Elemental Goddess
By: Wizardtho
Chapter 65: Water
BPOV:
I noticed Esme out of the corner of my eye with a tray, and my eyes snapped to hers, "Oh, Esme... you brought me a treat? What would I do without you?"
She brought the tray, setting it on Carlisle's lap, then bent over him to place a soft kiss on my lips, "I love you too, Esme. Thank you for the food. I'm like rabid hungry right now."
She giggled, kissed my temple, then kissed Carlisle lovingly. I looked at the tray to see a few sushi rolls, a fruit/chocolate/nut bowl, some salmon tartare, and a small portion of yams. "Oh my God, Esme. I love yams. I had to threaten no sex because they were being dangled in front of me last time."
She giggled, then Carlisle whispered into my skin as he ran his lips up my shoulder, "Then I guess I should start by feeding them to you, so you won't threaten to cut me off."
Esme and I both laughed as Edward kissed and nipped at my neck. "I guess you better start soon then, huh? They're just begging for me to eat them."
He chuckled, feeding me a few bites of the yams before he fed me a spoonful of fruit, then few crackers with salmon tartare. He must have liked feeding me, because I noticed him watching every reaction I had, as well as how my mouth moved as I ate. At one point, I had a small bit of fruit juice on my bottom lip, so I darted my tongue out to catch it. His moan as his eyes fluttered was a dead giveaway to his arousal level.
I nipped his neck, breathing, "Is watching me eat that erotic, Carlisle?"
He nodded as he captured my lips in a sensual kiss. I moaned into the kiss, but then my stomach growled again. The kiss broke with both of us laughing, then he continued to feed me my lunch until it was gone.
I had a craving for a banana split after my food was gone, but knew I couldn't have dairy, other than in my smoothies. "Just my luck. I get a damn craving for something I can't even eat. Frickin ridiculous!"
Everyone laughed, but Jasper asked, "What are you cravin' for, Darlin'?"
I giggled, "A banana split. I never did get one at Charlie's before he came home that day. Then the craving for one just hit and I remembered. That was my first love day. It was so hard to be away from you two that day. I'm glad we don't have to hide from him anymore."
He smiled, "Me too, Darlin', me too. A banana split?"
I nodded, "But the ice cream is made from dairy. By the time we figure out a non-dairy alternative, it'll be too late, since my change is tonight."
Alice giggled and ran out of the room. I looked back to Edward, "What is she up to now?"
He smiled widely, "Nope, just wait a few minutes. You'll find out soon enough, Sweetheart."
He kissed me lovingly, then placed his arm over me to take Carlisle's hand in his. Carlisle smiled softly at him, causing me to smile too.
I rolled over onto all fours, then kissed both of them before saying, "Am I clear for a shower, Docs?"
They looked at each other, then at me with shit-eating grins. Carlisle tried to be serious as he said, "Only if Edward and I can accompany you... just to make sure, you see."
I chuckled, offering, "Of course, just to make sure. Making sure of what is the question, you two schemers. Let's go... I feel all sticky still and want to be clean when we leave for the rez."
They nodded, then Carlisle picked me up bridal-style after he got off the bed, carrying me into the bathroom. He started the water with me in his arms still, then set me on my feet in front of the mirror. He took my brush, smoothing it through my hair as he placed kisses on my shoulders. I watched in the mirror, smiling. I felt a tug at my energy and knew I needed a boost, so I called in a normal voice, "Rose, Honey?"
She smiled as she poked her head to ask, "Yes, Angel?"
I grinned at the nickname, then said, "I'm in the mood for tunes and need a boost. Can you grab my Ipod, then load some songs from my Evanescence playlist?"
She nodded, "Which ones... name them in order of how you want them played."
She dashed out the door and was back before I said, "Whisper, Away From Me, Haunted, Cloud Nine, Lose Control, Sweet Sacrifice.... umm... we can end with Bring Me To Life and Going Under. That's eight songs. With triple the energy capacity of before, I should be good to go. They're all good for my breathing, so..."
I shrugged as she smiled. "Here you go, Angel. Knock 'em dead."
She handed me the Ipod, flicking her tongue against my bottom lip before I captured her in a playful kiss. She moaned, so I whispered against her lips, "Soon, Sweetie... I promise."
She nodded with a smile, then Edward took my Ipod to dock it into the bathroom speakers. "Edward, don't go shy on the volume. They're all strong vocal songs. We should really think about getting the karaoke versions of these for when I sing. That way, her main vocals would be out, with mine in her place."
He nodded, "That's a wonderful idea, Sweetheart. I'll see what can be done about getting the ones for all the ones you sing to. You can give me a list later."
He nipped my shoulder while scooting in front of me, just as the first notes came through the speakers. With Carlisle and Edward both holding my hips, they backed me into the shower as I sang:
Catch me as I fall
Say you're here and it's all over now
Speaking to the atmosphere
No one's here and I fall into myself
This truth drives me into madness
I know I can stop the pain
If I will it all away
If I will it all away
Don't turn away (Don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide (Though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light (Never sleep never die)
I kept singing as Carlisle grabbed my sponge and looked at me. I held his hand under the soap dispenser, moving the sponge under all of them one at a time, pressing the buttons, then smiled at him. Edward kissed my shoulders, sliding his hands up my thighs slowly. I moaned through the lyrics for a second in response. He smiled against my skin, then Carlisle gently placed the sponge against my neck to start cleaning me.
We went through all of 'Whisper' while Carlisle lovingly washed my body, 'Away From Me' as they both touched, kissed, and caressed my body, then 'Haunted' came on as I placed the shampoo into Edward's hands from the dispensers. I really loved this song; it was one with a range of vocals, so I got excited as Edward started washing my hair. I really got into the music then. Edward was conditioning my hair as 'Cloud Nine' came on. Carlisle's body was flush against mine, his lips gliding against my skin as my hips swayed and Edward conditioned my hair.
Edward finished rinsing my hair, then as I washed both Edward and Carlisle with Jasper's soap, I sang through 'Lose Control'. When that was done, they turned the water off. We dried each other off as I sang 'Sweet Sacrifice'. When it was over, I paused the Ipod, walked naked through the bedroom as the guys got redressed, then docked my Ipod at the stereo. I noticed Alice had set a very pretty outfit out for me... a new one I'd never seen before.
As I hit play to rock out to 'Bring Me To Life', I dressed in the outfit, then danced around the room as I sang. Peter ended up dancing with me as everyone watched me sing my heart out, then Jasper switched off with him to dance with me as I sang to 'Going Under'. That one had long winded vocals, so I was really feeling the energy boost from it as I sang and danced. I never once got winded doing both at the same time; I was really proud of myself.
As my last lyric and the song ended, Jasper dipped me, kissing me soundly. That’s when I noticed the absolute silence in the room. Jasper righted me as I chuckled. I looked around the room, saying to everyone, "Jaws off the floor, guys. You've heard me sing before."
Carlisle stepped forward, noting seriously, "Honey... with how you were dancing with Jasper, you should not have been able to hold those vocals. You aren't even the slightest bit winded. In the shower... the high notes that the lead singer hit... you wouldn't have noticed, but she was stressing to reach them. They were hard for her, yet you made them perfectly. Do you have anything with higher vocals? I'd like to see your range, if you don't mind."
I thought about what was on my Ipod. I smirked, "I have just the thing."
I walked over to the Ipod again, then loaded Mariah Carey's 'Dream Lover'. As the beginning started I closed my eyes to focus. I started singing, keeping my eyes closed to remember the lyrics. The background vocals had her shatter glass notes. There was no way I was attempting those, so I stuck only to her main vocals.
When the song ended, I opened my eyes to see that everyone was silent. I scrunched my nose, "Was I that bad? It's been forever since I sang that song, and I couldn't hit her higher notes the last time. Sorry."
Edward chuckled, "Oh, Sweetheart. That was incredible. You hit every note perfectly."
I noticed Peter behind me with a grin on his lips. "What are you..."
The beginning notes of Janet Jackson's 'Rope Burn' sounded through the room, causing my mates to moan. I looked at Peter, "If you want me to sing this, you get to be my dance partner, Baby."
He turned me to face everyone else again, pulling me flush to him, his hands gently squeezing my hips as I began to sing. My hands wrapped up behind me into his hair as he kissed and nipped my neck. We danced sensually as I sang, moving our bodies to the feel of the music.
When that song ended, 'Anytime Anyplace' came on from Janet, so I smirked at Peter, "You're so bad."
I turned to Edward, raising an eyebrow as I started singing and walking toward him. He met me in the middle of the room, pulled me flush to him, then dipped me as he nipped my collar bone. He spun me as he brought me up. I ended facing the crowd with him behind me, my head on his shoulder, my hands on his thighs, one of his arms wrapped around my arm with that hand resting on the opposite shoulder, and his other hand low on the opposite hip. I was instantly aroused, moaning through the lyrics.
I finished singing the song, dancing with Edward, then realised there were no more songs to play. Carlisle said softly, "Wow, Honey. That was really erotic. Incredible... and so very erotic. I don't think you will have a hard time finding a dance partner in this room anytime you want one."
I chuckled, "Why Carlisle... Is that a proposal I'm hearing?"
Esme giggled while nodding, then Carlisle smirked at me, "Most definitely. Anytime, Honey, anyplace."
Everyone laughed at that as Carlisle kissed my neck teasingly. I realised we had been playing around for way too long, so I said as Carlisle stood straight again, "Okay, guys. Is everyone put to rights? We really need to be getting today underway. So much to do and no time to do it in. Ali, are the paintings ready to go out the door?"
She nodded, "Yes. They are completely dried, wrapped in a protective wrapping, then wrapped in a waterproof wrapping. They’re by the door, so all we have to do is load them in the vehicles."
I nodded, "Jake, is the pack ready to head out?"
He nodded, so I said, "Alright, let's get going then. I need to slip on my sandals, then we can head out the door."
They were at the end of the bed where Alice had laid them, so I slipped into them before walking out the bedroom door.
When I got outside the door, Edward nuzzled my neck and kissed my shoulder. "I know I need to be good when we leave here, so I had to do that now. Sorry."
His lips ran the length of my shoulder and neck, "I'm not sorry... for the attention, I mean. As soon as we're safe, Edward, I promise we won't have to hide."
He nodded before kissing my temple, "I know, Sweetheart."
I hopped on Jasper's back as he came in front of me. He grinned, "You riding with me, Darlin'?"
I gave him a cheeky grin and a kiss in response. We got to the house in what seemed like seconds, as Edward said the elders knew we were on the way. "The pack that's with us will escort us to the highest cliff in La Push, then after you work with water, the leading pack members can go with the elders and paintings to the island. The pack will get them hung before they come back. Quil will be staying with the elders and Charlie on the island. There were things the elders wanted to do to prepare before dark."
I nodded, then Jake licked my palm. "I love you too, Jake."
Alice came out to say everything was already packed up, and everyone was ready to go. I smiled. We loaded up in the Tahoe with Jake laying his wolf butt on the empty space where the second and third rows used to be. Edward explained that the other three main wolves were going to run and stretch. I nodded, then climbed to lean against Jake with Jasper, as Peter and Char took the front seats.
We got to the cliff soon after. I greeted the elders and Charlie with a wide smile and hugs. Charlie asked immediately, "How are you feeling?"
I smiled, "I'm great, Dad. Really. Ready for a water show?"
He chuckled, "Sure, Princess. I'll let you talk to the elders and get ready."
He walked over to speak to Carlisle and Edward as I looked at the elders. Quil offered, "Afternoon, Young Goddess. You are well?"
I smiled, "Yes. It was unexpected, to be sure. I will be keeping careful track of my wording from now on, but I am fine. We found out that my body shape is really small and my hips aren't wanting to cooperate... especially after having to rush the first trimester of the pregnancy. My hips and pelvis didn't adapt as they should have. Both Carlisle and Edward believe it will be an ongoing problem, so Edward will become my pregnancy and labor doula. He'll be taking care of daily massages, along with weekly therapy massages. These help my hips open, as well as my pelvic bones expand shift, throughout both pregnancy and labor. He worked wonders earlier. The stress points I was feeling are completely gone."
Quil smiled widely, "That's wonderful news, Young Goddess. Will you be trying for a natural birth, or is that not a possibility with your being turned?"
I nodded, "Yes, I will be trying for natural. Edward becoming my doula is essential if I want to go that route, because I was told that my hips and pelvis not shifting or expanding with the pregnancy would be fatal... broken pelvis and no chance of safe delivery, if they even survived to term."
They looked at me sadly, "Yes, there was one such case on the reservation where both mother and child were lost for this reason. It is very fortunate you have someone who is knowledgeable in this area."
I nodded. "I should gather energy real quick if we're going to do this anytime soon. Please excuse me."
They nodded, so I walked to the grassy area not too far away. I topped off my energy, then sat in my lotus position thinking about what the vision had shown. A calm ocean with the water rising to meet my fingertips at the edge of the cliff.
It was the right cliff, so we had that going for us. I didn't know how, though... how to get the water there. Should I just talk to it and ask it? Ask it to come to me? Will it work if Char's not touching her element?
I guess there's only one way to find out.
I opened my eyes, standing as I saw my mates close by. I smiled, "Yes, I'm fine. I was thinking back to the vision of this, trying to figure out how I did it... trying to get a clue of whether I needed Char's help, or if I could do it on my own. I didn't get any answers... so this is a wing-it moment."
Sam called, "Are you ready to begin, Sister?"
I nodded with a smile, then said to Jasper, "Just be ready to have Char come in and bring me under control if this starts to go south."
He nodded, then all three of them kissed me lightly. I walked over to the elders as my mates stood about 20 ft from the edge of the cliff to one side. I nodded to the elders, "We need to have everyone here. Are all the wolves present?"
Sam nodded, "Yes, everyone is present and accounted for. Anyone in wolf form phased and is coming out of the woods now."
I nodded, then directed my attention to the group. It was an impressive sight, so I took a moment to smile at them. "This is the last test of the four elements before my turning. I will be trying to accomplish it without the help of my water mate, Charlotte. There is no guarantee that I can do it successfully without her help until I'm turned, therefore, I need everyone to stay on the overlook area, not on the cliff itself. Charlotte is ready to step in at a moment's notice if my powers get the better of me, so there's no need to be worried. As soon as we're done here, I'd like everyone to congregate on the beach below while the higher pack members escort and help the elders with the paintings. Thank you all for the support you've shown me from the beginning."
As I turned around to walk toward the cliff, my eyes shifted to the caribbean blue of my water element. I mentally kissed the ocean below me as I looked out over the water, immediately feeling its recognition of my action. I walked to the very edge, then asked, "What shall I try first?"
Billy smiled, "How about calming the waters below. We can start small."
I nodded as I pictured calming the waters, making the top look as smooth as glass. I calculated the distance to the water before asking, "What about distance? How far out do you want the waters calmed?"
He grinned, "How about 200 yards in either direction."
I smiled... piece of cake. I calculated it, then the amount of energy it would take... barely any... before picturing it happening in my head as I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. As I opened them again, I placed my hands together in front of me, then whispered, "Shh," as I separated my hands to bring them palm down shoulder width apart.
When I was done, I looked. It worked perfectly. I mentally kissed the waters again, then looked to the elders with a smile. "Very good, Bella. Now lets try to bring a few rolling waves in. The height of the final waves should be 15 ft higher than the calm waters, and you should try to bring them in from as far as your eye can see out clearly.”
I nodded, closing my eyes as I turned back to the waters. I pictured what needed to be done, what energy it would take, and what I wanted the final result to be after I focused on where I could still see clearly. I called out, "I can see clearly to the large outcropping of rock past the small island with the five trees. Is that far enough?"
The elders all chuckled, then Billy said, "Most certainly, Bella."
I closed my eyes and pictured it again as it should happen, then opened my eyes to focus on the water around the rocks. I placed my hands palm down shoulder width apart, then rolled them in a circle towards me like I was calling the water to me, ending with the fingers of one hand in the palm of the other in an S shape in front of my chest. As my hands formed the S, I called in a normal voice, "Come to me."
It happened exactly as I pictured it, so I looked to the elders with another smile. "Excellent, Bella. Very impressive. How about you try making a water vortex about 30 feet in diameter, with a 3 foot wide center."
I smiled, "No tricking today, Billy. Where would you like the vortex located, how fast and which direction do you want the spin, plus which type would you like created... rotational or irrotational?"
He grinned, "Better every day, Bella. Location of 100 ft off of the cliff base at water line, counter clockwise at 30 miles per hour at the top of the vortex, and irrotational... please."
I smiled as I nodded, then turned back to the water in front of me. I calculated everything needed to make it work successfully, then looked back at Billy. "You still tried to trick me, Billy. If I tried to to have the vortex spin that fast at the top, the speed builds as you go down, so it wouldn't work. It would throw off the center, destabilizing it that close to the cliff base. I would have to center the vortex at least 300 ft out for it to remain stable at a top-of-the-vortex speed of 30 miles per hour."
Esme giggled, the wolves all chuckled, Sue was cracking up, while Billy was unsuccessfully trying to keep a straight face. Sam and Quil were both looking at me with a raised eyebrow. Billy composed himself, then said, "Very well, Bella. Use the calculations you came up with. Begin when you're ready."
I turned back to the water, mentally kissed it, then double checked all my calculations. I ran through it visually one more time before opening my eyes. I placed one hand centered in front of me, looked at where the center was supposed to be, then pictured the whole thing as I said, "Dance for me," and twirled my finger in a counter-clockwise motion.
It was brilliant, happening exactly as I wanted it to. I turned to the elders with a smirk, "Thank you for the trickery, Billy."
He chuckled out right, then said, "Most incredible, Bella. Very well done... especially with my side-winding."
I giggled. Billy looked to the other elders, who nodded, so he looked back to me, "Alright, Bella. Final task. Bring the water from the rock base you can see clearly to, in a wave that will break up high enough to touch your outstretched fingers. Over splash onto the cliff is okay, but no one on the cliff is to get wet. The only thing the water is to touch is your fingertips or the cliff itself."
I questioned, "Any type of break, or a certain type?"
He smiled, "Whatever type you think will work best."
I nodded as turned back to the water. I tried all three types of wave breaks, but figured that it had to break with trapped air to push the water up without soaking everyone. I figured up the rest of the equations, then ran through the whole thing in my mind a couple of times. They all came out the same, so I opened my eyes. They flashed as I pictured the scenario, saying, "Come to me," while holding my hand out over the edge of the cliff.
It was nature at its most beautiful as I watched my vision become reality, the water crashing as it came up to kiss my fingertips. I knew no one got wet, even without looking. When the water dissipated, I turned to the elders with the widest grin ever seen in the world. Everyone broke out into ear-splitting cheers and applause, but I kept my eyes on the elders.
Each one dropped to their knee with a bowed head, or just bowed his head in Billy's case. After a minute, I said softly, "Please stand. I could not have made it this far without your help and guidance."
They stood, so I looked at Sue, Charlie several steps behind her. I crooked my finger at him, causing him to smile as he stepped next to Sue.
I hugged them both to me while planting kisses on their cheeks. "Astonishing, Princess. Such a beautiful sight... and so much power. You'll be an extraordinary vampire. I'm so proud of you."
Sue said softly, "You are the the best possible person that could have been born for Goddess. Your demeanor, character and sense of self are incredible. You whipped right through those calculations with Billy, calling him on something I would never have guessed. He tried to stump you at every turn, Bella, yet you never backed down or called for Charlotte. You were truly brilliant. Congratulations, Sweetie."
I kissed her cheek to thank her, then Charlie hugged me tight to him and breathed softly, "Princess, I'm here for you when you're ready to talk about it. I love you always. No matter what."
I looked at him quizzically, but he just smiled as he walked off with Sue. Quil came to kiss my hand, offering me a blessing in Quileute, then Sam hugged me tight to him while whispering, "Sister, you were amazing. No other could try to claim Goddess Elemental after what you just did. Each task for you has been to build your strength and tolerance. You've done splendidly... well above expectations for an untrained goddess. You're a natural, Sister. I can't wait to tell Emily. Please come by and see her as soon as you can. I know she'll be happy to catch up with you."
I nodded, "It will have to be after we get back from seeing the shaman, as we have to leave less than 24 hours from when I awaken. I promise to see her as soon as possible, though. Please kiss her tummy for me, and tell her I think of her often. We're hoping to plan a party for everyone on Halloween at the treaty field. A kind of relaxing night after all the craziness. Speak to the other elders of it, then let me know. I've had a vision of it, so I don't think it will be a problem, but still... I don't want to assume."
He laughed, "Of course, Sister. I'll let you know as soon as a decision is made."
He kissed my cheek and nodded in respect to Quil as I saw Billy smiling at me. He said brightly, "Bella, that was the most incredible display I have ever seen in person. Truly amazing. You should have no problem gaining full control once you turn this night."
I smiled before hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Billy. You know I would have Jake with you tonight, but he needs to stay with me throughout the whole process. If he leaves, the connection is broken, and he will no longer be protector."
Billy nodded, "I didn't expect he would leave your side through this. Your connection with him is very unique, so I am grateful your mates have taken to him well. Without the support of your mates, Jake's duty would be much harder to perform. I know of him staying in wolf form almost all the time, and I know of where he sleeps. To let him know that much of your intimate life... well, the connection between the two of you is extremely unique and strong. Do not let that bond break for any reason."
I nodded, whispering almost inaudibly as Charlie's comment sunk in, "Does Charlie know of what Jake has seen in the last 24 hours?"
Billy looked deep into my eyes, saying clearly , "Yes, Bella. He's not upset... none of us are. He'll not speak of it, nor will the elders or pack. Charlie was the one to say that it was possibly the reason you felt so close with the whole family to begin with. With the high nutrient properties needed for the babies in your milk, it is too filling for just your mates, so you need all of them to feed from you. Feeding that way is an intimate act... a bonding act... and he was not hurt to find out that your intimate relationship with each one went further than their feeding. Not only will it help keep the family together, but it will keep the family fed to their fullest capacity. We know that your mate Jasper's eyes are already starting to change color, but that it is only from the blood in your milk supply. We also know that your mates haven't hungered for blood once since you started letting them feed from you. Please know that your secret will be kept, and that your father will let you come to him when you are ready to speak on it. Now, enough on that subject. Do you have any other news?"
I nodded with a smile. "By the time of the battle, we will be up to nine shifter tribes and my pack... sorry, our pack..."
He shook his head, "No, Bella. They are your pack. They have been since your birth. Why do you think they couldn't stay away from you, even though every one of them knew you were dating a vampire? They've always been yours, Young Goddess. But with the new shifters... do you know anything of them?"
I shook my head, a bit frustrated that I couldn't get more from that vision, "The vision I got was the battlefield right before the start. I knew there were nine tribes in hiding surrounding three sides of the field, and that the enemy was clueless. They were all united, mind-linked to Jake. The pack took up positions on the mountain side of the battlefield with us in view. The main six wolves were on the front line with us. We are known to all the tribes by our nicknames. Jasper, me, Peter, and Char are: War, Tactical War and Skill or Elemental Goddess, Destruction, and Chaos. The two new ones are Alice and Edward. They are the Goddess of Prophecy and Messenger of the Gods. The only thing I could think was that it related to their vampiric gifts... with Alice's foresight and Edward's mind reading. Their Greek names were Phoebe and Hermes.”
Billy nodded for me to continue, so I said, “We're ordering more cabins so we'll have room enough for everyone. They'll all be set up on the Cullen property, because of the amount of land we have to work with there. The coyote pack that's to be sheltered on the rez will accompany the wolves to and from the rez, unless we find enough cabins to house all the coming tribes on Cullen land. I don't know how all of them are mind linked with Jake, but I'm afraid it might be too many minds for him to deal with. I'm afraid it'll hurt him to have to deal with so many in his head at once. What can I do to help him?"
He shook his head softly, "You must trust in him, Bella. He was born for this, just as you were born to be the goddess. If he couldn't do this, he would not have been born the protector. He is to lead your shifter army. He's known this, deep down, for as long as he can remember. He can do this, and he knows it. Just like you knew deep down you could do the last water test today. Not once did you think that you would fail. Trust in Jake to know and do what's right. He will not fail you."
I nodded, explaining, "I do trust in him, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything bad happened to him. I love him, Billy. Maybe not in the same way I love my mates or the Cullens, but I love him just as much in a different way. It's like he is meant to be at my side 24/7. Not a pet, but a dear, trusted companion. Does that sound bad?"
Billy chuckled, "No, Bella. I knew you didn't mean a pet. It may seem like that to other people, because he is in wolf form except to eat, but if Jake chose to, he could hunt in wolf form. Is he sleeping?"
I nodded, "He'll get couple hour naps every so often, but he doesn't get good straight sleep for six hours or more. The first couple of days he didn't sleep at all. I think it's because he's afraid something will happen to me if he sleeps."
Billy nodded, "I do, too. Thank you for keeping track. I will let you celebrate now, as I must get ready to travel to the island."
I kissed his cheek, then stood to go to my mates as Sue came to Billy's aide. I was bombarded by hugs and wolf cries as I walked to the crowd. I grinned widely before speaking. "I would not have gotten this far without all of you. This day is for all of us, not just me. Thank you all."
Everyone cheered as Jasper picked me up to twirl me. "Darlin', that was magnificent! Your emotions never wavered once, other than the playfulness with Billy. You were brilliant! I'm so proud of you."
He kissed me soundly as I giggled. His emotions were radiating love and pride to me, so I said, "I love you too, Cowboy... but you better put me down before everyone rushes us. They're chomping at the bit over there."
He laughed as he twirled me, then kissed me again before setting me down... only to be picked up by Peter, with Char at his side. They both kissed me, congratulated me, and told me how proud they were. When they set me down, Jake was in front of me at full height. I curled myself into him under his jaw. "I love you, Jake. Thank you for being my protector. Thank you for loving me."
He nuzzled his nose on my cheek when I backed up, so I smiled, "Thanks for the kiss, Jake. At least you didn't try to lick my head off."
He barked a laugh, then licked my palm. "Yeah, stick with the hand licking."
I giggled and scratched his muzzle. The rest of the Cullen family came up to me then. The girls wrapped themselves around me in a group hug, each breathing almost silently their love for me, telling me at normal tone how proud they were and well I did. I smiled as breathed back my love for them.
When the hug ended, the guys surrounded me, doing much the same thing. I smiled even though the hiding was already getting to me. I hated it. I kissed each of their cheeks as I breathed my love for them. They smiled and nodded in reply.
That hug broke, then I went to the Denali clan. They all surrounded me, then I kissed each of their cheeks and hugged them as I thanked them. I told Carmen and Eleazar that I would be spending time with them soon, apologizing for being too lax in speaking with them. They told me not to think anything of it, and to make sure I stayed off my feet for the rest of the day to rest.
They all asked if there was anything they could do while I was changing, so I said to the girls that they would need to help Alice with a certain outfit for the shaman meeting. It would take up the time of my turning, and that no male was to touch any part of it from start until it was on my body for the meeting. They nodded as Eleazar asked, "Is there anything you wish of me, Young One?"
I smiled as I thought. "I don't know when the cabins will get in. If they get in before I awaken, the available pack members and family will need to help with the construction, along with repair of the existing cabin. Oh, and the SUVs will need to be filled with gas and ready to go. I don't want to have to stop at all if it's not mandatory, so having a full tank of gas will help. Carlisle will need to pack me blood. You could help him with that, since he'll be busy. The cooler is at the cabin, but I can give it to you when we get back. I don't yet know how much blood I will need to intake with how much I'm nursing. Most of my sustenance will be feeding from the energy of the family hunts or the elements. Any animal you would feed from, I would take the energy from the body before you fed. That's the best way I can describe it."
He nodded with a smile, "It was a good description, Young One. I would be happy to help with any of the above, and if you should think of something more, please don't hesitate to call on me."
I smiled while kissing his cheek, "Thank you, Eleazar. I will. Carmen, your mate is a peach. Keep him close to you."
She giggled, so I touched her cheek before I turned to the pack. "My main wolves, please step forward."
They lined up in front of me, then dropped to lay on their bellies. "You have stuck with me, guarded me at my weakest and my strongest to date. You have lost time with your families to be a part of something that is the beginning of a better way of life for all supernaturals and humans on this earth. You have risked yourselves to help take down threats to our protection, and you have known me since forever. Out of all the pack, I have been closest to you. I want you to know that it means a lot to me that you stuck with me like you have. None of you have complained or moaned about what we're doing. I love you guys. Thank you so much."
I kissed each of their muzzles, then turned to the rest of the pack. "Some of you I know, some I have not had the chance to get to know yet. I know you are all making sacrifices to be here, to be part of this, and I will be making an effort to get to know each of you better."
I smirked then, saying, "Those of you that I do know? You're just shit out of luck, and we'll have to catch up on old times."
Everyone barked a laugh, so I said, "Tonight Jake will not be leaving my side, as you know. Please help your brothers and sisters with anything that needs done. If the cabins come in before I awaken, those of you on shift will need to help the family get them constructed, so we're to be able to shelter the coming shifter tribes. I don't want a tribe coming to us and having to wait for shelter. Please help anywhere you can. I will address you all again once my turning is completed. Thank you all again. We'll be heading to the beach in just a few minutes. Those of you going with the elders will need to see me, to get the paintings secured in the boats. You're dismissed."
I turned back to Jasper, who was smiling widely. "You sure have a way with words, Darlin'. You boosted every spirit on this cliff with your words. Your joke to the original pack members that you know already really helped them. They were feeling a little left out, with the main wolves at the house and none of the others getting to talk to you. They understand now, and everyone has high spirits after your speech."
I smiled, "Good, I feel bad for not being able to get to everyone, but there's just not enough time in the day for everything. Carmen and Eleazar are in the main house, yet I haven't even sat down and had a decent conversation with them. I feel like I'm being pulled in a million directions at once sometimes. I don't know how to do this. Everything I've done so far has just been instinct. I'm really going to need your help with all this, Jazz. Nothing we ever plan goes the way it should. Something new comes up at every turn."
He kissed my shoulder. "I know Darlin', but I've thought about that. I think it's happening this way to prepare you for what it's gonna be like out on that field. You can plan out a battle until you're blue in the face, but it still won't go exactly like you planned it. The only thing you can do is keep your wits about you, think on your feet, and follow your instincts. You've done exceptionally well at that so far. Look at what happened with Billy. You didn't know off hand that Billy was trying to trick you with the vortex. That was you thinking on your feet... your Athena nature in full battle gear. Wisdom, skill and tactical warfare all wrapped in one sexy package at the edge of that cliff. You did all that with no help from anyone. You did that all by yourself, without batting an eye at what you were doing. We will all be here with you every step of the way, but there's no doubt in anyone's mind that you are more than capable of doing this, Darlin'."
I smiled, "Huh... I never thought of it that way. I just didn't want to make mistakes like I did with the tornadoes, so I went through every scenario I could think of each time, turning everything over in my mind, watching each one play out in my mind. The thing with the last wave... I knew the best option for the height of the wave brake was going to be one with air trapped inside it. That way the trapped air would force the water to shoot straight up without splashing anyone. I tried to work with what would normally happen in nature, then just give it a little push. I never saw it how you did, though."
He smiled widely, "That's what I'm here for, Darlin'. I love you so very much... you know that, right?"
He kissed my neck as his last word ended, causing me to smile, "Yes, Jazz. I know, and I love you, too. We should get going if we want to get home soon. The elders will be leaving in the boats from the beach. We need to get the paintings down there and secured safely in the boats, so that they can get to the island. Then we need to spend most of my energy at home, so I can fill with the right amounts of each element before the turn. Carlisle and Edward should be there, just in case, but Alice will need to be at the house with all the girls except Char. They'll be working on my shaman meeting outfit through the change. Come on... we have a lot of energy to spend. I'm still more than 3/4 full, but I can think of some fun ways to spend it."
He growled as he nipped my neck, then lifted me to straddle his waist before running for the Tahoe. Everyone laughed and slowly started following as I giggled. We all made it down to the beach in no time. The pack members going to the island all came out of the woods in human form.
Alice and Edward were getting the paintings from the back of the SUV they came in, then bringing them to the shore near the boats where we were. They stopped about ten feet from the boats before she called for Quil.
Quil walked over to them, so Alice asked, "Is there a ritual or order you would like us to follow in securing these in the boats?"
Quil nodded, saying sincerely, "Thank you Alice, for trying to include us before you secured them. The elders need to bless each painting before it is placed in the boat. Only an elder or member of the pack can touch it during and after the blessing. Let me call over the pack members."
He called attention, then asked the members that were going to gather near the boats. They lined up, so Alice and Edward handed the three paintings to Quil, Embry, and Leah. Alice told the wolves what each painting was as it was handed to them. Quil was given the Elemental Goddess, Embry the back view of the Earth Goddess, and Leah the front view.
"When you hang them, please put it left to right... front view, Elemental, then back view. That was how it was envisioned."
They nodded as Edward and Alice stepped back for the blessing to be performed on the paintings. They came to Jake, Jasper and me, then Alice hugged me to her while Edward hugged her other side. Jake was sitting on Jasper's other side.
"Separation anxiety, Sweetie?" I asked Alice.
She shook her head, "No, it's just really a good feeling that they will be seen by all of the elders to lead the Quileutes, along with whoever may lead the future packs. I know there will be stories attached to the paintings... stories of your accomplishments and great battle victories."
She kissed my cheek after she finished. I smiled as we watched the elders, pack members, and Charlie push off of the beach, headed into deeper water. We stayed in that position until the boats were out of my sight range, then then I turned. The pack was all sitting quietly on their hind legs, causing me to smile.
I looked to Jake, asking, "How long do you think it will take them to get back?"
Edward answered Jake's thoughts, "They should be back in about 45 minutes. That will give us plenty of time at home before your turning. He knows you need to spend a lot of energy. Oh, really?"
He smirked his last statement, so I smiled as I nodded. "I'm at around 3/4 of my full point. I need to get down to 1/6 of my full. I need certain levels of each element when I turn. I need 2/6 each of air and fire, 1/6 each of water and earth. I think it has something to do with the babies being Jasper and Peter's, but I'm not sure. I just know the levels I need."
He nodded, then I said, "Why don't we play on the beach for a while until they get back? There's really no sense in going anywhere if they'll be back soon, and I really don't want to go anywhere without them, anyway."
Alice smiled widely. "Sand castles!"
I nodded with a small smile, "My thought exactly, but we don't have the tools."
She giggled, "I knew there was a reason I packed some of our sand castle gear in the SUV. Come on, Bella!"
I noticed Esme out of the corner of my eye with a tray, and my eyes snapped to hers, "Oh, Esme... you brought me a treat? What would I do without you?"
She brought the tray, setting it on Carlisle's lap, then bent over him to place a soft kiss on my lips, "I love you too, Esme. Thank you for the food. I'm like rabid hungry right now."
She giggled, kissed my temple, then kissed Carlisle lovingly. I looked at the tray to see a few sushi rolls, a fruit/chocolate/nut bowl, some salmon tartare, and a small portion of yams. "Oh my God, Esme. I love yams. I had to threaten no sex because they were being dangled in front of me last time."
She giggled, then Carlisle whispered into my skin as he ran his lips up my shoulder, "Then I guess I should start by feeding them to you, so you won't threaten to cut me off."
Esme and I both laughed as Edward kissed and nipped at my neck. "I guess you better start soon then, huh? They're just begging for me to eat them."
He chuckled, feeding me a few bites of the yams before he fed me a spoonful of fruit, then few crackers with salmon tartare. He must have liked feeding me, because I noticed him watching every reaction I had, as well as how my mouth moved as I ate. At one point, I had a small bit of fruit juice on my bottom lip, so I darted my tongue out to catch it. His moan as his eyes fluttered was a dead giveaway to his arousal level.
I nipped his neck, breathing, "Is watching me eat that erotic, Carlisle?"
He nodded as he captured my lips in a sensual kiss. I moaned into the kiss, but then my stomach growled again. The kiss broke with both of us laughing, then he continued to feed me my lunch until it was gone.
I had a craving for a banana split after my food was gone, but knew I couldn't have dairy, other than in my smoothies. "Just my luck. I get a damn craving for something I can't even eat. Frickin ridiculous!"
Everyone laughed, but Jasper asked, "What are you cravin' for, Darlin'?"
I giggled, "A banana split. I never did get one at Charlie's before he came home that day. Then the craving for one just hit and I remembered. That was my first love day. It was so hard to be away from you two that day. I'm glad we don't have to hide from him anymore."
He smiled, "Me too, Darlin', me too. A banana split?"
I nodded, "But the ice cream is made from dairy. By the time we figure out a non-dairy alternative, it'll be too late, since my change is tonight."
Alice giggled and ran out of the room. I looked back to Edward, "What is she up to now?"
He smiled widely, "Nope, just wait a few minutes. You'll find out soon enough, Sweetheart."
He kissed me lovingly, then placed his arm over me to take Carlisle's hand in his. Carlisle smiled softly at him, causing me to smile too.
I rolled over onto all fours, then kissed both of them before saying, "Am I clear for a shower, Docs?"
They looked at each other, then at me with shit-eating grins. Carlisle tried to be serious as he said, "Only if Edward and I can accompany you... just to make sure, you see."
I chuckled, offering, "Of course, just to make sure. Making sure of what is the question, you two schemers. Let's go... I feel all sticky still and want to be clean when we leave for the rez."
They nodded, then Carlisle picked me up bridal-style after he got off the bed, carrying me into the bathroom. He started the water with me in his arms still, then set me on my feet in front of the mirror. He took my brush, smoothing it through my hair as he placed kisses on my shoulders. I watched in the mirror, smiling. I felt a tug at my energy and knew I needed a boost, so I called in a normal voice, "Rose, Honey?"
She smiled as she poked her head to ask, "Yes, Angel?"
I grinned at the nickname, then said, "I'm in the mood for tunes and need a boost. Can you grab my Ipod, then load some songs from my Evanescence playlist?"
She nodded, "Which ones... name them in order of how you want them played."
She dashed out the door and was back before I said, "Whisper, Away From Me, Haunted, Cloud Nine, Lose Control, Sweet Sacrifice.... umm... we can end with Bring Me To Life and Going Under. That's eight songs. With triple the energy capacity of before, I should be good to go. They're all good for my breathing, so..."
I shrugged as she smiled. "Here you go, Angel. Knock 'em dead."
She handed me the Ipod, flicking her tongue against my bottom lip before I captured her in a playful kiss. She moaned, so I whispered against her lips, "Soon, Sweetie... I promise."
She nodded with a smile, then Edward took my Ipod to dock it into the bathroom speakers. "Edward, don't go shy on the volume. They're all strong vocal songs. We should really think about getting the karaoke versions of these for when I sing. That way, her main vocals would be out, with mine in her place."
He nodded, "That's a wonderful idea, Sweetheart. I'll see what can be done about getting the ones for all the ones you sing to. You can give me a list later."
He nipped my shoulder while scooting in front of me, just as the first notes came through the speakers. With Carlisle and Edward both holding my hips, they backed me into the shower as I sang:
Catch me as I fall
Say you're here and it's all over now
Speaking to the atmosphere
No one's here and I fall into myself
This truth drives me into madness
I know I can stop the pain
If I will it all away
If I will it all away
Don't turn away (Don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide (Though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light (Never sleep never die)
I kept singing as Carlisle grabbed my sponge and looked at me. I held his hand under the soap dispenser, moving the sponge under all of them one at a time, pressing the buttons, then smiled at him. Edward kissed my shoulders, sliding his hands up my thighs slowly. I moaned through the lyrics for a second in response. He smiled against my skin, then Carlisle gently placed the sponge against my neck to start cleaning me.
We went through all of 'Whisper' while Carlisle lovingly washed my body, 'Away From Me' as they both touched, kissed, and caressed my body, then 'Haunted' came on as I placed the shampoo into Edward's hands from the dispensers. I really loved this song; it was one with a range of vocals, so I got excited as Edward started washing my hair. I really got into the music then. Edward was conditioning my hair as 'Cloud Nine' came on. Carlisle's body was flush against mine, his lips gliding against my skin as my hips swayed and Edward conditioned my hair.
Edward finished rinsing my hair, then as I washed both Edward and Carlisle with Jasper's soap, I sang through 'Lose Control'. When that was done, they turned the water off. We dried each other off as I sang 'Sweet Sacrifice'. When it was over, I paused the Ipod, walked naked through the bedroom as the guys got redressed, then docked my Ipod at the stereo. I noticed Alice had set a very pretty outfit out for me... a new one I'd never seen before.
As I hit play to rock out to 'Bring Me To Life', I dressed in the outfit, then danced around the room as I sang. Peter ended up dancing with me as everyone watched me sing my heart out, then Jasper switched off with him to dance with me as I sang to 'Going Under'. That one had long winded vocals, so I was really feeling the energy boost from it as I sang and danced. I never once got winded doing both at the same time; I was really proud of myself.
As my last lyric and the song ended, Jasper dipped me, kissing me soundly. That’s when I noticed the absolute silence in the room. Jasper righted me as I chuckled. I looked around the room, saying to everyone, "Jaws off the floor, guys. You've heard me sing before."
Carlisle stepped forward, noting seriously, "Honey... with how you were dancing with Jasper, you should not have been able to hold those vocals. You aren't even the slightest bit winded. In the shower... the high notes that the lead singer hit... you wouldn't have noticed, but she was stressing to reach them. They were hard for her, yet you made them perfectly. Do you have anything with higher vocals? I'd like to see your range, if you don't mind."
I thought about what was on my Ipod. I smirked, "I have just the thing."
I walked over to the Ipod again, then loaded Mariah Carey's 'Dream Lover'. As the beginning started I closed my eyes to focus. I started singing, keeping my eyes closed to remember the lyrics. The background vocals had her shatter glass notes. There was no way I was attempting those, so I stuck only to her main vocals.
When the song ended, I opened my eyes to see that everyone was silent. I scrunched my nose, "Was I that bad? It's been forever since I sang that song, and I couldn't hit her higher notes the last time. Sorry."
Edward chuckled, "Oh, Sweetheart. That was incredible. You hit every note perfectly."
I noticed Peter behind me with a grin on his lips. "What are you..."
The beginning notes of Janet Jackson's 'Rope Burn' sounded through the room, causing my mates to moan. I looked at Peter, "If you want me to sing this, you get to be my dance partner, Baby."
He turned me to face everyone else again, pulling me flush to him, his hands gently squeezing my hips as I began to sing. My hands wrapped up behind me into his hair as he kissed and nipped my neck. We danced sensually as I sang, moving our bodies to the feel of the music.
When that song ended, 'Anytime Anyplace' came on from Janet, so I smirked at Peter, "You're so bad."
I turned to Edward, raising an eyebrow as I started singing and walking toward him. He met me in the middle of the room, pulled me flush to him, then dipped me as he nipped my collar bone. He spun me as he brought me up. I ended facing the crowd with him behind me, my head on his shoulder, my hands on his thighs, one of his arms wrapped around my arm with that hand resting on the opposite shoulder, and his other hand low on the opposite hip. I was instantly aroused, moaning through the lyrics.
I finished singing the song, dancing with Edward, then realised there were no more songs to play. Carlisle said softly, "Wow, Honey. That was really erotic. Incredible... and so very erotic. I don't think you will have a hard time finding a dance partner in this room anytime you want one."
I chuckled, "Why Carlisle... Is that a proposal I'm hearing?"
Esme giggled while nodding, then Carlisle smirked at me, "Most definitely. Anytime, Honey, anyplace."
Everyone laughed at that as Carlisle kissed my neck teasingly. I realised we had been playing around for way too long, so I said as Carlisle stood straight again, "Okay, guys. Is everyone put to rights? We really need to be getting today underway. So much to do and no time to do it in. Ali, are the paintings ready to go out the door?"
She nodded, "Yes. They are completely dried, wrapped in a protective wrapping, then wrapped in a waterproof wrapping. They’re by the door, so all we have to do is load them in the vehicles."
I nodded, "Jake, is the pack ready to head out?"
He nodded, so I said, "Alright, let's get going then. I need to slip on my sandals, then we can head out the door."
They were at the end of the bed where Alice had laid them, so I slipped into them before walking out the bedroom door.
When I got outside the door, Edward nuzzled my neck and kissed my shoulder. "I know I need to be good when we leave here, so I had to do that now. Sorry."
His lips ran the length of my shoulder and neck, "I'm not sorry... for the attention, I mean. As soon as we're safe, Edward, I promise we won't have to hide."
He nodded before kissing my temple, "I know, Sweetheart."
I hopped on Jasper's back as he came in front of me. He grinned, "You riding with me, Darlin'?"
I gave him a cheeky grin and a kiss in response. We got to the house in what seemed like seconds, as Edward said the elders knew we were on the way. "The pack that's with us will escort us to the highest cliff in La Push, then after you work with water, the leading pack members can go with the elders and paintings to the island. The pack will get them hung before they come back. Quil will be staying with the elders and Charlie on the island. There were things the elders wanted to do to prepare before dark."
I nodded, then Jake licked my palm. "I love you too, Jake."
Alice came out to say everything was already packed up, and everyone was ready to go. I smiled. We loaded up in the Tahoe with Jake laying his wolf butt on the empty space where the second and third rows used to be. Edward explained that the other three main wolves were going to run and stretch. I nodded, then climbed to lean against Jake with Jasper, as Peter and Char took the front seats.
We got to the cliff soon after. I greeted the elders and Charlie with a wide smile and hugs. Charlie asked immediately, "How are you feeling?"
I smiled, "I'm great, Dad. Really. Ready for a water show?"
He chuckled, "Sure, Princess. I'll let you talk to the elders and get ready."
He walked over to speak to Carlisle and Edward as I looked at the elders. Quil offered, "Afternoon, Young Goddess. You are well?"
I smiled, "Yes. It was unexpected, to be sure. I will be keeping careful track of my wording from now on, but I am fine. We found out that my body shape is really small and my hips aren't wanting to cooperate... especially after having to rush the first trimester of the pregnancy. My hips and pelvis didn't adapt as they should have. Both Carlisle and Edward believe it will be an ongoing problem, so Edward will become my pregnancy and labor doula. He'll be taking care of daily massages, along with weekly therapy massages. These help my hips open, as well as my pelvic bones expand shift, throughout both pregnancy and labor. He worked wonders earlier. The stress points I was feeling are completely gone."
Quil smiled widely, "That's wonderful news, Young Goddess. Will you be trying for a natural birth, or is that not a possibility with your being turned?"
I nodded, "Yes, I will be trying for natural. Edward becoming my doula is essential if I want to go that route, because I was told that my hips and pelvis not shifting or expanding with the pregnancy would be fatal... broken pelvis and no chance of safe delivery, if they even survived to term."
They looked at me sadly, "Yes, there was one such case on the reservation where both mother and child were lost for this reason. It is very fortunate you have someone who is knowledgeable in this area."
I nodded. "I should gather energy real quick if we're going to do this anytime soon. Please excuse me."
They nodded, so I walked to the grassy area not too far away. I topped off my energy, then sat in my lotus position thinking about what the vision had shown. A calm ocean with the water rising to meet my fingertips at the edge of the cliff.
It was the right cliff, so we had that going for us. I didn't know how, though... how to get the water there. Should I just talk to it and ask it? Ask it to come to me? Will it work if Char's not touching her element?
I guess there's only one way to find out.
I opened my eyes, standing as I saw my mates close by. I smiled, "Yes, I'm fine. I was thinking back to the vision of this, trying to figure out how I did it... trying to get a clue of whether I needed Char's help, or if I could do it on my own. I didn't get any answers... so this is a wing-it moment."
Sam called, "Are you ready to begin, Sister?"
I nodded with a smile, then said to Jasper, "Just be ready to have Char come in and bring me under control if this starts to go south."
He nodded, then all three of them kissed me lightly. I walked over to the elders as my mates stood about 20 ft from the edge of the cliff to one side. I nodded to the elders, "We need to have everyone here. Are all the wolves present?"
Sam nodded, "Yes, everyone is present and accounted for. Anyone in wolf form phased and is coming out of the woods now."
I nodded, then directed my attention to the group. It was an impressive sight, so I took a moment to smile at them. "This is the last test of the four elements before my turning. I will be trying to accomplish it without the help of my water mate, Charlotte. There is no guarantee that I can do it successfully without her help until I'm turned, therefore, I need everyone to stay on the overlook area, not on the cliff itself. Charlotte is ready to step in at a moment's notice if my powers get the better of me, so there's no need to be worried. As soon as we're done here, I'd like everyone to congregate on the beach below while the higher pack members escort and help the elders with the paintings. Thank you all for the support you've shown me from the beginning."
As I turned around to walk toward the cliff, my eyes shifted to the caribbean blue of my water element. I mentally kissed the ocean below me as I looked out over the water, immediately feeling its recognition of my action. I walked to the very edge, then asked, "What shall I try first?"
Billy smiled, "How about calming the waters below. We can start small."
I nodded as I pictured calming the waters, making the top look as smooth as glass. I calculated the distance to the water before asking, "What about distance? How far out do you want the waters calmed?"
He grinned, "How about 200 yards in either direction."
I smiled... piece of cake. I calculated it, then the amount of energy it would take... barely any... before picturing it happening in my head as I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. As I opened them again, I placed my hands together in front of me, then whispered, "Shh," as I separated my hands to bring them palm down shoulder width apart.
When I was done, I looked. It worked perfectly. I mentally kissed the waters again, then looked to the elders with a smile. "Very good, Bella. Now lets try to bring a few rolling waves in. The height of the final waves should be 15 ft higher than the calm waters, and you should try to bring them in from as far as your eye can see out clearly.”
I nodded, closing my eyes as I turned back to the waters. I pictured what needed to be done, what energy it would take, and what I wanted the final result to be after I focused on where I could still see clearly. I called out, "I can see clearly to the large outcropping of rock past the small island with the five trees. Is that far enough?"
The elders all chuckled, then Billy said, "Most certainly, Bella."
I closed my eyes and pictured it again as it should happen, then opened my eyes to focus on the water around the rocks. I placed my hands palm down shoulder width apart, then rolled them in a circle towards me like I was calling the water to me, ending with the fingers of one hand in the palm of the other in an S shape in front of my chest. As my hands formed the S, I called in a normal voice, "Come to me."
It happened exactly as I pictured it, so I looked to the elders with another smile. "Excellent, Bella. Very impressive. How about you try making a water vortex about 30 feet in diameter, with a 3 foot wide center."
I smiled, "No tricking today, Billy. Where would you like the vortex located, how fast and which direction do you want the spin, plus which type would you like created... rotational or irrotational?"
He grinned, "Better every day, Bella. Location of 100 ft off of the cliff base at water line, counter clockwise at 30 miles per hour at the top of the vortex, and irrotational... please."
I smiled as I nodded, then turned back to the water in front of me. I calculated everything needed to make it work successfully, then looked back at Billy. "You still tried to trick me, Billy. If I tried to to have the vortex spin that fast at the top, the speed builds as you go down, so it wouldn't work. It would throw off the center, destabilizing it that close to the cliff base. I would have to center the vortex at least 300 ft out for it to remain stable at a top-of-the-vortex speed of 30 miles per hour."
Esme giggled, the wolves all chuckled, Sue was cracking up, while Billy was unsuccessfully trying to keep a straight face. Sam and Quil were both looking at me with a raised eyebrow. Billy composed himself, then said, "Very well, Bella. Use the calculations you came up with. Begin when you're ready."
I turned back to the water, mentally kissed it, then double checked all my calculations. I ran through it visually one more time before opening my eyes. I placed one hand centered in front of me, looked at where the center was supposed to be, then pictured the whole thing as I said, "Dance for me," and twirled my finger in a counter-clockwise motion.
It was brilliant, happening exactly as I wanted it to. I turned to the elders with a smirk, "Thank you for the trickery, Billy."
He chuckled out right, then said, "Most incredible, Bella. Very well done... especially with my side-winding."
I giggled. Billy looked to the other elders, who nodded, so he looked back to me, "Alright, Bella. Final task. Bring the water from the rock base you can see clearly to, in a wave that will break up high enough to touch your outstretched fingers. Over splash onto the cliff is okay, but no one on the cliff is to get wet. The only thing the water is to touch is your fingertips or the cliff itself."
I questioned, "Any type of break, or a certain type?"
He smiled, "Whatever type you think will work best."
I nodded as turned back to the water. I tried all three types of wave breaks, but figured that it had to break with trapped air to push the water up without soaking everyone. I figured up the rest of the equations, then ran through the whole thing in my mind a couple of times. They all came out the same, so I opened my eyes. They flashed as I pictured the scenario, saying, "Come to me," while holding my hand out over the edge of the cliff.
It was nature at its most beautiful as I watched my vision become reality, the water crashing as it came up to kiss my fingertips. I knew no one got wet, even without looking. When the water dissipated, I turned to the elders with the widest grin ever seen in the world. Everyone broke out into ear-splitting cheers and applause, but I kept my eyes on the elders.
Each one dropped to their knee with a bowed head, or just bowed his head in Billy's case. After a minute, I said softly, "Please stand. I could not have made it this far without your help and guidance."
They stood, so I looked at Sue, Charlie several steps behind her. I crooked my finger at him, causing him to smile as he stepped next to Sue.
I hugged them both to me while planting kisses on their cheeks. "Astonishing, Princess. Such a beautiful sight... and so much power. You'll be an extraordinary vampire. I'm so proud of you."
Sue said softly, "You are the the best possible person that could have been born for Goddess. Your demeanor, character and sense of self are incredible. You whipped right through those calculations with Billy, calling him on something I would never have guessed. He tried to stump you at every turn, Bella, yet you never backed down or called for Charlotte. You were truly brilliant. Congratulations, Sweetie."
I kissed her cheek to thank her, then Charlie hugged me tight to him and breathed softly, "Princess, I'm here for you when you're ready to talk about it. I love you always. No matter what."
I looked at him quizzically, but he just smiled as he walked off with Sue. Quil came to kiss my hand, offering me a blessing in Quileute, then Sam hugged me tight to him while whispering, "Sister, you were amazing. No other could try to claim Goddess Elemental after what you just did. Each task for you has been to build your strength and tolerance. You've done splendidly... well above expectations for an untrained goddess. You're a natural, Sister. I can't wait to tell Emily. Please come by and see her as soon as you can. I know she'll be happy to catch up with you."
I nodded, "It will have to be after we get back from seeing the shaman, as we have to leave less than 24 hours from when I awaken. I promise to see her as soon as possible, though. Please kiss her tummy for me, and tell her I think of her often. We're hoping to plan a party for everyone on Halloween at the treaty field. A kind of relaxing night after all the craziness. Speak to the other elders of it, then let me know. I've had a vision of it, so I don't think it will be a problem, but still... I don't want to assume."
He laughed, "Of course, Sister. I'll let you know as soon as a decision is made."
He kissed my cheek and nodded in respect to Quil as I saw Billy smiling at me. He said brightly, "Bella, that was the most incredible display I have ever seen in person. Truly amazing. You should have no problem gaining full control once you turn this night."
I smiled before hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Billy. You know I would have Jake with you tonight, but he needs to stay with me throughout the whole process. If he leaves, the connection is broken, and he will no longer be protector."
Billy nodded, "I didn't expect he would leave your side through this. Your connection with him is very unique, so I am grateful your mates have taken to him well. Without the support of your mates, Jake's duty would be much harder to perform. I know of him staying in wolf form almost all the time, and I know of where he sleeps. To let him know that much of your intimate life... well, the connection between the two of you is extremely unique and strong. Do not let that bond break for any reason."
I nodded, whispering almost inaudibly as Charlie's comment sunk in, "Does Charlie know of what Jake has seen in the last 24 hours?"
Billy looked deep into my eyes, saying clearly , "Yes, Bella. He's not upset... none of us are. He'll not speak of it, nor will the elders or pack. Charlie was the one to say that it was possibly the reason you felt so close with the whole family to begin with. With the high nutrient properties needed for the babies in your milk, it is too filling for just your mates, so you need all of them to feed from you. Feeding that way is an intimate act... a bonding act... and he was not hurt to find out that your intimate relationship with each one went further than their feeding. Not only will it help keep the family together, but it will keep the family fed to their fullest capacity. We know that your mate Jasper's eyes are already starting to change color, but that it is only from the blood in your milk supply. We also know that your mates haven't hungered for blood once since you started letting them feed from you. Please know that your secret will be kept, and that your father will let you come to him when you are ready to speak on it. Now, enough on that subject. Do you have any other news?"
I nodded with a smile. "By the time of the battle, we will be up to nine shifter tribes and my pack... sorry, our pack..."
He shook his head, "No, Bella. They are your pack. They have been since your birth. Why do you think they couldn't stay away from you, even though every one of them knew you were dating a vampire? They've always been yours, Young Goddess. But with the new shifters... do you know anything of them?"
I shook my head, a bit frustrated that I couldn't get more from that vision, "The vision I got was the battlefield right before the start. I knew there were nine tribes in hiding surrounding three sides of the field, and that the enemy was clueless. They were all united, mind-linked to Jake. The pack took up positions on the mountain side of the battlefield with us in view. The main six wolves were on the front line with us. We are known to all the tribes by our nicknames. Jasper, me, Peter, and Char are: War, Tactical War and Skill or Elemental Goddess, Destruction, and Chaos. The two new ones are Alice and Edward. They are the Goddess of Prophecy and Messenger of the Gods. The only thing I could think was that it related to their vampiric gifts... with Alice's foresight and Edward's mind reading. Their Greek names were Phoebe and Hermes.”
Billy nodded for me to continue, so I said, “We're ordering more cabins so we'll have room enough for everyone. They'll all be set up on the Cullen property, because of the amount of land we have to work with there. The coyote pack that's to be sheltered on the rez will accompany the wolves to and from the rez, unless we find enough cabins to house all the coming tribes on Cullen land. I don't know how all of them are mind linked with Jake, but I'm afraid it might be too many minds for him to deal with. I'm afraid it'll hurt him to have to deal with so many in his head at once. What can I do to help him?"
He shook his head softly, "You must trust in him, Bella. He was born for this, just as you were born to be the goddess. If he couldn't do this, he would not have been born the protector. He is to lead your shifter army. He's known this, deep down, for as long as he can remember. He can do this, and he knows it. Just like you knew deep down you could do the last water test today. Not once did you think that you would fail. Trust in Jake to know and do what's right. He will not fail you."
I nodded, explaining, "I do trust in him, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything bad happened to him. I love him, Billy. Maybe not in the same way I love my mates or the Cullens, but I love him just as much in a different way. It's like he is meant to be at my side 24/7. Not a pet, but a dear, trusted companion. Does that sound bad?"
Billy chuckled, "No, Bella. I knew you didn't mean a pet. It may seem like that to other people, because he is in wolf form except to eat, but if Jake chose to, he could hunt in wolf form. Is he sleeping?"
I nodded, "He'll get couple hour naps every so often, but he doesn't get good straight sleep for six hours or more. The first couple of days he didn't sleep at all. I think it's because he's afraid something will happen to me if he sleeps."
Billy nodded, "I do, too. Thank you for keeping track. I will let you celebrate now, as I must get ready to travel to the island."
I kissed his cheek, then stood to go to my mates as Sue came to Billy's aide. I was bombarded by hugs and wolf cries as I walked to the crowd. I grinned widely before speaking. "I would not have gotten this far without all of you. This day is for all of us, not just me. Thank you all."
Everyone cheered as Jasper picked me up to twirl me. "Darlin', that was magnificent! Your emotions never wavered once, other than the playfulness with Billy. You were brilliant! I'm so proud of you."
He kissed me soundly as I giggled. His emotions were radiating love and pride to me, so I said, "I love you too, Cowboy... but you better put me down before everyone rushes us. They're chomping at the bit over there."
He laughed as he twirled me, then kissed me again before setting me down... only to be picked up by Peter, with Char at his side. They both kissed me, congratulated me, and told me how proud they were. When they set me down, Jake was in front of me at full height. I curled myself into him under his jaw. "I love you, Jake. Thank you for being my protector. Thank you for loving me."
He nuzzled his nose on my cheek when I backed up, so I smiled, "Thanks for the kiss, Jake. At least you didn't try to lick my head off."
He barked a laugh, then licked my palm. "Yeah, stick with the hand licking."
I giggled and scratched his muzzle. The rest of the Cullen family came up to me then. The girls wrapped themselves around me in a group hug, each breathing almost silently their love for me, telling me at normal tone how proud they were and well I did. I smiled as breathed back my love for them.
When the hug ended, the guys surrounded me, doing much the same thing. I smiled even though the hiding was already getting to me. I hated it. I kissed each of their cheeks as I breathed my love for them. They smiled and nodded in reply.
That hug broke, then I went to the Denali clan. They all surrounded me, then I kissed each of their cheeks and hugged them as I thanked them. I told Carmen and Eleazar that I would be spending time with them soon, apologizing for being too lax in speaking with them. They told me not to think anything of it, and to make sure I stayed off my feet for the rest of the day to rest.
They all asked if there was anything they could do while I was changing, so I said to the girls that they would need to help Alice with a certain outfit for the shaman meeting. It would take up the time of my turning, and that no male was to touch any part of it from start until it was on my body for the meeting. They nodded as Eleazar asked, "Is there anything you wish of me, Young One?"
I smiled as I thought. "I don't know when the cabins will get in. If they get in before I awaken, the available pack members and family will need to help with the construction, along with repair of the existing cabin. Oh, and the SUVs will need to be filled with gas and ready to go. I don't want to have to stop at all if it's not mandatory, so having a full tank of gas will help. Carlisle will need to pack me blood. You could help him with that, since he'll be busy. The cooler is at the cabin, but I can give it to you when we get back. I don't yet know how much blood I will need to intake with how much I'm nursing. Most of my sustenance will be feeding from the energy of the family hunts or the elements. Any animal you would feed from, I would take the energy from the body before you fed. That's the best way I can describe it."
He nodded with a smile, "It was a good description, Young One. I would be happy to help with any of the above, and if you should think of something more, please don't hesitate to call on me."
I smiled while kissing his cheek, "Thank you, Eleazar. I will. Carmen, your mate is a peach. Keep him close to you."
She giggled, so I touched her cheek before I turned to the pack. "My main wolves, please step forward."
They lined up in front of me, then dropped to lay on their bellies. "You have stuck with me, guarded me at my weakest and my strongest to date. You have lost time with your families to be a part of something that is the beginning of a better way of life for all supernaturals and humans on this earth. You have risked yourselves to help take down threats to our protection, and you have known me since forever. Out of all the pack, I have been closest to you. I want you to know that it means a lot to me that you stuck with me like you have. None of you have complained or moaned about what we're doing. I love you guys. Thank you so much."
I kissed each of their muzzles, then turned to the rest of the pack. "Some of you I know, some I have not had the chance to get to know yet. I know you are all making sacrifices to be here, to be part of this, and I will be making an effort to get to know each of you better."
I smirked then, saying, "Those of you that I do know? You're just shit out of luck, and we'll have to catch up on old times."
Everyone barked a laugh, so I said, "Tonight Jake will not be leaving my side, as you know. Please help your brothers and sisters with anything that needs done. If the cabins come in before I awaken, those of you on shift will need to help the family get them constructed, so we're to be able to shelter the coming shifter tribes. I don't want a tribe coming to us and having to wait for shelter. Please help anywhere you can. I will address you all again once my turning is completed. Thank you all again. We'll be heading to the beach in just a few minutes. Those of you going with the elders will need to see me, to get the paintings secured in the boats. You're dismissed."
I turned back to Jasper, who was smiling widely. "You sure have a way with words, Darlin'. You boosted every spirit on this cliff with your words. Your joke to the original pack members that you know already really helped them. They were feeling a little left out, with the main wolves at the house and none of the others getting to talk to you. They understand now, and everyone has high spirits after your speech."
I smiled, "Good, I feel bad for not being able to get to everyone, but there's just not enough time in the day for everything. Carmen and Eleazar are in the main house, yet I haven't even sat down and had a decent conversation with them. I feel like I'm being pulled in a million directions at once sometimes. I don't know how to do this. Everything I've done so far has just been instinct. I'm really going to need your help with all this, Jazz. Nothing we ever plan goes the way it should. Something new comes up at every turn."
He kissed my shoulder. "I know Darlin', but I've thought about that. I think it's happening this way to prepare you for what it's gonna be like out on that field. You can plan out a battle until you're blue in the face, but it still won't go exactly like you planned it. The only thing you can do is keep your wits about you, think on your feet, and follow your instincts. You've done exceptionally well at that so far. Look at what happened with Billy. You didn't know off hand that Billy was trying to trick you with the vortex. That was you thinking on your feet... your Athena nature in full battle gear. Wisdom, skill and tactical warfare all wrapped in one sexy package at the edge of that cliff. You did all that with no help from anyone. You did that all by yourself, without batting an eye at what you were doing. We will all be here with you every step of the way, but there's no doubt in anyone's mind that you are more than capable of doing this, Darlin'."
I smiled, "Huh... I never thought of it that way. I just didn't want to make mistakes like I did with the tornadoes, so I went through every scenario I could think of each time, turning everything over in my mind, watching each one play out in my mind. The thing with the last wave... I knew the best option for the height of the wave brake was going to be one with air trapped inside it. That way the trapped air would force the water to shoot straight up without splashing anyone. I tried to work with what would normally happen in nature, then just give it a little push. I never saw it how you did, though."
He smiled widely, "That's what I'm here for, Darlin'. I love you so very much... you know that, right?"
He kissed my neck as his last word ended, causing me to smile, "Yes, Jazz. I know, and I love you, too. We should get going if we want to get home soon. The elders will be leaving in the boats from the beach. We need to get the paintings down there and secured safely in the boats, so that they can get to the island. Then we need to spend most of my energy at home, so I can fill with the right amounts of each element before the turn. Carlisle and Edward should be there, just in case, but Alice will need to be at the house with all the girls except Char. They'll be working on my shaman meeting outfit through the change. Come on... we have a lot of energy to spend. I'm still more than 3/4 full, but I can think of some fun ways to spend it."
He growled as he nipped my neck, then lifted me to straddle his waist before running for the Tahoe. Everyone laughed and slowly started following as I giggled. We all made it down to the beach in no time. The pack members going to the island all came out of the woods in human form.
Alice and Edward were getting the paintings from the back of the SUV they came in, then bringing them to the shore near the boats where we were. They stopped about ten feet from the boats before she called for Quil.
Quil walked over to them, so Alice asked, "Is there a ritual or order you would like us to follow in securing these in the boats?"
Quil nodded, saying sincerely, "Thank you Alice, for trying to include us before you secured them. The elders need to bless each painting before it is placed in the boat. Only an elder or member of the pack can touch it during and after the blessing. Let me call over the pack members."
He called attention, then asked the members that were going to gather near the boats. They lined up, so Alice and Edward handed the three paintings to Quil, Embry, and Leah. Alice told the wolves what each painting was as it was handed to them. Quil was given the Elemental Goddess, Embry the back view of the Earth Goddess, and Leah the front view.
"When you hang them, please put it left to right... front view, Elemental, then back view. That was how it was envisioned."
They nodded as Edward and Alice stepped back for the blessing to be performed on the paintings. They came to Jake, Jasper and me, then Alice hugged me to her while Edward hugged her other side. Jake was sitting on Jasper's other side.
"Separation anxiety, Sweetie?" I asked Alice.
She shook her head, "No, it's just really a good feeling that they will be seen by all of the elders to lead the Quileutes, along with whoever may lead the future packs. I know there will be stories attached to the paintings... stories of your accomplishments and great battle victories."
She kissed my cheek after she finished. I smiled as we watched the elders, pack members, and Charlie push off of the beach, headed into deeper water. We stayed in that position until the boats were out of my sight range, then then I turned. The pack was all sitting quietly on their hind legs, causing me to smile.
I looked to Jake, asking, "How long do you think it will take them to get back?"
Edward answered Jake's thoughts, "They should be back in about 45 minutes. That will give us plenty of time at home before your turning. He knows you need to spend a lot of energy. Oh, really?"
He smirked his last statement, so I smiled as I nodded. "I'm at around 3/4 of my full point. I need to get down to 1/6 of my full. I need certain levels of each element when I turn. I need 2/6 each of air and fire, 1/6 each of water and earth. I think it has something to do with the babies being Jasper and Peter's, but I'm not sure. I just know the levels I need."
He nodded, then I said, "Why don't we play on the beach for a while until they get back? There's really no sense in going anywhere if they'll be back soon, and I really don't want to go anywhere without them, anyway."
Alice smiled widely. "Sand castles!"
I nodded with a small smile, "My thought exactly, but we don't have the tools."
She giggled, "I knew there was a reason I packed some of our sand castle gear in the SUV. Come on, Bella!"