His Butterfly

xxiv. engagement

"Seattle is in a state of terror." The reporter says on the screen. "Police are baffled by the escalating murders and disappearances. Theories range from a vicious new gang to a wildly active serial killer."

Mariposa frowns as she cradles Sophia on her lap from her place next to Jasper on the couch. She looks away from the screen and glances up at her boyfriend, who's staring at the screen intensely, a look of knowing on his face. Her hand moves to cover his own on his leg which makes him look over to her and smile before pressing a soft kiss to her temple.

Carlisle turns off the TV as Bella and Edward join the family in the living room. "It's getting worse," He says grimly. "We're going to have to do something."

"It takes more than one of our kind to cause the damage they're reporting. Quite a few more." Jasper says, his gold eyes look at Edward as he adds, "And they're undisciplined, conspicuous—"

"It's newborns," Edward realizes as he looks into his brother's thoughts.

"What, like new vampires?" Bella questions.

"In the first few months after the change." Edward explains.

"That's when we're at our most uncontrollable, vicious, insane with thirst," Jasper says, speaking from experience. Mariposa tightens the hold on his hand slightly, hoping to give him some comfort. His stiff posture relaxes slightly at her movement.

Emmett gives Bella a playful smirk from his spot on the couch. "Something to look forward to," He teases.

"No one's trained these newborns, but this isn't random." Jasper tells them, his eyes on his father.

"Someone's creating an army," Carlisle says as he realizes what he son what's saying.

Emmett stands up with a burst of excitement. "Well, now we're definitely going to Seattle."

"Uncle Emmy is a bit," Sophia twirls her finger by her ear in a circle as she tries to whistle but fails as she just blows air. Mariposa chuckles softly at her daughter as Emmett looks mildly offended by the little girl.

"An army of vampires?" Bella asks nervously.

"And they've been created to fight someone." Jasper points out.

"We're the only clan even close to Seattle." Edward says.

"Regardless of why they were made, if we don't put a stop to them, the Volturi will." Carlisle speaks up, his hands together in front of him as he looks up at his son. "I'm surprised they've let it go on this long."

"Maybe they're behind it," Edward suggests. "In Italy, I read Aro's mind. He wants me and Alice to join him, but he knows we'll never choose him as long as our family is still alive."

"An army could solve that for him," Jasper says, grimly.

Mariposa's phone vibrates in her pocket. She hands Sophia to Jasper as she pulls it from her pocket. She sees her mother's name on the screen, a smile forming on her face as she stands up and excuses herself. Stepping out of the room, she answers, "How's sunny California, mama?"