Chapter 1: Bigfoot?


I frowned at Alice as she pulled the crimson-colored satin dress from a box marked Vera Wang. She beamed at it, and began to lay it carefully across my bed.

"Do I really have to do this?" I groaned as I looked in the mirror, past my french-twist Alice had put in my hair moments ago, at the offending object in her hands, "It's not like it really counts or anything."

Alice put her hands on her hips, but was smiling at me, "It counts to Rosalie, even if she's done it a few times before."

I frowned again, but allowed Alice to slip me into the halter-top dress, hooking it behind my neck. She then added a pair of elbow-length black gloves, onyx earrings, and a black-ribbon choker adorned with a small red rose. The last touches to my elegant torture were the black stilettos that she fastened around my ankles.

"You look incredible." She stated, stepping back to look me over as if I were her sculpture.

"You do!" Renesmee danced into the room, her own red dress spinning around her knees. Alice laughed, but knelt down to tie back the black sash that Renesmee had forgotten. I gazed adoringly at my daughter's looks...her curly brown hair, embellished with small red roses...and her bright, brown eyes that seemed to always be sparkling. I grinned, despite myself.

A light tap came at the door, but before I realized it, Edward's arms were already around my waist, hugging me gently. I turned around to face him...gasping at his god-like features accentuated by his black tuxedo and red boutonnière. Edward looked at me with a confused expression on his face.

"It's nothing." I said, reading the look in his eyes, "You'd think I'd eventually get used to how completely incredible you look..."

He chuckled, lightly brushing his lips against my forehead, "I could say the same about you."

Renesmee grinned, rocking back and forth on her heels. Alice smiled as well at us through the mirror as she hooked her own choker on.

"So..where's the blushing bride?" Edward asked, looking around, "I was sent to come and get you all for the ceremony."

"She's in the back with Esme." I replied, "...you know, the whole mother-daughter moment."

"Ha!" Edward snorted suddenly, "Probably just reminding her not to throw any chairs at Jacob."

"I wouldn't dream of ruining the decorations on that mongrel." Rosalie said, sauntering into the room. She wore a white A-line dress, trimmed with embroidered red roses around the train and at the top of the bodice. Her hair was pulled into curls on top of her head, and pulled back with red ribbon and red flowers. She was smiling, her face lighting up the room by itself.

"I'll take that as a compliment." She said, smiling at Edward's shocked face as he looked at her, "Now, shouldn't we be going? It's almost time."

Esme walked in behind her, wearing her own sparkly-red dress. She nodded at us all, and picking up Renesmee, she rushed out of the house. Edward laughed, and picked Rosalie up.

"What on earth!" She exclaimed.

"We can't have you messing up your dress, can we?" He chuckled, running out the door.

Alice and I shrugged at each other, and chased after them toward the Cullen's house.

Jasper and Carlisle had been placed in charge of decorating the yard...and it was incredible! It had snowed the previous evening, leaving a beautiful blanket of white covering the ground. It didn't even look as if they had stepped on the snow in order to place the flowers and streamers in the back yard! I felt like a big red dot in the sea of white...a sore thumb that stuck out.

Rosalie's wedding was going to be a small affair...only the Cullens and Denali Clan would be in attendance. Charlie had, of course, been invited but had to decline due to circumstances at the police station. Aro had also been invited...for the sake of politics...but had to decline due to circumstances within the Volturi.

"I'm surprised he didn't try to come and recruit Bella and Alice, again." Jasper had scoffed at the official statement that had come in the mail, crumbling it in his hands, "...or at least to size us up, or something."

"He knows we'd never leave." Alice replied matter-of-factly, "...and why size us up? He already knows what we're capable of."

I shuddered remembering what had happened the last time I had seen Aro and the Volturi. They had come to kill us all. Thankfully, I had learned to use my shielding abilities better before they had arrived, and was not only able to protect everyone, but discourage the Volturi from taking the offense. If they were to attack again, however...I don't know that we'd be as lucky. It was only by the sakes of Alice and Nahuel that we got through that meeting with no casualties.

"Bella!" Kate came rushing over, waving as she ran. Garrett followed behind her more slowly, his hands in his pockets.

"Hey Kate!" I hugged her quickly, "It's great to see you again!"

"Hey you two." Instantly Edward was next to me again, making me jump a little in surprise, "Thanks for coming."

"We wouldn't miss it!" Garrett laughed, "It's not every day a vampire gets married..."

"...just every century or so." Kate finished, giggling.

Edward chuckled, sending small shivers of joy through me at the sound of his delighted voice. I beamed up at him.

"We'd better get a seat." Garrett said, placing his hand gently on the swell of Kate's back, "The two of them need to be getting ready."

"See you afterward!" Kate waved as they glided gracefully across the snow.

"What an adorable couple." I mused.

Edward and I parted ways, he toward the front where Emmett waited nervously, and I inside of the house where the other ladies were waiting. Beethoven's Pathetique mvmt. 2 chimed in, and Esme began to walk down the red runner holding a single rose. She took her seat in the front row, playing the part of the Mother of the Bride. Next I began to walk slowly down the isle, smiling at the faces around me. I gave Edward a wink, and took my place at the front. Alice came next, almost dancing to the glittering tones as she took her stance beside me. Finally, Renesmee skipped down the isle to the sound of "aww"s as she tossed petals high above her head, each one floating down like feathers around her. She stood in front of me, and I placed my hands around her lovingly.

The small crowd rose to their feet, and Carlisle escorted Rosalie toward us. Emmett took a deep breath, but apparently had forgotten to continue breathing. Their eyes were instantly locked on each other, not even blinking. I was suddenly very thankful that Charlie wasn't here to witness this.

Flashbulbs were going off everywhere, leaving me almost blinded with random bluish-black spots floating through my vision. I swore under my breath, and Jacob smiled at my irritated expression, taking the opportunity to snap another picture of me and Renesmee. I sighed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen..." Eleazar had been chosen to be the officiator today, "We gather here to renew the vows of Emmett and Rosalie Cullen, who were first married on..."

My mind wandered a little as Eleazar spoke. Something wasn't right...I was looking at Alice, whose eyes suggested that she wasn't all-together there. She grimaced a little, but quickly knocked the expression off of her face, and smiled. I looked over at Edward instantly...he hadn't missed Alice's vision, and looked a little concerned himself.

"...a bond of love that will last eternity." Eleazar continued, "Emmett, if you would please repeat after me..."

A howl came from somewhere in the woods. My eyes shot to Jacob, who was looking to the trees. He caught my glance, and shook his head in confusion. I looked toward Edward again...his eyes were narrow.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen!" Eleazar finished with a flourish. Everyone was on their feet applauding as Rosalie and Emmett kissed. She tossed her bouquet into the crowd, where Kate caught it, and laughed as she handed it to Garrett. He smiled, and shook his head, obviously embarrassed.

"Everyone, please join us inside for drinks and dancing!" Carlisle cheered, leading the guests into the house. I handed Renesmee over to Esme, who took her by the hand and led her indoors. I then grabbed Alice and pulled her over to Edward. Jacob followed behind.

"What on earth is going on?" I demanded, "Is this something we should be worried about?"

Alice frowned a little, "I'm not sure...I couldn't see very clearly with Jacob nearby."

"Hey, that's not my fault!" Jacob retorted, "...as for the howling...It wasn't one from my pack."

"Sam's?" I asked.

Jacob shook his head, "I don't recognize it."

"Edward, what about you?" I asked immediately.

Edward took my hand in his, and squeezed it slightly, "I couldn't find the thoughts of the howler. There were so many here already for me to sift through..."

I nodded understanding. Edward had a hard time closing in on minds he wasn't used to sometimes, especially if there were others he had to tune out around him.

"Let's go inside." Alice suggested, "Whatever it was is probably gone by now, and the others will begin to worry if we're out here too long."

We entered to the sound of Debussy's Claire de Lune. I should have realized Rosalie and the rest of the vampires would pick a more...classical approach to the wedding. Rosalie and Emmett were having their dance in the middle of the floor, their heads leaning on each other's shoulders. Esme had a look of sheer happiness spread across her face as she watched them. Carlisle had his arms around her, grinning as well.

The song ended with a little applause for the couple, who bowed appreciatively. Immediately the music faded into the sound of an enchanting oboe, rising and falling effortlessly through the waves of sound. It was soon joined in with piano, clarinet, horn, and finally a bassoon creating an envelop of emotions.

"Shall we dance?" Edward asked, extending his hand and bowing slightly.

"I'm afraid I don't know how to waltz or anything." I muttered shyly.

Edward laughed, pulling me into a dance position, "I'll teach you, then."

Before I knew it I was spinning around the floor gracefully, my skirt gently fluttering behind me. I laughed at the ease the dance came to me...if I were still human, I'd be tripping all over myself.

I turned to see Jacob and Renesmee dancing...or trying to. Renesmee was twirling in circles to make her skirt fan out around her, and Jacob was holding her hand above her, laughing. I grinned.

"Life is perfect." I sighed deeply, resting my head on Edward's chest as we continued to spin around. Edward held me closer to him with his arms folding around me lightly. The music began to fade out, and we stopped. I pulled away from Edward to see Jacob smiling.

"May I cut in?" He asked, his face turning a deep shade of pink, "I...I messed up things the last time we danced."

"Of course." Edward laughed, "I'd like a dance with my daughter, as well."

Edward took Renesmee's hands, and began spinning around the floor with her. Jacob and I merely swayed lightly from side to side.

"Thank you." Jacob whispered to me, "I...I've always hoped to make things right like this. I've wanted a dance with my first love."

If I could have blushed I would have, but instead I looked down at my toes.

"You can't say things like that Jacob!" I scolded him, "I mean...it makes it weird...weirder than it already is that you've imprinted on my daughter, you know!"

Jacob roared with laughter, "Weird! Bella, what about our lives isn't weird?"

I laughed with him. I was so glad to have Jacob still in my life...we had come so perilously close to separating forever. Although I was still a little leery of him imprinting on Renesmee, I was glad for it too. At least now there was no reason for the Cullens and the Quilettes to fight each other.

Another howl came from outside, and Jacob jumped back from me instantly. He looked toward the door expectantly. I looked too, not knowing what to expect.

Leah burst through the door, her hair frazzled and her clothes somewhat torn. She surveyed the room quickly, spotting Jacob and rushing over to the two of us. Edward was near us in an instant, a low growl in his voice as he listened to her thoughts.

"What is it?" Jacob asked.

"I don't know...we don't know." Leah shook her head, placing importance on the we in the sentence to emphasize the pack, "It's a scent that none of us have experienced before."

"Where was it?" I asked.

"...Seth and I followed it as far as Forks." Leah looked worried now, "Whatever it is...I think it's in town now."

The music stopped instantly at these words, and I realized that no one was dancing anymore. They were all listening to our conversation...Alice with a remote in her hands.

"What did it smell like?" Carlisle asked instantly, his face echoing the concern on Edwards.

"Sour...and sweet." Leah shook her head as if trying to clear it, "...a lot like sesame chicken you'd find at a Chinese restaurant, but with sweat, grass, and dirt."

"Well, that doesn't help." Rosalie hissed, placing her hands on her hips. Leah growled at her.

"Anything we can do to help, Carlisle?" Tanya asked him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't know." He answered.

It came to me so suddenly that I was surprised, "Wait...my dad."

"What?" Edward asked, looking at me curiously.

"...My dad couldn't make it today, remember?" I turned around to face Edward, "...he said that something was going on in town...that it was keeping him preoccupied at work. Maybe it has something to do with this?"

Edward glanced at Carlisle, who nodded.

"That's a pretty good hypothesis." Carlisle replied, "Do you think that you could pay your father a visit?"

"No problem." I smiled.

"I'm going with you." Edward stated immediately, "Jacob, can you...?"

"Of course." He said, pulling Renesmee onto his shoulders, "We'll be just fine here."

"We'll go with Leah to La Push." Eleazar and Carlisle both said together.

"Tanya, Garrett, and I can go to Forks and snoop around a bit." Kate said, shooting a playful look at Garrett, "...It'll be fun!"

Alice frowned, "...way to break-up a wedding party."

Rosalie smiled calmly, and put her hand on her shoulder, "It's alright, Alice. We'll have a do-over in a few years."

She and Alice both laughed, and finally Alice chimed in, "Okay, okay...Jasper and I can search the woods. I need to be away from Jacob if I'm going to see anything!"

"What can we do?" Emmett asked eagerly, pounding his fist into his hand.

"YOU can enjoy your wedding night!" I laughed, "Go on, get out of here!"

"We can't just leave you..." Emmett protested.

"It'll be fine, dears." Esme said sweetly, "There are enough of us here that we can take care of things. You both go and have fun."

Rosalie looked at Emmett, and he sighed - finally giving in. In one motion, he picked up his bride, and raced from the house.

"...that was quick." Jacob chuckled.

Edward pulled my arm, and I nodded to him. Together we hurried into the garage, hopping into my Aston Martin Vanquish that he had gotten me as a gift. Edward huffed a little as I slid into the driver's side...he was too old-fashioned sometimes, and I wasn't about to let him drive my present!

We raced into forks at about 90mph, I refused go any faster despite the grumbling coming from the passenger seat. Although I had changed into an agile, indestructible vampire...I was still the daughter of the police chief. Edward thought I was just being silly, but I couldn't help it...it was ingrained into me.

We pulled into the police station only moments later, and raced inside.

"Woah, Isabella!" One of the officers called, his eyes wide as he stared at me, "What's the occasion?"

I groaned as I realized that I was still in my bridesmaid's gown. Edward chuckled.

"...wedding, Jim." I answered, "Rosalie married Emmett Cullen today."

"Oh! Congratulations!" Jim cheered, "So, you here to see your dad?"

I nodded, "He in his office?"

"Isn't he always?" Jim teased, "Want me to take you back there? You may have to fight your way through the gaping mouths of the squad in that get-up."

"I think I can manage." I winked at him. Edward and I quickly made our way to my dad's office, ignoring the excited whispers of the officers as we passed. We stopped outside a door that read:

Police Chief Charles Swan

I knocked on the door. I could hear papers rustling from inside the door, and a few swears from my father's mouth.

"He was sleeping." Edward informed me.

"Come in!" Charlie called, his voice sounding a little hoarse. Slowly I opened the door, and we slipped into the office.

"Bella! Edward!" My father exclaimed, looking at us, "You both look..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but straightened some more papers on his desk, "Take a seat."

We sat in a pair of the leather seats in front of his desk, and I took a small breath. I was still getting used to the smell of humans, and this place reeked with the tempting flavor.

"Well, if this ain't a surprise!" He grinned, "Wedding over already?"

"Yes. It was lovely." Edward replied, "Bella here wanted you to see her in her dress, that's why we stopped by."

I shot Edward a reproachful look. He simply smirked at me, but kept his eyes forward at Charlie.

"Oh, well..." Charlie was visibly embarrassed, "You...you look very nice."

"Thanks, dad." I said quickly, "But...uhm...that's not the only reason I wanted to see you."

"What is it, Bells?" Charlie asked.

I looked down in my lap for a moment, taking another light breath. This was going to be a little more awkward that I had originally thought.

"Well, dad...I wanted to ask you..." I let another breath escape my lips, "...I heard a rumor that there is an animal out attacking people in Forks...and..."

Charlie's face became very stern suddenly, "Where did you hear that from?"

"Just around town." I said quickly, realizing that I had guessed correctly "...is it true then?"

Charlie rose from behind his desk, his clothes rumpled and dirty-looking. He began to pace a little as he spoke.

"No...no person has been attacked yet..." He told us, lost somewhat in his thoughts, "A lot of property has been damaged, though. Cars...boats...houses! I can't imagine what could break a hole through a brick wall..."

I glanced questioningly over at Edward, who nodded at me. He was getting the whole story through Charlie's thoughts, at least.

Charlie shuddered suddenly, "Could...could one of Jacob's lot...?"

"They wouldn't do this, dad." I said instantly, "They have a lot of respect for their surroundings."

Charlie nodded, apparently happy to not have to think about that anymore. He sighed slowly, and sat back down.

"You both need to take care of yourselves." Charlie said sternly, "The attacks are happening at night, so be sure to stay indoors after sunset."

"Look who's talking." I pointed at him accusingly, "You need to take care of yourself! When was the last time you slept in a bed?"

A guilty look seeped across Charlie's face, "You've got me. I guess I'll go home tonight and get some real sleep."

"I'll call Sue and have her meet you there. You probably need a good meal, too." I told him, "You really are hopeless without a woman's touch, aren't you?"

Charlie laughed, "I guess so."

We got up to leave, and I gave Charlie a quick hug. He waved us goodbye as we left the station, and climbed back into my car.

"Looks like whatever it is is doing a lot of damage." Edward said as the world zipped past our windows, "Cars crushed and upside-down, telephone poles knocked down, and the courthouse wall..."

"Is it a vampire?" I asked quietly, "...do you think a newborn...?"

Edward shook his head, "Leah couldn't distinguish the scent, remember? She'd have known if it were a vampire...they think we stink. This one had a 'sweet and sour' smell to it, apparently."

We parked in the Cullen's garage, and walking into the main room. Everyone was there already, gazing at the television.

"What's going on?" I asked, peering through them. A pretty blond newswoman was sitting behind her desk, speaking quickly into the camera.

"...reports have come in from all over the area about the sightings, yet no one has been able to take a picture of the beast successfully. Due to the increasing about of sightings, hunters from across the U.S. are traveling in droves toward Washington in order to capture a photo of Big Foot..."

"BIG FOOT!" I squeaked, "...that hairy man-thing?"

"It's a fairy-tale." Jasper shook his head, "There's no such thing as Big Foot."

"...We call them the Yetti in Alaska." Kate stated simply, "It's just an old myth."

I frowned, "Aren't vampires supposed to be old myths?"

Alice laughed, "That's true!"

Edward smiled, but shook his head, "I bet Jasper would love to hunt Big Foot instead of Grizzly Bears..."

I shot a furtive glare at Edward, who gave me an innocent expression. I softened immediately...it was so hard to be serious with him!

"This can't be good, though." Jasper sighed, "...so many people out in the woods with cameras. How are we going to hunt?"

"Perhaps you should come back to Alaska with us." Garrett said, "...at least until this whole thing blows over."

"No way!" I exclaimed, "...this thing has to be stopped! It's already caused a lot of problems in Forks!"

"How was the search?" Edward asked suddenly.

Kate wrinkled her nose, "It was as the wolf-girl said...a sweet and sour smell, only I'd say it was more sour than sweet. Not tantalizing in the slightest."

"It reminded me more of onions." Tanya said, "...the whole town was COATED in the scent! It was hard to tell where one trail began, and another ended."

"So no leads, then?" Jasper sighed, "Now what?"

Carlisle and Eleazar joined us shortly, their faces seemed much more pale than usual...or maybe that was my imagination running away with me. In any case, their faces were both concerned and surprised, almost as if the two of them had seen a ghost.

"No..." Edward breathed.

"What is it dear?" Esme asked, grabbing Carlisle around the waist.

"We were on our way to La Push when we smelled its scent." Eleazar said, "I must say, for there being only one in the area, that scent is extremely strong...it coats everything within its radius! It's almost impossible to track it that way..."

"Now really isn't the time to be impressed." Jasper stated flatly.

Eleazar placed his hand around his wife's shoulders, "It really is remarkable, though...how one got all the way over here..."

"One what?" I couldn't help but ask, glancing back and forth between faces. Edward stood as a statue, his face one of shock.

"...A werewolf." Carlisle coughed as if he had been choking on the words, "I wouldn't mistake that smell anywhere."

"A werewolf?" Jacob asked. He was sitting next to Renesmee on the sofa, who was thankfully napping across his lap, "One of my kind?"

Edward shook his head, "No, a real werewolf, not a shape-shifter."

"Wait...the full-moon ones?" I asked. Edward nodded.

"If they only transform at a full moon, then how is it causing havoc now?" Jacob asked, his fingers gently combing through Renesmee's curls.

"Their powers get stronger and stronger as the full moon gets closer." Carlisle explained slowly, "They can't really control it very well...and, no offense intended, much like you shape-shifters, their tempers tend to flare up and easily take over their actions."

"So all of the problems in town could merely be accidental?" I asked.

Jasper shook his head, "That's highly unlikely. With what the news has been saying about seeing Big Foot...it looks as if the werewolf has been trying to force transformations before the moon...probably not very successfully, however."

"I wonder what it's reasoning is for this?" Eleazar mused, scratching his chin, "Do you think it smelled vampires in the area, and is looking for us?"

"There's no real way to be sure." Carlisle responded, "...but we need to find it and get rid of it before someone really does get hurt."

Their words made me shiver slightly. I remember Edward explaining to me that werewolves have been hunted for centuries by the Volturi, and have if they hadn't been beforehand, have become the mortal enemies of vampires. The idea that a werewolf was nearby looking for us made me a little nervous...and then Carlisle's assessment of someone getting hurt...like those Big Foot hunters who would be in its way, or Charlie who was looking for something or someone destroying property...

I knew Edward couldn't read my mind, but he must have read the expression on my face because he placed a hand reassuringly on my shoulder.

"How much longer till the full moon?" Kate asked quickly.

"The end of the month." Alice replied instantly, her eyes far away again, "...that's not much time."

"That's not even the half of it." Edward growled, "If the Volturi know that it's here...you can bet that they'll be coming to take care of it...and probably pay us a visit as well."

I felt numb suddenly. I remember something that Edward had said at the end of our last scene with the Volturi..."I imagine they'll try to pick us off separately." I looked over again at Renesmee nestled in Jacob's lap, snoozing soundly. My stomach began to feel a little sick. I would never leave her side as long as the Volturi were a threat.

Carmen clung onto Eleazar's side with a fearful expression on her face, and whispered something into his ear. Eleazar didn't respond, but simply closed his eyes in thought.

"No, we can't call Rosalie and Emmett back to help us." Edward was adamant in his response, "I know Emmett is extremely strong, but they should be allowed to enjoy themselves..."

"I wasn't really considering his strength as much as their safety, if the Volturi decide to get involved. The two of them by themselves won't be enough of a defense...they should be home."

Eleazar gave Edward a meaningful look that told me he remembered Edward's words just as I had. Edward's eyes became very large as the thought crossed him.

"I'll call her right away." Esme said, and in an instant was out of the room.

"Too bad." Kate sighed, "...and they were on their way to a ski resort in Ontario. Oh well."

"No worries." Alice laughed, "Rosalie wasn't going to enjoy her time there anyway."

We all turned to her curiously. Alice shrugged, "Something about hunting up there wasn't going to appeal much to her."

I laughed...leave it to Alice to know.

"So what's our war plan?" Jasper asked, looking around the room.

"I guess we'll be going into town this evening." Carlisle said, "Hopefully we'll catch ourselves a Big Foot."