The UnForeseen Fall of Lahote (A Paul/Bella Fanfic)

12. Practice

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"You sure you're ready for this, Bells?".

I tried to keep the irritation off my face as my imprint was needlessly coddled by Black. The rabbit stood poised in the center of the clearing we had chosen as the location for our first lesson. She was wearing a gray, simple, loose top and shorts that showcased surprisingly spry muscle supported by her willowy frame. The only aspect that broke mode were again her truly muscular legs, hence my nickname for her.

Bella cocked an eyebrow imperiously at Jake, a hand severely held on her hip. "We discussed this Jake, I want to do this. You can't stop me and you'll just have to accept it, you giant oaf." The insult was thrown playfully, and Black seemed to calm at it.

He was starting to finally get the real rabbit, sort of. It made my imprint happy. It made me...neutral. The kid was a slow learner, that was for certain. Bella's smile made my heart flutter like a little bitch, despite my struggle in forgiving Jake. Oh well.

"I need a mock vamp!" Bella called out, and a wicked grin split her face a second later, "Jakey-poo, I know just the job for you!"

Jacob jumped lithely to his feet and stalked to the rabbit, seeming to find the new tone acceptable. "I'm here." He towered over her, and it make me realize just how small she was.

Why did the Spirits give me a shrimp?

We were in a long, spread-out circle around the clearing, all in various poses of rest. Jared had excitement pouring out of him and was having trouble keeping still, Em was calmly watching Jake with hopeful eyes, and Sir Alpha was extremely focused on the rabbit. He'd always desired some guidance on keeping us all safe, not just the Council's theories or stories.

Bella's grin left her face, and an expression I'd never seen crossed it. It was perfectly serene and balanced, like the world was as it should be. Her voice rang out, loud and precise. "So I can tell you how to fight a vamp from my perspective, which is a lot different from yours. I am not as fast, but I do not have to worry about venom. I'm not four-legged or hunting with a pack. But I do know how they think."

As quick as a flash, Bella's hand flashed and Jake jumped back, barely dodging the dagger that emerged from her skin. Her hand hung in the air, the dagger glittering under the sun. Well, that was something I'd have to look out for in the future. Bella glanced back at Embry. "Would a vampire react how Jake did?"

"No?" Embry guessed hesitantly while eyeing the dagger, "they'd grab your hand and crush it. They're so used to their strength." His hand brushed his thigh and all us wolves flinched recalling that particular incident.

"Correct. That's one thing that all of you have to be cognizant of, whenever you lunge at a vampire and miss, you have to be quick to get out. There's a common technique where my kind purposely baits with our blood and limbs since venom is survivable, but that's not an option for you guys." The dagger danced in Bella's deceivingly dainty hands as she spoke. It went so fast my eyes could hardly track it. Balls, she better not use that on me.

Jake's eyes stared at the peculiar talent, and it was clear to see he wasn't quite ready. His jaw was set tight.

"Alright, Jake, time to be a wolf. I want to see if there's a way to work on your maneuverability in the air when you lunge and also on an emergency turn." It was a good assessment of our weak points.

Bella turned her back politely and the born alpha obeyed. Even as young as he was, Black was quickly catching up with Sam in terms of bulk in wolf form. I could tell that Bella was not used to such a huge being near her. She hid the discomfort expertly.