*POV BELLA*
While the others continued practicing their physical fighting, Edward and I continued our mental training. Eleazar and Carlisle deem that I have the mental shield in full control, and we can start working on a physical shield. I would be partnered with Kate for training. Apparently, she is a light socket. They say she can run an electrical current through her body, electrocuting you with just a touch. An ability that I'm not very excited about. But anything that will help us win and help keep Alice safe.
Rosalie: earth to Bella… hello… Bella!
Bella: huh? Sorry Aphrodite! What's up?
Rosalie: what type of suit would you like for prom? I know Alice's dress and color; I just need to know the style you want. Edward, Jake and Emmett already told me their choices, you're the hold up. And I need to place all the orders today.
Bella: are you guys seriously thinking about that?!
Rosalie: Bella dear, I love you. I know you and Alice are still getting to know each other, in a sense, but can you seriously look at me and tell me you don't know that a part of Alice is stillllll in prom planning mode?
Bella: sigh… I know she is. I just don't get how you guys can be thinking about that when we have this bull to deal with. There's an idiot vampire and his idiot army of minions coming to try to kill us.
Rosalie: well… the idiot vampire and his idiot army of minions are coming to try to kill YOU. We're just here to keep our wolfie safe… and for Alice's sake.
I roll my eyes at her, though her words cut a little, they're true. And she wouldn't be Rosalie, if she didn't point them out. I glace at the clock, wondering how much longer Alice and the others will be. She went with the Denalis to hunt over an hour ago. They couldn't be much longer. Though she's with five other vampires and the confrontation is days away, her being away from me drives my anxiety through the roof.
Bella: thanks for being my big scary bodyguard, Rosalie. Pick whatever style you want. I'm sure Alice already told you what I'd be wearing.
I get up and head to the kitchen to get a snack. Before the fridge door closes, I feel the gust of air that follows a vampire walking at vampire speed. I groan and roll my eyes before turning to face Rosalie.
Rosalie: Bella, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Alice gave me the job to make sure you get your suit for prom and to distract you. I should've done a better job at it. Now, she didn't tell me what style. Just the color.
She hands me the laptop and points to the choices. I give in and scroll through them till I find the one I know Alice would want. Pointing to the one with suspenders, I tell her to get a hat if she can find one. She raises her brow at me which causes me to chuckle.
Bella: she's been watching The Great Gatsby a lot. I'm sure it's more so for the fashion than Leo.
She nods her head as she sits at the counter, typing away. I chew on my apple as I steal glances between the door and the clock.
Rosalie: she'll be back soon.
Bella: yeah, I know, still sucks to be away from her.
Rosalie: do you want to talk about it? You probably don't, but I was just wondering if you wanted to talk about it.
Bella: I just don't understand how all you guys are just, I don't know, nonchalant about everything. Like we're not anticipating this massive battle with Jasper and his minions. Or think that none of us are going to get hurt. I mean, I know you guys are vampires and hard to kill…
Rosalie: Bella, Bella, Bella… do you really think that we're not worried? My whole family is training to fight right now. My husband is willing to lay his life for you and my sister. Do you really think I'm not anxious? Do you really think I'm not petrified? He is to me what Alice is to you!
Bella: ok, ok… I just wanted to see a little apprehension. I get it now; can we go back to nice Rosalie?
She sighs and sits back down, typing away at the laptop. I chew on my apple, wondering if I should speak again.
Bella: hey, I'm sorry Rosalie. I know you all are putting your lives on the line. I know you all know how severe this is and take it as such. I just wish all this wasn't happening. It's my senior year. Prom really should be our only concern.
Rosalie: don't worry, in a few years we'll repeat it again.
I nod my head. That's a conversation for another time. It's been mentioned a time or two. With the Cullens not aging, they can only stay in one place for so long. They would have to leave. Jake and I would have to go with them. But could we? Would I be able to leave Charlie? Jake leave Billy? Us leave the Res and Forks? Between this and that, my head starts hurting. I tell Rosalie, I am going to lay down. She gives me a concerned glance, but just says ok and she'll let Alice know. I jump in the bed and wrap myself up in our cover. The scent of Alice wrapping around me. Soothing me. My head starts feeling better and it doesn't take long for sleep to find me.
I'm awaken to Alice, Kate, Tanya and Edward arguing in the hallway. From the sound of it, Kate wanted to be the one to come wake me. Using her power in the process. Alice upset as my mate, while Tanya and Edward more so apprehensive about me wolfing out on Kate.
Edward: Kate, don't you dare!
When I hear Alice cry out in agony, I leap out of the bed, yanking the door off. I see Alice on her knees, Kate's hand on her shoulder with sparks at her fingertips. Growling, I slam Kate into the wall. I see the dry wall crumble around her, see cracks building on her neck as I squeeze harder. I see the sparks from her hand where she's pushing on me, trying to stop me. My body gets hotter, and I feel my muscles tighten, ready to reshape with my bones. My wolf is out his cage but we're in the house. In Esme's house. I feel small, soft fingers wrap around my arm. Hear the voice of an angel, far in the distance. Another hand gently pulls my face towards it. When our eyes lock, I melt. It's then that I realize, I'm still growling. I let go of Kate and start patting Alice down, inspecting her to make sure she's not injured.
Alice: I'm fine wolfie.
She knows my wolf is in control right now. Of course she knows, she was in danger. I hear Kate stepping away from the wall, dusting herself off. I glare at her, growling for her to stay away.
Edward: Bella, Kate wasn't trying to hurt Alice. She was trying to wake you. Unfortunately for her, she made a foolish judgement in using Alice to do so.
I look from Alice to Edward and back to her. She nods her head, letting me know he's telling the truth. Tanya is standing behind Alice, looking pissed. For a second, I wonder if it's at Kate or at me. I don't care either way. I hear the others slowly walking up the stairs, joining us. Esme's worried look causes my wolf to whimper.
Alice: hey, look at me.
I look back down at her. I see the reflection of my eyes in hers. They're black. I close my eyes, focusing on putting my wolf back in his cage. Alice is safe. She's ok. She's in my arms. I stopped Kate. Taking a few deep breaths, letting Alice's scent fill my lungs. I feel him back down, I feel myself gain back control. Slowly I open my eyes, and I see Alice's smile grow. I know my eyes are back to their regular color. I give her a smile before turning to Kate.
Bella: Kate, I'm…
Kate: no Bella, they're right. I was in the wrong. I'm sorry for waking you that way.
Tanya: don't apologize to dumb dumb here. I promise you Bella, it won't happen again.
I give her a nod and pull Alice into my body. Needing to feel her next to me. Her scent and body further calming me.
Carlisle: Bella, do you need a minute before practicing the right way? I'm sure Kate will be on her best behavior.
Kate: scout's honor.
Tanya steps forward and whacks her sister's arm before pulling her down the steps. Stating she was never a scout and they'll be outside whenever I'm ready. The others walk off joining them.
Alice: do you need some more sleep?
Bella: no, I'm too wired to snooze again. Come on, let's head downstairs.
We walk hand in hand outside, joining all the others.
Kate: well, we already know my power doesn't work on Bella. So what now?
Carlisle: we have to practice her expanding her shield. Only way to do that is to stop your power from shocking someone else. Any volunteers?
The others shake their heads and take a step back.
Kate: ok, I guess Alice it is…
I growl and step in between them.
Edward: not a good idea, unless you want her to bite your head off this time.
Kate: she needs the motivation.
Bella: find it another way!
Kate: fine, who are you closest to?
Alice: it would be a tie between Edward, Rosalie and Esme. I strongly suggest Edward though. Sorry Eddie.
He deeply groans, but still takes a step forward. Alice kisses me before stepping off to stand by Rosalie.
Kate: ok Bella, let's see you protect Edward.
Kate lifts her hand and lets it hover over Edward's arm, sparks moving between her fingers. I think hard, focusing on my shield to touch Edward. I see the blue light that surrounds me when I focus. Before it can touch him, Kate's finger touches him, and his grunt causes it to snap back. Just as quickly as she touches him, she pulls her hand back.
Bella: fuck, sorry Edward!
Kate: again.
I nod for her to go. She zaps him again and this time he grits his teeth in pain. Taking a deep breath, I tell her again. She hits him before I can force the shield to move even an inch.
Kate: alright Bella, I'm upping the dose.
Before I can even focus, she touches his arm and he falls to his knees in pain.
Bella: Kate! I wasn't ready!
Kate: you won't have time to get ready out there! You have to figure out how to use your shield in the snap of your fingers or someone is bound to get hurt. Besides we don't have much time to practice. They'll be here before you know it.
*POV ALICE*
We all watch as Bella and Kate continue their training. Edward unfortunately having to be the guinea pig. I lose count of how many times Edward has fallen. Kate suggests using someone else, more motivation but Bella just says no and tells her to continue. Kate grabs Edward's arm and sends a powerful jolt through her hand. Out of nowhere, Jake's wolf comes running out the woods. He jumps over Edward, right in Kate's face causing her to step back, he's snarling and ready to attack. He snaps his teeth at her, warning her to not move. She carefully takes a few more steps back.
Bella: Jake! Jake! Jacob!
His eyes jump to Bella, but he doesn't move or pulls his teeth back in.
Bella: Jacob! Enough!
Edward: heyyyy, I'm ok. Look, I'm fine.
He slowly backs away from Kate, turning to look at Edward. He looks back at Kate and gives her another warning growl before moving next to Edward.
Kate: great another angry wolf. I'm going to go hunt, call me when you have Clifford here, under control.
She sprints off before any of us can say anything. Bella asks Jake to phase back but he shakes his head no. She repeats the question in her Alpha voice causing Jake to phase back within seconds.
Jake: what the hell was that?
Edward: it was Bella's physical training. Kate's a walking taser, but trust me, I'm fine.
Jake: how the hell is you getting tased, training?
Edward: Bella has to use her shield to protect me.
Jake swiftly turns his anger at Bella.
Jake: what the hell Bella? Why not use Alice?
Edward: there was a situation with Kate and Bella earlier. Since you weren't here, I volunteered. We didn't want Bella attacking Kate. It would take time away from training.
Bella and I share a look knowing he's half lying but appreciate him wanting to deescalate the situation. Edward encourages Jake to go for a walk with him, giving him time to cool down before we start training again. I pull Bella into the kitchen, wanting to get some food in her. Hoping that will help her focus. I start making her a sandwich, letting her pick at the meat without scolding her.
Alice: you know, Kate might be right. You need more motivation.
Bella: no.
Alice: Bella…
Bella: Alice, I said NO!
Alice: don't use your Alpha voice with me! I'm not one of your wolves. We don't have much time, and you need the incentive!
Bella: I said no!
Her eyes flash black, but I don't back down.
Charlie: if you won't let Alice then I'll do it. And there's nothing you can do about it Bells. Alice is right. We don't have much time and the last thing I'll do is lose my daughter or my daughter in law because she's too stubborn!
Too busy in our own stare off that neither of us notices Charlie, Carlisle and Esme walk in.
Bella: Charlie, you don't know what you're talking about. Kate's power will cripple you.
Charlie: don't Charlie me. I am your father and since you won't listen to Alice, you're going to listen to me!
Bella: dad…
Esme: I'll do it.
Bella: Esme, no.
I see the panic in Bella's eyes at the thought of Esme being subjected to Kate's power.
Esme: Bella, sweetie, there's only so much I'm doing in all this. Your training is important, if this is how I can help protect my children and my family, I'll do it in a heartbeat.
Bella: Esme…
Esme: listen here young lady, I'm doing it! You really don't want me to get hurt, use your shield to protect me. Simple as that. Now finish your sandwich and meet us outside, the others are waiting.
She turns and walks towards the door, Carlisle staring at her with a proud smile on his face. Him and Charlie share a laugh before walking out the door.
Bella: damn it Alice, I can't do it! Esme is going to get hurt and it's going to be my fault.
Alice: you can do it. I know you can. And I think this is great motivation. Don't let my mom get hurt Bella, after all, she's going to be your mother-in-law soon.
I go to follow the others, knowing Bella will join us soon and she'll be more determined to keep Esme from hurting.