The next night. .

Maria made her way back to the cursed house. She went alone this time, only to observe. The mother of the child was more powerful than anyone that had encountered. And she was human! The idea of the mother becoming a vampire, it excited her. When she came within hearing range, she heard a shrill cry. That of a baby. Her brows came together, she sped closer. The view of destruction surprised her. The entire house looked like a bomb went off. There was no roof. The walls were crumbled, jagged pieces barley holding themselves up, glass was everywhere.

She heard a tiny heartbeat, flapping like a hummingbird's wings. Maria came closer, there was no one else. Just the child that she killed, but the child was not dead. Not anymore. The child squirmed and wailed in the bassinet. The poor thing had soiled herself, she was dirty and extremely uncomfortable. Maria immediately changed her, bathed her and fed her. She checked for any more injuries, probing gently at the baby's neck, sensing that the broken bone had fully and correctly healed.

"You're a mystery, dear one," Maria whispered.

Melody had calmed, but she wanted her momma.

"Momma, momma," she whined.

Maria shook her head. "I'm sorry, little one. Momma has gone away. I will take care of you, yes?"

Melody looked at Maria with a skeptical expression. As much as a three year old could muster. She didn't complain or whine, so Maria took that as a good sign. She then took the child home with her, to a secluded base. Away from newborn vampires.

🔸️

🔹️

Alice, Edward and Bella were hanging out at Charlie's home. Charlie had been called into work suddenly, leaving the three to talk freely. Edward and Alice stiffen when they felt the ground vibrate slightly. It didn't seem to affect Bella, she still sat comfortably on the couch. She did, however, feel Edward stiffen.

"What?"

"Your sister is extremely livid right now," Edward said in awe. He couldn't believe how powerful she was.

"Jasper told her that Maria was the one that changed him. She did not take it well," Alice explained.

"She didn't destroy the house, did she?" Bella asked, alarmed.

"No," Alice smiled. "It was interesting. Jasper was able to suppress any damage. It was a psychic battle between the two."

"I guess I would be pretty pissed off, too. Learning that the woman who murdered my child also took away my husband," Bella said thoughtfully.

"Her anger is completely understandable," Edward agreed.

"I guess we're going to have to tell her about the newborn army," Bella sighed.

Alice stared off into the distance for a moment. "That conversation will be okay."

Bella rolled her eyes and Edward chuckled.

🔸️

🔹️

The weekend passed, Jasper and Marrisa had their time to mourn and settle. However, Marrisa just got the news that there is a newborn army after Bella, created by Victoria. The Cullen family and the two sisters were waiting for the wolves to show up. Marrisa was very peeved, to say the least.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about this the second I came home!"

"I didn't want to bombard you!"

"I was bombarded by this damn tree the second I saw him!" Marrisa gestured angrily at Edward.

"Why am I a tree?" Edward asked.

"You're tall and you annoy me," Marrisa said.

"Trees annoy you?" Emmett chuckled.

Marrisa scoffed and her head fell into her hands. Jasper chuckled quietly and patted her shoulder.

"Still can't believe you're friends with these shifters, Bella," Marrisa scolded, her voice muffled by her hands.

"I can't, either," Edward grumbled.

"Oh, both of you hush," Bella grimaced.

After a while of talking and bickering, the wolves slowly descended from the trees. Introductions were made, plans were discussed and the training began. Marrisa thought it was fun to watch Emmett, he was definitely a fighter. Alice's skills were mesmerizing, she didn't even open her eyes once. I smile tickled her lips whenever Jasper fought. His military training never left him.

Just when everyone was just about done, Marrisa skipped to the middle of the clearing like a small school girl.

"No way," both Bella and Jasper said at the same time.

"I'm not asking," Marrisa smiled sweetly.

Jasper stared disapprovingly at his wife.

Marrisa's smile got wider. "C'mon, Major. Are you scared?"

A small, evil grin clouded Jasper's face and he charged. But he ended up on the other side of her. Marrisa giggled quietly. Jasper swiped with his right arm, hoping to catch her. Marrisa fell into a perfect split, using her abilities to crack the ground. Tree roots shot up, wrapping themselves around Jasper's body. He actually struggled for a moment, giving Marrisa time to jump back up. Her grin shining brightly.

All the vampires, shifters and Bella were amazed at the skill and power Marrisa possessed. This time, Jasper broke free and swiped again. Marrisa threw her hand up to block, her powers surging when they were millimeters away from contact. To the human eye, it seemed that Marrisa actually blocked Jasper's hit. To the vampire eye, they could see clearly the way the air rippled and shone. The sparring continued, Jasper not able to get the upper hand. Just then, Jasper leaped and dove toward Marrisa. He just...stopped. In mid air.

Marrisa had her hand up, telepathically holding Jasper up. She grinned evilly and flicked her wrist, tossing Jasper behind her. He flew towards the group of wolves and skidded across the dirt. The wolves all jumped up and scurried out of the way, much like Scooby Doo.

"WOO! Hell yeah!" Emmett bellowed, pumping his fist in the air. Jasper laughed loudly, flitting over to Marrisa and twirling her. Everyone said their goodbyes and headed home.

A sleeping Bella in Edward's arms.

Marrisa and Jasper linked arms, walking at a normal pace and talking through the night.