Accompanied sonata - Chapter twenty-one

[herumtreiber]

Title: Accompanied sonata - 21
Author: herumtreiber 
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence
Characters: Edward/Jacob
Chapter length: ~7,888
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. I don't make any money from this writing.
Summary: After the events of Eclipse, Edward mulls over his upcoming marriage.  A relationship slowly develops between him and Jake. They face opposition from the pack and some members of Edward's family. What will happen to Bella and how will the Volturi react?
Notes: It's a long chapter because I didn't want to end in another cliffhanger.


Table of contents

Chapter twenty




Abel Ateara was standing five yards in front of Jacob. Demetri flanked the traitor, who basked in the knowledge that the pale Volturi would have his back. The thin man glanced at me in a taunting gesture and started singing,  'Ti'iyaaaaaahl kwayiaaa...'

I had to stop him because his version might surpass mine in Jacob's mind. The weathered Quileute would hurt Jake with his song, since he knew perfectly well the mores and traditions of the tribe. What Billy had sung with love, Abel would sing with hate. It was bound to have devastating effects on my wolf!

I tried to run to the traitor to stop him but Alec was by my side, holding my arms in a vise. I turned my head and saw Emmett and Rose confronted by Corin and Felix, whose olive complexion contrasted with Rose's pale one. In the rear of our group, Alice looked sadly at me, with Esmée by her side. Together with Jasper, they were kept in check by Santiago and others.

It took me a second to realize there was someone beside Jasper, a vampire he was unable to see or feel, though I received his thoughts. Afton's invisibility shield was in place.

If only the Volturi didn't possess those daunting powers, we could have faced them. As it was, we were outnumbered and our fate rested in their merciless hands.

Meanwhile, Jake had managed to turn on the damned thing and had fumbled with the earphones, finally putting them on.

I turned my attention to him.  He was several yards in front of the copse to my left, standing tall and proud as ever as he tried to avoid listening to Abel's song. It was futile though; given his superb senses he couldn't avoid hearing the song.

I could hear the faint, tinny notes of my version of his song coming from the headphones. It had a slow beginning and I cursed myself for not doing it better. Perhaps I hadn't poured enough emotion into the composition and the traitor's version would win after all.

Jake's attention was caught by the piano's fast glissando, which grew in intensity and pitch in the same way my feelings for the wolf had grown. Jacob had taken me up a spiraling staircase of emotions; a journey which I earnestly hoped would not end today.

The rhythm engaged his curiosity as I hoped it would. In that verse, I had tried to meld the sounds of his footsteps in wolf form with the underlying melody and emotion Billy conveyed to me in the hospital. It was irregular, a bit chaotic, yet I had imbued in the melody the essential playfulness of my wolf.

A distant rumble made me look up and I saw the red taillights of a plane that was preparing to land on the Forks airport to the north. I wished Jake and I were on a plane, flying away from the danger but it was not to be. We were trapped in the relentless moment.

oOoOo

As I listened to the damned traitor's version, I was grateful for Rosalie's advice. She pointed out I had to eschew classical conventions and make it punchier. Abel's strained singing wasn't free-flowing at all. It felt constricted and limited. The traitor laid out a straight, narrow path that inexorably led to the end, eliminating any freedom.

 When Billy sang Jake's song, I had envisioned the majestic woods we both loved, the sense of protection and liberty that resided there – the endless possibilities open to Jake. It had resonated in me, partly because the woods were the place where I first met Jacob on an equal basis; we had shed our masks and started on the road that led to seeing each other as friends, equals and lovers.

Abel's song was designed to limit, to enforce timidity. The traitor wanted Jake to tread the path he chose for him, a straight road that allowed no meandering and led right into the family and Alpha duties Ateara pictured. It would force Jacob to stop loving me, compelling him to wait until a small girl would come along, so he could imprint on my daughter and fulfill the Volturi wishes!

I so wanted to pounce on Ateara and drink my fill of his obnoxious blood until his heart stopped beating! Jake would not bend to the traitor's stupid, narrow sense of what constituted the proper behavior of an Alpha!

My wolf listened grudgingly to the traitor's song, being unable to escape the sounds. His mind perceived it like flies angrily buzzing around him, though his full attention had been captured by my version. As always, I was entranced by his thoughts. Jake felt wonder, losing himself in the soaring notes of the melody as they climbed up and swooped down the scale, echoing my own emotions from that time and place forever lost to me, when the piano player indelibly expressed his passion in the old speakeasy in Chicago.

Jake's emotions brought up the vivid recollections of the first time I heard Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata in my grandfather's parlor. It was as if I could almost reach out and touch the shiny surface of the old disc as it caught the morning light while it rotated on the gramophone, and smell the comforting tobacco scent of his pipe as he stared pensively at the window.

The music had transported me to a place far away from mundane worries; it was the same emotion I felt listening to Ella Fitzgerald's 'Summertime'.

I recalled fondly the first time I heard Elvis' 'Heartbreak hotel' in the diner near the high school I attended at the time.  The enthusiasm of my classmates was contagious as we heard the melody coming from the chrome jukebox; we knew it was something unique.

oOoOo

Rosalie was right, glissandos and crescendos didn't mean a thing. It was the heart and emotion I poured into the composition that lifted up Jake. I had attempted to capture the feelings evoked by his skin glistening in the sun; the way his slim hips shimmied to the rhythm in the nightclub, the soaring feeling in my chest when he smiled at me, and the anger I felt when the wolf was being particularly stubborn. It all informed the song I had composed. I had tried to weave into the melody the freedom Billy inspired in me with his song, the comfort he gave me by confiding in me, and dominating it all, the abiding love I felt for Jacob.

I stared at the wolf; he was crouching down, his russet hand playing distractedly with the wildflowers while he listened intently. Reading his thoughts, I knew Jake was disregarding Abel's constricting interpretation, sterile as a lonely road. The weft of his thoughts made me realize that even my version wasn't the definitive one.

Jake's song was indeed a song of power, of mutability and change. It reflected his ever-shifting nature, as mercurial as the surface of the Quilayute River. Forever free, my Prometheus embodied chaos barely restrained. I glimpsed then why Jacob was immune to Alice's powers; his soul, like his body, knew no boundaries. 

Billy had sung the melody, which I managed to encapsulate briefly but the song was eternal and mutable. Like the jazz the piano player wrung from his instrument at the speakeasy, the melody existed briefly. It was akin to the ray of sunlight caressing Jake's smooth chest, an unlikely chain of coincidences that would go on forever.  The improvisation of jazz fitted Jake's song like a glove, as ephemeral and eternal as the rustling of the trees he loved.

I was relieved, sure that my song had prevailed and freed Jacob from the constraints of the hindering version the traitor wanted to impose. But then his mind became increasingly hard to read. It was as if Jacob was disappearing in the mist, his thoughts becoming murky and indistinct.

I was distraught. Had Abel prevailed at the end? Despite Jake disregarding the traitor's song, perhaps he had unwittingly assimilated it. Would Jacob be forced to stop loving me?

I walked towards him but Alec used his powers. I began to lose my sight and hearing, the world around me, already shrouded in the dying twilight, became nebulous and I despaired.

It was all in vain for I had lost Jacob.  

I turned to gaze dimly at the tall, proud Quileute standing two yards in front of Demetri and Ateara. The song had ended and Jake was distractedly putting the iPod in the back pocket of his jeans while Abel smirked in satisfaction.

My wolf's thoughts were unreadable and I wished then the Volturi would have the kindness to dispose of my existence.

"Why so sad?" Jake crossed his arms, frowning at me.

I wailed in the confines of my lonely mind. 'I have lost you'.

Jake growled, "No, you haven't! What the hell you talking about?"

It took me a few seconds to realize I hadn't spoken, and yet Jacob heard me.

oOoOo

'Edward, stop feeling so sad! It's driving me nuts!'

The emptiness that had been Jake's mind was filled in a rush, hitting me like a hammer. I was enveloped in a warm blanket of comforting, caring concern that wrapped around me like a snug jacket. The feeling was similar to Jasper using his powers to soothe me, but much better because it was meant only for me.  

'Edward, I'm hurt you'd think I'd ever give you up!'

Alec was sure the song had worked and he left me alone, so my senses returned. Jake was standing proudly, glaring at the Volturi. His broad shoulders were rigid with tension and his face was set in an expression of concern when he looked at me.  

There was a new strength to his mind as the full import of the moment hit me. Having heard the melody Billy had sung to give him his full name, Jake's full potential had been realized.

I was staring at the Alpha of the Quileute pack. Jake would not be able to shirk his obligations any more, and perhaps that had been Billy's intention since the start.  

'I'm sorry, Jake. I thought…'

I shied away from thinking about the utter abyss I felt when I believed Abel's song had prevailed but it was in vain. Jake read my thoughts.

'I wouldn't worry, man. Your song was great! Made me feel so alive!'

"Well, little wolf, are we agreed?" Aro said, interrupting our mental conversation. The leader of the Volturi expected that Jake would turn away from me in anger and shame. He was curious and increasingly angry that nothing of the sort occurred.  

Despite the warm reassurance of Jake's presence in my mind, I was troubled at our plight.

I raised my eyebrow.  'We won't be alive for long if Aro finds out his cute plan has failed miserably. He's intent on getting you to imprint on my future daughter.'

Jake shook his head. 'That's weird, man. Are all vampires so crazy?'

'No, doesn’t make it any better though. With all their powers…' Taking advantage of our mental link, I told him briefly about the strengths of our antagonists. 'So you see, we are damned.'

'Doesn't matter, Edward.' Jake thought smugly. 'I texted Sam.'

He sent me an image of the message. 'Sam, U & Paul & Jared can't touch the new Alpha.' Below were three words in Quileute.

I crossed my arms and shook my head. 'I don't see how that helps.'

'Wait, the message really means…'

But Aro had grown increasingly impatient. He suspected his plan had failed and began gliding with surreal grace towards Jake.

I measured the space between us, knowing that Alec wouldn't let me help Jake. 'Don't let him touch you, Jake! He'll know all you've ever known.'

Jacob backed away towards the trees while he looked at me.  'Those Quileute words? They twist the message around. Felt weird after the whole thing with the camera that caught us; like we were trapped, you know? Like they watch your every move and you don't know?'  

I nodded. 'I get it.'

Demetri and Santiago walked towards Jake, approaching him from both sides. The situation made me despair.  

'So the message to Sam really says: protect Leah!'  

I frowned at the two Volturi gliding towards him. 'So in effect---'

I made to run but Alec wrestled me to the ground and started using his power.

'Yeah, they'll shadow Leah and ambush the bloodsuckers that try to hurt her!'

I heard dimly Caius' bitter voice. "Your plan failed, Aro! It's time to force the wolf. Kill the blonde girl!"

Jake shouted, "No!"

The world lost focus because a black shroud took my sight and I couldn't hear anything. It was utterly demoralizing, as a vampire I was used to keen perceptions, to the superb vision and hearing that enabled me to function as a predator.

I didn't know if I was on the ground or if Alec was breaking my body. I couldn't sense the blades of grass or the stalks of the flowers. I was cut off from the world and yet Jake's presence remained in the core of my mind. He was my sole comfort.

'Edward, grab my eyes!'

I wondered what my wolf meant and then I was dazzled by renewed vision. I saw myself writhing on the ground, my hands clutching at the grass while a grimace of pain distorted my features. Alec stood just one foot away from me, sneering down.

I realized I was seeing the scene through Jacob's eyes. Using our newfound connection, the wily wolf had lent me his sight and so, together, we would be able to circumvent the powers of the Volturi's deadliest weapon.

I gauged the distance and direction to Alec's leg, moving my arms to check their position from Jake's point of view.  Guided by Jacob's sight, my left hand darted towards Alec's ankle and I yanked him down, turning my upper body to wrap my right arm around his neck.

Alec was very startled because in his long years no one had withstood his relentless powers; he was caught completely unawares. Vision and hearing returned to me in a rush and I was able to hear the sounds of the battle raging all around us.

Seeing I was safe, Jake evaded Demetri and Santiago, who were unsure about their orders. He rushed towards Felix and Jane, who were holding Rosalie as the other Volturi kept my family at bay. While I wrestled with the surprised Volturi guard, I gazed at Rose. Her beautiful face was twisted in a grimace of pain, and I was alarmed to note there were some cracks on her alabaster arm.  

Carlisle shouted to the Volturi leader. "Please, don't… don't do this!"

Aro laughed maniacally. "Caro mio, the little wolf has something I ---"

He was interrupted by threatening growls from behind the copse of trees to my left. I felt elated when I smelled the dog scent of the pack.

I could see the small grey wolf stalking towards Demetri and Abel; Leah was flanked by the huge black wolf, Sam. The sandy-colored wolf, Seth, darted towards Santiago who was menacing Jasper and Alice. He was followed by Quil. Embry passed me as I felt the earth trembling with the huge weight of the wolves. Jared and Paul brought up the rear; they were accompanied by a grey wolf and two black ones which I hadn't seen before. 

The situation had turned on a dime and now it was the Volturi who faced overwhelming odds. We had them in a vise, caught between my family and the pack.

The standstill lasted a moment and then all hell broke loose when Jake attacked. He'd managed to get close to the vampires who held Rosalie. I recognized the slight frame of Renata; she was Aro's personal bodyguard from what Carlisle told me. She and another one whose face I didn't recognize held my sister's arms. They snarled at Jake and pounced on him.

Jacob leaped in the air, his motion as graceful as when he'd jumped to get the iPod. He transformed in mid-air, pieces of denim from his destroyed jeans raining all around. He landed on the ground and when his paws touched the ground, the earth shook and clumps of grass were dislodged. The huge russet-colored wolf snarled at his enemies, his fur bristling.

The two Volturi attacked him and I dashed towards him, having knocked Alec so that he would stay out of the fight a little while. I was afraid that, given the failure of Aro's plan to control Jake and get the future weapon he wanted, he would try to abolish the threat my wolf posed by killing him.

The thoughts of the Volturi triumvirate teetered on the brink of ordering wholesale destruction. Caius seized the initiative to destroy his hated enemies, the wolves.  

"Kill the dogs!" The hateful vampire said, pointing at the pack. It wouldn't be so easy, since the Volturi had already been decimated even before the events that transpired. I read Leah's mind and found the information.  

oOoOo

Leah had been patrolling the Quileute border when she got Jake's call. She had called up Quil and Embry who were patrolling the La Push Road. It was Embry who had gone to alert the pack while Quil rushed to the west to meet her.

Leah immediately ran to the warehouse Jake told her about. She'd been there before and she knew it was on the other side of the town. She had run in her wolf form, hiding her trail in the trees alongside Russell Road. Thus she had faced completely alone the four Volturi guards that ambushed her just before she reached Mill Creek.

They had jumped on the lonely grey wolf and were about to finish her when Sam, Paul and Jared sprang on their backs from behind the woods. The four wolves had killed the guards efficiently and ruthlessly. Afterwards the two halves of the pack had met just on the outskirts of the Forks airport, and together they had reached the warehouse.

Leah had ordered them to meander through the woods and take a road that led them to approach us from the South rather than the North, in order to mask their scent. So they had skirted the Chamber of Commerce and the tannery that was there, effectively hiding the trait that would have given away their presence.  

There was a strong feeling of elation in Leah's mind, apart from the rush of the battle. I didn't have time to find out why, though. The battle was upon us.  

oOoOo

Sam pounced on Heidi and Jared on Demetri. The woman tried to entice the black wolf with her ability to seduce anyone into doing her wishes, but she couldn't concentrate. Brady kept yapping at her.

Jared was thrown to the trees by Demetri, breaking a huge pine in half. Meanwhile Abel Ateara tried to run towards the copse of trees behind him, from which the pack had appeared.

I wanted to go and catch him, but I was distracted by Bella. Obviously she hadn't grasped the mortal danger she was in. She should've run to the trees like the traitor did; instead, she stood still between Jacob and me. Her brow was puzzled in a frown as she tried to comprehend what was going on.

I was frantic when I noticed she knelt down next to the trunk she had stumbled upon. She was grappling with a branch. It was obvious that when she had seen me writhing on the ground, Bella remembered how she distracted Victoria and Riley when I fought them in the snow. She was trying to cut her arm, hoping that the irresistible scent of her blood would distract the vampires and afford us the opportunity to kill them.

The limb snapped and she held it up, pointing the sharp butt end at her forearm. It didn't work though, and I was deeply grateful for that. If Bella succeeded, all the Volturi would rush towards her and with their powers concentrated on a feeble mortal, she wouldn't stand a chance. It had been different with Victoria and Riley because there were only two vampires. With the Volturi, they would manage to kill Bella before we could save her.

I shouted, "No, Bella!"

Jake didn't even have to look at her. Following my thoughts, he rushed towards the vulnerable girl who had only managed to scratch her arm without drawing blood.

He had caught a glimpse of my father and brother fighting. The russet-colored wolf growled, 'Seth and Embry, get those bloodsuckers that are attacking Carlisle and Emmett.'

'Man, shouldn't we protect Leah?' The sleek grey wolf shook his muzzle. It would seem that Embry didn't understand.

The russet wolf roared, 'DO AS I SAY!'  

Faced with the Alpha command from Jake, his two friends ran to help Emmett and Carlisle, who had been fighting Santiago and Corin.

One on one, I had no doubt Carlisle and my big brother would have won easily, but the Volturi were protected by Renata and her mental shield which made enemies forget their intentions, rendering them easy prey.

Carlisle and Emmett could barely defend themselves faced with this mental threat, and the two Volturi men had it easy.

Jacob was tackled by another Volturi, fortunately without any special power. I went to help him, keeping track of my family in case they need my help.

oOoOo

Rosalie kept urging Emmett, "Don't listen!" She was fighting other Volturi though and my father and brother remained under Renata's sway until the wolves arrived.

Renata wouldn't find it so easy to distract four relentless foes and I sighed in relief, knowing that their situation was controlled.

I saw from the corner of my eye Esmée helping Alice. The two stood back to back, defending themselves against Afton, Chelsea and Felix. I rushed to them and wrestled Felix to the ground.

However, Bella was left alone. Seeing her so vulnerable, Caius decided to eliminate her. The hateful blond ordered Jane, "Kill her!"

Alice looked up hearing that, and she saw how defenseless Bella was. She left Esmée's side and rushed to her friend. I waited for Aro to countermand the order but it was useless. The leader of the vampires was defending himself against Sam and Paul.

Jane gloated, her elfin features twisted in a grimace. "Foolish girl! Since your saviors are distracted, I'll kill you!" She motioned for Renata, who left the other Volturi to fend for themselves and glided towards the women.

Alice had approached Jane, intent on killing her if necessary to save Bella. My sister still hoped I would come back to Bella!

Since the place was filled with wolves, Alice's clairvoyance was useless and she was just an ordinary vampire. She couldn't predict any move.

Alice yelled, "No, you won't!"

My sister fell immediately under Renata's distracting mental shield and the Volturi's powers made Alice decide to go shopping! She smiled at me and went away whistling, thinking about the fabulous Milanese collection.

I shook my head and threw the vampire aside, rushing to Bella. Bending down, I yanked Jane's arm to keep her from killing the girl I had once intended to marry. And then…

I had the urgent need to listen to Beethoven's late quartets. They would surely provide me with great ideas to finish composing Jake's sonata! Hell, I could even compose another song for him. The battle had been a source of inspiration!

The wolves growling as they attacked, the twigs snapping under their paws and the trees breaking in half when the Volturi and the wolves crashed against them; Rosalie shouting and Bella yelling, I had to write it down!   

I smiled and took a step back. Suddenly Jake hit me, metaphorically speaking.  

'What the hell, Edward? I know you love composing, still…' The wolf shook his head, pausing for a moment as his fur bristled.

Jake snarled, his dark eyes watching me intently as he read my mind. 'Oh, I get it, the leech girl has a weird power…. hold on to me.'

My wolf's strong will served as my anchor and I shook free from Renata's distracting shield. I still wanted to compose or even watch TV, but Jake's concern and strength prevailed, though the distraction seeped into part of his mind. Jacob had the sudden urge to tinker with the motor of his Rabbit!

It was an itch like mine and this time, it was I who anchored the wolf to the here and now.  Together, we evaded Renata's power and we advanced on her.

Seeing us coming determinedly, she retreated while she shook her head. She was very confused about the reason her power, just like Alec's before her, had failed to affect me.

Jake's jaws closed on Jane' arm. Before she could inflict pain on him, the wolf hurled her petite body and sent her crashing into a tall cedar. The ominous cracking sound was just one of many that came from all sides of the clearing. There were cries of the hurt Volturi mingling with the growls of the wolves and the shouts of my family. The smell of crushed grass and plants, the sap of the broken trees and the smell of wet dog pervaded the battlefield in the waning light.

We had the definite edge. The Volturi had become timid and unsure, having observed how I easily I withstood the seemingly insurmountable powers of both Alec and Renata.

They had realized by now that the guards they sent to kill Leah had been eliminated. Their ranks decimated, the Volturi knew that if they kept fighting they would inevitably lose.  

oOoOo

Jake snarled, his ears pointing back. 'Remember the tiny leech?'

'Sure, you wanted to use her as hostage.'

He grinned wolfishly. 'We can do that, man,'

I look around at the field. 'Let's do it, Jake.'

Athenodora was near the copse of trees on the right side of the battlefield. We ran to her and advanced upon the guards flanking the waifish vampire. I wrestled the man to the ground and took hold of his arm, yanking it back with such ferocity that it broke off. Meanwhile Jake had pounced on the other man; his enormous jaws closed on the forearm and he snapped his mouth shut, amputating it. 

There was another guard, a slim vampire that fought a cunning grey wolf uselessly. Embry prevailed though, and killed the woman.

While we were closing on Athenodora, Afton had used his strange powers. His mental shield allowed him to pass through the wolves undetected.

He took a position behind Seth and pounced on him. Grabbing the sandy-colored wolf around the torso, Afton closed his arms like a cruel vise and broke Seth's ribs.

The wolf howled and suddenly shifted. The teen writhed on the ground while Leah howled in anger and Jared joined her attack. Leah's jaws closed around the Volturi's neck with such force that he was decapitated.   

But the damage had been done. Seth was grievously hurt.

'They hurt Seth!'

Jake wanted to find out what was going on with his friend but I held him around the neck, with my other hand motioning to the Volturi who were retreating.

"Seth, are you all right?" Jasper yelled; approaching the Quileute boy he used his powers to soothe him as best he could. Carlisle crouched near Seth and gingerly touched his chest.

I smiled at the huge dark eyes of my wolf. 'Do not worry, love. My family will take good care of Seth. Meanwhile…'

The wolf nodded. I grabbed Athenodora's arm as Jacob shifted. He held her other arm while I tried mightily to concentrate on the dying battle and not on the magnificent body by my side. His broad shoulders seemed to soak up the light of the dying day, tapering to the slim waist which was pearly with sweat.

Jake shot me a confident smile but then scowled at our prisoner, remembering what the Volturi had done to a member of his pack.  

'We should kill this leech for what they did to Seth.'

'I wouldn't advise that, Jake. She's Caius mate; he would be enraged. Remember what happened with Victoria?'

'That crazy, blood-thirsty leech?'

I nodded. 'She tried to avenge the death of his mate and wreaked havoc on us.'

Jake looked at the blond vampire who was busy conferring with Aro and Marcus. 'So we kill the blond.'

I tried to dissuade Jake. I didn't want to face the remnants of the Volturi intent on killing every one of us. They would consider the downed vampires on the clearing as war casualties and move on, but if we killed their leaders we'd have an endless war on our hands.

I smiled at him. 'We could, but it would bring Aro's wrath on us.'

Jake motioned to the Volturi. 'He's angry already. This leech can see the future, she caused Arthur's death! She'll keep an eye on us with her freak powers!'

I shook my head. 'Doesn't matter, Jake. She can't see the wolves in her visions. Besides, after today I bet Aro won't trust her premonitions.'  

I read Carlisle's thoughts as he carefully set straight the Quileute boy's ribs. I nodded at Jake, urging him to face to the left. Jasper was holding Seth with tenderness, nodding at us as he started to walk away from the battle, bearing his precious cargo.

Jake looked at them, smirking in satisfaction when he noticed Alice was fuming.

oOoOo

The Volturi had retreated; they formed a circle around their leaders while surrounded by the pack and my family. Jane was telling Aro what she had observed and the leader shook his head sadly. "I saw it all, cara."

I shouted at him. "Aro, surely you realize by now you can't vanquish us!"

Marcus put a hand on the cloak of the sanguinary leader. "Young Cullen is right. We are surrounded; it would seem our guard has proved to be particularly inept."

"I'm not at fault! I don't know how he did it!" Alec bristled while he glared at me.

Seeing the enraged expression on the handsome vampire's face, Jake took a step towards me. It didn't matter that he was naked; Jake would face the Volturi clothed with the dignity of an Alpha of the Quileute pack. In the aftermath of the battle my eyes greedily drank the gorgeous sight of my wolf.

Caius snarled, "We should kill all Children of the Moon! I hate them!"

Aro corrected his brother. "Dear, you know they aren't true werewolves but shifters."

"Doesn't matter, I hate them!"

"As I've told you, we can come to an agreement!" Carlisle walked toward the Volturi, followed by Esmée and Alice. The women didn't trust the Volturi like my father did, and I agreed with them.

The wolves kept growling, their fur bristling as they showed they were ready to take care of the Volturi. Their presence was exerting psychological pressure on the vampires.  

Realizing he was outnumbered, Aro relented. He turned to Carlisle. "What would you have of me, old friend?"

Carlisle motioned to Leah. "Won't you shift, dear? It concerns the pack and the Alpha should be present."

"I am the true Alpha, Doctor Cullen." Jake strode resolutely towards the Volturi. I followed him, leaving Athenodora behind. It seemed pointless to take her as hostage now, since the Volturi were ready to acknowledge their defeat.

Caius sneered.  "The little dog? I don't think so."

In midstep, Jake shifted and leapt on the blond vampire. The guards moved but they were too late. The wolf's huge jaws closed around the vampire's throat, silencing him at long last. Caius trembled in fear.

Jake sent me a mental message. 'Edward, ask them about the DVD.'

'You think they would use them against us? They'd be revealed, too'

'I don't trust these fuckers, sunquima. Better get them to cough it up now when they're weak.'

The mental imagery that accompanied Jake's words warmed me. There was trust and love in the simple Quileute words and I heartily agreed, Jake had proven to be 'my hope' time and again.

'Glad you think so, Edward, but ask them.'

A bit irritated at the wolf reading my thoughts, I asked Aro, "Where is the DVD you stole?"

The jaws of the russet-colored wolf tightened around Caius' throat and he screamed.

Aro sighed resignedly. "Athenodora?"

The small woman walked towards the leader. At a mental order from Jake the wolves stood motionless, allowing her free passage to the Volturi while she deftly took the disc from beneath her cloak. She handed it to Aro and the vampire turned towards Jacob.

"Here it is, dear wolf. I must say you've proved very adept."

Aware of Aro's intentions, I warned Jake. 'He wants to touch you and find your secrets!'

Jake scooted away, keeping Caius' pale throat in his jaws.

I shouted, "Throw the disc! You'll understand if we're wary of your touch."

Shrugging delicately, the vampire did as told and threw the disk at Jake's feet.

After Emmett picked up the DVD, Jake shook his head forcefully and flung the blond vampire around as if Caius was a rag doll. With a mighty shove of the huge wolf, the vampire whirled through the air and hit a tall cedar with a loud thumping sound. The wolf turned and walked away, transforming midstep into Jacob.  

Crossing his arms, Jake turned to face the Volturi, defiance written in his face. "You'll leave us alone! You won't bother the pack, the Cullens or Bella anymore. She's free to do what she wants."

After conferring with Marcus and the chastised Caius, Aro nodded wearily. Reading his mind, I was about to object when I realized Aro's labyrinthine plans concerning Bella might actually help us.

Aro acknowledged the Alpha of the pack. "We'll do that."

"Do I have your word?" Jake spit out the next sentence. "Though I wonder if a bloodsucker's word is any worth."

Aro smiled sadly, and for a moment I could glimpse his millennial age in his weary features. "You have my word, wolf."

With this concession the battle came to an end.

oOoOo

After the Volturi left the clearing with rather dazed expressions on their faces, I took off my pants and gave them to Jake. Though I enjoyed very much seeing him naked, I was a bit jealous of the effect the stunning wolf would have on others.

Jake took them out of my hand, smiling broadly. "Never took you for the jealous type, Edward."

I shuddered when I realized any secrets I might have would inevitably be explored by the curious wolf, who apparently had free passage into my mind.  Nevertheless I welcomed this warm mental link that was meant just for me. I felt Jake's thoughts swirling inside my head and my own mind inside Jacob.

There had been a time, not so long ago, when I despaired at the thought of remaining unheard and lonely. Playing eternally an unaccompanied sonata, a forlorn piano reflecting my lonely life. It didn't matter how richly the instrument sounded if it had no other company. Those melancholy thoughts were gone because Jake's mind darted around my own like a hummingbird.

I knew that as long as Jake was beside me, I would never be alone again. Bella had been an impenetrable wall and I could never know what she was thinking; whether she was obsessed by the eternal youth I offered her or by my charm. In contrast, I knew Jacob inside and out. I was sure he loved me for myself.

Bella could never truly understand me. She never understood that my behavior, which her friends thought was obsessive, in reality meant I wanted to protect her, to prevent her from being killed like Arthur. She was unwilling to get to know my real self.

Jake took the initiative to find out about me. Sure, as a result of his song he was able to read my thoughts; the funny thing was that he didn't need to do it. He knew me well enough before this fateful day; being able to read my mind was the icing on the cake.

I looked at him, his shapely body framed by the woods behind him, and I smiled. Jake had proved to be as sturdy and strong as those trees, able to withstand whatever the Volturi threw at him.

I frowned when I followed his train of thought, because he was keenly watching Bella. The mortal girl was between Alice and Esmée. Alice had given her the leather jacket and was holding Bella's shoulders while Esmée talked softly to her, asking her if she was hurt.

"Guys, what's going on?" Embry said, walking up to us. He was joined a moment later by Quil.

"Spill it, Jake. You two," Quil said, pointing at us, "are acting more lovey-dovey than usual."

Rosalie sauntered towards us, sticking her hands in her jacket. "Jake's fellow canines are right. What's up?"

"Hey, Blondie." Quil grinned at my sister, who shrugged nonchalantly before grinning briefly.

Seeing Quil reminded me of his traitor uncle. I frowned while I listened to the mental voices all around me. The Volturi felt like a disturbed hive, far away. They were a counterpoint to the strong, passionate voices of the pack and my family. There was no trace of the traitor, though. Had he escaped?  

I said, "Where's Abel?"

"My uncle?" Quil looked up and turned to face the copse of trees. "Saw him walking towards the trees but I was busy fighting the leeches."

Paul called out from afar. "Sorry Quil, I stumbled on his body. Abel's neck was broken."

Quil shuddered. "Didn't like him but he was my uncle. What was he doing here anyway?"

"Well, he was a traitor, Quil." Jake spoke bluntly, knowing that saying the truth now, however unpleasant and awful, was better in the long run. "He betrayed us. Wanted to twist my song so I'd imprint on Edward's child."

Embry whistled admiringly. "You have a child, Edward?"

I shrugged. "In the future, Embry. They had a vision I'd have a daughter with Bella who'd be Jake's imprint. They wanted Jake to imprint on my future child to get the powers of his offspring."

Quil hadn't listened to the explanation. He was in shock at the betrayal of his uncle. Embry noticed this and didn't say anything more; he wrapped his arm around his pack mate. "Doesn't matter about your uncle, Quil. We respect you for who you are."

Turning to look at Jake, Embry tried to distract Quil by asking Jacob, "So you finally heard the song."

Jacob nodded, his hand slipping naturally into mine. "Sure did, man. It was awesome!"

He smiled widely at me, his teeth shining in the moonlight as he squeezed my hand. "Edward wrote me the best song there's ever been."

I said softly, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jake."

Rosalie wrapped her arms around Jacob's muscled torso in a tight hug. "I knew you'd like it, Jake." She smiled at me over his shoulder. "Had to give Edward some advice, he's such a fuzzy composer."

"He isn't, and that song's great!" Jake mumbled against her pale neck. "Thank you, Blondie! I'm glad you came through the fight in one piece."

I was a bit irritated at Rosalie's words, though I had to admit her advice had been crucial.  

"As the guy said, spill it, boys!" Rosalie said, taking a step back and frowning at us. She was delighted by the developments but she was also very curious.

Jake looked around the field. "Where's Leah?"

Rose motioned to the North. "She went to our home; she wanted to make sure Seth was all right."

"What did Dr. Cullen said?" Jake asked.

"I said that the young man will be fine." Carlisle joined our group, smiling at me. He had his right arm around my mother's waist. "Seth had two broken ribs, which I immediately set right. At home we have equipment so we can monitor his progress." He nodded at Jacob. "If that's ok with you?"

"Sure, Doctor."

 Esmée smiled at Jake. "Now if you will excuse us, dear.  I'll go and make sure Seth is doing well and is fed well."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cullen!"

Esmée leaned forward and kissed Jacob's cheek, afterwards patting it gently. I was amused to see him blushing.

"Call me Esmée, dear. After all, you're part of the family now."

"I am?"

I kissed his cheek. 'Sure Jake. She'll be feeding you lots of food in no time, you'll get very fat.'

Jake growled, playfully hitting my shoulder. 'No way, man! You'll keep me thin.'

As he walked away, my father said over his shoulder, "And call me Carlisle, Jacob."

oOoOo

Alice approached us, gingerly holding Bella's arm. She sniffed haughtily. "I'm taking Bella home. The poor dear has suffered a lot."

Bella gently disengaged herself from my sister. "I can do it alone, Alice, thanks."

Smiling shyly at us, Bella wrapped her arms around her torso.

"Are you fine, Bells?" Jake touched her shoulder. "Did you hurt yourself when you fell?"

"No, Jacob, I'm fine, a bit dazed is all."

Obviously Bella felt out of place; I couldn't help but see her gaze straying towards our joined hands.

Bella shivered; she wrapped the leather jacket tightly around herself and then apparently changed her mind. "Won't you take me home, Alice?"

My sister nodded and the two women walked away into the night.

I could read in her mind how irritated Alice was at the fact that Jasper had left her to carry Seth on his arms.

There was a hint of jealousy in Alice's mind. I wondered if maybe her strong fixation with Bella wasn't something she did to compensate, to take her mind off her marital problems with Jasper.  

'Good thinking about the pixie, Cullen.' Jacob's thought startled me so, I had to take a step back. I was struggling with the new link between our minds. Though it was exhilarating and refreshing, I felt the same irritation Jacob experienced when I read his mind.

'Jake, stop reading my mind!'

He smiled winsomely. "Cant' wait to find out about your fantasies, man.'

I groaned.

Rosalie impatiently tapped her foot against the grass. "Boys, come on! You're both acting weirder than usual." She narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"

Emmett walked up to us and wrapped his arms around Jake and I. "So what's your secret, guys?" He poked my ribs. "Don't tell me Jake can read your mind?"

I nodded slowly, enjoying the startled reactions from the pack, Rosalie, and Emmett.

oOoOo

"Did you see their faces, Edward?" Jake was sauntering through the empty warehouse, sniffing in disgust at the smell of burnt vampires. It would seem that Carlisle had been quite thorough before he returned home. It meant that Seth wasn't hurt badly and so my father hadn't been in such haste.

"They were funny, I must admit." I said, caressing his smooth wrist.

"Rose was a bit jealous, I noticed."

"She has always been close to me and now to you." I explained, opening the door to the parking space.

"Well, glad she was there. She must be great at baseball." Jake said, remembering her throwing him the device.

"She is, Jake. Wait until you play against her."

Jacob stuck his hands in the pockets of the pants as he walked barefoot in the grass towards his car. Rosalie's BMW was speeding away. She touched Emmett's shoulder, winking at us from the rearview mirror.

Jake yawned and his gaze strayed up when he heard the sound of a plane lifting up from the Forks airport. As he followed the red taillights that finally disappeared in the clouds, I didn't want to be anywhere else but beside him.

'Same for me, with you I'm home.' He winked at me.

I enjoyed the sight of the wolf in the tight pants. As he strode towards the car, he was silhouetted by the moonlight. His bare shoulders moved gracefully while his legs took huge steps.  

It was quite a sight which I enjoyed more because of what we had gone through. Jacob had chosen me time and again; despite the Volturi traps he stayed loyal and constant. He was mine just as much as I was his, in mind and body.  

'I feel the same, Edward. You stood by me and wrote me the song. It was your love that called me to it. Can't say how but I know it was you, man!'

'No, the song was about you.'

Jake stood in front of the car. 'Edward, you put your soul into the song and it showed. I'm sure that's how I can read your mind.'

'What do you mean?'

He covered his mouth, but finally yawned hugely. 'When you wrote it, you made it your own, too. You wrote about us and it touched my soul.'

I touched the rearview mirror a bit nervously. 'Are you sorry?'

It worried me that Jacob would eventually grow tired of reading my mind and whatever boring thoughts I had.  

Jacob hugged me tightly. It would have been painful for a mortal, but to me it was a sweet caress. 'Never, Cullen, never.'

Jake was sleepy. The stress of the mortal fight has taken its toll on him, he'd also fretted if his cunning plan to protect Leah would succeed. The constant worry that they would separate us or hurt Bella and the added anxiety of protecting her - all of it had been pretty stressful.  

"Let me drive, Jacob."

Jake touched gently the red paint of the car door and finally he nodded slowly. 'Only if you let me drive your car later. Wanna visit Seth.'

I smiled at him while he walked gingerly to the passenger door, trying to avoid the pebbles of the parking lot. "I will, Jake, though I can't promise I won't be a back-seat driver."

"Whatever, man." He opened the door and got in.

As I drove us away from the lonely warehouse, he spread his arms and nodded at me. I turned on the radio and fiddled with the knob until I found an oldies station. A bit later, Jacob fell asleep listening to Joni Mitchell's 'Both sides now.'  

I smiled tenderly at the sleeping wolf, who wiggled on the seat until his head burrowed against my shoulder. A strong feeling of protectiveness and tenderness washed over me. I loved Jake in all his many facets; from the strong man who had stood his ground so valiantly that day, to the sleeping boy that started to snore as I drove through Bogachiel Way.

I smirked at the erotic scenery that populated Jake's vivid dreams. He was full of surprises.

We truly were one and I would make sure that he stayed safe, forever.

I bent down to kiss Jake's forehead, whispering against the warm, soft skin, "Good-night, sweet wolf."

Chapter twenty-two

Comments

[jeri-1116.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah! will def read tonight before bed.

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Thank you! There's lots of action.

[muoi pham (from livejournal.com)]

I like it! It's great that the wolves/shifters kicked Volturi ass! Although it was unexpected, it was great that you paired Jasper and Seth up! Go Seth!

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Yes, they caught the Volturi by surprise. Jasper needs Seth, and not someone like Alice :)

Thank you!

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Loved it lots- especially J & E defeating the Vulturi through a combo of brawn and smarts. Also Abel getting what was coming to him :)

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

The Volturi thought they had it easy, intercepting Jake's phone and using Athenodora's visions. They didn't count on Jake outsmarting them though, or the deadly combo J/E :)


They used what they had and won over Aro and cohorts. I loved writing the scene where Jake deals with Caius :)

Abel got what he deserved. He was set on forcing Jake to do what he wanted.

Thanks!

[jeri-1116.livejournal.com]

Wow this chapter was packed, and I gotta say I loved it. Loved the way the scene with the music played out and how the wolf pack came through for Jake and the Cullen's. Glad Seth isn't hurt too bad and good for Abel, the jackass.

And now Jake can hear his thoughts... awe!

In other news, Alice is ticking me off big time. Kinda feel sorry for Bella here, and it looks like she may be a little annoyed with Alice as well.

Great chapter can't wait for more.

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

The moment when Jake heard the song had to be special and dramatic. Abel would have been able to bend him to do the Volturi's doing if Edward hadn't composed his song so passionately.

Jake outwitted the vampires, and between the pack and the Cullens, the Volturi were done. Their powerful weapons couldn't deal with Jake and Edward's mind link.

Seth is hurt, but he's being taken care of by Esmée and Jasper. Alice is not amused at all :) Abel got what he so richly deserved.

Alice may be trying Jasper's patience too much.

Thank you!

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

The moment when Jake heard the song had to be powerful indeed. Edward's passionate version prevailed over the traitor's restricting one.

The Volturi didn't see the pack coming! The Cullens and the pack together are deadly.

They're peaceful, but I wonder how will Edward react when Jake snoops around in his thoughts :)

Thank you very much!