Edward

"Grandfather, can't we just go after the family that took Uncle Marcus away? Surely we don't have to embark on some mission impossible escapade to get revenge for his death outing the entire family and putting us all in even more danger?" My sister-in-law Roseli asked. Though, to outsiders she was nothing more than a gorgeous grade A bitch. The truth was Rose was fiercely loyal and protective of the family. She was my brother Em's wife. He found her bloodied and broken on one of our cleaning jobs 11 years ago. That was a story for another day.

"Everyone in this room knows the reputation of Black Swan assassins. They are lethal, meticulous, and have never missed a target. The authorities have no idea they even exist. A few months ago, one of the families propositioned them to take a hit on our entire family; men, women, and children alike. They fabricated a story about how were disrespecting the families and running an underground children's brothel.

"Black Swan officially turned down the contract, but Isabella's betrothed made an agreement in secret to take out the men of the family. He was a greedy little shit, and had no idea who he was dealing with. Jared is the one who killed your uncle Marcus; my son my boy." My grandfather sobbed quietly for a moment mourning his eldest son. The loss was felt throughout the entire family. Now it is a thousand times worse to know someone took him from us instead of the coroner's report we were given saying her died of natural causes.

"After he took my boy, he turned his sites on Isabella."

"What exactly is your plan grandfather"? My brother Jasper inquired. He was the most strategic of our generation. He was a born leader and soldier. If anyone was ever to take over the family business, the majority of us naturally assumed it to be Jasper. He of course was curious about grandfather's plan as a whole. He wanted to know everything before he made his final decision.

"I am glad you asked my boy," my grandfather answered with his signature grin that I inherited plastered across his face. This should be good. "The plan consists of joining forces with Black Swan assassins before we go after the disloyal family members that chose to stand against us with our enemies. Then we take them out, along with the families that started this war.

"By forming a marriage union with paid to hire soldiers and not having a territorial stake to conduct similar businesses in the family's area, we would be relieved of the responsibility of taking over the family businesses of our enemies…"

"…but because we are the known wronged party, we would get to decide the fate of those businesses and the other families would have to carry out our wishes as a show of respect," Jasper finished for him. "Grandpa that is ingenious. What are the other faucets of this plan? You still have not disclosed how you plan to keep everyone safe."

Grandpa laughed at Jasper's enthusiasm for a well thought out plan. "Since only known families can make a bid for Isabella's hand, we go public by sending out a formal announcement. We will be honest and alert the family that our family is being targeted and the protection that anonymity once offered is causing our undoing. We will also introduce the key players of our family. All other members, just like with other families will be off limits. No women, children or innocents will be harmed. After the marriage, a counsel will be formed between the two families that will have the responsibility of making the final decision on what hard jobs the family takes on. The cleaning and repairing jobs will continue as usual in each of their perspective states. Our family union will be responsible for enforcing the rules."

Jasper interrupted again, "Why would the Black Swan family allow anyone in our family a say in the jobs they take on? It doesn't make since that would give up a position of power." After hearing his question, even I was curious.

"The truth is, Isabella is in danger. What I am about to say does not leave this room," grandfather said as he took a steadying breath. "Isabella was the one that killed Jared. He along with someone else high up in the Black Swan organization were planning to stage a coup to kill Isabella after he killed your uncle. As a male and betrothed to Isabella, he could have taken her position in the family as heir without a marriage if something happened to her. His father John is aware of what happened, and has been cleared of any wrong doing. However, once this is all over, he plans to disappear.

"The threat to Isabella is still there, and the truth is the only people that can protect her from her deadly family is us. We have an even bigger advantage because none of the other families know this. A seat on their counsel was offered as a show of gratitude from Isabella's father and grandfather. Besides, absolute power corrupts absolutely."

So far, everything grandfather had to say made perfect sense. I just had to convince him that Jasper was a better fit to lead our family publicly and thus should be the one to be betrothed to this Isabella. I would wait until I heard everything he had to say before I presented him with my argument. I could never betray my love by marrying another. I promised her, and even though she is no longer here, I would never break that promise.

"When do we make our official societal debut?" Emmett asked batting his eyelashes and cupping his hands under his chin like a debutant on speed.

"Henry and John of Black Swan will host a dinner party announcing Isabella's eligibility for marriage the same week we announce ourselves to the rest of the families. Perspective suitors will of course attend with their families with an engagement ring showcased on their pinky finger to show interest in merging the two together. This is where you, your brothers, and your cousins will make your first public appearance.

"None of the families will perceive us as a threat before or after Edward is awarded Isabella's hand. For many, it will be seen as a smart and safe business move. We would of course be bound by the same rules of nondisclosure. The secrets of the other families would not be in danger of falling into the wrong hands. Still, they may be apprehensive about our knowledge base, but they will be appeased and take comfort in thinking they have the upper hand in being able to take us out if necessary. They have no idea that our training rivals that of Black Swan. While I'm sure our betrayer informed our enemies of our training and abilities, I doubt they put much weight into it. If they had, they wouldn't be starting a war with us in the first place.

"Once the announcement is made that Edward has been chosen to receive Isabella's hand we start working is pre-designated groups with pre-designated assignments. Are there any questions?"

After hearing everything, I guessed this was my time to plead my case for Jasper to lead.