Rewrite: Kind but Scary

Chapter 23: The Treaty and the Pack

Chapter 23: The Treaty and the Pack

With the nature of the hybrid child finally understood, Carlisle, Severus, and Jasmine worked together to ensure Bella's health was monitored safely. They knew now that the child was not an "immortal child"—the forbidden creation that the Volturi laws strictly outlawed—meaning there was no threat of execution from the vampire world.

As they were finalizing their preparations, a sudden, familiar scent drifted through the open windows.

"Jacob," Jasmine announced.

Instinctively, a protective wall of women—Rose, Pansy, Athenodora, Thea, Luna, Alice, Jane, Sofie, Narcissa, and Hermione—stepped in front of Bella, shielding her from view. The men in the room stood tense, well aware of how formidable a group of protective wixen and vampire women could be.

Jacob Black bounded into the room, his eyes wide. "That's close enough, dog," Rosalie growled.

"Rosalie, please," Esme scolded gently.

"What is wrong with you guys?" Jacob asked, looking at the barrier.

Bella tapped Jasmine's shoulder, nodding gently. Trusting her friend, Jasmine signaled the girls to step aside. Rosalie helped Bella stand, revealing her rapidly growing belly to the young werewolf.

Jacob's face contorted with anger. He glared at Edward, growling deep in his throat as he lunged forward, only to be effortlessly caught and held back by Emmett and Jasper.

Jasmine walked over, lightly swatting the back of Jacob's head before handing him the ancient book. "Read it, Jacob. Everything from our world is real, and this child is not a monster."

Jacob quickly scanned the pages, his anger faltering into sheer worry. "Okay, but that doesn't change the fact that this thing is killing her. Even if she survives the birth, she'll have to be turned. The treaty clearly states that if the Cullens bite another human, the truce is broken. I can't hide this from Sam and the rest of the pack."

"Then let me do the talking," Jasmine said, a slow, incredibly wicked smile spreading across her face. The sheer, dangerous aura radiating from her made even the ancient Volturi guards step back in amusement. "If the pack wants to try and harm Bella, they will have to answer to me. Besides, I have a few things I've been wanting to say to my distant cousin."

Jacob blinked in shock. "Cousin?"

Jasmine chuckled. "The Black family of Quileute shape-shifters originates from a branch of the ancient wizarding House of Black. Your ancestors were Squibs who chose to leave England and settle here. In other words, Jacob, your father is a direct relative of my godfather, Sirius Black."

"Wow," Jacob muttered, completely stunned. "That's... a lot to take in."

"Family is always complicated," Jasmine smiled. "Now, about the pack. I know you can't block your thoughts from them, so I am going to assist you."

With a elegant wave of her wand, Jasmine chanted a subtle mind-altering enchantment. "There. I have woven a defensive barrier around your mind. The pack will only see a modified version of your memories. You will retain absolute control, and only those you explicitly trust will be able to see the truth."

Jacob nodded, feeling the cool sensation of the magic settling over his mind. He turned, leaping over the balcony and shifting into his massive wolf form as he ran back to the forest.

"Do you think it was wise to let him go, dear?" Narcissa asked, stepping up beside Lucius.

"Yes," Jasmine answered smoothly. "He is family now, and he knows the stakes. The pack protects the secret of the supernatural; once they understand the hybrid is not a threat to the secrecy of either world, they will stand down. And if they don't..." She let out a soft, dark chuckle. "They will learn why they shouldn't cross a witch."