(Outfits for the Whitlock family above)

Chapter Thirty-Eight, Gathering Witnesses

The day we were betrayed Bree had been at the cinema with Colin and felt bad she wasn't here, no mater what Jasper and I told her or her parents, Emmett and Rosalie told her. Carlisle and Esme had left last night to gather their friends as witnesses, along with Alice and Dean, and Emmett, Rosalie and Bree who had all left early this morning. Today Jasper and I were taking the kids to the Denali's to see if they would help as it was their sister who had betrayed us. Peter and Char were on their way, so we at least had two witnesses.

Two witnesses who believed us without question, and beloved us without seeing the twins or reading the Legends, just trusting Jasper and I, and trusting Peter's gift. Luckily Elika and Flynn's growth rate had slowed down quite a bit and they still looked like four year olds for the time being. We had to trade in my Camero for a green Skoda Scala, which benefitted us perfectly. As we were travelling to Alaska I made sure our kids were wearing clothes that would keep them warm. Willow had a white long sleeved tunic top, that had a cute little collar and a golden tutu style bottom, it also had Minnie Mouse on it and two little golden bows. Black leggings with golden Mouse ears on them, white fluffy socks, black boots, a thick jumper and her white hat, scarf and gloves and her black winter coat.

Once again, Elika wanted to wear the same as her sister so she had chosen clothes with Minnie Mouse on them. She had a pink long sleeved top with Minnie Mouse, black leggings with little pink bows on, a fluffy leopard print vest style cardigan that had Minnie Mouse on it, black boots, her white hat, scarf and gloves and her grey winter coat. Flynn, was wearing a blue dinosaur top with a green and blue plaid shirt over the top, a grey dinosaur jumper, blue jeans, and brown shoes. He also had his black winter coat along with his green PawPatrol hat, scarf and gloves.

They may be dhampirs but neither Jasper nor I wanted them to catch a cold and get sick. Jasper looked rather handsome in black jeans, a long sleeved grey top, dark brown boots, black socks, and a thick grey tea coat and a stripped scarf. I was wearing distressed blue jeans, green socks with black ankle boots, a green crop jumper, a black beanie and a thick grey tea coat that was slightly darker than Jasper's. Samantha had been right that the others wanted to help with the Volturi but I didn't want them to make a life changing decision just because we were in trouble and made them swear they would think seriously about it. I just hope everything will work out fine and that all our family comes out in one piece, Alice and I have seen what happens if they refuse to listen.

Everyone thinks Alice and Dean just took off but I know the real reason, it's what she whispered to me the day everything turned sour. She and Dean were going to Brazil, and had made a phone call to Mr Jenkins to place an order that I will need to collect soon. I couldn't even tell Jasper as only my mind couldn't be read. He knew that I had a back up plan to keep our children safe though, and he knew they were safe as long as he didn't know the details and was happy with that. He really was an amazing father and husband.
"You okay darlin'?" Jasper asked resting a hand on my thigh as he drove us towards the Denali's, the kids were asleep in the back.
"Yeah I'm just worried. I can't bare the thought of something happening to you Jasper, or our children, or any of our family." I said anxiously biting my bottom lip.

"Hey," Jasper said softly as he pulled over for a second and could give me his undivided attention as he pulled my lip from between my teeth. "Everything is going to be fine my love I promise. You're not going to lose anybody and we're not going to lose you or our beautiful children. I have a wonderful and beautiful family that you gave me sweetheart and no one is taking that away from me and no one will take me from you or our babies." Jasper said seriously before he leaned forward and kissed me with so much love and affection. "I love you." Jasper said softly against my lips.
"I love you too." I said softly pressing another kiss to his lips as a soft smile came onto my face.
"There's that beautiful smile." Jasper said with a happy grin. He took my hand and pressed a kiss to it before we set off again.

***

An hour later, we were pulling up into a gorgeous house that was sort of similar to Esme's but not with as many glass windows, and was surrounded by a dense but beautiful forests and a snowy landscape. As Jasper was turning off the engine four vampires came out of the house; Kate, Tanya, Carmen and Eleazar.
"Mummy? Daddy? Where are we?" Elika and Flynn asked as they woke up rubbing their eyes and looking blearily out the windows, Willow was starting to wake up too. Looking at the time I saw they will all need their lunch soon.
"We're just meeting some friends my lil' man and lil' lady. Daddy is going to talk to them first so I want you to stay in the car with Mummy. Okay?" Jasper asked firmly.
"Okay Daddy." The twins agreed.

Jasper smiled softly at them and blew all three of them a kiss before he kissed me on the lips and got out of the car with a passage from the book for them to read. It'll be easier to read proof of it before actually meeting the twins.
"Mummy we're hungry." My babies complained. Luckily I had packed snacks and drinks for all of them, I handed Flynn and Elika a pot of fruit slices and Willow a carrot stick for her to munch on (I'll pass her more if she wants it).
"Thank you Mummy." The twins replied.
"Ta Mama." Willow replied .
"You're welcome my darlings." I said smiling at them and blew them all kisses making them giggle before I turned to watch what was happening.

Jasper's P.O.V:

After getting out of the car the folder in hand I walked slowly over towards our cousins.
"Jasper why didn't you let us know you were coming?" Carmen asked kindly.
"How come you've left your bride and daughter in the car?" Eleazar asked confused.
"I want you to keep an open mind and read this. It'll explain everything. Irina has endangered my family." I growled at the end as Carmen took the folder and read over everything then passed it down to Eleazar, then Kate and finally Tanya.
"Why did you bring this?" Tanya asked confused before she realised. "You and Anna had a child. They're not Immortal?" She asked slightly afraid.

"We did. We had twins, two beautiful children. Listen to the heart beats there's three in the car, two slightly slower than Willow's." I explained.
"I can hear them." Carmen gasped in aww. "Can we meet them? And see Willow and Anna again?" She asked, nodding my head I walked back towards the car to help Anna with our children.
"Everything okay?" Anna asked, though I know she heard everything.
"Everything is fine my love." I said taking her hand and kissing it before helping her out of the car.

"Flynn, Elika we're going to meet our cousins so behave okay?" I warned as I unstrapped Flynn and Anna unstrapped Elika.
"We promise Daddy." The twins said as one. Anna and I kissed their heads before we helped them out of the car and I got the blankets out of the boot and Anna got Willow. Once all our children were out of the car I took changing bag from Anna and helped her wrap Willow up so she stayed warm. Flynn wanting to walk with his mother held Anna's free hand and I held Elika's as I walked besides Anna wrapping my free arm around her waist. So all my loved ones were close, which calmed the Major down.

"Carmen, Eleazar, Kate, Tanya. I want you to meet our newest children Flynn Arthur Hale and Elika Rose Hale, and you know Anna and Willow. Flynn, Elika these are our cousins Carmen, Eleazar, Tanya and Kate." I introduced. As we got closer Anna groaned and almost doubled over if I hadn't already had an arm around her and quickly took Willow and rubbed Anna's back soothingly.
"Anna are you alright?" Carmen and Kate asked stepping forward only causing Anna to moan again.
"Kate step back. She's getting your power and close proximity is painful until it's complete." I warned fiercely, but unintentionally. Kate quickly backed up until Anna was no longer in any pain.

"Mummy are you okay?" Elika and Flynn asked worriedly as they held onto Anna's legs. Anna smiled softly at them and crouched down bringing them both into a hug as she pressed a kiss to each of their foreheads.
"I'm okay babies." Anna assured softly.
"Mama. Mama." Willow chanted as she reached for her mother, smiling softly at my eldest I kissed her forehead and handed her back to Anna who smiled as Willow snuggled into her.
"Sorry I'm an Elemental Mirror and it happens when I come in contact with gifted vampires." Anna apologised. "Elika, Flynn. Say hello." Elika and Flynn just waved shyly as they hide behind mine and Anna's legs.

"Really?" Eleazar asked shocked. "If Aro finds out..."
"He is not get my family!" I growled angrily. "Will you help us?"
"Of course." Carmen agreed causing Anna and I to relax slightly. "Why don't you come inside so the children can have some food, get warm and play." She said as she started leading the way back towards the house.
"I'm sorry our sister has caused such a mess and we will do all we can to help. First your wedding, now this." Tanya sighed shaking her head at her sister.
"Thank you Tanya." Anna said gratefully.

***

Anna's P.O.V:

When we arrived back home taking the Denali's to Esme's house we discovered a wide range of vampires from all across the world had heard our plea and had come to help. Seeing for themselves that what the Legends stated were true, and quite a few of those vampires were gifted. Which unfortunately caused me to have the same pain as I did in Alaska, but only stronger due to the amount of gifted vampires. The only problem with the amount of vampires however, was it triggered quite a few more wolves on the Rez to shift and they were a lot younger then Colin.

A few days went by and all of us were training to use our powers or just training with each other when it turned out that I also had a shield power, as Jasper hadn't believed Zafina's visions were true as he had been holding my hand at the time. So as Sam was also a shield (possibly where I got it from) as well as a sword we started practicing on shielding others and it worked after some practice, we could shield everyone. During the training sessions the pack came round to train like with Victoria's army, everyone learning under Jasper's and Peter's tutelage. We'd also come to the conclusion thanks to Stefan and Vladimir that Aro wanted powered people to join his guard and would kill to get it, which is the other reason Alice and Dean left.

Jasper had given a wonderful speech asking everyone to help but also to protect themselves. I would always stand by my husband and had taken his hand. Peter, Char, Reggie and Samantha were the first to stand up as they would always be there for us then the rest of the Cullens, the Pack, Benjamin who was also an Elemental and then it was domino effect until every vampire in the room was standing in support. And I couldn't be prouder of my husband.

Now, it was Christmas Eve and tomorrow Dad was coming round to ours to have Christmas with us and our children. But I had a meeting with Mr Jenkins today.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with darling?" Jasper asked concerned, but also worried.
"Jasper," I said as I stood up and wrapped my arms around his waist and he wrapped his arms around me. "I will be perfectly fine I promise. I'll be an hour max and then I'll be all yours and our babies again." I said as I leant up and pressed a loving kiss to his lips. Elika and Flynn had grown again and were now seven years old. Hopefully with the difference in appearance they will see that Irina was mistaken and everything would be okay.

"You better." Jasper teased as he held me tighter and closer as he kissed me fiercely. Pulling back I pressed a soft loving kiss to his lips. "Now, I need to get dressed." I said against his lips as I was only stood in black lacy underwear. Getting out of Jasper's hold I quickly finished off my makeup consisting of red lips, mascara and red nails and slipped on black heels and black dress with a red belt. I styled my hair french plait but only to half way before putting it up in a neat, high ponytail. Finishing off I put on my 'Janna' necklace and red rose stud earrings, before grabbing my red leather jacket and my black and red handbag. I was ready to go.

"Willow, Flynn, Elika. I want all three of you to behave yourself for Daddy and I'll be back soon. Remember Santa is still watching." I warned as I kissed my kids goodbye before kissing Jasper again.
"We promise Mummy." My twins promised while Willow said "Wuv Mama." before they all went back to drawing.
"Be careful and you look stunning my love. I love you." Jasper said as he pecked my lips and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"I love you too. See you soon." I said as I kissed his lips and got into his Impala taking off for the restaurant where Mr Jenkins was holding the meeting.

"Ahh Mrs Hale. It's a pleasure to meet you." Mr Jenkins greeted as a waiter led me over to the table.
"You too Mr Jenkins." I greeted as I shook his hand.
"Please call me Jay. I was most eager to hear from you after Alice and Dean placed your order." Jay said after some small talk about how Dean was well preserved and what work Jay did which was rather evasive.
"I trust the order is ready?" I asked. Sending a thankful nod when he slid the large brown envelope over.

Opening it up I saw passports for Embry, Leah and Seth along with passports for Willow, Flynn and Elika, but none for Jasper or I. I had hoped our vision was wrong but it appeared not. I only hoped whatever Alice had planned would work. I can't bare the thought of Jasper and I not seeing our babies grow up, but I know and trust Embry, Leah and Seth will do right by them and tell them stories of us if the worst came to the worst.
"Is something wrong?" Jay asked.
"No everything is as expected thank you Jay." I said slipping everything back into the envelope and into my handbag.
"I hope to work close with you soon Mrs Hale." Jay said as he shook my hand as we bid each other goodbye.

Getting back into the car I know if I could cry, I would be a sobbing mess right now as I drove back home. Parking into the driveway I tried to put myself back together so Jasper wouldn't know, this plan would only work if only I knew about it. But how I wish I could be in my husband's arms right now dry-sobbing and telling him everything, but I can't. Taking several deep breaths and putting a smile on my face I grabbed my bag and left the car. As soon as I entered the house I felt two sets of arms wrap around me followed by a smaller set around my legs making me laugh.
"We missed you Mummy even Daddy was sad you were gone." Flynn said as he squeezed me from the right. Smiling softly I ran a hand through his and Elika's hair before leaning down and doing the same to Willow.

Connecting eyes with Jasper who stood only a few feet away, I smiled softly but sadly at him which made him wrap his arms around all of us holding us all tightly. Laughing wetly I relished this moment of all of us in each other's arms.
"Well, I'm home now my darlings and once I change we can do whatever you like. All five of us." I stated.
"Can we watch Hercules, Mummy?" Elika asked.
"Whatever you like darling. I'll be down in a minute." I said kissing her head, then her brothers, her sisters and finally Jasper's lips.

Heading upstairs I grabbed Flynn's and Elika's rucksacks and Willow's changing bag before I headed into my bedroom grabbed some money, my notebook and pen, and three Cullen crest necklaces before locking myself in the closet. I put $200 in each bag, the passports, the necklaces, that I put a picture of all five of us in each locket and wrote a letter addressed to my three beautiful babies.

Dear Willow, Flynn and Elika,

First I want you to know your father and I love all three of you so very much. It is every parents wish to see their beautiful, wonderful and special children grow up into the amazing young adults they know they'll grow to be. But if we did not get to see you grow up; then I am so sorry my loves. We wanted to make it safer for you.

Know we love you with all of our hearts and would gladly give our lives so you can live. You three, have always been inseparable since the day Elika and Flynn were born and I hope you continue to remain so for that is your father's and I deepest wish besides seeing you grow. That you will remain close and always be there for each other.

Know if your father and I are parted from you, we are always with in your hearts and will never leave you as long as you remember how much we love you and how much you love each other. We will be watching over you and we are so proud of you and love you with every fibre of our beings.

Live on my darlings, love, look after each other and be good for Embry, Leah and Seth. To Embry, Leah, Seth please tell my babies about Jasper and I. Please don't let them forget us.

Love with all our hearts,

Mummy and Daddy
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Looking over the letter I couldn't help my dry sob against my vanity table as the reality sunk in. We might not live to see Willow turn two. She'll be too young to remember us, and that just made the pain hurt more. I wish I could cry if only to get this pain, this poison out.

***

Christmas morning Jasper and I were laying in each other's arms just soaking in each other's embrace and sent.
"I love you Jasper so, so much." I said looking up at him and I know the fear was not only in my eyes but radiating off of me. Jasper held me closer, pressing a kiss first to my forehead then all over my face, before ending with my lips.
"I love you so much too Anna. Nothing will harm you or our children I promise. Embry is going to be with Willow, Nathan and Candice in Arizona and I know whatever you have planned the twins and Willow will be safe if things go bad. But, I promise you, they won't." Jasper swore with so much conviction I started to believe it myself. Relaxing I snuggled further into Jasper's arms when five minutes later our door was thrown open by three excited children.

"It's Christmas! Mummy! Daddy! Get up it's Christmas! Santa's been!" Flynn and Elika chanted, Willow along with them.
"Okay my darlings we're up. We're up." I laughed as I hugged and kissed them all good morning before they were in Jasper's arms doing the same.
"Now, go get your slippers and dressing gowns on." Jasper said firmly. "Then we will have breakfast, get dressed and when grandpa Charlie gets here then we will open presents." Jasper continued once they'd calmed down a bit more, only to groan as they had to wait but stopped at the looks Jasper and I gave them.

Luckily Dad arrived just as the kids were finishing breakfast which they were happy about, but we noticed as Dad arrived the snow was starting to stick which meant the Volturi would be here soon.
"We still have today my love." Jasper said as he kissed my neck. Turning away from the window and putting it out of my mind for now, I kissed my husband fiercely and passionately, making sure he knew exactly how I felt for him. "Right who's ready to open presents?" I asked only to be nearly deafened by the shouts of my children.

We had gotten Dad a five day fishing trip with Harry and Billy and he left tomorrow. He knew what was going on and what could happen, and held Jasper and I just a bit tighter than normal when he thanked us and promised our babies, especially Willow, would never forget us. Elika had gotten a barbie doll from Seth and some princess dolls from pretty much everyone. Flynn had got mostly dinosaur and Spider-Man toys, but from Leah he had gotten a Spider-Man and Dr Oc action figures. Willow had gotten a dancing Olaf from Embry, some more cooking toys from everyone else. All three of them had gotten a large pile of clothes as well. But from Jasper and I, they had all gotten a Teddy that had a heart in the middle with a photo of all five of us cuddled up on the sofa together. Which they had all loved.

After Christmas dinner we all cuddled up together on the sofa under some blankets for the rest of the day and watched Christmas movies. It really was the best Christmas we've ever had.