To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing, 32: Preparations
Title: To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
We are ready for the siege/and we are armed up to the teeth/Be careful how you live and breathe/Release what's brewing underneath/How many times do you wanna die?/How many ways do you wanna die?
*~*~*
BPOV
I followed Jake into the woods, eyes darting around, fearing every shadow-y spot; which was pretty much the whole forest. He reached back, and I laced my fingers with his as we continued moving silently through the forest. I didn't say a word because I could see Jake was alert and listening for any kind of suspicious sound.
It didn't take us long to reach the grassy clearing in the woods where everyone was gathering. Slowly, and in unison, all the members of the pack moved into the area cautiously.
"Jacob? They Volturi are really coming here?" Sam asked once we reached them.
He sighed. "Yes. I just spoke with Alice. She said they made the decision spur-of-the-moment to kill two birds with one stone. They'll come here, knowing the Cullen's will come back to protect Bella. They said they can take both of us to Denali with them, to keep them away from here…"
That was met with some growls and protests.
"We're family," Embry said simply. "We won't let you go face them alone, Jacob. You know that."
I bit my lip, knowing this would be the result. My stomach was tied up in knots, knowing they loved us enough to risk their lives for us. I hated that, but I knew it was useless to argue.
"I've been having dreams," I said quietly into the stillness. "The Cullen's seem to think that there could be some truth to them. They have been feeling too realistic lately. The Volturi is dangerous. I don't want any of you fighting, but I know you won't agree to that. Please, please, be careful," I begged.
Jake rubbed my back, and I leaned into the comfort of his body.
"We protect our own," Sam said simply. "You're one of us, too, Bella." They all nodded in affirmation, and I had to swallow back my tears.
I tried to gather up all the information I knew about the Volturi, though I knew the Cullen's could help fill in the blanks when they arrived.
"Jane has the power to make someone feel pain. She can affect only one person at time, though. Aro can read your minds, and can see into your past, though he seems to be on our side. I'm still not sure what to think of that; he was the one who ordered them to change me. Demetri is one of the best trackers they have, while Felix is basically like a hired thug. He's huge and a fighter. Marcus understands everyone's relationships, so he can target those you love. We need everyone else protected who mean something to you especially. They're all extremely old vampires and extremely powerful."
I could see the flash of concern on their faces; the faces of a family I had come to love.
"In my dreams, it seems my ability to not be affected by their powers physically, means that I have a shield of sorts. I got the impression that Aro seems to think I can extend this shield to protect others, though I don't know how. I'm hoping the Cullen's might have information on that when they get here."
Quil glanced up at me. "That means you would have to be here during the fight. Bella, we won't put you in danger like that."
"I can't let you fight for mine and everyone's safety without helping if I can," I said stubbornly.
Sam frowned, but said nothing.
"Bella, you don't know how it works; how you even have this ability. How can it help us?"
I bit my lip. I could figure this out, couldn't I? It couldn't be that difficult.
Jake's arms were welcoming as he slid them around me. "Bella, I'm doing this to protect you," he said, nuzzling into the hair covering my ear. "I want you safe."
"I'm safest when I'm with you," I said simply. "I'll wait and see what the Cullen's have to say about my ability, but that's the best I can do. If I can help, I'm going to do what I have to, to help protect anyone's mind that I can."
He sighed, and I lay my head against his chest, drowsy from lack of sleep. He sat me down, settling me comfortably against him, as he talked quietly with the rest of them. I wanted to pay attention, but my eyelids kept fluttering closed. I was half-asleep; unsure of how much time had passed when I felt as if someone were watching me. I jerked awake, feeling the loss of Jake's body against mine, although he had covered me with a flannel shirt so I would stay warm. A fire had also been lit, and I relaxed marginally when I saw all of them talking.
I craned my neck around, glancing over my shoulder, and saw the glittery eyes looking at me. My heart lurched, and my mouth opened in a scream, but I managed to squelch it with a squeak when I realized it was Edward. My body relaxed, and I sat up, motioning him forward. The wolves were already on the alert as Edward, and the rest of his family, filed into the clearing. The clearing was in the middle of the Quileute's land and Forks, but it was still close enough to La Push for the wolves to be worried.
Alice stepped forward. "Bella," she murmured. She reached her arms out to me, and I moved into them, giving her a big hug. I was glad to see her, but wished it was under different circumstances.
Edward's eyes met mine, and he moved toward me, worry and sadness etched onto his smooth face. He held his hand out to me, and I slid mine into his. My throat worked as he held my gaze; so much of what I felt for him always rushed through me upon catching sight of him even if only a day had passed. Suddenly, I realized the wolves were on their feet, barely holding on to their forms.
Carlisle stepped forward, raising a hand.
"Please," he said calmly. "I'm sorry to spring this on you, but things happened so fast. We brought Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and Eleazer back with us. They're part of the Denali coven, but you have nothing to fear. They are like us; they don't feed off of humans. We knew we would need all the help we could get. They are an extended part of our family and have offered to work with all of us if you're willing."
"You should have mentioned it," Sam said, the strain in his voice almost palpable.
"We didn't mean to make you feel threatened," Alice said, directing her words to Jacob. "I give you my word that they have the same agenda as us, and they won't touch a hair on anyone's head that you love or that you're sworn to protect."
The group was quiet, and I stood quite literally in the middle, feeling as if were the mediator of two fairy tales come to life. It wasn't entirely a safe feeling.
Jake met her eyes, and he nodded slowly. "I would give them the chance to prove themselves, Sam. It's up to you, but the Cullen's have proven trustworthy to me."
Everyone shifted restlessly, and I could barely make out the still forms of the Denali's as they hung back behind the Cullen's. Sam finally nodded. Jacob was his second-in-command after all - and the one meant to be Alpha - and I knew he would trust Jake implicitly.
The Denali's relaxed, though they looked wary. The realization dawned on me that this was new for them; they hadn't known the pack existed until recently. Carlisle stepped forward and said just that.
"The Denali's hadn't known you existed," he said quietly. "This is a great advantage in our favor. We were hoping you would all be amenable to being a secret weapon of sorts. The Volturi don't know you exist either. They will be expecting us, and most likely friends' of ours, but not shape shifters."
Jake smiled at the thought, and I could see the ripple through the rest of them. They were definitely into that idea. Jasper stepped forward, telling them all in quiet tones about the Volturi, and how best to defeat them. Jasper had the skill of a true fighter, and I knew the wolves would benefit from even his briefest of training. They were designed to kill vampires and knowing the secrets of the Volturi would make them more dangerous.
I stepped to the side, lightly tugging on Alice's arm, and motioning to Edward to follow me. We moved to the side, and I turned to them, worried but determined to do what I had to do.
"Have you learned anything about this mental shield I have? I had another dream where I was told by Aro that I could use it to protect others as well."
Alice nodded and motioned to Kate - beautiful with corn-silk blonde hair - who came over. "Alice?" she questioned.
"Bella wants to know about her shield. We talked about it on the way here, and you said you had an idea."
Kate nodded, turning her stunning golden eyes on me. It was then I noticed that Kate and her sister, Tanya, were the main attraction for the wolves. Worried and vaguely irritated, I turned to see all the wolves' eyes fixed on Tanya and Kate, and I felt a rush of jealousy as I looked to see what Jake was doing. I didn't know much about the Denali's, but I knew something was different about them. If the men staring at them were any indication of that anyway, I thought dryly.
Jake was looking at Tanya who was preening under the attention - even if it was from wolves - but his head automatically turned toward me. His gaze softened, and I could see his eyes darken as he watched me. The little knot of jealousy dispersed immediately. Kate and Alice were talking, so I tuned in.
"Bella, you don't actively try to block anyone, it just happens, right?" Kate asked.
"Yes," I told her. "I had no idea I was able to do anything until Edward said something to me about it."
"You might be able to extend it to protect someone with an extreme reaction," she mused. "You're only human, though, so I'm not sure how much you can do. I guess we'll just have to put it to the test."
I felt a tightening in my stomach; I wasn't sure I was going to like this.
Jake came over, sensing something was up. He eyed Kate suspiciously a second before she pounced on him. It happened so fast I barely had time to react. She gripped his throat, slamming him into a tree, a vicious snarl escaping her lips. Her stunning face was murderous. Jake's body blurred before my eyes as Kate's electrical shock of a grip rocked through his body. It was a combination of that and his body preparing to phase. He held it together, gripped her throat in return, as the shock waves tried to throw him back.
His teeth were bared as he held on finally throwing her off of him so hard she snapped a tree in half upon collision. She was back at him, reaching for him, and everything in me coalesced into a shining ball of rage. I forced my mind shield out - not knowing what the hell I was doing - just in time to see Jake not react to her electric shock as her hand gripped his arm.
She backed off immediately, and I was furious. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I practically snarled at her. I didn't care who she was and that she could probably kill me with one finger. I was seething. Jake's pack was surrounding him, all of them barely holding on.
I reached out to Jake, my fingers moving carefully over his arm and throat, where she had shocked him. He was staring at her intensely, his body still vibrating. Alice and Jasper moved in between them to head off any retaliation.
"I'm sorry," Kate said sincerely. "I could have warned Jacob what I was going to do, but I needed it to be as realistic as possible. Bella, didn't you notice that you stopped him from getting that last shock? If you had thought it wasn't serious, you might not have done it."
I paused, realization dawning that I actually had stopped it. It didn't register because I was afraid of what could happen.
"I have no real intention to hurt any of you," she promised. "The Cullen's vouch for you and that's good enough for me."
Everyone relaxed marginally, and Kate turned to me. "For a human, you have some pretty damn great mind control. You just have to go with it. And your Jacob is incredibly strong, especially where you're concerned. No one can withstand touching me - or being touched by me - when I use my power. He did."
Everyone was a little wary after what happened, but grudgingly moved away to work through maneuvers and tactics. Jake glanced over at her as he followed his pack. "Try that again, or touch Bella, and I will end you."
She grinned. "It would be an interesting fight, wouldn't it?"
I watched in amazement as he smirked in return. "That it would," he answered.
I gritted my teeth. She attacked him in front of me and was now flirting with him? He even smiled back at her. I was only slightly mollified when he gave my hand a squeeze before walking away.
Irritated, I continued trying to force my shield out, but it was a lot for a simple human to handle. "It probably would be easier if you try and relax a little," Kate said.
I didn't want to relax; she was trying to help me, but I was getting increasingly annoyed.
Kate reached out and zapped Edward in the arm. My eyes narrowed as I attempted to stare her down. "Kate, maybe you should ease off a little," Alice suggested, giving me a worried look. I was no danger to anyone but myself, which was probably Alice's concern.
"There isn't time," Kate said simply. "She needs to be ready if she's determined to help."
She turned, hands tightening around Edward's arms, shocking him and rendering him incapacitated. She threw him to the ground easily, and I felt the heat in my head as anger hit me again. I knew why she was doing it this time, but it didn't matter.
"Don't touch him," I growled. She did touch him again and nothing happened.
I was still angry as I crouched by Edward, brushing some of his messy bronze hair back. "I know you're doing this to help, but leave Edward alone. He's been through enough, and I won't let you touch him again."
Edward smiled slightly. "I'm okay, Bella. If it helps you, it's a good thing."
"You look like you need a break anyway," Kate replied. "You're doing really well."
I sat with Edward as everyone else continued to discuss the logistics. I leaned against his arm and sighed. "I'm dreading this. I don't want anyone to get hurt," I told him.
His arm eased around me. "It has to happen. There's just no way around it; they can't keep doing this. I never asked to be a vampire, but they're going to destroy the order and secrecy we created for our existence."
I sighed. "I know."
His face cleared and his smile was his again. Edward was back and it was a smooth transition this time. "I remember nights of watching you sleep while you lay curled against me," he said staring off towards Jacob.
I couldn't look at him. "It comes back in bits and pieces. I also remember wanting to marry you."
My heart banged painfully against my ribs. I couldn't listen to this anymore; he was going to remember specifics soon at the rate he was going, and I hated the idea of what happened hurting him.
"Edward…" I said, intending to change the subject.
"I love you," he murmured.
Jacob was looking over at me, but before I could react to either one of them, Edward had slipped away again.
I stayed quiet as Edward's family called him over, almost dozing against a tree, as everyone finished up. "You ready to go home for now? We need to get everyone in La Push and Forks as safe as we can," Jake said, standing in front of me.
I nodded, taking his hand. We didn't say much as he led me back through the woods to the house. "We should sleep a little first," Jake said. "We have all day to prepare. They'll wait until nightfall."
I crawled back in bed, cold and shivering. "I know you heard him," I said as he got into bed next to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't know how… don't know what to say…"
He nuzzled his face into my hair, his arms winding around me, holding me close against him. "It's okay, honey. I know you're waiting to talk to him at the right time…" he said and pulled me closer.
Even though my stomach was twisted with nerves, I tried to get some sleep. I was going to need it.
*~*~*
JPOV
Bella was still sleeping - though fitfully - so I went out into the kitchen to call my dad. I wanted to set up a meeting with him, Old Quil, and the rest of the Tribal Elders before everything started. I also knew we needed to get Charlie and Sue here. They would be safer in La Push.
"Dad? It's starting," I said quietly when he answered the phone.
He sighed. "Where are we meeting?"
"Here," I replied. "I'm calling Sue right after this, and I'm going to ask her to pick you up along the way."
He agreed easily. I called Sue and she promised she would leave immediately. When I hung up, I just stared out the window at my beloved forest. There was going to be a battle in a place I loved, a place that was sacred to my people. I closed my eyes for a moment and heard Bella's soft footfalls.
"Jake?" She looked so tired. When we destroyed these leeches, I was taking her away for a long, long vacation.
I held my arms out to her, lifted her so she was perched on the counter, and moved between her thighs. I breathed in her strawberry scent, kissing just under her ear, my hands spanning the length of her back. Her fingers smoothed along my scalp, tangling in my hair, and we just held each other.
We stayed like that until I heard the knock on the door. Sam and the pack were right behind the Elders. Once everyone was situated as comfortably as possible, I called Alice and put her on speaker phone.
"They're nearly here," Alice sighed. "They know something is up, but it seems right now their suspicion is that there are just other vampires helping us. They have no idea about the pack."
"Old Quil is our medicine man," Billy told Alice and the rest of the Cullen's. "He has a protection spell on our homes."
"They are strong," Old Quil's voice interjected. His thick voice was weakening with age, along with his body, but his spirit was as strong as a warrior's. "It will not be easy to breech and get into our homes."
Carlisle's voice interjected. "I'm glad. I would like to respectfully request permission to move onto your land if necessary when this starts. You have my word that it will go back to normal when this is over and that absolutely no harm will come to anyone from any of us here to fight against the Volturi."
Billy glanced at Sue, Sam, Old Quil, and me. We all nodded. "You have permission to come onto our land."
Bella bit her lip. "What about Charlie? I suppose Billy could get him here easily enough - or Sue - but he's been involved with this since the beginning. I know he hasn't stopped trying to work out what's happened. He's suspicious, and I absolutely can not have him in harm's way."
"I can't guarantee anything; he's the Chief of Police, but I'll try my best to keep him here," Billy said.
Bella didn't look overly satisfied, but there wasn't much that could be done. So, she called Charlie while we discussed how this would go down. After we ended the call, Bella wanted to pick something up at her dad's house and to make sure he was on his way to La Push. I drove her there; she disappeared into the house, and reappeared with Charlie behind her.
He did seem suspicious, but he followed us back to the reservation. Once there, Charlie turned to us, eyes narrowed.
"What's going on?" he asked.
I shrugged lightly. "Billy said since Sue is down here, he thought the three of you could make a day of it. He wants to do a little fishing, grill up some steaks for dinner, and watch the game tonight."
Charlie nodded, though he still didn't look entirely convinced. Once he was in the house, I took her hand. "Come on, let's go to the beach."
She followed me toward the path that led to First Beach, and she tightened her fingers around mine as we walked along the water's edge. I kicked a small spray of water, startling a seagull into a squawking frenzy. Bella smiled, but then looked worried again.
"Jake?" she questioned. When I raised my eyebrows at her, she continued. "You can't imprint on a vampire, right?"
That startled a laugh out of me. "When hell freezes over, maybe. Otherwise, no. That would pretty much be a suicide mission of a relationship."
She shrugged. "There's something about the Denali's that draw men to them, and I think Kate finds you interesting..."
I chuckled again, pulling her against me. "They're a sort of succubus, I believe. I asked Carlisle about it. Kate finds me interesting because they aren't used to shape-shifters and because I didn't fall when I grabbed hold of her. The guys' find them attractive, too, but they're resisting. It's a repulsive attraction," I said, laughing some more.
"Good," she said decisively. "After you phase, you do realize when everything is over, I'm not letting you go anywhere near Lindsay or any other female you haven't already met, right?"
I smiled, perching on our driftwood log, and pulling her down onto my lap. When she looked up at me, I touched my lips to hers. It was a soft kiss as our lips pulled away only to merge again. I brushed her hair back, kissing the pulse point in her throat. We curled against each other, listening to the waves and call of birds as the hours ticked down. I was raring to destroy the Volturi, to end Bella's misery and everyone else's, but I couldn't help worrying, too. This wasn't going to be easy, and I hated the idea of her being involved in this.
My stomach growled, and she gave me a small grin. "Why don't we get some pizza tonight and eat with our dad's?"
I agreed, knowing I was going to have to talk to my dad before everything started. Once we got back to my old house, Bella called in the pizza order while they made some steaks. We sat outside while the rain was holding off, just basking in the weak afternoon sunlight and talked. We talked about anything and everything, the important and not-so-important. Every now and then, I would catch Charlie eyeing us.
We ate our pizza and before long, I had to head back to meet up with my brothers. As Bella was saying good-bye to Charlie, hugging him tightly, I felt my dad's hand close around mine. He didn't let go, and I looked down at him.
"Dad?"
His mouth opened, but nothing came out. It wasn't often I saw real emotion displayed on my father's face; not since my mom died. I knew it was just hidden and how much he loved me and my sisters. He didn't have tears in his eyes, but his mouth was set in a grim line, holding it in.
"Jacob, I'm begging you to be careful. Protect yourself and Bella; your brothers' are strong and can handle themselves."
"I will, Dad," I said squeezing his hand.
"I lost my wife. I do not want to lose my son. Jacob, I love you. I don't say that often enough, but I hope you know it."
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. "I know it. I love you, too, Dad. And Rach and Becca."
He still wouldn't let go of my hand and tugged so I knelt in front of him. He laid his hands on my cheeks. "Be the Alpha tonight. It's what you were born to do. Go with the grace of our ancestral spirits and be safe."
My eyes locked onto his and he hugged me tightly. I pressed my forehead briefly to his shoulder. I gave his hand a squeeze, reached for Bella as Charlie eyed us oddly yet again, and with another good-bye we were heading back to the house. We didn't speak until we were in the forest and I was about to phase.
Bella threw herself into my arms, and I lifted her. "We'll be fine and will get through this," I said.
"I love you, Jake."
"I love you, too."
I kissed her and watched as she hugged every single wolf there. She was soon covered in our scent and masked, and I watched as she was hidden. I turned to Alice, and she nodded, her eyes on me.
My brothers' and I melted back into the shadows. It happened so fast and the next moments were a blur. The Volturi was just… there. The Cullen's and Denali's growled low in their throats, and Edward looked insane with anger.
"We've come for some of you. The rest of you will die, including the girl," Caius said. His voice was devoid of emotion. Aro stood to the side, his face expressionless, but his eyes met Alice's briefly.
I still didn't see through the leaves the vampire that Edward spoke of until I saw the barest hint of movement lurking in the shadows behind them. His eyes were cold, his mouth curled in the barest hint of a smile. Edward saw him and holy shit. I had never seen Edward fly into a fury.
It was like watching in slow-motion. Everyone was racing toward each other. My heart hammered, my body vibrating with the eagerness to phase. In seconds my claws were digging into the earth, my muscles bunched, and my muzzle quivered.
The collision of the vampires was brutal and that was when we came barreling out of the forest, and my teeth were aimed straight at the neck of a soon-to-be-dead leech.
*~*~*
AN: Sorry for the cliffy… but this is kind of where it had to end. Anyway, I just wanted to make note of Bella's ability. I know she was a vampire doing this in BD, but I believe she could have done this on her own considering she was blessed with that gift while human. There are some reasonings about this that will be mentioned a bit later, but I don't think she needs to be a vampire to be special.
Also, I just decided to forego mention of Irina; she wouldn't help at the end of Eclipse because of the wolves, so she's just off being pissy somewhere! Haha
Chapter 33
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
We are ready for the siege/and we are armed up to the teeth/Be careful how you live and breathe/Release what's brewing underneath/How many times do you wanna die?/How many ways do you wanna die?
*~*~*
BPOV
I followed Jake into the woods, eyes darting around, fearing every shadow-y spot; which was pretty much the whole forest. He reached back, and I laced my fingers with his as we continued moving silently through the forest. I didn't say a word because I could see Jake was alert and listening for any kind of suspicious sound.
It didn't take us long to reach the grassy clearing in the woods where everyone was gathering. Slowly, and in unison, all the members of the pack moved into the area cautiously.
"Jacob? They Volturi are really coming here?" Sam asked once we reached them.
He sighed. "Yes. I just spoke with Alice. She said they made the decision spur-of-the-moment to kill two birds with one stone. They'll come here, knowing the Cullen's will come back to protect Bella. They said they can take both of us to Denali with them, to keep them away from here…"
That was met with some growls and protests.
"We're family," Embry said simply. "We won't let you go face them alone, Jacob. You know that."
I bit my lip, knowing this would be the result. My stomach was tied up in knots, knowing they loved us enough to risk their lives for us. I hated that, but I knew it was useless to argue.
"I've been having dreams," I said quietly into the stillness. "The Cullen's seem to think that there could be some truth to them. They have been feeling too realistic lately. The Volturi is dangerous. I don't want any of you fighting, but I know you won't agree to that. Please, please, be careful," I begged.
Jake rubbed my back, and I leaned into the comfort of his body.
"We protect our own," Sam said simply. "You're one of us, too, Bella." They all nodded in affirmation, and I had to swallow back my tears.
I tried to gather up all the information I knew about the Volturi, though I knew the Cullen's could help fill in the blanks when they arrived.
"Jane has the power to make someone feel pain. She can affect only one person at time, though. Aro can read your minds, and can see into your past, though he seems to be on our side. I'm still not sure what to think of that; he was the one who ordered them to change me. Demetri is one of the best trackers they have, while Felix is basically like a hired thug. He's huge and a fighter. Marcus understands everyone's relationships, so he can target those you love. We need everyone else protected who mean something to you especially. They're all extremely old vampires and extremely powerful."
I could see the flash of concern on their faces; the faces of a family I had come to love.
"In my dreams, it seems my ability to not be affected by their powers physically, means that I have a shield of sorts. I got the impression that Aro seems to think I can extend this shield to protect others, though I don't know how. I'm hoping the Cullen's might have information on that when they get here."
Quil glanced up at me. "That means you would have to be here during the fight. Bella, we won't put you in danger like that."
"I can't let you fight for mine and everyone's safety without helping if I can," I said stubbornly.
Sam frowned, but said nothing.
"Bella, you don't know how it works; how you even have this ability. How can it help us?"
I bit my lip. I could figure this out, couldn't I? It couldn't be that difficult.
Jake's arms were welcoming as he slid them around me. "Bella, I'm doing this to protect you," he said, nuzzling into the hair covering my ear. "I want you safe."
"I'm safest when I'm with you," I said simply. "I'll wait and see what the Cullen's have to say about my ability, but that's the best I can do. If I can help, I'm going to do what I have to, to help protect anyone's mind that I can."
He sighed, and I lay my head against his chest, drowsy from lack of sleep. He sat me down, settling me comfortably against him, as he talked quietly with the rest of them. I wanted to pay attention, but my eyelids kept fluttering closed. I was half-asleep; unsure of how much time had passed when I felt as if someone were watching me. I jerked awake, feeling the loss of Jake's body against mine, although he had covered me with a flannel shirt so I would stay warm. A fire had also been lit, and I relaxed marginally when I saw all of them talking.
I craned my neck around, glancing over my shoulder, and saw the glittery eyes looking at me. My heart lurched, and my mouth opened in a scream, but I managed to squelch it with a squeak when I realized it was Edward. My body relaxed, and I sat up, motioning him forward. The wolves were already on the alert as Edward, and the rest of his family, filed into the clearing. The clearing was in the middle of the Quileute's land and Forks, but it was still close enough to La Push for the wolves to be worried.
Alice stepped forward. "Bella," she murmured. She reached her arms out to me, and I moved into them, giving her a big hug. I was glad to see her, but wished it was under different circumstances.
Edward's eyes met mine, and he moved toward me, worry and sadness etched onto his smooth face. He held his hand out to me, and I slid mine into his. My throat worked as he held my gaze; so much of what I felt for him always rushed through me upon catching sight of him even if only a day had passed. Suddenly, I realized the wolves were on their feet, barely holding on to their forms.
Carlisle stepped forward, raising a hand.
"Please," he said calmly. "I'm sorry to spring this on you, but things happened so fast. We brought Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and Eleazer back with us. They're part of the Denali coven, but you have nothing to fear. They are like us; they don't feed off of humans. We knew we would need all the help we could get. They are an extended part of our family and have offered to work with all of us if you're willing."
"You should have mentioned it," Sam said, the strain in his voice almost palpable.
"We didn't mean to make you feel threatened," Alice said, directing her words to Jacob. "I give you my word that they have the same agenda as us, and they won't touch a hair on anyone's head that you love or that you're sworn to protect."
The group was quiet, and I stood quite literally in the middle, feeling as if were the mediator of two fairy tales come to life. It wasn't entirely a safe feeling.
Jake met her eyes, and he nodded slowly. "I would give them the chance to prove themselves, Sam. It's up to you, but the Cullen's have proven trustworthy to me."
Everyone shifted restlessly, and I could barely make out the still forms of the Denali's as they hung back behind the Cullen's. Sam finally nodded. Jacob was his second-in-command after all - and the one meant to be Alpha - and I knew he would trust Jake implicitly.
The Denali's relaxed, though they looked wary. The realization dawned on me that this was new for them; they hadn't known the pack existed until recently. Carlisle stepped forward and said just that.
"The Denali's hadn't known you existed," he said quietly. "This is a great advantage in our favor. We were hoping you would all be amenable to being a secret weapon of sorts. The Volturi don't know you exist either. They will be expecting us, and most likely friends' of ours, but not shape shifters."
Jake smiled at the thought, and I could see the ripple through the rest of them. They were definitely into that idea. Jasper stepped forward, telling them all in quiet tones about the Volturi, and how best to defeat them. Jasper had the skill of a true fighter, and I knew the wolves would benefit from even his briefest of training. They were designed to kill vampires and knowing the secrets of the Volturi would make them more dangerous.
I stepped to the side, lightly tugging on Alice's arm, and motioning to Edward to follow me. We moved to the side, and I turned to them, worried but determined to do what I had to do.
"Have you learned anything about this mental shield I have? I had another dream where I was told by Aro that I could use it to protect others as well."
Alice nodded and motioned to Kate - beautiful with corn-silk blonde hair - who came over. "Alice?" she questioned.
"Bella wants to know about her shield. We talked about it on the way here, and you said you had an idea."
Kate nodded, turning her stunning golden eyes on me. It was then I noticed that Kate and her sister, Tanya, were the main attraction for the wolves. Worried and vaguely irritated, I turned to see all the wolves' eyes fixed on Tanya and Kate, and I felt a rush of jealousy as I looked to see what Jake was doing. I didn't know much about the Denali's, but I knew something was different about them. If the men staring at them were any indication of that anyway, I thought dryly.
Jake was looking at Tanya who was preening under the attention - even if it was from wolves - but his head automatically turned toward me. His gaze softened, and I could see his eyes darken as he watched me. The little knot of jealousy dispersed immediately. Kate and Alice were talking, so I tuned in.
"Bella, you don't actively try to block anyone, it just happens, right?" Kate asked.
"Yes," I told her. "I had no idea I was able to do anything until Edward said something to me about it."
"You might be able to extend it to protect someone with an extreme reaction," she mused. "You're only human, though, so I'm not sure how much you can do. I guess we'll just have to put it to the test."
I felt a tightening in my stomach; I wasn't sure I was going to like this.
Jake came over, sensing something was up. He eyed Kate suspiciously a second before she pounced on him. It happened so fast I barely had time to react. She gripped his throat, slamming him into a tree, a vicious snarl escaping her lips. Her stunning face was murderous. Jake's body blurred before my eyes as Kate's electrical shock of a grip rocked through his body. It was a combination of that and his body preparing to phase. He held it together, gripped her throat in return, as the shock waves tried to throw him back.
His teeth were bared as he held on finally throwing her off of him so hard she snapped a tree in half upon collision. She was back at him, reaching for him, and everything in me coalesced into a shining ball of rage. I forced my mind shield out - not knowing what the hell I was doing - just in time to see Jake not react to her electric shock as her hand gripped his arm.
She backed off immediately, and I was furious. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I practically snarled at her. I didn't care who she was and that she could probably kill me with one finger. I was seething. Jake's pack was surrounding him, all of them barely holding on.
I reached out to Jake, my fingers moving carefully over his arm and throat, where she had shocked him. He was staring at her intensely, his body still vibrating. Alice and Jasper moved in between them to head off any retaliation.
"I'm sorry," Kate said sincerely. "I could have warned Jacob what I was going to do, but I needed it to be as realistic as possible. Bella, didn't you notice that you stopped him from getting that last shock? If you had thought it wasn't serious, you might not have done it."
I paused, realization dawning that I actually had stopped it. It didn't register because I was afraid of what could happen.
"I have no real intention to hurt any of you," she promised. "The Cullen's vouch for you and that's good enough for me."
Everyone relaxed marginally, and Kate turned to me. "For a human, you have some pretty damn great mind control. You just have to go with it. And your Jacob is incredibly strong, especially where you're concerned. No one can withstand touching me - or being touched by me - when I use my power. He did."
Everyone was a little wary after what happened, but grudgingly moved away to work through maneuvers and tactics. Jake glanced over at her as he followed his pack. "Try that again, or touch Bella, and I will end you."
She grinned. "It would be an interesting fight, wouldn't it?"
I watched in amazement as he smirked in return. "That it would," he answered.
I gritted my teeth. She attacked him in front of me and was now flirting with him? He even smiled back at her. I was only slightly mollified when he gave my hand a squeeze before walking away.
Irritated, I continued trying to force my shield out, but it was a lot for a simple human to handle. "It probably would be easier if you try and relax a little," Kate said.
I didn't want to relax; she was trying to help me, but I was getting increasingly annoyed.
Kate reached out and zapped Edward in the arm. My eyes narrowed as I attempted to stare her down. "Kate, maybe you should ease off a little," Alice suggested, giving me a worried look. I was no danger to anyone but myself, which was probably Alice's concern.
"There isn't time," Kate said simply. "She needs to be ready if she's determined to help."
She turned, hands tightening around Edward's arms, shocking him and rendering him incapacitated. She threw him to the ground easily, and I felt the heat in my head as anger hit me again. I knew why she was doing it this time, but it didn't matter.
"Don't touch him," I growled. She did touch him again and nothing happened.
I was still angry as I crouched by Edward, brushing some of his messy bronze hair back. "I know you're doing this to help, but leave Edward alone. He's been through enough, and I won't let you touch him again."
Edward smiled slightly. "I'm okay, Bella. If it helps you, it's a good thing."
"You look like you need a break anyway," Kate replied. "You're doing really well."
I sat with Edward as everyone else continued to discuss the logistics. I leaned against his arm and sighed. "I'm dreading this. I don't want anyone to get hurt," I told him.
His arm eased around me. "It has to happen. There's just no way around it; they can't keep doing this. I never asked to be a vampire, but they're going to destroy the order and secrecy we created for our existence."
I sighed. "I know."
His face cleared and his smile was his again. Edward was back and it was a smooth transition this time. "I remember nights of watching you sleep while you lay curled against me," he said staring off towards Jacob.
I couldn't look at him. "It comes back in bits and pieces. I also remember wanting to marry you."
My heart banged painfully against my ribs. I couldn't listen to this anymore; he was going to remember specifics soon at the rate he was going, and I hated the idea of what happened hurting him.
"Edward…" I said, intending to change the subject.
"I love you," he murmured.
Jacob was looking over at me, but before I could react to either one of them, Edward had slipped away again.
I stayed quiet as Edward's family called him over, almost dozing against a tree, as everyone finished up. "You ready to go home for now? We need to get everyone in La Push and Forks as safe as we can," Jake said, standing in front of me.
I nodded, taking his hand. We didn't say much as he led me back through the woods to the house. "We should sleep a little first," Jake said. "We have all day to prepare. They'll wait until nightfall."
I crawled back in bed, cold and shivering. "I know you heard him," I said as he got into bed next to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't know how… don't know what to say…"
He nuzzled his face into my hair, his arms winding around me, holding me close against him. "It's okay, honey. I know you're waiting to talk to him at the right time…" he said and pulled me closer.
Even though my stomach was twisted with nerves, I tried to get some sleep. I was going to need it.
*~*~*
JPOV
Bella was still sleeping - though fitfully - so I went out into the kitchen to call my dad. I wanted to set up a meeting with him, Old Quil, and the rest of the Tribal Elders before everything started. I also knew we needed to get Charlie and Sue here. They would be safer in La Push.
"Dad? It's starting," I said quietly when he answered the phone.
He sighed. "Where are we meeting?"
"Here," I replied. "I'm calling Sue right after this, and I'm going to ask her to pick you up along the way."
He agreed easily. I called Sue and she promised she would leave immediately. When I hung up, I just stared out the window at my beloved forest. There was going to be a battle in a place I loved, a place that was sacred to my people. I closed my eyes for a moment and heard Bella's soft footfalls.
"Jake?" She looked so tired. When we destroyed these leeches, I was taking her away for a long, long vacation.
I held my arms out to her, lifted her so she was perched on the counter, and moved between her thighs. I breathed in her strawberry scent, kissing just under her ear, my hands spanning the length of her back. Her fingers smoothed along my scalp, tangling in my hair, and we just held each other.
We stayed like that until I heard the knock on the door. Sam and the pack were right behind the Elders. Once everyone was situated as comfortably as possible, I called Alice and put her on speaker phone.
"They're nearly here," Alice sighed. "They know something is up, but it seems right now their suspicion is that there are just other vampires helping us. They have no idea about the pack."
"Old Quil is our medicine man," Billy told Alice and the rest of the Cullen's. "He has a protection spell on our homes."
"They are strong," Old Quil's voice interjected. His thick voice was weakening with age, along with his body, but his spirit was as strong as a warrior's. "It will not be easy to breech and get into our homes."
Carlisle's voice interjected. "I'm glad. I would like to respectfully request permission to move onto your land if necessary when this starts. You have my word that it will go back to normal when this is over and that absolutely no harm will come to anyone from any of us here to fight against the Volturi."
Billy glanced at Sue, Sam, Old Quil, and me. We all nodded. "You have permission to come onto our land."
Bella bit her lip. "What about Charlie? I suppose Billy could get him here easily enough - or Sue - but he's been involved with this since the beginning. I know he hasn't stopped trying to work out what's happened. He's suspicious, and I absolutely can not have him in harm's way."
"I can't guarantee anything; he's the Chief of Police, but I'll try my best to keep him here," Billy said.
Bella didn't look overly satisfied, but there wasn't much that could be done. So, she called Charlie while we discussed how this would go down. After we ended the call, Bella wanted to pick something up at her dad's house and to make sure he was on his way to La Push. I drove her there; she disappeared into the house, and reappeared with Charlie behind her.
He did seem suspicious, but he followed us back to the reservation. Once there, Charlie turned to us, eyes narrowed.
"What's going on?" he asked.
I shrugged lightly. "Billy said since Sue is down here, he thought the three of you could make a day of it. He wants to do a little fishing, grill up some steaks for dinner, and watch the game tonight."
Charlie nodded, though he still didn't look entirely convinced. Once he was in the house, I took her hand. "Come on, let's go to the beach."
She followed me toward the path that led to First Beach, and she tightened her fingers around mine as we walked along the water's edge. I kicked a small spray of water, startling a seagull into a squawking frenzy. Bella smiled, but then looked worried again.
"Jake?" she questioned. When I raised my eyebrows at her, she continued. "You can't imprint on a vampire, right?"
That startled a laugh out of me. "When hell freezes over, maybe. Otherwise, no. That would pretty much be a suicide mission of a relationship."
She shrugged. "There's something about the Denali's that draw men to them, and I think Kate finds you interesting..."
I chuckled again, pulling her against me. "They're a sort of succubus, I believe. I asked Carlisle about it. Kate finds me interesting because they aren't used to shape-shifters and because I didn't fall when I grabbed hold of her. The guys' find them attractive, too, but they're resisting. It's a repulsive attraction," I said, laughing some more.
"Good," she said decisively. "After you phase, you do realize when everything is over, I'm not letting you go anywhere near Lindsay or any other female you haven't already met, right?"
I smiled, perching on our driftwood log, and pulling her down onto my lap. When she looked up at me, I touched my lips to hers. It was a soft kiss as our lips pulled away only to merge again. I brushed her hair back, kissing the pulse point in her throat. We curled against each other, listening to the waves and call of birds as the hours ticked down. I was raring to destroy the Volturi, to end Bella's misery and everyone else's, but I couldn't help worrying, too. This wasn't going to be easy, and I hated the idea of her being involved in this.
My stomach growled, and she gave me a small grin. "Why don't we get some pizza tonight and eat with our dad's?"
I agreed, knowing I was going to have to talk to my dad before everything started. Once we got back to my old house, Bella called in the pizza order while they made some steaks. We sat outside while the rain was holding off, just basking in the weak afternoon sunlight and talked. We talked about anything and everything, the important and not-so-important. Every now and then, I would catch Charlie eyeing us.
We ate our pizza and before long, I had to head back to meet up with my brothers. As Bella was saying good-bye to Charlie, hugging him tightly, I felt my dad's hand close around mine. He didn't let go, and I looked down at him.
"Dad?"
His mouth opened, but nothing came out. It wasn't often I saw real emotion displayed on my father's face; not since my mom died. I knew it was just hidden and how much he loved me and my sisters. He didn't have tears in his eyes, but his mouth was set in a grim line, holding it in.
"Jacob, I'm begging you to be careful. Protect yourself and Bella; your brothers' are strong and can handle themselves."
"I will, Dad," I said squeezing his hand.
"I lost my wife. I do not want to lose my son. Jacob, I love you. I don't say that often enough, but I hope you know it."
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. "I know it. I love you, too, Dad. And Rach and Becca."
He still wouldn't let go of my hand and tugged so I knelt in front of him. He laid his hands on my cheeks. "Be the Alpha tonight. It's what you were born to do. Go with the grace of our ancestral spirits and be safe."
My eyes locked onto his and he hugged me tightly. I pressed my forehead briefly to his shoulder. I gave his hand a squeeze, reached for Bella as Charlie eyed us oddly yet again, and with another good-bye we were heading back to the house. We didn't speak until we were in the forest and I was about to phase.
Bella threw herself into my arms, and I lifted her. "We'll be fine and will get through this," I said.
"I love you, Jake."
"I love you, too."
I kissed her and watched as she hugged every single wolf there. She was soon covered in our scent and masked, and I watched as she was hidden. I turned to Alice, and she nodded, her eyes on me.
My brothers' and I melted back into the shadows. It happened so fast and the next moments were a blur. The Volturi was just… there. The Cullen's and Denali's growled low in their throats, and Edward looked insane with anger.
"We've come for some of you. The rest of you will die, including the girl," Caius said. His voice was devoid of emotion. Aro stood to the side, his face expressionless, but his eyes met Alice's briefly.
I still didn't see through the leaves the vampire that Edward spoke of until I saw the barest hint of movement lurking in the shadows behind them. His eyes were cold, his mouth curled in the barest hint of a smile. Edward saw him and holy shit. I had never seen Edward fly into a fury.
It was like watching in slow-motion. Everyone was racing toward each other. My heart hammered, my body vibrating with the eagerness to phase. In seconds my claws were digging into the earth, my muscles bunched, and my muzzle quivered.
The collision of the vampires was brutal and that was when we came barreling out of the forest, and my teeth were aimed straight at the neck of a soon-to-be-dead leech.
*~*~*
AN: Sorry for the cliffy… but this is kind of where it had to end. Anyway, I just wanted to make note of Bella's ability. I know she was a vampire doing this in BD, but I believe she could have done this on her own considering she was blessed with that gift while human. There are some reasonings about this that will be mentioned a bit later, but I don't think she needs to be a vampire to be special.
Also, I just decided to forego mention of Irina; she wouldn't help at the end of Eclipse because of the wolves, so she's just off being pissy somewhere! Haha
Chapter 33