Elemental Goddess
by: Wizardtho
Chapter 79: Bright Lights and the Purr-fect Fit
BPOV:
Once we were all comfortable back in the rear yard of the Cullen main house, and the girls had a chance to quickly whip something up for our hungry shifters, Major wrapped his arms around me from behind. Placing his hands tenderly on where our sons lay safe inside me, while my three mates cuddled me under our tree, Major kissed a line up my neck, “If your emotions and Char hadn't both convinced me you were fine, I woulda started to worry, Isabella. What happened?”
Edward brought me two large cups-O-blood right then, so I took several long sips before replying to both, “Thanks, we needed this. It's hard to explain, Major. It's different when I'm centered in myself and the earth, than when I'm submerged -I guess you could say- in the earth's grounding sensation.”
I noticed all the others finding spots on the logs around us, all of the shifters and elders with piled high plates on their laps, so I continued knowing everyone was listening. “When I walked off the field with Jake and Char, I knew something was off. Not with me or the boys, mind you. I knew I needed to spend time with the earth for some reason. Quil confirmed that the earth needed me... that Char would help me, and Jake would help me stay synced. As soon as I fully surrounded myself in the grounding sensation the earth gives me, my mind's eye showed me something. It was horrible... so... I don't know. It looked like a tangle mass, with offshoots that were all twisted and gnarled. It felt like poison, both dangerous and sick at the same time. I know now that that's what the earth was showing me, but that my vision of it when I'm centered in myself would be different. I don't know how, though.”
I let out a breath, since I was getting off topic. “Anyway, the dark mass seemed to be getting larger and smaller at the same time, somehow, while the off-shoots seemed to be entangling with each other. That's when I noticed a bunch of bright spots of light too close to the mass without any protection. They seemed to be sneaking around the area, so I instinctively felt for Char, then used her energy to make a fog that clung to the lights. I knew I couldn't let the gnarled offshoots ensnare any of the lights. I just couldn't. I watched as they got a little closer to the dark mass, the fog clinging to them like a second skin, then they seemed to back off after a while. All the bright points of light gathered well away from the mass. When I felt it was safe, I let the fog dissipate. The lights left the area completely before the vision faded from my mind's eye.”
Alice gasped softly, then said, “Bella? That sounds like a human dream. How something in a dream can represent something in real life. Do you think... maybe... that the earth was showing you how it sees allies and enemies?”
I felt internally that she was right, so I immediately looked at Jake. “How many tigers did you have at last count? They're the only ones who have been popping in and out on a regular basis, plus you said they were supposed to be in-state at the last check-in time.”
Edward automatically said, “Ten, Sweetheart. They don't all pop in at the same time. Some will at one check-in, and then different ones will at another. There could be a few that don't pop in at all. Why?”
I grinned at Ali, whispering, “You're brilliant. Edward, there were twelve distinct points of bright light in my mind's eye. I think we found our MIA tigers, and that I just kept them hidden from the enemy. Which enemy -whether the Volturi or Victoria- remains to be seen until they're here to fill us in, though.”
I took another few long pulls from the straw of my cup, rubbing my belly tenderly, then noticed Joshua looked like he wanted to say something. I smiled for him to take his time. After a few seconds, he asked, “Goddess, do you know why they keep letting themselves be seen, then disappear from Jake's mode of tracking them? Could they be working with the enemy?”
I shook my head, then smiled as I said, “I see why you're worried, Joshua, but neither earth nor water would have let me protect something that meant me or my mates harm. Remember that the fog shrouded the bright spots from the dark and twisted mass. The earth didn't like the mass at all; it made both of us very uneasy.”
He nodded, but I continued to finish my point. “Plus, Jake believes that the Siberian tiger tribe may know more of the legends than even the Quileute tribe… that they've been popping up as a way to let us know they're coming. Until the missed check-in, they have been popping in like clockwork, which was why Jake started feeling uneasy when none of them popped up at the expected check-in time. I don't think it's coincidence that just after they miss a check-in time, the earth had me helping twelve points of bright light. When they do find their way here, their intentions will be tested as all others have, so don't fear. I won't risk any of our allies or the elders, nor will I risk my mates or my father.”
At that point everyone seemed to calm down, and the shifters all started eating with more gusto.
When my blood was almost gone, I looked at Major while sending him the feeling of feeding from me. His eyes rolled slightly in reaction, but then he whispered into my neck, “Who would you like?”
I looked to Ali and Edward, trying to discern their eye colors, then to Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle and Esme seemed to be worse off, even though Ali and Edward hadn't fed since before we got back from seeing the shaman, so I breathed, “Carlisle and Esme. They look like they could use the boost.”
He nodded as he picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. My mates followed him and Jake toward the back door. When we passed Carlisle and Esme on the way, we asked for them to follow us.
Once in the house, we led them to their bedroom. Carlisle quirked an eyebrow at me, so I chuckled, “Not that I wouldn't love to have another romp with the two of you right now, but that's not what this is about. You both need to feed.”
He looked down with a shamed expression as I pulled him down onto the bed with me. “Hey. What's that look about?”
He let out a heavy breath, then said, “Major, I know you have us sparring the shifters for a reason, but I just can't. That's why you've had to correct both Esme and myself so often. In their shifted forms, it's a lot harder to think of them as the enemy. With a vampire, it's easier for me to push aside that it's an ally I'm supposed to be sparring with.”
He nodded in thought, but Carlisle continued, “With the shifters, we've been working so hard to build relationships with them, that it feels wrong to even try thinking of them as an enemy. Honey, the reason we need to feed is because Esme and I have both received torn limbs more than once today.”
I let out a heavy breath, then looked up to Major. “We need to get them sparring other vampires. It would help the shifters to see how different one vampire's technique can be from another's. Have one shifter type go against another, too. We can't let training become one directional. Everyone needs to be as versatile as possible during battle.”
He nodded while caressing my cheek, silently sending me some calm, then said, “I know, Isabella. Relax. We'll take care of it as soon as Carlisle and Esme feed a bit. Speakin’a which, the next time either’a ya become the slightest bit thirsty, don't wait. Come to us, no matter what else is goin' on.”
They both looked down, slightly scolded, but agreed before Major texted Edward to make sure all the other vampires were well fed.
Thirty-five minutes later, we all walked back out of the house with Carlisle and Esme. I was happy to see that everyone's eyes were bright. Even the Denalis looked well fed. Tanya smiled as she offered in explanation, “Some of the pack guarded us while we hunted. They're fun to hunt with. Some of the falcons even spotted prey for us, so we could hunt in a timely fashion.”
I chuckled, then called a thank you to our shifters. I saw several of them nod in respect, then looked around to make sure we weren't missing anyone. When I saw we weren't, I said, “Alright, everyone. Let's head back to the field. There's more training to be done, different tactics to be learned.”
As we reached the field, I asked Major, “Can you tell Peter and Char how you want this round of training to go? I'd like you to spend some time with me and the earth. I feel it calling to me.”
He nodded seriously. After a brief word to Peter and Char, I felt Peter’s shift to Captain, then Captain took command of the field. Major drew me up into his arms, wrapping my legs around his hips, then sat us under the tree, letting Charlie and the elders all know what was going to happen. They understood, positioning themselves about ten feet away from us in a semi-circle. I fluidly moved into position, placing my hands on his chest, then kissed his lips lightly. “Whatever happens, we are safe. I love you, Major. It's time to let me have my Jasper.”
He smiled in response. As he responded with, “I love ya, Isabella,” I saw the black leaching from his eyes quickly.
As soon as my Jasper was fully himself, he nodded, so I closed my eyes. “I don't need you to dose me, but I need an extra boost of the grounding feeling that both you and the earth give me. Only once I'm centered, Cowboy.”
He hummed and kissed my neck, then I felt one of his hands cover my mark, while the other laid protectively over my baby bump. I breathed deeply for a few moments, then placed my hands in the grass down at my sides. As soon as I was centered, I felt Jasper tracing the same infinity pattern with both hands, the grounded feeling spreading throughout my body. The feeling settled to a steady hum inside me, so I let out a whispered, “There. Perfect.”
I let my senses range out. Not only did I feel the grounding green from Jasper, but also Peter's passion and Char's flowing nature. Knowing they were all well, I settled deeper into my senses, feeling Jake's massive form settle against my back.
I could feel all of the wolves energies through his heat, so I hummed as I looked at them. Then more started showing up. And more... then I could sense everyone on the field. I let myself see their energies, taking note of how they were portrayed.
Suddenly every energy but those belonging to my mates, the Cullens, Jake and Charlie turned to bright white lights. Jake's had sky blue smoke tendrils mixed with its white, while Charlie's had thick ropes of peacock green weaving through its white. The Cullens all had a pastel pink/rose swirls blending in and out of their whites. My mates... their colors were brilliant. The most splendid gold seemed to be the main color for each of them, with ice white acting as the golds shimmer.
I knew that was the earth's doing, showing me what I needed to know. I smiled with my eyes still closed. “Your energies are all so beautiful. The earth is showing me. It's hard to describe, but everyone has white, so be reassured that we are safe, my love.”
I could feel him let out a small breath, but he only kissed my shoulder in response. As I let my senses rage farther out than the protective field, I could sense the humans, but they had no color. I took that to mean that they had no knowledge of our gathering, so they had no need for a color.
I let out a breath, felt an extra boost of the grounding feeling, then ranged out even further. That's when I noticed the 12 bright lights headed right in our direction... only I grinned when I noticed the faint tendrils of sky blue in white of the leader… the one with the most powerful signature.
Ah, so that's why the earth wanted me to protect you. I knew there was a good reason.
I hummed, then said so only my small group could hear, “Be calm, Jasper. My shield will be popping up soon, but do not let the Major take over. I've got this handled. Everyone is to stay doing what they are, but Captain and Char may come to us when they feel the need. Dad, you and the others need to stay seated, please. Do not be alarmed.”
As predicted, my shield came up less than three minutes later, right before the 12 bright lights got to the protection field. I watched though my mind's eye as they walked through the barrier like it wasn't even there, then heard the whole field still.
Immediately my mates came to me, just as my sight changed. I could somehow tell that the lead energy sat tall and confident right outside my shield, which covered all of our allies, while the rest of the energies laid down with their head on their paws patiently. I let the full force of the Goddess ring in my tone, “You are late, alpha, but I understand you bring us news. Fear not speaking in your current state, because Messenger will translate word for word.”
My eyes shot open, piercing the magnificent white tiger with my stare, offering, “Come to me... if you can, that is. Know that if you mean us harm, your streak will be without an alpha before you can blink.”
Without hesitation, the large beast took a step forward, rubbing his face against my shield for a long moment. My shield and the earth both seemed to recognise him as friend, but it was when the proud white tiger started purring that I got a blast of safety and curiosity from Jasper. I could only send him back a feeling of smugness, knowing the reason why.
A few more moments passed before the tiger stood tall, then walked right through my shield. He paid no attention to anyone but Jake, Jasper and me, then laid calmly with his head on his paws several feet from our sides.
Edward knelt down next to him, silent for a split second before he said, “He says it is an honor to finally be in the presence of the Mother Goddess and her Major. He does indeed bring important news. He and his streak were honored you chose to aid them in Seattle. They were on their way here -after crossing the Northeastern border of the state. Halfway between Seattle and here, they came across four vampires speaking to a European man. From the contents of their conversation, he knew the four were from the enemy camp, but nothing was said about the contents of the package that the European gave them. They chose to follow the four, to at least gain whatever intel they could. That is reason they missed the scheduled check-in.”
I nodded to the proud feline in understanding, then encouraged, “Go on. What news do you have for us?”
Edward immediately said, “The four made their way to a large abandoned warehouse at the edge of the harbor. The four were immediately snagged by a female with wild flaming hair. She yelled at them for being gone so long before asking them if they had it. She lifted several pieces of jewelry from the package, then left, only to return and throw them two humans to feed on as a reward.”
Edward looked down at the tiger beside him, asking, “Can you picture the pieces of jewelry in your mind, please? I'd like to see if they match the ones the goddess had a vision of.”
After a nod from the magnificent cat, both were still for several moments. Then Edward looked me in the eyes while nodding, “They are the same, Sweetheart. He also pictured the European. I don't recognize him. I'll make a sketch of him for you in a bit for the notice board.”
I nodded, then told our new ally, “You did well. Now I must ask you to return to your streak. They will all need to pass through my shield individually. As they do, have them state their names for Edward. We want everyone to be recognized in both forms. Your beta will go first, then you go through again for an introduction after the last of your streak. We will do human introductions at the first available opportunity, to put a face to a name.”
After standing and gently touching his nose to the hands that Jasper and I had entwined on the ground, he turned, then fluidly made his way back to his pack. Come to find out, the leader's name was Aleksei, and his beta was his daughter, Ekaterina.
While Aleksei's tiger was a sleek white with regal looking black stripes defining his face and body, Ekaterina -who preferred to be called Katja- was a beautiful snow white, with only the barest hint of smoky grey rings running the length of her tail. She was truly a rare, snowy beauty among a streak full of unique stripe patterns.
As soon as they all made it through my shield, Aleksei stood tall next to Jake, who came to sit in front of me, then touched his nose to my hand. I smiled, “It's nice to finally meet you, Aleksei. Your daughter is quite beautiful in her feline form, I must say. I can't wait to meet her human form.”
He nodded, then gently rubbed his massive head into Jasper's side. He chuckled, scratching lightly at Aleksei's head, then offered, “I know your pack is eager to begin training with the rest, but what do you say we give it a whirl together first?”
He looked up at Jasper curiously, so Edward chuckled in response, “Major has been giving all of the alphas and betas that want the opportunity, a chance to fight as his protector would. The one who naturally fits with his fighting style the best before the battle here, will earn the status and bond of Major's protector.”
Aleksei immediately turned his head, making a short rumbling sound. Seconds later, Katja stopped next to him. Edward said he was offering Katja the opportunity to go first, if she wanted to prove herself. She just shook her head before laying at her father's feet. He bent his head to lick her cheek and nuzzle the top of her head, then looked to Jasper with a nod. He would fight alongside my Major.
He kissed me with a smile, asking curiously, “You know something, don't you, Darlin'?”
I smirked while shaking my head, “Oh, I'm not going to miss out on this show, so you'll just have to Major up and find out for yourself, Baby.”
I heard chuckles all around as I watched the color drain from my mate's eyes, turning them the fierce obsidian of my Major.
“Listen up. Shifters, make yaselves comfortable for a bit. The leader of the tiger tribe has been offered his right at a shot to fight alongside me. He has accepted. All vampires in attendance, make yaselves ready for a mock battle against myself and Aleksei.”
He looked at the mighty tiger with a smirk, “Ya think ya can keep up with me, Alpha? Ya've not had the chance to see me in a pseudo battle, as the others had before their chances. That puts ya at a bit of a disadvantage.”
Aleksei scuffed while shaking his head, then Edward translated in an appreciative tone, “He says if he can't keep up with you without the advantage of seeing you in a fight, what use would he be to you in battle at the spur of the moment? He would rather step down, not try to prove himself worthy at all, than to have a need for a demonstration. He is ready when you are, Major.”
With that, Aleksei stood tall, waiting for Major's command.
I sat excitedly under the tree with Peter behind me and Char laying next to us, then grabbed my dad's hand when he came to sit beside us. He looked at me curiously, so I whispered in his ear only loud enough for him, Peter and Char to hear me, “The way the earth sees Jake as my protector... Aleksei looks the same, although his smoky blue threads aren't as strong or thick. It's definitely there already, though, so I believe we're about to see Major and his protector work together for the first time.”
Charlie beamed at me as I could sense a barely concealed excitement forming in my mates. I chuckled, nodding at them, “You understand now.”
I watched intently as the mock battle began. Right off the bat, someone tried to trip Aleksei up so he would collide with Major, but their dance began flawlessly. Aleksei spun and crouched right as Major jumped. It looked like a choreographed move which landed Major securely on Aleksei's back. They fought off the swarm of attackers honing in on them, then Major jumped down from his back in order to charge the next round of enemies.
Aleksei didn't miss a beat, though. He was glued to Major's side, even when my mate started slinking in and out of the fray. It was a thing of pure beauty to watch. After they successfully 'ripped' through the entire field of vampires twice, Aleksei was still going strong.
That's when Major called out, “Any shifter wantin' in on the fun can have at us in random groups. Mix it up with your vampire allies.”
The fun really began then, but it was easy to also see the raw fierceness in both Major and Aleksei's eyes. They were a frightening sight on the field together. My point was proven when a flyer came practically out of nowhere toward my Major.
I thought the fight would be called, since Aleksei wasn't looking in the direction to notice the flyer. Then suddenly he arched and flipped backward higher than I would have expected, grabbed the flyer in his jaws on the way by, then landed fluidly on top of him when they both hit the ground. As soon as they hit dirt he was gone, only for me to find him leaping over Major's fighting form to tackle Malachi, who was already on his hind legs with his claws going for my mate's neck.
I let a breath out in awe as I watched the two of them, then suddenly wanted to see it through the earth's point of view. I wove my fingers in the grass as I closed my eyes, whispering, “Show me your sight, my lovely Earth.”
As soon as I felt a rush of the grounding sensation, the field filled with lights in my mind's eye. I quickly located Major and Aleksei, then whispered in awe, “Amazing.”
I watched for a few minutes, then something incredible happened. Someone was able to sneak into their immediate vicinity. The white in Major's light sparked out, tangling for a brief moment with the smoky blue of Aleksei's light. Aleksei immediately turned to take down the sneak, then whirled into the perfect position for Major to leap onto his back.
“Incredible,” I whooshed out, then mentally thanked the earth before slipping back into my own sight.
I stood, calling, “Halt!” as I walked toward the field, excited about my theory. Everyone stilled, but I smiled widely as I righted the field with a swipe of my hands. Major looked at me, truly breathless with the rush of battle, while Aleksei's tail twitched back and forth in excitement.
I cupped Major's cheek, offering, “My mate, that was truly brilliant. I got to watch part of it through the earth's eye, and have something interesting to discuss with you. I want to test something out, if you don't mind me taking over for a bit.”
He grinned, let out a chuckle, then said as he stroked Aleksei's fur affectionately, “By all means, my beautiful goddess. The field is yours.”
Once we were all comfortable back in the rear yard of the Cullen main house, and the girls had a chance to quickly whip something up for our hungry shifters, Major wrapped his arms around me from behind. Placing his hands tenderly on where our sons lay safe inside me, while my three mates cuddled me under our tree, Major kissed a line up my neck, “If your emotions and Char hadn't both convinced me you were fine, I woulda started to worry, Isabella. What happened?”
Edward brought me two large cups-O-blood right then, so I took several long sips before replying to both, “Thanks, we needed this. It's hard to explain, Major. It's different when I'm centered in myself and the earth, than when I'm submerged -I guess you could say- in the earth's grounding sensation.”
I noticed all the others finding spots on the logs around us, all of the shifters and elders with piled high plates on their laps, so I continued knowing everyone was listening. “When I walked off the field with Jake and Char, I knew something was off. Not with me or the boys, mind you. I knew I needed to spend time with the earth for some reason. Quil confirmed that the earth needed me... that Char would help me, and Jake would help me stay synced. As soon as I fully surrounded myself in the grounding sensation the earth gives me, my mind's eye showed me something. It was horrible... so... I don't know. It looked like a tangle mass, with offshoots that were all twisted and gnarled. It felt like poison, both dangerous and sick at the same time. I know now that that's what the earth was showing me, but that my vision of it when I'm centered in myself would be different. I don't know how, though.”
I let out a breath, since I was getting off topic. “Anyway, the dark mass seemed to be getting larger and smaller at the same time, somehow, while the off-shoots seemed to be entangling with each other. That's when I noticed a bunch of bright spots of light too close to the mass without any protection. They seemed to be sneaking around the area, so I instinctively felt for Char, then used her energy to make a fog that clung to the lights. I knew I couldn't let the gnarled offshoots ensnare any of the lights. I just couldn't. I watched as they got a little closer to the dark mass, the fog clinging to them like a second skin, then they seemed to back off after a while. All the bright points of light gathered well away from the mass. When I felt it was safe, I let the fog dissipate. The lights left the area completely before the vision faded from my mind's eye.”
Alice gasped softly, then said, “Bella? That sounds like a human dream. How something in a dream can represent something in real life. Do you think... maybe... that the earth was showing you how it sees allies and enemies?”
I felt internally that she was right, so I immediately looked at Jake. “How many tigers did you have at last count? They're the only ones who have been popping in and out on a regular basis, plus you said they were supposed to be in-state at the last check-in time.”
Edward automatically said, “Ten, Sweetheart. They don't all pop in at the same time. Some will at one check-in, and then different ones will at another. There could be a few that don't pop in at all. Why?”
I grinned at Ali, whispering, “You're brilliant. Edward, there were twelve distinct points of bright light in my mind's eye. I think we found our MIA tigers, and that I just kept them hidden from the enemy. Which enemy -whether the Volturi or Victoria- remains to be seen until they're here to fill us in, though.”
I took another few long pulls from the straw of my cup, rubbing my belly tenderly, then noticed Joshua looked like he wanted to say something. I smiled for him to take his time. After a few seconds, he asked, “Goddess, do you know why they keep letting themselves be seen, then disappear from Jake's mode of tracking them? Could they be working with the enemy?”
I shook my head, then smiled as I said, “I see why you're worried, Joshua, but neither earth nor water would have let me protect something that meant me or my mates harm. Remember that the fog shrouded the bright spots from the dark and twisted mass. The earth didn't like the mass at all; it made both of us very uneasy.”
He nodded, but I continued to finish my point. “Plus, Jake believes that the Siberian tiger tribe may know more of the legends than even the Quileute tribe… that they've been popping up as a way to let us know they're coming. Until the missed check-in, they have been popping in like clockwork, which was why Jake started feeling uneasy when none of them popped up at the expected check-in time. I don't think it's coincidence that just after they miss a check-in time, the earth had me helping twelve points of bright light. When they do find their way here, their intentions will be tested as all others have, so don't fear. I won't risk any of our allies or the elders, nor will I risk my mates or my father.”
At that point everyone seemed to calm down, and the shifters all started eating with more gusto.
When my blood was almost gone, I looked at Major while sending him the feeling of feeding from me. His eyes rolled slightly in reaction, but then he whispered into my neck, “Who would you like?”
I looked to Ali and Edward, trying to discern their eye colors, then to Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle and Esme seemed to be worse off, even though Ali and Edward hadn't fed since before we got back from seeing the shaman, so I breathed, “Carlisle and Esme. They look like they could use the boost.”
He nodded as he picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. My mates followed him and Jake toward the back door. When we passed Carlisle and Esme on the way, we asked for them to follow us.
Once in the house, we led them to their bedroom. Carlisle quirked an eyebrow at me, so I chuckled, “Not that I wouldn't love to have another romp with the two of you right now, but that's not what this is about. You both need to feed.”
He looked down with a shamed expression as I pulled him down onto the bed with me. “Hey. What's that look about?”
He let out a heavy breath, then said, “Major, I know you have us sparring the shifters for a reason, but I just can't. That's why you've had to correct both Esme and myself so often. In their shifted forms, it's a lot harder to think of them as the enemy. With a vampire, it's easier for me to push aside that it's an ally I'm supposed to be sparring with.”
He nodded in thought, but Carlisle continued, “With the shifters, we've been working so hard to build relationships with them, that it feels wrong to even try thinking of them as an enemy. Honey, the reason we need to feed is because Esme and I have both received torn limbs more than once today.”
I let out a heavy breath, then looked up to Major. “We need to get them sparring other vampires. It would help the shifters to see how different one vampire's technique can be from another's. Have one shifter type go against another, too. We can't let training become one directional. Everyone needs to be as versatile as possible during battle.”
He nodded while caressing my cheek, silently sending me some calm, then said, “I know, Isabella. Relax. We'll take care of it as soon as Carlisle and Esme feed a bit. Speakin’a which, the next time either’a ya become the slightest bit thirsty, don't wait. Come to us, no matter what else is goin' on.”
They both looked down, slightly scolded, but agreed before Major texted Edward to make sure all the other vampires were well fed.
Thirty-five minutes later, we all walked back out of the house with Carlisle and Esme. I was happy to see that everyone's eyes were bright. Even the Denalis looked well fed. Tanya smiled as she offered in explanation, “Some of the pack guarded us while we hunted. They're fun to hunt with. Some of the falcons even spotted prey for us, so we could hunt in a timely fashion.”
I chuckled, then called a thank you to our shifters. I saw several of them nod in respect, then looked around to make sure we weren't missing anyone. When I saw we weren't, I said, “Alright, everyone. Let's head back to the field. There's more training to be done, different tactics to be learned.”
As we reached the field, I asked Major, “Can you tell Peter and Char how you want this round of training to go? I'd like you to spend some time with me and the earth. I feel it calling to me.”
He nodded seriously. After a brief word to Peter and Char, I felt Peter’s shift to Captain, then Captain took command of the field. Major drew me up into his arms, wrapping my legs around his hips, then sat us under the tree, letting Charlie and the elders all know what was going to happen. They understood, positioning themselves about ten feet away from us in a semi-circle. I fluidly moved into position, placing my hands on his chest, then kissed his lips lightly. “Whatever happens, we are safe. I love you, Major. It's time to let me have my Jasper.”
He smiled in response. As he responded with, “I love ya, Isabella,” I saw the black leaching from his eyes quickly.
As soon as my Jasper was fully himself, he nodded, so I closed my eyes. “I don't need you to dose me, but I need an extra boost of the grounding feeling that both you and the earth give me. Only once I'm centered, Cowboy.”
He hummed and kissed my neck, then I felt one of his hands cover my mark, while the other laid protectively over my baby bump. I breathed deeply for a few moments, then placed my hands in the grass down at my sides. As soon as I was centered, I felt Jasper tracing the same infinity pattern with both hands, the grounded feeling spreading throughout my body. The feeling settled to a steady hum inside me, so I let out a whispered, “There. Perfect.”
I let my senses range out. Not only did I feel the grounding green from Jasper, but also Peter's passion and Char's flowing nature. Knowing they were all well, I settled deeper into my senses, feeling Jake's massive form settle against my back.
I could feel all of the wolves energies through his heat, so I hummed as I looked at them. Then more started showing up. And more... then I could sense everyone on the field. I let myself see their energies, taking note of how they were portrayed.
Suddenly every energy but those belonging to my mates, the Cullens, Jake and Charlie turned to bright white lights. Jake's had sky blue smoke tendrils mixed with its white, while Charlie's had thick ropes of peacock green weaving through its white. The Cullens all had a pastel pink/rose swirls blending in and out of their whites. My mates... their colors were brilliant. The most splendid gold seemed to be the main color for each of them, with ice white acting as the golds shimmer.
I knew that was the earth's doing, showing me what I needed to know. I smiled with my eyes still closed. “Your energies are all so beautiful. The earth is showing me. It's hard to describe, but everyone has white, so be reassured that we are safe, my love.”
I could feel him let out a small breath, but he only kissed my shoulder in response. As I let my senses rage farther out than the protective field, I could sense the humans, but they had no color. I took that to mean that they had no knowledge of our gathering, so they had no need for a color.
I let out a breath, felt an extra boost of the grounding feeling, then ranged out even further. That's when I noticed the 12 bright lights headed right in our direction... only I grinned when I noticed the faint tendrils of sky blue in white of the leader… the one with the most powerful signature.
Ah, so that's why the earth wanted me to protect you. I knew there was a good reason.
I hummed, then said so only my small group could hear, “Be calm, Jasper. My shield will be popping up soon, but do not let the Major take over. I've got this handled. Everyone is to stay doing what they are, but Captain and Char may come to us when they feel the need. Dad, you and the others need to stay seated, please. Do not be alarmed.”
As predicted, my shield came up less than three minutes later, right before the 12 bright lights got to the protection field. I watched though my mind's eye as they walked through the barrier like it wasn't even there, then heard the whole field still.
Immediately my mates came to me, just as my sight changed. I could somehow tell that the lead energy sat tall and confident right outside my shield, which covered all of our allies, while the rest of the energies laid down with their head on their paws patiently. I let the full force of the Goddess ring in my tone, “You are late, alpha, but I understand you bring us news. Fear not speaking in your current state, because Messenger will translate word for word.”
My eyes shot open, piercing the magnificent white tiger with my stare, offering, “Come to me... if you can, that is. Know that if you mean us harm, your streak will be without an alpha before you can blink.”
Without hesitation, the large beast took a step forward, rubbing his face against my shield for a long moment. My shield and the earth both seemed to recognise him as friend, but it was when the proud white tiger started purring that I got a blast of safety and curiosity from Jasper. I could only send him back a feeling of smugness, knowing the reason why.
A few more moments passed before the tiger stood tall, then walked right through my shield. He paid no attention to anyone but Jake, Jasper and me, then laid calmly with his head on his paws several feet from our sides.
Edward knelt down next to him, silent for a split second before he said, “He says it is an honor to finally be in the presence of the Mother Goddess and her Major. He does indeed bring important news. He and his streak were honored you chose to aid them in Seattle. They were on their way here -after crossing the Northeastern border of the state. Halfway between Seattle and here, they came across four vampires speaking to a European man. From the contents of their conversation, he knew the four were from the enemy camp, but nothing was said about the contents of the package that the European gave them. They chose to follow the four, to at least gain whatever intel they could. That is reason they missed the scheduled check-in.”
I nodded to the proud feline in understanding, then encouraged, “Go on. What news do you have for us?”
Edward immediately said, “The four made their way to a large abandoned warehouse at the edge of the harbor. The four were immediately snagged by a female with wild flaming hair. She yelled at them for being gone so long before asking them if they had it. She lifted several pieces of jewelry from the package, then left, only to return and throw them two humans to feed on as a reward.”
Edward looked down at the tiger beside him, asking, “Can you picture the pieces of jewelry in your mind, please? I'd like to see if they match the ones the goddess had a vision of.”
After a nod from the magnificent cat, both were still for several moments. Then Edward looked me in the eyes while nodding, “They are the same, Sweetheart. He also pictured the European. I don't recognize him. I'll make a sketch of him for you in a bit for the notice board.”
I nodded, then told our new ally, “You did well. Now I must ask you to return to your streak. They will all need to pass through my shield individually. As they do, have them state their names for Edward. We want everyone to be recognized in both forms. Your beta will go first, then you go through again for an introduction after the last of your streak. We will do human introductions at the first available opportunity, to put a face to a name.”
After standing and gently touching his nose to the hands that Jasper and I had entwined on the ground, he turned, then fluidly made his way back to his pack. Come to find out, the leader's name was Aleksei, and his beta was his daughter, Ekaterina.
While Aleksei's tiger was a sleek white with regal looking black stripes defining his face and body, Ekaterina -who preferred to be called Katja- was a beautiful snow white, with only the barest hint of smoky grey rings running the length of her tail. She was truly a rare, snowy beauty among a streak full of unique stripe patterns.
As soon as they all made it through my shield, Aleksei stood tall next to Jake, who came to sit in front of me, then touched his nose to my hand. I smiled, “It's nice to finally meet you, Aleksei. Your daughter is quite beautiful in her feline form, I must say. I can't wait to meet her human form.”
He nodded, then gently rubbed his massive head into Jasper's side. He chuckled, scratching lightly at Aleksei's head, then offered, “I know your pack is eager to begin training with the rest, but what do you say we give it a whirl together first?”
He looked up at Jasper curiously, so Edward chuckled in response, “Major has been giving all of the alphas and betas that want the opportunity, a chance to fight as his protector would. The one who naturally fits with his fighting style the best before the battle here, will earn the status and bond of Major's protector.”
Aleksei immediately turned his head, making a short rumbling sound. Seconds later, Katja stopped next to him. Edward said he was offering Katja the opportunity to go first, if she wanted to prove herself. She just shook her head before laying at her father's feet. He bent his head to lick her cheek and nuzzle the top of her head, then looked to Jasper with a nod. He would fight alongside my Major.
He kissed me with a smile, asking curiously, “You know something, don't you, Darlin'?”
I smirked while shaking my head, “Oh, I'm not going to miss out on this show, so you'll just have to Major up and find out for yourself, Baby.”
I heard chuckles all around as I watched the color drain from my mate's eyes, turning them the fierce obsidian of my Major.
“Listen up. Shifters, make yaselves comfortable for a bit. The leader of the tiger tribe has been offered his right at a shot to fight alongside me. He has accepted. All vampires in attendance, make yaselves ready for a mock battle against myself and Aleksei.”
He looked at the mighty tiger with a smirk, “Ya think ya can keep up with me, Alpha? Ya've not had the chance to see me in a pseudo battle, as the others had before their chances. That puts ya at a bit of a disadvantage.”
Aleksei scuffed while shaking his head, then Edward translated in an appreciative tone, “He says if he can't keep up with you without the advantage of seeing you in a fight, what use would he be to you in battle at the spur of the moment? He would rather step down, not try to prove himself worthy at all, than to have a need for a demonstration. He is ready when you are, Major.”
With that, Aleksei stood tall, waiting for Major's command.
I sat excitedly under the tree with Peter behind me and Char laying next to us, then grabbed my dad's hand when he came to sit beside us. He looked at me curiously, so I whispered in his ear only loud enough for him, Peter and Char to hear me, “The way the earth sees Jake as my protector... Aleksei looks the same, although his smoky blue threads aren't as strong or thick. It's definitely there already, though, so I believe we're about to see Major and his protector work together for the first time.”
Charlie beamed at me as I could sense a barely concealed excitement forming in my mates. I chuckled, nodding at them, “You understand now.”
I watched intently as the mock battle began. Right off the bat, someone tried to trip Aleksei up so he would collide with Major, but their dance began flawlessly. Aleksei spun and crouched right as Major jumped. It looked like a choreographed move which landed Major securely on Aleksei's back. They fought off the swarm of attackers honing in on them, then Major jumped down from his back in order to charge the next round of enemies.
Aleksei didn't miss a beat, though. He was glued to Major's side, even when my mate started slinking in and out of the fray. It was a thing of pure beauty to watch. After they successfully 'ripped' through the entire field of vampires twice, Aleksei was still going strong.
That's when Major called out, “Any shifter wantin' in on the fun can have at us in random groups. Mix it up with your vampire allies.”
The fun really began then, but it was easy to also see the raw fierceness in both Major and Aleksei's eyes. They were a frightening sight on the field together. My point was proven when a flyer came practically out of nowhere toward my Major.
I thought the fight would be called, since Aleksei wasn't looking in the direction to notice the flyer. Then suddenly he arched and flipped backward higher than I would have expected, grabbed the flyer in his jaws on the way by, then landed fluidly on top of him when they both hit the ground. As soon as they hit dirt he was gone, only for me to find him leaping over Major's fighting form to tackle Malachi, who was already on his hind legs with his claws going for my mate's neck.
I let a breath out in awe as I watched the two of them, then suddenly wanted to see it through the earth's point of view. I wove my fingers in the grass as I closed my eyes, whispering, “Show me your sight, my lovely Earth.”
As soon as I felt a rush of the grounding sensation, the field filled with lights in my mind's eye. I quickly located Major and Aleksei, then whispered in awe, “Amazing.”
I watched for a few minutes, then something incredible happened. Someone was able to sneak into their immediate vicinity. The white in Major's light sparked out, tangling for a brief moment with the smoky blue of Aleksei's light. Aleksei immediately turned to take down the sneak, then whirled into the perfect position for Major to leap onto his back.
“Incredible,” I whooshed out, then mentally thanked the earth before slipping back into my own sight.
I stood, calling, “Halt!” as I walked toward the field, excited about my theory. Everyone stilled, but I smiled widely as I righted the field with a swipe of my hands. Major looked at me, truly breathless with the rush of battle, while Aleksei's tail twitched back and forth in excitement.
I cupped Major's cheek, offering, “My mate, that was truly brilliant. I got to watch part of it through the earth's eye, and have something interesting to discuss with you. I want to test something out, if you don't mind me taking over for a bit.”
He grinned, let out a chuckle, then said as he stroked Aleksei's fur affectionately, “By all means, my beautiful goddess. The field is yours.”