Chapter 4

Waiting for battle was always the worst part. Impatiently waiting for the inevitable and hoping for the best outcome was torture. The morning sun made its way over the horizon, but the thick brush of the forest did not let the light penetrate it fully. The Cullens and the witnesses were waiting in the middle of the forest where Alice knew the battle would begin. Unfortunately, that was all she knew for sure. With the wolves involved, everything disappeared after that and she was blind to the future except for the glimpses she saw before. They were waiting on the pack to show up and Sam was the first to walk out of the brush wearing only a pair of black shorts.

"It has been awhile since I phased like that," he informed and Seth rolled his eyes.

"You are getting up there in age old man," he teased. Sam looked behind him and saw the other vampires.

"Some of the witnesses, I didn't think you would be coming," he said and Garrett shrugged.

"We didn't have anything better to do," he teased and Kate nudged him.

"Don't listen to him. It is bad for your health. We know what these vampires could do to this area and they shouldn't be allowed to. We'll help any way that we can," said Kate. The fifteen other members of the pack walked out dressed in only shorts and Edward smiled.

"When did they phase," he asked and Sam looked back at the newest members.

"I suppose the threat to our land triggered the process again. They are young but able to do damage. Quil, Embry, Jared, Brady, and Collin are about to train with them for the rest of the day, but I have faith in them. They know the danger ahead and understand what needs to be done." Jasper nodded.

"There is a clearing a mile south of here. Tonight that is where we will have the fire to burn the pieces. Burning down the Olympic Forest would not help our cause now would it," asked Jasper and Embry laughed.

"I guess not and I think it would gain a lot of unwanted attention. Wouldn't it be better if the fire was closer though?"

"They need a fire to kill us just like we need one to kill them. We'll lure them to it. Alice knows this is where the battle will begin but I am confident that we can lead it toward the clearing," explained Jasper and Sam sighed.

"So when should we meet back here tonight?"

"They won't attack when the sun is out. Let's meet here at eight just to be safe," said Alice and Jared rubbed the back of his neck.

"How many are in the army? Do we even know," asked Jared and Alice closed her eyes.

"I can only see bits and pieces, but when they first arrive there are thirty, thirty one including Cayden. They will be outnumbered so that is a good sign. Thirty five of us versus thirty one of them, I like our odds." Sam smiled.

"We will see you tonight. If you need us before then, Carlisle you have my number," said Sam and Carlisle nodded as the pack walked back into the forest. Seth smiled smugly at Rosalie.

"See, you were worried for nothing. Thirty five of us are definitely enough to hold our own against these guys," he teased and she rolled her eyes.

"Don't get cocky Seth. It isn't a good look on you," Rosalie teased back. They all smiled nonetheless at the news feeling confident about their odds.

There were several hours to waste before the battle would begin and most of the Cullens used that time to hunt. Esme and Carlisle found a couple of deer and he watched as his wife pounced fiercely on one before draining it completely. Once she was finished, she turned around and was startled to see Carlisle watching her the whole time.

"You can be quite terrifying when you want to be my love," he teased and she rolled her eyes with a smile.

"Is that why you are looking at me with love and devotion in your eyes, because I am terrifying," she asked as she sauntered over to him. He pulled her into his arms and nodded with a smile.

"Absolutely petrifying," he teased before tenderly kissing her lips. She smiled as they pulled away and placed her head on his shoulder letting him hold her close.

"Tonight I will have to be terrifying. These vampires are trying to destroy our family and home."

"Yes well, they will have their hands full. I know very well what happens to those who mess with your family."

"I hate resorting to such things but what can we really do Carlisle? Cayden is not a well man. He would wipe out a whole group of people for pure pleasure. That is wrong even by standards in the vampire world."

"After tonight is over, how about you and I get away for a while? We deserve a vacation, just you and me." She giggled.

"Do you think the children can survive very long without us? Remember when we went to hunt and came back to see poor Emmett being picked on by his wife and siblings. Watching him squirm under Rosalie while Jasper used his ability to calm him was entertaining I must admit."

"They will be fine. Just promise me tonight you will stay close by during the battle."

"Carlisle, how many times must I say it for you to believe it? My love, I will always be by your side no matter what. That means in battle and in this existence in general. We will all survive this and once it is over we can take a relaxing vacation. It has been far too long since we went to my island." He smiled and nodded.

"I do believe you are right," he whispered and deeply kissed his wife. While they worried about their family, the battle, and the outcome, one thing was a constant. The two of them would always be together and fighting side by side was the only way they knew how.

For the innocent humans of La Push, Forks, and the surrounding areas, the sun setting was just as insignificant as usual. It marked the end of another day and the summer coming closer to an end, but for the vampires and wolves waiting in the deep forest it was the start of an epic battle. The outcome would lead to consequences one way or another. If the Cullens, their friends, and the pack won, it would stop the southern vampires from taking over and send a message to those who dare try in the future. However, if they lost, there was a vast possibility that Washington would become a feasting ground and a surge of vampires from the south would come to the Pacific Northwest to take control. Standing in the forest waiting for the first sign of attack had everyone on the edge. Jasper decided on the formation and the Cullens were in the front facing the direction Alice knew the vampires would emerge from. Carlisle and Esme were in the middle with Edward, Bella, Renesmee, and Nahuel on their left. Emmett, Rosalie, Seth, Kaya, Jasper, and Alice were on their right. Benjamin was behind Carlisle with Tanya. Kate and Garrett were behind Emmett and Rosalie and Eleazar and Carmen were on the other side behind Edward and Bella. Zafrina backed Renesmee and Nahuel and the wolves were on the outsides surrounding them in a semicircle. They were in charge of making sure no one got away. The clearing was to the right of them and Jasper and Emmett already had a small fire burning knowing it would grow as the battle began. The rustling of leaves and swaying of trees caught their attention and Cayden jumped into view hanging on a branch of a tree with a smile. He chuckled in delight when he saw the Cullens, but his smile faded a bit when he saw the extra vampires.

"I guess my warning was more of a challenge for you Cullens. I hoped that would be the case." He flipped down from the tree and as soon as his feet touched the ground, his army raced past him to attack. Cayden watched in amusement as the fight began. Thirty vicious vampires were ready to attack anyone in their way, but as Alice expected they were outnumbered. She danced around from one to another kicking them toward Jasper who ripped them apart.

"Shift," called Jasper and he started leading the vampires toward the clearing. Cayden noticed where they were going and smiled when he saw the fire.

"Thank you for starting one for us. I was told you were too kind," he taunted as he climbed into a tree to watch as if it were a movie. Alice was the first to get to the clearing and Jasper tossed limbs to her. She heaved them into the fire and purple smoke began to rise as the limbs burned. Seth and Kaya were working as a team as well. He would pounce on a vampire and she would rip it apart before throwing the remains in the fire. Rosalie and Emmett had a different method of execution however. They fought back to back making sure no one snuck up on them. If a vampire were bigger than Rosalie, she would turn them around and finish up what Emmett started while he dismembered the creature. His laugh made her shake her head but smile knowing he was having fun. Carlisle and Esme stayed side by side but fought their own battles. Pouncing was Esme's style while Carlisle preferred flipping behind and beheading the enemy before finishing up his task.

Edward used his speed and mind reading to take on opponents with ease. Bella watched his back and he would let her finish off his stunned adversary by tearing them apart which she seemed to like the most. It was the opposite for Nahuel and Renesmee. She got to their throats and used her gift to overwhelm their minds with images and Nahuel would dismember them. Carmen, Eleazar, Tanya, and Benjamin liked working in a group. They took on five or six at a time and helped one another. Kate walked around literally stunning the southern vampires as she passed and Garrett went to work as they fell to the ground. Cayden watched her curiously as she touched the vampires sending them into shock as they crumbled to the ground.

"Darling, what in the world are you doing over there? That is quite some gift you got, but definitely not fair," he laughed and Kate smiled smugly.

"All is fair in love and war," she said as she shocked another one and he bowed his head.

"I guess you got me there," he mumbled but stayed in his position in the tree to enjoy the show. Zafrina liked to play with her challenger and used different images to blind them before finally dismembering their bodies. The wolves were left in the background watching the others handle their foes, but that wasn't sitting well them. They came to fight and wanted action. Little did they know that action was exactly what they would get.

Emmett and Garrett took turns tossing the last of the remains into the fire with a smile and everyone looked around. They killed them all besides Cayden. It was quick and easy….too easy. Cayden clapped as he sat on a branch.

"Bravo, well done, especially to those with such talents, encore," he taunted and Edward's eyes widened as Cayden stood up on the branch balancing with ease. "No really, encore!"

"Everyone back up," shouted Edward and a new wave of vampires sped toward them from their right side as Cayden laughed. There were sixty of them and he sat back down to watch.

"Now really did you think I would come all this way and only bring thirty," he teased and Edward gritted his teeth. The battle was completely in the clearing now and the wolves got involved as they became outnumbered. They were holding their own but had to team up to fight even one vampire. They were not newborns and were prepared for the wolves. They were experienced, faster, stronger, and knew how to fight. Cayden looked down at his watch and slowly nodded as if nothing were happening in the clearing.

"Hey Cullens, good try and thanks for playing, but let's get on with this shall we?" He whistled and thirty more vampires arrived from the opposite side. Alice gritted her teeth.

"I hate not being able to see these kinds of things," she yelled and Jasper tossed her a dazed vampire.

"Focus and take it out on them," he called back and she flipped around dismembering every vampire she could get her hands on. Cayden looked at his watch one more time and Edward gasped.

"Sam, there are more coming! They are going for the humans," he yelled but Sam and the wolves were surrounded by vampires as they tried to survive. Edward looked over at Jasper.

"Jasper Plan B, we have ten minutes before his other army heads toward La Push," he called and Cayden looked at them confused as Jasper smiled.

"Always a backup plan," he informed and stepped toward the middle of the circular clearing. Zafrina and Benjamin joined him. Benjamin held out his hands and focused on the trees. They began to shift forward and came together cutting off an easy exit toward the west where the towns were. Jasper began sending out waves of calm to the vampires and they dropped like flies. Zafrina looked over at the wolves.

"I believe they need some help," she said with a smile and suddenly the vampires surrounding the wolves could only see pitch black. The wolves took full advantage and attacked them ferociously. Cayden shook his head in disbelief as he chuckled.

"Oh you are good," he said and Seth growled. He had enough of Cayden's comments and picked up a dismembered arm in his mouth. He flung it at Cayden hitting him square in the face. Cayden fell back and out of the tree but landed gracefully on his feet shaking his head.

"You'll pay for that mutt," he grumbled. Rosalie and Emmett were fighting back to back but a vampire attacked her from the side tackling her to the ground. She kicked him off of her and ripped off his head before tossing it into the fire. Emmett was ripping them apart three at a time and Garrett was trying to keep up with him. Rosalie looked around for Seth and her eyes widened when she saw him. Two vampires ran toward him and he bared his teeth as he waited for the perfect moment to pounce. Cayden chose that time to sneak behind him with a sadistic smile and as he lunged, so did Rosalie. She crashed into Cayden and they rolled around until he was on top of her.

"Not who I expected darling but you will do," he teased, but before he could say another word a wolf tackled him. Rosalie flipped to her feet and her eyes widened when she saw the familiar fur coats of Leah and Jacob clawing at Cayden. He tried to fight them off but Emmett pounced on him as well. Cayden's screams alerted his army to his demise and they tried to flee but were stopped from escaping. Rosalie went to help Seth finish off two vampires knowing Cayden was being taken care of. Edward raced toward Carlisle and Esme when he was sure his daughter and wife were alright.

"We have to go to La Push now! There is another army of twenty and they are racing toward the town. Cayden timed it all, but we can intercept them or at least most of them." The others heard his plan and the wolves raced toward La Push. Zafrina winked at Edward.

"We can finish up here Cullens. Go and we will meet you when we are done," she informed and everyone but the witnesses raced toward La Push. Edward sped ahead running as fast as he possibly could. He had to make it in time. The humans of La Push were completely defenseless against the army and would be easy targets. Everything blurred past him as he raced by and he could hear the thoughts of the army. He was almost there and he saw the back of the group heading toward the small town. He looked back and saw his family behind him in the distance hoping they made it in time. A Quileute man's scream as he saw the creatures parting the forest alerted Edward that they were arriving and he jumped from tree to tree until he got in front of the group. He jumped down onto the sand of the beach and waited for them as the screaming man ran toward his home. The southern vampires emerged from the forest and onto the beach stalking forward. His family was close but wouldn't get there by the time the attack started and he knew he had to stall if he could. Edward read the thoughts of one of them and could tell he was the leader.

"Cayden is dead. The rest of your army is dead. You should just leave before my family shows up," he warned but the vampire laughed darkly. His men were ready to flee but the tempting blood of the humans called to them urging them to stay.

"Try and stop us," taunted the leader and a set of thoughts made Edward's eyes widen.

"With ease," called a voice and Edward looked up to see Jane, Alec, Demitri, and Felix standing on a cliff overlooking the beach.

"The Volturi," screamed the leader and Jane giggled before inflicting pain on him. His screams didn't last long however. Felix and Demitri jumped down gracefully onto the shore and started demolishing the army as Alec and Jane used their powers to incapacitate them. The wolves and Cullens arrived and were shocked to the see the guards ripping apart the vampires. Edward quickly started a fire and threw the limbs into it. Emmett and Jasper helped him until every southern vampire was killed. No one said a word and Jane and Alec jumped onto the beach with smiles as they took off their hoods.

"Cullens," she said giving a curt nod and Carlisle looked at her curiously.

"Jane, what are you doing here," he asked, but she just smiled and looked back toward the cliff. Aro stood on it looking over the land to make sure all traces of the vampires were gone before he jumped down.

"Old friend," said Aro and Carlisle looked at him cautiously before stepping back.

"What is the meaning of all this," asked Carlisle and Aro smiled at Edward.

"I am sure your son can inform you of that." Everyone looked at Edward as he read Aro's mind.

"The South has been breaking the laws a lot lately and when he found out about their plans to destroy the wolves and Quileutes he decided to stop them," he explained, but Alice shook her head.

"I would have seen you coming if that was true." Aro smiled kindly at her.

"Aw your gift is remarkable but not perfect. We were in Oregon taking care of some……business when we got word of Cayden being in Seattle. One of our informants told us of his plans and we decided today to handle the issue. We couldn't very well have the south thinking it could do as it pleased. That is how things got out of hand last time. Chaos will not be allowed and while saving these….pets…was not our first concern, wiping out a whole town is not exactly as inconspicuous as we would like." The wolves went into the forest to change and the witnesses arrived looking as confused as the others had been. Aro looked at them before giving a polite smile.

"I see they came to your rescue again," he said and Edward walked toward him. He stuck out his hand knowing Aro was paranoid about his secret being revealed and Aro quickly read his thoughts before smiling.

"Edward, you are always a man of your word. Good man indeed." Sam walked out of the forest in his shorts while the rest of his pack headed down the beach.

"Call Sue and Billy to let them know the vampires have been eliminated," ordered Sam and Quil nodded before heading home with the others. Aro clapped his hands.

"Aw you are back in human form and at least partially dressed I see." Sam glared at him.

"Thank you for helping but now you can go. Our people do not take kindly to red eyes," he warned and Seth and Jacob placed their hands on Sam's shoulders.

"Let them handle this," whispered Seth and Jane nodded.

"Yes pup let them handle this," she informed and Aro smiled.

"These infants do not realize our power old friend. It would do them good to see it yes?"

"No," said Carlisle and Aro groaned.

"Not even for a second," he asked glancing at Jane and Edward shook his head.

"Tread lightly Aro," he warned and Aro put on a polite smile before looking at Sam.

"You are very blessed to have such acquaintances. Your kind would have been removed years ago if not for them. I suggest next time you speak respectfully or dear Jane will have to express our discontent." Jane nodded with a smile and Carlisle crossed his arms.

"Thank you for helping, but there will not be a next time correct," asked Carlisle and Aro scoffed.

"Old friend you have been around these pups far too long. We helped these people and this is the thanks we get?"

"Thank you for all that you have done, but if we are being fair and you would have stopped Cayden before, it wouldn't have gotten this far," explained Carlisle and Aro bowed his head.

"Touché, Jane please call Caius and Marcus to let them know we should all head to the south. It appears our attention is needed immediately. Old friend, I wish to leave in peace, but this time I hope you can read my sincerity." Edward read his thoughts before looking at Carlisle and nodding. For once, Aro was not looking for an ulterior motive. With his secret at risk, he refused to challenge the Cullens. Carlisle shook his hand quickly and Aro bowed before looking at his guards.

"Dears one, head south and Jane tell Caius to meet us in New Mexico. I am sure he will be ecstatic at the prospect of a good fight. Goodbye Cullens, old friend, and…..pups," he said giving a disgusted look at the wolves before disappearing into the forest. Emmett shook his head.

"That guy always gives me the creeps," he said and Rosalie hugged her husband with a smile feeling relieved that the fight was over. She saw Leah and Jacob behind them and glared at the couple. Jacob was only wearing a pair of shorts and Leah was in shorts and a tank top.

"What the hell are you even doing here? I thought we agreed that you wouldn't come to fight. What about your son," she yelled and Leah glared at her.

"First of all, you agreed and I decided to change my mind. My mom and Charlie are watching Joshua. Second, you should be grateful because we saved your ass!"

"My ass was just fine thank you and I would have gotten out of it," defended Rosalie and Emmett nodded.

"Yea and I was on my way to save her before one and two over here got in my way," added Emmett and Jacob gritted his teeth.

"That is it! I am so tired of you teasing me. That was years ago you big idiot!"

"Oh is that the best you got one and two," taunted Emmett and they started arguing as Leah rolled her eyes.

"Look Rose, we made a decision to stand and fight because it was the right thing to do. Just because we have a family of our own now doesn't mean we turn our backs when the rest of our family is in need. The Quileutes were in danger, my brother was in danger…..and well you were in danger too so yea you know whatever," said Leah shrugging nonchalantly and Rosalie couldn't help but smile.

"So you were worried about little ole' me," asked Rosalie and Leah smirked.

"Don't flatter yourself alright? I was worried about Seth and you just happened to be in the mix."

"I guess it worked out for the best then and no one got hurt, but next time you better stay your stubborn butt at home!" Leah gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes.

"You are the most infuriating person sometimes," yelled Leah and the two started to argue as Jacob and Emmett continued their bickering. Alice shook her head but smiled.

"So that's what happened. Leah and Jacob got to Cayden before Emmett even got the chance," she said feeling relieved that her visions started to make sense. Jasper kissed her cheek and Edward smiled at him.

"Will you please calm down those two before Emmett tackles him or something," asked Edward and Jasper sent waves of calm toward Emmett and Jacob. They both stopped yelling and Emmett chuckled.

"Fine, you helped out and actually didn't get too much in the way, but don't start getting all upset about being called one and two. It is your record, not mine," teased Emmett and Jacob mumbled under his breath causing Emmett to let out a booming laugh. Jasper looked over at Rosalie and Leah and smiled at them before looking at his wife.

"I wonder if I have enough ability to make these two stop bickering," he whispered and Alice giggled as she looked at Leah yelling and Rosalie rolling her eyes. Jasper focused on the two of them and they both closed their eyes for a moment before Rosalie crossed her arms.

"You are lucky Jasper is calming me down or I would give you a piece of my mind."

"You are ridiculous Rose! I saved you! Admit it, I saved your butt and that just pisses you off," said Leah with a smug smile.

"You just wanted to play hero and like Emmett said he was on the way to help before you two came barging in," defended Rosalie and Leah sighed.

"What am I going to do with you Rosalie? Just admit that I helped you. You don't have to admit that a wolf saved you….even though I did…..at least admit that your friend bailed you out," argued Leah and Rosalie shrugged with a smile.

"Thanks for saving me even though it was idiotic and completely unnecessary." Leah looked at her confused.

"You're welcome," she asked not sure if it was really an apology and Seth smirked.

"That is as close as you will ever get to an apology sis. You know Rose is the epitome of stubbornness," he teased and they glared at him.

"Don't talk about her that way," scolded Leah and Rosalie nodded.

"Yea and why weren't you paying attention to your surroundings better," scolded Rosalie and Seth put up his hands in surrender.

"Alright sorry jeez you two," he chuckled and they shook their heads before hugging him. Kaya walked over to them and grinned at her husband.

"My poor husband, you two have to go easy on him. You know he is sensitive," she teased and Seth hugged her. She kissed him tenderly and he leaned his forehead against hers.

"The past few days have been crazy, so how about we head home and start acting like newlyweds again who just got back from their honeymoon," he suggested and she giggled.

"Sounds like fun," she agreed and pulled him toward the forest. He phased and chased her into it as they headed home. Alice looked at the pieces of cloth from his shredded shorts as they floated down to the sand.

"I am going to have a serious talk with that boy about ruining perfectly good clothing," she shouted and Jasper smiled at her.

"You are so beautiful with you get angry. Let's go home Alice," he said in the mesmerizing voice that she couldn't get enough of. She nodded in a daze and kissed his cheek before skipping toward the forest with Jasper right by her. Edward chuckled as he picked up on some thoughts and everyone looked at him curiously. He stifled his laugh and Bella tilted her head in confusion.

"What is so funny?"

"Sue is heading this way and she brought Charlie with her. Quil called her to let her know the coast was clear," he informed and Bella's eyes widened. Sue and Charlie headed down to the beach hand in hand as he looked at all of them inquisitively.

"Dad, what are you doing here," asked Bella and he pointed at her.

"You're a vampire," he blurted out and everyone but Sue and Edward looked at him shocked. Edward was amused and Sue just shook her head as Charlie continued. "You're all vampires besides Jacob and Leah and well….these hybrids like Renesmee and Nahuel or….um that is still confusing but you are vampires but good vampires. I don't know how but you are," he explained feeling proud of himself and Bella looked at Sue who shrugged.

"He just finally had enough and blurted it out so instead of making him feel like he was going crazy, I let him come down here with me." Edward winked at his wife.

"I told you he knew. Charlie, you are right. Does that make you feel better now?" Charlie sighed in relief and nodded.

"Definitely and now I am not out of the loop. Knowing, but not knowing is exhausting," he whined and Emmett chuckled.

"Well congrats Charlie and it only took you twenty three years to figure it out….and you call yourself a cop," teased Emmett and Charlie crossed his arms.

"Hey vampire or not I can still arrest you," he warned and Emmett's eyes filled with excitement.

"Oh can I play with the sirens and drive the charger? That would be awesome! I can just see the townspeople freaking out as I speed by. Rose, can I go…."

"No, let's go home," she said as the others laughed and he pouted.

"But Rose he wants to arrest me!"

"He was joking and we have had enough adventure for a while. Let's go home Em." He started to pout but then looked at Garrett.

"Hey let's go back to the forest and see if we can find any pieces that got left behind." Garrett nodded and laughed as they raced into the forest. Kate threw her hands up in exasperation.

"Those two are ridiculous. Haven't we been through enough," she complained and Rosalie giggled.

"Come on, we'll let them have their fun for a little bit before dragging them home," suggested Rosalie and they disappeared into the forest after their husbands. Charlie just stood there in awe of the speed and Bella tapped his shoulder getting a bit nervous.

"Dad, are you alright with this really?" He slowly nodded still in shock.

"Yea, sure, um, Sue let's go get some sleep." Sue nodded and pulled him toward their car as Bella looked at Edward.

"Is he really going to be alright?"

"Yes, he will be fine. It is just easier to deal with when he doesn't have to actually see it. He just needs time to wrap his mind around it."

"And that is why humans should stay in the dark about such things. Ignorance truly is bliss for them," chimed in Zafrina. She walked over to Renesmee and hugged her.

"Well our work here is done," she said and Renesmee smiled at her.

"You have to come over on the tenth for the party Zafrina."

"Oh that is right it is your birth….."

"No, I am not celebrating it anymore. It will just be a nice way for the family to get together." Zafrina slowly nodded and Edward winked at her as he kissed Renesmee's hair.

"She gets it from her mother, so don't worry," he teased and Zafrina smiled.

"I will be there. See you soon and try to stay out of trouble. I have seen many things in my existence but you Cullens are one of a kind," she informed before gliding toward the forest. Jacob sighed as he hugged Renesmee and Bella before slipping his hand into Leah's.

"Come on Leah, let's go home and check on our baby boy. I am exhausted. Phasing took a lot out of me," he yawned and Leah nodded with a smile as they headed down the beach. The couple had become acquainted with the normalcy their lives with Joshua provided and while it was in their instincts to help, they still were relieved to go back to their familiar world with their son. Renesmee, Nahuel, Bella, and Edward walked over to Carlisle, Esme, Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, and Benjamin.

"It seems we overcame another challenge together. Thank you for all that you have done and of course you are all invited to Renesmee's…..celebration," informed Edward and Nahuel smiled at his wife as she nodded.

"Thank you for helping and you are definitely invited but no presents or….." Nahuel interrupted.

"Don't listen to her. She will love every present she gets and always has. She is just being stubborn this year because she doesn't want to be reminded of how young she is."

"Nahuel," she whined and he kissed her cheek.

"Come on, we'll head back to the cottage and rest," he said and she smiled as they ran hand in hand into the forest. Carlisle wrapped his arms around his wife as he looked around the beach. They were the last of their group besides Sam who was waiting patiently for everyone to depart.

"Well I think it is time we get off Quileute land so the people can sleep peacefully knowing it is free of vampires. You are more than welcomed to stay with us," he said to the others but Tanya shook her head.

"We are ready to head back home. We'll be at Renesmee's birthday party though so don't worry." Tanya, Benjamin, Eleazar, and Carmen ran north. Sam smiled at Carlisle as he walked over and they shook hands.

"Well I guess we somehow managed to coexist and save lives yet again. Thank you for all that you did tonight. I must admit that having the Volturi on our land was unsettling to say the least," said Sam and Edward patted his shoulder.

"Do not worry about the Volturi. They really did come to eliminate the vampires even though they felt conflicted about it. I will be honest with you. When they found out about Cayden wanting to kill the pack, they weren't fazed by it, but Aro meant what he said about wiping out the town of La Push. It would create an imbalance and cannot be allowed to happen. People would notice such a drastic change and that puts the vampire world at risk of exposure. They won't return. They plan on bringing order to the south which will take a while," explained Edward and Sam raised an eyebrow.

"And what about after they are finished? What would stop them from coming back?"

"Let's just say we have leverage and Aro will not be around so no worries your people are safe," added Edward and Sam sighed in relief.

"Good because tonight things got a bit too close for comfort. I will alert the council of what happened and I know they will breathe a sigh of relief that we can go back to our normal lives." Carlisle nodded.

"We are happy it worked out as well. Go be with your family and get some sleep," suggested Carlisle and Sam smiled.

"I am not as young as I once was. Sleep sounds nice right now. Goodbye Cullens and once again thank you." He jogged away ready to get home to be with his family and get in bed. Edward, Bella, Carlisle, and Esme smiled and walked toward the forest.

"Another close call," said Bella and Edward nodded.

"True but everything worked out for the best. Some peace and quiet would be nice now," chuckled Edward as he wrapped his arm around Bella and Esme smiled at her children.

"I think we could all use some of that," agreed Esme and Carlisle kissed her cheek.

"Let's go home then," he said in relief and they ran as fast as they could toward Hoquiam ready to put the violent night to rest. Cayden and his army were dead, the people of La Push and Forks were safe, and their family left the battle unharmed. It was the perfect end to a not so perfect night and they were relieved by how everything worked out despite the obstacles.