(cont) History Lesson
 

I eagerly moved on to the next picture, curious as to what it might reveal. The sight in the picture rooted me to the spot. The room began to swim around me and although I knew I could stand unphased for days on end, my knees suddenly felt very unsteady. I drew in a sharp intake of breath and my hand shot to cover my gaping mouth. In the picture stood several members of the Volturi, all clad in their customary robes of gray and black. Jane and Alec in their presence had now donned the dark robes they wore presently. They were easily discernable form the other members due to their notably smaller size. The members circled around a large fire that reached several feet in to the sky. What lay beneath the flames turned my stomach. Bodies. Lots of bodies. The bodies of children, torn and dismembered and staring back in a silenced cry for help—The Immortal Children.
With a sharp intake of breath, my breathing hitched and then sped up. I heard the wind moving as Edward rushed to my side and felt his arms as they wrapped around me. I heard his voice as he frantically whispered my name, “Bella? Bella!? Oh no Bella…shh, it’s alright Bella, I’m here…” He rocked me back and forth and shielded my eyes, turning my body from the horrendous sights before me, but it was too late. My vision blurred a deep red and then slowly began fading to black around the edges. I felt my breath coming in deep, rugged gasps. With my free hand I reached around wildly trying to grab my daughter. Edward continued to murmur soothing reassurances in my ear, but his voice came to me muffled and disjointed as I fought uselessly against his grip and continued to flail blindly trying to find Renesmee.
I remembered once wondering if vampires could go into shock—remembered asking Alice if it were possible. It seemed silly at the time, but as the last remaining sight faded from me into complete darkness, I didn’t have to wonder anymore….I was there.

Chapt 14 - Ungarded Thoughts
 

Blackness, nothing more.
Eventually, I began to resurface. I was first aware of my lullaby being hummed slowly—muffled and distant at first, then growing gradually until it was closer and more distinguishable as it pulled me from the darkness. There was a slight pressure against my forehead and I was vaguely aware of something as smooth as silk and feather light slowly brushing my cheek repeatedly. Above the soft melody of the humming were soft, muted voices. At first I couldn’t make out their words, but eventually the fragmented sounds began to join together and form coherent words.
“It’s working Jasper. Relax, Edward…just a few more minutes.” Alice.
“She’ll come around when she’s ready.” Carlisle. “Her mind has had a lot to process today. This is her body’s natural defense and way of coping with it all.”
This situation was beginning to form an all too familiar pattern. Hadn’t I left that body behind long ago? How long had I been…out? Days? Weeks? Longer? The blackness that had engulfed me gradually began to fade to gray and was lightening. I slowly became aware of movement around me. The pressure against my head and the stroking of my cheek remained steady. My eyelids felt as heavy as lead as I blinked, attempting to drive out the remaining fog shrouding my senses.
On the outer edges of my vision, I detected the soft glow of sunlight sneaking its way through the blinds and into our suite. The tint and angle suggested that it was late morning, as did the lingering aroma of French toast and bacon. Being without my senses made me uncomfortable. Edward had explained before that we had a natural, defensive dependency on them. Grateful to regain them, I breathed in deeply to momentarily welcome even the unappetizing aroma of Renesmee’s breakfast.
My lullaby came to a halt and the fingertips on my face stopped mid stroke. I blinked again and focused my eyes on Edward’s face mere inches from my own. His forehead was pressed lightly to mine. “Bella,” he softly breathed. A weak, relieved smile appeared on his face as I slowly reached up to return his touch.
“I’m sorry,” I mouthed silently to him.
He placed his finger over my lips and shook his head back and forth. “No, I’m the one who should be apologizing to you. It was too much—I should have never expected or asked you to come here…”
“It was my choice, Edward,” I interrupted. He looked at me doubtfully, but let me speak. I shrugged. “You can’t shield me from everything forever. Besides, isn’t shielding supposed to be my specialty now?” I tried to make my words sound playful and teasing, but I could tell by his unchanged expression that he didn’t find humor in them. I suspected he’d berate himself for the incident later, just as he normally did.
Luckily, he didn’t have the opportunity to begin raking himself over the coals. Emmett and Rosalie walked into the room with Renesmee hopping along behind them. Emmett seized the opportunity to give me a hard time, “Well, welcome back to the land of the living, sis. Leave it to you to be the only vampire in history to find a way to make yourself faint!” Edward’s teeth snapped together and a low growl rumbled in his chest, but I was thankful for Emmett’s distraction.
I grinned back, ignoring the warning glare Edward was issuing for his brother. “Just trying to keep my track record.” I chucked a nearby pillow at him and he easily dodged out of the way.
It had escaped my attention that Jasper had remained still and quiet since I’d regained consciousness…or whatever it was I’d done…until he spoke up. “No…” His eyes were distant and unfocused, his face set in a mask of confusion. He slowly shook his head from side to side and his mouth pulled down into a slight frown at the corners. “No,” he repeated. “It wasn’t that…this was…something else.”
“What are you talking about, Jazz?” Alice asked as she placed a concerned hand on his forearm and looked at him questioningly.
“Bella I mean. She didn’t faint. This was something else.” He seemingly searched for the right words to explain. “I tried…for hours….to get through to her to calm her…but I couldn’t. It was like she wasn’t even in the room. I couldn’t sense anything at all from her. I’ve never had that happen before. The only time anyone’s even come close was when….” He trailed off and turned his gaze to Edward.
Edward furrowed his brow and leaned his head to the side. He appeared perplexed as he exchanged a fleeting glance with Carlisle. “Hmmm…” he surmised as he pondered whatever the two had conveyed to him.
Suddenly, another thought occurred to me. I groaned as I dropped my head in my hands ashamedly. Instantly, Edward had knelt in front of mean began rubbing my arms frantically. “What is it Bella? Are you alright?” His tone was one of concern.
“I’m fine,” I sighed. “Just embarrassed. What must poor Heidi have thought? I ruined her tour!”
Edward breathed a sigh of relief and shook his head slowly. “Relax Bella. You didn’t ruin anything. Alice saw what was happening with a few moments notice. She distracted Heidi and Rosalie and I brought you back here under the pretense that it was time for Renesmee’s dinner. Heidi was never the wiser to what transpired.”
“I took a few deep, relieved breaths. “And Aro?” I asked. Surely he would see through someone else’s thoughts that something was wrong…if he hadn’t already.
“Let me deal with Aro,” Carlisle reassured me. “Try to relax today and enjoy your outing that Alice has planned for you.”
I turned to Alice who was grinning widely and raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Shopping…in Venice!” she exclaimed, radiating with excitement. “Oh Bella, please say you’ll come. I really thought you might enjoy a day away from Volterra and Italy is one of the fashion capitals of the wo—“
I held up my hand stopping her before she could continue what I’m sure was a very well rehearsed, convincing speech. She twisted her fingers together eagerly waiting for me to reply. “Alright Alice, I’ll go.” I replied. Her eyes lit up as I agreed to her plan. “A day of shopping away from here actually sounds perfect.” For once, I meant it.

(cont) Ungarded Thoughts
 

In the end, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, Renesmee, Esme and I had spent the day in Venice shopping and visiting various popular tourists’ attractions. Initially, Edward had insisted on joining us, but after much convincing on my part, in the end he reluctantly agreed to accompany Carlisle and Jasper to visit with Aro. I knew he was curious to meet with them himself and assure him I would survive a day without him, even if I wasn’t so convinced myself.
As Alice’s visions had indicated, the day passed without. I quickly lost track of how many stores and specialty boutiques Alice dragged us to. However, I was well aware of the obscene amount of money that was spent during the course of the day. Alice tried unsuccessfully to ease my concerns by rambling on about the exchange rate of the Euro to the American dollar, but I’m sure she suspected her efforts were futile. She was right. In any case, I didn’t push the issue. Shockingly, I actually managed to enjoy myself—so much so that we found ourselves returning to hour hotel suite long before I was ready to.
I was barely in the door when I was literally swept off my feet by an eagerly awaiting Edward. Wordlessly, his amber eyes met mine with a burning intensity. He took my hand and gently led me through the double glass doors to the outside patio. We walked up the narrow staircase to a balcony. At the top, I gripped the golden hand rails and looked out to the city below me.
From behind me, I heard Edward inhale deeply as the light breeze carried his melodic voice forward to meet my ears. “The view from up here really takes your breath away.” I surveyed the land below me. A nearby river glistened in the light of the new moon hanging in the sky. Train tracks snaked their way across the flat fields beyond the city walls and the occasional set of headlights followed the winding countryside roads far off in the distance. The night was cool and still but I was not breathing—not making any sound at all but rather enjoying the peaceful sounds of the European city below. I turned to face my husband only to discover that he was not taking in our surroundings, but rather staring intently at me.
As easily as rainwater finds it way to ground, he stepped forward and encircled his arms around my waist in one fluent movement. He gently leaned over me until my body was arched gracefully over the railing with nothing but the city hundreds of feet below me. Lightly he began trailing sweet kisses down my neck until reaching my collar bone before finally pulling my upright and taking my face between his hands and placing a tender kiss on my lips.
For the remainder of the night, we remained on the rooftop balcony, reveling in the magical atmosphere of all that surrounded us. At his insistence, I filled him in on my day’s events as he listened intently. He patiently ran his fingers through my hair as I spoke and hung on my every word as if it were the most intriguing recollection of events he’d ever heard. Not once during the night did either of us mention any of the many concerns that had followed us for the past few weeks. There was no talk of the Volturi, no mention of our rapidly growing daughter or of our human façade in Forks that was growing increasingly more difficult. We spent the night talking and simply being with each other. It was very reminiscent of the first nights Edward has spent in my bedroom in Charlie’s house years ago. In the end, we both agreed that the night had earned a spot as one of our top ten most memorable nights.
It was only when the pink sun sunrise began peeking its way over the distant Tuscan mountainside that we admitted we needed to prepare for the day—our last day in Italy. We would be returning to Forks tonight and we had all agreed to return to visit with the Volturi leaders again before departing later. Despite the fact that our trip had only lasted a few days, to say I was eager to return home was an understatement. All too soon we were dressed and racing against the threatening sunlight to reach the entrance to the underground tunnels.
Heidi met us and the entrance to a small, secluded alleyway and led us to yet another room deep underneath the ancient city. This room was very spacious, yet much more welcoming than any of the rooms we’d seen so far. The rough stone walls were adorned with dozens of intricately woven tapestries. Some depicted castles surrounded by thick forests, one displayed a scene of extravagantly decorated medieval knights upon four proud looking horses while others depicted versions of a much older European cities. In the corner of the room was a massive fireplace where a glowing fire crackled. The warmth of the flame was unnecessary, yet it added to the comfortable atmosphere of the room. In the center of the room was a massive, rectangular table. High backed chairs of various, unmatching styles surrounded the table. Similar chairs were scattered randomly throughout the room, against walls and in small pairings around small tables.
Several members of the Volturi were already present, some lounging at leisure in some of the chairs, some standing deeply involved in conversations with one another. None, including Jane and Alec, so much as gave us a second glance as we entered and were waved towards the massive table by Heidi. Spread out on the table were various photos, maps and ancient looking documents. Surrounding them in a very businesslike fashion were Aro, Marcus, Caius, Carlisle and a few other vampires clad in gray—among them Felix, sill without Demitri’s looming presence by his side.
Upon seeing our group enter, Aro waved dismissively in the direction of the documents. An unknown member in palest gray robes immediately stepped forward to gather and remove them from the table. He then turned to us and waved us forward eagerly, gesturing to the seats surrounding the table. “Welcome back friends!” He greeted earnestly. “Please, won’t you all join us? We still have so much to share and discuss before you leave.”
As requested, we all moved to fill seats around the table. Edward sat to my right, Renesmee to my left between me and Rosalie. “So,” Aro began, rubbing his hands together excitedly. “How did you enjoy the museum? Carlisle tells me some of you ventured out to see other areas yesterday. What did you think? Tell me everything!” He leaned forward on the table anxiously and rapidly glanced at each of us in anticipation.
“The city is absolutely beautiful, Aro,” Alice offered. “We had the opportunity to visit many of the fine retail establishments that Venice has to offer and they by far exceeded my expectations.”
Aro’s face brightened and his eyes twinkled with excitement. “Ah, that is very encouraging to hear, dear Alice.” It pleased me to know that they meet your approval.” He appraised her for a moment before returning his anxious eyes to the rest of us. “And the museum? What did you think about our various collections?”
I hesitated, wondering if he was aware of my “incident.”
“It was all very impressive,” Edward began politely as he inclined his head in a gesture of gratitude. “Your collections far exceed any exhibits I’ve seen. I believe that I can speak for our entire family in saying the we appreciate your bestowing upon us the opportunity to view such and expansive array of priceless artifacts. Heidi was a most gracious guide. It was all very…overwhelming.” He squeezed my hand lightly under the table. From behind Aro, I saw Heidi’s beaming at the compliment Edward had offered her.
Aro smiled at us, his chest swelling with pride. “I’m so pleased that you feel that way. We take great pride in the history of our kind and the role we have played in various historical events that have shaped the world as we know it today.” He then turned an apologetic gaze in my direction. His expression confirmed my fears even before he spoke. He knew. “Bella, my dear, I am very sorry to hear of the ordeal that you experienced.” From behind me I heard an indignant snort of disgust and a muted whisper—Jane, I assumed. Aro shot a brief, furious glance in her direction, immediately silencing her before continuing. “I can assure you dear Bella, that at some point we all have found ourselves overwhelmed by the magnitude of the existence of our kind.”
I gaped in shock. Was Aro attempting to comfort me? I quickly regained my composure and forced myself to respond, “Thank you, Aro. It means a great deal to have your wisdom and reassurance on that matter. I apologize for the inconvenience I may have caused.”
Aro was already shaking his head. “There are no apologies necessary on you behalf. As a matter of fact, I’d like a chance to make amends to you.” He snapped his fingers twice in the air and Heidi stepped forward carrying several packages. Each was wrapped in black paper with a single, bright red ribbon tied around its center. He took three identical packages from her and handed on each to myself, Edward and Alice. A sly smile spread across his face and humor colored his voice as he spoke again in explanation, “just a little gift from me for you three for later…a reminder of your options for the future.” Edward and Alice exchanged a meaningful glance—I had a pretty good idea of the contents of the package that lay before me.

(cont) Ungarded Thoughts
 

Aro did not hesitate long enough to allow a response from any of us. Instead, he took the remaining similarly wrapped package from Heidi and placed it on the table in front of him. “Bella, I am well aware of your strong abhorition of accepting gifts and I would not dare knowingly insult one of our guests. I am hoping that you will allow me instead to give your daughter a gift…a mere small reminder of her first visit to our great city.”
I nodded in consent, “And I would not knowingly insult such a gracious host. Considering the extravagancy of his past gifts, I doubted any gift from him was merely a “small reminder.” However, his convincing argument and carefully worded request deemed his offer impossible to refuse without seeming rude.
He gently pushed the package across the table to Renesmee who excitedly began to tear the paper from the package. As she did so, Heidi moved to stand behind her and peered over her shoulder. Renesmee lifted the lid of the ebony box concealed within it and her eyes widened in excitement as she peered inside.
Heidi reached forward and lifted from the box the diamond encrusted necklace and fastened it around Renesmee’s, who stared in amazement at Aro...as did the rest of our group.
“Heidi has informed me that you rather liked this piece in particular? Nothing would please me more than to give it to you precious little one.”
“Aro, it is a very generous gift indeed…” Edward said, unsure how to finish his statement.
Aro nodded in acknowledgement and continued speaking. “The large diamond you see there is one of three cut from a single, larger diamond once known to have served as the eye of a temple idol on the Coleroon River in India. The three diamonds were originally part of the crowned jewels and kept in the tower of London. The largest of the three sister stones is now referred to as the Hope Diamond. Regretfully, it adorned the neck of Marie Antoinette on the day she was beheaded and we were unable to trace its whereabouts as to acquire it…” He paused and shook his head regretfully before waving dismissively and continuing. “In any case, it seems only appropriate that she should become the rightful owner of this second diamond now—her mother after all, owns the third.”
I gasped involuntarily. “Me?!”
Aro seemed to find amusement in my reaction and chuckled lightly to himself as he nodded. There were low murmurs of amusement around the room as I regained my composure.
“Aro,” I began tentatively. “If you would be so kind as to tell me more about my necklace?”
“My dear, I thought you’d never ask.” A kind smile spread across his ancient face. He settled back in his throne like chair and cleared his throat, pausing for a moment as he allowed the anticipation to build. As last, he slowly inhaled and began. “I think it best to begin by telling you about your diamond itself. Your diamond, my dearest Bella, is the third largest flawless diamond in known existence. It was set in the necklace you now own long ago by some of our Egyptian colleagues.”
“Amun?” I asked. My mind effortlessly recalled what Heidi had shared two days prior regarding the Egyptian coven’s hand in the reconstruction of the Basilica.
“Yes, Amun,” Aro confirmed. He and a few of his…former coven members.” I noted Aro’s tone in which he referred to the Egyptian coven and pondered silently the details regarding the former members. However, I didn’t interrupt him and waited patiently for him to continue.
“The necklace was made as a gift for my dear sister, Didyme, to be worn on the day she and Marcus were wed.” I stole a brief glance at Marcus at Aro’s mention of his late wife. I was surprised to find that he seemed to be uncharacteristically intent and hanging on Aro’s every word. “After her unfortunate death, we kept it here in our museum. That is, until I recently discovered another of our kind who seemed worthy enough to possess such a meaningful treasure.” He smiled at his own compliment as he gracefully gestured in my direction. I fought the urge to roll my eyes as I forced myself to return his smile. How ironic that I was deemed worthy enough to possess such a valuable item mere months before Aro had led his followers to destroy not only myself, but my entire family as well. Worthy enough indeed! Across the table, I noticed Jasper’s uncomfortable shift. I willed myself to relax as I pulled back on my shield that was now threatening to blur my vision around its edges.
A mere fraction of a second had passed since Aro had spoken his backhanded compliment when Marcus raised his voice to address our group, completely recapturing my attention. “Didyme held the friendship of those around her with utmost regard. She treasured any token, regardless of value, that symbolized those friendships. His eyes swept across the faces of my family before stopping to hold my gaze. I stared back into his milky red eyes and found a trace of a very human emotion I was all too familiar with—pain. Not pain of a physical nature, but something much more intense and emotional. This was the type of pain that ripped your soul. It was a pain so severe that the greatest flow of tears couldn’t wash it away this was a pain I had known to well during the darkest months of my human life, even through the clouded veil of memories. I tried unsuccessfully to pull my eyes from his which now bore into mine. I wanted desperately to find an excuse to look away—Alice whispering in Jasper’s ear, a sleepy Renesmee who was drifting to sleep at my side, or Aro whose head now hung in obvious grief. However, I was entranced by Marcus’s mournful gaze and found it impossible to break the connection.
“Isabella,” he pleaded. “Not many of our kind can be considered to be creatures of pure love and goodness, but my Didyme was just that. Ask anyone here!” His voice boomed and echoed in the now silent room. He waved his arm across the Volturi crowd, daring anyone to contradict his declaration. No one did. “Her only desire in her life, both human and immortal, was to bring happiness and share her love with those around her. If an of her colleagues were able to experience even a fraction of the joy she brought to me while I was fortunate enough to be able to call her my wife, then they should consider themselves among the most blessed individuals to have ever existed!”
I reached across the table to take his hand, now outstretched towards me. “Please do not think ill of my demeanor, Isabella. I have seen the bond that you and your mate share. I know that you are one of the few who can fully comprehend the magnitude of the loss I have suffered.” I swallowed hard and nodded, unsure of what to say, but fully sympathetic to his suffering. I felt Edward’s hand tighten around mine under the table, felt his posture stiffen beside me and heard his teeth snap together. “Only a creature from sent from the darkest pits of hell, bearing the blackest of souls could take from this Earth a creature as pure and good as my Didyme.”
Suddenly, Edward shot to his feet beside me. In a blur of movement, he circled my chair and scooped Renesmee up into his arms just as her body want completely limp. His sudden action sent a tiny ripple of movement through the Volturi guard and seemed to startle Aro, who rose to match him on the opposite side of the table.
Cradling Renesmee in his arms, he locked his gaze with Carlisle’s for a fleeting moment before he turned to face the ancient leader. “Aro, my apologies. I thank you sincerely for the generous hospitality you have shown myself and my family. However, if you will be so kind as to excuse me, I think it best if I take this little one back and put her to bed. She has a long trip to endure in a few short hours and will certainly need her rest.” His voice was as smooth as velvet and never wavered, but I couldn’t be fooled. Something was wrong. My muscles tensed defensively at the realization. Cautiously, I rose beside him, staring into his eyes questioningly as I did. “No Bella. You stay and continue enjoying yourself. Alice can help me get her back to our room.
“Oh yes!” Alice exclaimed, quickly gathering our gifts in her arms. “So much to pack before we leave. It has been a great honor Aro, thank you.” She danced over to join Edward’s side, her arms now equally as laden as Edward’s.
“Oh, so soon?” Aro sounded disappointed. He glanced at the small sleeping figure Edward held in his arms for a long moment before conceding with a sigh. “Very well, young friends. I hope your travels bring you our way again soon.”
Stepping to momentarily join Edward under the pretense of bidding my daughter good-night, I narrowed my eyes in suspicion as I met his and drew closer. As I brushed her curls aside and leaned forward to kiss her forehead, Edward whispered urgently, “Stay with Carlisle and meet us back at the suite, Love?” He posed the statement as a question, but I understood it for what it was—instruction. The urgency in his voice was breaking through. My eyes shot upwards to meet his. A quick nod of his head prompted me to hold my tongue.
He leaned forward to kiss my cheek lightly. Just before he pulled away, he whispered two brief words of explanation, low enough so that only I could hear. “Aro slipped.”

Chapt 15 - Secrets
 

I stared down the dark, dimly lit stone corridor at the quickly retreating silhouettes of Alice and Edward. I was at a loss as to what could have triggered Edward’s reaction. I knew that he would have never left if there had been even the slightest indication that we were in danger, yet my instincts screamed at me to run and escape with them from this underground maze. My mind fought against the pull and kept me rooted to the spot where I stood, my own determination to follow my mate’s urgent directions battling with my own drive for self preservation.
“Bella,” Carlisle discretely whispered. He tugged gently on my sleeve. I turned my confused questioning eyes to meet his gaze. His piecing, ocher gaze and a curt nod of his head offered calmness and encouraged me to play the role for the time being. I quickly returned his nod and plastered a very fake smile on my face as I turned to continue making casual conversation with our hosts—to act as if nothing had happened.
I made every possible effort to speak at leisure with random individuals as they drifted through the chamber. I noticed that Jane and Alec always oriented themselves as far as possible from me and my family members. I was sure that the manner in which they strategically placed themselves was completely intentional—not at all willing to bury the proverbial hatchet and partake in socializing, yet too intrigued to remove them altogether.
I tired to occupy my thoughts by observing those around me. Rosalie and Emmett were talking leisurely to a few of the Volturi guards. They seemed perfectly at ease, as did Esme, who was examining one of the woven tapestries with the wives. There was no doubting that Edward had heard some errant thought from Aro that had prompted his quick departure. However, the Cullens remained convincingly composes, not allowing even the remotest hint that anything was out of the ordinary.
Countless times I’d been complimented on the ease with which I seemed to have adjusted to this immortal lifestyle, yet I envied their ability to portray such a convincing façade. That ability was something that could be achieved only with time, patience and practice. If I was being honest with myself, I was quickly beginning to disagree with many of the conclusions that had been drawn by others about my transformation. At times, I felt like this life was perfectly designed for me. Yet sometimes, I felt the internal struggle to adapt—so much I was unsure of…
I lost track entirely of how long we remained behind. I tried my best to focus my attention on those with whom I was speaking, but as the time passed, my efforts to do so became increasingly futile. I grew very uneasy as the second ticked by and eventually found myself trying to stay near Jasper. I desperately hoped that if I were close in proximity, he would be able to help me remain calm. However Jasper, always the militant, seemed equally as anxious. Every few seconds, his eyes darted around the room taking a silent survey of our surroundings. I could only imagine his mind was working at a frantic pace, constantly strategizing and analyzing our best course of action…should it come to that.
At long last, from across the chamber, I heard Carlisle speak the words we had all been eager to hear. “Aro, I really must thank you for the generous hospitality you all have shown to me and my family, but I am afraid that we really must be on our way.”
“Oh, so soon?” The elder responded with obvious disappointment.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. I am expected back at the hospital for a shift late tomorrow.”
Aro chuckled. “My dear friend, you continue to impress me with your unswerving self control.” He shook his head appraisingly. “To willingly and unnecessarily put yourself in such close proximity with so many humans…and their fresh, tempting blood…it’s simply…”
“Mouthwatering,” Jane responded sadistically from several feet behind Aro. I leaned to the side slightly to glare at her, trying to fill my gaze with as much hatred for her as possible. She merely grinned her sickeningly sweet smile in return. I felt a low growl building in my chest, but it was stifled as Jasper secured a vice-like grip around my wrist and I felt the long sought waves of calmness washing over me.
To my satisfaction, it was Carlisle’s calm response that seemed to wound her ego. “Yes, well I do consider it a great accomplishment—a result of disciplined self control and patience that many of our kind lack.” He cast a quick, accusatory glance in Jane’s direction. The smile melted off her face as she reformed her features into their customary disapproving, bitter, hate filled scowl.
“Yes, indeed,” Aro agreed. “In any event, please do not let us delay your travels any further. You are, no doubt eager to return home.”
“And your little on is no doubt, eager to see her furry, four legged friend again.” Caius said, with obvious distaste. I stiffed at his words, not at all pleased that he had taken an obvious interest in Renesmee’s connection to Jacob.
“So my friends, I bid you all a fond farewell and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.” Aro snapped his fingers once and Heidi immediately stepped forward. “Heidi dear, if you would be so kind as to escort our guests out to the city.”
After a brief exchange of departing words, we finally began following Heidi up to the streets above. Each step seemed lighter with the increasing distance between ourselves and the Italian coven we were leaving behind us. Heidi led us down yet another unfamiliar passageway that eventually led out to a small alley just outside the main square. We said genuine good byes to the vampire that has served as our guide and set off on the way back to our hotel.
We began making our way down the alley. At this point, I was beyond urgent to reach Edward. It took all the self control I could muster to walk at a human pace. There was no one else in sight, but we couldn’t risk exposing ourselves—especially not here. From behind us, I heard a metallic ‘clang’ as Heidi pulled shut the heavy door from which we had emerged.
“Carlisle?” I urgently whispered.
“Not now, Bella,” he quickly replied, cutting me off. “Let us wait to discuss this when we reach the hotel. Best not to take any chances having our conversation overheard.”
We continued walking at what seemed like a painfully slow pace until we finally reached the hotel entrance. We entered in pairs through the brass framed, glass revolving door and were welcomed by the soft light from the old chandeliers. We strode across the ivory marble floor towards the elevators. Given the late night hour, we were the only ones in the lobby aside from the lone hotel working behind the registration desk.
We rounded the corner and Emmett reached out and pushed the button to summon the elevator. My patience, however, was spent. I bypassed my waiting family without a word and burst through the door to the stairwell. As soon as I heard the door catch behind me, I began flying up the stairs at a speed that reduced me to nothing more than a blur. I slowed to a human pace briefly at floor fourteen to pass an elderly couple heading down. As soon as they were out of sight on the stairs below me, I resumed my inhuman pace until I reached the suite level twenty-six stories above the ground. Less than fifteen seconds has passed since I’d left the ground floor.
As soon as I stepped into the hall, I could hear Edward’s angry tones floating towards me. I hurried down the dark, maroon carpeted corridor and quickly slid my key card through the reader beside our door. I walked into the living quarters and stopped for a fraction of a second to survey the scene before me.
A now wide awake Renesmee sat on the couch with her eyes glued to a cartoon on the television set. I understood immediately—her sudden fatigue had been a cover—a result of Jasper’s talent. He’d induced her easily into a quick and convincing slumber just as he had done with me years ago as we’d hidden in Phoenix. Alice sat on the edge of a chaise lounge. Her head was lowered into her hands and she was slowing shaking it side to side as if in disbelief. Edward was pacing the floor in front of her, his hands balled into fists.
When his eyes met mine, he came to a halt and bound across the room. He pulled me into a tight embrace, wound his hand through my hair and buried his face in my dark tresses. “Oh Bella, Bella, Bella!” he murmured into my hair with a relieved sigh.

(cont) Secrets
 

From the hall outside, I heard the elevator bearing the remainder of my family clatter to a stop and it’s doors slide open. I looked around Edward to Alice who’d raised her head. She stared back solemnly with a very worried, pained expression, but offered no explanation. Behind me, the door opened and I sensed my family as they joined us in the room.
I felt Edward’s grip loosen ever so slightly and pulled back enough to peer up at him. I saw his eyes dart sideways to Renesmee. Rosalie rushed forward, scooping her up and shooing her off to the bedroom. “Time for you to get your things ready for the plane,” she said. She shut the large double doors behind her and returned to stand by Emmett’s side, taking his hand in hers as she did.
“Son?” Carlisle asked. Edward’s jaw tightened and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly. “Aro?”
“Yes,” Edward replied, his voice sharp with barely controlled anger.
“And…Didyme?” Carlisle asked.
Edward’s eyes shot open. His amber irises blazed as he looked at his father. “No vampire named Chloe was to blame for the loss of Didyme’s life. She died at the hand of Aro.”
A violent tremble rippled through my body. I gasped audibly and stepped back clapping my hand over my mouth and stared at him in disbelief. “Wh…what?” I stuttered.
Edward drew in a long, shaky breath before he continued speaking. “When Marcus was speaking of her, Aro’s thoughts slipped for just a moment. And I saw. Marcus and Didyme were making preparations to leave Volterra. The thought of losing them…their gifts…more specifically, Marcus’s gift… He killed her, his own sister, to keep Marcus by his side.”
“And then he placed the blame on the newborn Chloe,” Carlisle said, quickly drawing the conclusion. He shook his head in disbelief. “That bastard.”
“I didn’t know—“Alice offered. “I only saw him rushing out. I managed to whisper to Jasper….to get him to make Nessie go to sleep. I knew, whatever it was, there needed to be no chance of Aro reading what he’d heard, or of my vision.”
“If Aro knew I’d seen the truth,” Edward explained, “he’d never let us leave alive. Any of us. He would chance having Marcus find out the truth.”
“No,” Carlisle agreed. “If he’s willing to take the life of his own sister…well, I don’t think he’d hesitate much to deal us all the same fate. Do you think there is any chance that he suspected?”
“No,” Edward answered quickly. “I’m certain he was confident that he was able to mask his thoughts before I heard his recollections.”
“Alice?” Carlisle asked, turning to her.
She shook her head. “I don’t see anything Carlisle. I think Edward is right.”
“Nevertheless, I don’t think it would do us any harm to depart for the airport a little ahead of schedule.” Carlisle said.
There was a general consentment from my shocked family and the all turned robotically to begin gathering their belongings. My brain, however, was still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what I’d just learned. I could not wrap my mind around how anyone could commit such a heinous act. Suddenly, someone’s violent outburst froze everyone in their tracks. “That arrogant…lying…a**hole!” I looked around trying to determine who’d said it when I suddenly realized—it was me. Everyone looked at me, apprehension on their faces.
“Bella?” Edward said. “It’s OK, love.” He took a cautious step towards me and held his hand out towards me in what I’m sure was meant to be a comforting gesture.
Without thinking, I slapped his hand away. “No!” I bellowed. “It is not OK! Maybe for you all, this is just a fact of life…of who we are, but for me, this is anything but OK.” Edward’s eyes widened in shock as he glanced from me to Jasper nervously. “And don’t go instructing Jasper to do anything!” I continued, waving a warning finger at him. I felt betrayed and helpless.
“He brought us here, trying to convince us that he’d changed…that he was something other than a manipulative, power hungry maniac…and it was all a lie! And I believed him.” I chuckled humorlessly, furious with myself for having been so venerable. “He doesn’t care about us—he doesn’t care about Marcus. He murdered his own sister for God’s sake! Did he not know that would destroy him? What that would do to him?” I looked around at my family, but no one responded. “I know what it feels like to believe the other half of your very self is dead. How could he do that to someone he calls his brother? What kind of…monster…would even consider acting on something like that, just to protect themselves?”
I’d meant the question to be rhetorical, but as I looked around at my family, now done with my rant, I found it being answered wordlessly before my very eyes. I saw Emmett and Rosalie exchange a meaningful look. Rosalie turned to me, her lip protruding and trembling slightly as if she were crying. Jasper bowed his head wordlessly. They all wore the same, easily interpreted expression—guilt.
It brought me up short. “Oh. Well, I guess that answers that then. I suppose that shouldn’t come as any surprise.” Maybe I should have been mad, or hurt, but I wasn’t. It seemed like for the past few years half of the vampires I’d crossed trails with had been trying to kill me. It only seemed logical that at some point in time some of my own family members would have tried to snuff me as well.
I looked back at Edward. He was staring at me intently as he often did when he was trying to read my expression, having long since giving up on every hearing my thoughts. His eyes were full of pain. I looked away.
Rosalie took an unsure, small step towards me. “Bella, I’m so sorry.”
“She seems to be in control…no, I don’t think she’s going to try anything physical with any of them,” I heard Edward ponder from beside me.
I rolled my eyes, my temper erased by the absurdity of the statement. “Oh please! Of course I’m not going to attack anyone! Give me some credit, geez!” I looked back to Edward, intent on scolding him for even thinking something so insane, but the look on his face stopped me.
His expression was no longer pained. Instead, he tilted his head slightly to the side and peered back at me appraisingly. “Hmmm. It seems like you were right about your theory Carlisle.”
I looked back and forth from him to Carlisle, ignoring the frantic whispers coming from Alice. “Theory? What theory? What are you talking about Edward?”
But instead of answering my question, he asked one of his own. “Why did you say that to me…about not attacking anyone, I mean?”
“Because of what you said...about me being in control.” I was suddenly very confused, but he didn’t say anything in response. He merely looked back and Carlisle and nodded one quick nod. “Is someone going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Bella,” Alice began. “Edward didn’t say anything. At least, not out loud.”

(cont) Secrets
 

My stunt in the hotel room and not only kept us from leaving early, it had actually caused us to run late. We had to rush to the airport in order to make our flight home. Once again, we had the entire first class section to ourselves. Once we were finally in the air and Renesmee was truly sleeping in Rosalie’s lap, was I able to discuss what had happened with Carlisle and Edward.
“Bella,” Carlisle began, “I have always believe that over time, our talents strengthen. I have suspected for some time now that that is what is happening with you. I can’t be sure, but it seems like you have developed new abilities with your shield that you are not even aware of. There have been indications, like the one earlier tonight when you answered Edward’s unspoken thought, that perhaps you possess the power to not only shield yourself and those around you, but you have the ability to use it to reverse those talents being used on you….even manipulate them to an extent.”
My jaw dropped, but I composed myself quickly. “Indications? What indications? Other than tonight, I mean.” I didn’t remember anything out of the ordinary.
“Bella, that’s not the first time you’ve done that with me.” Edward said.
“It’s not? When has that ever happened before?”
“Well, I first recall it happening about a month ago. We had not been back from Hanover long, and you and I were sitting together at the piano. We’d been in Carlisle’s office, talking with him and were waiting for Renesmee to finish her lesson with Rose, remember?”
“Yes.” Of course I remembered. Aside from many of my human memories, I remembered everything.
“I’d wondered, to myself, what you were thinking. No sooner had I finished the thought in my own head, had you then answered it out loud. Much in the same fashion as when I had done years ago with Carlisle.”
“I did? Well why didn’t you mention it then?”
“Truthfully, I just thought it was a coincidence. It wasn’t until that day in the field when we played baseball and you and Jasper turned on each other than we—Carlisle and myself, that is—really began to question if there was something more….something changing. You’ve never been immune to Jasper’s talents, but that day, he couldn’t calm you. And then it was like you projected your rage on him…making him feel the way you did.”
Things were beginning to make more sense. “And then in the hotel the other day…after the museum….” I trailed off, fitting the pieces together in my head.
“That’s right,” Carlisle confirmed. “Jasper tried for hours, but couldn’t manage to reach you then either.” I was silent, not sure of what to say. “I think that when we arrive home and get settled, it might be beneficial for us to call on Eleazer. He may be able to help determine exactly how your ability has changed.”
I nodded in consent. Carlisle and Edward exchanged brief whispers, and then he returned to his seat beside Esme.
“I’m guessing you are feeling a bit overwhelmed?” Edward joked. He reached around to wrap his arm around my shoulders.
“Ha, that’s the understatement of the century!”
“Ready to get home?”
“Yes!”
“Well that makes two of us!”
“Three of us!” Alice called up from several rows back.
Edward and I both laughed and settled in for the flight home. I was content to stare out the window at stars outside, not bothering to fill the time with idle chatter. I had plenty to think about on the way home as it was.

Chapt 16 - Changes
 

Our plane landed slightly ahead of schedule. We retrieved our bags—considerably more than we’d left with thanks to Alice’s shopping excursion—and loaded them into the cars that we’d left in the deck of the Seattle Airport. The ride home was fairly short, considering the characteristic Cullen style of driving and we pulled up in front of the big white house in under an hour.
We’d barely gotten in the door before I was assaulted with urgent pleas from Renesmee to call “her Jacob.”
With a sigh, Rosalie brushed past me on her way to carry her things up the stairs to the room she and Emmett shared. “You may as well go ahead—she’s not going to let up until she sees him.”
Realizing that she was probably right, I took the phone and dialed the familiar digits of the Black residence. The phone was barely through the first ring when a gruff, anxious sounding voice answered. “Hello? Bells?”
“Hey Jake. I didn’t wake you, did I?” It was late in the afternoon, but it had been a long time since Jacob had slept regularly during what most would consider normal hours.
“No, not sleeping…” he trailed off. I could hear his weak attempt to stifle a yawn.
“Uh-huh, sure. In any case, I just wanted to call and let you know we’ve made it home. Renesmee has already been asking for…
“I’m on my way!” Jacob yelled eagerly into the phone, cutting me off mid sentence.
I’d intended to ask if he wanted a ride, but he was clearly no longer on the phone. There was a noise on the other end of the line that suggested he had not even bothered to return the receiver to its cradle. I heard Billy’s voice in the background, confirming my suspicion. “Where’s the fire? Hang up the phone…and shut the door behind you!” In the background, I heard a door slam and a car engine roar to life, followed shortly by the sound of gravel being slung by spinning tires. Then, suddenly, Billy’s low voice spoke on the other end of the line. “Bella? Jake’s on his way.”
I thanked Billy and hung up the phone, turning to my eagerly waiting daughter. “He’ll be here in about fifteen minutes.” A huge grin spread across her face and she turned and raced towards the front of the house. I shook my head in amusement as I yelled after her. “Stay on the porch please!”
“I assume she is going outside to await Jacob’s arrival?” Edward guessed jokingly as he walked back down the stairs. Carlisle followed closely behind him.
I rolled my eyes mockingly. “Of course,” I replied with a shrug of my shoulders. He walked to my side and easily snaked his arm around my waist. He pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head, inhaling deeply as he did so.
Carlisle cleared his throat. “Speaking of company, we’ve just been on the phone with Eleazer. He agreed to visit us within the week to help us try to assess your growing abilities, Bella. Hopefully he will be able to help us better understand these changes with more clarity.”
I nodded in response, but didn’t dwell on the subject long. At that moment, Renesmee’s squeal of delight was followed promptly by the sound of quickly approaching tires on the driveway. I sighed and stepped back from Edward. I reached down to take Edward’s hand and turned to join Renesmee on the porch.
As I walked out, Jacob pulled up in front of the Cullen house in his new-old car—a Mustang, as Edward had said. I was no car expert, but I was guessing it was a 1980’s model. It certainly was not the shiny, fancy model that Edward had no doubt hoped to buy him. Instead, it was a dull, two-toned blue and admittedly looked somewhat dated. But I liked it. It had character and it fit Jacob perfectly.
Without a second’s hesitation, Jacob slammed the car into park and scrambled out agilely. He rushed across the driveway and caught Renesmee mid-air as she flung herself into his arms and gripped him around his neck tightly. She was still clinging to him tightly when he finally pulled her arms from around his neck somewhat reluctantly, forcing her to look at him rather than strangle him. “How was your trip kiddo?”
“It was GREAT Jacob! I got to go shopping with Alice!” She rushed through her words and slapped her hand to Jacob’s cheek with a bit too much force as she began to replay scenes from her trip to him. He grew still and his eyes became unfocused slightly as he watched her recount the events. When she was satisfied, she withdrew her hand and continued speaking hurriedly. “And Aro gave me a new necklace!” Again, another audible slap to Jacob’s face as she assaulted him with another montage of recollections. “And we got to go to the museum with Miss Heidi and see all the paintings and diamonds!” Yet another slap to Jacob’s face. He cringed slightly, but didn’t make any attempt to stop her. Edward and I both snickered, trying to hide our laughter.
This time, Renesmee left her palm on Jacob’s face a little longer. Too long, apparently. The humor of the moment ebbed as I watched his silly, wolfish grin slowly fade, only to be replaced by a worried crease on his brow. I looked worriedly at Edward who bowed his head as he read the thoughts of the duo before us. Jacob’s mouth slowly turned down at the corners until finally, he reached to find Renesmee’s hand and pulled it from his russet cheek. For the first time, he tore his eyes from Renesmee and peered at me cautiously, all traces of humor gone from his features. “Bella? What happened to you?”
“Oh, nothing really. I suppose I just got a little overexcited?” I tired to downplay my incident, but I’d never been a very good liar. Especially not with Jake—he could see right though me. I swallowed nervously and tried to continue with my unbelievable story, “You know, with the traveling and hectic schedule and all….”
“Oh cut the crap, Bella! How about trying the truth?” His voice was concerned, yet stern and demanding. A true Alpha, through and through. He returned Renesmee to the ground and whispered something in her ear. At once, she skipped away. After watching her skip out of sight around the edge of the house, he folded his arms across his massive chest and turned back to glare at me expectantly.
I bit my lip nervously and let my eyes fall. “To be honest, I’m not sure.” He snorted, clearly not satisfied with my weak answer. That made two of us.
Edward cleared his throat. “No, she’s telling you the truth Jacob. She doesn’t know what happened—none of us do, really.”

(cont) Changes
 

“Oh, so it is very common for a vampire to hit the floor and have to be carried off?” He scoffed, his voice dripping in sarcasm. “I suppose that happens for no good reason all the time with your kind?” He tensed, sending ripples down the vast muscles of his forearms.
I felt Edward tense and shift beside me instinctually, but he remained in place. I took a bold step towards Jacob and looked up at his towering figure. “Jacob Black! Do you think I’m purposely trying to hide something from you? I said I don’t know what happened and that’s the truth of the matter!” He looked down at me, narrowing his eyes suspiciously, but didn’t contradict what I said. He stared back at me for a few seconds before finally relaxing his posture and allowing the scowl to melt from his face.
“Jacob,” Edward began. “We really are unsure exactly what is going on with Bella at this point, but we hope to have more answers soon. It seems like her shield is…changing…or strengthening…or both. Carlisle has invited our cousin Eleazer to join us for a short time in the hopes that he will be able to sense with more certainty the specifics of these changes.”
He considered Edward’s words and looked back at me, pausing to allow me time to contradict anything he’d said. I merely shrugged my shoulders in agreement.
“But you’re not in trouble?” He finally asked me after an appraising moment.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “No.”
“And you’re not hurt?”
“Not even a little.”
“And you’re not…messed up, or dying?”
“No more than you are.”
At last he sighed in relief and pulled me forward into a bone crushing hug. “You know Bells, you are going to drive me crazy one of these days.”
“I’ve been trying to since the day we met.” I joked in return.
“Well, I’ll let the pack know that you’re expecting company in case they come across any foreign trails. If you could remind him of the hunting boundaries?”
“I will do that, Jacob.” Edward said, nodding once in contentment. “I hope you don’t take offense to me saying so—and I suppose it’s really none of my business— but I am a bit surprised to hear that the pack is still spending so much time in wolf form?”
“Yeah, well actually me and Sam have been discussing that a lot lately. He says there’s really no point in us keeping it up now that there’s not any kind of threat. We’ve been considering giving the official order to the packs not to phase anymore—to let everyone try to get back to living a normal life. Can’t say I disagree with him.”
I noted the hesitation behind his words. “But?” I said tentatively, encouraging him to continue.
He heaved a heavy sigh. “But, not everyone is ready to stop—Collin and Brady and Seth... The pull is so strong. Now that we’re not constantly on guard, a lot of the guys have actually been able to relax and enjoy what we are a bit. Guess you could say Sam’s just putting it off…letting them have their fun for a little bit, before he—well, before we—give the official Alpha command.”
“And Leah? Is she ready?”
Jacob snorted. “Are you kidding? Leah’s more against the idea than anyone. She’s been stubborn and fighting me over it since I first brought it up.”
That was a bit surprising. Leah had never seemed comfortable with the whole wolf/pack aspect. I thought she’d jump at the chance to have a bunch of teenaged boys out of her head. So what was the reason? Then a possibility occurred to me. “Surely she doesn’t still think…that we…?”
“No, no, it’s not that,” Jacob assured me. He hesitated. “After Sam…left her, she felt abandoned and angry for a long time. Like she was all alone and really didn’t belong anywhere. I guess it’s kind of hard to understand.”
I knew all to well how that felt. “No, not as hard to understand as you’d think. I know exactly how that feels.” I noticed Edward drop his head shamefully, a look of pained remorse on his perfect face and immediately I regretted having brought up that darkest of times in our lives when he’d left me.
Jacob cast a quick, uncomfortable glance in Edward’s direction and exchanged a knowing look with me before continuing. “Yeah, well, I guess for you it’s not so hard to understand after all. Anyway, since she phased and joined the pack, she’s felt like she finally belonged somewhere again. Like this is her place in life. Sam’s been trying to reason with her, but I guess she’s just not that willing to give it all up just yet. I dunno…” He shrugged his shoulders helplessly.
“She’ll come around eventually, Jake…I hope.” I said as I sympathetically patted his arm. “And I have faith in you that you’ll do the right thing when the time is right.”
“Hey!” he exclaimed suddenly. “Maybe you could talk to her! You know, make her see reason.”
“Me?!” I sputtered aghast. “What on Earth makes you think she’d listen to me?” Honestly, was he out of his mind?
“Because you can relate to her…unlike any of us can. You’ve been where she is, felt how she’s felt.” Again, another nervous glance in Edward’s direction.
“Jake, she hates me!”
“Not as much as you’d think—although she’d never want you to know that.”
“Aww, Jake! I don’t know…” I whined.
“For me Bells? Please?” He pushed his lower lip out in a mock pout.
“Oh, alright. I’ll think about it, but no promises.””
“Fair enough,” he replied triumphantly.
“And what about Sam? And you?”
“Oh, I’ll always phase now and then—that decision was made for me the day Nessie was born.” He said her name with reverence and his tone made it perfectly clear that the subject was not up for debate. And who was I to deny him that when I had so badly wanted it for myself as well? “And Sam? Well, I think he’s more than ready to leave this part of his life behind and move on…considering all he has ahead of him, that is.” A sly grin found its way to his lips.

(cont) Changes
 

Edward chuckled. “Well, be sure and extend our congratulations to him.”
I narrowed my eyes looking first at Edward and then at Jacob. “Congratulations for what?” I asked suspiciously.
“Well, it’s not really my news to tell…” Jacob teased.
“Jake…” I warned.
“Alright, alright! Emily’s pregnant.”
“Are you serious?” I gasped. “That’s really great! When did they find out? Wow…a little Sam Uley, Junior.”
“Now that you put it that way,” he teased, screwing his face into a look of mock disgust. “Speaking of kids, I’m supposed to be playing hide-and-seek with yours. You guys mind if I hang around here with her for a while?”
“Would you leave if I said yes?” I countered.
He pretended to consider that for a brief moment then grinned widely, his teeth gleaming against his dark skin. “Probably not.” And with that, he turned and sauntered off in search of his imprint.
After he was out of sight, I turned to Edward. “Wow, Sam and Emily? Can you believe it?”
Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. “What I can’t believe is how easily Jacob was able to con you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Talking to Leah? That’s very noble of you Bella. But I’m curious, is it really that easy for someone to talk you in to doing something for them.” He eyed me conspiratorially.
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “Well that depends on what that person is talking me into…and who it is doing the convincing? Why? What do you have in mind?”
“Oh, I have a few things in mind.” He smiled my favorite crooked smile and wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
“You must have me mistaken for someone else, Mr. Cullen. I’m not that kind of girl.” Teasingly, I turned my cheek to his smoldering eyes.
He turned my chin forcing me to meet his gaze. Then he pushed his lip out in a playful pout, mimicking Jacob. “Please?” He asked seductively.
And then my breathing caught. “I’ll race you to the cottage.”

* * * * *

The following days passed without much excitement. We resumed our normal activities and routine. Jasper, Alice, Edward and I browsed the upcoming course selection for the next term at Dartmouth. Charlie visited on occasion, sometimes alone, sometimes with Sue Clearwater.
I’d remained true to the promise I’d made to Jacob and talked to Leah. Or tried to talk to her was a more accurate way to describe it. I called her the day after we arrived home and invited her to the house. She adimately declined the invitation. I tried again the next day and although I couldn’t convince her to pay us a visit, I did manage to keep her from slamming the phone down in my ear. I was sure that there were a few wolves behind encouraging her to hear me out.
I’m not really sure that our exchange could really be classified as a conversation—that usually involved both parties. It was more along the lines of I talked and she listened. I was about to rule the attempt as hopeless and hang up the phone when she solemnly asked a question—the first noise to come from her other than grunts—that caught me off guard. “When will it go away? The pain?” That brought me up short. “I don’t know.” I replied honestly.
“Do you think that if he’d never come back?”
“I don’t know,” I said again. “I’d like to think, that in time, I would have moved on, but…” I trailed off, unsure what to say to reassure her and unwilling to lie to her outright.
“But it wouldn’t have,” she surmised. I remained silent, letting her speak freely. “I’ve seen the way you look at him. I’ve seen the way Sam looks at Emily. At the way she looks at him in return. That doesn’t ever go away.”
“No,” I agreed solemnly. “I don’t think it does.”
“But you understand?” she asked tentatively, already sure of the answer.
“Yes, I do.”
“Yes, you do.” She remained quiet for a long moment, and finally took a long, shaky breath. “And no one else ever has.”
“He’s out there for you somewhere Leah. You just haven’t found each other yet.” She didn’t respond, but I was sure I heard sniffling on the other end of the line. “Leah, I’m sorry.”
“Are you?” she scoffed, her voice hardening again. “Well, what a relief, the leach is sorry. The leach is sorry for her family having disrupted everything…for being the reason why the wolves came back to begin with!”
“Leah, I….” I stammered, taken aback.
“I gotta go.” And the line went dead.
And in that moment I understood. I understood the reason behind the hatred for my family—for me—that Leah had never been able to overcome when the rest of the pack had. If it had not been for the Cullens returning to Forks, and my meeting Edward, and the world that made sense spiraling out of control, the pack wouldn’t exist…and none of them would have imprinted. Including Sam. And that was my fault. I understood better than anyone the blinding pain that Leah felt everyday and I was the cause of it. She didn’t blame Sam, she blamed me. And she was right.
And still, despite all that, she had willingly laid her life on the line on my behalf on more than one occasion. I felt a sudden rush of sympathy for her. But more than that, I was in awe. In awe because in the months during my life when Edward had left me, when I’d clung to Jacob just to keep my sanity, I was never strong enough to persevere the way she had. She’d taken on the weight of an entire tribe, and entire way of life and never once complained about it. Sure, she was bitter, but she had every right to be. Through it all though, still she stayed strong, for her mother, for Seth, for her pack and even for the Cullens. For everyone except herself.
She could hate me with all the fury in the world for all I cared. But in that moment, I realized that I had never known another person as purely selfless as Leah Clearwater.

Chapt 17 - Reflections
 

It was just before noon the Saturday after we returned from Italy that Eleazar arrived at our house—and with an unexpected guest.
“Kate,” Edward said as we welcomed them in to the house. “What a surprise to see you here. And without Garrett?”
“Shut up, cousin.” Kate teased, playfully rolling her eyes. “I’m in no mood for I-told-you-so today….or any day for that matter. Beside, how could I pass up leaving an infinite landscape of snow for a place with such a beautiful climate?” She gestured outside towards the downpour of rain that was characteristically Forks.”
Kate was sarcastic, but I liked her. I would forever be grateful to her for her unrelenting patience and encouragement when she was helping me to discover my ability—an ability I didn’t even realize I possessed until Eleazar had haphazardly mentioned it in passing. I easily recalled images of her shocking Edward repeatedly while I tried in vain to shield him from her electric currents. The “fire touch”, as the Romanians had called it. I shuddered and hoped that there was not more of that in my future.
“Well, it’s good to see you again just the same…with or without Garrett.” Edward teased. “And how is he?”
“He’s adjusting,” she replied with a non-chelant shrug of her shoulders. “He thought it best to stay behind where there are fewer people for the time being. But I have to admit, he’s doing quite well with his new dietary restrictions.” I remembered as we stood on the field facing the Volturi in the earlier winter months, Garrett vowing to Kate that he would follow her anywhere. It seems like he’d kept his word.
“Granted, Kate here will be wanting to get back to him soon, so we’d best not waste time,” Eleazar spoke as he stepped forward, eyeing me appraisingly. “Hmm,” he mused thoughtfully. “Yes, I see what you mean Carlisle.” He peered into my eyes tensely, narrowing his own amber pair in concentration. “Try to relax dear.” He smiled at me reassuringly. Slight wrinkles creased the skin beside his wise, kind eyes. I nodded and closed my eyes, taking a deep relaxing breath and trying to keep my shield at bay.
After a few long moments, he turned to Carlisle and nodded ferverently. He took turns looking between myself, Edward and Carlisle as he spoke. “Bella dear, it most certainly seems that Carlisle is right. Your shield does seem to have changed since the last time I saw you even. But, the nature of your ability itself makes it most difficult to determine exactly how.”
Carlisle spent the next hour explaining in detail the circumstances surrounding my episode in Voltera as well as the day that I’d unknowingly shielded Jasper’s control over me emotionally. Edward recounted the instances where I’d seemed to read his thoughts. All the while, Eleazar sat listening intently, rubbing his whiskered chin in thought as he did. Occasionally, he would interrupt to ask a question, or have Carlisle clarify some specific. It was very odd to sit idlely by and hear details about myself examined as if I were some sort of science experiment—especially when I didn’t understand them all myself. Edward, sensing my unease, sat beside me on the couch, occasionally rubbing my leg reassuringly or running his fingers lightly through my hair.
Once Carlisle had finished divulging as much information to Eleazar as he could, he sat in silence for a few long moments before speaking again. “Well,” he began, eagerly rubbing his hands together. He spoke to me directly, but worded his conversation towards our whole group. “Two things seem very clear—this new…extension, of your shield seems to present itself during times when you seem to be battling for control of your very strong emotions.” I bit my lip nervously, which did not escape his notice. “Nothing to worry about dear. We are all more highly strung that humans by nature. It takes us all a while to adjust and learn how to control it. You are, after all, still a newborn, technically.”
“Yeah, but your emotions don’t cause you to turn on your own family members….or black out in the middle of museums,” I muttered under my breath.
“And yours won’t either dear, which brings me to the second point. You need to learn how to harness this new power…to control it. Once you have control of the reigns, we can better establish the specifics of your ability’s limitations. I think that trying to establish your control over it would be the best place to start.” He smiled kindly.
I nodded silently, realizing that he was right and trusting his assessment. “And how exactly, do I go about learning to control it?”
This time it was Kate who offered the answer. “The same way you did before.” She smiled mischievously and a very light, yet distinct crackle of electricity rolled from her skin as she sent a fresh current through her flesh.
I groaned audibly and dropped my hands into my hands, picturing Edward’s wincing face. “That’s what I was afraid of!”

(cont) Reflections
 

I spent the following two days in the yard beside the Cullen house with Kate and Jasper trying to practice controlling my shield. Kate because, as sadistic as she seemed at times, had proved to be a very good coach in the past and quite possibly understood the workings of my shield better than anyone, other than myself, of course. Jasper because I’d proven that day in the clearing that I could shield his ability in ways I’d never been able to do before—or at least that was the theory.
For hours on end, Jasper tirelessly unleashed a variation of emotions on me—anger, sadness, hate, fear. I attempted without success to resist them, trying the myriad of suggestions that Kate offered from the sidelines. Edward was a near constant fixture in the field with us except for on occasions when he was attending to Renesmee’s needs in my absence. I was able to resist Kate’s touch and was easily capable of protecting my family members from her fiery currents just as I always had been, but was transformed emotionally time and time again by Jasper without any resistance whatsoever.
I became easily frustrated with myself, but Kate and Jasper remained calm and patient, endlessly encouraging me and assuring me that in time, I would figure it out. I wasn’t so sure.
It was on the third day in the field with them that it happened. I’d lost count of the times I’d let my emotions get the best of me and had become irritated by all my failed efforts. Kate and Jasper discussed a new approach while I tried in vain to ignore them. I sank back in the cool, soft grass and closed my eyes against the rare, stray beams of sunlight that peeked out from the gray clouds overhead. I watched the sun induced pattered on the back of my eyelids while I listened without interest to Kate, not really focusing on her actual words.
I found an escape, even if for only a brief time when a familiar, woody musk announced Jake’s approach. I didn’t have to ask what he was doing here. The position of the sun indicated that Renesmee was likely nearing the end of her lesson with Rosalie, and he had no doubt come to wait for them to finish, as it was customary for him to do. Sensing a looming shadow, I opened my eyes and peered up at his face as he leaned over me. Small ruby tinged prisms bounced off his cheeks as the stray sun beams reflected of my skin.
“Go…away.” I teased, closing my eyes again.
“Well, I guess that answers my question then,” he joked. “I’d come to see how it was going.”
I sighed as I sat up. “It’s not going anywhere. I’m hopeless!” I complained for at least the third time that day.
“Oh Bells, you’ll get the hang of it eventually.” He sounded confident, but I was unconvinced.
“Will I Jake?” I challenged. “Will I every really get the hang of it? Will I ever truly get the hang of any of this? Cause you know what, I’m not so sure I will.” I looked down, picking at a stray piece of grass.
“Oh Bella, don’t be so dramatic.”
He was right, I was being dramatic, but I didn’t care. I slowly rose to my feet, a bit more composed. “Sometimes I’m not so sure. I wonder if maybe I’m not as good at this whole vampire thing as everyone gives me credit for.”
Edward had walked up then and pulled me to him comfortingly, allowing me to bury my head against his chest. I felt him shrug around me—no doubt answering some random, unvoiced question from Jacob. But neither of them spoke to contradict me. In the distance, I heard the front door of the Cullen house open and shut. I raised my head from Edward’s chest and looked towards the house to see Renesmee walking towards us, her eyes locked on Jacob. Rosalie and Emmett followed closely behind her.
As I had done several times over the past few days, I composed myself and pulled away from Edward’s comforting embrace. Renesmee stopped short of us and began picking some of the wildflowers blooming nearby. I watched her with amusement as she busied herself, occasionally stopping long enough to peer shyly and inquisitively at Kate, whom she’d grown quite fond of over the past few days. She slowly crept her way closer to her stopping and returning her attention to her flowers anytime she suspected Kate had seen her.
“I just wish I could figure out what triggers it.” I pondered out loud to myself. I recalled months prior when I struggled in this same field, feeling every bit as clueless as I felt now. “It’s just like before…” I summarized, trailing off.
Suddenly, Kate’s head whipped in my direction, her eyes locking with mine. “Just like before…” she repeated. A sinister smirk crossed her face and in a flash, she dropped to her knees, her arms outstretched to welcome Renesmee who threw down her freshly picked arrangement, giggled in delight and began running towards Kate. I processed the scene for a fraction of a second before it occurred to me what Kate’s intentions were. “Kate! No!” I screamed, reaching my arms forward towards my daughter, but I knew I would never reach Renesmee before she could reach Kate’s fiery grasp. A fresh current of electricity audibly rippled its way across Kate’s skin as Renesmee closed the gap between them. I flexed my shield and forcefully extended it out in my daughter’s direction, praying that it would find and protect her before she could reach our Alaskan cousin.

(cont) Reflections
 

“Do it, now Jasper!” Kate suddenly ordered with an urgent yell. I felt a wave of calmness meet my shield, but easily ignored it, all of my attention focused on Kate. I felt Renesmee’s bright presence as my shield quickly enveloped her and felt a strong tingle as it shot passed her and met the current radiating off of Kate. It continued to dance on the edge of my shield like sweet acid until suddenly its edge overshot Renesmee and collided forcefully with Kate. It knocked her off her feet and sending her flying backwards several feet. From somewhere behind me, I heard Rosalie gasp and Emmett swear.
She quickly got back to her feet and shook her head a few times. Her face looked unfocused—dazed almost. At last, she cocked her head to the side and looked at me, her face full of confusion. I straitened my posture and felt my shield snap back to me like a rubber band that had been pulled too tightly.
“Get her out of here Jacob!” I heard Edward direct urgently from several feet to my left. Without hesitation, Jacob shot forward to Renesmee. He scooped her up in one fluid motion and retreated with her to the house.
Kate began slowly walking towards me, her eyes narrowed and full of questions. Suddenly, her gaze shifted to my left and locked on Edward. “No!” I screamed for a second time. I quickly extended my shield around Edward a few feet away from me, but overshot my target in my urgency again. I started to pull it back to more closely contour him, but stopped. Again, I felt a strange tingling as Kate’s electricity flowed through the air and met my shield’s outer edge. I paused as I observed the strange sensation it rendered. I pondered for a moment and gritted my teeth in concentration as I flexed my shield and wrapped it around the tingling points, trapping it there.
Still holding it in place, I gasped in shock and turned my eyes back to Kate. She stood a few feet away from where the blur of red ended. As our gazes locked on each other, an approving smile spread across her face. Once again, she’d fooled me—it had all been an act. Just like before. As the realization hit me, I saw her crouch slightly, bracing herself. Then, she slowly nodded at me—a directive. I balled my hands into tight fists and with every ounce of energy I could muster, threw my shield out with force. It simultaneously collided with every vampire in the field aside from myself and Edward who was still under my protective shield. Fresh ripples of Kate’s collected current were sent coursing through their veins before it snapped back to me.
Too shocked for words—not an easy feat to accomplished—Edward turned his astonished face to me as Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, and Kate slowly rose back to their feet. I grinned triumphantly at him.
“Holy s**t, Bella!” Emmett exclaimed as he dusted grass off his jeans and looked around dumfoundedly. “What was that?”
It was Kate that answered. “That, Emmett, was what happened when Bella mastered her new talent.” She sauntered forward and hugged me tightly. “I always wondered what that felt like,” she joked. She surveyed my shocked family smugly, the look on her face similar to that of a proud parent. “I think we all underestimated and misjudged Bella here. Shielding herself from someone’s power doesn’t seem to be the only thing she can do—she can turn it back and use it against you.

I remained throughout the evening and the majority of the next day with Kate and Jasper practicing my newfound ability. The more I practiced, the easier it became. In fact, I found that on occasion, if I concentrated hard enough, I could even be selective with who to redirect his emotions too, selecting to direct it to one individual or the entire group. Unsurprisingly, no one was eager to have Kate’s power used on them again, so we opted to practice with Jasper’s ability instead. Time and time again, he would send waves of varying emotions at me and I would trap them and turn them back. The more disciplined my control over it became, the more relieved I felt.
It quickly became a welcomed form of entertainment for Renesmee. She would anxiously wait for us to begin, eager to see which emotion Jasper was going to choose next. Her particular favorite seemed to be those that resulting in everyone within range doubling over in uncontrollable laughter.
Eventually though, as Eleazar had predicted, Kate eventually seemed to grow increasingly on edge. She tired, without much success to hide the reasons behind it, but her thoughts gave her away to Edward easily. I could completely sympathize with her. Every second I spent away from Edward was like a torturous, endless eternity. For that reason, I was all the more appreciative of her willingness to leave Garrett for a few days to come to our—well, my—aid.
On the day after their departure, we arrived at the big house early where Rosalie and Esme were already busily preparing Renesmee’s breakfast. I’d made plans to drive her to La Push to spend the day with Jacob and Billy, so it was no surprise that she quickly began devouring her food as soon as Rosalie had placed her plate on the table in front of her.
Edward had gone upstairs to find Carlisle, so as Renesmee finished her breakfast, I walked up stairs to find him. As I reached the top of the stair, their voices floated to me from the direction of Carlisle’s office. I began to follow the sound, but the tone of their voices brought me up short. They sounded…worried? I paused and listened to their words, debating on whether or not to interrupt.
“…we really have no other option.” Carlisle was saying. “We are all aware that this is long overdue.”
I heard the sound of repetitive footsteps—pacing, perhaps? Edward breathed out a frustrated sigh. “Yes,” he agreed, sounding reluctant, although I had no idea what he was agreeing with. “How long?” he asked.
“Not long, son. A month, maybe. Two at most.”
I swallowed nervously, feeling like an intruder. I gingerly made my way to the door of the office. It was not completely closed. I peered in through the small crack. Carlisle faced Edward from across his desk. His face was calm, yet painted with traces of sympathy and concern.
Edward stood with his back to me, one arm across his chest, his chin appearing to rest on the other. “And Esme?”
“She has begun making arrangements. And Jasper will be meeting with Jelks later in the week.”
Suddenly, a creeping sensation of nausea found its way to the pit of my stomach. Not wanting to overhear anymore, I reached up and gently pushed the door open. Immediately, Carlisle’s eyes shifted from Edward to me. “Bella, he acknowledged.
Almost instantly, Edward materialized at my side. I turned my apologetic gaze to him. “I’m sorry for interrupting.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” Carlisle assured me. He began gathering files from his desk, stacking and arranging them in a flurry of movement. “Edward and I were just finishing up.”
I nodded and turned back to Edward to speak. Avoiding his gaze, I focused on the fibers of varying grays that formed the intricate woven pattern of his shirt. “I just wanted to let you know that I’m about to drive Renesmee down to La Push to spend the day with Jacob.”
His hand found my chin and forced my head upward to meet his gaze. He peered at me for a fraction of a second, worry momentarily creasing his brow. “Would you like me to go with you?” He asked sounding a bit hopeful.
“No, that’s OK. I won’t be gone long. Besides, I’m going to take the Ferrari.” Knowing that would please him, I plastered a smile on my face and hoped it looked genuine.
Apparently it did its job. “Really?” he asked with an approving smirk. “Well then do have fun, Mrs. Cullen.” He reached down and kissed my cheek, whispering in my ear just before pulling back. “And hurry back to me.”
I smiled back, truly genuine this time and quickly traced a line across his cheek. “I always do.”

(cont) Reflections
 

I dropped Renesmee off with Jacob, but didn’t linger there long. Alice had warned me that it would be unusually sunny later in the afternoon. It was still well before noon, but I really was eager to return to Edward. Jacob was planning on taking Renesmee to first beach to meet up with some friends, so after a quick lecture to the both of them on cliff diving, I left them to have their fun. I was happy that she had Jacob to take her places like that—places where she could enjoy the sun and being with other kids her age, at least for now. Places where I would never be able to take her.
I was letting my mind wander as I drove back through the ever quiet, small town of Forks when my cell phone suddenly began ringing. Without taking my eyes off the road, I reached over to the passenger seat and began rummaging through my purse in search of it. In my haste, I managed to successfully knock my purse to the floorboard. I glanced over and spied the phone vibrating violently amidst the contents that had spilled out of my purse.
With a sigh, I pulled over into a parking lot and unbuckled my seatbelt—old habits die hard. I stretched out and grabbed the phone, glancing at the caller ID—Alice. I had the phone halfway to my ear intending to answer it when my eyes caught sight of the building I’d stopped in front of. I froze.
A strange sense of familiarity washed over me as I examined the outside of its exterior. Its high columns were constructed of rough looking stone. The outside was painted a weathered shade of green. It looked purposely rustic. The sign above the entrance indicated it housed a business by the name of “Newton’s Outfitters.”
I couldn’t place it, but couldn’t shake the strange feeling of déjà vu. I repeated the name in my head several times over while I drummed my fingers impatiently on the steering wheel. I sifted through several clouded memories of my human life until it finally took focus, causing me to gasp. The bats, and baseballs and gloves in the garage that I couldn’t place—they were tied to this store. I had worked here! With..with…what was his name? Mike!
I sat recalling it easily now, smiling at the recollections as they became clearer. I remembered how I’d stubbornly insisted on holding my part time job despite Edward’s wishes. I’d forbidden him from coming into the store during my shifts.
Emmett, however, was an unstoppable force. He’d frequently stopped in during my shifts with a different excuse each time—he needed some type of camping equipment, or a new baseball bat. All of which I knew was a ruse—the Cullen’s garage was possibly better stocked than Newton’s store. I suspected his true reason was to pester me—and to harass my coworkers, one in particular. I wondered if Edward had paid him off to come in and keep an eye on Mike, who he always managed to make feel uncomfortable. I wouldn’t have put it past him…either of them.
I smiled despite myself, laughing a bit as I remembered the frustrated expressions that often plagued poor, clueless Mike. How could I have forgotten all that? The more I thought about it, the more I felt the smile slowly fade from my face and gradually transform into a frown. It seemed like so many of my human memories were unclear—like I was looking at them through a thick fog. And that worried me.
My phone began ringing again, snapping me out of my daze. I ignored it, not even bothering to check the ID this time. I slammed my car in gear and spun around in the parking lot until I was heading back in the direction I’d just come from. Suddenly, I wasn’t so ready to get back home.

Chapt 18 - Searching
 

I pulled my car around to the back of the red brick buildings. A candy apple red Ferrari easily turned heads in the sleepy little town of Forks. Parked alone outside an empty, lifeless high school, it was sure to attract the attention of anyone who happened to pass by.
I parked in the rear of Forks High School and walked up to the rear entrance. There was no excessive chattering from a surrounding of students, and no boisterous laughter echoing through the air. The building looked eerily deserted—like it had been closed for years rather than just a few short summer months.
I walked up to the rear door and peered into the small inset glass window. The interior of the building looked still, dimly lit by only the light that filtered in through the scattered windows. I reached down and grasped the metal handle on the door and tugged gently, fully expecting it to be locked, denying my entry. The door didn’t budge. I double checked and tugged again, just a bit harder. With a metallic snap, the handle broke off easily in my hand and the door swung open. Oops. I made a mental note to send an anonymous donation to the school at the beginning of the upcoming year.
I stepped over the threshold and into interior hall. I breathed in deeply, allowing the scents of pencil shavings and chalk dust to assault my senses. I began walking, my shoes echoing slightly on the cheap, dated tile. Expectantly, the hall was completely deserted other than an occasional pieces of paper on the floor serving as reminders of school functions from the previous year.
I glanced down at a midnight blue flyer as I passed with the words “Senior Prom” printed across the top in silver calligraphy writing. I smiled as I thought back to a night when I’d arrived at my own prom against my own will, dressed in an elegant Alice-bought dress and sporting a not so formal cast on my leg. It had been that night that I’d first revealed to Edward my desire to be like him so that we could occupy forever together, as equals.
I continued walking, pausing briefly to run my hands over a nearby locker where the raised number 316 was displayed on a small metal plaque—my old locker. Its neighbor still displayed a mustard yellow flyer announcing the details of the graduation ceremony that had been held a few months prior. I felt a brief pang of pity for the students who’d worn the hideously colored robes as they’d shaken hands with the principal and received their diplomas. I hoped that their graduation night had been less eventful than mine. It was hours before my own ceremony when Victoria’s plan to kill me involving her newly created newborn army had become evident. I’d spent the entire ceremony not able to focus on the words flowing from the mouths of the guest speakers and praying that Jessica Stanley, who’d sat beside me during the commencement, would eventually tire of constantly chattering in my ear as I tried my best to block her out.
As I made my way from one side of the school to another, more and more memories of my human life flooded back into my mind. I stepped into the gymnasium as I passed and picked up a stray basketball that lay by the door. I turned it over in my hands as I thought, feeling it’s raised, bumpy faux leather texture under my fingers as I recalled images from my numerous, torturous gym classes. Poor Mike has been on the receiving end of my lack of athletic prowess and poor coordination in his attempts to be chivalrous. I took the basketball in my hands and sent it flying effortlessly through the air the full length of the gymnasium and turned to leave, hearing a satisfying “swoosh” from the goal on the far end as I stepped back out into the hall.
For a moment I stopped by the room where Edward and I had once shared a lab table in Biology. My fingers traced the contours of once smooth wood, forever misshapen by the crushing force of a certain vampire. A row of covered microscopes that I’d once used to examine the cells of onion roots sat on a table near the door. At the end of the hall, across from a small glass trophy case, sat the lunchroom. I entered it through the double doors, which stood propped open. The tables had all been folded up and pushed against he walls, and the floors shone as a result of a fresh coat of wax, the scent of which hung heavily in the air.
I stood roughly in the spot where I’d sat nervously as a new student on my first day and peered across the room to the spot where the Cullen’s had occupied a table by themselves. This memory was readily available to my mind. It was in this room on that fated first day when my eyes had first met Edward’s. I pictured perfectly the confused and pained look on his face as he’d cast his then intimidated, black stare in my direction. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, it was in that moment that my fate and future has been sealed.
I crossed the lunchroom to where Edward and I had shared a few lunches together, taking turns grilling each other with random questions hoping to reveal one another’s secrets. I stood reminiscing for what could have been seconds, or minutes, or even longer before finally turning my attention to the tall floor to ceiling windows that lined the nearest wall. I could see above the clouds starting to thin and took that as my cue to leave. I exited the lunchroom and made my way down the sidewalk that led back to both my car and to the main office—the very same sidewalk where Edward had carried me after a fainting incident on blood typing day.
A glance at my watch told me that it was still just before noon. I still had a few hours before I had to be out of the public eye, but I hurried my pace just the same. I still had another stop I wanted to make before I headed home.
A few short minutes after I left the school parking lot, I pulled up in front of Charlie’s house—my old house. The absence of his police cruiser told me that he was either at work, or more probably fishing somewhere with. I pulled into the spot that my old Chevy truck had once occupied, easily found the key hidden on the porch and let myself in. I passed through the kitchen and noted the odor of burnt food lingering slightly in the kitchen, but stronger than that was the smell of fresh oregano, garlic and peppers. I took that as a good sign that he was at least getting some edible meals in my absence, undoubtedly being supplied by Sue.
I topped the stairs and passed the one small bathroom in my house, remembering a night I’d spent on the bathroom floor in agony after a disastrous trip to Port Angeles to catch a movie with Mike and Jacob. I turned the knob of my old room as I approached and the door opened, issuing a protesting creak from the old hinges. Charlie hadn’t changed anything since I’d left, not that I expected him to. I fingered the keys on my old computer and stared at the screen, seeing the ghostly image of various websites I’d poured over telling the history of vampire folklore—very badly I now realized. But still, they’d served their purpose. I remembered endless emails from my erratic mother, begging for me to divulge every detail of my new life here in Forks and chuckled to myself as I thought about the countless attempts by Edward to persuade me to allow him to buy me a newer model PC and a faster modem.

(cont) Searching
 

I crossed my room and picked up one of my old, dog eared Austen novels. I sat on the bed as I flipped randomly through the pages, stopping to read a few of my favorite passages as I came to them. After a few moments, I returned it to the bedside table beside a CD that Phil had once given me. I liked that CD—I’d have to remember to take it with me. I turned my attention to tracing he patterns on Gran’s quilt that covered my bed. I could not stop the smile that lit up my face as I easily recalled the next set of memories—some that had never left the forefront of my mind.
I remember the countless nights that Edward spent in my room, even before I knew he was there. How, unbeknownst to my dad, nearly every night since we’d met, he’d come in through my window and held me in his icy arms night after night when the nightmares of the supernatural world around chased away my slumber and me woke me. I ran my hand over the pillow and thought about the countless tears that I’d shed on both it and him the night I’d tried to cut ties with Jake as he lay damaged in his bed after he’d fought the newborn army along side the vampires. And what I remember more than anything was the feeling as his sweet, cool breath washed over me as he’d hum my lullaby in my ear as I drifted off to sleep.
Because of this, it came as no surprise when I heard the window slide open behind me. I didn’t have to turn and look to know who it was. Edward sank onto the bed beside me and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. He didn’t speak, or question me, but instead waited patiently for me to initiate conversation. I’m sure that if I had sat there in silence of hours, he would have stayed by my side, allowing me the peace I longed for.
“How did you know where to find me?” I asked, without looking at him.
“Alice. She called me as soon as she saw your change of course in Newton’s parking lot. You didn’t answer her call…or mine. I got worried.”
“You always know how to find me.” I reached for his hand and he graciously obliged, effortlessly intertwining his fingers with mine. I stared at them, alabaster on alabaster, and focused on the bracelet that remained a constant around my wrist as the heaviness of the crystalline heart settled to the bottom and brought the small wooden wolf to rest on top. “I’m sorry for not answering—for causing you to worry. I just needed to think.”
He leaned down and kissed my shoulder, then brought his chin to rest on it as he leaned his forehead against my temple. “I was afraid this would catch up to you eventually. Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrugged, not really sure of the entire answer. “I didn’t want you to worry, or blame yourself. You still do that you know?” I leaned into him playfully. He waited, letting me speak my mind. I took a deep breath before I continued. “For the past few months, I’ve felt like something was missing. I guess that things have been so hectic over the past year that I just haven’t slowed down enough to figure out what it was….until today. I’ve never lost sight of the things that are the most important to me.” I emphasized the word and squeezed his hand, knowing that he would understand I meant him. “But there were so many things from my life before my change that I felt like I had forgotten...and that scared me. I feel like they have a rightful place as part of my life too. I dunno…I guess that really doesn’t make much sense.”
He reached up and cupped my face in his hands, turning my head to face him. He looked at me with nothing but complete understanding swimming in the depths of his eyes. “Bella, it makes perfect sense. It’s all part of who you are. Alice doesn’t remember anything from her human life. She would love to have the opportunity to be able to go back and do what you did today.”
He was right. On top of feeling relief, like I’d finally found the missing pieces to a puzzle, I was thankful. I had what Alice never could. I realized how blessed I was and in so many different ways.
Edward’s expression lifted as he watched the realization wash over me. “Feel better?” He still monitored my face for any signs of regret.
I nodded, easily returning his smile now. “Yes, better.”
Still cupping my face, he leaned forward and took my mouth up in the tenderest of kisses. His lips parted mine slightly, filling my mouth with his sweet, addictive breath. He pulled back and looked into my eyes, a twinkle coming to the surface of his own. “And now?” He raised a questioning eyebrow and waited for my reply.
“Much better.” I replied. I suppressed a giggle as the thought occurred to me that Edward’s kiss alone had once been able to alter my memory, far more than becoming a vampire could ever threaten to do.
“If I might make a suggestion, I think there may be one last place you need to stop on your way home.”
“Oh?” I asked, my curiosity perked. “And where might that be?”
“Hmm…just this little place I know, where I suspect you may have a few spare memories lying around waiting to be remembered. Care for me to show you?” He stood rose from the bed and reached down to offer me his hand. I took his, answering his invitation. He pulled me not towards the door, but towards the window instead. “This is where I have to exit, you know?” He said jokingly. Hand in hand, we practically floated to the ground below, as equals.
Edward insisted that we leave on foot, assuring me that Alice would jump at the chance to come back and retrieve my car later after she and the others returned from their hunt, because if nothing else, it would give her an excuse to drop by and visit Charlie. And Jacob would be bringing Renesmee home later in the night. I glanced up nervously at the sky where the sun was concealed behind one of only a few remaining clouds. “Don’t worry,” Edward assured me, guessing my concern. “We’re just going there.” He pointed across Charlie’s yard to the edge of dark woods where a small dirt path snaked its way up through the towering trees.
He led me up the path until Charlie’s house disappeared from view. There were several very unpleasant memories from this particular path that I did NOT care to revisit. I was just about to open my mouth in protest when Edward did something very unexpected. He grabbed me around my waist and slung me up onto his back. Before I could take note of what he was doing, he set his feet in motion and we were flying through the forest. “You can close your eyes if you want to.” He called back jokingly over his shoulder.

(cont) Searching
 

“This I definitely remember.” I replied, tightening my grip around his broad shoulders in response. For the first time, I kept my eyes open as Edward easily navigate through the canopy of green, ecstatic that for once, I could enjoy the sensation of his muscles working below me and the slight breeze blowing in my hair. After what seemed like forever, but in reality couldn’t have been more than a few minutes, Edward’s pace finally slowed until he came to a stop and returned me gently to the ground. He reached down and took my hand and began leading me forward towards a clearing in the trees that I instinctually knew was our meadow.
Spread out in the middle of the meadow, amidst the summer wildflowers, was a large quilt. Obviously, this had been a planned stop. I looked up at him, narrowing my eyes in suspicion as he led me to the blanket, smiling back at me triumphantly as he did. He dropped my hand and collapsed on the blanket, folding his arms back behind his head as the sun finally won the battle over the clouds and shone down. Just like it did the first time we’d been here, the beautiful sight of Edward in the sun took my breath. He gazed lovingly up at me and reached over to pat the space beside him.
It was then that I noticed the stretch of patchwork beside him wasn’t completely empty. A present sat on the blanket, wrapped in deep blue paper and trimmed in a fancy ivory ribbon. I glance back to him as I sunk to my knees beside him. “Edward? What is this?” I accused with no real threat in my voice.
“A present…for you.” he answered innocently.
“Edward, you know—“ I began, but in a flash, he laid his fingers across my lips silencing me.
“Shhh…it’s not from me. It’s from Alice.” Confident that he’d successfully put a stop to my protests, leaned back to prop himself up on his elbow watching me. “But don’t worry, she knows you prefer the homemade kind too.”
I rolled my eyes and reached reluctantly for the present. I untied the bow and slid my finger under the crease in the paper. I couldn’t help but pause fleetingly to examine my finger for paper cuts before continuing. I finished unwrapping the box, lifted the lid and moved the tissue paper aside. I reached inside and removed a very familiar looking book that I hadn’t seen in a very long time—the scrapbook my mother had sent me for my eighteenth birthday. I immediately felt guilty for having used it for its intended purpose. But why would Alice wrap my scrapbook and give it back to me again. I opened up the front cover to the first page I’d never made it past. Edward’s perfect face smiled back up at me—the picture I’d taken the night of my eighteenth birthday, just a few days before he’d….well, a long time ago in any case.
I looked questioningly at Edward, not understanding Alice’s symbolism behind the gift. He easily understood my look of confusing and offered explanation. “Alice knew that you’d never gotten around to actually using it. She knew that there would be things you’d want to remember—things you would never want to forget.” He reached forward and turned it to the next page.
The images on the page that stared back up to me were easily recognizable, but foreign at the same time. Recognizable because I could identify the subjects of the photos, foreign because I had not put them there. I flipped quickly through the book to find that every page had been filled with pictures and inscriptions and various mementoes.
I understood and raised my eyes back to Edward. “Alice did this?” I asked, a lump of tearless emotion threatening to constrict my vocal chords. “She knew.”
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “And Esme.”
I shook my head in wonder, marveling over their thoughtfulness and amazed at how Alice always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone. I sprawled across my stomach on the blanket beside Edward. He rolled and reached his hand back to prop the book up for me as I started to look through it. Together, we lay there for a long time looking at my collective life in Forks that Alice had captured for me.
The faces of my high school friends stared up at me from the lunchroom cafeteria. Ben and Angela side by side, hand’s intertwined, Jessica and Lauren, Mike and Tyler. Glued in the middle of the page, a cap from a Lemonade bottle that Edward reached up and ran his fingers over. I flipped the page and found pictures of Edward, bent in concentration over his piano set against a background of sheet music containing the musical notes of my lullaby. Page after page, familiar memories rushed back to me. Pictures of my beloved Chevy truck, gone to that junkyard in the sky sat beside the rusted key that started the ignition and pictures from the one and only prom I’d gone to sat opposite the page from the dried corsages Edward and I had worn. Pictures circled by small, polished stones from First Beach showed a bonfire and out Quileute friends while opposite the page was a picture of Jacob and myself posing beside two motorcycles.
We looked at every picture and took in every detail, stopping on occasion long enough to share a laugh, or recall a specific story. The tassels from our Forks High School graduation caps, pictures and dried flowers from our wedding, and countless pictures of Renesmee, more often than not with Jacob somewhere in the shot—all were memories and trinkets captured and preserved for me, compliments of Alice and Esme. Eventually, we reached the last page. I ran my fingers over a glossy picture of myself and Edward embracing each other before closing the cover.
I traced the outside cover of the book as Edward trained his eyes on my face. “Do you like it?” He finally asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes, very much so.”
I kept my eyes on the cover of the book, but heard the smile in his voice. “She said you would.”
“Alice amazes me sometimes,” I said, shaking my head again in wonder as I spoke. “She knows me so well. She knew just what to put in here…that I would never want to forget…” I repeated Edward’s words from earlier and sat in silent thought for a moment. I swallowed hard, clearing the lump that had arisen in my throat as I urged myself to ask the question I didn’t truly want to know the answer to. “Earlier this morning, when you and Carlisle were talking in his office…” I tore my eyes from the book and peered across at the tall grass blowing gently in the breeze, but not really seeing it. “We have to leave, don’t we?”
He didn’t answer immediately. His silence confirmed what I already knew deep down. Finally, I turned my pleading eyes to his. “Yes,” he spoke softly. I nodded in response, but did not speak. I knew the time would come eventually. I returned my gaze to the swaying green reeds as he sat up and grabbed me around my waist, pulling me to his side.

(cont) Searching
 

“Bella, normally we would have moved on long ago, but we’ve stayed, trying to give you as much time here with your father, and our friends as possible. Moving to another location means little to us anymore—we’ve done it so many times, but we knew this move would be especially hard on you. But the hospital is asking too many questions, and Carlisle is running out of excuses.”
I nodded my head and spoke, “I understand.” And truthfully, I did, but it didn’t make the thoughts of leaving Charlie or the place that I had come to accept and call my home easy.
“We still have some time, but not much. You don’t know how badly I wish I could tell you that wasn’t the case.”
I sighed and resigned to his embrace, burying my head in the crook of his neck. “We have so much to do, so much to decide. What to tell Charlie, decide where we’re going to go…and Jacob and Renesmee?” I laughed without humor at the thought of dealing with breaking the news to them.
Edward rubbed my arm consolingly. “We’ll figure it all out. And they’ll understand. And Jacob is more than welcome to move with us, you know that.” I sighed and lay back on the blanket and peered up at the sky that was starting to darken with the approaching twilight. Sure there were lots of arrangements to be made, and lots of sad good-byes to exchange. I knew that once we left Forks, returning, even for brief visits would be practically out of the question. And that was that. There was no fighting it, no trying to find an escape. There was just the feeling of accepting that this was one aspect of the life I’d chosen. And truthfully, I was fine with it.
I felt Edward shift nervously beside me, uneased by my extended silence, no doubt. I turned my head to meet his gaze as he lovingly stroked my cheek and watch the resolve in his eyes as he read the acceptance in mine. After a moment, I scooted closer to him and turned back to watch the first starts of the night as they slowly began fighting their way through the deep pink sky, eager to make an appearance as the characteristic clouds began to creep their way back.
Eventually, Edward broke the silence. “Alice says there will be storm later. Animals are most active right before a storm—we should hunt before we head back to the house. Are you ready to leave?”
“Mmmm…not yet.” I angled my body so that I was hovering over him, watching the reflection of the stars in his dark eyes. “I think I’d like to stay a little longer. I think there are a few more memories of this meadow I’d like to make before we leave Forks.”
His answering smile told me that he’d caught up with my mood quickly and I answered by finding his lips and pressing my own to them with crushing force. He returned my kiss with a burning passion that sent a burning warmth coursing through my veins from my lips down to my toes. He tangled his hands in my hair, holding me to him and in one swift motion, rolled us so that it was he who was hovering over me. After a long, passionate moment, he pulled back long enough to growl playfully and respond between desperate, wanting pants. “Yes, Bella, I think maybe we should stay a bit longer.”

Like all good things that must come to an end, so did our afternoon spent together in our meadow. Eventually, as Alice predicted, the sounds of the approaching storm began growing closer and more demanding and we reluctantly gathered out things and unwillingly departed. We stopped at the cottage long enough to deposit the blanket and my scrapbook on the small porch and then set off further into the woods and towards the nearby mountain range in search of our pray.
Edward and I hunted effortlessly together. He would circle behind our intended prey and drive them right to my waiting attack. A short time and a small heard of deer later, we’d drank our fill and headed back to the house, knowing that Jacob and Renesmee would have returned by now.
Just as we began nearing the house, Edward froze, peering towards the big white house in the distance. He turned his head in one direction, and then another, as if he were listening for something, or to something. I heard his phone as it began vibrating in his pocket, but he ignored it. “Edw--?” I started to ask, but his hand shot up in a gesture to wait that immediately silenced me. I listened intently, but the only noise was the occasional sound of the loud thunder, now rolling directly overhead.
He continued to hold his posture for another moment and took two tentative steps forward. I shadowed him noiselessly. Finally, he spoke. “Something’s wrong.” And then he broke out into a full run. I didn’t question him, but followed him immediately, closely matching his pace and arriving back in the driveway only a step or two behind him. As soon as we reached the driveway I detected a very tell tale scent that drove my legs to carry me even faster.
As we approached the house, I noted the large double doors stood open and heard broken, frantic sobs from inside the house. “Renesmee!” I gasped. I easily cleared the front stairs and burst though the front entrance. The scene that presented itself in the foyer of the house was one of pure chaos. Furniture had been overturned and a crystal vase that once sat on a table lay shattered in a million pieces strewn across the floor.
At that moment, a sharp bolt of lighting snaked its way across the sky outside and illuminated what my vampire eyes had already detected. Renesmee sat huddled at the bottom of the stairs, sobbing relentlessly. Her entire body shook violently with each sob. Instantly, I was at her side, taking her face in my hands, pure panic filling my entire body. “Renesmee? Renesmee!? Look at me sweetheart! What happened? What’s wrong?” Her eyes met mine and her body shook anew with another round of violent sobs as the remainder of the Cullen family arrived, entering the foyer.
I didn’t see them come in, but Alice’s panic stricken voice told me they stood close behind. “I didn’t see it…I didn’t know…Jacob…”
“Jacob! Jacob where are you?” I began calling frantically. Surely he must be somewhere near. I got no response, and turned my attention back to Renesmee, who still remained incoherent as she sat now surrounded by myself, Edward and Rosalie. “Renesmee!” I demanded. “You have to tell us what happened. Where is Jacob?” Still unable to find her voice, she reached a small, shaky hand up towards me. I grabbed her hand and shoved it to my face, desperate for the answers she couldn’t speak aloud.
At first, her thoughts came scattered and fragmented, impossible to decipher. Jacob bringing her into the house, watching distant flashes of lighting with him through the windows and a horrendous crash as the front doors swung open as Jacob phased. Then, at last, she came to rest on one scene that gave me the answer I was looking for. I dropped her hand and gasped, my breathing unable to speak. Edward shot to his feet and swore, bringing his fist down on a table that remained upright, easily breaking it in two.
Unwilling to believe what I’d seen, I grabbed her hand again, but the scene she showed remained the same—positioned protectively in front of Renesmee slumped a massive pile of russet colored fur that was Jacob. Standing over him, smiling sadistically, was Jane.

Whew...that was a lot of copying. I have to call it quits for the night until I can get to the other PC where the rest is saved. But hey, a good overnight cliffhanger never hurt anybody, right?

In any event, I PROMISE to get the last 6 or so chapters posted up in the morning. :)

Chapt 19 - Dissention
 

Suddenly, the room began to shake around me. I didn't realize why at first - I had begun shaking my head back and forth furiously in denial without ever having made the conscious effort to do so. "No! No, no, NO! Not Jake!" I screamed the words, willing them to have the power to change what had unfolded. I slowly backed away from Renesmee and began rising to my feet as Rosalie opened her arms to embrace her and began rocking her back and forth soothingly.

I could see nothing but a red haze as I began trying to make sense of what had happened, but failed. I only knew one thing, the only thing that mattered at this point - Jane had come for Jacob, and I had to get him back. As soon as I'd drawn the conclusion in my mind, my voice spoke the revelation aloud, seemingly of its own accord. "Jake...I have to find them! I have to get him back!"

I was frantic and turned to bolt out the door after them, not sure of which direction to head. I only made it one step before someone caught my arm, jerking me to a halt. I turned and fought to free myself from whoever had been foolish enough to try to stop me. When I turned, it was Edward's pleading, yet stern eyes that met mine. "Bella, you can't."

"The hell I can't!" I bellowed as I continued to try to jerk my arm from his grasp. Panic was rising rapidly in my chest as the seconds ticked by.

Suddenly, I was caught up from behind by Emmett, who locked my arms behind me in his iron clad grip as Edward released my arm and took my face between both of his hands. He began speaking very quickly. "Bella, think about what you're saying. You cannot storm off after the Volturi on your own - it would be a suicide mission."

I shook my head furiously, still struggling against Emmett's unrelenting grasp.

Edward ignored me and continued, his eyes pleading. He forced me to return his gaze by constantly positioning himself into my line of sight, inches from my face. "Yes, Bella, you have to see reason. You cannot make a rash decision about this. Please...please think this through..., for Jacob...for me. Bella please listen!"

And I knew he was right. I stopped struggling against Emmett and willingly held his gaze as he continued to speak. "This is not the way, Bella. We have no idea what her intentions are, what their intentions are. We need to discuss this and decide what the best course of action is."

I held his gaze and felt Emmett lighten his grip, but only slightly. Panic now threatened to consume me. "We have to...we have to...we have to call Sam! And, we have to...get on a plane...and, and..." I trailed off as I realized that I had no idea, what exactly, we had to do. I met Edward's eyes again as hopelessness washed over me. I felt my bottom lip beginning to tremble. "We have to...we have to find him!" I sobbed as I collapsed into his arms. Emmett released his hold as Edward embraced me and guided me to the ground as my body went limp and tearless sobs shook me.

I'm not sure how long he held me on the floor as I sobbed, unable to even form a coherent thought. At some point, Carlisle called Sam and informed him of what had happened. He was going to call the packs to Billy's house and relay everything to them, then discuss their options.

Renesmee finally cried herself to sleep. Rosalie put her to bed upstairs and came down the stairs slowly to rejoin us - we had not yet moved from the foyer. It was her words that finally managed to rouse me from my daze. "Bella's right, you know." She looked around surveying everyone in the room. "We have to go after him. He'd do the same for any of us." My head felt as heavy as lead as I raised it from where it rested in the crook of Edward's neck to meet her expression. Fire danced behind her eyes and her face was determined. "Regardless to what anyone else here decides," she began, looking only at me, "I'm going with you." Wordlessly, Emmett took her side and placed his arms around her shoulders, declaring his allegiance as well.

I nodded and my mind kicked back into overdrive. There had to be a reason. But what? It was plainly obvious who lay behind it all. "It was Aro," I proclaimed with certainty. "It was only a matter of time before he made his move. He'll never rest until we agree to join him or until he destroys us all. We were all fools to have ever trusted him." Everyone turned their eyes to me as I spoke - everyone that is except for Edward.

His gaze was fixed at a point over my head as he slowly spoke, "No, love, actually it wasn't Aro."

"How can you be so sure?" I asked skeptically.

He slightly cocked his head to the side, but never took his eyes off where they focused behind me and spoke calmly and sure when he responded. "Because...Aro is dead."

We all turned to the sound of light footsteps on the gravel outside. A figure shrouded in deep gray robes ghosted up the stairs and in through the front doors that still stood open. Jasper crouched protectively in front of Alice, a ferocious growl ripping its way from his throat.

"No, Jasper, wait!" Edward warned, holding up a hand in front of him.

Very slowly, the figure raised two small, ivory hands up to grip the sides of the hood and slowly pulled it back, revealing the face beneath it - Chelsea. She surveyed the scene before her quickly before speaking, her tone one of torment. "I'm too late." Her eyes dropped to the ground and she brought her hands up to cover her face as if in shame.

"She came to warn us," Edward explained, but his words sounded more like a question.

Carlisle hurried forward, placing an arm around her and ushering her further into the house. He led her to the stairs where she sat and wrapped her arms around her legs as she pulled them to her chest. "I have failed," she said simply. "I am sorry."

"Chelsea," Carlisle began, dropping to one knee and taking her hand in his. "Aro? Is he...?"

"Yes," she confirmed, her eyes full of pain. "What Edward speaks is the truth - Aro is dead."

Carlisle, always in control and calm, seemed to struggle for words. "Please, tell us what has happened."

(cont) Dissention
 

She nodded solemnly and drew in a deep breath. Shakily, she began speaking, her tone very quiet and full of grief. "It all started shortly after you all left. After your visit, Marcus began changing. He became even more withdrawn that ever. He wouldn't speak and he refused to feed. It was like he was grieving - just like he did when Didyme died. He came to Aro one day and told him that the bonds within the guard were weakening. He was right - I could sense it before he ever mentioned it to Aro, but I was afraid to bring it up to him myself, afraid that it was something I was doing wrong, and I didn't want him to be displeased with me." She met Carlisle's gaze, her eyes seemingly begged him to understand.

He nodded, patting her hand sympathetically. She drew in another shaky breath and continued. "He was right. Jane and Alec began to favor Caius, just as Demetri had."

I processed this information quickly in my mind. I remembered the angry look on Jane's face as Aro had reprimanded her and chastised her in our presence. But Demetri on the other hand and been absent during our entire visit.

"And did Aro ever approach you about any of this?" Carlisle asked her.

"Oh yes, he came to me, questioning my ability, urging me to try harder. But my power is only so strong!" Her voice rose an octave, now pleading and frantic. "But still I tried, but failed him. I begged him to confide in me. I hoped that if I could figure out the reasons behind the waning loyalty of the others that I could strengthen out bonds once again. And he did - he told me of how not all of the members of the guard were in favor to the changes being made, including Caius." She lowered her head before continuing, her voice just above a whisper. "And he told me of how he'd killed Didyme long ago."

"But you were not the only one who found out about that, were you?" Edward asked. I looked to him confused, to find his face full of fury. Chelsea didn't speak to respond, she raised her head, and her eyes filled with sorrow and slowly shook her head.

Edward tightened his hands into fists, his voice tight and controlled as he locked his gaze with Chelsea and spoke aloud the images he picked from her mind. "Jane overhead Aro. And she ran to her more preferred master and gave him all he needed to divide everyone...and to turn Marcus against Aro."

Chelsea dropped her head into her hands again, her whole frame shaking. Esme sat beside her, placing her motherly arm around her in comfort as her words came out in broken sobs. "It was all my fault...if I could only have tried a little harder...none of this would have happened."

Edward looked at Carlisle and began filling in the gaps as Chelsea leaned into Esme and succumbed to tearless sobs. "Once Aro was out of the way, Caius was free to come after us without any resistance. And of course, there were still plenty of the guard left willing to support him."

"But that doesn't make any sense," I interrupted, confused. "Why target Jacob when they're after us?"

This time it was Alice who supplied the answer. "Because they knew I wouldn't see it."

"Caius still sees you as a threat to the power he holds. And they are counting on you to come after him. Caius knows the bond you all have with the shape shifters. He expects you will retaliate." Chelsea looked up apologetically at all of us, her eyes seeming to beg for forgiveness. "Not everyone agreed with Caius, but we knew that Caius would have us destroyed without hesitation if we rebelled against him. We knew he'd send Demitri after anyone who left the city. Still, some of us tried. And I too have failed."

Suddenly, a very sickening sensation began to creep its way into my stomach. This had all been planned and thought out - very thoroughly. But something Chelsea had said caught my attention. "You said you too have failed - you're not the first to try to contact us, are you?" Chelsea didn't speak-- she merely met my eyes with her own mournful pair and shook her head slowly. A knot clenched in my stomach and I brought my fingers to my temples. Someone - some unknown ally we'd had within the ranks of the Volturi had sacrificed their very existance trying to warn us that we were in danger. My breathing became short and ragged. "Who?" I asked her. "Who came to try to warn us...that Demitri already found."

"Heidi," she spoke, her voice breaking. "She never made it out of Europe. Renata and I left next - we made it as far as the east coast here together, but Demitri caught up with us there just before we crossed the great river."

"And now he's after you," I stated simply, my voice barely above a whisper. "Demetri is here in Forks." The hiss that escaped Edward's lips was matched by several others in the family. In a flash, Jasper was at the small, concealed control panel, punching in numbers on the keypad. The steel shutters I'd only seen once before slid closed over all of the windows in the house. My eyes instinctively moved to look out the front door and searched the darkness beyond for any slight movement that would indicate Demetri had followed Chelsea.

Chelsea shuddered. "He's not far behind, I'm sure of it. He won't come close enough here for Edward to be able to hear his mind though. But he'll wait. And eventually, he'll find me. He'll follow orders." He words were monotone and hopeless. "And he captures his prey in the end. He very rarely fails..." As she trailed off, her eyes drifted to Alice, lingering on her for a moment.

"You'll stay here, with us-" Carlisle began.

Chelsea cut him off. "No. I won't stay here and endanger you any further." She rose to her feet, her face set and determined. "If I stay here, it will lead him right to you."

"If Demetri was anywhere near you - even within the same state - he already knows you're here," Edward countered. Chelsea pursed her lips together tightly, seemingly unable to contradict his statement.

Carlisle spoke urgently, almost pleadingly to Chelsea, "I know it's a great deal to ask of you given what you've already sacrificed on behalf of my family, but if we are going to have any chance at all, you must tell us what you know. And we must act quickly. What do you know of Caius' plans?"

Chelsea took a deep breath. "Caius knows that you outnumber his forces now, given your alliances with the shape shifters - even within the walls of his own city, you would likely have the advantage. He'll try to divide you."

"Oh yeah? And how the hell does he figure he'll be able to do that?" Emmett asked with a confident smirk. I was in agreement with Emmett, given what Caius has seen first hand, surely he must know that was impossible. We'd proven that even when Chelsea had been on the Volturi side.

(cont) Dissention
 

Chelsea looked at him with pity. "Demetri's orders are to locate and eliminate me first, preferably before I'd had the chance to warn you. But Caius knows there's one member of your family that you wouldn't risk bringing to Italy. One member that you'll leave behind - his next target."

My hands shot to my throat both in shock and in an attempt to stifle the feral growl that clawed at my throat. "Renesmee," I gasped, suddenly realizing how easy it would be for Caius to accomplish his goal. He had assumed correctly - we would never chance taking her with us, but we wouldn't leave her behind unprotected either. Some would stay with her, reducing our numbers and tipping the odds in favor of the Italian coven.

I looked around at the faces of my family. They all wore the same, calculating expressions, each of them, like me, trying to find a flaw in Caius' plan. I could see none.

And who would stay behind? I could only thing of one option for Renesmee's safety. The only people I would entrust with the life of my daughter, as I had trusted with my own. "We'll leave her with the pack. They protected me from Victoria for months. And their numbers were half then what they are now. They can run her out of Forks...to Denali."

I looked to Alice, for some indication that the plan would work. "Bella, you know I can't see what will happen. It's hard enough to try to see the future around Nessie alone, but with the whole pack surrounding her..." She shook her head, and put her hands to her face helplessly.

Edward looked at me appraisingly. I watched his expression as he considered the option. However, he didn't have a chance to respond before Chelsea spoke again. "He'll choose another target as soon as they're out of the area." She met my eyes, her own filled with helpless sympathy. "He's going to go after your father, Bella."

As my mind conjured an image of Charlie's face, my resolve crumbled. After all I'd done to try to protect my father - all that I'd been willing to sacrifice, I'd never felt more helpless than I did in this moment. After a moment, his face was easily replaced with others. Billy, Sue, Emily... I couldn't protect them all, and Caius knew it. But still, he was counting on me to try.

Reading my angst, Edward pulled me to his side, rubbing my arm consolingly. "We'll think of something, love."

Carlisle remained silent for a moment, but was now pacing the length of the foyer. Finally, he came to a stop in front of Chelsea, but did not turn to face her. "Who remains loyal to him? Aside from the obvious? Who would we need to factor meeting within the city."

"Demetri, obviously, and Jane and Alec." She narrowed her eyes for a moment, pausing in thought. "His own wife, of course, although I'm sure she'll be well guarded, or hidden out of the city altogether. Felix...and a few of the guard whom he trained extensively in combat..."

"And Marcus? Where do his loyalties lie?" Carlisle asked in a brisk tone.

Chelsea paused, her voice growing quiet again. "That...is rather difficult to say. Presently, Marcus is not acting on his own accord." There was something more under her words - something she didn't voice outright.

Carlisle turned to face her, his brow pulling down in frustration. "How so?"

At that moment, I took note that Chelsea's hands had begun to shake at her side. "Before everything happened, Caius sent Demetri away - that was why he was not there during your visit. He was searching." She looked reluctant to continue, her whole frame shaking visibly now. "There have been...additions."

"What?" Edward asked incredulously. "You mean this was being planned a long ago? Before we visited even?"

But Carlisle did not allow her time to answer. He approached her and grasped her shoulders, his face full of seriousness as she met his gaze. Something about what Chelsea had said unnerved him. When he spoke, his voice was firm and demanding, all signs of patience gone - unlike I'd ever heard him before. "Where? Where was he searching Chelsea?"

Her lip trembled for a moment, matching the rhythm her body already kept. Her voice cracked as she spoke one, single word that seemed to be the answer Carlisle was dreading. "Romania."

Carlisle released his grip and slowly stepped back. His already fair complexion seemed to grow even paler, his lips barely moving as he uttered his next words. "God help us all...he found them."

Chapt 20 - Strategy
 

Edward's teeth gnashed together audibly. He glared first at Chelsea, then at Carlisle. "No!" he hissed through clenched teeth. "That's not possible." He shook his head furiously in denial.

A feeling of dread began creeping its way into the pit of my stomach. My mind struggled to make sense of Carlisle's words. "Who Carlisle? Who did he find?" I asked, my voice flat and emotionless.

Carlisle's normally calm features twisted with distress as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Que Imperium."

"Apparently, Vlad and Stefan weren't the only ones who survived when the Volturi went to destroy them," Edward said distastefully.

I snorted in disgust. This revelation should have shocked me, but it didn't. There wasn't enough left in me to allow an emotion such as shock.

"I'm not sure how Caius found out. They were not with Vlad and Stefan when Demetri found them," Chelsea offered quietly.

"I don't care." I stated simply and defiantly. "I don't care who the hell Caius found or what they're capable of! He has Jacob and that's all I need to know!"

Edward inhaled a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This...complicates things."

We all stood silent and motionless, contemplating this unforeseen twist - all except Jasper. Jasper had slowly begun pacing the length of the foyer, deep in thought. I silently followed him with my eyes. Always the militant, I could imagine his mind was reeling as he sorted through all the possible courses of action we could take and weighed our options. I knew that his expertise in this field would be crucial to any chance we had at success, just as it was when they'd fought the newborn army...and that concerned me. I knew that Jasper would go to almost any length to keep Alice from harm's way and I worried that if he accessed that the odds were stacked against us, he wouldn't be as willing to pledge his allegiance to trying to save Jacob.

Finally, never breaking his stride, he addressed Chelsea and spoke. "He'll be watching the city, expecting us." I smiled in realization that my momentary worry had been for nothing.

"Yes," Chelsea confirmed. "For you as well as any who stood behind you in the field."

"But that will reduce his numbers under the city."

"Yes...but he's not counting on you ever making it that far."

Again, Jasper was silent as he paced. His face was set and determined. Finally he stopped pacing and raised his head, resolve painting his features. "Then we won't come at him through the city. We'll come in directly through the tunnels that lay underneath. And we won't involve anyone else."

Edward cocked his head to the side as he eyed his brother, a slow, conspiratorial smile spreading across his face. "That...just may work."

Jasper's voice grew more confident as he continued his explanation. "Bella, do you remember from our class? The whole city - well actually, most of Europe - is built on top of an elaborate tunnel system utilized during the great wars. In all probability, they connect outside of the city. We'll enter them there while they're focused on the city itself."

It was Emmett who noticed the obvious flaw in the plan. "Yeah, well the only problem is that the Volturi know those tunnels backwards and forwards. We don't. We've all been there - it's like a maze. Even if we found the entrance, we'd never know which way to go once we got in."

I frowned. Emmett had a point. Jasper merely smiled surely and raised one eyebrow. "Unless," he began, slowly turning to face Esme, "you know someone with a keen knowledge of ancient architecture with a connection to those responsible for building the city...."

Esme gasped, instantly making the connection. "Amun! He'll have the plans!"

I caught up quickly. "That's right! The Egyptian coven helped build half the city!"

Jasper nodded once. With that, Esme disappeared leaving nothing but a slight breeze in her wake.

After that, my family became a flurry of movement as the details of Jasper's plan began to fall into place. I tried to keep up and tried to contribute any idea I thought might prove helpful, but was I was incredibly distracted and only heard snippets of the hurried conversation around me. "...not wise to fly into Italy...could use a distraction..."

Inevitably, my thoughts turned to Jacob. My emotions ranged from sorrow, to anger, to worry and determination. Once they'd run their full course and come full circle, they'd start the vicious cycle all over again. I wouldn't allow myself to even consider the very real possibility that no matter what we did, it may be too late-Jacob may already be....but no, I could not even think it.

As if from a lifetime ago rather than months, Edward's words haunted me. They'll probably pick us off one by one. Had I ever really thought for a minute that the Volturi wouldn't move on us again? No, not really. And, I thought of Aro. Although it was true that many of Aro's actions had been beyond reproach, he'd been honest with us. He'd been true to his word, and I couldn't help feel slightly guilty that we'd never really known the truth until it was too late-and now Aro , who'd truly been one of our biggest allies within the walls of Volterra - was dead.

I thought of our friends who'd willingly come to our aid months ago. Their faces flashed before my eyes and I hoped that they would remain safe, regardless to what our outcome would be.

(cont) Strategy
 

And then a very different set of faces came to mind. Those of Renesmee, Charlie, Billy, and Sue. Of Renee and Phil and the pack - so many loved ones in danger. Once again, my family and friends were in the crosshairs, all because of me. There were so many times I'd been the one who needed protecting. I was sure that once I achieved this life I'd wanted so badly, that I'd no longer be venerability. And in a way, that was true - yet I'd never in my life felt so powerless.

I covered my face with my hands. Almost immediately, I felt Edward's arms around me and felt his cool breath at my ear. "I don't know what to do," I confessed into his chest. "I can't keep everyone safe." He stroked my hair gently, but didn't speak any words of encouragement. There weren't any to be spoken. I was right, and he knew it. Anyone left here in Forks would be a target. And there was no way to protect them all...or was there?

Slowly, my own plan began to formulate in my mind - if there were some way to get my family out of Forks, yet keep them protected...and allow them a way to escape should our plan fail... "Bella!" Alice gasped from across the room. My eyes shot across the room and rested on hers as they stared unfocused. After a long second, she blinked and focused her gaze on me. "It will work Bella....but you have to hurry...go!"

I didn't bother to explain to anyone, I pulled myself out of Edward's grasp and ran to the kitchen, yanking drawers open as fast as I could until at last I found what I was looking for. I grabbed the envelope with my mother's messy script and retrieved my keys from the hook by the door, then rushed back to the foyer and was met by Alice as she came back down the stairs. She shoved a duffle bag in my arms and urged me towards the door. "This is everything you'll need. Jasper's going with you," she explained hurriedly as he appeared by my side. "I'll make all the arrangements while you're gone." I nodded, not wasting times with words.

"Bella?" Edward protested, his voice full of confusion. "What's this all about? Where are you going?"

"Seattle."

"No! Not with Demetri out there somewhere."

"I'll lead him away." Chelsea said. "It's me he's after right now."

That brought me up short. "Chelsea..." I choked out.

"Chelsea, I cannot allow you to sacrifice yourself on behalf of my family," Carlisle said, striding forward.

She shrugged and as she spoke, it was clear that her resolve had been made. "Carlisle, for too long I have been a part of putting your family in jeopardy. Please allow me this chance to do my part to right the situation. I can't take back the role I have played in their senseless games in the past, but I control what I do in the future from here on." She turned to me and took my hand, squeezing it briefly. "Bella, for what it's worth, I am genuinely sorry. Good luck, to all of you." She turned and cast one last, apologetic glance to my family, then turned and disappeared into the brush beyond the driveway.

"Bella," Edward begged as he grabbed my arm. "Please don't do this. Let me go instead."

"It's the only way I know of. I have to try."

Suddenly, I felt a wave of calmness wash over me as Jasper took hold of my other arm. "Edward!" he demanded, capturing his brother's attention. "We will come back. You have my word on that."

They stared at each other for a long second before Edward reluctantly released his hold on my arm. Jasper gently pulled me in the direction of the car already parked in the driveway. I made my way towards the car backwards, letting Jasper lead me as I called urgent directions back to Edward. "Help Alice! You're going to have to be the one to convince them. Call Billy first...he'll know how to get in touch with Sam. Get them on board before you call Charlie!"

"Get them on board for what?" he called back frantically, his hands raking though his hair.

"They're going to Jacksonville for a baseball game!" I said, waving the envelope full of vouchers in the air. I knew Alice would fill him in on the details while we were gone. I turned and ran to the passenger side door, pausing for one moment to look back at his still figure silhouetted against the light from the open front door. Even in the darkness, I could read his lips as he mouthed three silent words to me. "I love you."

I smiled as I mouthed his own words from long ago back to him. "As I love you."

I had barely shut the door when Jasper hit the accelerator taking us down the winding driveway and out onto the road that would lead us to the office of J. Jenks.



* * * * *



Our mission in Seattle had taken less time than I'd expected. To say that J had been less than enthusiastic to see Jasper again would be an understatement. He'd seemed quite reluctant and immediately overwhelmed at our request for five immediate passports, but the duffle bag full of large bills shoved into his arms seemed to render him considerably more agreeable.

I was grateful for Jasper's silence on the drive home. He didn't even bother to tamper with my emotional state, but instead let me collect my thoughts in silence. I found my ability to think in detail about several things at once slightly irritating. It only enabled me to worry about that many more things all at the same time. Jasper had called Alice to tell her we'd accomplished our mission and were on the way back. I easily ignored their conversation as I stared blankly out the window at the vast greenness that rushed past us beyond the window.

(cont) Strategy
 

We managed to arrive back at the white house even faster than I would have thought possible. After I was met outside by a very relieved Edward, I returned inside where I found Jasper already en task again helping to nail down some final details. Carlisle and Alice had managed to catch Sam at Billy's house. With some convincing from Billy and Sue, Charlie had agreed to the idea of traveling to visit Renee and take in a baseball game, not understanding the apparent urgency behind the sudden trip, but not questioning it either. Leah and Set would be traveling with them.

Edward and Rosalie had been in touch with Tanya. Sam, Quil and Embry would be running to meet them with Renesmee. Together, they and the Denali coven would be protecting her. Paul, Jared, Colin and Brady would be staying back to guard the reservation in La Push and to protect Forks.

As expected, Esme had been able to get a rough set of plans from Amun mapping a very complex set of tunnels that lie under the city. As Jasper had suspected, there were several connecting points outside of the city walls that would lead us into the heart of the Volturi's underground establishment. He pondered which route would be the most inconspicuous and finally decided upon two options. Jasper poured over the plans for a long time, his frown steadily increasing. Finally, he shook his head. "I don't like it," he stated simply. "It seems too obvious."

Carlisle stood at the dining room table. He reached out and traced one of the passages with his finger. "In all the years I spent with the Volturi, I never knew these passages existed. I can't imagine they would ever suspect that we would have discovered this."

"Maybe," Jasper mused. "But still, I would feel more confident with our chances if there were some way to distract them...draw their attention to the city...but I don't see how that would be possible without dividing ourselves..." All the while, Alice stood silently by his side, seemingly lost in her own thoughts.

I left Jasper as he pondered our options and went to the kitchen. Rosalie was gathering a few pans in the kitchen. I walked forward and silently began assisting her. She judged my actions, gave me an understanding nod and left me to prepare Renesmee's dinner on my own. I worked in silence, preparing her what I knew were her favorites - Grandma Swan's stroganoff and chocolate pudding. I sat with her while she ate, determined to spend every possible second with her between now and the time when she would be taken to meet Sam.

After her dinner, I sat with her in the living room and looked back through a collection of some family photos. Too soon, it was time to leave for the clearing where we would be meeting the pack. Once again, Alice's small, purse was strapped to Renesmee's back - enclosed in it everything that Seth and Leah would need to safely depart with Charlie, Billy and Sue.

"So," Edward said, looking around at the rest of the family, "I guess it's time for us to meet up with Sam and the others."

I'd dreaded this moment, knowing the words would be hurtful when spoken, but I really saw no alternative. "No, not us...me. Just me." I knew before I'd spoken the words that he would object, but my mind was set.

"No, absolutely not."

"It has to be me, Edward. I'm the only one that Demetri can't track. You've said that yourself from the beginning."

He stared back at me with despair in his eyes. "No. Demetri won't stand a chance against all of us."

"If Demetri is here alone. Did it ever occur to you that maybe Demetri didn't travel here by himself?"

"Then that's all the more reason that you shouldn't go by yourself!"

I stepped forward and took his face in my hands, forcing him to meet my gaze. "Even if Demetri isn't here working alone, he'd still have to be the one to find me."

I saw the pain in his eyes as he tried to ignore the logic behind my argument. "Bella, please. It doesn't have to be this way."

I put my finger to his lips. "Yes, it does. Edward, you know I trust you with my life and so much more than that. All I ask is that you trust me on this."

His argument was waning and the desperate, pleading look in his eyes told me that he was well aware of it. "You cannot keep sacrificing yourself like this..."

I forced a smile and shook my head slightly and reached up to smooth the worried lines on his forehead. "I don't intend to." I stretched up onto my tiptoes and allowed my lips to crush into his for a long second and then pulled back, taking a slow, measured step towards the door.

"No, Bella...."

"This is the way it has to be, Edward. You have to trust me." I stole a quick glance at Jasper, and then peered back at Edward. His posture seemed to relax, but only marginally. The pained look on his face tore at my chest. I forced my eyes from his and turned to Rosalie who stood waiting by the door with Renesmee in her arms. She helped her onto my back. I felt her arms grasp tightly around my neck. I paused and took a deep breathe and fought the urge to turn around for fear that my own resolve would crumble.

Determined, I forced my feet to move under me. Within seconds, I was flying though the thick trees towards the clearing with Renesmee clinging to my back. As I ran, my ears heard every cricket, every creature that stirred around me. My eyes constantly scanned the surrounding woods. After several long minutes, the trees began to thin. I slowed my pace to a brisk walk as I cautiously approached the clearing. I reached the edge of the trees and carefully helped Renesmee off my back. Taking her hand in mine, I cautiously stepped forward into the opening.

I scanned the outlying circle of trees, looking for any signs of danger as I awaited the arrival of the pack. Realizing that we were alone, I squeezed Renesmee's hand and lowered myself to kneel on one knee, bringing my face level with hers. She reached up and placed her hand on my cheek, showing me again the last image of Jacob she had - one that would haunt me forever. His lifeless body looked so broken. "Yes, sweetheart. We are all going to try very hard to bring Jacob back."

Tears welled in her eyes, matching the uncomfortable prickling that I felt in my own. "You have to promise me that you will do whatever Sam tells you. Can you be brave for me?"

She nodded her head solemnly and leaned forward hugging me tightly around my neck. I brought my hand up and stroked her hair as I held her comfortingly for a long moment. I inhaled deeply, breathing in her scent as much as possible.

(cont) Strategy
 

"I love you, Mommy," she whispered, just before pulling back.

"I love you too, sweetheart." I brushed a stray curl from her forehead and stared back into her deep, chocolate eyes. "I promise, this will be the last time that I leave you."

It was at that moment that I heard a twig snap in the trees beyond the clearing. I kissed Renesmee's forehead and stood back up, taking her hand again. I trained my eyes in the direction of the noise and searched the woods for the approach of the pack. Just then, the wind shifted and my body tensed of its own accord. Whereas I had expected to be met with the nauseating, woodsy smell of Jacob's brothers, my senses were met with a very different, unexpected scent. A very sweet, yet spicy scent. Too sweet. The scent of a vampire.

The sound of someone approaching steadily grew louder. I pulled Renesmee behind me and crouched protectively in front of her as I stared across the field towards the trees. At last, a large figure slowly emerged. The moonlight glinted off the luminescent skin of a vampire easily twice my size as he stepped forward, his crimson eyes boring into mine. Demetri. A feral snarl clawed at my chest and ripped its way through my lips. He stopped, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

But even though he'd stopped, the sound of approaching footsteps did not. Slowly, I saw another figure step forward out of the clearing behind him. I had been right - Demetri had brought company with him to Forks. A second vampire came up to flank Demetri. He was much smaller in stature than Demetri, with pale, white blonde hair. He seemed to follow Demetri's lead.

"Ah Bella," Demetri spoke in a mockingly playful tone. "I was so hoping to run into you here." He took a casual step forward, mirrored by his comrade. "Of course, I suppose it really shouldn't come as a surprise to you. I know that Chelsea mentioned to your family that I was in the neighborhood. Her confession of that was...her last, regrettably."

"You killed her," I spat at him.

He pulled his face into a fake grimace and cast a quick side glance at his partner. "Yes, sadly Chelsea went against her better judgment and betrayed my master." He shrugged indifferently. "It was her choice to forfeit her life. It's really too bad all her efforts were in vain." His mouth pulled upward into a wicked smile.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," I hissed through gritted teeth.

"Oh come now, Bella. Surely you and your beloved Edward hadn't honestly fooled yourselves into thinking that I wouldn't be able to find you?" He shook his head in mock disbelief. "I'll admit, your talent is rather impressive, but let us be realistic."

He took another step towards me, leaving only about twenty yards between us - a distance that could be closed in a single leap at any moment should he choose to. I knew I didn't stand a chance of defeating him alone in a fight without even factoring in his assistant. I knew that he was well aware of that fact too. He was just drawing it out, toying with me. My mind was reeling trying to come up with a way to distract him - to give the pack a chance to get here.

Suddenly, he held his hand up towards the vampire beside him. "Don't waste your efforts, Gavrill. She is immune to your talents." Gavrill? So this was one of the new additions that Chelsea had mentioned. "Of course, Bella and I are old acquaintances, so I don't think you'd begrudge me the honor?"

Gavrill spoke in a thick Russian accent. "Of course not, Demetri." I stole a quick glance at him, not wanting to take my eyes off of Demetri, who stepped closer still for too long. His face seemed alight with amused entertainment.

I set myself deeper into my crouch and countered Demetri's every step as he began to feint to the side, carefully keeping myself between him and my daughter. "Oh, but don't worry, Bella. I'm not going to kill you right away." With his head, he gestured behind me to Renesmee, causing a wild, protective growl to build deep in my chest. "First, I'm going to kill your abomination of a daughter, while you watch, then I'm going to take my time with you."

Gavrill's maniacal laugh rang through the clearing like a bell. However, it was cut short. Far off in the woods, the piecing howl of a wolf ripped through the cool, night air. In the distance, I could hear the sound of the rapidly approaching wolves crashing though the woods.

Demetri heard it too. His mouth turned downward in an angry frown. "Then again, maybe we'll have to cut this reunion shorter than I'd hoped." He crouched down and tensed his muscles to pounce. I braced myself for impact. The wolves were coming, but they would never make it in time. My only hope was to defend my daughter long enough for them to reach the clearing and save her.

One thing was certain - Edward had greatly misjudged Demetri's ability to track me. Now I faced him alone...and I was going to die.

Chapt 21 - Unity
 

I saw the shift in Demetri's posture and watched as his sinuous muscles tensed in his preparation to launch himself at me. The smallest fraction of a second later, the tension released as he hurled himself through the air. I readjusted my defensive stance in front of a now trembling Renesmee, squeezed my eyes shut and braced myself for the inevitable moment of impact. But the impact would never come.

Instead, my ears were met only by the sound of a crash so deafening that even the most violent thunder could not compare. My eyes shot open just in time to see Demetri's massive form as it was sent flying through the air by a mass of familiar, silvery gray fur - Leah. Of course it was Leah. She had always prided herself on being the fastest of the wolves.

I watched in shock as Demetri twisted agilely in the air, landing 20 yards away in a perfect hunting crouch. The hackles on Leah's neck bristled and her lips pulled back to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth as she and Demetri began to circle one another. All the while, ferocious snarls ripped their way through her throat. Demetri repeatedly swiped lethally at Leah, her speed evening the playing field slightly and enabling her to just dodge each blow just before it could connect. But Demetri was no newborn - Leah would be no match for his decades of experience.

A mere millisecond had passed allowing my mind just enough time to process the shock of this unexpected turn of events. Then my mind caught up with my body. I tore my eyes away from their deadly dance and trained them on Gavrill who now glared back at me, all traces of entertainment having been erased from his chiseled features. It was evident he was committed to carrying out what Demetri had started with me.

Careful to keep my body protectively positioned in front of Renesmee, I slowly began backing her closer towards the tree line. From my position, I saw Demetri land a swift kick into Leah's side. She yelped in pain, but swiftly regained her footing and began circling again, visibly shaking her head as she did so in an effort to shake off the resulting pain. Her luck was running out and I was powerless to help her.

Gavrill had closed the gap between us significantly. I knew that his gift would be useless on me and he would have to rely on his sheer physical ability alone. I was sure he was more than capable, but I welcomed the challenge, determined as bloodlust ignited within me. He briefly attempted to shift his gaze past me towards Renesmee, who I remained positioned in front of, only to return it to me. His bright, crimson eyes bored into mine as I felt fury building inside threatening to cause my frozen blood to boil in my veins. Suddenly, he froze in place and his face seemed to drain of all color.

Already knowing the reason behind his reaction, I felt a devious smile creep to my lips of its own accord. It grew increasingly as a chorus of growls erupted from just inches behind me. The rest of the pack had arrived. The battle between Demetri and Leah had stopped and Demetri now attempted to slowly inch backwards in retreat in the face of Leah who merely continued to stalk him, while barring her teeth and growling menacingly.

Four enormous, deadly wolves came up to flank me as a smaller, sandy colored one took up my strategic position in front of Renesmee. I kept my eyes locked on Gavrill's face as his desire to end my life warred with his instinct for survival. The indecision played out on his features just as it had so long ago with Victoria. Just as Edward had done that day with Victoria, I would take away his freedom to make that decision. Acting upon some unseen signal, Demetri and Gavrill simultaneously turned to flee.

Gavrill made it to the moonlit shadows of the trees before I collided with his back with such force that I not only knocked him to the ground, but sent myself flying several yards into the cover of the trees as well. As I quickly rolled to my feet and turned back towards the clearing, the unmistakable sound of tearing metal drifted to me. By the time I reentered the clearing a fraction of a second later, it was all over. Quil and Embry had finished off Gavrill, ripping the last of his limbs from his torso. The sickening, screeching sound coming from several yards away told me that Demetri was no match for Leah's speed and he had met the same fate as Sam and Jared had easily caught up with them.

The wolves were already in motion constructing a pile of what remained of the two defeated Volturi guards as my mind began to process the enormity of what had just happened. Demetri was dead. He would never track anyone I cared for again. Oh sure the Volturi could dispatch someone to Forks, but they would could never be led to Jacksonville in pursuit of Charlie or Billy and they would never be able to follow Renesmee or Sam to Denali. Demetri's death would ultimately ensure their safety.

I was pulled from my musings as Leah trotted forward and glared meaningfully into my eyes. I gasped in realization. Leah had just saved my life. She had flung herself at Demetri, willing to sacrifice her own life for mine and Renesmee's. "Leah..." I reached forward to stroke the side of her neck now within my reach, but she snorted in disgust and turned away from me, trotting off into the cover of the trees.

I stared at the spot where she'd disappeared until I was pulled from my musings by Seth's gentle nudge. Renesmee easily slid from his back, landing on her feet before me. I pulled her into a tight hug before allowing her to place her palm to my cheek as I worried about what horrors she'd just been witness to, but discovered quickly that my worries were completely unnecessary. I watched her abbreviated recollection of the events that had just unfolded up until the pack joined my side and her view was suddenly obscured by a wall of sandy fur and all sound was drowned out by a steady reassuring growl. What stood out more than anything was that her recollection was not colored by fear, as I had suspected, but by the overwhelming sense of pride and being protected.

At that moment, Leah strode back into the clearing, having phased. She quickly pulled a lighter from her pocket and lit the pile on fire. A thick plume of heavily scented purple smoke rose into the air. Then, she walked forward to face me, standing a mere foot away. Her striking features were smudged with dirt as a result of her battle with Demetri. An abrasion across her cheek was already fading to a pale pink.

My gratefulness for her unselfish actions rushed back to me. I took a deep breath with the intent of conveying my appreciation to her, but she was quicker with her words.

"Thank you," she said quickly, rushing thought the two words.

(cont) Unity
 

"Thank...you..." I replied, caught a bit off guard. I tilted my head questioningly as I appraised her casual posture. Understanding washed over me as I held her meaningful gaze. "You're welcome," I returned, so quietly that only she would hear. One brief nod of her head was the only indication I had that we had reached a mutual understanding with our brief exchange.

We were both rescued from the uncomfortable silence as Sam, still in wolf form strode forward to join us. He looked up meaningfully at Leah, then to me as she spoke for him. "He wanted to make sure that everything is in order."

"Yes," I said, taking the bag from Renesmee and handing it to Leah. "You'll find the game vouchers and plane tickets in here. And some false documents and cash...just in case something goes wrong." She nodded and placed the small bag around her own shoulders. "You'll keep them safe?" I asked painfully picturing Charlie in my mind. Leah nodded, and I knew that she would keep her word if it killed her.

Next, I turned my attention to Sam. "The Denali clan is expecting your arrival." I gave Renesmee one last hug before she climbed easily onto Sam's back. "I know that you will do whatever it takes to keep her safe." He replied with a steady growl that resonated from deep within his chest.

Leah answered for Sam. "And we know that you will do the same for Jacob." And they were right. I was willing to risk my life to try to bring Jacob back, as was my entire family. And I didn't plan on failing.

We didn't linger any longer, wasting time on bittersweet farewells. Over the past few months, we'd all seen more than our fair share of those. After a while, they take their toll on you and you don't have the strength left for them anymore. I stood stoically in the field as Seth and Leah set off in the direction of the reservation and as the other four wolves set off in the direction that would lead them to Denali. At that moment, I swore to myself that this would be the last time I would ever have to watch my daughter ride off on the back of a wolf, praying that no matter what happened to me, she would somehow be safe. I vowed to myself that no matter what, this would be the last time.

I stood in the clearing until I could no longer hear the footfalls of the Quiluetes. Their lingering scent began to float off with the light breeze. Then, I turned and ran back towards the Cullen house. The events that had transpired in the field triggered a renewed sense of determination in me. As my feet flew over the mossy forest ground, I ran feeling as if a weight had already been lifted. Our plan - or at least this part of our plan - would not fail. I was not foolish enough to forget the treacherous journey that still lay ahead, but regardless of the outcome, my human family and my daughter would be safe.

As my feet flew over the mossy forest ground, I thought of the lives that had been disrupted by the quest for dominance by the Volturi. Heidi, Chelsea and Renata had sacrificed themselves in order to protect my family. Jacob was now being held captive deep within the cavernous tunnels of Italy. I did not know what my ultimate fate would be, but I well aware of my mission - this would be the last time the Volturi posed a threat.

I could barely see the light from the house through the trees when I heard the frantic voices of my family, causing me to push my feet even faster. Their conversation floated to me through the trees, disjointed and confusing at first,

"... knew this was a bad idea..."

"...wouldn't have seen it if she hadn't gotten away..."

"...going to look for her..."

"...hold him, Emmett..."

And somewhere, in the midst of the confusion...The Wizard of Oz from somewhere deep inside the house? The closer I got, the less disjointed the conversations became.

"...I'm going for her..."

"...if we stay here, I see her coming back...if we go, I'm not sure...

Finally, as I neared the house, Alice's relieved exclamation, "She's back!"

I had barely stepped foot on the gravel driveway when Edward descended upon me, pulling me to him with crushing force. "Bella!" He gasped in relief as he sunk to his knees, pulling me with him. His whole frame seemed to be shaking. I allowed him to hold me until the vibrations subsided. My quick mind had already processed what had triggered the turmoil while somewhere inside the house, Dorothy had reached the Emerald City.

At last, Edward's grip on me slackened. I leaned around him, searching for Alice. Jasper stood by her side, rubbing calming circles on her back as she held her fingertip to her temples, her eyes locked on me.

Whether because of Jasper's efforts, or because of my return, her rigid posture began to relax. "You didn't see," I surmised, "because of the wolves."

She shook her head, confirming my theory. "Bella, all I saw was Demetri facing you in the field, poised to strike, and then your entire future disappeared..." Her voice cracked as she spoke.

"You thought I was dead." I concluded.

"Until a few moments ago when I saw you returning."

I noticed the pained grimace that crossed Edward's face at my words. Alice leaned into Jasper's chest, her beautiful features twisted in horror and she covered her face in with her hands in a feeble attempt to drive out the remnants of her vision. Behind them on the porch, a visibly shaken Rosalie tried in vain to soothe Esme, as her entire body was wracked by silent sobs.

Watching the reactions of my family only strengthened my resolve - the Volturi must be destroyed.

At last, it was Carlisle who spoke. "Bella...Demetri? Is he...?"

I realized then that they were still in the dark regarding what had taken place. I recounted the events as they had transpired as the flying monkeys descended on the meek Kansas native from inside the house. I didn't bother to censor or downplay anything that had happened and watched as horror crossed their faces. Perhaps the full force of the terror in the field had not yet registered with me...or perhaps I was too determined to achieve my goal to care at this point.

My family remained silent and relieved as I concluded my story. It was Emmett that finally broke the silence. "So, you didn't save even a piece of Demetri for us? Bummer." This earned a growl from Edward, but also set my family in motion again. We still had a mission to accomplish after all, and dwelling on what was already in the past was getting us nowhere.

Together, we returned into the house, where I was briefed on the final plan of action. I tried in earnest to focus on Jasper's explanation, but something was nagging me in the back of my mind. I tried to block out the sound of Dorothy and her friends as they were chased through the witch's castle on the big screen in the living room. Something Jasper had said earlier in the day...about needing a distraction...

The Volturi knew we would come. That was what they were hoping for wasn't it? They expected us to come directly into the city - Chelsea had told us that. Just as Demetri knew he would find me in the field. And he and Gavrill showing up alone was proof that they were overconfident in their plans - that they saw no need for a Plan B. And it had worked before, hadn't it? With the third wife...and that day in the field with Victoria and Riley?

I walked away from Jasper, ignoring his explanation altogether. I heard him trail off, sensing my distraction, but I ignored him. My attention had been captured by the TV in the living room. I cocked my head to the side as I watched Dorothy defeat the Wicked Witch with a simple pail of water. So simple, yet effective...

Suddenly, Alice appeared at my side and gasped. "Of course, Bella! Well, it makes sense now."

"Alice?" Jasper asked wearily, but Alice was nowhere to be seen. He turned to me. "Bella? What's going on?"

I walked back to join him at the table and looked down at the rough set of plans spread out before him. "You were right, Jasper. They will be expecting this," I said, waving my hand at the set of plans. "So why not give them what they are expecting...draw their attention away from the tunnel entrances. We can't just stroll into Volterra - they will definitely be watching for us. So we split up...we enter the city, let them know we're there, but make it difficult to be found."

He and Edward exchanged confused looks. He turned his attention back to me. "Bella, it sounds good, but I don't see how..."

"Easy Jazz. I've already seen how...I just didn't understand it at the time." All eyes turned to Alice, who had reappeared at the bottom of the stairs. In her arms, she held three identical packages, wrapped in black paper and finished off with a bright red bow. Three packages that contained the dark gray robes of the Volturi.

Chapt 22 - Company
 

No one could be sure what kind of information the Volturi had access to, but we weren't taking any chances in any event. Considering that a sudden booking of eight first class passengers to Italy may have aroused suspicions and because our trip was not exactly planned, we all sat in coach, surrounded by other passengers who were completely clueless that they had been joined last minute by a family of vampires.

We had decided that a direct flight was not the best route to go. We'd initially left from the Portland airport and changed planes in both Houston and Atlanta before boarding the final flight that would take us to Turin. Our transatlantic portion of the journey was a rather silent one. On occasion, there would be hushed exchanges between our family, but any words spoken were far too quiet and fast for any of the other surrounding passengers to make and sense of - if they even heard them at all.

It was during the latter portion of the flight that I allowed myself to again think of the family I was leaving behind. I knew that the plane carrying half of them to Jacksonville would be arriving within the hour. A call placed from the on board satellite phone confirmed that Sam and the wolves had arrived safely in Denali without encountering any unforeseen obstacles along the way. Despite our current circumstances, this knowledge along with the fact that Demetri was dead brought a smile to my face. Yes, they would be safe.

After what seemed like an eternity, even for a vampire, our flight finally began its descent. Without speaking, a tightened my grip on Edward's hand ever so slightly as a reassurance and reminder to myself. Whatever lay ahead - success or failure - we would be entering into it together, our own individual fates fused together as one.

After disembarking from our plane, we walked at a human pace, making an effort to blend in as much as possible. I reminded myself of our plan as we made our way through the corridors of the airport.

We would travel together by foot to the outskirts of Volterra. There, we would locate one of the many entrances to the tunnels below the city that Jasper had deemed as our best option and wait until daybreak. That was the easy part.

From there, Edward, Alice and myself would dress in the Volturi robes and make our way towards the entrance to the city. There was only one gate leading into sub-terranian Volterra, which we were positive would be monitored, although to what degree, we were unsure. Jasper felt confident that any guards near the entrance would be minimal at best. Given the fact that half of the guard had either fled, been destroyed, or both, he was betting that any guards assigned to patrolling the inner walls would be located centrally to St. Mark's Square where they could reenter the heart of the underground lair at a moment's notice.

It made me very uncomfortable for us to have to separate, but if there was any chance of us entering the tunnels and finding Jacob, this was the best option we could come up with-to draw the guard to us. We were timing our arrival during the largest influx of tourists into the city, when it was discovered that we were within the city walls-and we fully understood that we would be detected-the Volturi would be hesitant to act on stopping us in the midst of the general public, or so we hoped. Hopefully that would open at least a slight window of opportunity for the rest of the family.

A part of me hoped that the Volturi's arrogance and overconfidence would act as their biggest disadvantage and everything would transpire according to plan. A very small part of me. The larger, realistic part of me knew that we were amateurs and the guard were centuries old, experienced vampires who likely had countless contingency plans.

Other than that, we were going to have to act on instinct alone as things transpired. I did not like instinct alone.

We slowed our pace a considerable distance from Volterra and crept in the general direction of where Jasper had determined the tunnel entrance would be. We paused frequently for Edward to try to locate any possible mental voice of anyone nearby. Fortunately, we met no resistance right up to the base of the city. After a few minutes of searching from the cover of the nearby woods, Emmett spotted the grate-covered entrance we were looking for protruding deep set into the side of the hill on top of which sat the ancient city.

And so, we waited until sunrise.

Edward had remained silent as we waited, trying to extend his ability and scan the thoughts of anyone within the city or through the grated entrance, but was unable to detect even the faintest of thoughts. This was a good sign - it meant no one was within our immediate vicinity.

Jasper again began going over our plan as we listened intently, despite having already committing it to memory. He made a few last minute suggestions regarding hand to hand strategy, which would unavoidably come into play at some point. I tried to listen to him and absorb all that he was saying, but soon found myself staring blankly at the entrance before us as I rested my head on Edward's shoulder. Somewhere, through that tunnel, beneath that city, was Jacob.

The longer a sat locked in my own silent contemplations, the more the anger inside me began to build. Not just on account of Jacob, but on behalf of everything my family had been forced to deal with at the hands of the Volturi - Edward as he had writhed on the floor in agony under Jane's torturous gift, our family and friends who'd been forced to lay their lives on the line in Forks so many months ago, and our recent comrades - Chelsea, Heidi and Renata, who'd sacrificed their life on our behalf. As I recounted all these horrendous acts, my vision blurred I felt bloodlust mounting within me.

I'm not sure how long Jasper spent doling out last minute directives to myself and the rest of the Cullens. I was only vaguely aware when the horizon to our left and right became tinged with pink, and then slowly to orange and yellow as the sun began to rise. I was only pulled from my thoughts when Jasper suddenly grasp my arm, causing me to jump in shock. I pulled my eyes from the tunnel and peered back into his own amber pair as he spoke to me. "Bella, we will get him back."

At last, Alice rose to her feet. "It's time," she proclaimed simply. "Tour buses will be arriving when we reach the gate." She looked to me and Edward as we took the robes that she offered us. She quickly put hers on and stood for a long minute, staring silently into Jasper's eyes.

"To hell with good-byes," Emmett spoke up gruffly as he turned to the three of us. "We'll be seeing you three shortly. Let's do this." He flexed the muscles in his arms, eager to put our plan in motion. "What?" he asked, looking around at all of us. He grinned widely and looked absolutely terrifying. "I've been waiting for this for too long."

His comments and attitude seemed to break the spell, setting us all in motion, everyone reassured by his ever present confidence.

"Good luck" were Jasper's parting words as we turned and made our way towards the gate. We ghosted silently along, staying undercover of the trees as long as possible. We watched the cars full of eager tourists as they crept up the winding rode leading to the gate. We stepped onto the road beside a slow approaching tour bus, using it to shield us from view as much as possible. Just before the reaching the gate, the massive bus took a sudden turn into a large gravel area that already held several larger vehicles.

(cont) Company
 

As the bus pulled of the road, we quickly stepped into the steady flow of visitors making their way into the city on foot. My hands tightened into fists and I stretched my shield to surround Edward and Alice.

"Anything?" Alice whispered as we drew nearer to the gate.

"Nothing," Edward replied quickly.

"I don't see anyone being there. Closer to the center, and it gets fuzzy..."

We stepped into the city, beneath the heavy, raised gate. My eyes scanned the crowd surrounding us at a frantic pace, looking for any figure clad in gray.

Constantly remaining aware of our surroundings, we steadily wound our way through the narrow cobblestone paths of the city, making our way closer to the center of the ancient city.

I looked to the rooftops as well as we passed through the narrow alleys, but still, saw no sign of the guard.

When we neared St. Mark's Square, we stopped and exchanged quick, nervous glances, each of us unsure of how to proceed. We hadn't factored what to do from here. Truthfully, we hadn't considered making it here without meeting some sort of resistance. There were several entrances that we knew of, but did we really expect to be able to just walk through any of them unchallenged? My mind was reeling as I tried to evaluate our possibilities.

Something was off. Weren't they expecting us? Had they all retreated under the city? Did that mean that the others had been detected?

My breath sped with the last thought. It became raspy and my body threatened to curl inward on itself defensively. Edward reached to take my hand. "Shhhh," he barely breathed. We continued inching closer to the center of the city in silence.

Suddenly, I heard Edward's teeth snap and grind together. I turned to him and noticed his eyes were trained on the rooftops. I followed his gaze just in time to see a dark blur move above us.

"They know we're here," I said matter of factly.

"Yes," he hissed. "They know."

"They don't plan to act here in the open," Alice whispered.

"No," Edward agreed. "But we have taken them by surprise. It seems as if your idea worked Bella. They are shocked that we made it to the center before they detected us. They'd planned to act to stop us if possible, but not this close to the square."

"Who?" I asked. As I waited for his response, the faces of the guard I knew flashed through my mind. I mentally began sizing up anyone who would oppose us.

"Felix, Alec, I'm sure of. A few others who have never been more than fixtures in the background."

I growled at his mention of Alec. I knew that I would be no match for Felix's mere physical size, but Alec possessed a gift which I could defend against. My ability to do so would be crucial if we were to encounter him at any point.

Wordlessly, Edward held his hand up to silence us. He cocked his head first to one side, then to the other. My eyes searched the rooftops and the square that stretched out before us, looking for the figure that had already moved out of site. After a long moment, Edward frowned as deep lines etched themselves into his forehead. Slowly, he began shaking his head back and forth. "This doesn't make any sense," he pondered. "They're...retreating. But why?"

As I strained my eyes to see what was no longer there, the crucial mistake that we'd made came crashing down on us. The three of us had been so intent on the rooftops and courtyard before us, that we'd mistakenly lost focus on what was going on street level around us. A sudden, crisp breeze drifting from the open alley behind us brought with it the unmistakable trace of other vampires and the distinct sound of footsteps. But it was a fraction of a second too late as the voice of their leader had already reached us. "Well, we were so hoping to run into you three here!"

Dropping the façade at keeping a human pace, we turned to face the three vampires who had suddenly appeared in the alley behind us as they closed the gap between us and St. Mark's Square at a frightening pace.