mine or Brady's shift."
"Oh Collin," Jasmine sound worried and pissed.
"I'm sorry, I'll do better," I quickly interjected. I didn't want her mad or disappointed in me. She actually cared and I didn't want to lose that.
"And I'll help you do better," she was firm in this. "I also think it's about time I have a talk with this so called Alpha. He seems to be doing a shitty job. Maybe if he actually thought about the pack members and what would be easiest for each. Also the treaty with the Cullen's should allow for only one wolf to patrol at a time unless something else is found. The gift is meant to help protect the tribe, not be a burden to those who phase."
"But," I was worried for her. Sam is the best at controlling his temper but looking at Emily we can see how easy it is to lose control of our wolves.
"No buts," she cut me off. "Now you probably don't want to but I think we should focus on getting you caught up with your school work."
"Really?" I would deny it if ever asked but was happy to do my schoolwork, if only because Jasmine was helping. When she nodded her ascent I ran back to my house to get my schoolwork.
I was only gone a few minutes as I ran in wolf form there and back. On the way back I had the bag full of my books and notes in my mouth. I tried to keep my mind blank as Sam and Jared were patrolling and I didn't want to be teased about how I was carrying my things.
"You don't have patrol," Sam must have picked something up from my head. "What are you doing?" The question held just enough of the Alpha voice so I was compelled to answer.
"I was getting my school work," the response was came instantly. "Jasmine offered to help me get caught up while we were hanging out at Paul's today."
"Paul said he wasn't going to be home today," Jared said. "Does he even know you are there with his imprint or did you sneak over?"
"Paul knows," I quickly said before Sam could give me any sort of Alpha command. I was now standing by Paul's house. He lived in a secluded area so we were able to go right up to the door while in wolf form without having to worry about anyone seeing us.
"Collin?" Jasmine walked outside to see what was going on. "Phase back and lets get started."
"Don't phase," Sam's voice was laced heavily with the command. I was unable to do as my mom wanted and it was upsetting my wolf. Jasmine had went in the house to give me the illusion of privacy but when Sam issued his command I whined causing Jasmine to come back out.
"Paul, somethings wrong," Jasmine was on the phone quickly. She didn't say anything else but just looked at me for a minute.
"Are you ok?" He demanded. The enhanced hearing meant I could hear both of them clear as day.
"I'm fine, but Collin isn't able to phase back," Jasmine explained but didn't let him ask any more questions just powered through telling how we decided to do my school work and I ran home to get my stuff.
"Sam and Jared are patrolling so I'm sure Sam issued an Alpha Command," Paul sound furious. "I'm on my way."
My Paul came bounding out of the trees not five minutes later with Brady on his back. At my questioning look Brady explained how Paul didn't want Sam to be able to issue him any Commands.
"Sam you can see through Collin's eyes that Paul is here now, so please let Collin phase back," I was glaring into Collin's eyes knowing that Sam would see how pissed I was. I didn't know why Paul was still a wolf but figured he knew what he was doing, or was just to angry to phase back.
Brady stayed out of Collin's view but Paul was standing right next to me staring at Sam through Collin's eyes. I saw the air start to shimmer and knew Collin was about to phase back so I turned around to give him a bit of privacy.
"Mom," he called hesitantly after a moment. I quickly turned and grabbed him in a hug. I held out one arm and Brady joined in as well.
"Was Paul able to converse with you or Sam?" I asked Collin. I still had both boys in my arms and Paul was standing guard as a wolf.
"I'm not sure about Sam but I heard Paul," Collin started. "It was like Paul was giving me an Alpha command to phase back human but with Sam's Alpha Command I wasn't able to follow through. All I could think is how much I wanted to be able to hang out with you then stupid Sam got in the way of that. I was so angry but right before I phased back I couldn't hear Sam any longer."
"I think your wolf was able to reject Sam and view Paul as your Alpha," I smiled. I could only hope Brady would be able to do this as well. I didn't want either of my boys under Sam's control.
"How?" Brady breathed.
"I think because Paul became an Alpha Wolf when he was made to choose between the Pack and his imprint," I smiled at Paul. He had phased back right before I answered.
"It makes sense," Paul confirmed as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Within the shapeshift hierarchy, the wolf needs to belong to a pack, but an imprint trumps the pack and a wolf can leave and, basically, create his own pack with his imprint. I think if you make the choice and I accept, you will no longer be under Sam."
"Can I join your pack?" Brady looked so hopeful.
"Of course," I smiled at Paul. "Let's go Brady. You get time with my imprint tomorrow." Paul hooked an arm around Brady and pulled him away laughing the entire time.
"I'm sorry if calling you mom earlier was weird," Collin said as we walked into Paul's place.
"It was fine," I smiled and wrapped my arm around his waist.
The rest of the day we spent getting Collin caught up on his school work. It was going to take some time but I knew we'd be able to do it. Paul and Brady stayed out until dinner time when they showed up with Pizza.
I don't know if Sam realized he was short two more wolves or not, but when he did shit was going to hit the fan. I guess it's a good thing we're moving into the rental tomorrow.