Chapter 7
June
Author's Notes: The Cullens confront Tanya and Kate about Irina's death. Meanwhile, Bella and Edward continue to struggle in areas of their relationship. Who said being a vampire was easy?
Happy Birthday Edward Anthony Masen Cullen ; )
Disclaimer: All characters associated with the Twilight series belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended at any time.
EPOV
I was thankful when Jacob was able to leave my home. He had been driving me insane. Insisting Bella feed him, insisting Bella help with his dressing, insisting Bella spend time with him because he was bored. I lost my composure when he requested Bella give him a sponge bath.
Of course, Bella didn't mind his constant need for her. She was there taking care of him like a regular Florence Nightingale. She was quick to give me that look — warning me to behave every time Jacob said something derogatory about his accommodations. I knew he was trying to get under our skin and it was working. Only Esme and Carlisle assisted Bella when tending to him. The rest of the family conveniently disappeared when something needed to be done.
We also had to deal with the constant visits from some of his pack. Quil and Embry visited him everyday, and Billy called at least half a dozen times to speak with him. I happened to overhear one conversation and found that Billy was concerned that we were intentionally making it to where he wouldn't get well. If he only knew just how ready we were to be rid of him.
I kept myself preoccupied by assisting the Clearwaters. Seth had to attend several days of physical therapy. I took him some of the days, allowing Sue to take a break. It was the least I could do.
One day on the way to Seattle, Seth opened up about our last battle.
"I don't think I've told you, but thank you for saving my life," Seth said. He stared out the window watching the blur of trees. The rain splattered on the windshield as I easily maneuvered the car in and out of traffic.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you. Seth, you saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful."
Seth turned his dark eyes on me. "It wasn't even your battle."
"It was more my battle than it was yours. Had I never left Bella, she wouldn't have been alone in that meadow. Laurent would not have attempted such a cowardly and vicious act. If it weren't for the others, Bella wouldn't…" I couldn't finish my sentence. Life without Bella was no life at all. Every time I looked at her, I felt remorse for what I had put her through. She deserved better than me. She deserved so much more than I could ever give her. However, I wouldn't walk away again unless she requested it.
"That's what we do, Edward. We protect humans from vampires like Laurent and Victoria. Had it not been Bella, it would have been someone else. He was going to kill a human no matter what, and we would have been there to protect them."
"I'm sorry I lost my temper with Brady. I'm sorry that I took a close friend away from you."
"Some of us understand what it means to lose control in the heat of the battle."
"And then there are some of you who think I was out of line and just looking for an excuse to kill a werewolf." I had heard bits and pieces of conversations amongst the pack. Paul was rallying against me — personally. He claimed I was using the excuse of losing my control as means to get rid of one of their own, which made the odds easier for my family in case of a war. He also went as far as saying that our family (me in particular) knew what was going on before the first attack at prom back in April, but didn't say anything.
"Paul just likes to blow hot air," Seth said.
"Yes, but he has placed a seed of doubt in everyone's mind." Seth cut his eyes at me. "With exception to yours." I glanced over at him — at his useless arm. "I just wish you wouldn't have risked yourself on my behalf."
He smiled — his teeth were strikingly white compared to his russet skin. "Dude, it's what friends do for each other. I saved you, you saved me…we're even. Sure, I got a bum arm out of it, but I would have gladly risked more for you — and would have lost more had it not been for you. Let's forget about it."
And so we did. That was the last time we ever spoke about what happened at Ozette. The doctors assured us that Seth was going to have full range and motion of his arm. We wouldn't know until later if he would still be able to phase or what kind of effect phasing would have on his arm. Some of us hoped that that time would not be soon.
Our trip to Alaska was inevitable. Esme called twice and spoke with Tanya. She was certain that the Denali Coven didn't have a clue as to what happened to their sister, Irina. Carlisle had been concerned that they would find out about her untimely death through other means. Since he was the reason for their sister's death, he wanted to be sure he was the one who notified them of what happened. There was a good chance that we could find ourselves fighting our close friends, although Carlisle said he would refuse to fight them.
Once Bella didn't have Jacob to tend to, she was able to pick up on the tension at my house. I tried to find excuses for her not to come over, but she always, somehow, managed to talk me into letting her visit with my family. We never discussed our plans in front of her. I knew without a doubt she would try to talk me out of it by using whatever means necessary.
The day before we were going to leave, Bella and I had her house to ourselves; Charlie was over at the Clearwaters. We had just finished watching Finding Neverland, when I decided to tell her about my trip to Denali.
"We need to talk," I said. She delicately blew her nose and turned to face me. Her dark eyes conveyed that she knew what I had to say wasn't pleasant. "Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, and I are leaving tomorrow to go to Denali. We need to speak with Tanya and Kate in person to tell them about their sister."
Her pulse picked up speed.
"You — you have to go with them? Why do you have to go?"
"Bella, I was the one their sister was going to kill." She began to hyperventilate and shook her head adamantly. I gently held her face between my hands and made her look at me. "I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone. It's not like before, Bella."
"But…you — you promised you wouldn't leave me." Tears fell on her pale cheeks. "I can't….I can't live without you — not again."
"What would you have me do? Carlisle is going to need me there. Please, don't make me have to choose between you and what is right."
"'What is right'?" She pulled away from me and stood up. "Nothing about what happened is right, Edward. Irina doing what she did wasn't right. Laurent trying to kill me wasn't right. She tried to avenge a death that was justified. She was going to kill you — what was Carlisle supposed to have done? You tried talking to her, but she wouldn't listen. It's not like he wanted to kill her. She started it." She brushed her hair behind her ears and held her shaking arms over her chest.
I stood and held her tightly in my arms. "They still have the right to know what happened and it's not something one can explain over the telephone. I was there — I can attest to Carlisle's account of the events that transpired leading up to Irina's death."
"So could Emmett or Rosalie. Jasper — you said he was going, why can't he confirm what happened?"
"He wasn't inside during the battle; he didn't see what happened. He's only going because of his ability. That's another reason why I have to go — my ability will come in handy."
Carlisle at first had objected to anyone accompanying him. Esme wouldn't hear of it. She was going to be there with him to the bitter end. I also refused to let him go alone. It took some persuasion, but I eventually won my debate. I could read their thoughts and know what was going to happen before they acted; that would give us the upper hand. Plus, it only seemed fair since I was the one who Carlisle saved from Irina. Jasper volunteered his services near the end of the discussion. He hoped his presence would be able to maintain peace among the sisters. Only time would tell.
"Promise me…swear that you will come back?" she pleaded.
I looked deep into her brown eyes. "Isabella Marie Swan, I swear that I will come back to you. The Volturi themselves could not keep me away."
"Oh, please don't even mention them."
She tilted her head slightly as I bent down to kiss her. Her lips, soft and warm, eagerly welcomed my touch. I would never know anything as sweet as her. She was everything I had always wanted and feared. Life without her wasn't living; I had learned that the hard way. I continued to move my mouth over hers, devouring its softness. Her fingers entangled my hair, pulling me closer to her as her heart beat against my chest. Unwillingly, I pulled away slowly — regaining my composure.
"We're alone," she said breathlessly.
"Yes." My voice was smooth yet unsteady.
She quickly glanced at the stairs then back at me. "Charlie won't be home for a few more hours." I continued to stare at her vacuously. She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Sometimes I wish you could read my mind. It would make it so much easier at times like this. Do you want to…you know?" She nudged her head towards the stairs.
I laughed finally following her train of thought. "Oh no, vixen. You already know my position regarding sex before marriage. It's your fault you've postponed it — that I cannot be blamed for."
"We can fool around. We don't have to have sex to have fun," she urged.
"Bella, love. We can barely control ourselves when we kiss. Do you honestly think we could stop ourselves with such carnal acts?"
"I'm hoping that we couldn't," she mumbled, her face turned a light shade of pink.
I gathered her into my arms and held her snugly, while she dropped her chin on my chest with a displeased sigh. "You are very tempting, but if I surrender now and let you have your way, there would be nothing left to guarantee that you will marry me. You have to have some kind of incentive."
"You know, there are people who live together all their life and never marry. Doesn't mean they love each other any less than those who do marry. We're going to be together forever anyway, what's the rush?"
I pulled back to look into her eyes. "Are you still trying to get out of marrying me?"
"I just don't see what you think is so wonderful about marriage." Her response held a note of impatience. "Why do we need a piece of paper to tell us we're married? How is a piece of paper going to change our relationship?"
"Marriage is more than a piece of paper."
"Yeah, maybe back in 1920, but this is the 21st century. I don't understand why I'm the one having to make all the sacrifices. You won't change me until we're married, you won't have sex until we're married. Is there anything about this agreement that seems logical to you?"
"I offered you the choice of remaining human for at least five years, or marrying me in order for me to turn you into a vampire. Marriage was your decision. As for as sex before marriage, it's not that you have to marry me or I won't have sex with you — it's more of a conscious decision on my part. If you remember, it was after you accepted my proposal when we discussed sex."
"I don't want to argue tonight knowing you're leaving tomorrow. I guess I'm a little stressed."
"You shouldn't be." I sat on the couch and pulled her down to me. I wrapped my arms around her and sang to her softly. She had been through so much since meeting me. I knew she still grieved the death of her mother. She had confided in me and wept in my arms about Renee's untimely death, a few weeks after we reconciled. It upset me that I wasn't there for her when she needed me most. For some reason she refused to talk about Phil, and lately there never seemed to be a good time to bring him up.
When Charlie came home, I did the normal ritual of saying my goodbyes and walking out the door, only to reenter the house through Bella's window and patiently waited for her on her bed. She laid down next to me, and I ran my fingers through her brown hair lifting strands — pleasurably inhaling the smell of strawberry scented shampoo. She refused to close her eyes and sleep, not wanting to waste our precious time together.
At the first sight of dawn I had to leave.
"When can I expect you back?" she asked, unable to look me in the eye.
"In a day or two, maybe longer." I tilted her face upward. "Please promise me you will behave while I'm gone? Emmett, Rosalie, and Alice have promised to keep an eye on you. I would prefer it if you didn't go to La Push while myself and Carlisle are away, but I've promised not to be overbearing, so…."
"I'll try, but I'm not going to make a promise I might not keep."
We kissed once more before I left. We both controlled ourselves, unable to think beyond the possibility that it could be the last time we touched — the last time we would to be together. However, she remained calm and forced a smile. I knew how difficult this would be for her and she would probably turn to Jacob Black for support. I couldn't bring myself to give her my blessing to be with him if I did not return. I would just have to make damn sure she wouldn't be put in that position.
Carlisle was waiting on me outside when I returned home.
"Is Bella okay?" he asked.
"She'll be better once we return. She still has abandonment issues."
He gave a brief nod of understanding. "You don't have to come with us. Bella needs you here more than I need you there. You have a responsibility to her now. If something were to happen, what do you think will happen to her?"
"We'll just have to make sure nothing happens. I'm hoping that Carmen and Eleazar will be on our side."
Though they weren't family, Carmen and Eleazar were members of the Denali Coven. Their story was much like Alice and Jasper's; they both developed a conscious and broke away from their previous coven to live a more civilized lifestyle. Carlisle knew Eleazar from his time with the Volturi, before he joined the Denali Coven. It had been Carlisle who planted the seed that brought about a change in Eleazar. I was hoping that act of kindness would be remembered and they would show their gratitude by helping us.
"Right or wrong, they are with the Denali Coven and chances are, will stick with whatever decision Tanya and Kate make. I wouldn't expect anything different from them."
Carlisle and Esme got in the front seat of the Mercedes, and Jasper joined me in the back. Alice gave him one more kiss goodbye and promised me she would keep Bella entertained.
"Please, don't put a ball and chain around her," I warned. "There is no need to smother her. She may want to go to La Push, and that is fine."
"If I get a vision of something going awry, should I keep her in the loop?"
Her question agitated me. "Alice, I only want Bella to hear positive news. Please do not, under any circumstances, give her any bad news. She is already a ball of nerves. I want you to help boost her spirits — not burst them."
"Gottcha." She winked and snatched another kiss from Jasper before we pulled away.
The trip to Denali was quiet. Carlisle and Esme whispered to each other about various things: memories, politics, the landscape. I stared out the window blocking everyone's thoughts but my own. To keep from going crazy with thoughts of Bella, I began to go over strategy plans in my mind. I turned to Jasper to discuss them and was surprised to find him writing in a journal.
"I thought I was the only one who enjoyed keeping a journal," I jested.
"I'm just recording my thoughts and feelings for Alice to read when we return. Something she wanted me to do. She's doing the same while I'm gone. She thinks it will help while we're apart."
I turned my attention back towards the window. Isn't like Bella and I have never been apart before, I thought miserably. I was to the point where I was ready just to fight and get it over with rather than go through a long debate and drag out the inevitable.
I placed myself in Tanya and Kate's shoes. What if one of them had accidentally killed Alice or Rosalie? The grief would be overwhelming, but one would have to think logically. Logically? I snickered at the thought of a vampire ever stopping to think once rage took over. They would act first and think about it later. "Oops, maybe the Cullens didn't have any other choice but to kill our sister," they would say while watching our dismembered bodies burn.
If we don't return, what will happen to our family? I wondered. I stole a glance at Jasper. At least Rosalie and Emmett would still have each other, but what about Alice — my little, annoying sister? I panicked thinking of Alice turning Bella into a vampire just to keep her from joining the werewolves. Would Alice be so selfish? Of course she would — and Bella wouldn't complain. Would they seek revenge for our deaths? Even worse, would they lose hope and join the Volturi in order to seek revenge? My muscles tightened as the negative thoughts continued to develop in my mind.
Edward? Edward, what's wrong? I looked over at Jasper who was watching me with a worried look.
"Nothing. My imagination is taking over my logical thinking."
You're sending out negative vibrations throughout the car. We'll all be tensed and worried before we make it to Denali if you don't get a grip on your imagination. Do you need some help?
I shook my head, politely declining his offer. This was one time I wished I could have slept. I chose not to think about the what if's and concentrated on the low music coming through the speakers. I closed my eyes and hummed along with Mahler's Symphony No. 7 in E.
The Denali National Park is vast expanse of wilderness that attracts tourist with multiple hiking trails, white water rafting adventures, rock climbing, and a variety of wildlife. The Denali Coven was located just north of the National Park, north of Cantwell, Alaska. They had been able to live there undetected for many, many years. They rarely socialized with humans, and because of the abundance of wildlife, they never went without food.
Carlisle turned off the main highway down the long, winding path. The sky was overcast and the path was lined with Mountain Hemlock trees and White Spruce trees. Both sides of the road were covered with purple wild irises. We continued another six miles until we came to a two story, cultured stone home with wood siding nestled in the wilderness. Two large stone pillars framed the covered entry and a prominent stone chimney rose from the rear of the house.
Tanya greeted us at the front door with a look of surprise and hesitation on her face.
"My, my. To what do we owe this pleasure?" She smiled and embraced Esme. "When you called last week, you didn't mention you were coming."
"She didn't know." Carlisle stepped forward and took Tanya's hand.
Inside the home, the ceilings vaulted above allowing the stone of the fireplace to go up the full two stories. The walls in the great room were angled at the fireplace, which created different views through the bay of windows that flanked the fireplace, which Tanya enjoyed keeping lit year round.
"Kate has gone hunting with Carmen and Eleazar. Please, have a seat," Tanya said motioning for us to sit down.
Their home was not decorated with contemporary furniture as ours. Their great room was adorned with Chippendale furniture, which was covered in an 18th century tapestry. The only contrast to the furniture were the three Victorian grandfather chairs upholstered with deep burgundy velvet fabric. Our family took a seat on the sofa, while Tanya sat in one of the chairs.
Tanya inquired about our missing family members and how they were doing. I scanned her thoughts while the others talked. She was curious about our visit; more so about why Jasper and I were there without our mates — meaning Alice and Bella. She knew it was more than just a friendly visit, but didn't want to push for information.
She, Carlisle, and Esme continued speaking about old friends and when they had heard from them last. It was Tanya who first brought up Irina.
"Our sister has not been heard from for some time now. She's been known to leave for weeks at a time, but it has been at least three months since we've heard from her. I'm starting to worry. You know, she hasn't been right since Laurent's death." Tanya studied her hands in her lap. "She has been angry with Kate and I for reconciling our differences with your family at the beginning of the year. I still feel guilty about abandoning you during your time of need. If anything had happened to any of you because of our bitterness towards those hounds, I would not have been able to forgive myself. You shouldn't have had to turn to them for help. We should have been there for you."
"But you weren't," Carlisle said with a gentle softness in his voice. "And because of that, we became close friends with the shape-shifters. That is what has brought us here. We came to discuss our most recent actions with them."
"Recent?" Tanya eyed Carlisle suspiciously. "Am I correct to assume that your 'recent actions' have something to do with my family?"
Carlisle sighed. "I would rather wait until the others arrive. It isn't a tale I wish to tell twice."
"They're right outside," I mumbled. I could hear their thoughts before their voices were heard.
Kate ran inside and embraced Esme. She was followed by Carmen and Eleazar.
"Carlisle, what brings you by?" Eleazar spoke with a boisterous voice. He still carried a Spanish accent as did Carmen. "I do hope nothing is amiss. It's not the Volturi, is it?"
"Thank God, no. I don't think our family could handle them right now."
"Edward, you and…Bella, isn't it?" Carmen asked taking a seat across from me on the love seat. I tilted my head confirming she was correct. "Are you and Bella still separated? Tanya mentioned that you two had split up."
"She and I have reconciled since then."
I really must meet this human who has captured Edward's tormented heart, Carmen thought as she smiled at me. "Congratulations."
"I know the rest of your family must be happy." Tanya folded her hands together and casually leaned back in her chair. "I take it you are no longer sulking around the house feeling sorry for yourself?"
Tanya had become accustomed to blocking most of her thoughts from me, though at times I could catch her thinking before she had time to consider me. Kate, on the other hand, was an open book. Jeez, Tanya will you please leave the poor boy alone. He's happy with his little pet. His feelings for you wouldn't change even if he weren't.
"I should apologize for my behavior when you visited us in January," I said. "It was a…difficult time for me."
"So, the marriage is back on?" Carmen asked.
"I'm not sure."
"Edward, it's been a year. Your time to change her is running out."
"Carmen is right," Eleazar said sitting next to his wife. "It will be Caius who alerts Aro and Marcus of the agreement. It will be Caius who sends out his minions to find the truth. I don't have to tell you how cunning and ruthless he is." Eleazar warned looking at Carlisle.
"We're aware of Caius's brutality," Carlisle said. Tanya and Kate glanced at each other — each thinking of their mother, Sasha.
"Does Edward and Bella's reunion have anything to do with why you are here?" Tanya asked politely. "You wanted to wait until everyone was present to discuss your current standing with the Quileute's. Carlisle, I give you the floor to speak."
Carlisle squeezed Esme's hand and stood. He moved forward to stand in front of the fireplace, then thought better of it and moved to stand behind his empty spot on the sofa. He placed his hands on the backrest, and focused his gaze on the flames as they danced and crackled.
"What I have to say isn't easy. I hope you bear with me until the end." He looked around the room to make sure he had everyone's attention. "The reason Irina has not been around for the last few months is because she has been in Forks."
"Forks?" Kate blurted out. "I'm sorry, Carlisle." Kate's mind began to ponder about her sister. Irina, what have you done now? What if she took actions into her own hands? Oh no. What if she has created more newborns like Victoria and plans on using them to kill our friends and the werewolves? I shuddered at her thought.
Carlisle continued. "We weren't aware she was there until the end of last month. It seems that she found a shaman in Ozette. The last shaman of Quileute descent, Orenda. He is dying of brain cancer."
"Not much of a shaman," Tanya smirked.
"Even witchdoctors die, it's not uncommon," Jasper said. "Unlike us, they are still mortal."
"Irina approached Orenda with a plan: If he helped her kill the ones responsible for Laurent's death, then she would give him the gift of immortality."
"Carlisle, that's ridiculous," Kate said. "He is of Quileute blood. Why would he ever agree to such a outlandish request?"
"Some people who are on the brink of death would sell their soul to the devil if it bought them more time. In my line of practice, I've seen them try and make bargains with God."
"The five steps of grief," Eleazar whispered. "Yes, I remember hearing the same when I was with the Volturi. Just because the shaman was Quileute, does not mean he had werewolf blood in him. Chances are his age was also a factor in his decision."
"They began to scheme together. He was able to put a spell on two of the younger members of the pack and with their assistance, they were successful in capturing three of the five werewolves who were responsible. Their leader turned to us for help. Understand that at the time we didn't know Irina was involved."
"No one detected vampire scent?" Carmen asked inquisitively.
"Orenda had a spell for that too," Jasper answered. "He used a variety of spells: mental blocking, scent blocking, and invisibility." Kate raised her eyebrows showing her disbelief. "These are spells that predate vampirism. If you know what you're doing, they can be very effective. Orenda was a pro. Shamanism was his life."
"We didn't know why the shaman was attacking his own people." Carlisle drew their attention back to him. "The shape-shifters were there when we needed them, so I thought it only fair for us to return the favor. All of us but Alice and Esme went to where Orenda was holding the other members of their tribe.
"Orenda also had a spell on the building they were in. The spell only allowed the other two who killed Laurent to enter, but they were unable to maintain their wolf form. That's when Irina showed her hand. She explained it was all her idea. She was mad with grief.
"Luckily, Jacob was able to get through to Orenda before Irina spilt his guts on the floor, and he dropped the force field that was keeping us out."
"Jacob? Why does that name ring a bell?" Tanya gazed into the fire as if looking for her answer there.
"Jacob Black in the one who saved Bella from Victoria while I was in South America."
Tanya flashed a smile at me and her eyes brightened. "Oh, Jacob Black is her other lover."
"Jacob Black is her friend," I replied icily without returning her smile.
"Jasper remained outside to try and reverse some of the spells, I ran to stop Jacob from bleeding to death. Since the others were still unable to change form, it was too dangerous for them to join the fight. They went to release the ones who were bound while Rosalie and Emmett tackled the younger two werewolves, and Edward kept Irina busy. He was the best one for that job; getting inside her mind was crucial and the only way to try and get her to stop.
"During the battle, Emmett thought he had knocked out one of the werewolves, but he only dazed him. Edward had all his attention on Irina and wasn't expecting an attack from behind. Seth Clearwater, who is only sixteen and a close friend to us, saw the werewolf approaching Edward and tried to stop him. He lost his arm as a result.
"Edward turned to see what happened and went to save Seth. It was when Edward turned his back to Irina that I knew what she planned on doing." Carlisle paused and raised his eyes to meet Tanya's. "I wasn't going to lose my son."
"You killed her?" Hypocrite, Tanya's thoughts burned with anger. You are no better than the Volturi! You assumed she was going to lay waste to your precious Edward, just as they assumed Vasilii was evil.
"You can't compare what happened with Irina to what happened with your mother and Vasilii."
Her eyes flashed with outrage. "Stay out of my head, demon!"
Every wall she had built to keep me out of her head crumbled. Play by play of her actions flashed through my mind before she ever moved from her seat: her snapping my neck, Carlisle falling to floor in agony — begging for death, Esme crying out as Kate attacked Jasper while she continued to rip me apart and throw me in the fire.
She was fast, but not as fast as me. When she moved forward — her hands extended to wrap around my throat — I was already in motion and grabbed her from behind with ease to hold her in place. Her body jerked side to side to try and break free, but all her efforts were in vain.
Kate shrieked from behind me, and I moved just before her nails made contact with my back. Jasper was quick on his feet, and secured her before she had another chance to attack. However, his grip did not last long as Kate sent an electric current through her skin, which sent Jasper to his knees in pain.
"If you shock me, you shock your sister," I warned.
"What if I just steadily shock your brother instead? This time I won't hold anything back." Her fingers sparked with electricity as she knelt next to a moaning Jasper.
"I am the reason Irina is dead," Carlisle spoke loudly. "Not Edward and not Jasper, but me. If anyone should have to suffer, it should be me."
"None of us should have to suffer." Esme stood and glared at Kate and Tanya. "Irina put this on herself. She made the decision to attack our friends." Tanya gasped and her body stiffened in shock. "Yes, Tanya, the werewolves have become our friends. I'm sorry, but I can't feel pity for her loss, just like I couldn't feel pity for Laurent's. They made a conscious decision, just like we have to make every second of our life not to kill humans. When we fail, we have to be able to face the consequences and be able to look in the mirror everyday.
"I am sorry that all of you have to also suffer for her consequences. I can only imagine how devastating it can be to lose someone you love; I experienced it briefly myself. But you know Carlisle. He would not have killed her had he thought there was another way. We tried to save her before she got too far, but we couldn't."
"Maybe she didn't want to be saved." Carmen's voice was soft, but carried throughout the house. "If something were to happen to Eleazar, I wouldn't want to live. You understand that sense of loss." She glanced at me knowingly before returning her eyes to Carlisle. "According to your story, Irina could have went after one of the werewolves who were vulnerable, instead she goes after a powerful vampire knowing his family is there with him. Maybe you did what she wanted you to do."
Tanya's rage weakened, and was replaced with sadness and guilt. I slowly released my hold knowing she was in control of herself once more. She was once again in control of her thoughts — pushing me out. Seeing her sister's surrender, Kate moved away from Jasper to stand with her across the room.
"You understand if we aren't so forgiving." Tanya's anger and bitterness was still evident in her voice.
"I don't expect you to forgive," Carlisle said. "If I were in your shoes, I'm not sure I would be able to."
"Tell me, how many wolves died?"
"Just the one who attacked Seth Clearwater."
Tanya's lips curled up into a snarl. "You were able to save your dear friend, Seth, and that human girl's lover, Jacob, but you weren't able to save my sister?"
"I'm sorry, Tanya, but Irina was beyond saving."
Tanya stood straight and crossed her arms in front of her. Her voice rang with authority like a goddess. "The Cullens are no longer welcomed in my home. The Cullens are no longer part of this family. The Cullens are to be considered an enemy this day forward." She turned and quickly ran into the woods. Kate didn't say a word and followed behind her. Strangely, I found her mind blank.
Carmen, who along with Eleazar had kept quiet, shook her head sadly. "It will take them some time to get over their loss. I have a feeling that eventually they will see the ordeal you were in and forgive you." She walked over and hugged Esme.
"Let me just say you are both welcome at our home, anytime." Carlisle forced a smile and shook hands with Eleazar.
They promised to keep in touch as they escorted us out of the home and to our car. It had been a long and stressful day, but we were leaving with our heads still attached. Had Carmen and Eleazar felt the same towards us as Tanya and Kate — the outcome would not had been so comforting. We were leaving with two lesser friends than when we arrived, but some things can't be helped no matter how hard one tries.
The ride home was quieter than it had been on the way there. Jasper continued to write in his journal, describing his tussle with Kate. There was no communication between Carlisle and Esme. He was concerned for his family and for Tanya and Kate, while Esme was worried about him. I just couldn't wait to get back to Bella. It felt like we had been gone a week though it had been only a few days.
Alice was already waiting outside for us when we arrived home.
"I'm sorry things didn't go as well as you had hoped," she said hugging Carlisle.
"Thank you, Alice. If you would excuse me, I'm quite hungry. Esme…" He held his hand out and she gladly took it. Without another word, they escaped into the woods behind the house.
"How were things here?" I asked.
"Bella is fine. She put in some extra hours at the library and has volunteered for their summer reading book club, but she can tell you about that herself. And no, she didn't go to La Push." Alice smiled triumphantly.
I got in my Volvo and headed to the Swan's residence. I was relieved to hear that Bella had done as I asked and stayed clear of La Push while I was gone.
The house was vacant when I pulled up, so I let myself in.
Their home was cozy with mixed matched furniture. Charlie's large flat screen television looked out of place. On the mantle above the fireplace was a single framed picture of Bella when she was a baby. It was the only picture I had seen with Charlie and Renee both smiling together. Somehow, Bella had been able to talk Charlie into taking all the other pictures of her down. I held the picture, smiling at the scowl on Bella's face. It was a shame she would never have a child of her own. Someone like Bella should be duplicated again and again. The Swan linage would stop with her; just as the Masen linage stopped with me.
"Edward," Bella called before she opened the door. Relief washed over her face when she saw me. She quickly walked in and threw her satchel down at the foot of the stairs. "Alice told me you would be back today." She ran her fingers through her hair and smiled.
I placed the picture back on the mantle and turned to her. "We're all back."
"You're hungry. You shouldn't go so long without eating." She remained at the foot of the staircase — not wanting to make it any more difficult for me.
"I just wanted to see you before I did anything else."
"Go eat. I'll wait for you."
I looked at her intently, then strode out the back door and headed into the woods. When I returned, she was sitting at the kitchen table looking over some brochures. I leaned over her shoulder and kissed her cheek before taking the seat next to her.
"Online classes?" I asked picking up one of the brochures.
"This way, I can do my work online while continuing my job in the cafeteria and at the library."
"Why do you insist on working so hard?" I didn't like her putting forth so much time and effort when it was pointless. "I'm sure you could get a grant that would pay for every bit of your schooling."
"And will it pay the bills too? What about health insurance?"
"Bella, Carlisle is a doctor — remember?"
"Is he a dentist and optometrist too?"
I grinned. "He's been around for centuries and has dabbled in every profession." My thigh brushed her hip as I leaned closer to her. Softly, my breath brushed her face — my voice a velvet murmur. "Bella, wouldn't it be fun for both of us to attend college together. It would be just like we were in high school again except no Newton and no Crowley to bother us." She laughed and shook her head. Her heart continued to flutter like hummingbird wings. "We could take the same classes. We could ride there together, come home together, study together…do all kind of things together. Sounds much more fun than sitting by yourself in front of a computer, doesn't it?"
"Problem is, you can afford to do it — I can't." With a shaky hand, she grabbed her glass of water and walked over to the sink. "Truthfully, I didn't like high school. I only went because of Charlie and Renee…and you. The thought of having to sit in a classroom and listen to boring lectures isn't very motivational."
She glanced at her watch and sighed. "I've got to get dressed. Are you going to wear that?" I stared at her wordlessly. "Alice didn't tell you." A shadow of annoyance crossed her face. "I've got plans for us tonight. I purchased tickets to see Tristan und Isolde at the Seattle Opera House."
"No, Alice didn't tell me. I'll pick you up in thirty minutes."
"Make it an hour," she said rushing up the stairs.
I hurried home to change. Thanks to Alice, I never had to worry about clothes. She kept everyone in the house well dressed with designer clothes. I pulled from my closet a black, Brioni Italian linen suit. I picked a sky blue dress shirt to wear with it and opted to dress down and go without a tie. I ran my fingers through my unruly hair, straightened my cufflinks, and adjusted the silk blue handkerchief in the pocket of my suit, then waited.
This date would be the first time since Bella's junior prom that we attended a formal event together.
Bella and I had been out before, but only to a movie every now and then. Even those occasions had become rare during the past year due to her need to watch after Charlie. Now that he had his own life, maybe Bella could have hers back.
I chuckled at the humanity of me ringing her doorbell and waiting — like a boy on his first date — for her to answer. I didn't have to wait very long. I froze with a smile on my face. She wore a straight, black silk dress with short sleeves. Her hair was pinned up on the sides and she carried a black satin clutch bag.
"You look…beautiful." I took her hand and lightly kissed her wrist.
"You do too." She laughed gently.
On our way to Seattle, I told her about our trip to Denali. She was upset that they weren't as forgiving as she thought they should have been. I chose not to tell her about Carmen and Eleazar mentioning the Volturi.
During the opera, we sat next to each other — our eyes focused on the stage. With Bella next to me, I believed that a love as strong as the one between Tristan and Isolde was possible. To have such strong feelings for another person that you would risk everything just to be with them. Then in the end to die of a broken heart….
I would forever hate myself for the irresponsible act that brought the Volturi into our lives. It was because of me that Bella's life was in jeopardy. Life has a sick sense of humor; I never wanted her soul to be asdamned as mine, yet I was the one who sealed her fate. She would have been better off had she never saved me.
Afterward, we strolled down Mercer Street, up 2nd Ave to Kerry Park. The air was chilly for a June night, and I placed my jacket around Bella's shoulders. We found a bench with a perfect view of Elliott Bay. At night the park becomes almost a fantasy scene, with brightly lit ferries gliding across the water and the Space Needle shining like a beacon for Seattle.
"What's this?" I asked taking hold of her left hand. I was surprised to see my mother's ring back on her finger.
"I assumed your proposal still stood." Bella blushed. "I can give it back…"
"No, no. I just…I didn't know you still wanted to marry me."
"I never stopped loving you, Edward. Renee and Charlie weren't very good role models for marriage. That word doesn't hold the same meaning for me as it does for you. But, I know how much it means to you, and I know how much you mean to me."
"You only want to marry me to get me in bed," I joked. Bella turned scarlet and laughed.
"That and a few other reasons. We need to sit down one day and plan a date. We should probably include Alice since she is going to be my wedding planner."
"You don't have to, Bella."
"If I'm going to be with you for the rest of my life, I don't want Alice to constantly complain about not being able to throw us a proper wedding. Besides, you're the one who doesn't want me to miss anything human. We've done prom, graduation, I'm going to do college online, so a wedding has to be added in there somewhere — just trying to cover all the basics."
We remained in the park until after midnight, then walked back to the car and headed home. Charlie was at the house when we arrived and I quietly snuck into Bella's room. She let Charlie know she was home and changed out of her dress into a t-shirt and shorts before snuggling next to me on her bed.
"Did you have good birthday?" she asked.
"Birthday?"
"Edward, on June 20, 1901, Edward and Elizabeth Masen gave birth to a beautiful baby boy — you." She playfully poked me in the chest. "Did you honestly forget your birthday?"
"Birthdays aren't days vampires like to think about. They get boring after the first hundred years or so." I listened to her steady breathing. "Thank you. It was the best birthday that I've had in many years. What about my gift?"
She raised up on her elbow and looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face. "The opera tickets were your present. What else do you want?"
"This." My lips slowly descended to meet hers. It was a perfect ending to a perfect night.
