A/N: Hello, everyone! How are you? I seem to be so tired today. Hence, I'm posting it quite late. Next week could also be another late post. I'll be doing 10k run/walk. Depending on how fast I write the story and how tired I am, I might post it after Sunday.
Chapter 22 The True Colors of Jane
For the most part, Jane was quiet. The occasional wincing of Edward showed that, at the very least, she did mind my presence, that I was the reason her brother was dead.
The wound on my back proved that Edward did the right thing. He told Alec not to fight-to walk away without any harm. But Alec fought Edward.
It was Alec's own hubris that was his downfall, if nothing else.
Jasper told me not to do anything to Jane. He just said to observe her. See if she would snap without him controlling her emotions. All I could see in her was hatred-the same one I felt upon Jessica's death. Jane was grieving. I was far from the girl that I used to be-the one who had witnessed my friend's suffering. Now, if I could help Jane do the same, it would be worth it. I could identify myself with Jane. She must hate us right now. The only difference was that vampires were unchanging creatures. It meant that they could be stuck in grief for a very long time.
When Jessica died, Jacob became so concerned with me that he made me join the kids' martial arts class Sam was teaching-the one that the Quileute tribe had created. Every Quileute I knew had learned it from the time they were young. I had progressed that I was able to join the already advanced ones in just a few months' time.
When the Quileutes were attacked a few months ago, it was because there were vampires with supernatural ability that they were incapacitated. The Quileutes didn't stand a chance. I only found out about it recently when Jacob told me to make me feel better about being abducted.
Meanwhile, I had a plan for Jane. I led her to the forest, close enough that Edward could instantly come the moment I scream. Jasper was also nearby. That was when the wild bear head in our direction.
"Hunt it down," I told Jane.
Jane went after the wild boar with gusto. Before I could even blink, the bear was on its back. It tried to attack her but it didn't stand a chance. Jane bit into the bear, and then it roared. After that it was silent.
"You're reckless," Edward said appearing from nowhere. He kissed me on my forehead.
We were still within Jane's reach, cautious as she was drinking. The Cullens made sure that she drank ten pints of donated human blood every two weeks. However, this time, it seemed that Jane enjoyed playing with her food. I figured that drinking blood and hunting would help her release her pent up energy so that she could deal with her brother's death.
Edward led Jane and I back to the mansion, Jane in a much better demeanor. Then, I told Edward to turn on the music. Nothing cheers a broken heart better than some upbeat music. That was when Jane put her foot down.
"We need to talk," Jane said, looking at Edward.
"I'll be right outside," Edward said, kissing me on my forehead and leaving me with Jane.
"I know you're feeling guilty but I'm really okay. Do you feel guilty about my brother dying?" Jane asked.
"A little. Edward did kill Alec," I admitted. "I just didn't want you to hate like I did."
"Edward had no choice but to kill my brother. Alec has you, his mate. Any vampire would kill if someone threatened their mate. Did Alec torture you?" Jane asked.
"Yes," I said, showing Jane the healing wound of the triquetra.
Jane winced. "It would be lucky if anyone survived Edward's revenge. If someone did something similar to my mate, I'd be beside myself too. My brother was gone but I'm still here," Jane said.
For someone whose supernatural ability is inflicting pain, she was surprisingly taking everything well.
"Alec and I had been alone in the world. Our father constantly beat both of us up. It had different effects on us. Alec was not caring about anything. When he became a vampire, it caused everyone to feel numb about him.
"I made people cry with how I managed to remain cheerful despite our circumstances. Alec had always been protective of me. I was his sister after all. That being said, I didn't want to add to the violence anymore. That's why I'm stepping back. I had always wanted to live a quiet life next to my friends and family. Now that Alec was gone, I want to live. My best chance is with Carlisle," Jane said.
"I see," I replied. I didn't think about that.
The past few days had been fairly quiet. Jane and I went to Zumba class together. Jane seemed to have made friends with almost everybody. She seemed to be coping well. Still, I needed to keep an eye on her. This went on for a month.
Jane and I were on our way home. That's when I saw the vampire. He had an olive complexion with a chalky pallor. His eyes were bright red.
"Demetri!" Jane said, her overly cheerful expression was replaced with fear.
End Notes: So, Demetri arrived. What do you think? He's still a member of the Volturi guard. He's also the best tracker in the world and he works for the Volturi. Hence, Jane was afraid that Demetri had managed to track her down.