Viking's Mate (Twilight OC X OC)

Chapter 41: Birthday Insecurities

The second weekend of school was coming up, and with it was Bella's birthday. Alice, of course, was throwing a damn party. I only found out the night before as I was packing for the trip home and heard Ivar and Jasper talking about it.

"No." I tell them firmly, dropping my bag on the floor of the living room. We were just about to head up there, the plan was for me to sleep while Ivar drove.

"No?" They both ask me curiously.

"No." I say again firmly. "We are not going to a birthday party for Bella."

"And why is that darlin'?" Jasper asked worriedly, feeling my emotions but knowing where the animosity is coming from.

"I am not risking the power of the plot. I freaking told Alice not to throw a party two years ago. I thought you vampires were supposed to have good memories?" I ask them sternly.

"Maybe she didn't think the situation was still the same. So many things have changed, haven't they?" He asks me cautiously. "What exactly happens at the party? You weren't specific when you told us."

"A papercut." I tell him simply. I can see the realization on both their faces.

"But, we're all so used to being around her, it seems strange a little cut would cause you to react this strongly." Jasper says hesitantly.

"You've been doing better, significantly better Jas." I agree with him genuinely. "But, I can't control or predict every outcome in this realm. I can base certain events off my own knowledge, and fill in gaps with gut instinct. Right now, there's a clear set up for the same event to happen as in the stories. My gut says, don't let it." I tell them sincerely.

"What would you have us do?" Jasper asks quietly.

I contemplate for a few minutes, assessing the risks. "We'll go up, but a day later. We'll miss the party, tell Bella we had car trouble or a sudden class thing. Honestly, she won't care, she hates parties. No telling Alice, let her have her party without us. I need to send a text to Carlisle too." I trail off, thinking of things that can help.

I take out my phone and send Carlisle a text, saying to not seal the envelope for Bella's gift, instead leave it open. I also tell him to have everyone hunt tonight, so no one's thirsty at all. Jasper comes and sits down next to me once I'm done with all my planning.

"How bad was it?" He asks quietly. "It was me, wasn't it?"

"Honestly? It wasn't bad at all." I tell him truthfully. "You attacked, yes, but you let yourself be taken away by the others. You don't resist after the first lunge, then you don't fight back. I know you well enough now to know that wouldn't be the case." I take his hand gently and run my finger along one of his many battle scars. "The problem of the event is Edward. He overreacts in his protection of Bella, and ends up hurting her even worse. Then the guilt takes in, both yours and his, and the family all moves away. And not just a couple hours away or a phone call away, but completely gone." I tell him softly.

His phone rings then, showing that Alice is calling him. "She probably just saw us not being there." He sighs. "What do you recommend I do?"

"If you think she will reconsider a party, answer her and tell her that we'll come home but we aren't going to a party. If you think she won't relent, then just press that little power button. She can go an extra 24 hours without you." I tell him, giving him options. "She's your wife, you know her best."

I see him contemplating for a few moments, his phone starting to ring again. He stares at it, then gently presses the power button. I take out my own phone and do that same before she calls me too.