The hunt was quick. It had to be because I needed to see my sons. All the same I tried to absorb as much information about this new world I was seeing as I could manage. Everything in that forest was astonishing. I could have taken years out there just looking around. And Jasper was another story completely. I wanted to study him. I wanted to memorize every small detail of his body.
But there would be time for all that later. Now I needed to get rid of my thirst so I could see my children.
"Close your eyes and listen to your surroundings for a moment," Jasper instructed me. "When you hear an animal chase after it. Your instincts will try to take over, let them. It will make everything much easier on you."
I nodded slowly. Closing my eyes, I focused on the forest. Dozens of sounds flooded my ears, birds chirping, the wind rustling the trees, a soft stream nearby. I listened for anything that I might want to hunt. The smell of my prey hit me first. It made my mouth water, and when I heard it's low growl I bolted off in its direction.
Like Jasper had told me my mind seemed to slip away. It was like my body seemed to move on its own. I allowed it to happen. I hit the wild cat before it had the chance to react. I crouched down and sunk my teeth into it within a second. It's warm blood flooded my mouth instantly quenching my thirst. A feral noise echoed in the back of my throat as I drank. It wasn't long until the poor animal was drained completely.
I stood up slowly and wiped my bloodstained mouth. Jasper came up behind me placing his hand on my waist.
"You're a natural," He beamed. I was mesmerized by his gorgeous smile. It took everything I had not to get distracted.
I smiled back at him, "Thanks." I was still getting used to my new, smooth voice.
Jasper kissed me cheek tenderly, but we were quickly interrupted. A low growl erupted from behind us. We both jumped, startled by the loud noise. We turned and stared at the dark silver wolf that loomed above us.
It crouched down like it was ready to pounce. Jasper stepped in front of me, using his body as a shield. The tension was thick in the air thanks to Jasper's gift. He turned to look at me. He motioned with his eyes for me to run, but I wasn't going to leave him. I could help this time.
The wolf began circling us. Jasper held my hand as we moved to avoid it. The wolf gnashed his teeth and growled lowly at us. The world seemed to pause around us during our standoff.
"You're not going to win, Paul. You know how this ended last time," Jasper warned. His voice low and dangerous.
Paul growled louder taking a step toward us.
"You're outnumbered," I added, making my intention of joining the fight clear.
Paul seemed to consider that, and after a moment he reluctantly left the area. Me and Jasper did not waste time. We rushed home immediately not wanting to find any more trouble.
"I didn't think they would start patrolling so soon," Jasper commented, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you in danger."
I ignored his apology. It wasn't his fault and I had more pressing issues I needed to ask about. "Why are the wolves attacking? I didn't think Jacob would attack over my change after everything we've been through."
"They don't understand. They think that our kids killed you, that they're dangerous. They won't listen to reason. We've tried," Jasper said seriously, but the way he began to run faster showed his desperation to get home.
We entered the front door, locking it behind us. Not like the lock would matter much; if the wolves wanted to get in, they would. My eyes immediately landed on the two bundles, one cradled in Rosalie's arms and the other in Emmett's. Every other problem melted away in an instant. My mind was locked on them.
"We can take this part slow, dear. We're all here to help," Esme patted my arm. She had moved beside me only moments before.
I nodded slowly, "I need to see them."
Rosalie walked up slowly. She met my eye and gave me a look that felt violating, like she was scanning me for any sign that I might lose control.
"Ready?" She asked her tone apathetic, but I knew she was nervous deep down. I was secretly glad my children had such a protective guardian. Especially with the wolves coming after us. However, I - their mother - was not the one she should have been protecting them from.
"Yes, completely," I promised her. I could smell my children, the blood running through their veins. I could hear their heartbeat. Under different circumstances it would have brought out my inner vampire, but not with them. I could never hurt them. I was incapable of that.
Rosalie gave me one more look-over before deciding that I was in control. She handed over the sleeping baby in her arms.
I adjusted to his weight in my arms and just gazed down at his face. I had never seen a child more perfect. He was beautiful, completely breathtaking. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.
He had light tufts of blonde hair across his head, a round face, and deep brown eyes like mine when I was human. He was perfect and I would never let anything happen to him.
"That's Jessie," Jasper whispered next to me. He was staring down at our son, apparently just as entranced as I was.
I had no words. No words were good enough for a creature so perfect.
I looked up at Emmett for only a moment. I wanted to see his brother. Everyone seemed to understand my desire. Jasper took Jessie from my arms and the empty space was immediately replaced by Morgan.
I didn't think it possible that someone could be as perfect as Jessie, but I was very wrong. Morgan was incredible in a separate, but equal way. His face was slimmer, and he had a thick head of brown hair that formed small ringlets against his skull. When his eyes fluttered open I was met with an intense sapphire blue that caught me offgaurd.
I had to blink just to make sure that what I was seeing was the truth. I couldn't comprehend how they could both be so utterly beautiful.
I had just met them and was already wrapped around their tiny fingers. I loved them more than what I thought possible.
I would protect them with everything I had. I would like to see the wolves try to harm them.