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I observed Jasper and Emmett spar with each other, noticing how Jasper consistently bested Emmett in their exchanges. Emmett was known for his brute strength within the family, relying on his raw power rather than strategic finesse in combat. Despite Emmett's formidable strength, Jasper skilfully blocked his attacks and swiftly countered, sending Emmett flying through the air, his form gracefully gliding across the forest. With a resounding thud, Emmett's impact on the ground sent dirt flying in all directions, as if a boulder had crashed into the earth, creating a small explosion of debris upon impact. But he slid across the dirt before springing back up to face Jasper. Emmett stole a quick glance in my direction before refocusing on Jasper, determination etched across his features.
"Again!" Emmett's voice boomed, deep and resolute, echoing through the clearing as he expressed his determination.
As Emmett advanced towards Jasper, a jeep appeared on the horizon, its tyres screeching as it abruptly halted. We all turned our heads to see Edward and Bella emerging from the vehicle, and heading towards us. Their conversation paused momentarily as Edward spotted Jake's gift.
Bella and Edward made their way over, Bella flashing me a smile to which I responded in kind. It felt like we were divided into sections on the field: Esme, Carlisle, and Rosalie stood together; Alice and Jasper were huddled close; and then there were Emmett and me. Emmett's presence was so near that I could feel the cold from him, his proximity almost brushing against me, but I paid the icy chill no mind.
I turned my gaze upwards towards Emmett, meeting his eyes with a warm smile. His attention shifted to the formation of scattered trees, their trunks twisted and gnarled, roots snaking out from the earth like serpents. Among them, scattered stones adorned the forest floor, embedded into the soft soil. In the distance, a fallen tree lay across the slope, its weathered trunk a testament to time's passage.
Eight massive wolves emerged from the dense forest, their fur varying in hues from jet black to shades of grey and brown. Among them, Jacob stood out unmistakably in his wolf form, his russet coat a stark contrast to the others. Led by the imposing figure of the black Alpha wolf, Sam, the pack prowled down the rocky terrain and onto the soft earth below. They scattered themselves along the slope, each positioning themselves strategically to command a clear view of their surroundings. Low, rumbling growls emanated from some of the wolves, their expressions fierce and alert, audible only to those keen enough to listen.
"They don't trust us enough to be in their human forms," Edward remarks, glancing at Carlisle with a slight tilt of his head. His hands remained clasped behind his back, a gesture of calm authority.
"They came. That's what matters," Carlisle asserts, locking eyes with Edward before taking a step toward the wolf pack. "Will you translate?" he requests, then moves closer to the largest, darkest wolf, standing just inches away.
"Welcome," Carlisle began, extending a warm greeting to the wolves. "Jasper has experience with newborns," he continued, gesturing towards Jasper beside him, then refocused his attention on the wolf pack. "He'll teach us how to defeat them," A brief silence followed as Edward listened in on the thoughts of the black wolf.
