𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟗 | 𝐌𝐎𝐌!

"ARO WANT US INCAPACITATED BEFORE HE ATTACKS. JANE AND ALEC WILL TRY AND TAKE ME OUT FIRST BECAUSE I CAN ANTICIPATE THEIR MOVES." Edward informed us

"Too bad we don't all have your shield," Garrett said with a crooked smile, nodding toward me and Bella.

"Doesn't help us much in a fight, though," I replied.

"No," Tanya countered, stepping closer, "but you could help the rest of us if you learned how to project it."

I glanced up, a small smirk tugging at my lips. "I already know how. I've done it before."

Tanya's brows lifted, impressed. "Of course you have," she said with a knowing smile.

Bella blinked in confusion. "Wait, what do you mean 'project it'?"

Tanya turned toward her. "I mean shielding someone other than yourself. Extending it."

"Is that even possible?" Bella asked, hopeful yet uncertain.

Carlisle spoke up gently, his tone calm and wise. "Gifts can be developed. Over time. They evolve as you do."

Kate crossed her arms, nodding. "At first, mine was just in my palms. Now I can radiate it through my whole body."

Bella stepped forward. "How do you do it?"

Kate hesitated, but Bella caught her hand a little too hard. "Tell me," Bella insisted.

Kate winced slightly. "Ow."

The others chuckled quietly. The tension broke, and training began. One by one, Kate and the others helped Bella focus, pushing her to expand her shield's reach. I stayed nearby, offering quiet advice, lending my own control to guide her focus.

The air buzzed faintly with energy as Bella strained, her concentration fierce.

Hours later, the training slowed, laughter fading into the soft rustle of the forest. I stepped aside to catch my breath and that's when my phone rang.

The sound startled me. I looked down at the screen, and my heart stuttered.

Dad.

Jasper noticed immediately. "Who is it?"

I hesitated, then showed him the screen. His expression softened.

"Answer it, darlin'," he said gently.

I shook my head, clutching the phone tighter. "I don't want to." My voice was barely a whisper.

"Delilah..." Jasper stepped closer. "You can't just dodge them forever."

He didn't know. He couldn't. Not about that day.

"You don't know what my dad said to me the day you proposed," I said, shaking my head, pain flickering behind my words.

Jasper tilted his head, concern darkening his eyes. "What did—"

Before he could finish, I turned and walked away, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

There was a beat of silence then a familiar voice, warm and anxious.
"Delilah?"

"Hi, Dad," I said softly.

"Where have you been?!" he demanded, emotion cracking through his words. "It feels like it's been years."

"Sweetheart, we've been worried sick!" my mom's voice cut in, full of panic.

I sighed, guilt twisting in my chest. "Mom, Dad... I'm sorry."

"Where are you? Are you with Jasper?" she asked.

"Mom..." I trailed off, unsure what to say or what truth I could tell.

"We're coming over there," she said firmly.

"Wait, what? Mom, no—" But the line went dead.

I groaned, throwing my hands in the air. "Perfect."

When I turned back around, everyone was watching me, the entire group, vampires frozen in silent curiosity.

I shoved my phone into my pocket, rubbing my temple. "We need to get all of you out of the house," I said quickly.

A beat of confusion passed between them Carlisle, Esme, Tanya, Benjamin, even Emmett all exchanging puzzled looks.

Jasper raised an eyebrow, half-grinning. "Well, darlin', I think it's safe to say the calm before the storm's officially over."