49; bonds you'd never imagined

Just to clarify; Jace, Elias and Jasper form a very odd trio in every aspect.

Jace shuffles on his bare feet behind them, looking around the house with purpose so he has something to do other than feel sorely out of place. Jaspers attention is entirely on his mate, eyes keep scanning up and down him with expert analysis, one fists is clenched at his side; the other hand is soft on Eli's lower back as they walk into the house.

Elias is trying to think of the best way to be a host and to ease the tension when he hears this painful wet sound from upstairs. Any thought of himself or their trio or anything else is lost. Instantly, he's appeared in the living room alone, catching the scene of Rosalies somber face rubbing between Bellas shoulders in sympathy. Elias feels himself soften as something in his chest twists painfully. "What's the matter? Why are you crying Bella?"

"Oh' Elias," the human hiccups, looking up in shock, eyes red with tears. At seeing him, she holds her arms out, wanting to throw herself up and around him in a hug like she's always done. Elias delicately kneels at her feet, bending forward so he's available for her to hug him. He's very careful to tilt his nose to his own shoulder so he isn't near her neck- not that the appeal is as urgent as it was only a few hours ago since he's fed recently. Bella clings to him with all her strength, struggling to get words past her hiccups, "Y-you were go-gone, they said, said-"

"-I'm fine now," Elias interrupts her as she can't seem to get anything else out. He gives her a kind smile, a true one, "look at me Bella, do I look like someone who's been hurt?"

Bella's trying to look at him through her blurred vision. She blinks harshly, taking in the aftermath of a fight. Despite the cloth he used to wipe his mouth, he has smudges of blood on his face and chest, his hairs all wind swept out of his eyes, there's black ash along his body and his shirts burn up to his elbows. It's all signs to show he's fine, that sure he was in a fight but he's here now, he's solid and strong and smiling at her. Yet she can't get past the mental image of him in the woods, surrounded by wolves, getting closer and closer... "You were all alone."

"I am capable of defending myself alone you know," Elias laughs darkly, tutting at her need to fret, although justified. He brings his hand up and carefully wipes a tear from her sharp cheek.

She leans into his touch, no matter the temperature. "I'm just so used to helping you," she explains.

Elias understands her breakdown. He understands as from the first moment he play fought with Emmett, from the moment he opened his eyes and recognise danger- although it wasn't true to the word. See he's always so used to protecting himself as a duo, not by himself. Every instance where he's called to fight, every moment he burned in protection- he wasn't alone. He was the flame, sure, but Bella was the oxygen.

"I know. It feels weird for me also," he tells her, running slow circles against her cheek. The look in his eyes is honest and open and despite not being the familiar grey they used to be, his current cider colouring is just as easy to understand. It makes Bella's heart soothe.

Then Eli's face transforms, walls come climbing up, his smile beckons into something sharp. "Stop lingering Jace," he calls, looking over his shoulder, making the human realise they're not alone in the living room now. She jerks her vision to the staircase, a little awed as to how Jasper and Jace stand next to each other calmly, like they're comrades or friends.

"Great, more wolves," Rose mutters, as if everyone can't hear her.

Elias flips her off in defence of his friend. It makes Bella laugh again.

"Jace," she calls in encouragement, rising one hand up, wanting to go towards him like she usually would. Elias feels bad for her- she was also so affectionate and lively before the pregnancy, especially towards her loved ones.

"Hiya Bella," the wolf smiles bashfully, his unease clear. He's very careful in the way he moves to sit next to Bella, on the opposite side of Rosalie- who sniffles in distaste but doesn't distance herself, just incase Bella needs her.

"Just get comfortable already Cameron, no one's going to stop you," Eli orders, eyes harden on the blonde woman,  "If they try, they have me to answer to," he promises, standing proudly with splattered blood and ashes on him- it's clear no one will try stop him or question his judgment.

Bella laughs again. It's a light sound in this dark time and it makes Jace relax even further.

Jasper doesn't make noise as he moves, but Elias is aware all of the same when he hovers behind the newborn. He's not unsure but he is so delicate in the way he presses his palm into Eli's spine, asking him to move, to leave, to come. It's amusing how Elias knows that, without even reading the blondes face or asking.

Eli leans back into him, allowing the press of his mate too make him feel a little less torn. "I'm going to get cleaned up, I'll be back within the hour. Say my name if you need me, I'll hear," Elias dismisses, aware Jasper needs his attention now. He spares one moment to his sister, ordering, "stop stressing."

Bellas lip twitch in containment of whatever she wants to say. Something sarcastic no doubt, Elias is sure since it's a trait they both unconsciously copied off each other.

As they leave, Jaspers hold on him is tight and grounding. As if Elias is going to disappear. They're human in pace and calm in language, but Elias can feel the urgency of wanting to be alone. Of getting Elias somewhere cornered and hearing everything that happened out his mouth.

Elias knows without a doubt that Jasper is going to be very, very murderous.

Since there's so many people with hearing in the house and privacy is somewhat impossible, the blond takes Elias into the bathroom. He shuts and locks the door, which really shouldn't send heat travelling into Eli's stomach like it does, before he crosses the room and turns on the shower. The noise of it should cover some of their words for everyone else- it's a very clever thing to do.

Elias, in response, tries to prolong the inevitable- he starts slowly unbuttoning the scraps of his shirt, humming to himself, as if it's just another day and he's about to shower normally and there's not dried blood gathered under his fingernails. He turns to the glass shower door, pointedly not looking in the reflection, not wanting to see the worry in Jaspers gaze.

"Elias," Jasper warns, in front of him, grabbing the newborn by the wrists, stopping in him his undressing. The blond moves one hand to his chin, trying move Eli's gaze up, to grab his attention so he can assess more clearly. Elias stops all together and jerks his chin from his mate.

Suddenly, Elias really does want to get in the shower. He wants to be clean, to not have the reminder of why he's so bloody, why everything is so fucked. He wants to forget the fight, wants to imagine he never felt death so close. "I'm fine," he says with false conviction, but it feels just as sour as Sams blood did.

Jasper doesn't say anything for a moment, then declares, "Liar."

Elias head snaps up, finally catching Jaspers gaze. A response is on his tongue, another diversion, another way to soothe the panic between them. But then Elias spots how deeply unsettled his mate is...Jaspers hands are shaking.

Elias didn't think a vampires hands could shake.

"Jasper, are you ok?" He asks, cradling the blondes jaw with soft hands, his own skin prickling in heat.

Jasper doesn't say no, not in words, but he overlaps Eli's hands and leans into his touch, grounding himself by the sense, by the realisation that Elias is okay, he's alive.

He doesn't even ask, but Elias starts to explain, to to guide him back from the edge of panic.

"I'm ok, I'm ok. I promise, it's fine, I wasn't even hurt that bad." Teeth against his neck, the loom of death, flashes back into Eli's mind. He was so close to being taken away from Jasper today; if he wasn't so gifted, if he wasn't so prepared from fighting with his siblings, if he was any other normal vampire, he would have died.

It must have shown somehow, must be written in his eyes and in the traces of his jaw because Jasper sees it without words. Or rather, he saw straight through Elias. He always has.

"Excuse me," the blond says quite simply, untangling from Eli, moving towards the bathroom door.

Red blares in Eli's mind. He's steps in front of Jasper. "Where do you think you're going?" He ponders quickly, a shiver dancing on his shoulders at how glazed Jaspers eyes have gone. Like he's very far away at the minute, like he's planning something taking up all his concentration.

"La Push," is all the blond gives, trying to go around him- Elias twists his body so he's in the way again.

"Jasper," Elias calls, trying to maintain eye contact, but the blond is still trying to step the other way. Elias squares his wide shoulders and mutters, "Jasper, please."

It's the begging that does it, it always is. He looks up, golden eyes lit up in absolute fury. In an anger older than the world, a fire that could rival Eli's own. He's looking at Elias but not seeing him, not exactly, not in the all consuming way he usually does. Proven when he states oh' so simply, "I'm going to kill every wolf that dared bare their teeth at you and then I'm coming straight back to you."

Jasper moves around him at a vampire speed. Eli is instant in jumping across the bathroom and blocking the exit, his arms spread wide, a pout working on his lips. "No, you're not," Eli declines, very seriously.

The blond sighs slowly. "Elias, please move to the side," he's says politely, impatient, as if they're discussing the weather and how they wish the rain to stop.

"Nope," the newborn hums, even going as far as to pop the p, just to be annoying. Jasper glares at him, so he decides to change tactic from annoying to downright frustrating. "You can try move me, if you wish to," he challenges in a tone that believes Jasper wouldn't do it.

He takes the bait instantly, hands grabbing Eli's hips to move him to the side. Elias slips out of his grasp, tries grabbing the blond from behind, going to twist one arm around his back in a hold that's painless for a vampire but is restricting. Elias doesn't even get to grab his wrist before Jasper is disarming him and pinning him to the wall, his strong body flush against Eli's back, hands pinning Eli's above the newborns head in a iron grasp.

"Shit," the newborn hisses, though it's less shocked and more aroused. It takes every bit of his control to not lean back and bare his neck to Jasper, to let the blond get rid of his negative emotions in a healthy way. Like fucking Elias through a wall or two and then when they're all loose and soft, talk it out.

Jasper must feel the same from the tightening of his trousers, the push of his hips against Eli's ass. His mouth comes to brush the open skin on Eli's neck, soft as a feather. "Let me go," he bargains, though the argument is lost in the way he's the one in control, the one holding onto Elias.

Got you, Elias thinks smugly, but doesn't say it. "I can't let you hurt them, not now," he denies, shaking his head, shaking the arousal away so they skip to the point of speaking. "I can't."

Jasper let's up on his grip, only to turn the newborn around and face him properly. The gleam of murder has subsided now, but only partially. "They attacked you Elias."

"I'm aware," is his immediate clipping response- not a tone you use to someone you love. He winces, but it only makes Jasper melt, as if Eli's rudeness is bashful.

"Then why?" The blond asks, very deliberately bringing his hand up to hold Eli's cheek again.

Elias leans into him. "They're Jace's friends," he sighs, burdened with the fact.

Jasper tuts, "And that means they can get away with hurting you?"

"They didn't get away with anything," Elias huffs in offence, "I tore into them pretty thoroughly, they'll take days to heal properly and thats just physically. They'll also never underestimate how much damage I can do alone, never mind when I'm surrounded by my coven."

Elias remembers as he speaks, the foggy memory of staring Sam Uley down across a kitchen table. Both of them human skinned and baiting the other, both of them unhappy but Sams is the only one with true purpose- he realised back then that Elias was dangerous.

Now he's got the scars to prove it.

Jaspers glee is poorly hidden at how capable Elias is at surviving, at coming home to him. But there's one thing he can't understand. "Forgiveness isn't your strong suit," he says surely.

If Elias was insecure, he'd take offence. But he knows his personality in and out now, he knows his strengths and his weaknesses. "No it isn't," he nods in agreement, "but family is. Jace is my friend," the weight of the word isn't lost between them.

The older vampire understands then. "Hurting those wolves would upset him," he sighs, weighted down by how thoughtful his mate is.

Elias nods. "And up until earlier today, I owed those wolves a debt. They killed Laurent for Bella and I, they allowed us to live, even if Sam wasn't happy that it was me, his rules of protecting human life still included me back then. Now, I've given them the same courtesy."

Jasper shakes his head, honey hair falling into his eyes. Elias tucks it away automatically. "Every minute I don't hunt them down and slaughter them is courtesy," he corrects very seriously.

The newborn snorts in laughter. "A true gentleman," he jabs, thought it's followed by a kiss, only short but packed with the intensity of what he feels. When he pulls back, Jasper tries following his lips, any lingering anger or fear now gone. Elias grins and slowly starts leading him to the running water, "Come on, shower with me my love."

•••

When Elias first realised that lines were being drawn, he hadn't fully realised how big the board was. He saw the line, he saw some of the players on each side- he didn't see the distance.

He never thought the wolves would be part of it. He never thought they'd be the first ones to cross the line they'd agreed on- he never thought it would be him pushing them back.

Now the treaty was void, broken by the wolves first, and the pack had split into two over the differences of their laws- to protect human life. Much like how the Cullen family had split with the same reason.

Elias could feel them, if he extended his mind out to track the heat. He could see how different wolves went into different directions. He could feel Jake, Jace, Seth and now Leah boarding the perimeter of their land. He could sense the other pack further out, in different directions, waiting for an opening that wouldn't come. They wouldn't attack now, not with their numbers down, not when they severely underestimated how easy Elias could destroy them when his mood struck. Nevermind everyone else.

All this over little human Bella Swan, he thinks, almost comically except no real humour comes to him. How can it when the girl is so broken looking, so pale and small as she lies on his chest, taking in the protection and warmth he offers?

No, he didn't feel very hopeful, but he was faking it the best he could. Anything to help his sister, to try make her smile, to feel better during these difficult times.

Unlike Edward, who continued to be a heavy presence next to Bella as she continued to deteriorate.

"Not all of us are like you," Edward comments under his breath mechanically, no tone giving away how he feels. He's very much a body without a soul, a man who's lived with agony for so long he can't remember anything else.

Elias wants to help him, he does, but Bella is his main concern- his number one. It's not as if he can take Edward to one side and thrash the ginger- physically or verbally. That wouldn't help, other than Elias himself.

You're aware the more you're being mean, the more stress you're putting her through? He thinks sharply, with intent for him to hear. Despite the harshness of his thoughts, he's very careful not to jostle the human on his chest.

Edward blinks, mulling the words."I'm trying not to do either," he sniffs.

Trying or not, you need to grow a pair of balls and actually talk to her. Do you even understand why she wants this? He thinks, his thoughts the sharpe edge of a knife.

Edward winces. "Because she thinks it's a part of me."

Fucking idiot. Elias takes a moment to check on Bella, her temperature is a little low again so he pours more heat from his skin to warm her. Then he thinks his answer strongly. Because it is a part of you. It's your child, as well as hers. You have a warped view of yourself Edward, but you're not a monster. She knows this, she always has, it's why she wants it.

Edwards mouth twists but his eyes are sharp as Eli's thoughts. He's watching them both, thinking it over. He can't argue with Elias; It was bizarre, how the both of them were so in sync. He used to believe he couldn't read Bellas mind, but it was almost as if part of it was always reflected back into Elias' head.  "You know her so well."

Sometimes I think I can understand Bella more than I can understand myself.

"I'm starting to realise that," Edward swallows, plunging himself into the availability of Eli's mind, ignoring the smoke around each thought and image. He can see snippets of memories, vague enough to not understand but still clear enough that he knows they're about Bella. About wanting her alive, about protecting her.

Eli's next thought is written on his face and in his mind. Now stop being such a dickhead. Do you really want her to feel alone during this?

The word alone brings forward a image in Eli's mind- darkness and depression clinging to it. Bellas room, her curled up on his chest much like the present- they're both human. They're both sad- but they're not alone. Never alone. Not with how close they're holding each other.

"I don't think she could ever be alone if you're here," Edward whispers, awed by the way he can see so suddenly.

But I'm not you at the end of the day, Elias tells, not burdened by the fact. She wants her soulmate as well as her brother.

Those words hit home. Edwards face crumples. "I don't want to lose her," he says in a broken whisper.

Elias wants to reach out and hold him but can't move Incase the human on him wakes up. He thinks through his affection instead, hoping words will soothe Edward, I don't either, but we can't control that. We can control how supported she is from her loved ones during this time. There's nothing worse than feeling alone whilst going through something terrible.

More images come to Edward, flickering like a tape, a hospital room, a fire, the woods- all of them are so vivid in hurt. Edward almost gasps before suddenly the connection between he and Elias is gone- snapped shut like Elias has slammed a door closed on his mind.

"Speaking of control," Edward swallows, almost lost from being thrown out. Eli's mind is back to how it used to be- words drifting to the surface every few seconds but that's it. Everytime he tries diving in, chasing one of the words to hopefully lead to sentences and images, it's like he's grasping after smoke.

Elias holds Bella tighter, as if someone is going to say she has to leave. "I'm okay. I wouldn't put Bella at risk like that. It's only been a few days since I fed."

"Are you sure?" Edward asks, always fretting about Bella. It's a common he and her share. Elias can't even be mad at him because he understands now- how fragile human life is when you love it.

Elias slackens, the edges of his lips twitching up. He pushed heat out of himself, wrapping Bella in a protective bubble and at the same time, pushes his memories to the front of his mind- every thought and feeling of thirst clear. There was struggle, but not to an extent that Elias was a danger. Not at the moment at least.

Edward gazes at it, picking apart the words and the images, understanding perfectly. There's shock on his face and Elias almost laughs as he pulls the heat back in his bones, severing the connection in his mind.

"How are you doing that?" Edward inhales, shaking past the dizziness as he tries throwing himself into Eli's mind and is lost to the smoke again. "That time in the tent, it felt like your mind cleared from fog to mist and I could scrape the surface of your thoughts. But at that moment, it became clear."

Despite not being related, Edward looks so much like Carlisle in that moment with the need to learn something. Elias almost laughs but the volume of the other vampires voice makes his brows pull together in panic.

Fucking hell, quiet down will you? I don't want anyone knowing.

Edwards lips tick for the first time in weeks. "You're aware that you're doing it?" He asks with awe.

Elias roll his eyes. Don't sound too surprised that I can control myself... dickhead.

"Heard that," Edward tuts, though he's used to it by now.

Elias answers via actual words this time. "You were supposed to."

It's Edwards turn to want to roll his eyes- he holds himself back however. Instead he lowers his volume to a whisper and asks, "how?"

Elias almost doesn't reply just to wind the man up, but it's the most human Edwards looked in weeks. So instead he answers. We know my gifts always been different in the way it works and I know Carlisle theorised it's because everyone's mind works different, so their gifts reflect that. But there should be some kind of organisation right? It shouldn't be random. I should be able to control it. I want to.

Thoughts swirl, trailing from his point and into the need to be in control- from his thirst and from the situation and from his gift. Edward never realised how much Elias hated not being in control- not to this extent.

Anyway, Elias pushes past his distraction, not wanting to share that, So I've been thinking about it in depth, tracking back and reflecting everything I can do from the moment it showed itself. Bella has been helping me, she's picked up times I use my gift even when I'm not realising. We also dissected everyone else's power and how they work. It's usually physical and mental gifts, right? So why does mine border on both? Why does hers-

He pauses, ripping the clarity of his thoughts away from Edward before he can reveal too much- he doesn't want him to know about that yet. That's not his secret.

I have different theories I've been testing, harmless really- and they've all been a miss. This is the only time someone's got a read on me. It's quite funny. This is the first time I've been thinking something sensible when you heard me- you're lucky yesterdays theory didn't work, because I walking around screaming 'vagina' in my mind for hours.

He's giggling now. He'd only chosen the word because he was sure once Edward had heard it repeatedly he'd start to cringe and that would tell Elias it worked- poor Victorian boy.

He looks close to cringing now. It makes Elias laugh harder.

"So what's the verdict?" Edward murmurs, "can you control it?"

There's a stirring on his chest. Elias looks down at Bella- she's smiling from the brief sound of Eli's laughter. He knows without a doubt she'll wake up now.

I can learn to, yes. But for now, keep it to yourself. I don't need any attention on me at the moment. He's quick to think that and cut the access to his mind, not waiting for a reply. Bella is awake now, her brown eyes light in question as to what Elias found amusing a moment ago.

"I'm making Edward uncomfortable," he grins, soft so she knows it's not serious at all. He doesn't want to worry her, not when she's so weak.

"Bella, how are you feeling?" Edward calls, sliding closer to them, taking her hands into his. Elias is pleased to see him trying to smile, to be nice land supportive to Bella. Maybe Elias got through to him after all.

"Hungry," she croaks, trying to cough past it but is interrupted my a wince. Elias has to be very careful in the way he wants to look away from her and her stomach- he can't stand to see her in pain. 

"Wanna try some pancakes?" He asks instead.

"Yes," she says instantly, rubbing her pregnant belly like it's talking to her. Probably is, it wouldn't surpise Elias. He'd been told weirder things.

Bella trades his touch for Edward, who holds her like it might be the last time he ever will. Bella looks so pleased by it, by him being nicer now and not distancing himself- Elias eyes them briefly with a thick throat before he leaves.

"How's the research?" The curly haired vampire calls once entering the kitchen. Jasper is sat on one of the stools, a thick leather book on the breakfast table. He's all comfy looking in Eli's hoodie and his hair pulled back into a small bun. It makes Eli's chest ache in want.

The look on Jaspers face however, makes his heart ache. He doesn't say the words 'bad', but Elias gets the answer either way.

"How are you feeling?" The blond asks back, watching Elias intently as he pulls ingredients out of the fridge.

Elias gives Jasper the same look the blond did moments ago.

"Give me a warning if you're about to lose control. I'll get you out," Jasper instructs, all soldier like.

Elias doesn't expressively say thank you, but he does round the table to press his lips into Jaspers scarred neck for a kiss before saying adoringly, "My love."

Jaspers smile could power a fucking city. Elias has to return to cooking instead of wanting to bed the blond over the god damn counter.

Elias is thinking plainly, not real importance wanting to come to mind as he cooks, his eyes tracking how blueberries leak into the golden colour of the pancakes. Like a vein against the skin of a wrist.

"If I ate some..." the curly haired boy twists away from the stove to where the blond sits behind him, brows raised in suggestion.

Jaspers eyes don't wonder from the book in his hands. "You'd have to cough it up, it's extremely uncomfortable," he advises, lips twitching as he knows Eli is tempted.

Just as Elias knows Jaspers talking from experience. Eli pauses, trying to imagine where Jasper would even think of trying human food- "Emmett and Nate," he giggles, shaking his head. Of course.

Jasper hums, "Emmett and Nate," he confirms in a sigh, twisting past another page of the book.

Elias, still giggling, turns back to the stove, caught up in the idea of the two boys coercing his mate into eating human food. Idiots, all of them.

Expertly, Elias picks up a spatula and flips the pancake, feeling the workings of a grin form as the food is evenly golden and crispy. Still got it, even if I don't get to eat them anymore.

Elias moves the pancake to the other stacked on the plate next to him before repeating the steps to make more. He hears and feels the warmth of Jake as he approaches the house, even before the click of the door opening gives away the fact he's entering. Eli stays on task, purposefully ignoring the wolf- they're in a stalemate and Elias can't spare the energy to sort it now. Not with his attention focusing on Bella.

Jake looks just as defeated as Elias feels when he peers into the kitchen, brought over by the smell of food cooking. He takes in the two vampires before focusing on the stove. "Pancakes?"

"No, roadkill," Elias mocks, flipping the food again.

Jake rolls his eyes. "Was Bella able to eat anything yet?"

Elias shakes his head grimly. With a sigh, he looks over at the younger teen and asks, "Would you like some?"

"Can I have chocolate chips?" He asks, sounding so childlike at that moment that Elias forgot about his resentment to Jake. It was unjust resentment Elias knows; Jake had learnt his lesson, he'd apologised and done more than enough to make up for it- Bella had forgiven him for hurting her.

"Sure," Elias says lightly. Then swallows, clawing back at his indifference to the wolf. It's easy to do with the simple mental reminder, he hurt your sister.

There must be a certain viciousness in his eyes as he remembers this that because Jake mutters, "Don't spit in it."

"He has better methods of torture," is Jaspers quick witted reply, not even looking up from his book. Elias loves that man.

Jake watches Jasper with a grim expression for a moment before turning to walk into the living room. As he goes, Elias can hear him mutter, "Of course, the first time I hear the dude speak and he's talking about torture, no wonder they're dating. They're perfect for each other."

Elias gives Jasper a sharp grin, "you hear that? We're perfect for each other."

Jasper just smiles to himself, all small but adorable. It makes Elias' stomach do a funny thing.

The newborn continues making pancakes until there's two stacks on plates. There's a considerable difference in size and quantity between the wolf and human and usually Elias would make a joke about it but he's too busy worrying about it Bella will eat at all. Though hope does come to him from how Bella perks up when he comes walking into the living room with the plate.

"Blueberry for the lady," Elias squats down to her eye level as she's still on the couch, her head rested on her husbands thighs. At the mention of food, Edward gingerly helps her sit up.

Bella flashes a weak smile to Elias for a thank you as he sets the plate on her knees, passing her a fork and knife moment after.

"And," Elias hands the larger plate to the copper skinned boy spread on the couch next to Bella, "Chocolate for a bastard," he grins widely, teeth flashing.

Jacob doesn't even react to the nickname, only grabs the plate from Eli hungrily. "Thank you honey," he replies in the same tone- overly sweet.

"Jake," he whispers, brows tugging. His quiet tone makes the supernatural in the room perk up. "Scoot over a little, I can feel how her temperature is going low."

Jake nods lightly, not making it obvious as he presses his side against Bellas. On her other side Edwards agonised expression cracks to show the newborn his appreciation.

It's silent then, just the sounds of forks against plates. Elias goes to watching out the window, hoping vaguely that Bella can keep the food down.

She does. The days goes and comes and it's all she seems to be able to eat- she makes the reasoning that the baby loves pancakes and Elias can't even deny her it because he's so happy she's keeping it down. Not that she looks any healthier- but small miracles.

"Don't do that," Jake mumbles, pain lacing his tone. They're all in the living room, pretending to be watching a film like the odd family they are. Elias looks across the room from where he's sat at Jaspers side to see how Bellas cold hand is in his warm ones. "Don't smile like I'm your favourite person in the world."

"You're one of them," she mumbles, her tone is true, real. She knows Jake loves her in a way she doesn't, but he had been her best friend first. He'd been Eli's too. "It feels complete when you're here Jake."

She frowns, skin pulling impossibly tight over her bones. Almost complete, but another person isn't close enough. "Elle," she calls, turning his way, the rest of her words in a language written on her face- a language only her brother understands.

Elias steps up, across the room before she can process, sitting Indian style on the floor in front of her. "I'm here," he assures, giving her a smile, placing his warmed up hand on her knee- ignoring how he can feel her bones under her paper like skin.

"Elle?" Jake questions, looking between the two. He'd heard the name before, but not from had the courage to ask. "Can I call you Elle?"

Eli turns to him with a face of fire."I'd rather you call me Hayden," he says too harshly, almost meaning it. Jakes face falls from its amusement.

"Be nice," Bella orders, her hand hand reaching out to overlap Eli's. The glint of her silver wedding ring rest on top of his black ring.

"Elias doesn't know how to be nice," Rosalie calls, looking at him with raised brows.

Edward lets out a clipped sigh- it sounds ridiculing even before he follows on with, "Pot calling kettle black."

Eli grins as Rosalie glares at the mind reader- especially as Nate and Emmett start chuckling to themselves. As everyone else smiles, just a little.

Jacob blinks a few times, looking around the room with furrowed brows. He hadn't seen this side yet, the joking, the atmosphere growing almost playful despite the hard times- he'd always enforced himself to see them as the Cullens, the horrible monsters... not as a family. Not the people Elias and Bella would die for, but the people they fit in with best.

The light atmosphere gets ripped from under their feet as Bellas weak smile transforms into strong heaving. Elias lunges for the bucket tucked under the side table for her, Jakes hand rubs soothingly on her spine as Edward quickly helps her lean to the bin.

Nothing comes out, only small whimpers as Bella shields her stomach with her hands. Elias doesn't know if its because all the room know her condition is because of the baby and she doesn't want their glares towards the child, or if she's in actual pain in that area.

"We need to find a way to get some food into her system," Esme sighs, looking at her daughter like everyone else, hopeless, concerned.

Bella stops heaving, falling back against the sofa in exhaustion, her head resting against Edwards shoulder- it sickens Elias how close their colour is now.

"If only I could see the fetus-" Alice starts, a ramble Eli has heard multiple times in the last week.

"-The baby-" Rosalie says the last word in a dreamy tone, a awe of admiration. The growl that rips from Edward and Elias tells her to shut up very quickly.

"-Maybe," Alice carries on, her eyes screaming at the two males to stop being so snappy in front of the human, "I could figure out what it wants."

The metal bin in Eli's hand bends around his clenching fingers. They know what it wants, to live, and whilst Elias wants that too- he wishes it isn't at Bellas expense. Never at his sisters expense.

"I think you might be right," Edward calls, hope sparking his tone for the first time in weeks. Everyone looks at him in question, Elias included, his chest feeling light and airy. "Jacob just had a idea," he explains.

"It wasn't a idea," Jake scoffs, leaning back on the couch, one hand still rubbing Bella's arm in comfort, "it was a snide comment."

Eli's black eyes connect to the wolf's, "Will it help Bella? What was you thinking?"

Jakes lips twitch as he nods- he'd never seen Elias so disgruntled, not even when he knew he was dying himself. "Possibly," he says the word like he wills it to be true. "I just thought that it's probably just looking for something to sink it's teeth into."

"He's thirsty," Bella gasps, cradling her stomach in what looks like guilt.

Oh. Elias knows that feeling.

"I know the feeling," Emmett ricochets Eli- in thought and expression. Like every black eyed vampire in the room.

Next to Emmett, Jasper looks carefully at Elias, begging him to leave the room and the conversation by his stoic expression, as if words of hunger can tempt Eli's thirst more than Bella's blood already does. He shakes his head, really just a twitch of his chin to one side, but Jasper understands. He's not happy about it however.

The newborn looks away from his mate as Edward starts talking, "If it's craving it's not gonna want animal blood."

"I have some O negative laid aside for Bella," Carlisle speaks quickly, moving to the kitchen.

Hold the fuck up, when did we have blood here?

The monster in Eli's body curls to the surface in a demand for control, to make Elias stop the feeling of being starved. It's instant and commanding with a plan and a excuse. This is fine, it says, this isn't killing. This is a blood bag and it'll stop your pain. Just ease the pain and you can be more of use, you won't feel as useless. Just get up and grab it, no one can stop you.

The words are clawing inside of him, trying to get past his restraint and make him react. The newborns frozen in attempt to not move, to lunge for the blood bag. It can't stop the way he tracks Carlisles movement like a hunter or how his throat flares a hundred times hotter than it ever has. The burn matches the way his skin heats and the metal bin in his hands starts glowing red.

He's aware of the people in the room, the vampires that will try to stop him. The wolf inside and the ones outside. But they'll be distracted, Jake is too busy being disgusted at the idea and everyone else is struggling themself. No one can move fast enough. Elias is a newborn, he's strong- he's not the fastest but he's strong. He'll take the blood and finally have relief.

Elias watches as Edward goes to Carlisle, to help find a cup suitable. They choose styrofoam, they cut the bag open- the scents in the air, across the room and in Eli's lungs instantly. It's so human, so nice- but tangy, because it isn't fresh. It's not a human body, not a vein that's warm and fresh. It's cold, he can feel that- he craves the warmth.

Humanity hangs on a thread, Elias feels very far away from his body, this dark part of his mind is in control and it's that part that whispers, maybe Bella can give you some blood.

"California," Elias croaks out through his daze. He can't tell if he's whispered or declared it in a shout, but the reaction is instantaneous. Jasper has Elias by the throat in the same breath Eli spoke, he's lugging Elias up and off his feet. Elias let's him, still able to make himself freeze and not fight despite how his eyes track the blood across the room.

Carlisle and Edward look up surprised at the noise, their expression showing guilt the moment they realise they'd been one track minded on Bella and not thought about the freshly turned vampire. Later on Elias will say how it's ok, they've all been focused on her, even Elias himself.

Bella watches her brother leave in Jaspers grip, Nate is straight behind the blond in action and is holding Eli's arms behind his back. she wants to say be careful, to not hurt him, but the words don't come out as she's too far focused on his expression; He looks liked a man being tortured.

"Sorry," she chokes the word out in heavy guilt.

Alice, only steps behind the trio, pauses at the doorway, giving her the best smile she can muster, "it's not your fault Bella" she tuts. Bella knows the words are half from herself and half from the boy who can't speak right now.

They end up outside the house and in the woods, underneath the dark night. Once the air is clean of human scent and he can't see blood, his normal mind comes back to the surface to banish the darkness. Elias loosens his stance in his families arms, finding a mild discomfort in the way he's being held. It's a surprise to feel how his skins not burning- must be how close Jasper is. Even the darkness knows not to hurt him by fire.

"Elle?" Alice calls, stepping in front of him. She scans his eyes, noticing how the humanity is there now. "You with us?"

"Yeah," Elias gulps tightly, which is a weird motion since Jaspers hand is across his throat. It's not unpleasant. "Hey Jasp? Mind easing up? I don't think I'm gonna bite anymore."

Jasper must look at Alice and ask a wordless question because she nods at him. Instantly, Eli's free of his confinement. He doesn't waste a moment in starting to walk off. "I need a few minutes," he whispers, struggle clear in his voice.

Jasper opens his mouth to ask if he's alright but Alices small hand pressing against his shoulder pauses the words. He looks at her, more tortured by the thought of his mate hurting than the burn in his own throat. 

Eli can't go far, not with the rival wolves surrounding the territory, waiting for a moment to attack. He distances himself from the house as best as he can though, to try and feel alone, to think. Maybe pretend things aren't as horrible as they are. He's been doing a good job at it so far, but who was he kidding? They're all dying out here and nothing can be done. They're trapped and helpless and Elias is fucking burning with the intensity of it all. How can he help anyone like this?

Elias just wants to protect the ones he loves.

The curly haired boy finds himself reclining on the flat soil, ignoring the way the dirt clings to his red cotton shirt- maybe it'll match the scuffed red converse he refuses to take off. Much to Alices annoyance and his own amusement. He sighs again, only coaxing the burn in his throat as exhaling means inhaling- the tinted taste of earth, soil and wet dog isn't exactly what he craves in the moment.

I wish I took a harder bite out of Sam Uley, he thinks.

"You should stay shifted," Elias calls out, still looking up against the dark blank sky. He can't see the moon or starts at the moment, it's hidden by the trees.

A fast heartbeat closes to Elias, followed by graceful steps and the scent of werewolf. Elias is kinda glad he's getting used to it now because the raw impact of it doesn't help his scorched throat.

"Being in wolf form makes it hard to talk to you," Jace laughs, always so light. Elias can hear the way his heart skips in apprehension before he comes to rest against the floor like Elias, looking up to the sky.

Elias turns his head to the copper skinned wolf, "You want to talk?" He ponders.

Jace nods, fingers drumming a tuneless beat against his stomach, above the material of his- well, Jaspers- borrowed shirt. It completely smells like Jace now. "Why are you out here?"

Elias turns from his friend, tone emotionless as he admits, "Vampire problems, you don't want to hear them."

Jace barks a laugh, "Vampire problems, Elias problems, same thing," he waves a hand as if to say 'oh well'. He thinks it'll pull at least a twitch from Elias, a hint of amusement, but the pale vampire continues watching the sky.

Jace shoves his elbow against Eli's side to grab his attention, Eli jerks his head to the him with a wondering expression. "You listened to my problems when I was failing history, and you helped me," Jace shakes his head, looking at the curly haired boy with a cheeky smirk, "and you hate history."

History lessons and craving the blood of every living creature around is hardly comparable. "You asked," Eli mutters in warning, feeling himself stiffen slightly as he admits, "I'm starving. Everyone is, but I find it particularly troubling as I'm so young."

"Oh," Jace says audibly, like he hadn't thought of it, like he truly doesn't realise what Eli's black eyes meant. As he runs his eyes over Eli's face, trying to find signs of pain, he lingers on the smooth skin of Eli's throat, where his scar used to be. "What does hunger feel like?"

Eli's laugh is instant and merciless. "Like fire that I can't control, from the top of my tongue to the bottom of my stomach," he brings his finger to tap the areas as he speaks, then drops them onto his stomach. "Past being physical, it's mental as well. It's like another voice in your head that turns everything you are into a distant memory. All you can think about is trying to ease the pain you're in. Humans can do very bad things when they're desperate; being a vampire amplifies that tenfold."

Jace is almost on his stomach as he looks over Elias, deep in concentration. He'd never given much thought to the problems of being a vampire, he'd been taught from passed on legends to kill them and the basics of their nature. But Jace Cameron is much more than another shape shifter willing to kill- he's a man before that, he's curious and kind and sees people before any other labels.

He'd been trying to see Elias as his old human friend, not this new Elias. If he wanted to become as close as they were before, he needs to understand vampire Elias.

"What about when you... feed?" The last word comes out a wince, not in disgust, more like he doesn't really know what to call it. When Eli's gaze snaps to his in disbelief, Jace quickly adds, "How does it feel?"

It feels like you've gone your whole life being the one who needed saving, the useless one, weak, it's feels like you've finally sunk your teeth into something that can help, that can protect you, that makes you powerful.

It's standing in the sun with the person you love most holding you impossibly close. It's a feeling you don't want to give up, and a feeling you chase when it's over.

Something courses through Eli's black eyes, like a spark bouncing around endless darkness, it answers the question for Jace in ways talking doesn't. "What does shifting feel like?" Eli asks back.

"It's not painful, not now at least. When you fight it, it's like fighting a natural instinct. Like breathing. But when you lean into it and allow yourself to change, it's as natural as breathing," Jace answers instantly, because it's true. After best of silence, with a mischievous grin he'd learnt from Elias, he jokes, "Well, my breathing at least."

"Elias," another voice calls, in the distance of the house, in a southern accent packed with concern. Elias knows it means it's safe to go back now and he's up on feet so fast it makes Jace's hair stand on edge.

"You're welcome into the house, whenever you like, you know? For clothes, food, to sleep," Elias states, looking down at the wolf, calculating his reaction. Elias wants to stay out here, continue to talk and to breathe air that doesn't tempt him, but the call to find Bella and check on her is too strong.

"Esme already offered," Jace nods, sitting up too. Dirt stains his clothes like a wince stains his soft features, "it's just the smell isn't so offering."

"Jake and Seth got used to it," Eli points out, thinking back to times he finds the two wolves shovelling food in their mouth, either cooked by Esme or Edward. "And," the vampire coughs, blinking harshly. "My room doesn't smell so bad, my scents kinda strong."

Jace knows this- it's why it's so easy to sit next to him. Eli's vampire smell is buried under smoke. "Yours and Jaspers room," the wolf laughs off, getting from the ground, dusting himself off, "I'm sure that'll go down well Elias."

Eli's curved brows pull together at the wolf's tone. "No need to be scared, Jasper doesn't hate you," he clarifies, burying the laugh that tries escaping by biting his lip harshly.

Jace gives the vampire a flat look, "I'd be scared if he loved me." His own words and the thought of the scarred vampire makes Jace shiver.

Okay. Now Elias laughs.

Jace Cameron's POV.

I did not regret my decision to protect Bella Swan. Not at all. My morals of protection were strong and we're not moving. I'd do it if it meant protecting a stranger- even if I didn't love them as I do Bella.

I missed my old pack and my twin, to an extent. I knew I would be able to fix once this was over, that my mom would understand my decision even if she didn't agree with me in some aspects. She favoured the Swan and Sherwood children once upon a time, she knew their parents since diapers, she should get over it all. Even if she seemed to hold a grudge to Elias for some reason now.

But, I was getting bored of running the same route for days on end. Of not being able to sleep in a bed, of having my thoughts displayed freely to Seth, Jake and Leah. It felt so much more intimate now the pack was smaller, now other thoughts weren't running rampage and filling the silences between us.

Maybe that's why I started to really think of Elias, well, Esme's offer. To be specific, I was thinking of all the conversations I'd had with members of the Cullen clan- it wasn't that many if I excluded Elias. But they'd all been pleasant ones- as pleasant as you could get in times like this.

Are you another leech lover now? Leah spits at me, her smaller grey body tensing across from me. I felt her disgust for them, for my friend, her anger from my memories of the Cullens as much as I felt the earth between my paws.

They aren't bad Leah, Seth thinks fondly, his memories of spending time with them tinted much like my own.

You know, I start, purposely edging my voice into playful and flirty as I knew it would piss her off, Sometimes hating someone is easier than realising you like them. I finish my words with a wide wolf grin.

The stream of snarls that tear her throat was almost as loud as her words, I'd rather become the bloodsuckers chew toy before I even think of liking you!

My whine is half surprise and half absolute mocking. I was taking about the Cullens! I try to clarify, but as her snarling increases, I decide to entertain myself even more. We'd already ran patrol too many times and boredom struck harder then lightning.

But wow, you like me? I step down on my front paws, like I was stretching, only I make sure to wag my tail like I am playing, I'm flattered girly, do you wanna get married?

Leah dont- Seth tried, edging to us.

She snaps, lunging for me with the speed of a bullet. If I weren't so fast myself I wouldn't have been able to dodge out of the way of her snapping teeth.

Am I not marketing myself well enough? I egg on, circling around her, both of us ignoring Seths thoughts to stop. Do I need to strut my stuff?

I went still, almost howling in laughter as I thought purposely, Even better, do you want to do one-

In hindsight, not the best way to fill my boredom. Especially as Leahs lunge is too quick that even I can't move fast enough- her teeth manage to scratch the fur of my shoulder, tearing into muscle, before Seth barges into both of us. I go one way and Leah goes the other. 

Stop it, he shouts, glaring at both of us. More his sister than me, but even I knew I deserve the wound. We have bigger enemies than each other. You two learn to get on or I tell Jake to not let you together on patrol.

That shut Leah up- the only option here is patrol or going into the house like Jake did, and she sure as hell didn't want that. Still, as she turned away from us to run patrol again, she echoed Seths voice in a mock, I'll tell Jake, he says. Being told off by my own baby brother, over leeches none the less, what's the world come to.

You okay Jace? Seth asks, softer now, almost a whine. He comes next to me carefully, brushing against my uninjured side.

I didn't need to look with my own eyes to see the blood pooling out my shoulder- it looked worse than it was. It'd only take a few minutes to heal. Yes don't worry kid, I did deserve it, I knock my head into Seths softly, ignoring his whine of unease from me being hurt.

I'm going to see if they've got something to get the smell of blood off me, I told. I knew when it healed it would dry and the scent would stick like glue. I hated the scent of blood.

Okay, I'll keep running rounds, he sounds better now, excited at being useful. Before I see him duck underneath a bush to follow his sisters trail, he looks back at me and says, can you check on Jake if you see him?

Sure thing, I assure, then without another word, I pull the liquid fire resting in my chest to the rest of my body, leaning forward to catch the shift right so I when I changed to human I was on two feet.

It hurts lightly to bend down to the rolled up shorts wrapped around my ankle, fastened by a leather cord. I don't know who came up with the idea of the chord that held our shorts when we were shifted, but I owed them my life.

Being naked isn't a big deal to wolves, we had to be unless we wanted to keep shredding and buying clothes all the time. It was desensitised to us now- though we actively didn't think about each other from kindness. Vampires on the other hand... I didn't think they took that stuff lightly.

I almost laugh at the mental imagine as I walk to the house. Almost. Till I see that someone is waiting for me, someone I hadn't been expecting.

"Jace, is there something wrong?" The long haired Cullen, Nathaniel, says. He's on the steps, his long thick hair reminding me of Billy Blacks, only his framed a ashy face and not a copper one.

It takes me a moment to realise what he means. "Oh, not an enemy," I laugh off, eyeing my shoulder, cringing as red ran down my chest. It had almost healed already. "Just a little harsh banter with Leah."

He surprises me with his laugh back, full head thrown back and all, like he didn't care that his neck was exposed to a 'enemy' species. Truly wonderful to see- it went against everything I'd learnt that vampires would always be on the defensive around enemies. Or strangers.

"It's good to see her bite matches her bark," he speaks, as if he knew Leah. Then again, he'd probably heard the continuous snarls she did throughout the days. They are loud.

"Yeah," I nod, resisting the urge to rock backwards on my feet. I didn't know how or if I should ask him for Elias, I could talk better to him. Sometimes I didn't even need to talk- he'd take one look at me with a roll of his eyes and start dragging me around.

Maybe I should just leave.

As if he heard it- though I was sure he didn't have a gift of any type- Nathaniel nods towards the open door behind him. "Treat the house like your own, no one will bother you," he smiles, the sides of his marble eyes creasing. "Not unless they want our parents to verbally lash them at least."

Parents. It isn't the first time I'd heard one of them call Carlisle and Esme that, but it still took me by surprise. They were so young looking, but the title fit them. Somehow. Weird.

"Thanks Nathaniel," I trace up the steps, forcing my tremoring hands into my pockets. They were a result from my human anxieties, not from wanting to shift. Either way I didn't want to show him my nerves.

"You can call me Nate, Nathaniel is a little dated in this century," he offers, shrugging lightly.

I nod again as I get closer, trying to not cringe as the smell of vampires got worse. It burned my nose and throat, like cinnamon sometimes did from how strong it was.

I cough through my next unsure question, "Is Bella, you know..." I couldn't and didn't want to finish.

"The same," he answers, and closer now, I can see a slight stubble lining his jaw. I'm surprised again when he turns his back to me and starts leading me into the house, "But better than she was before the blood, thank god."

I wanted to answer, to show my relief of her being well, but I didn't want to breathe too deeply. Actually, as we walked through the hallway and up a set of steps, all the way to the end door of another hallway, I hardly breathed at all.

"I brought another friend for our sleepover," Nathan- Nate, announces as he walks into the bedroom without a care, humoured again. He sits down at the far side of the bedroom, at the desk next to Jasper.

I didn't know what to be more surprised about- that all four of them were lounging around the bedroom so casually, the use of 'friend', or the word 'sleeping'.

"It's not a sleepover," Alice rolls her eyes, though her lips spread. She's sat on the floor, her back against the floor to ceiling glass. It's sheer size doesn't help making her look so tiny.

Nate raises an eyebrow back at her, "Would you rather me call it the bat cave?"

That did it, I laughed lightly, unable to help myself. It was a good one.

"Come on in Jace," Elias speaks as he sits up from the bed, his agile movements the opposite of his intense black eyes. "We don't bite," he giggles, a little too smooth from his old sound.

My own eyes track the blond vampire in the corner of the room, sat at the desk with a thick book in his hand. If Elias had intense eyes, his boyfriend had extremely careful eyes. It matched the scars covering him well.

I took a careful step into the room, glad Eli's thick scent covered most of the other three vampires scents. "Normally I don't mind a love bite," I said carefully, testing the waters as I started looking around the bedroom; "But in your lots case it's a very different story."

A soft amused laugh spread around the room, even from the blond Hale. I tried not showing a reaction as I continued looking around. It was weird. I'd seen Eli's human room, how he decorated it, it matched this room well. He'd even attached the many state car plates on the right wall. But there was aspects I didn't know- the bookshelf's, filled with mixed with thick leather books, not Eli's small journals, and hundreds of CDs. I spend a moment looking at the titles, finding Eli's music taste clear from the names, before flicking my gaze away.

I look at what each person is doing next, how each of them had a laptop in front of them, or a book. It looked like a college class in session.

"Come on," Elias breaks my concentration as he starts moving around, stepping over the books on the floor. He jerks his head towards one of the two doors at the far end of the room.

I step around lightly, ignoring my basic instincts that screamed to not keep my back to a vampire. It was easier now I knew each of them. Their killing me was as likely as me killing them.

The bathroom is just as big as the bedroom- unsurprising with how much money the Cullens seemed to have. It matched the grande black and white scheme of the bedroom too. I gazed around again, taking it all in. I liked fancy bathrooms. I'd always wanted one when I got my own house, along with a nice kitchen.

I turn from surveying the room at the sound of Elias walking in. He holds a pile of clothes in his hand, brows pinched together tightly, like he's thinking hard. He was quite expressive when he wasn't holding himself back- it was nice.

Jasper doesn't give anything away however, other than his presence. He follows Elias easily, each step in sync with his. I'd describe him as a shadow, but his light hair and skin is the opposite. No, he's more like Eli's aura, all around him as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Did Elias even realise he was behind him?

"What are all of you doing in there?" I ask instead, looking back to where I can still see Alice and Nate silently working.

Elias picks a pair of shorts up, black in colour, as he speaks. "Research, for Bella and the baby. They're a bunch of old legends and stories, we're trying to pick apart the truths and ramblings of mad men."

When he surveys a black short sleeved shirt, he frowns, holding it behind him to Jasper. "Too small," he tells.

Huh. So he is aware Jasper is there. Jasper nods once, leaving and returning all in a second, another replica of the original shirt in his hands. Elias looked up at him, his frown easing into smile, "Thanks Jasp."

Jaspers small smile is almost prideful. It shattered the intense atmosphere he held so easily, but it made me less on edge to know he wasn't so on edge. Was that all it took? One small smile from Elias and the blond went from soldier to soppy sweetheart?

I almost laugh again. I always thought the blond held power over Elias, in a way. Probably cause how unhappy Elias was when he'd left. In my books, when you make someone happy, you had power- to continue making them smile, or ruining them completely.

I'd thought the blonde vampire had the power in their relationship; after all, I'd only seen what Jasper leaving Elias had left him like. I hadn't seen this part, the ease of being around each other, the willingness to trust each other- to accept Eli's wolf best friend into their bedroom. I hadn't seen how easygoing one smile made the blond.

Love still meant power for me, but there wasn't a victor between Elias and Jasper. I'd been all wrong. They were equals.

Jaspers eyes latch onto my face, his smile turning into something light and understanding. Right, he could feel my emotions. Weird.

I take a quick shower in the fancy bathroom, my muscles uncoiling from the heat and intensity of the water. I want to stay in longer from that alone, but I wasn't particularly fond of wasting time or water. Also I didn't like the idea of the small lock keeping the vampires out and me in. It'd only take a flick of their wrist for them to enter, and as much as I trusted Elias to keep me from being walked in on whilst butt naked, I didn't want to tempt fate.

Especially since Elias would be the one to barge in, just to scare me. The fuck. I knew him too well.

As soon as the blood scent is off me, thanks to some fancy bottle that smelt of apples that I'd used as soap. I had no clue if it was soap, I couldn't understand the language it was written in. Either way it did the job. I step out, aware to not make a mess with the falling water droplets rolling off my skin before I grabbed the towel left for me. That and the clothes Elias had left for me didn't reak either; so that was a bonus. And the clothes fit almost perfectly. Another bonus.

By the time I step out the bathroom- my hair still a little damp as I didn't care to towel dry it- it hadn't been longer than ten minutes. Things were just as they were when I left, Nate and Jasper at the desk, Alice at the window, Elias on the bed.

"Mr wolf man," Elias laughs deeply, looking down at the laptop on his thighs, "Come here and look at this, it's reminds me of you."

I narrow my eyes in suspicion and slight apprehension as I walk to him. I only hesitate momentarily near the bed- casting a look at Jasper, as it was his room too- but he didn't seem all bothered of me sitting on the bed, so I went for it.

The screen showed a old website, the words written in a different language I couldn't even place- did Elias know that language? I didn't ask I saw the other thing on the screen. A large hairy caveman type person hunched over, producing from his spine and dangling between his legs was a fluffy black tail.

It felt only natural to smack Eli's shoulder as he laughed. "Funny Cullen, real funny," I mock as his laughter grew. As I glare down at the screen in mock offence- fucking tail- when I saw Eli's hand on the mousepad, especially the muted glint of metal on Eli's ring finger.

"Or should I say Hale?" I mumble in absolute shock. It wore off as quick as it came, hurt forming in its place. "You dick, you didn't even invite me to the wedding!"

Elias makes a face as if I'd just spoken another language. "There was no wedding," he rolls his eyes. I looked across to Jasper, to his left hand- a perfect black ring is on his finger too, but I believed Elias. Especially as he gave me a grin from my confusion.

"Elias, not to insult your intelligence, but you are aware of what two people wearing rings on their ring fingers means, don't you?" I ask, teeth etching into my lip to stop my laughter.

Eli's eye roll is familiar and instant. "It's been explained yes."

I looked back to the blond, listening to us as he worked, and to Elias again. "So you are married," I announce more than ask. 

"Legally, yes. I am now Elias Hale." There's such a thrill to Elias when he says it, his eyes lighting up. It makes my insides melt a little. "But you know my stance on marriage."

Yes, that I did. It had been one of the many topics we discussed in those times at the garage. He thought the paper of marriage proved was absolutely ridiculous. "And yet you still wear a ring?" I question this time, amusement finding me in leaps.

His face twitches- it takes me a moment to realise it's the exact same expression he used to pull when he'd blush. Only he couldn't blush now. "It's a cool ring," he declares proudly.

It was a cool looking ring- black but not dull like most black jewellery. It didn't look a normal metal either. Unique and dark. It was a suited stance for Elias- perhaps Jasper too. But I couldn't be sure. As much as I knew Elias, I knew nothing of his love for Jasper- other than it was so intense he would die for him. It was the only things Elias didn't talk about when we had those nights in the garage.

It made me oddly sad.

That hazy thought jolted me up. It took me a few uneasey blinks to realise I had been almost asleep. I was slumped against the headboard, around me it was still the same thank god, in vampires places and the face the sun was bright outside. If Leah could see me now, she would have been furious. Falling asleep like a baby in a room full of the 'enemy.'

"Sleep," Elias orders, turning from the laptop screen, another foreign website pulled up. I sent him a uneasy look, which only made him roll his eyes. "You're okay here Jace," he assures.

It was tempting. I hadn't slept well in wolf form, I never had even since I shifted. And the bed was real soft; the expensive kind, it beat the forest floor by a mile. There was only one problem I had- the blond across the room.

"If your husband tries to kill me, would you stop him?" I whisper to him, as if they couldn't perfectly hear me.

Elias grins so wide it makes his teeth flash, especially his sharp canines. "If Jasper wanted to kill you... you'd be in the morgue already," he says it so surely, no hint of a doubt. I couldn't help but shiver.

"He wouldn't do that," Alice spoke carefully, throwing a glare at Elias before giving Jasper one too- I hadn't realised his grin matched Elias'. "You're Eli's friend Jace."

He's my friend too, but Sam still wanted to kill him, I want to say, but the temptation of sleep is alluring, like magic. I felt it sway me under like I was a baby in a cot. Actually, it was too alluring, not natural at all. I wasn't like the other wolves who could blink and be asleep- it took me longer, even if I was exhausted.

Like someone was helping me.

My eyes snap to Jasper again, he's looking solely at me now, a true shine in his eyes. It wasn't malicious, or anything negative. Just... someone helping someone sleep. It was nice. It felt like being enveloped in a thick blanket.

I relax back, still looking at the blond carefully. I didn't trust him exactly, because I didn't really know him and he was really hard to read, but Alice was right. He wouldn't do anything that would hurt Elias- even if it was emotional hurt, like hurting his friend.

Just as I felt my eyes flutter shut and my head sway against a marble shoulder, I felt Eli's smug voice in my ear, "Told you he likes you."

Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, or if you aren't celebrating anything in particular, happy Sunday! I hope you're fed and well and reading lots of books.

So as you can see- and if you've been around a while, remember- I've changed things. First Elias is finally fucking using his brain and he and Bella are working together to figure out his gift. And that slip of the tongue at the end? They definitely know Bella has a gift of some kind. Also he and Jake are at ends but that relationship will heal, though Jacob was a bastard, he has a redemption ark and I plan to redeem him. Let's be honest, Jake was a kid who had looked after everyone else in life without any support, when suicidal Bella came to him wanting his friendship- of course he's going to fall in love with her. I definitely would lmao- That doesn't excuse his actions and he's being held responsible for them, but he was a teen like most people in the series, so cut him a little slack.

I'm not gonna lie- as I was writing this, I got real poly vibes with Jasper, Elias and Jace. Like.... what character do you think Jace would fit nicely with?

Don't be a silent reader !