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SKIN & BONES
viii. WOLF THING

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THEY WERE ALL STARING.

Everyone was staring at Rory Swan.

She sat on the floor with the newly born Renesmee, or as Rory preferred, Ren. A small smile tugged on Rory's face. Upon her niece's birth, Rory had decided she would distance herself as much as she can for as long as possible. She'd hate herself if she was the reason something happened to Renesmee, after all. But then Edward had a talk with her the same night Bella died.

"Look, if you want to kill me or kick me out of the family or punch me in the face or... whatever, I totally understand—" Rory had rambled.

"I'm not going to do any of those things," Edward had said. "While I do find you rather annoying at times, I'm not going to do any of that."

"Oh..." Rory had trailed off. "I... But... Why?"

Edward sighed. "Look, Rory. Maybe it's my fault for tuning out your thoughts for so long, but Bella would hate me if I kept you away from our daughter. She would want you to be in Renesmee's life, especially if Bella didn't survive the change."

Rory remembered scoffing and folding her arms over her chest. "Yeah, well, that was way before we knew I was Ren's fucking blood singer," she had retorted. Rory faltered. "How are you so calm right now? What, did you smoke a pound of weed or something?"

Edward had laughed and shaken his head. "No," he had revealed. "Frankly, I'd be a hypocrite if I were upset with you. Sure, I'm worried about Renesmee's safety, but Bella was my blood singer before now. I was careful, and now she's my wife."

Rory had narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you suggesting that I want to marry—?"

"No," interrupted Edward. "All I'm saying is... I'm on your side. I've seen your immense self-control, so I trust that you can learn to control yourself the same way I did with your sister. I can't tell you how Bella will react when she completes the transition, but I'm here for you. We're family now, remember?"

Though unexpected, what Edward said to Rory was reassuring. It eased her nerves knowing that the father of her blood singer was prepared to come to Rory's defense, even though the matter concerned his own daughter. Edward must have gathered quite a lot of faith in his sister-in-law to believe she could be composed and strong like him, to believe she could overcome a thirst like this.

Once everyone else found out about the truth, Jacob almost wanted to fight Rory himself. Actually, he did end up trying.

The keyword is: try.

His attempt to fight the Manipulator resulted in Rory breaking Jacob's leg and collarbone before restraining him against his will to talk some sense into him. Really, it was not a pretty sight. But now, Jacob had a lesser need to snap Rory's neck every time she so much as breathed near Renesmee. While that didn't necessarily mean he, or any of the vampires, wasn't on high alert when Rory and Ren were in the same room, it was a start.

Everyone had their own opinion on the matter. Rosalie thought Rory was too dangerous to be around the newborn, whereas Alice and Jacob agreed but specifically added that Rory should at least not be left alone with Ren. Jasper believed Rory was strong enough to overcome anything, so he was on Edward's side. Esme was just worried for the baby's overall safety, but Carlisle seemed to vocally declare that he was on Edward's side. Emmett thought that Rory should be able to do what she thought was best for her.

The clan eventually came to the consensus that Rory was to not be left alone with Renesmee under any circumstances—at least, until they were sure Rory could control herself. After all, the desire of a blood singer was stronger, more compelling than any other desire in vampire history.

It was baffling to think that all of this happened the same night the Cullens fought off the wolves to protect Renesmee. Now, they were letting another threat close to the newborn. The scariest part was that this threat, in particular, was stronger than all of the Cullens combined.

Being so close to Renesmee was hard for Rory. There was no doubt about it. The faint beating of the hybrid's heart was like putting her favorite song on full blast. But if Rory wasn't going to get used to being around Ren for... well, forever, then she'd have to dive in, head first.

What was even crazier was how similar the niece-aunt duo looked; same nose, same big and curious eyes, same cheeks, same facial structure. Even the way their eyes squinted up like little crescent moons when they smiled was the same. Yes, Rory had made a joke or two about how she was really just "drawn to herself", but the only people who laughed were Emmett and Edward.

"Alright, I think that's enough for now," Rosalie asserted, nervously pulling Renesmee onto her lap.

Rory opened her mouth to protest or maybe make some kind of joke, but resorted to sighing and nodding.

She laid back on the ground with a sigh, almost like she was out of breath. Jasper sat on the couch beside where Rory laid as he mentioned, "If it helps, I think you're her favorite person here."

Rory weakly smiled, not bothering to look up at her mate. She assumed he could feel all of the happy emotions radiating off of the newborn. "A little bit," she mumbled. "...Thanks." Rory puffed out her cheeks and exhaled nervously, waiting with the others for Edward and Bella to return from hunting.

Regardless, Renesmee happily reached out and placed her hand on Rory's forehead from where she sat in Rosalie's lap. She showed her another memory—this was Ren's gift. She could show anyone anything she wanted by simply making contact with someone else. Rory smiled upon seeing the baby's memory of simply laughing and giggling with her aunt. It made her feel a little bit less guilty, knowing that at least Ren had fond memories of her aunt.

"Welcome to the family," Esme's voice called, grasping Rory's attention. She rose to her feet, as well as everyone else. She stood beside Jacob and Rosalie, who had still been holding Ren, despite the fact that the newborn continued to reach out to Rory.

"You look amazing, Bella," Alice complimented with a smile.

Carlisle stepped to the side, allowing the newborn vampire to walk through. "Someone's been waiting to meet you," Carlisle informed kindly.

Rory beamed at her little sister, who seemed to look more like herself now more than ever. "Welcome back, baby sister," Rory greeted. Bella's crimson eyes lit up at the sight of her sister. She pushed forward, embracing Rory in a tight embrace. Rory winced. "...Ow."

Bella lightly laughed before turning to Rosalie, who had been holding the newest edition to the family. Baby Renesmee gurgled and cooed the second she was given to her mother. Everyone watched as Renesmee reached out and pressed her small hand on Bella's cheek, showing her mother her memories.

"What was that?" Bella asked, surprised by what she had seen.

"She showed you the first memory she has of you," Edward explained, smiling at his wife and child.

"Showed me?" repeated Bella. "How?"

"How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future? How does Rory manipulate? How is Jasper an empath?" Edward interrogated gently. He nodded to his daughter. "She's gifted."

Bella paused, observing her newborn baby's size. "I've only been out for two days?"

Carlisle nodded. "Her growth rate is unprecedented."

Jacob cleared his throat and moved forward. "Alright," he began, "that's enough experimenting for one day."

Rory shot Jacob a glance while Edward warned, "Jacob. She's doing great."

Bella stared at Jacob with her crimson orbs. She pressed her daughter closer to her body in a defensive manner. "What's your problem?" carefully demanded Bella.

Rosalie put on a smug facial expression. "Oh, do tell her, Jacob," Rosalie urged.

Emmett smirked, adding, "This should be good."

"Hold on a second," Edward said, taking Renesmee out of Bella's arms.

"Look, it's a wolf thing," Jacob began to say, keeping his tone calm and relaxed.

"What's a wolf thing?" Bella demanded suspiciously.

Jacob glanced over at Rosalie, but she just walked over to take the baby out of Edward's arms. Then, he looked at Rory, who just shrugged quietly. She had no idea how to help his case. "Um... You know we have no control over it. We can't choose who it happens with... and it doesn't mean what you think, Bella," Jacob stammered. "I promise."

Bella glared at Jacob for a long moment before she declared, "Take Renesmee out of the room." Rory chewed on her lip anxiously as Edward reached out for his wife. "Edward, don't touch me right now. I don't want to hurt you."

"Oh..." Jacob mumbled. He began to panic upon realizing that shit was about to hit the fan. "Oh... Oh..."

Without hesitation, Bella grabbed the back of Jacob's neck, dragging him and throwing him down the front steps of the Cullen home. He rolled on the dirt as Bella was boiling with rage.

"You imprinted on my daughter!?" she screeched as everyone gathered outside. Rory's hand instinctively went to Jasper's, her nerves imploding.

Jacob hastily scrambled to his feet, defending, "It wasn't my choice!"

"She's a baby!" Bella growled.

"It's not like that!" Jacob shouted. "You think Edward would let me live if it was?"

"I'm still debating it," Edward chimed in from the porch.

Bella made her way down the short staircase. "I've held her once. One time, Jacob!" Bella's voice rose. "And already you think that you have some moronic wolf-y claim on her?" Bella shoved the werewolf into the dirt. "She's mine!"

Rory tensed up, tuning out Edward's satisfied laughter. All she could think about was how Bella was going to take it upon finding out about Rory's newfound blood singer.

Leah and Seth approached in their wolf forms. Leah growled lowly at the vampire, prepared to attack, but was quickly put down by Jacob assuring, "It's fine, Leah."

"You're gonna stay away from her," Bella threatened.

"You know I can't do that."

Bella effortlessly punched Jacob in the chest, causing him to go flying into a nearby tree before falling onto the ground. The wolves growled once more at the newborn.

"Stop her, Edward," Esme quietly ordered, panic evident in her voice.

"He said it's fine," Edward quickly dismissed. He smiled at his wife while adding, "She's amazing, right?"

Rory shook her head at her brother-in-law. "Do you remember how much you wanted to be around me three days ago?" Jacob interrogated. "That's gone now, right?"

"Long gone," Bella instantly snapped.

"Because it was her," Jacob continued. "From the beginning, it was Nessie who wanted me."

"Here we go," muttered Jasper, rubbing his mate's arm soothingly.

"Nessie?" repeated Bella, inching forward. "You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness monster!?!"

Bella was just about to lunge at Jacob, but then Jacob had to say something. He just had to say something.

"Nessie is Rory's blood singer!"

Bella paused, processing this information. Rory tightly shut her eyes, "God fucking dammit, Jacob."

Bella snapped her head around to see her big sister. "What the hell is he talking about? What the hell is a blood singer?" the irritated newborn growled.

Rory unwillingly released her hand from Jasper's, cautiously making her way down the steps. "I know you were born, like, two days ago, so I'll cut you some slack," nervously joked Rory. "Um, a blood singer is someone whose blood appeals greatly to a vampire, and uh, funny story, actually. Ren is mine... my blood singer, I mean."

She flashed Bella an uncomfortable smile. The newborn's eyes widened so much that Rory half-expected them to pop out of her head. "Surprise?" added Rory.

Bella began to approach her sister, growling as her motherly instincts kicking in. "It's not like that! I'd rather die than drink my own niece's blood!" Rory insisted.

Bella stood face-to-face with her big sister. "That can be arranged," she threatened before throwing Rory into the nearest tree.

"Edward," Jasper protectively growled from the porch. "If you don't stop her, I will."

Rory flipped herself around in the air, landing on the ground gracefully before shooting Jacob a nasty glare. Jacob, on the other hand, looked incredibly nervous. He seriously did not need the wrath of two superhuman Swan sisters right now.

"I am seriously going to fucking kill you," she said to Jacob before turning her attention back to Bella. "Bella—"

She was interrupted by Bella swinging her fist at her sister, sending her straight into another tree. Rory groaned loudly. "Uh, ow!" she shouted, instantly annoyed.

Meanwhile, the Cullens on the porch were debating over what to do. Jasper was seconds away from murdering Bella himself, Carlisle and Esme were worried for everyone's safety, and Edward was... well, Edward was amused, to say the least. But most of all, everyone was strangely curious to see how a fight between a properly trained Manipulator and a newborn.

"There's a lot more where that's coming from!" Bella snarled as she marched over to Rory, who was still laying on the ground. She was contemplating what to do next. "You want to kill my baby!?"

Rory rolled her eyes, somersaulting backward and standing up. "No, you moron!" denied Rory. "Did dying make you slower or what?"

Bella scoffed. "Shut up!" She reached for her sister again, but Rory managed to dodge at the last second. "I can't believe you!"

"Me?" repeated Rory. She shook her head. "Okay, I'm giving myself permission to beat your ass if you try to hit me one more time, got it?"

Bella glared daggers into her big sister's head before swinging again. What an idiot.

Rory manipulated the Earth to rise from beneath Bella's feet, causing her to go flying into the air. Rory whistled to herself in surprise. She did not mean to send her flying that high. Oh well!

With a shrug, Rory used her enhanced vampire abilities to jump as high as Bella was in the air. She grabbed her sister by the neck and forcefully pulled her onto the ground, slamming her head against the dirt.

"Should... Should we be doing something?" stammered Emmett. "Because I volunteer Rose." Rosalie just hit Emmett's chest.

"They just need to get this out. Rory knows what she's doing," Carlisle decided, though his tone revealed that even he was a little unsure.

Emmett looked back at his adoptive father. "Your bet's on Rory, isn't it?" he deadpanned with a smirk.

"Emmett!" Esme hissed, disappointed. When she peered back at her husband to see him innocently nod. "Carlisle!"

Bella pushed Rory off of her with her newfound strength, grunting. She tried to pull Rory off of her, but she failed when Rory just threw her in the air and kicked her in the stomach. The newborn went flying like a rag doll once again.

"I don't know why you're trying to fight me, Bella!" Rory snapped. "I'm kinda winning!"

"Why are you talking so much!?" screamed Bella in response.

Rory looked beyond irritated by her sister's refusal to listen to her. Hey, it looks like having a mate that happens to be the best fighter in the family came with perks, after all. Training under Jasper made Rory even more of a badass.

Until Bella grabbed a nearby tree and threw it at her sister.

"Well, my bet's on Bella," Alice chimed in. All of the Cullens seemed to shoot Alice a little look of judgment, other than Edward, who was blindly rooting for his wife.

"That's my wife!" Edward cheered.

Jasper shook his head. "Your wife's screwed," he declared. "Watch this." They all looked to Rory, who hardly had a scratch on her.

"Hey, tough guy! Your aim fucking sucks!"

This time, the tree went flying back at Bella; however, Rory manipulated the tree to clone itself three times. All four trees went toward Bella at full force.

"That's for leaving me in the fucking woods after I died for you!" Rory mentioned. "FOR A MONTH!"

All eyes returned to Alice, who sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "Well, I didn't say that was what the future held," she clairvoyant defended. It didn't take powers to see the future: Rory was totally winning.

Edward leaned on the porch, amused. "Alright, I'll give that one to Rory," he decided after thinking about it for a moment.

With that, Bella busted through the trees, heaving like a goddamn animal. However, before she could do anything, Rory manipulated her vision, allowing the older sister to suddenly appear behind Bella. Then, Rory used gravity to grab her sister, restraining her in the air.

"Jesus fuck, dude!" Rory snapped. She held her hand up to mimic how she was holding her with gravity. "Alright, here's what's gonna happen next. I'm gonna talk and you're gonna listen. Capiche?"

Rory used her free hand to brush through her hair, watching as Bella silently glared at her sister. The atmosphere was filled with tension anew in an instant.

"Wow, maybe I should do this more often," she mumbled to herself. Rory nodded to Jacob. "As much as I hate him right now, you need to get it through your thick skull that we want Renesmee to be safe. I don't want to eat my niece, you moron! You think I wanna call dibs on a baby? A baby that came from you? You're out of your mind!"

She could imagine Bella's next response: a very sassy eye-roll, followed by a pout.

"Jake and I aren't going anywhere, whether you like it or not. Not now, not anytime soon, never. So you'll just have to deal with it. I don't care how. Go sulk and stare at a wall for a whole season again — I don't give a damn," continued Rory. "But don't ever try to fight me again unless you have an actual death wish."

She stared at Bella, contemplating just leaving her like that until she calmed down completely.

Rory bittersweetly smiled at Bella. "Congrats, B, you fucked with the Eagles. Now, it's time to fly."

Revised: January 8th, 2020