Whispers

"I assume Jake is still asleep?" Carlisle questioned as he entered the kitchen where most of the rest of the family was gathered around the dining room table.

"Yes, Edward checked on him a bit ago." Esme answered helping Thomas and Allieana to pour the milk over their cereal so that they didn't end up flooding the table or the floor.

"Thank you auntie Esme," They both responded in semi-unison.

"Is my dad okay?" Thomas questioned between bites of cereal. His expression grew concerned.

"Your dad is fine, just tired." Carlisle soothed smiling at both of them.

Jake had had a rough night. It had been bad enough that his body had drifted into a state far beyond exhaustion. The physical stress was so much that he had been unable to relax enough to sleep without the aid of medication. It had finally been a combination of dual purpose injections that had allowed him to actually get some rest.

"Jake was still resting comfortably when I checked on him earlier," Edward revealed glancing down at his watch, "Medication should last another four to six hours at least, possibly a bit more. The extra rest won't hurt him and it'll take time for it to totally dissipate from his system. Until then, I figure he's out of commission at least as far as hunting for Sam is concerned."

"I find it odd that Sam just disappeared without even a trace. I mean if he wasn't injured in the battle then…" Esme paused not sure she wanted to even consider the possibilities beyond. "Carlisle, is it possible that Sam was taken captive by some unknown entity?"

"The concept is looking more likely by the hour. Until we can figure out what has happened to Sam, the forest should be considered dangerous. We will feed in groups and no one is to leave this yard alone, is that understood?"

He received nods of understanding from everyone present at the table, even Allieana and Thomas agreed to follow the rules. "Grandpa, does that mean no more hikes?" Reneseme questioned a pout beginning to form upon her face as the idea of being unable to explore the forest and pick flowers was quite upsetting.

"Unfortunately, it does, at least for now." He answered patting his granddaughter on the head, "But, I bet if you asked nicely your grandma would let you help her in the greenhouse with the flowers." He assured before the revelation that she would be unable to leave the yard for her daily hikes caused a flood of disappointed emotion.

"Grandma," Reneseme's voice trembled slightly and her expression softened, "Can I please help you in the greenhouse, please, please?" She questioned trying her best not to pout or show any tears.

"Of course," Esme smiled, "Thomas, you and Allieana may help as well if you wish." She added opening her arms as her granddaughter jumped up from her seat and ran to embrace her.

"The distraction will be good..."Alice admitted her comment cut short by the ringing of the phone. The room fell silent as Carlisle picked up the receiver.

"Cullen residence, this is Carlisle."

"Carlisle how's the family doing?" Billy questioned, his voice finally punching through the static of the connection.

"Good, Billy, or as well as can be expected with the recent events. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, no, called to check on Jake and the others? He never called me back with an update on his findings, and since I hadn't heard from him, I thought maybe…" He let his voice trail then as the thought of something happening to his son was an option that he didn't even want to think about.

"Jake's resting; he was exhausted both mentally and emotionally. They found no physical trace of Sam other than a scent trail that basically disappeared about 250 yards west of where the battle took place. Jake was and is very concerned. All members of the pack are fine. Tarra was injured by a snare but the injuries weren't severe and she should be up and about in a couple days. Cara's condition is still critical but stable although she has shown some improvement over the last few hours." He answered Billy's questions as best he could as he knew that Jake probably did not intentionally mean to leave Billy out of the loop as far as the situation with Sam.

There was an extended silence and he knew that Billy was processing the information. After several long minutes, he spoke again, "Well, it's not the most positive update I've heard but it's better than I was expecting. What are your thoughts on Sam's disappearance? Carlisle, I'm concerned and the council is pushing me to take action but that is difficult when we have nothing to facilitate a move."

"My instinct is telling me that Sam has been taken captive by an unknown entity. Until we can locate clues to either the entity that is holding him or to his whereabouts there is little that can be done other than hope that he will still be alive when he is found." He paused to further collect his thoughts. "As for action, at this point all you really can do is provide a warning to anyone entering the forest for any reason to not enter alone and if possible not enter at all until there is a lessening of the current danger."

"Makes plenty of sense and it's the best explanation I've heard yet." Billy's tone was somber and it was obvious without having to see his expression that he too was concerned for Sam's wellbeing and feeling a great deal of pressure from the council to resolve this issue and deal with this new unknown threat.

"I will offer to you and the council a warning of sorts," He paused briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing. "The attack by those newborns was far from random and I fear that whoever is behind this very possibly has the blessing of the Volturi. As it is the Volturi who would wish to rid this land permanently of the wolves."

"Carlisle, I doubt that the wolves will be able to combat this threat alone. As much as I hate to ask and as much as the council wants to take this matter and run with it, I just don't see the resolution being positive without some assistance. You know I wouldn't dare put your family at risk without great consideration in advance nor would I make any decision that might cost lives lightly but…" His voice trailed then and there was a brief silence on both ends of the line.

"Billy, we will provide what we can but as per the treaty we cannot pass onto Quileute land without stirring more of a ruckus than would be necessary. It will very likely hinder our ability to assist in locating Sam for I doubt his captor is currently residing on lands that are not protected by the treaty."

"That is all I can ask of you Carlisle, and I am grateful for any assistance you and yours might provide. I will consult the council about the situation with the treaty so that you might crossover onto the lands of the Quileute in order to help locate Sam if necessary." He answered the gratefulness obvious in his voice. "Thank you for your kindness."

"The wolves have been of great help to us in the past, it is the least I can do to repay you for allowing the packs to provide us aide when we've needed it the most. Keep me informed, have a good evening and I will be sure to have Jake call you when he has had sufficient rest. Until then, he will be safe here, as will the other members of the pack." There was agreement from Billy and the conversation ended.

"Interesting," Edward muttered watching Carlisle put the cordless phone back on its cradle, "Sounds as if Billy is in a tough position."

"From what I understand, the Quileute Council has never been much on the concept of patience," Jasper admitted shaking his head, "Their lack of patience in this game is very likely to get Sam killed if he's been taken captive by an entity that wishes to permanently destroy the wolves."

"Valid point Jasper," Carlisle agreed, "It is in this instance when Billy's leadership will be firmly tested. We can only hope, for his sake, and Sam's, that he is able to sway them into making the proper choices."