Elemental Goddess
by: Wizardtho
Chapter 81: The Four 'Ing's'- Lurking, Explaining, Building, and Bonding
After Edward and Alice finished feeding, I was put to rights, then we chatted with Aleksei and Katja for a few more minutes while cuddling. Then it was time to get the human version of meet and greet done, since all of our shifters had finished eating. It was when just over half of the streak had introduced themselves, that I got a sensation from the earth again, as if we had company incoming.
Major immediately caught my eyes to ask, “Friendly?”
I didn't even get to nod before Aleksei was behind Major, Jake standing to his full height. I offered, “Yeah. From the feeling, it's another shifter pack. How do you want to play this?”
I could tell Major wanted Aleksei close, so I was leaving this up to him while sending him my love and encouragement. I felt his acceptance and confidence right before he called out in a normal tone, “All shifters know what they're supposed to do. I want Aleksei's pack in the clearin' with us and the wolves.”
He lifted me gently, kissing my tummy twice before placing me on Jake's back, so I smiled. I rubbed behind Jake's ear, saying, “Let's do this, Jake. Time to go meet more shifters. Do you know who?”
He nodded, then Edward said from Seth's side behind me, “The Florida panthers, from their thoughts. They are broadcasting to me, letting me know they mean no harm, and are on their way here... about 1/2 mile out right now. The alpha calls me Messenger while directing his thoughts to me, so they've heard of our names and know what's happening, at least to an extent.”
We stopped in the front clearing. At Jake's low growl, Aleksei let out a corresponding hiss. I watched as all the unpaired tigers and wolves started prowling around the open front clearing. Major had one hand on my right leg, the other on the back of Aleksei's tense neck, whispering to him that this was normal for greeting new packs. Nothing was out of norm so far.
Less than two minutes later, I heard several sets of footfalls stop near the edge of the protective field, in the forest near the road. Edward called out, “We come in peace, Goddess, and wish to enter your territory.”
I nodded internally to myself, then said in a clear voice, “You may come into the clearing, as I believe introductions are in order.”
I felt both Jake and Aleksei tense a small amount when 10 panthers slowly stalked into the clearing, but neither moved. Major looked to me as I said, “Your alpha may step forward to the 20 foot line to introduce himself and state the pack's intentions here.”
The largest of the pack, a beautiful and sleek nearly all-black panther stepped forward. I noticed the unique pattern that the tan and black on his head made. After a second, Edward said surely, “My name is Kellan, and I am the alpha of the Florida Miccosukee Panther tribe. We have come to aide the goddess, however we may be of use to her and her cause.”
I nodded, but just as I was about to say something, a slight mist carried in front of me. My hands came out to bring the elements up in their ever-rotating brilliance. There was a scent on the breeze of a lurking vampire.
At the alarm of the panthers, I said in a clear voice, “Have no fear, Kellan. You are not the reason for my caution.”
Then I looked around the clearing at the treeline, calling, “You might as well come out, vampire. You are not as stealthy as you think you are, and are only pissing me off by lurking. Know that if you mean harm to anyone here, you will be ash before you take a single step. I need not see you to kill you.”
Just then, a vampire with blonde hair and a short beard came into the clearing to my side, dropped to his knees, then bared his neck while placing his hands palm up on his thighs. I barely heard the shock of Carlisle's whispered, “Alistair.”
Jake turned with me on his back to fully face the vampire. Like it was a seamless extension, Aleksei and Major turned right as Jake did. The elements rotated above my palms in full high definition glory, so I let the full force of the Goddess ring in my voice, “Carlisle seems to know of you, but that will give you no leeway with me. State your business here, vampire, or you will soon come to know the strength of the Goddess. Your lurking and hiding do not bode well for you, so your explanation had better be worth it. Know that if you lie, or your intentions do not match your words, you will be leaving this clearing as ash on the wind I create. Do I make myself clear?”
The vampire seemed to shiver slightly at my tone, then bowed his head before saying softly, “Abundantly clear, Goddess. I had heard whispers in Europe. I was near my home in England at the time, but when I heard the words 'Northern United States,' 'Prophecy,' and 'Messenger', I knew it was connected to my friend, Carlisle Cullen. He is one of very few that I can count as friend, Goddess, so I started making my way to U.S soil. When I touched land, I tried to use my gift to guide me to him, but I felt nothing... as if he didn't exist. I hoped nothing had happened him, and knew I needed to find Edward or Alice. Unfortunately, they eluded my gift, too. With the whispers, they could have been anywhere... but then I came across the panther tribe. I catalogued the alpha, then backed away to think.”
I nodded for him to continue, so he offered, “The whispers included shifters of all types making their way to the gathering, so I used the panthers to find you. I had just come into range and was being cautious when you called out to me. I truly meant no ill will in my actions, Goddess... only to find my friend and make sure that he was well. I am at your service, if you will have me.”
I could feel Major sending me his sincerity, but Alistair was about to be put through the true test. My shield flared, its swirling colors melding and blending where they met. I saw his chest hitch at the sight. I internally smirked as I said, “Alistair, you may approach, if you have honest intentions and the courage to come to me. We will be speaking about your gift, though, should you pass successfully through my shield.”
His eyes widened slightly, then he looked to Carlisle and stood. He slowly approached my shield, then let out a shaky breath as he stopped in front of it to look at Carlisle once more. He didn't necessarily look like he wanted to be tested, but it was for no other reason than he trusted almost no one. I would have to make sure to work on that with him, if he passed my shield.
Alistair seemed to find what he needed by looking to his friend, then let out another breath as he watched the colors of my shield for a second. I felt a small wave of amazement from Major, then calmed the instant Alistair's finger started tracing the swirling pattern being made by the elemental colors. It took him a full two minutes to make a move, but finally he stopped tracing to step through the barrier. Carlisle let out a relieved breath just loud enough for me to hear.
I said as my elements dissipated, my hands dropping to Jake's neck, “Welcome, Alistair. You may go stand with your friend, now that your intentions have been deemed truthful. Once I finish speaking with the panthers, and deem we are in only the company of allies, we will speak more.”
It wasn't long before the panthers started the process with their Beta, Lucas -who preferred to be called Luke, and ended with Kellan. All made it through easily. I let a breath out as I smiled, offering, “Welcome, panthers. You are among trusted here.”
All of the hidden shifters came into the clearing. I saw the panthers looking around, while Alistair's eyes widened slightly before he smiled at Carlisle. “My shield determines the truth of any who try to breach it, so you can feel safe that anyone you see here is a friend and ally of the Goddess and her cause. You can all relax, mingle, and get to know the newcomers. Remember that bonding between shifters and vampires is strongly encouraged, as it will only help us be stronger in battle. Should any of you have questions or need anything, please do not hesitate to come to me or my mates. We want all of you to be as comfortable here as possible. Just remember that the protective field hides your energy signatures, so please don't leave a safe zone.”
Major scratched Aleksei's ear, patted the back of his neck, then gave Jake a pat on the side before lifting me from his back. I wrapped my body around him with a smile, then said, “Time to talk with both Alistair and Randall about their powers, so we know what we are dealing with. Then I think a hunt is in order.”
I patted my baby bump, so Major chuckled, “Are our sons hungry again? It has been a while since your last hunt. Jake is probably half-starved.”
Jake barked out a laugh as he shook his head, then Edward filled in the blanks, “He said that he must be receiving excess energy... almost as if when she takes the energy from his kills, she inadvertently transfers a boost to the kill to sustain him. Either that or... hmm. It's something to ask Billy or old Quil, Jake, but that's a good possibility.”
At my raised eyebrow, Edward said, “He thinks it might be the process of him taking down the kill for you, then praying for the spirit of the animal before you feed off the energy. It's a back and forth between the two of you with the kill. He thinks the boost he gets that lasts him until your next hunt might be part of the effects of him handing off the kill to you, before he feeds on any of it.”
I smiled widely at Jake, but heard Esme's cell phone ringing as we headed toward our back yard tree. She answered it, waving us over when she heard who it was, saying, “Yes, of course... We are ready and each site is prepared for the trucks to maneuver easily. Just go straight down the path. My husband and son will greet you on your way in. They will direct you to where each truck will need to go on the property.”
Major nodded with me still in his arms, then looked to see Carlisle already on his way to us.
I kissed him quickly and hopped down, then made a loud whistle once Esme closed her phone. “Listen up, everyone. We have humans on the way. I want two of the smaller shifter packs to position around the perimeter. Hide well, but keep alert. The bunkhouse materials are all being delivered, so there will be no official training until they are finished. I want all of them built, other than the three ordered for Texas, so that our shifter packs all have a warm bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. Think of this as a little teamwork exercise. Use the time to get to know your fellow shifter and vampire allies. We're working toward a common goal here, so keep that in mind. All shifters other than the two packs working the perimeter, please go shift to your human forms. Packs will rotate shifts randomly while the building takes place, on Jake's order. If someone comes across anything, report it to Jake, me, or my mates immediately.”
Major patted my tummy, then kissed my neck, saying, “Stay here with the others, Isabella. Edward will stay close. We'll get ya huntin' as soon as possible, but if ya need to go before I get back, make sure ya take both Edward and Captain with ya.”
I nodded, “We're good for now, Major, but I'll top off what I can from the Earth... maybe try drinking another cup of blood to hold us over. I just feel like I should go within the next 48 hours or so. I'm going to try to talk to Alistair and Randall while the trucks are unloading.”
He placed my hand in Captain's; I hummed as I kissed Major's chest, “Go, My Major. I'll be fine. You know our mates wouldn't let anything happen, plus Jake and Edward will alert us to anything that happens near you.”
He lifted my face, planted a kiss on my lips, then gave Captain and Char a quick peck before dashing off with Carlisle. Aleksei, who had shifted back to human, was only a few steps behind Major and Carlisle once they reached his location.
I walked with Captain and Edward over to Alistair's spot next to Eleazar, then asked, “Alistair? May I speak with you?”
He looked to Eleazar, who smiled as he stood to kiss my cheek, then offered, “Join us. Eleazar was just informing me of the happenings since his arrival. You have been through much in a short time, it seems, yet you seem unruffled by any of it. I am curious, but I know you also have many questions for me.”
I smiled, knowing that offering him something he wanted would be a good way to earn at least a bit of trust, so I said, “I'm not as unruffled as I appear, Alistair, I assure you. I have had many power-spike episodes, mini melt-downs, and frustrations along the way, yet there is still so much to do. I fear every minute that something will happen to make me lose my sons, but I can't sit in a corner and do nothing, when I have the ability to work hard to change that outcome. I have to remind myself often, though, that I'm doing everything I possibly can to make sure everyone comes out of this alive -including my sons- while trusting in the strength of my inner goddess.”
Alistair seemed surprised that I didn't ask him a question in all that, and only offered him information he was seeking. I could almost see his thought process in his features. When his body relaxed considerably, he gave me a small smile, “You are unlike anyone I have ever encountered, Goddess; I will admit to that. Though I know you are eager for information about my gift, you are willing to wait for me to freely give it, instead of using any of your considerable powers to force it from me.”
I shook my head, pointing out as I stared into his eyes, “It is no use to force information from you, Alistair. It would only make you more unsettled here, which I understand is a long way from your home. I only want people here who are staying of their own free will. If I use my powers on people who have proven themselves honest and with good intentions, that makes me no better than the people we are battling against... the wrongs we are working to right. When you are ready, you will tell me what you want me to know. Until then, we will speak of whatever you feel ready to share.”
I smiled at him, happy with the progress I had made, so I moved to stand and leave. He furrowed his eyebrows, then said softly, “Please, Goddess. Wait.”
I sat back, making myself comfortable while patting my belly, then turned to Char. “Did Carlisle ever receive the shipment of donated blood?”
She nodded, so I looked to Alistair, “Are you thirsty? Would you like a glass of donated blood while we talk? I know it's not conventional, but it soothes the minds of our shifters, knowing no one died to allow the vampires here to feed.”
He nodded, “If you wouldn't mind, I would love a glass, as long as you will be joining me. If not, I will wait until our conversation has ended. I do not wish to tempt you.”
I grinned, nodding to Char, then said, “Make sure all the vampires here are offered blood, too. I won't take any chances with my dad or the elders.”
As I sat back, Alistair offered, “It is rare for a human to still have contact with a supernatural family member knowingly. Once a human knows, they can never be rid of the knowledge... or the consequences of it.”
I nodded sadly, then replied, “My father knew about the supernatural world, and a bit about the Elemental Goddess legend, before I even started changing. He is in love with one of the elders of the Quileute tribe. Sue treats him amazingly well. Having him in my life now is a blessing, so I thank the Goddess for allowing it to be this way everyday. He is quite a special man, even when not taking into account his years as Chief of Police here in Forks.”
He smiled, then let out a breath. Just then Char came back, offering me my tall cups with lids, then handed another to Alistair. He nodded politely as he took it, then inhaled softly before taking a tentative sip. I smiled, taking a long draw from mine while rubbing my belly, “Stay calm, Boys. Food's coming.”
Char chuckled, bent down next to me, then kissed my fluttering stomach while whispering to our sons. All the while, Alistair sipped from his straw, watching us with an innocent curiosity.
After a few more long draws and a kiss to Char, I noticed Alistair squaring his shoulders. He seemed to be ready to talk. I stayed relaxed, petting Jake affectionately to let Alistair know I was in no hurry. His voice was soft, but carried to me easily when he finally spoke, which was after a small nod of encouragement from Eleazar.
“My human time was not an easy one, Goddess. My father was a Baron in the time of Edward II. The king was always trying to limit the power of British peerage, but my father grew mad fighting to protect aristocracy at every turn. When I was young, my father and brother were constantly involved in one scheme or another against the king, but after Edward II's most trusted counselor was banished, my father made an alliance with two other Barons. They were supposed to make sure my brother was set into the open counselor's position, but after many betrayals on all sides, eventually my brother was implicated in a plot to overthrow Edward II's rule.”
I waited patiently, knowing there was more. After a few minutes, he ran his fingers through his hair, explaining as he looked down at his cup, “As my brother was out of any of my father's numerous plans, since he and a few others were falsely executed for treason, I was the only male son he could throw his plans onto. He became obsessed with vengeance, and ultimately turned to the occult, while the rest of my family withdrew from society. With the stain of my brother's name, I was planning on how to care for my sisters, should they remain unwed, until one night my father pulled me into the dank tunnels under London. As he walked me through the tunnels, he went on and on madly about me becoming the next Charlemagne, about him making sure I was to take the throne. I tried to tell him I wanted nothing to do with his schemes, that I was happy with my falcons, but he would have none of it.”
“When we finally stopped, there were many minor aristocrats assembled. After telling me his whole plan, me still being unsuccessful at deterring his crazy scheme, he introduced me to a man who called himself Astaroth. That man bit me and turned me that night, as soon as the introduction was out of my father's mouth. When I woke, I found out that my father had bid Astaroth -whose true name was George- to turn me. I was so furious, that after slaughtering most of the peasants that were captured for my feeding, I still couldn't think straight. That's when my father chose to come see me. I killed him for letting his madness touch our family... how it hurt my sisters and mother... how it ended with my brother's death and my turning. I wanted to see my mother and sisters, to make sure they were safe, but found our house abandoned after escaping the tunnels. I knew then, that my father had sacrificed them in payment for my turning.”
I watched as a deep sadness filled Alistair. Though I wished to comfort him, I knew it would not be a welcome gesture right now. He stared longingly at the sky for a few minutes, then said with a noticeable pain in his voice, “I sought solace in my beloved falcons.. or tried to, at least. They had never turned from me before, but that night, they fled from what I'd become. I loved them so… they were all I had left... but they fled from me. With no one to turn to, and my experiences leading me to not trust anyone, I became a recluse. I only ventured out enough to feed. Very few have earned enough of my trust to be called friend.”
I smiled gently at him, then rubbed behind Jake's ear. “I am honored you chose to tell me as much as you did of your past, Alistair. I can't honestly believe I would have done any different, had I been in a similar situation. Hopefully, given time, you might find at least a few good acquaintances -if not friends- while in our company. I only ask that if you feel the need to be away from everyone, and can not find it in the main house, that you seek me out before deciding to just leave. My field protects everyone from not only Victoria and her newborn army, but from the Volturi members I've seen in recent visions. I would worry for your safety if you just disappeared one day.”
He scratched his chin, then offered, “I see your point, having so many under your protection. I will give you that courtesy.”
I let out a small breath in relief, as this was huge progress, then smiled, “Did you know we have falcon shifters here? I know it isn't the same as your falcons, Alistair, but you may find some semblance of peace watching them as they fly.”
Just then, Chayton -the falcon beta and twin brother of Jeremy- flew in to land in the open spot to our left. Alistair gasped as he took him in, so I stood to introduce them. “Alistair, this is Chayton. He is second in command of the falcon tribe from Alaska. His twin brother, Jeremy, is the alpha. Though they look very similar in human form, their falcon forms are unique. Chayton, this is Alistair. He has a special fondness for falcons. Would you mind if he watched you, along with your brothers and sister, fly tonight?”
I watched in amazement as Chayton lowered his beak slowly into Alistair's hand, then Alistair's face light up like it was Christmas morning. He gently ran his hands over Chayton's folded wings, along his face, then bent down to look at his talons. When he stood again, he offered an awed, “Incredible. Utterly amazing. Thank you for allowing me to touch you. It would be a pleasure to watch you in flight.”
Alistair bowed his head in thanks, so I asked, “Chayton, is there news?”
He looked back to Edward, who had given me a bit of room for my talk with Alistair. Soon Edward was kissing my shoulder while saying, “He said that Major sent him back to inform us that the trucks have all been unloaded, and the drivers are now off the property. We're clear, Sweetheart. You should gather a bit of energy, because once Jake takes you to him, you're to... ohh. Okay. Mmm... hunting is in order?”
I chuckled as Jake let out a barking laugh, but Alistair looked confused. I offered in explanation, “My hunting is a bit different from the Cullens, Alistair. Jake takes down prey that entices my goddess senses. Once I drain the energy from his kill, he feeds on the meat. I do not need the animal blood, as my body needs human blood to sustain the babies. The issue is that hunting seems to have high aphrodisiac-like effects for me.”
A light-bulb seemed to go on over his head before he chuckled, “Ah, I see... hence the reason Eleazar mentioned that you hunt privately with only your mates and the Cullens.”
I nodded, then motioned Jake to the tree while saying, “If you'll please excuse me for now. My sons are very energy demanding with their growth, so it's dangerous for my energy reserves to fall too low. We'll talk again soon?”
He smiled widely while nodding, looked at Chayton, then offered me a simple, “Certainly. Don't let me keep you.”
I laughed internally, knowing I had just been officially dismissed, then walked with Captain over to Jake. Captain kissed my neck, then breathed, “I love ya, Little One.”
I melted in his arms as they wrapped around me, smiling up at him, “As I love you.”
He frowned, then cupped my cheek. “Ya really feel that way, don't ya? About the boys and everythin', I mean.”
I let out a breath, then whispered sadly, “Yeah. It's a bit harder since I really miss Major's cross. It feels like we'll never get time, yet things just keep piling up.”
He hugged me to him again, resting his cheek on top of my head. When he spoke, it was only a bare whisper, but it was filled with promise. “We'll get ya that time with him soon, Little One. The last thing anyone needs is for ya to start havin' power-spike episodes again because you're not releasin' all the built up shit in your head. I'll figure somethin' out. Now come on, ya need to recharge.”
I kissed him in thanks, letting him feel it through our bond, then turned to go sit against Jake's side. I topped off my energy before taking the time to quickly check our surroundings through the Earth's eye. I smiled as I offered, “Alistair, your light is one of the brightest I've seen. It is a comfort to both the Earth and myself.”
I slipped back into my own vision, then stood to grin at Jake. “Ready to go find my Major? I know you must be hungry.”
He rumbled a bit as I mounted his back, so I chuckled, “Yeah, I know, Jake. Come on.”
As we ran, Jake slowed near each of the building sites. It warmed my heart to see shifters and vampires working together flawlessly to build the bunkhouses. There was laughing and talking going on at each site, causing my inner goddess to let out a breath in relief as I whispered to Jake, “This is good. Really good. We're on the right track with this, Jake, I can feel it. You can feel it, too, right?”
He let out a pleased rumble, so I kissed the top of his head. Just then, we made it to the last site. I saw Charlie and the elders all talking happily with Major. Aleksei was again in his tiger form, with Major recapping the tigers' arrival while scratching behind his ear.
I hurried to flip off of Jake after a pat to his neck, then called out to Charlie before scooping him up in a hug. He chuckled as he kissed my cheek, “Hi, Princess. Busy day, huh? How are my grandsons?”
I gently sat him back on his own feet, then took his hand to place it on my tummy. “Say hi to Papa Charlie, boys.”
My tummy fluttered wildly for a second, so Charlie beamed at me, “Ah, there they are. How are you feeling?”
I grinned, “Great, actually. What are you doing here? I thought you all were on the rez?”
He chuckled, then patted my tummy before looking around, “You didn't think we'd miss this, did you? Sam was keeping tabs in wolf form, with all the new arrivals. His last check was during shift change. Jake had him call it from the rez, so it wouldn't disturb what was going on here. We came with the next round.”
I knew it must have been when the trucks were here and I was talking to Alistair. I looked around to see if I could spot him. I didn't, but Edward calmed me by rubbing my back and offering, “He's with Chayton at another site... one of the smaller ones. He's fine, Sweetheart, and engrossed in what he's doing to help out while they converse.”
I let a breath out, but at Charlie's confusion, I said, “The vampire that showed up? He's had a really bad past. His human time led him to not trust anyone at all, so he became a recluse as a vampire. Falcons have a special place in his heart, though, and I introduced him to the falcon beta, hoping it would help him find a little peace. I was just worried when I didn't see him.”
Major wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissed my neck, then offered, “Ya did good, Isabella. I think we'll be seein' a new side to Alistair in the future. Just give it time.”
I nodded then smiled, “Jake slowed near each of the sites for me. I was so pleased with how well everyone was bonding while working. We're making good progress, Major. Both Jake and I can feel it.”
He grinned into my shoulder, “That we are, My Goddess... that we are.”
Major immediately caught my eyes to ask, “Friendly?”
I didn't even get to nod before Aleksei was behind Major, Jake standing to his full height. I offered, “Yeah. From the feeling, it's another shifter pack. How do you want to play this?”
I could tell Major wanted Aleksei close, so I was leaving this up to him while sending him my love and encouragement. I felt his acceptance and confidence right before he called out in a normal tone, “All shifters know what they're supposed to do. I want Aleksei's pack in the clearin' with us and the wolves.”
He lifted me gently, kissing my tummy twice before placing me on Jake's back, so I smiled. I rubbed behind Jake's ear, saying, “Let's do this, Jake. Time to go meet more shifters. Do you know who?”
He nodded, then Edward said from Seth's side behind me, “The Florida panthers, from their thoughts. They are broadcasting to me, letting me know they mean no harm, and are on their way here... about 1/2 mile out right now. The alpha calls me Messenger while directing his thoughts to me, so they've heard of our names and know what's happening, at least to an extent.”
We stopped in the front clearing. At Jake's low growl, Aleksei let out a corresponding hiss. I watched as all the unpaired tigers and wolves started prowling around the open front clearing. Major had one hand on my right leg, the other on the back of Aleksei's tense neck, whispering to him that this was normal for greeting new packs. Nothing was out of norm so far.
Less than two minutes later, I heard several sets of footfalls stop near the edge of the protective field, in the forest near the road. Edward called out, “We come in peace, Goddess, and wish to enter your territory.”
I nodded internally to myself, then said in a clear voice, “You may come into the clearing, as I believe introductions are in order.”
I felt both Jake and Aleksei tense a small amount when 10 panthers slowly stalked into the clearing, but neither moved. Major looked to me as I said, “Your alpha may step forward to the 20 foot line to introduce himself and state the pack's intentions here.”
The largest of the pack, a beautiful and sleek nearly all-black panther stepped forward. I noticed the unique pattern that the tan and black on his head made. After a second, Edward said surely, “My name is Kellan, and I am the alpha of the Florida Miccosukee Panther tribe. We have come to aide the goddess, however we may be of use to her and her cause.”
I nodded, but just as I was about to say something, a slight mist carried in front of me. My hands came out to bring the elements up in their ever-rotating brilliance. There was a scent on the breeze of a lurking vampire.
At the alarm of the panthers, I said in a clear voice, “Have no fear, Kellan. You are not the reason for my caution.”
Then I looked around the clearing at the treeline, calling, “You might as well come out, vampire. You are not as stealthy as you think you are, and are only pissing me off by lurking. Know that if you mean harm to anyone here, you will be ash before you take a single step. I need not see you to kill you.”
Just then, a vampire with blonde hair and a short beard came into the clearing to my side, dropped to his knees, then bared his neck while placing his hands palm up on his thighs. I barely heard the shock of Carlisle's whispered, “Alistair.”
Jake turned with me on his back to fully face the vampire. Like it was a seamless extension, Aleksei and Major turned right as Jake did. The elements rotated above my palms in full high definition glory, so I let the full force of the Goddess ring in my voice, “Carlisle seems to know of you, but that will give you no leeway with me. State your business here, vampire, or you will soon come to know the strength of the Goddess. Your lurking and hiding do not bode well for you, so your explanation had better be worth it. Know that if you lie, or your intentions do not match your words, you will be leaving this clearing as ash on the wind I create. Do I make myself clear?”
The vampire seemed to shiver slightly at my tone, then bowed his head before saying softly, “Abundantly clear, Goddess. I had heard whispers in Europe. I was near my home in England at the time, but when I heard the words 'Northern United States,' 'Prophecy,' and 'Messenger', I knew it was connected to my friend, Carlisle Cullen. He is one of very few that I can count as friend, Goddess, so I started making my way to U.S soil. When I touched land, I tried to use my gift to guide me to him, but I felt nothing... as if he didn't exist. I hoped nothing had happened him, and knew I needed to find Edward or Alice. Unfortunately, they eluded my gift, too. With the whispers, they could have been anywhere... but then I came across the panther tribe. I catalogued the alpha, then backed away to think.”
I nodded for him to continue, so he offered, “The whispers included shifters of all types making their way to the gathering, so I used the panthers to find you. I had just come into range and was being cautious when you called out to me. I truly meant no ill will in my actions, Goddess... only to find my friend and make sure that he was well. I am at your service, if you will have me.”
I could feel Major sending me his sincerity, but Alistair was about to be put through the true test. My shield flared, its swirling colors melding and blending where they met. I saw his chest hitch at the sight. I internally smirked as I said, “Alistair, you may approach, if you have honest intentions and the courage to come to me. We will be speaking about your gift, though, should you pass successfully through my shield.”
His eyes widened slightly, then he looked to Carlisle and stood. He slowly approached my shield, then let out a shaky breath as he stopped in front of it to look at Carlisle once more. He didn't necessarily look like he wanted to be tested, but it was for no other reason than he trusted almost no one. I would have to make sure to work on that with him, if he passed my shield.
Alistair seemed to find what he needed by looking to his friend, then let out another breath as he watched the colors of my shield for a second. I felt a small wave of amazement from Major, then calmed the instant Alistair's finger started tracing the swirling pattern being made by the elemental colors. It took him a full two minutes to make a move, but finally he stopped tracing to step through the barrier. Carlisle let out a relieved breath just loud enough for me to hear.
I said as my elements dissipated, my hands dropping to Jake's neck, “Welcome, Alistair. You may go stand with your friend, now that your intentions have been deemed truthful. Once I finish speaking with the panthers, and deem we are in only the company of allies, we will speak more.”
It wasn't long before the panthers started the process with their Beta, Lucas -who preferred to be called Luke, and ended with Kellan. All made it through easily. I let a breath out as I smiled, offering, “Welcome, panthers. You are among trusted here.”
All of the hidden shifters came into the clearing. I saw the panthers looking around, while Alistair's eyes widened slightly before he smiled at Carlisle. “My shield determines the truth of any who try to breach it, so you can feel safe that anyone you see here is a friend and ally of the Goddess and her cause. You can all relax, mingle, and get to know the newcomers. Remember that bonding between shifters and vampires is strongly encouraged, as it will only help us be stronger in battle. Should any of you have questions or need anything, please do not hesitate to come to me or my mates. We want all of you to be as comfortable here as possible. Just remember that the protective field hides your energy signatures, so please don't leave a safe zone.”
Major scratched Aleksei's ear, patted the back of his neck, then gave Jake a pat on the side before lifting me from his back. I wrapped my body around him with a smile, then said, “Time to talk with both Alistair and Randall about their powers, so we know what we are dealing with. Then I think a hunt is in order.”
I patted my baby bump, so Major chuckled, “Are our sons hungry again? It has been a while since your last hunt. Jake is probably half-starved.”
Jake barked out a laugh as he shook his head, then Edward filled in the blanks, “He said that he must be receiving excess energy... almost as if when she takes the energy from his kills, she inadvertently transfers a boost to the kill to sustain him. Either that or... hmm. It's something to ask Billy or old Quil, Jake, but that's a good possibility.”
At my raised eyebrow, Edward said, “He thinks it might be the process of him taking down the kill for you, then praying for the spirit of the animal before you feed off the energy. It's a back and forth between the two of you with the kill. He thinks the boost he gets that lasts him until your next hunt might be part of the effects of him handing off the kill to you, before he feeds on any of it.”
I smiled widely at Jake, but heard Esme's cell phone ringing as we headed toward our back yard tree. She answered it, waving us over when she heard who it was, saying, “Yes, of course... We are ready and each site is prepared for the trucks to maneuver easily. Just go straight down the path. My husband and son will greet you on your way in. They will direct you to where each truck will need to go on the property.”
Major nodded with me still in his arms, then looked to see Carlisle already on his way to us.
I kissed him quickly and hopped down, then made a loud whistle once Esme closed her phone. “Listen up, everyone. We have humans on the way. I want two of the smaller shifter packs to position around the perimeter. Hide well, but keep alert. The bunkhouse materials are all being delivered, so there will be no official training until they are finished. I want all of them built, other than the three ordered for Texas, so that our shifter packs all have a warm bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. Think of this as a little teamwork exercise. Use the time to get to know your fellow shifter and vampire allies. We're working toward a common goal here, so keep that in mind. All shifters other than the two packs working the perimeter, please go shift to your human forms. Packs will rotate shifts randomly while the building takes place, on Jake's order. If someone comes across anything, report it to Jake, me, or my mates immediately.”
Major patted my tummy, then kissed my neck, saying, “Stay here with the others, Isabella. Edward will stay close. We'll get ya huntin' as soon as possible, but if ya need to go before I get back, make sure ya take both Edward and Captain with ya.”
I nodded, “We're good for now, Major, but I'll top off what I can from the Earth... maybe try drinking another cup of blood to hold us over. I just feel like I should go within the next 48 hours or so. I'm going to try to talk to Alistair and Randall while the trucks are unloading.”
He placed my hand in Captain's; I hummed as I kissed Major's chest, “Go, My Major. I'll be fine. You know our mates wouldn't let anything happen, plus Jake and Edward will alert us to anything that happens near you.”
He lifted my face, planted a kiss on my lips, then gave Captain and Char a quick peck before dashing off with Carlisle. Aleksei, who had shifted back to human, was only a few steps behind Major and Carlisle once they reached his location.
I walked with Captain and Edward over to Alistair's spot next to Eleazar, then asked, “Alistair? May I speak with you?”
He looked to Eleazar, who smiled as he stood to kiss my cheek, then offered, “Join us. Eleazar was just informing me of the happenings since his arrival. You have been through much in a short time, it seems, yet you seem unruffled by any of it. I am curious, but I know you also have many questions for me.”
I smiled, knowing that offering him something he wanted would be a good way to earn at least a bit of trust, so I said, “I'm not as unruffled as I appear, Alistair, I assure you. I have had many power-spike episodes, mini melt-downs, and frustrations along the way, yet there is still so much to do. I fear every minute that something will happen to make me lose my sons, but I can't sit in a corner and do nothing, when I have the ability to work hard to change that outcome. I have to remind myself often, though, that I'm doing everything I possibly can to make sure everyone comes out of this alive -including my sons- while trusting in the strength of my inner goddess.”
Alistair seemed surprised that I didn't ask him a question in all that, and only offered him information he was seeking. I could almost see his thought process in his features. When his body relaxed considerably, he gave me a small smile, “You are unlike anyone I have ever encountered, Goddess; I will admit to that. Though I know you are eager for information about my gift, you are willing to wait for me to freely give it, instead of using any of your considerable powers to force it from me.”
I shook my head, pointing out as I stared into his eyes, “It is no use to force information from you, Alistair. It would only make you more unsettled here, which I understand is a long way from your home. I only want people here who are staying of their own free will. If I use my powers on people who have proven themselves honest and with good intentions, that makes me no better than the people we are battling against... the wrongs we are working to right. When you are ready, you will tell me what you want me to know. Until then, we will speak of whatever you feel ready to share.”
I smiled at him, happy with the progress I had made, so I moved to stand and leave. He furrowed his eyebrows, then said softly, “Please, Goddess. Wait.”
I sat back, making myself comfortable while patting my belly, then turned to Char. “Did Carlisle ever receive the shipment of donated blood?”
She nodded, so I looked to Alistair, “Are you thirsty? Would you like a glass of donated blood while we talk? I know it's not conventional, but it soothes the minds of our shifters, knowing no one died to allow the vampires here to feed.”
He nodded, “If you wouldn't mind, I would love a glass, as long as you will be joining me. If not, I will wait until our conversation has ended. I do not wish to tempt you.”
I grinned, nodding to Char, then said, “Make sure all the vampires here are offered blood, too. I won't take any chances with my dad or the elders.”
As I sat back, Alistair offered, “It is rare for a human to still have contact with a supernatural family member knowingly. Once a human knows, they can never be rid of the knowledge... or the consequences of it.”
I nodded sadly, then replied, “My father knew about the supernatural world, and a bit about the Elemental Goddess legend, before I even started changing. He is in love with one of the elders of the Quileute tribe. Sue treats him amazingly well. Having him in my life now is a blessing, so I thank the Goddess for allowing it to be this way everyday. He is quite a special man, even when not taking into account his years as Chief of Police here in Forks.”
He smiled, then let out a breath. Just then Char came back, offering me my tall cups with lids, then handed another to Alistair. He nodded politely as he took it, then inhaled softly before taking a tentative sip. I smiled, taking a long draw from mine while rubbing my belly, “Stay calm, Boys. Food's coming.”
Char chuckled, bent down next to me, then kissed my fluttering stomach while whispering to our sons. All the while, Alistair sipped from his straw, watching us with an innocent curiosity.
After a few more long draws and a kiss to Char, I noticed Alistair squaring his shoulders. He seemed to be ready to talk. I stayed relaxed, petting Jake affectionately to let Alistair know I was in no hurry. His voice was soft, but carried to me easily when he finally spoke, which was after a small nod of encouragement from Eleazar.
“My human time was not an easy one, Goddess. My father was a Baron in the time of Edward II. The king was always trying to limit the power of British peerage, but my father grew mad fighting to protect aristocracy at every turn. When I was young, my father and brother were constantly involved in one scheme or another against the king, but after Edward II's most trusted counselor was banished, my father made an alliance with two other Barons. They were supposed to make sure my brother was set into the open counselor's position, but after many betrayals on all sides, eventually my brother was implicated in a plot to overthrow Edward II's rule.”
I waited patiently, knowing there was more. After a few minutes, he ran his fingers through his hair, explaining as he looked down at his cup, “As my brother was out of any of my father's numerous plans, since he and a few others were falsely executed for treason, I was the only male son he could throw his plans onto. He became obsessed with vengeance, and ultimately turned to the occult, while the rest of my family withdrew from society. With the stain of my brother's name, I was planning on how to care for my sisters, should they remain unwed, until one night my father pulled me into the dank tunnels under London. As he walked me through the tunnels, he went on and on madly about me becoming the next Charlemagne, about him making sure I was to take the throne. I tried to tell him I wanted nothing to do with his schemes, that I was happy with my falcons, but he would have none of it.”
“When we finally stopped, there were many minor aristocrats assembled. After telling me his whole plan, me still being unsuccessful at deterring his crazy scheme, he introduced me to a man who called himself Astaroth. That man bit me and turned me that night, as soon as the introduction was out of my father's mouth. When I woke, I found out that my father had bid Astaroth -whose true name was George- to turn me. I was so furious, that after slaughtering most of the peasants that were captured for my feeding, I still couldn't think straight. That's when my father chose to come see me. I killed him for letting his madness touch our family... how it hurt my sisters and mother... how it ended with my brother's death and my turning. I wanted to see my mother and sisters, to make sure they were safe, but found our house abandoned after escaping the tunnels. I knew then, that my father had sacrificed them in payment for my turning.”
I watched as a deep sadness filled Alistair. Though I wished to comfort him, I knew it would not be a welcome gesture right now. He stared longingly at the sky for a few minutes, then said with a noticeable pain in his voice, “I sought solace in my beloved falcons.. or tried to, at least. They had never turned from me before, but that night, they fled from what I'd become. I loved them so… they were all I had left... but they fled from me. With no one to turn to, and my experiences leading me to not trust anyone, I became a recluse. I only ventured out enough to feed. Very few have earned enough of my trust to be called friend.”
I smiled gently at him, then rubbed behind Jake's ear. “I am honored you chose to tell me as much as you did of your past, Alistair. I can't honestly believe I would have done any different, had I been in a similar situation. Hopefully, given time, you might find at least a few good acquaintances -if not friends- while in our company. I only ask that if you feel the need to be away from everyone, and can not find it in the main house, that you seek me out before deciding to just leave. My field protects everyone from not only Victoria and her newborn army, but from the Volturi members I've seen in recent visions. I would worry for your safety if you just disappeared one day.”
He scratched his chin, then offered, “I see your point, having so many under your protection. I will give you that courtesy.”
I let out a small breath in relief, as this was huge progress, then smiled, “Did you know we have falcon shifters here? I know it isn't the same as your falcons, Alistair, but you may find some semblance of peace watching them as they fly.”
Just then, Chayton -the falcon beta and twin brother of Jeremy- flew in to land in the open spot to our left. Alistair gasped as he took him in, so I stood to introduce them. “Alistair, this is Chayton. He is second in command of the falcon tribe from Alaska. His twin brother, Jeremy, is the alpha. Though they look very similar in human form, their falcon forms are unique. Chayton, this is Alistair. He has a special fondness for falcons. Would you mind if he watched you, along with your brothers and sister, fly tonight?”
I watched in amazement as Chayton lowered his beak slowly into Alistair's hand, then Alistair's face light up like it was Christmas morning. He gently ran his hands over Chayton's folded wings, along his face, then bent down to look at his talons. When he stood again, he offered an awed, “Incredible. Utterly amazing. Thank you for allowing me to touch you. It would be a pleasure to watch you in flight.”
Alistair bowed his head in thanks, so I asked, “Chayton, is there news?”
He looked back to Edward, who had given me a bit of room for my talk with Alistair. Soon Edward was kissing my shoulder while saying, “He said that Major sent him back to inform us that the trucks have all been unloaded, and the drivers are now off the property. We're clear, Sweetheart. You should gather a bit of energy, because once Jake takes you to him, you're to... ohh. Okay. Mmm... hunting is in order?”
I chuckled as Jake let out a barking laugh, but Alistair looked confused. I offered in explanation, “My hunting is a bit different from the Cullens, Alistair. Jake takes down prey that entices my goddess senses. Once I drain the energy from his kill, he feeds on the meat. I do not need the animal blood, as my body needs human blood to sustain the babies. The issue is that hunting seems to have high aphrodisiac-like effects for me.”
A light-bulb seemed to go on over his head before he chuckled, “Ah, I see... hence the reason Eleazar mentioned that you hunt privately with only your mates and the Cullens.”
I nodded, then motioned Jake to the tree while saying, “If you'll please excuse me for now. My sons are very energy demanding with their growth, so it's dangerous for my energy reserves to fall too low. We'll talk again soon?”
He smiled widely while nodding, looked at Chayton, then offered me a simple, “Certainly. Don't let me keep you.”
I laughed internally, knowing I had just been officially dismissed, then walked with Captain over to Jake. Captain kissed my neck, then breathed, “I love ya, Little One.”
I melted in his arms as they wrapped around me, smiling up at him, “As I love you.”
He frowned, then cupped my cheek. “Ya really feel that way, don't ya? About the boys and everythin', I mean.”
I let out a breath, then whispered sadly, “Yeah. It's a bit harder since I really miss Major's cross. It feels like we'll never get time, yet things just keep piling up.”
He hugged me to him again, resting his cheek on top of my head. When he spoke, it was only a bare whisper, but it was filled with promise. “We'll get ya that time with him soon, Little One. The last thing anyone needs is for ya to start havin' power-spike episodes again because you're not releasin' all the built up shit in your head. I'll figure somethin' out. Now come on, ya need to recharge.”
I kissed him in thanks, letting him feel it through our bond, then turned to go sit against Jake's side. I topped off my energy before taking the time to quickly check our surroundings through the Earth's eye. I smiled as I offered, “Alistair, your light is one of the brightest I've seen. It is a comfort to both the Earth and myself.”
I slipped back into my own vision, then stood to grin at Jake. “Ready to go find my Major? I know you must be hungry.”
He rumbled a bit as I mounted his back, so I chuckled, “Yeah, I know, Jake. Come on.”
As we ran, Jake slowed near each of the building sites. It warmed my heart to see shifters and vampires working together flawlessly to build the bunkhouses. There was laughing and talking going on at each site, causing my inner goddess to let out a breath in relief as I whispered to Jake, “This is good. Really good. We're on the right track with this, Jake, I can feel it. You can feel it, too, right?”
He let out a pleased rumble, so I kissed the top of his head. Just then, we made it to the last site. I saw Charlie and the elders all talking happily with Major. Aleksei was again in his tiger form, with Major recapping the tigers' arrival while scratching behind his ear.
I hurried to flip off of Jake after a pat to his neck, then called out to Charlie before scooping him up in a hug. He chuckled as he kissed my cheek, “Hi, Princess. Busy day, huh? How are my grandsons?”
I gently sat him back on his own feet, then took his hand to place it on my tummy. “Say hi to Papa Charlie, boys.”
My tummy fluttered wildly for a second, so Charlie beamed at me, “Ah, there they are. How are you feeling?”
I grinned, “Great, actually. What are you doing here? I thought you all were on the rez?”
He chuckled, then patted my tummy before looking around, “You didn't think we'd miss this, did you? Sam was keeping tabs in wolf form, with all the new arrivals. His last check was during shift change. Jake had him call it from the rez, so it wouldn't disturb what was going on here. We came with the next round.”
I knew it must have been when the trucks were here and I was talking to Alistair. I looked around to see if I could spot him. I didn't, but Edward calmed me by rubbing my back and offering, “He's with Chayton at another site... one of the smaller ones. He's fine, Sweetheart, and engrossed in what he's doing to help out while they converse.”
I let a breath out, but at Charlie's confusion, I said, “The vampire that showed up? He's had a really bad past. His human time led him to not trust anyone at all, so he became a recluse as a vampire. Falcons have a special place in his heart, though, and I introduced him to the falcon beta, hoping it would help him find a little peace. I was just worried when I didn't see him.”
Major wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissed my neck, then offered, “Ya did good, Isabella. I think we'll be seein' a new side to Alistair in the future. Just give it time.”
I nodded then smiled, “Jake slowed near each of the sites for me. I was so pleased with how well everyone was bonding while working. We're making good progress, Major. Both Jake and I can feel it.”
He grinned into my shoulder, “That we are, My Goddess... that we are.”