AN: This is yet another sequel within The Choice Series. I hope you all enjoy it and for those who have been patiently waiting for this story, thank you so much for the love, support, and the messages. It is so nice to know people read these stories and enjoy them just like I enjoy writing them.

Chapter 1

Uncontrollable, visceral in approach and white hot in appearance. The flames were all consuming and never ending. It was not just a fire, it had a life of its own, and it devoured the Olympic Forest. Its next destination…..Forks.

Alice took in a deep, shaky breath as her eyes cleared from the vision and she returned to the present. She was no longer in the flaming forest. She was on the island with her mate and the sun reflected against her diamond-like skin. Jasper wrapped his strong arms protectively around her and she rested her head against his chest as she tried to make sense of the vision.

"What did you see darlin'? What has you so spooked," he asked in his southern drawl and she sighed as she looked out at the water. It was such a contrast from the scene repeating in her mind.

"I don't know. It was blurry and I could not see anything but….." She stopped midsentence as the dread from the vision shook her to the core. Jasper sensed her fear.

"What was it Alice?" She looked down, but he lifted her chin up with his finger.

"I'm sure it is nothing we can't handle darlin'," he assured.

"I could not see anything, but destruction. The entire Olympic Forest, Forks, La Push and any town in the vicinity would be obliterated." Jasper frowned.

"By what, what caused it?"

"All I see are flames."

"A forest fire doesn't sound so bad. Humans can fight those and…"

"It wasn't a natural fire, Jasper," she confessed as she closed her eyes again to check her vision. Nothing, but the flames of destruction filled her vision.

Forks, Washington was its usual rainy and cloudy self as rain showers washed over the lush green region. The air was still chilly as it transitioned from winter to spring and March began to bring the dead of winter back to life. It had been two years since the chaos with Maria and her army and the family was relieved to get back to a normal routine, which included visits to see Bella and Seth's parents. Bella and Charlie were on the porch of his house. Renesmee, Nahuel, Seth, and Kaya were inside with Sue eating lunch and Charlie noticed Bella look down at her watch for the third time.

"It has only been a couple of hours Bells. After being married to him for so many years, I thought you would be tired of him hovering over you," teased Charlie and Bella giggled.

"Dad, Edward doesn't hover. It is a mate thing. He said he would be back in a couple of hours from hunting."

"A mate thing, is that vampire talk for hovering," he asked and she rolled her eyes. She wrapped her arm around him with a sly smile.

"I think if you and Sue were apart for a couple of hours, you would feel the loss as well. I remember a time when that wouldn't have been the case. You used to be so focused on work and only work, but retirement is good for you. I am sure Sue appreciates you being home so much."

"I thought it would be hard to retire, but it is different when you have someone to come home to. Before Sue, I was so….."

"Lonely, I know that and your connection with her is similar in concept, but for mates, the bond is even stronger."

"Vampires, wolves, mates, this stuff is pretty heavy Bells. And what is with the other kid….Seth's brother….or step….well not step brother….but…..help me out here Bells."

"Zach, Rosalie and Emmett's son," she answered with a giggle and he chuckled.

"Yea, the boy is huge. Now I know I am getting up there in age, but my mind isn't that far gone. The boy is what, four…five….."

"He will be five in September, which is why he looks fifteen. Soon, he will look eighteen and stop growing just like Renesmee did."

"Do you hear yourself right now? He will be five in September, so he looks fifteen? Is that vampire math? Did you have to go to some special school to learn that?" She giggled again.

"I know it is a lot to understand, but Zach is a special child, just like Renesmee was."

"But he is growing faster than Renesmee right?"

"Yes and becoming more and more like his father."

"Just what we need, another Emmett running around here," he mumbled and she kissed his cheek.

"You know you love our crazy family."

"I know I love you and I love Renesmee. I can deal with the craziness for my two girls."

"But don't forget, you have craziness on your wife's side as well." He smirked.

"Oh trust me, I know, but Joshua doesn't grow fast at all. That's a cute kid, five years old and extremely smart."

"Josh doesn't grow like Zach."

"Right, he is normal," agreed Charlie and Bella bit her lip.

"I wouldn't say that. Normal would mean going through puberty without worrying about turning into a wolf when he gets older." Charlie slowly nodded as comprehension dawned on him.

"A wolf, right, of course, why wouldn't he be a wolf, why would that be weird," he asked sarcastically. Bella suddenly perked up and her eyes were trained on the forest to the side of the house. Charlie waved a hand in front of her eyes, but they never left the forest.

"Mate thing dad," she mumbled and he smirked as he stood up.

"Well let me go inside then. Don't mind me, just the normal old human, trying to make sense of it all," he announced as he walked inside. Bella stood up as her senses took over. Edward emerged from the forest at a human pace with a crooked smile on his face. The dark blue sweater he wore during the hunt had no signs of the event and there was not a bronze hair out of place on his head. She let her shield down so he could hear her thoughts and he chuckled as he pulled her into his arms. One sweet kiss became two, then four, but he pulled away before their passion could override their senses.

"Charlie is concerned about something," he said as he read the man's thoughts inside the house. Bella rolled her eyes.

"He is still trying to wrap his mind around the supernatural stuff," she assured, but he shook his head as he frowned.

"No, he just likes teasing you about that. He understands it all just fine. Something is wrong." He slipped his hand in hers and entered the house. They walked into the kitchen where the others were eating and Charlie stood against the counter with a newspaper in his hands.

"About time you got back. Are my thoughts troublesome enough for you," he asked Edward and held out the newspaper. Edward quickly took it and scanned over the front page. Bella read along as Edward tried to solve the mystery.

"Maybe a newborn, but that would not explain the fires," mumbled Edward and Bella read the headline out loud.

"Tacoma Police Department investigating string of murders, serial killer on the loose…it can't be a newborn. Marcus and Didyme would already know about it. What if it is just a serial killer? Humans can be bad too," explained Bella, but Charlie shook his head.

"I have a buddy who works for the department in Tacoma. He is a detective. They think it is a pyromaniac, but one of the rookies saw something the other night. He described it as a ghost that just disappeared right before his eyes. They think he was just in shock after taking a spill down some stairs, but I know better. It has to be a vampire….wait. Ghosts don't exist right? I mean, ghosts aren't part of the deal," questioned Charlie as he looked at them suspiciously and Edward chuckled as he read his thoughts.

"No Charlie, as far as we know, ghosts are not an issue. Marcus and Didyme could be thrown off by the arson cases involved. That definitely isn't how newborns operate," explained Edward.

"What if one did, would that be so out of place," asked Charlie and Seth chuckled as he placed his empty plate in the sink.

"Listen to you Charlie, trying to start up a new career? I can see it now, Charlie Swan, the vampire detective," teased Seth. Charlie rolled his eyes and Kaya was the only one to giggle. Seth scoffed.

"Tough crowd," mumbled Seth and Renesmee giggled.

"Sorry Seth, but Zach and Emmett aren't here to laugh at your ridiculous jokes," she teased. He stuck his tongue out at her and she did the same. Nahuel smiled at their interaction and stood up to look at the newspaper.

"This doesn't sound like a newborn, but we all know that doesn't mean we should rule the supernatural out. Maybe we need a second opinion," suggested Nahuel and Edward read his mind before patting his shoulder proudly.

"Good idea son," agreed Edward and Nahuel beamed from the praise. Edward grinned mischievously as Bella eyed the two of them.

"What is going on," she asked and Renesmee and Kaya left the table as well to stand with their mates. Edward smirked.

"Nahuel thinks we should contact Eleazar to see if he knows about any type of vampires that can cause fires. Unfortunately for Nahuel, we have to stop by the Black house first to get Rose, Emmett, and Zach. Charlie, Sue, we'll keep you updated," informed Edward and Nahuel began to whine like a child told he had to go to school in the morning.

"Can't I stay here or better yet, Renesmee and I will head back to the island now," suggested Nahuel and Renesmee smirked. She grabbed his collar and pulled him out of the house.

"We're going," she announced and he groaned, but followed his mate out of the house as Seth laughed.

"Dude, you just got owned by your wife," taunted Seth and Kaya raised an eyebrow at him.

"And what's wrong with that," she challenged and he gulped.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing…..jeez Kaya stop looking at me like that. I will forever damn the day that Rose taught you how to give that look, ugh!" Seth ran out the house as Kaya laughed and Sue winked at her.

"I see you know how to keep him in line," said Sue and Kaya sighed.

"Yea right, have you met your son," she teased and Sue gave her a hug.

"Good point. Seth, get your butt back here and give me a hug," she demanded as they walked onto the porch.

"Sorry, sorry, jeez," mumbled Seth as he jogged back up the stairs of the porch to hug his mother. She kissed his cheek.

"Stay out of trouble," she warned and he smirked.

"Yea like I can ever do that, bye mom, bye Charlie," he called as he followed his mate to their BMW. Bella and Renesmee hugged and kissed Charlie goodbye. Renesmee turned to leave, but Charlie grabbed her hand again.

"Now you know you can tell me if that boy is out of line right? Vampire or not, my shotgun would have a good time trying to test how indestructible he is," assured Charlie and Nahuel gulped as he waited for his mate. Renesmee kissed her grandfather's cheek again.

"Grandpa, Nahuel and I are great, stop threatening him. He is my husband."

"That never stops me from threatening your dad. I just get to do it in my mind," he explained and Bella's jaw dropped as Edward nodded.

"Yes, and I have been meaning to compliment you on your new tactics, very creative. Medieval machinery wouldn't do any damage though," informed Edward and Charlie muttered his disappointment in expletives under his breath. Bella and Renesmee kissed his cheek one more time before leaving him to his imagination.

The Black residence was full of boisterous taunting as Jacob and Emmett played their favorite video game. Leah and Rosalie were watching Zach and Josh play in Josh's room. Zach was helping him build an elaborate racetrack around the room.

"He is so big now, definitely Emmett's kid," said Leah and Rosalie smiled proudly at her son. His curly, blond hair and dimples made him adorable, but he was packed with muscle and already past six feet tall. At the age of four, Zach was nearing the end of his development and the thought made Rosalie sigh.

"I am not ready for him to stop growing yet. This has moved way too fast," she confessed and Leah placed a hand on hers.

"But you still get eternity with him and that is what matters. Besides, he might look like a teenager, but he has a ways to go before you have to worry about girls."

"Don't remind me. His powers are progressing as well. I don't know how powerful he really is or what he is capable of, but I know it is much more than I ever imagined. He was racing Em around the island the other day. The two of them love swimming around it to see who is faster. Emmett thought that cheating would be the best option since Zach is starting to beat him now that he is getting so big. He grabbed Zach and tossed him back toward land, but Zach surprised the both of us when he used his force field to stop his momentum in midair and boost himself back into the water."

"How is that possible," asked Leah and Rosalie shrugged.

"I don't know. It is developing with him I guess. It is getting bigger and he can use it in so many ways. I always knew he would be talented, but I never thought he would be so powerful. Emmett did not stop smiling the entire day it happened. He was so proud."

"Well at least you know what you have with Zach. I know Josh will be a wolf. Jake keeps telling him legends of our tribe and he loves them, but I have no clue when the change will occur, especially since he is so close with Zach."

"I didn't expect for them to get even closer. I mean Zach is so big compared to Josh, but age wise he is still younger than him. I don't think there is a book out there that could prepare us for this." Leah groaned.

"When they get older, can you imagine? I mean think about it…"

"I don't want to….."

"When Josh is a teenager, they will both look like teens and once Josh starts to phase, they are going to be a handful." Rosalie nodded in agreement.

"Lucky for us, we have a big family to keep them in line," giggled Rosalie and Leah sighed in relief.

"Thank God for that," she agreed. Suddenly, Seth ran into the room.

"We have a big problem, come on," he urged and ran back out, but Rosalie glared in his direction.

"Seth, get your butt back in here," she called and he ran back in.

"Right, sorry, sorry, jeez, two moms, but the same yelling," he grumbled before giving her a hug and sticking his tongue out at his sister. "Sup Leah! Come on, let's go! Z, J, you have to see this!"

"Cool," shouted the two boys and they ran into the living room with Rosalie and Leah right behind them. Nahuel, Emmett, Jacob, and Kaya were frowning at the report on the television. Renesmee was speaking to her Aunt Alice on the phone as Edward and Bella each spoke to Carlisle and Esme on their phones as well. Rosalie groaned.

"What is going on," asked Rosalie and Leah smirked.

"I guess a couple more years without any issues was too much to ask," muttered Leah as Jacob turned up the volume on the television.

"An unexplainably large forest fire is spreading throughout Olympic National Forest. Firefighters are trying to contain it, but the fire is spreading rapidly and heading northwest. The amount of damage caused could be catastrophic and if the fire reaches the towns at the end of its path….." Jacob muted the television.

"I don't know what we can do about it. We should let the firefighters handle it," advised Jacob and Edward ended his call with Carlisle before speaking.

"It could reach Forks and the rez in a couple of hours. If this fire is linked to the problems in Tacoma, then we are definitely involved." Renesmee nodded.

"Aunt Alice says it could reach Forks faster than we think. Someone started the fire dad. She thinks it is a vampire. She had a vision earlier, but has been trying to see more in order to give us some useful information. She also thinks Nahuel is onto something and already called Eleazar," informed Renesmee.

"Mom says they will wait for the Denalis on the island," added Bella and Jacob nodded.

"Well, I guess we have to stop it," said Jacob and Nahuel rolled his eyes.

"What are you going to do, wag your tail at it," he asked and Jacob stepped up to Nahuel.

"You better be glad you make Renesmee happy or I would…."

"You would what," challenged Nahuel. Renesmee pushed them apart and looked at Leah.

"A little help here," said Renesmee, but Leah shrugged.

"They don't like each other, what would you have me do about it," asked Leah and Renesmee sighed as she looked at her husband.

"Nahuel, I am tired of this. You two are family whether you like it or not and you don't need to be rude, especially not now," she warned and Jacob crossed his arms as Nahuel looked away.

"Fine, you're right. All I was saying is that while Jacob might think he is the big bad wolf, he is really just putting himself in danger. Seth, Jacob, and Leah have to stay away from that fire. They are no good to us in this situation," explained Nahuel and Zach jumped up and down.

"But I am," he exclaimed and Rosalie groaned.

"Zach, no," she said sternly, but Emmett pulled his mate to him.

"Babe, we have to let him help. I think he could do more to stop it than any of us can," said Emmett and she glared at him.

"You are willing to put our son in danger?"

"Of course not, but how many lives are in danger if he doesn't help," asked Emmett and Edward's phone rang.

"It's Alice," he announced and quickly spoke with his sister at vampire speed before hanging up.

"She saw nomads, four of them in the area. One of them started the fire. We are going to have our hands full trying to find them and I know we have a lot of abilities, but how exactly are we going to stop a raging fire without Zach," asked Edward and Rosalie shifted her glare to her brother.

"We don't know if he can…"

"Alice says he can," assured Edward and Zach smiled smugly. He walked over to his mother and placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at her baby boy and realized he was no longer the child she wished he was.

"Mom, we can't let the fire spread here. What about Josh, Jake and Leah? What about Charlie and Sue? You have to let me help. I can stop it." Rosalie took in a deep breath before grabbing her cell phone. She called Alice and spoke to her as she looked at Emmett and Edward.

"If anything happens to my son, I am holding the three of you responsible, understand that," whispered Rosalie, her voice laced with venom, and Emmett gulped. Edward threw his hands up in the air as her threatening thoughts attacked him.

"How am I held responsible," he asked and Rosalie smirked as she hung up on Alice before she could plead her case as well.

"You relayed the message," she explained as she walked out of the house with Edward marching after her.

"The saying is don't shoot the messenger, Rose," he defended and Zach rubbed his hands together excitedly as Emmett gave him a look.

"Nothing stupid or reckless alright, and if it is too much to handle then we all get out of dodge, got me," asked Emmett in a fatherly tone and Zach nodded happily. Josh looked at him curiously.

"What are you gonna do," asked Josh and Zach chuckled.

"I'm about to contain a fire in my hands J," explained Zach. Josh thought for a moment before grinning from ear to ear.

"Cool," he shouted and bumped fists with Zach. He watched from the window in awe as Zach sped away from the house with the rest of his family and Leah shook her head with a smile.

"That's your son," she teased Jacob and Jacob ruffled Josh's hair, knowing his son was amazed by his friend. Seth pouted, but Kaya gave him a tender kiss.

"You know they are right. It is safer for you here," she assured and Seth slowly nodded.

"Yea, you're right. I like roasted marshmallows, not hot dogs," he chuckled and Josh burst with laughter. "See, he likes my jokes!"

"And what does that say about you," giggled Kaya as Seth smiled at his nephew.

The smoke was thick in the air and the stench of burnt forest was suffocating. Zach held his breath as he felt the heat coming closer. Rosalie and Emmett were right beside him and Edward nodded at Zach.

"Take care of the fire and we'll go after the nomads," instructed Edward. He left with Bella, Nahuel, and Renesmee to search for the vampires responsible for the fire. Rosalie could hear the helicopters miles away trying to douse the fire from the edges. It roared to life and spewed over the trees. The sounds of wildlife fleeing the area and heading north filled their ears and Zach concentrated on the fire as he flexed his hands. Emmett placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Focus on the fire and don't worry about holding back. I know we always tell you to be careful, but this is the one time I am telling you to let go. Do your worst son," encouraged Emmett and Zach smiled as he nodded. He could feel the force field flickering in his hands. When he was younger, it would lash out in a wave of energy, but time made him stronger and gave him more control. He pulsed with the energy until it boomed from his hands. It gained height and width until it found the edge of the fire. The flames attacked the force field, but Zach contained them. The fire no longer spread, but still seared everything it already reached. He could feel the next wave of energy building from his chest. It caused him to shake and a growl to rumble from within. It was the biggest force field he ever created and it made him feel overwhelmed, but powerful at the same time. With one deep breath, he focused all his energy into a boom of force.

"Bad," he shouted and the field pulsed forward in a rapid fire of motion. The fire was extinguished in a wave of force that left him exhausted and he crumbled to his knees as he watched the fire blown out. The smoke was blown away with it and all that was left was the rain, clouds, and path of destruction left behind from the flames. Rosalie kneeled down in front of her son and stroked his soft curls.

"Are you okay," she asked in concern and he nodded.

"I did it," he chuckled. She kissed his forehead and winked at him.

"You're a hero, yet again," she praised and he gave her a big hug. Emmett hugged them both as he laughed. Edward, Bella, Renesmee, and Nahuel appeared beside them and Edward ruffled his nephew's hair.

"Good job. Unfortunately, we weren't able to catch the nomads. They were too far ahead, but one was still in the area, the one who started the fire. I read his thoughts, but he was too fast for us. He was a newborn and his mind was consumed with the flames. It was like he didn't want it to happen though. That was all I could decipher. His mind was overwhelmed with thoughts of the fire," explained Edward and Bella nodded.

"The Volturi are on their way. They were keeping an eye on the situation in Tacoma, but didn't have enough proof before today that it was a vampire involved. Alexander said he will be in touch again soon," added Bella and they each looked at the burnt forest around them. Twenty five miles of forest was destroyed and that was only a small amount of the damage that could have been done. The newborn responsible was powerful, dangerous, and completely out of control.