A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. To be completely honest, I had a very hard time with writer's block. It's dumb and shouldn't bother me, but I became ridiculously self-conscious of my writing after the last chapter for some reason. And I am so sorry it took so long to update! I hadn't anticipated just how time-consuming some of my classes would be this semester, and every time I sat down to write I found my mind drifting to upcoming assignments and financial formulas... :,) But I survived (barely) and here she is at last! I don't have a beta and didn't really have time to edit so there are probably some errors...

On a much happier note, I've been dying to tackle this chapter for ages! The training scene in Eclipse is so iconic and at last, I get to play with my version of it! I hope you all enjoy :)

Chapter Twenty-Three:

With You In My Head

Though I had come to learn many things about being a person since meeting the Cullens, there were still so many things I couldn't comprehend.

Certain mannerisms, certain emotions I had yet to experience for myself.

I could only observe from afar, doing my best to understand why these emotions plagued the individuals around me.

How strange it was to witness even the most exuberant of people suddenly become so crestfallen and sorrowful. The light had vanished from Alice's eyes, her footsteps heavy and slow, no longer dancing lightly through the air as she normally did.

The familiar deep laugh of Emmett was strangely absent, his seemingly ever-present smirk replaced with a sober frown. The constant jokes passed between brothers had ceased, he and Michael rarely speaking outside of the necessary communication.

These changes, so obvious and sudden, had been the signs that I had somehow missed. Something that should have been obvious, it had consumed every member of the coven, even Rosalie.

Yet, I remained ignorant. What had I missed?

It took Jasper's explanation for me to catch on, providing me with a label to categorize their symptoms.

Grief.

A coven of vampires was grieving the deaths of two humans. Humans that half of their family had never spoken to.

But they mourned anyway.

During the days following Riley's massacre, I did well to stay out of sight, confining myself to Jasper's study.

My presence was only a reminder of what happened.

Let them grieve in peace, I decided.

Even Jasper had fallen into a state of gloom as the emotions of his family began to weigh down upon his shoulders, his gift only helping him so much to keep the heavy feelings of sorrow at bay.

I could only offer what comfort I could, unable to understand why Jasper had fallen so deeply into his moody state, having never seen him so... sad.

It became a sort of twisted challenge for me, to try and pinpoint their "stages" of the grief, acting accordingly so that I could be of some comfort rather than further pain.

Denial.

On the night of the murders, Jasper and I returned to a silent house, the residents of the home sitting motionless on the furniture of the living room. Jasper's emotions quickly adapted to match the others', his lips turned down in a frown as we were told of how Edward had to practically peel Bella from the duvet of his bed, refusing to accept what she had been told on the phone in a state of hysteria.

From the moment Alice had confirmed that Jessica's words weren't just horrible gossip, the usually vibrant pixie had gone cold. Frozen in shock.

It wasn't possible, it couldn't be.

They were innocent, someone couldn't possibly do such a thing!

She had babbled and cried the words endlessly, pleas that I knew would be forever scarred on Esme's perfect memory by the way her eyes filled with venom as she recalled the broken girl's words.

The matriarch was the only one not sitting still, fluttering about the mansion with an eagerness to her step, as though she could outrun the horrible thoughts if she worked fast enough.

It did little good to quell the ache in her heavy heart.

Anger.

No one moved from their places in the living room until Edward returned sometime in the midmorning that Saturday. The humble vampires only spurred to action when they were forced to, somehow finding themselves holding the auburn-haired boy back by the arms as he tried to force himself forward, hands reaching for my throat from the opposite side of the room.

Vases and flowers were crumbled around the hardwood floor, several narrowly missing my head as he entered the home roaring and raging in frustration, picking up and throwing the first things he could grab.

I couldn't find it within me to respond to his taunts, venomous words spewed my way. It's your fault, your fault this has happened! They were innocent! Children who had full lives ahead of them! If Riley wanted you so bad I would have handed you over willingly!

It should have been you!

And I let him yell and taunt, brushing off the endless apologies the others tried to make in his place. Oh dear, he doesn't mean it.

But he did, even if only partially, and he was right.

From then on I sought the company of Jasper's study, the solitude my only escape from the stares.

Edward had been the only one to voice it, but I could see the flare in their eyes. The looks they tried to hide behind sympathetic smiles and gentle pats on the back.

They blamed me, too.

Bargaining.

Despite my best attempts at maintaining my distance, some of the others had managed to weasel their way into my presence.

Alice had all but draped herself across the plush sofa in my once-safe haven so that I couldn't push her out of the room, dressed head to toe in black mourning attire.

Couture, of course.

I had never seen the pixie so distraught, the frown on her face making her look like a broken porcelain doll, and it was deeply disturbing the longer she wore it.

Usually so confident, sure in every decision, she was now doubting everything she had ever seen.

If only I had been paying attention, watching their futures, too.

Light sniffles and dry sobs wracking her chest as she cried, venom pooled in her wide golden eyes. Cursed tears that would never fall.

I could have seen it, prevented it. I should have been watching all of her friends' futures.

I could only sit on the arm of the chair awkwardly, patting her wild hair in a way that I hoped was comforting. Letting her talk through her wishes and regrets until Michael, at last, carried her from the room many hours later.

Depression.

As the sun rose Sunday morning, the home had been all but cleared out save for Jasper and myself.

The other couples escaping into the night to find solitude, hoping to drown their sorrows in the familiar ritual of hunting.

Jasper had since replaced Alice on the sofa, curled up in a way so unlike himself it had frightened me at first.

I was helpless when it came to providing comfort for the others, but until that point, I had done a good job of being able to read Jasper. But this new action was so unlike himself, so vulnerable. It was as though the life had been drained from him, exerting his gift so much for the sake of his siblings that he had left nothing remaining for his own comfort.

A shell of that man laid on the sofa.

It took great effort to work up the nerve to curl up beside him, so afraid that my touch would be wrong and he would wither into nothing. The urge to comfort him was great, but no matter how hard I tried to pull him from the depths of his sorrow as the man inside lay dormant. His mind had wandered elsewhere, completely unaware of the world around him.

His onyx eyes were heavy-lidded, as though he would fall asleep any second, though he remained, eyes glued to a random spot on the wall.

He was exhausted, wallowing in the depths of all the dark emotions he had willingly taken for his siblings, carrying the weight on his shoulders until he too had crumbled.

"I think I'll make an arrangement of flowers from Esme's garden, take them to the memorial service," he whispered so softly I almost believed I had made it up in my mind. My hand froze, fingers loosely gathered in his golden hair, before continuing my gentle movements. I couldn't help the eager smile that made its way to my lips, hopeful that this would be a step in the right direction, bringing him back to me.

"White lilies, roses, and lilacs for innocence. Pink carnations for remembrance," he lamented.

My words were equally as soft, though I couldn't hide the hopefulness behind them.

"I think that would be a wonderful idea, love."

He didn't say anything else for a long while, only moving his hand to gently rest on my thigh, the first acknowledgment of the fact that he knew he wasn't alone.

It was enough.

That evening I ventured into the beautiful gardens Esme had worked tirelessly to perfect, using the utmost care to pick the different flowers Jasper had specified.

"White roses and lilacs for innocence. White lilies for purity and innocence restored to those departed. Pink carnations for remembrance. Tulips to evoke forgiveness."

When the bouquet was collected, I spend hours meticulously putting it together.

To, for once, make something beautiful and good.

Something perfect.

It was all I could do for the deceased. For Jasper.

Acceptance.

It quickly became obvious that the loss of the two human teenagers had an impact on not just the Cullens and Swans, but everyone.

The city of Forks was in a state of mourning, the weekend edition of the newspaper had covered only one topic- the tragic passing of two of Forks High's brightest students.

Understandably, the high school had closed the following Monday, the city council in unanimous decision to hold that day for the joint memorial service the deceased's families would hold in their honor.

There was no hope for an open casket, let alone a casket to even fill properly.

Angela Weber and Ben Cheney were laid to rest at the columbarium of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church early that Monday morning, the girl's father leading the town in a beautiful but humbling Christian service.

It was said nearly all 3,832 residents of the tiny town were in attendance, and the Cullens were no exception.

It had been the first time I had been left completely alone, no one staying behind to babysit this time.

I had insisted with a firm foot that they all should attend, it was already bad enough that I was linked to the cause of such a travesty.

Jasper might have been thrown out of the house by the leg, having to force him to go. Endless pleas that he see this through, he needed to heal just as badly as his siblings.

I was not about to get in the way of their grieving. I knew by that point that it was imperative that they receive closure.

I could give them that much. I could behave for a few hours.

The total absence of the company was bizarre, something I hadn't been subjected to in months. I had forgotten what it felt like.

The solitude I had once begged for, jumped at the chance to get, yet I no longer wanted it.

The realization was jarring.

I found myself staring at the clock, standing in the foyer as I counted the hours and minutes they were gone, not moving from my place at the door from when I had closed it behind them.

A sense of anxiousness had formed within my chest as the moments ticked by, hoping and wondering if this would, at last, be it. The end of a dark chapter, the one I felt so guilty for inspiring.

What would I do if the pain still lingered? Would the looks of pity and resentment last forever?

My answer didn't arrive until late that afternoon, as the first of the fancy vehicles parked in the garage.

The second was only moments behind.

The heart that I once believed I didn't have clinched in my chest as I waited for the first of the group to appear, making my way over to the side entrance in haste.

A flood of figures dressed in black fabrics of various lengths and materials entered through the threshold, and I held my breath as I waited.

For what, I wasn't sure.

But I didn't find any sadness or eyes clouded by venom as I had seen countless times that weekend. Only clear, golden eyes met my own as each of the family members greeted me.

No looks of anger that lasted a second longer than they should have, betraying any ill feelings. A good thing, I decided.

Chatter was light, not yet flowing as it once had, but it was there, surprising me. Yet another good thing.

Right?

I had been so caught up in hopelessly searching for signs from the others that I didn't register Jasper's presence until he touched me, arms wrapping firmly around my waist from behind, his chest solid and firm against my back.

I couldn't help the purr that the touch brought me, it had been too long since he had sought comfort in my embrace, and I gladly welcomed it.

He hummed in my ear as he nuzzled his nose against it comfortingly, the sound effectively freeing my mind of all worried thoughts and tensions.

The others had already dispersed, moving to other parts of the home as they sought the comfort of one another, leaving Jasper and I to a moment alone.

His hands loosened but didn't stray from their hold on my hips as I turned to face him, studying his face for any sign that betrayed his mood.

While he was far from bright and cheeky, there was light once again in his eye. He was present, no longer a shell, the weight had at last dispersed from his shoulders.

As my thumb trailed along the skin of his cheek he spoke, placing his larger hand atop mine.

"Thank you," he said, and with the genuineness to his tone, I raised a brow in confusion.

"What possibly for?" I asked, perplexed. There wasn't anything about this situation that I deserved thanks for, let alone praise.

He gave a small smile, eyes tender as he placed a chaste kiss to the palm of my hand before moving it back to its place along his jaw.

"For being there, I know the last few days have been difficult, especially for you. Even though you didn't understand what was happening, you at least tried. I shouldn't have withdrawn like that, but the pain was..."

He trailed off, averting his eyes and I frowned at the action, turning his head to face me once more.

I put on a small smile, one I hoped would quell his worries.

"Hey, don't apologize to me. You did what you believed would help your family, selflessly taking their pain as your own. It's been a long process, but you're here now. You can rest at last. That's all that matters."

He stifled a sign, and I felt his jaw clinching under my palm as he fought the emotions that plagued him at that moment. Was it guilt that I saw, there, in his eye?

I was eager to console, waiting for the moment he would give in to the emotions.

At last, he relented, leaning down to place a tender peck at my hairline, and I didn't bother hiding the tender smile that grew on my face at the action.

As we made our way up the stairs, hand in hand, he paused at the second-floor landing, catching me off guard as he pulled me close once more.

"The flowers were beautiful, by the way," he added, a tender kiss placed at the shell of my ear as he spoke softly.

He was slowly becoming himself once more, that voice of his was dripping with honey, my knees feeling weak at the sound.

Another peck along the nape of my neck, tone unabashedly teasing, "nearly as beautiful as the florist who arranged them."

I didn't have time to sputter in embarrassment at the bold words, as in one quick motion he had pulled us up the stairs.

His laughter that echoed off the walls was intoxicating, and I was filled with a sense of joy at the sound that I had been afraid I would never feel again.

I had him back, at last.

I'd never let go.

The week passed by in a blur, school starting back first thing Tuesday morning.

I had been reluctant to see them go yet again, but with such appeasing words from Jasper, promises of what waited when he would return, it was easy to dismiss the loneliness in favor of dreaming of the activities that awaited me in the dark.

Though things had calmed, it was still rather obvious that some of the others still struggled with the terrible losses that had occurred.

I tried to be a comforting figure for Esme as she stayed home with me, forced to face the world and reality without Carlisle by her side. I had to give her credit, though, she was tougher than she let on.

Despite the sadness that was still consuming her tender heart, she worked diligently through it.

It was the spirit of a mother, I had decided, the force that kept her going for her family.

I hadn't anything to compare it to, but it was sobering to witness.

While we didn't speak much compared to the weeks before, I believed she took comfort in the fact she had someone there with her. I liked to believe the small smiles she wore when she cooked and gardened were because she enjoyed my company once more.

Edward was a whole different story, however.

After his angry outburst, he had made himself scarce. The only time he came home was to change and bathe, avoiding any contact with family as he'd enter the house through the large window of his room.

"He's just feeling guilty for the way he acted the other day," the others would say in an attempt to comfort me when I would watch as he fled whatever room I occupied, yet it was in vain. There was no resentment within me to soothe.

I didn't find him at fault, his words had been true- hateful- but true.

Jasper scowled when I told him as much, refusing to accept that I agreed with his brother.

"It wasn't by your hand that those kids died, it was selfish of him to place the blame on you. He knows there are far more dangers at hand than your presence here."

I wasn't sure if his words were meant to comfort me or him, or if they just served as a reminder to himself that he had to stay sharp.

Danger could be waiting at any corner, any turn.

Thus far, the agreement with the shapeshifters had stayed intact, for the most part anyway.

Taking shifts watching the Swan residence, patrolling our borders while they guarded their own.

Though Edward was at the Swan home nearly every possible hour of the day, the wolves kept their word.

Only time would tell, however, as the future of our agreement rested on their reactions to what they'd witness that Saturday morning.

Would they react in fury at what they saw as we trained, the power and strength vampires truly possessed finally revealed?

They only had knowledge from handling a few vampires, and two nomads and a coven of vegetarians simply didn't count as qualified experience in my book.

There was an entirely different side to our kind that they had never seen the likes of, their egos inflated at the idea that they were stronger, faster.

Yes, they outmatched vampires that fed on a weak food source and were decades, centuries old. And even then, they had been sheltered in that lifestyle from the very beginning.

What Edward, Rosalie, or Esme had experienced as a newborn was completely different from my siblings and me.

Newborns of the natural variety were an entirely different species in comparison.

We moved differently, thought differently, every action is driven by a compulsive need that they had never felt.

And that ignorance would lead to their slaughter if left intact.

I had begun the day with an eager start, my body humming with an energy I hadn't felt in weeks. It felt almost foreign, forgotten as I adapted to the new lifestyle of the Cullens.

An itch in my frozen veins returned, an eagerness to smash and break and tear. It consumed me as I grew impatient, waiting for the day's events to at last begin.

"Does she have to be here?" I bit under my breath, using the last bit of air in my lungs to get the words out.

We had been in the clearing for an hour now, Jasper and Esme eager to get me far away from her precious collectibles as my desire to take action grew unmanageable.

The clearing had been much smaller an hour ago, a good several yards added to the circumference thanks to my hands taking down tree after tree, just as Rosalie had taught me.

She gave me a wicked grin when she arrived, noting my work in approval.

The itch was back now, however, as I let my eyes linger on the human girl in question, almost sure a hole would burn right through her skull with the amount of irritation I held in my gaze.

Jasper's hold on my waist tightened a fraction. A small frown grew on his face at the words, nodding curtly.

"As much as I'd like to tell you no, I'm afraid her involvement was key to the Quileute's agreement to being here. They see her as a buffer, something to hold as leverage to keep us in line. They know we wouldn't dare attack them with her here, for her safety's sake."

I frowned in distaste at the fact, watching as the human girl made her way out of Edward's arms to stand amongst the giant wolves. She stood close to one, in particular, the one who's presence stirred a low grumble in my chest.

Jacob Black stood a good three feet taller than Bella, making the fragile girl look like a China doll as she clung to his side. She shifted awkwardly as the other wolves moved to flank them, pushing herself closer into the boy's side.

I didn't miss the almost smirk that grew on the beast's muzzle at her proximity.

I turned my gaze to something else, knowing the last thing I needed was for the wolves to catch my stare, to think I was contemplating an attack on their precious human.

My focus was shifted to the events taking place on the opposite end of the clearing, where it seemed Emmett and Michael had gotten a head start in their training, wrestling half-heartedly.

I winced in discomfort as I held back my desire to laugh at them, wishing I could freely taste the open air as Michael sent a tree limb soaring through the air, knocking Emmett square in the chest.

I had looked forward to this day, eager for both an outlet for my pent-up energy as well as a reassurance that the coven could better handle themselves when the dreaded day came.

But now I felt as though I wouldn't be able to perform properly.

What if I lost control in the sparring, going after the human?

I was the only newborn, the closest thing they'd have to compare to what would be waiting for them soon. I had to show them my full capabilities.

But again, the damn human was present.

How would I manage to hold back from breathing if I gave it my all in a match?

The tension in my shoulders must have grown worse, as Jasper's grip tightened significantly.

He tested the air, nudging me in the shoulder in an attempt to get me to relax my rigid posture.

A devious smirk grew on his lips.

"Relax a bit, the stench of the wolves masks her scent near completely. I don't think you'll be able to even notice her through their stench."

After a moment of hesitation, I settled into the idea, risking a small sniff, a daring move, though it proved Jasper to be correct.

My nose was flooded with the smell of wet dog, and only at the back of my mind did I recognize the faintest note of Bella's unique scent.

About damn time.

My confidence grew significantly the longer I grew used to the situation, her heartbeat was mingled in and almost muted out by the wolves', only the faintest of flames licked at my throat by the time Carlisle began his introduction.

It would be manageable, for now.

Just long enough to help the others train.

There were far more important things at hand than the human girl's blood.

The coven leader stepped forward as the rest of the group gathered around him, Jasper and I keeping our distance and standing off to the side.

Carlisle's ever-present, kind smile graced his lips as he spoke. His voice was gentle and calm as though soothing a worried patient.

"Thank you all for agreeing to meet today, after such troublesome events I believe your presence here will be most beneficial in the times to come."

The air was thick, and I didn't need Jasper's gifts to register the tension in the air. I could practically taste the apprehension and barely-concealed irritation the wolves felt in our presence.

I couldn't help my response to their obvious unease, my posture straightening slightly as I felt a bit smug. They were wary, as they should be.

The others didn't share my sense of vanity and pride, clearly just as worried by the wolves as the creatures were of them.

Another reminder of our different upbringings, the whole reason we were here to practice in the first place.

They needed the training and insight just as badly as the wolves.

Carlisle's attempt to soothe and calm their unease had failed horribly, and as he continued, Edward could only grimace as he read each and every unkind thought the beasts had in response to his words.

Edward spoke, his voice rough as though it pained him to sort through the thoughts thrown his way.

"They want to know what makes the newborns different from us," he bit out, grimacing as his eyes flickered over to his creator.

Carlisle nodded slowly, his words measured and slow as though to not startle the giant creatures, "our kind is never more physically powerful than in the first several months of this life."

Growls erupted from the group at the news, Bella unable to hold in a shiver in response to the sound, still clinging to Jacob's side.

The coven leader continued as they quieted.

"My son, Jasper, has experience with newborns, and he can teach us how to defeat them," he looked in our direction, eyes scanning my form briefly before landing on the man beside me.

Jasper's whole demeanor shifted in an instant, now standing firm as the stern soldier he had once been. He released his hold on my side, and I fought the urge to follow as he made his way over to stand alongside Carlisle.

"Carlisle's right, we are stronger and faster in our first year than at any other point in our existence. While they have these physical advantages, they are severely limited in their control. Their attention spans are shorter, easily distracted by the simplest action. It's what makes them valuable in situations of war, it only takes a dozen to destroy anything in their path and they're easily spurred to fight."

Eight pairs of dark eyes instantly flickered in my direction at the words, burning through me.

I wanted to growl at them in irritation. Of course, they would assume the worst at his words.

Edward cleared his throat unnecessarily, drawing the attention away from me as he spoke on behalf of the wolves yet again.

"They want to know how old Persephone is and if she's still considered a newborn."

Eyes of brown and gold alike looked in my direction once more, and I clenched my jaw tightly in order to keep from reacting. I fought the urge to run under such scrutiny.

But Jasper's eyes caught mine quickly, warm and gold, and the urge lessened. I could feel the alien emotions wrap themselves around me like a ribbon, and succumbed to the feelings.

He nodded firmly in silent command, giving me my cue to speak.

I faced the wolves, locking my gaze on the wolf with fur the color of coal, knowing him to be the alpha. My eyes never left his, forcing all my effort into keeping my composure.

"I was turned 385 days ago," I said slowly, and at the way their heads ticked to the side as though doing the math, I volunteered more information, "Or, a year and twenty days ago. While I am still considered a newborn, my abilities are much more subdued compared to what they had been in the very beginning. Yet, I still have heightened abilities compared to older members of our kind. I'm the closest comparable thing to what the others will be like."

My eyes drifted to Edward as the silence that followed my words lasted a moment longer than what felt comfortable, and he tore his gaze from the alpha wolf, not long after. He frowned, as though trying to convey through his expression that he didn't personally agree with the words he said.

"They want a demonstration."

I didn't miss the way Jasper's jaw tightened at the suggestion, though he remained silent for a moment, his arms flexing as he tightened his fists. Barely restraining the urge to act, protect what was his.

His eyes flickered to mine, searching for my answer to the suggestion. I nodded curtly, and he relaxed slightly, returning the stiff nod.

He turned to Emmett, his voice commanding as he spoke.

"Emmett, let's show them how well you fare against a newborn."

The giant man's laugh boomed through the open sky above, a shit-eating grin growing on his face at the suggestion.

He rubbed his hands together as his eyes flickered to me, taunting and thrilled at the idea of a challenge, and back to Jasper.

"What did you have in mind?"

The most devious smirk graced Jasper's lips as he raised a brow at his brother, barely concealing his amusement in his voice at what was to come, "How about a friendly match of arm wrestling?"

Emmett's grin only grew, his form practically vibrating with excitement at the challenge.

The itching beneath my skin had returned at Jasper's suggestion, the urge to destroy and unleash the strength I held within was starting to burn it was so tempting.

Michael and Carlisle disappeared into the tree line for a moment, causing the wolves to stand taller in apprehension as they searched for their return, confused as to where they went.

But only a moment later the pair had returned, a boulder the size of a car carried between them.

It sunk into the ground with a thud, the earth beneath my soles vibrating at the impact, and I no longer hid the eager grin as the moment neared.

Emmett settled at the other end of the large rock, his gaze cocky and amused as he eyed me with a wide grin.

I returned it with an arrogant smirk of my own, eagerly setting my arm atop the boulder, wiggling my fingers tauntingly.

"Ready to lose to a girl, Emmy?"

He scoffed, eyes wild in amusement as he moved to place his own arm atop the rock, the large appendage thrice the size of my own, rippling with muscle.

"I wouldn't get so cocky just yet, Princess. I'd hate to see you moping around all week because I beat you."

I couldn't hide the laugh that escaped me, almost forgetting we had an audience, enjoying the banter I had come to love so much.

But that quickly faded as we locked arms and silence fell yet again.

His hand engulfed mine completely then, my small fingers hidden beneath his as he held firm. To an onlooker, it would seem as though he could snap my wrist in two with a simple jerk of his hold.

But there was more to newborns than what met the eye.

Behind us, Jasper counted down from three, circling the boulder as he watched closely.

I could feel the eyes of the wolves burning into my body from the distance, but as Jasper counted down to one, at last, my focus shifted to the challenge at hand completely.

The firm grip I had on my control snapped like a frayed tether, the surge of energy that pulsed through me and into my hold against Emmett pushed me forward and down into the rock, the sides beginning to crumble at my force.

There was a single moment where neither hand moved, equally exhorting ourselves, testing the waters. But as I focused on placing more force in the direction of my side, his smug demeanor began to falter.

His gold eyes widening in surprise, brows scrunching in a strained expression as I pushed and pushed, inching my way slowly to the opposite side.

While he knew I was still quite strong from seeing me in action on hunts, it was clear that he had underestimated just how far that power ran. His lips formed a silent snarl as I brought our clasped hands closer to my side of the rock. Slight disbelief clear in his golden eyes.

No one had been prepared for the sound that echoed through the clearing when I brought our hands down into the rock, splintering the hard material into shards at the force. My eyes never strayed from Emmett's look of defeat, but the sound of nervously shifting feet from behind me was like music to my ears.

The point Jasper had wanted to prove to the wolves had been received loud and clear- even in the last stages of the newborn phase, my body overpowered a vampire of great strength with little to no effort.

If I could outmatch someone like Emmett, the possibilities were endless for what my siblings could do.

They would rip us all to shreds just with the flick of their wrists if they got the chance.

Cheers echoed from the Cullens on the opposite side, and the tight smirk I wore grew when I noticed the look on Jasper's face.

His posture was composed as he wore the mask of calculated indifference, but I knew him far too well to miss the glint in his eye.

It was the silent equivalent of him laughing and cheering with the rest of them.

Just for kicks, I smashed my fist into the side of the large rock, holding back an amused laugh when a large chunk went flying in the opposite direction, Emmett dodging it just in time with his quick reflexes.

The pout he wore was only half annoyed- his eyes playful and showing he was just as amused as I was.

It was as though a bucket of ice water had been dumped on my head when I turned to look at the wolves, my amused and prideful emotions vanishing into thin air. My body gave way to instinct, straightening my posture and evening my gaze as I met the dark eyes of Sam Uley.

The wolves were less than pleased with this revelation.

The Cullens quickly sobered after noticing the change in my demeanor, a stiff silence falling over the clearing once more.

Edward scowled as he looked over at Jasper and Carlisle, serving as the mediator yet again.

"They will stay and observe while we spar," his voice was brittle and dull as he spared a glance my way, and I knew one of them must have thought something particularly harsh at the way he grimaced ever so slightly.

I did not envy his gift.

The coven leader nodded at the auburn-haired boy, before turning to glance at Jasper. Giving him a weary look.

It was time to get to work.

Jasper launched into action, directing members of the coven to split off into pairs, instructing them with the most basic tasks.

Find your opponent's weakness and exploit it. At the same time, take note of your weaknesses that your opponent finds in you, and fix them.

Easy enough.

I was paired with Michael, who I was eager to teach a lesson or two.

Memories of that night weeks ago when we encountered my siblings flooded my mind, remembering the way he had struggled against Kristie.

He relied too heavily on his upper body strength and his arms, leaving his stance and legs weak and open to attack.

Michael wore a smug smirk, eyes twinkling as he flexed his arms as we circled one another, watching me in anticipation.

I could see it in his eye- that assumption so many made against me. That because I was a newborn, I'd be weak to a calculated advance.

How wrong they always were.

But I had already noted the way he stood, the way he left his posture unchecked and relaxed.

He had hardly settled into a crouch before I had lunged, catching him off guard, and sweeping his feet out from beneath him in under a second.

Leaves and dust scattered around him as he fell backward into the ground, eyes wide in shock as I stared down at him with a grin.

I pushed off his chest, standing with a smirk of my own at his wide eyes.

"What-" his voice waivered in his surprise, and I chuckled before taking a step back.

"Always stand sure, plant your feet and brace yourself. You focus too much on your arms and blocking hits to your face- it's why Kristie was able to flick you off like a flea. If you have a stronger stance, you won't get pushed around so much."

It was as though a light went off in his mind as he processed my words, and for the next few minutes, we practiced stances, showing him how to hold his ground and utilize his legs.

From there, we sparred for a while, though eventually, he would always slip up a step or two, still learning to share his focus on his lower half rather than just his upper body.

By the time Jasper called for groups to switch, I felt the smallest of weight lift from my shoulders.

I hadn't realized just how much it mattered to me that this coven succeeds.

The warmth that bloomed in my chest at that realization followed me through the day and well into the afternoon, the training granting me a relief I hadn't realized I needed.

We made the rounds, making sure we all sparred with nearly every person present, making sure to cover all weaknesses while also practicing correcting them.

Sparring with me seemed to make most of them more frustrated than confident as they limped off to the next person. Indeed, newborns were difficult to fight, as they quickly found out.

So far it had led to harmless teasing and banter, however, Rosalie didn't take losing as graciously as her siblings had.

A growl ripped from her chest as she landed in the damp soil of the clearing for the third time, pushing herself up with a huff as she glared.

I knew, rationally, that her frustration wasn't personal. Rose and I had grown closer over the last few days despite the chaos around us.

She hated not being perfect at everything, and knowing she had a weakness- a vulnerability- made her venom boil.

I could see it in her eye- the almost twitch of her smoky eyelid as she glared daggers at me, no longer bothering to dust off the dirt. Her expensive clothes and neatly kept hair, now wild and damp, were forgotten. She was desperate to win.

Her emotions guided her movements as she charged, curled fists extended as she aimed at my neck, and the moment her body collided with mine, a booming crack sounded in the air, stunning those present.

When the billows of dirt dispersed from the harsh impact our bodies made with the ground, all eyes were watching wearily. Afraid they may find a broken vampire in pieces from the force of impact.

Yet I felt more alive at that moment than I had in days, legs pressing Rose's torso into the ground, hands splayed just above her throat, hovering with the reality that this would have been her death if it had been the real deal.

She growled after a split second of processing what happened, swatting away my hands with an irritated growl, and I had barely rolled to the side before she leaped up, already strutting away to the sidelines before I had even moved to stand.

Emmett was giving her a sympathetic frown, though he did a poor job of hiding his amusement behind his honey eyes.

"It's okay, kitten, you can't win 'em all," he cooed, to which she hissed, crossing her arms as she stood beside him, making a point to leave a good foot between herself and her mate.

The tension dissipated quickly as the coven turned their attentions back to their own fights, and I allowed myself a moment to simply be. To soak in the feeling of relief at releasing my worries and tensions with each lunge and throw of my limbs.

I hadn't realized just how badly I needed to let off this steam, the tension that had threatened to consume me while being trapped in the glass mansion.

My eyes drifted to the western end of the clearing, where I sensed a set of amber eyes already awaiting my gaze. The smug smirk that greeted me fueled a fire my belly, the thrill tingling in my chest only growing at his look of approval.

I longed to spar with him, to experience this freedom of letting go and pushing the limits of my strengths, even falling at his hand. It had been a while since we last sparred together, and that longing only grew the longer I thought of him.

The light and unnecessary clearing of a throat behind me drew my attention away from my quickly-darkening thoughts, and a different kind of excitement welled within my chest as I noticed who called upon me.

Her bright yellow eyes almost glowed against her pale skin and crown of midnight hair, the confident smile on her lips mirroring my own.

The most amusing to watch was whatever poor soul had to spar with Alice, her gift allowing her to simply move out of the way of each attack. By the time she had approached me, no one had managed to land a single hit to the pixie.

Her smile only grew as I circled her, sure that her vision would prepare her for whatever I tried to throw her way.

And for the most part, she was right.

But her gift could only extend so far.

She saw what was calculated, premeditated. And considering she had been practicing with older vampires, those with hard to break habits, each move had been foreseen because they had planned them.

I didn't have the same strategy.

I didn't have a strategy at all.

I saw, and I reacted.

Just as I saw her sweep past my left in an attempt to knock me off balance, her feet twisting in a way that left her legs vulnerable.

I reacted by sweeping my arm across the back of her knees, snatching her up like a sprout of weeds and tossing her down into the ground.

The look of horror in her eyes made me laugh as she looked at me, as though she had seen the impossible.

The clearing fell silent once again at my unusual outburst as eyes turned to look at the scene before them. I kept my eyes trained on Alice, being mindful to extend my hands and being gentle in my movements as I stood from the ground, worried I may have scared her.

I could practically see the gears in her head turning as she processed the events, what it meant.

She had never been bested before.

I had to remind myself that she wasn't upset by the fact I had taken her down, blindsided her in such a way. No, it was as if she were just realizing that if I could act without thought, my siblings could as well. That a newborn vampire could take her down. That was what startled her.

But I didn't miss the weary look Michael wore the next time I met his gaze.

For the slightest moment, I worried I had done too much, that I had done more harm than good that day.

My intentions had been good- I wanted to help them better their tactics, protect them from what was to come. Did they know that, or did they think I was too harsh?

Did I just singlehandedly ruin the trusts I had spent weeks building in one afternoon?

Before the insecurities could drown me, a blanket of reassurance wrapped its way around my chest like a ribbon, followed by the gentle yet firm press of a hand at the small of my back. I instantly relaxed into the hold, my shoulders slouching as Jasper pressed himself closer into my side.

Despite the dark markings of dirt muddying his trousers, he had managed to keep his appearance relatively unblemished from the day's activities. His hair was as perfect as ever, golden tendrils grazing just past the sharp edge of his jaw in the light breeze.

That fluttering of heated emotion was back again, twisting and turning in my belly, though not unpleasantly by any means.

He met my gaze with a curious side glance, perfect blond brows raised in question as he studied me, though by the mischievous glint in his amber eyes and the cocky upturn of his lips he already knew damn well what his presence stirred within me.

"I think we have accomplished enough for one day. They're aware of their weaknesses now, and moving forward they can work on bettering themselves," he said lowly, voice a breath of a whisper, yet that velvety tone managed to sneak its way through his words. A pleasing tingle snaked its way down my spine at the sound, a feeling of pride seeping into my pores.

I nodded, though stiffly, as I studied the scenes around me, watching the pairs continuing to work on their skills. I wanted to train forever, spend every moment working towards preparing for what was just over the horizon. Yet it wasn't my call, my coven to command.

They all had lives to go back to, roles to play and appearances to keep.

His hand snuck around to hold my hip, squeezing slightly in reassurance before releasing me not a moment later, walking ahead to where Carlisle sparred with Edward.

I watched as the ever-graceful coven leader greeted his son, smiling as though he weren't covered head to toe in dirt. Even at a distance, the gleam of appreciation shone in his golden eyes as he listened to Jasper's words.

Pairs broke apart at Carlisle's call, gathering around the coven leader as he turned to the wolves. The pack had watched intently the entire time, many pacing the edge of the clearing, never venturing closer.

Bella hadn't strayed from Jacob's side, the giant wolf sitting tall as she used his furry side as a prop to lean on. And even though I had long gotten used to the mingling of her heart with the creatures', I still found my body stiffening on its own accord when I acknowledged her existence directly.

I moved to stand alongside Rosalie, who had relaxed significantly after Emmett ever so graciously allowed her to use him as a punching bag. A teasing nudge to the shoulder and a small smirk from the blonde confirmed that she held no ill will from our sparring, and I returned the affection with a grin of my own.

"I want to thank you all for coming today, I know the information revealed today was no easy pill to swallow, but it is necessary to understand what we are up against. My family and I will continue to work together to strengthen our skills over the following days, if you wish to observe further, the company is more than welcome."

Carlisle's eloquent words echoed through the clearing, immediately capturing the attention of the pack, pointed ears standing tall and alert at the sound of his soothing voice.

Standing to his full height in his wolf form, Sam's stature towered over those around him, his presence commanding attention.

He pointedly stared at Edward, and after a long pause, the boy finally translated, nodding lightly to his father.

"He thanks you for the invitation, this new information is indeed helpful," his frown returned at the next bit of information, "but it is unlikely they will return to our land unless it is an emergency."

Carlisle did well to hide the disappointed frown that nearly etched its way onto his pale face, nodding stiffly in Sam's direction. His eyes were slightly dulled as he spoke his last farewell.

"I understand, as you wish. If there are any questions or concerns about what you have witnessed today, I am always willing to with you speak over the phone, Sam."

The wolf nodded curtly, and just like that, the conversation was over. With a stern look to his pack, he led the way out of the clearing, heading in the direction of the reservation.

Only one wolf remained, Jacob Black clearly fighting the commands of his alpha so that he could have Bella's affections for a moment longer.

But even he couldn't resist bending to Sam's will, leaving with a pitiful whine and cringe-inducing look of longing at the human girl.

I immediately straightened my posture at his departure, halting in my movement as I had just about inhaled.

Now that the distractions were gone, Bella's scent would already be permeating the air like a freshly lit beacon and I would have been a moth to that flame.

It would have been a terrible mistake.

Rosalie was quick to note the change in my demeanor, jumping into action by pulling me into a conversation.

I could only nod or shake my head at her questions and ramblings, but until Jasper was finished discussing who-knows-what with Carlisle, I was grateful for her attempt to keep me focused.

Ten minutes passed and the group had shifted and scattered, Jasper at last freed from his conversation with his father-figure. We trailed along the edge of the clearing, growing closer to where the human girl now sat atop Emmett's Jeep, yet Jasper's iron grip on my waist was sure.

I'd be a disassembled pile of limbs before I could even think about lunging at the girl with him by my side.

He spoke of the worries and questions Carlisle had confided with him when the human girl looked up from the crinkled book in her lap.

My skin prickled when I sensed her heart rate increase, her brown eyes widening as she noticed Jasper's approaching figure.

It was as though she were oblivious to my presence. That or she simply didn't care. I figured it was the latter, unfortunately.

What a pair on that girl, I mused.

"Hey! Jazz, could I talk to you for a second?"

Her voice cracked slightly as she called from the distance, as though regretting calling attention to herself halfway through speaking. Her hand waved awkwardly at her side as Jasper looked in her direction.

We stood stiff like statues, there along the edge of the forest, as though this situation couldn't possibly be real.

How could he respond?

His confidence in his ability to prevent an incident or my control- I really hoped it was the former because that would be very wishful thinking- I wasn't sure, prompted him to tug us forward, closing half the distance between us and her frail body.

Her frail, ambrosia-filled body.

My mind was reeling, completely in disbelief that I was this close to the human girl and no one had batted an eye.

Where the hell was Edward?

I hoped the interaction would be quick, perhaps a simple greeting or apology or something.

But she was a curious creature, as Edward had once warned.

"Jasper, are you sure there isn't anything I can do to help?"

Her eyes lit up when Jasper answered her question, his stiff posture relaxing a bit.

"Well, your presence alone- your scent- will drive them crazy. Newborns won't be able to resist, their instincts taking over instantly, they won't know what hit them until it's too late."

The girl's eyes had flashed to mine the moment he said the token word that labeled me as different.

Brown flecked with the depths of night. Chocolate and molten like the long wavy hair that cascaded down her back.

The epitome of innocence.

I understood Edward's musings, then. Her very essence was a reminder- a representation of all that we were not.

Her eyes were wide as she continued to stare for a moment, the unmistakable look of terror on her face as I nodded in confirmation to Jasper's words.

The scent of her blood had driven a vampire in the very last stages of their newborn year to near insanity from her proximity, her mind registering that fact as she remembered the struggle it had been for me to restrain my instincts to kill her.

Did she have any idea how a freshly turned newborn would act?

I could tell she had lost herself in the trance that so many humans had fallen victim to as she lost herself in my eyes. I broke the stare so that she could gather herself, looking away to the forest beyond.

A furious blush graced her as she regained her composure, and I didn't have to look to know it, already painfully familiar with her body's response to such an elevated heart rate. My eyes were glaring daggers into the tires of the Jeep, looking anywhere but at her.

She nodded as she thought on his words, a look of relief washed over her face.

"Good, I'm glad," she replied meekly as she settled back into her relaxed slouch on the hood of the Jeep.

Jasper nodded once in a polite goodbye, before holding my side firmer as we turned away, intended on heading back to join the others. The only goal to get me out of her presence, to safety.

The sound of her fumbling and struggling to get down from the tall vehicle was hard to ignore as she suddenly spoke again, causing me to freeze in my step as I heard her feet plant on the ground. Her heart rate had skyrocketed in her furious attempt to gather herself. Her voice was airy as she gathered the courage to ask her question.

"Wait! Jasper- how do you know so much about this?"

Jasper froze in response to my sudden halt, his arm snaking around my shoulders tightly not a moment later, ready to restrain if it came to it.

A second passed, and I stayed stoic, refusing to move freely as he angled his body to face her, dragging me along as he tried to gather himself.

He hadn't expected her to call on him directly, not in this way. Especially not in such close quarters, when the others were too far away to stand as barriers.

Their relationship was strained, after the events of her birthday as he had told me, I knew he still carried the guilt of his actions.

I noted the slight surprise in his eyes, the glaze of fear that was so quickly concealed that the human would have missed it completely as he corrected himself. The stiff posture and worried frown disappeared in an instant, replaced with a small smile as he nodded, almost as though to himself. That he could do this.

She gave a tentative smile, relieved that Jasper had felt comfortable entertaining her curiosity.

Of course, he wasn't comfortable with it in the slightest, but her human eyes missed all the signs. The way his fists moved to hold stiffly at his sides so tightly I could sense they were seconds from splitting open, the stiffness to his back as he stood firm.

"I didn't have quite the same upbringing as my adopted siblings," he said slowly, and I was sure the human girl was oblivious to the discomfort and dark emotions hidden behind his words as she stared in wonder.

Again, further proof the girl had absolutely zero instincts of self-preservation.

He swallowed thickly as he risked a step further from me- dark eyes flickering to me every other moment to ensure I hadn't moved- and forced his hands to relax.

Jasper rolled up his sleeves for emphasis, exposing the pale flesh of his forearms to the girl.

Her eyes glimmered in piqued curiosity as she stared, almost as though dazzled by the array of scattered crescent bites, before gesturing to her own wrist.

"Those bites are like mine..." her voice was airy, her mind lost deep in thought as she marveled at the revelation.

As she dared a small step forward, slowly making her way closer to his towering form to get a better look, I forced myself to look away.

Even though I knew she would be drenched in the scent of the wolves, I didn't want to risk anything. Jasper's words hadn't been an empty gesture of reassurance to the girl- my instincts still beckoned me to her like a siren's call.

Pretend she isn't there. That he's speaking to a wolf, another of our kind. That her heartbeat means nothing, it wouldn't be appetizing...

The illusion almost worked.

But I was no longer willing to risk it.

With a pointed glance at Jasper, who caught my look but said nothing, I took a step backward leaving the two to their conversation.

It was best if they didn't have an audience, I decided. My presence was less than pleasant and I could tell that Jasper was enjoying himself no matter how hard he worked to hide the fact.

He had longed for a moment to bond with his sister-to-be, to make up for the mistake he regretted so strongly.

I turned away completely, taking long strides in the direction of the others as he spoke his next words, the unmistakeably proud tone of his voice told me that he wore that signature smirk of his.

"Battle scars..."

The words were the last I heard of their conversation by the time I had made it to the other end of the clearing, where the others that remained continued to practice and chat amiably.

I learned that Edward and Michael had headed north towards the mountain, looking for a place out of range that could be used to hide Bella when the army arrived.

Conversation flowed easily amongst the others, though as my mind began to wander, I noticed the strange looks Alice was trying- yet failing- to hide from me.

I raised a brow in question the next time I caught her in the act, though she immediately looked away as though it never happened.

I shifted on my feet, uneasy with her actions, and though the others were oblivious, I knew I needed answers.

Something was up.

Planting my feet firmly in the ground, I prepared myself to use up the last remnants of my breath to speak.

I had one shot to steal her away before Edward returned, the nosy bastard. I'd never get her to spill with him around.

Plus, it was highly likely Michael would let her be alone with me after the events of today.

"Hey, guys, if you don't mind, I really think it would be best if I grabbed something to drink before heading back," my voice was uncharacteristically dripped in honey and slightly-whiny, and all it took was a glance in Bella's direction to sell the act. Heads were nodding vigorously in agreement before I had even bothered to continue speaking.

"Oh, poor dear, of course. I can't believe I didn't notice earlier, your eyes are pitch black," Esme cooed, and I stifled a grimace as she grasped my hands with her own in an effort to comfort. I forced a small smile.

"It's okay. I just think it's best that I take all precautions," my eyes drifted to Alice, who must have seen this coming, as she looked like a deer in headlights," Alice, would you like to accompany me? I could really use the company, and I'd hate to drag Jasper away from his conversation."

I had to give it to her, the pixie was a phenomenal actress, her smile gleaming and radiant as she pranced over.

Her hand interlocked with mine as she spoke, "Of course, Seph. I love a good girl's trip!"

With a last farewell to the others, she dragged us east, in the opposite direction from where Michael and Edward were scouting.

I quickly realized it was intentional, as she ran faster than I had thought her capable of.

She led us several miles out into the national forest, only stopping once we were in a secluded area on the far edge of the territory.

I had never been to this area, as little wildlife populated the land. It was practically deserted save for the thick evergreens that surrounded us.

Just as Alice wanted.

She leaned against the base of a tree, the giant trunk twice her height, making her look even smaller.

I narrowed my eyes as I studied her, my thirst long forgotten as I noted her expression.

She looked sick to her stomach. Like a human about to double-over with panic.

My voice was more of a hiss than a coherent sentence as I forced it out, the anxiety bubbling in my chest quickly becoming overwhelming.

"What are you hiding?"

"The visions, they're still the same," she said, her voice was weak, hardly a whisper.

My body froze in its movement, unaware that I had started pacing, standing stiff as her words registered in my mind.

But the look in her eye sent tendrils of ice through my body, and I felt I had no other choice but to probe further. I needed answers.

I hesitated in my next words, not quite sure if I wanted to know what she meant.

"What visions, Alice?"

The words were hardly audible, yet harsh and cold all the same. I hated the way she winced at my tone, but I couldn't help it.

I was on the verge of breaking composure.

"It was a mere stroke of luck that Edward wasn't around when the first vision came to me, he was away with Bella-" she looked away, trying to hide her expression, but I didn't miss the way she grimaced, "and it's only because he's been away with her these last few days that I've gotten around him seeing."

I understood, she didn't have to continue.

If he had seen, I wouldn't be standing here right now.

"You think I-" my voice died in my throat, the word refusing to unlodge itself from within.

The memories of her telling of her very first vision of me flashed in my mind, the vivid picture she had painted of what they thought would come from my presence.

My words were hollow, my body shaking with disbelief.

"You think I'm going to kill Bella?"

Something akin to lead settled into my stomach, the heaviness threatening to drown me and hold me captive.

Her eyes were glossy, painted with an emotion that struck me hard in turn as I recognized it. It was devastating to know she doubted me.

"I'm sorry, but yes."

I shook my head, violently, refusing to accept her words as truth. An internal battle raging in my mind as I fought the thoughts that plagued me. All the self-doubt, the worry, charging full-force through my self-esteem.

The heavy emotions clawed at my throat, tearing away at my insides as I tried to force out the images and harsh truths that came to mind.

"But I wouldn't-" I would, "I would never intentionally-," I've thought about it every single day, "Alice, please, there has to be something we can do to prevent this."

Her eyes were shining with venom as she gave me a sad, heart-broken frown. Something cracked and crumbled inside of me at her gaze.

I had seen it a million times- fantasized about, dreamed of the ways I could so easily make it happen. The taste of reaping such rewards for my actions...

No matter how much I argued- with her and myself- the truth was there. We both knew it.

The dark, ugly truth.

I would inevitably kill Bella Swan.