Cullen - Origins [English Version - FINISHED]

Chapter Seventeen

- No Edward, that's a bad idea.

- I have faith in you Bella, you'll get through this.

A deep sigh was heard, cutting off the couple's exchange. The small group turned to Astrea, sitting cross-legged on a stump, arms folded across her chest.

- When are you going to start ? She grumbled, annoyed.

A few days had passed since Garrett and Astrea had joined House Cullen in Forks. The arrival of the Volturi was now imminent, and the tension was at its peak. Bella and Astrea could stand each other, although leaving them alone in a room was to be avoided. That morning, the newborn had asked several vampires to help her master her protective power. Edward was obviously on board, and Carlisle, the Denali clan and the Amazons too. Garrett and Astrea, curious, had joined them at the edge of the forest surrounding the house.

After a few words exchanged, they had concluded that it was possible that Bella could extend her shield power to the others, allowing them to be protected. Against the Volturi, this weapon could be very effective, and Bella was determined to succeed. The only concern was the application of this idea, as the newborn did not know how to control her power. Kate, from the Denali clan, had suggested using her own power on someone, and Bella would have to try to protect that person. Edward had offered, and not surprisingly, his wife had refused. Kate's power was indeed painful, being able to send electric shocks through touch. So there they were, trying to convince Bella.

- We have nothing to lose by trying, the red-eyed vampire continued, Edward's not going to die anyway...

- I don't even know how to do it ! Bella protested, turning to Astrea. You have it too, don't you have any advice ?

The little vampire looked at her intensely, tilting her head to the side. A silence.

- I didn't even know I had this power until I came here, but in my opinion, like when you create something, you have to imagine it before you do it. That makes sense.

Kate, suddenly interested by Astrea's intervention, spoke up.

- Say, since your power works on you and Garrett, I only have to try it on you before doing it on Edward.

The two accomplices looked at each other for a few moments. A smile crossed their faces, and Garrett turned to Kate.

- I'm sure it's bearable, even without a shield.

- Shall we bet on it ? Kate said, raising her hand to the vampire.

- Kate, whatever Garret feels, Astrea feels too... Began Carlisle, worried.

- I'll start slowly, then.

Kate challenged Garrett with a toothy smile. The latter returned it and approached her.

Carlisle glanced at her daughter, focused on removing the protective shield around Garrett and herself. Her eyes turned red and a smile passed over her lips, proof that she had succeeded. The doctor turned his attention back to Garrett and finally decided to touch Kate's palm with his fingertips. The shock went through him and he winced in pain, landing on his knees. The vampire removed her hand, victorious.

- Little nature. commented Astrea, still sitting upright on the tree stump. It's just a little tingly, that's all.

A laugh went through the audience as Garrett struggled to get back on his feet.

- Let's do it again, he gasped, but this time with the shield.

- You amaze me, Astrea finished him with a sneer.

Kate couldn't help but laugh nervously, and presented her hand to Garrett once more. This time, nothing happened. The shield was working perfectly.

- Your turn, Edward.

Garrett returned to his companion, who gave him some room next to her. His eyes had regained their jet-black hue, and his good mood had returned. The vampire turned his attention back to the others. Bella was focused to the max and Edward touched Kate's hand. Like Garrett on his own first try, Edward fell to his knees. The newborn was about to protest again but his companion stopped him.

- Next time it will be right.

He was right. The second time, Edward did not flinch, and a smile came over his face.

However, their infectious joy did not last long, as Emmett and Rosalie arrived. Edward, who had read their minds, anticipated the new arrivals.

- The Volturi are here. We have two hours left.

The announcement sent a chill through the group. Carlisle broke the ice and was the first to pick up.

- Jasper and Alice still haven't returned ? He asked Emmett and Rosalie.

The couple shook their heads negatively.

- Why is that ? Astrea asked.

Even Garrett was surprised by her sudden intervention. Carlisle met his daughter's eyes. She suspected something.

- They've gone off to who knows where, pretending they were afraid of the Volturi and didn't want to fight them. But this is not like them. The doctor told him.

- And they didn't leave any clues that could explain this attitude ?

- No, not that I know of.

The little red-eyed vampire frowned. Something was wrong.

Don't worry about it, there are enough of us already. Two more or less against the Volturi won't make much difference.

Astrea turned to her companion who stroked her arm. She returned his smile and stood up, dusting herself off.

- Well, shall we go ?

Everyone nodded and went to get ready. Garrett and Astrea, who had no business being in the house, were left alone.

- Where shall we go next ? The little vampire whispered, looking at the trees around her, her eyes lost in the distance.

Garrett watched her.

- I don't know, he announced carefully. Don't you want us to stay here with your father ?

She turned to him.

- I like it better when it's just the two of us... She muttered with a pout.

- Naughty, isn't she ?

Quicker than lightning, she gently pushed him backwards, causing him to topple from the stump where he was still sitting. He ended up in the bushes, which made her laugh.

- I've been humiliated enough today, thank you very much. He grumbled as he stood up.

He had twigs in his hair and dirt on his jacket.

- You were going to hide in the forest to take the Volturi by surprise ?

- Very funny. Come here so we can both be camouflaged.

He walked over to her and took her in his arms, breathing in her scent.

You get mud on my clothes and I'll bury you alive, she threatened.

Your wish is my command, my queen...

- You come, we'll go !

The voice of Seth, a werewolf from Jacob's pack, startled them. Astrea sighed and rolled her eyes.

- This is why I prefer it when it's just the two of us : we don't get interrupted every two minutes.

A laugh shook her partner's shoulders, totally agreeing with her.

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