9. Deception
Renesmee's POV
The shield was too strong I couldn't break through it. I was surrounded but I knew I needed to get to her. I couldn't watch as the baby tore through her leaving her for dead. Not again, the scent of her blood was so strong my throat was on fire. However, I couldn't let any amount of blood lust get in the way of saving her. I knew what was coming but I couldn't change it. The baby tore through its mother and I screamed, "No."
"Nessie, Nessie its okay it's just a dream" Jake said holding me in his arms.
I knew I was dreaming but I couldn't control myself. The dream just gets more and more real. I have been having the same dream every night for the past two weeks and no matter what I do I can't change the outcome. I'm always too late and she always dies.
"Nessie I can't take this anymore. You have got to tell me what you are dreaming" Jake said concerned.
"It doesn't matter Jake it's just a dream. I'm sorry it's making you anxious but telling you about it won't change anything," I said trying to appease him.
I'm not going to get away with not telling him for much longer. I need to get a hold on this. If I can't stop the dream then I need to stop my reaction.
"Nessie it is obviously bothering you, you wake up every morning screaming. I can't bear to see you so scared. I want to help" Jake replied.
"You are helping Jake. You are here with me. That is all the help I need. Please don't worry." I said looking into his deep black eyes. I kissed him lightly on the lips and pulled away. "I love you Jake."
He pulled my face towards his and kissed me more passionately. As our lips moved together, our heart rates accelerated and my breathing came in gasps. His lips left mine to explore my neck allowing me to breath. I ran my fingers over his hot body and his lips abruptly found mine again. Our kissing gradually slowed before Jake pushed me gently away.
I lazed back on the bed committing the kiss to memory. Jake rolled onto his side to look at me once more.
"I'm going to have a shower" he informed me "okay"
I watched him as he walked from the room. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
The last two weeks have been uneventful as far as the volturi are concerned. We have not had any more information and Alice can't get a hold on any more of her visions.
Although we have this hanging over us, I have enjoyed every minute I have spent with Jake.
We spent most of our time in La Push with Jakes pack. Leah had changed so much since imprinting on Nahuel. She actually talks to me now without looking resentful and Nahuel doesn't stare anymore, which is a huge relief.
They look perfect together, Leah has a sparkle in her eyes I have never seen before and she is always smiling which is something else I have never seen before. Nahuel worships her, he will do anything for her but he doesn't seem as happy as she does. It's as if he is worried about something. I suddenly remembered that he had something to be worried about. He has just found his soul mate, yet the Volturi wants him, it could all be taken away in a second. That is why I love being in La Push, it is as if I am in another world. Everyone is so relaxed all the time laughing and joking and eating, I have never seen a group of friends eat so much.
It is always a reality check when we return home. Although they all try to hide it, it is obvious everyone is still anxious about what awaits us.
My recurring dream is not helping my anxiety levels either. I am so worried for the girl. I know it is just a dream but I can't help thinking it may be some sort of sign or warning.
I decided to talk to Alice about it if anyone could help me it would be her.
I quickly got out of bed, got dressed and proceeded downstairs to find Alice.
Alice was sitting in her usual spot, for the last two weeks, in front of the computer.
I couldn't see mom and dad so I assumed they were still at the cottage. Emmett and Jasper were watching CNN.
"Hey Alice" I said as I approached her.
"Hey Nessie".
"Do you want to come for a walk with me?" I asked.
"Sure. Are you okay?" Alice replied.
"Yeah I'm fine I just wanted to ask you about something," I informed her
"You know I can't really see your future Nessie"
"Yeah I know. It's not me I want to ask about"
"On okay come on then".
Alice took my hand and we walked out the back door.
It was raining hard so we ran into the forest where it was considerably dryer.
"So what do you want to know?" Alice asked
"I'm worried about a friend. It's probably nothing but I get the feeling she is in trouble," I explained.
"What friend" Alice asked concerned.
"Brooke" I replied.
"Oh" Alice seemed shocked by my answer.
"Well I can't promise anything. I was never around her much but I'll try and see for you."
"Thank you Alice"
"Why are you worried about her?" Alice asked
I decided the truth would be best. "I've been having this same dream for the past two weeks where Brooke is in trouble and it's starting to worry me," I explained.
Alice was quiet for two minutes before answering. Was she searching the future? It didn't look like it. She looked shocked and confused. As if I had said something she already knew.
"Okay I'll see what I can do Nessie" she said in a rush "you go back to the house. I've just remembered I need to talk to your dad about something"
"Okay."
Alice was gone in a second. That was weird, why did she need to see dad so urgently?
I ran back to the house and found Jake rummaging in the refrigerator.
"Where have you been?" he asked.
"I just went for a walk with Alice" I replied.
"Oh okay. Do you want to you to La Push?"
"Yeah I can't stay here all day" I replied.
Looking around at the tense faces of my family Jake followed my gaze then, took my hand and we ran to La Push. To my relief it had stopped raining.
Edward POV
Bella and I were still lying in bed together our arms and legs entwined. I knew we should be up at the house now but I just wanted to hold Bella in my arms. We never seem to have enough time alone.
"Edward I need to speak to you now. It's about Nessie' Alice's thoughts broke my own.
I got out of bed, pulled on my kaki pants and a t-shirt.
"Where are you going?" Bella asked
"Alice is at the door; I just go and see what she wants. You wait here I'll be back as quick as I can" I informed her before kissing her head.
I quickly went to the front door and saw Alice standing there looking worried.
"What is it?" I asked.
"She knows. Nessie knows" Alice replied.
"What are you talking about Alice?"
Her thoughts were all over the place I couldn't make any sense of them.
Then she thought about the conversation she had just had with Nessie.
"NO" I nearly shouted
"She didn't give me any details about her dream but I've heard her screaming every morning before she wakes up," Alice said
"It can't be the same it's impossible. How would Nessie know about your visions?"
"I don't know what should we do?" Alice asked.
I had no answer. I never wanted Nessie to see her friend like that. It hurt me to see it. She must be so worried.
"We can't tell her what you saw that would just confirm her nightmare," I said.
"You will have to lie to her, tell her you can't see anything. At the moment, she thinks it's a dream. The truth will hurt her so much more."
"Okay I'll try but Nessie isn't stupid. She knows something is going on" Alice replied.
"I know just give me some time to think about this. We are going to have to do something soon."
"Okay I'll see you later."
Alice ran off into the forest and I walked slowly back inside the cottage.
Bella was still lying on the bed looking breathtakingly gorgeous and very sexy. The desire to have her was so strong I threw myself onto the bed landing beside her. My lips found hers immediately and she ripped my clothes off in her haste. Neither of us could ever get enough of each other. Every second was precious. Making love to Bella was the most exciting and pleasurable experience of my life. Nothing would ever compare. We could be so wrapped up in each other that for those long moments nothing else mattered but us.
Inevitably, though we had to think about our responsibilities. We had already stretched out our time together today so it was time to face reality.
We both dressed quickly knowing we had already lost the morning. I needed to think about how I could best deal with Nessie. I know she deserves to know the truth but I can't bring myself to tell her knowing it will hurt her.
When we arrived at the house, everyone was going about their usual activities. I decided to let them all in on Alice's vision and hoped we would all be able to come up with a plan.
"Nice of you to join us" Emmett said.
I choose to ignore this remark but Bella hissed at him from my side.
I pulled her towards the sofa "I need to discuss something with you all," I announced.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and came closer.
"What is it Edward?" Carlisle asked.
"You remember the vision Alice had last week," I said.
"Of course we remember" Emmett said, "I've never seen you look so disgusted."
"Yes well I didn't think I would need to share it with you but something has been brought to my attention and I can't keep it from you any longer," I explained
Bella squeezed my hand gently encouraging me to go on.
"What did Alice see?" Rosalie asked.
"It would appear that Brooke is taken by the Volturi and impregnated. Alice's vision show's Brooke on the stone floor of the Volturi's home bleeding to death after the child has ripped it's way out of her" I cringed at the memory.
Bella's face was one of discuss as was Carlisle, Rose and Jasper. Esme was full of compassion for the poor girl and Emmett was angry.
"Why didn't you tell us before? " Bella exclaimed.
"I didn't want anyone to know as I can't think of a way to save her and its killing me to think about it" I replied.
"So what has changed? Why are you telling us now?" Rosalie asked. Annoyance in her tone.
"Alice informed me this morning that Nessie has been having nightmares about Brooke and she's worried."
"So that's why she's been screaming every morning," Emmett said, "I thought Jake was playing a joke on her."
I felt Bella freeze beside me.
"Bella what is it?" I asked concerned.
"The same thing happened to me" she replied in a whisper.
"What happened to you love?"
"The dreams … that's how I knew the Volturi were coming for Renesmee. I had the same dream all through my pregnancy. It started before I even knew I was pregnant. I had to protect this baby boy from the Volturi. That's why I thought I was having a boy because the baby was a boy in my dreams," Bella explained.
I didn't know what to say Bella had never told me any of this. I knew she was dreaming about the Volturi but she never mentioned a child she felt she had to protect.
"It's her subconscious warning her," Bella said filling the silence in the room.
"How is that possible?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know but we need to find out exactly what happens in her dream. It could give us a clue as to how we can save Brooke," Bella said looking into my eyes. I knew what she was asking.
"Nessie hasn't thought about her dream around me. I wasn't even aware of it until Alice told me. She obviously doesn't want me to know," I said.
"There has to be a way to find out without making her suspicious," Bella said.
"Jacob" Alice chimed.
Of course, he could watch her dream whilst she is having it.
"Does he know about her dream or Alice's vision?" Carlisle asked.
"No I don't think so" I replied, "I haven't heard anything in his thoughts."
"We're going to have to warn him if you're going to ask him to do this," Esme said.
Yes, he would need to know I couldn't let him see what I saw without warning him first. This is going to be just as difficult for him as it is for Nessie and the rest of us.
"I'll talk to him when they get back from La Push," I informed them.
"Do we know when this is going to happen Alice?" Jasper asked.
Alice had drifted back over to the computer. "I couldn't get a sense of when as the vision is inside. I can't use the weather as a guide" Alice replied.
"There has got to be a way to find out" Carlisle mused.
"Why don't we check Brooke's home?" Rosalie suggested.
I had considered this myself but decided against the idea. I would not be able to watch them take her without trying to stop them and that would surely expose us for what we are.
"We are too late!" Alice's voice came from the other side of the room. She was staring at the computer screen.
"Brooke Ryan went missing yesterday afternoon after leaving her home to visit a friend. Unfortunately, she never made it to her friend's house. A mass search is underway to find Brooke, if you have any information regarding her disappearance please contact your local sheriff's office." Alice said reading the news report.
"Well at least that gives us a time frame," Emmett said.
All heads turned to stare at him. "How can you be so callous Emmett? She is probably scared to death and she will die if we don't do anything to help her," Bella said angrily.
"Calm down love. We will think of something, none of us wants Brooke to die. Emmett is right though, we know we have a month to stop Alice's vision from becoming reality," I said.
"What do you propose we do?" Carlisle asked.
"I don't know we'll have to wait to see what happens in Nessie's dream and go from there."
"Do you think this could be a trick? Is there anyway the Volturi would have known that Nessie is friends with Brooke?" Jasper asked.
"I can't see how," Carlisle replied. "But we better keep it in mind just in case."
A trick. I never thought about that. What kind of game are they playing?
First, they kill Huilen and blame her death on Nahuel, spreading the word that Nahuel is dangerous and wanted by them. They offer a reward of a child to encourage others to look for him and now they have taken Brooke to use her in their sick game.
What is it that links all these events? I felt like I had the answer but I didn't know what it was. What links Nahuel and Brooke?
The answer hit me like a flame through my body burning me from the inside out. It was so obvious; I can't believe I didn't see it before. We knew this would happen one day but I wasn't expecting it to be soon.
"Edward are you okay?" Bella asked.
"It all fits" I replied in a whisper.
"What does?" Bella asked.
"Why the Volturi killed Huilen, why they spread the word Nahuel is wanted and why Alice can't see."
My brain was in overdrive as I said the words everything became clearer.
"What are you talking about Edward?" Emmett asked.
"The Volturi knew Nahuel would have nowhere to go. They knew he would come to us and they wanted him to come to us," I informed them.
"Why?" Carlisle asked.
"They are not after Nahuel, they never were, he's just a pawn in their game. We are their intended target. Aro knew he couldn't just come here he needed an excuse. Nahuel is his excuse."
"Harbouring a wanted man," Carlisle announced shocked.
"Yes and that's why Alice can't see anything. No decision has been made because they can't make the decision until they know he is definitely here. They have learnt from their mistakes."
It was completely silent in the room but everyone's thoughts were all over the place. The only thoughts I couldn't hear were Bella's and they mattered more to me than anyone else's. What was she thinking?
I looked into her golden eyes trying to decipher her thoughts. She must have realised what I was trying to do as she pushed her shield away from herself, letting me inside her head.
He wont give up until he has us all, will he? Why now? Why so soon? I can't take this anymore…Bella's shield slipped back as she tried to control herself.
I took her in my arms. I hate to see her unhappy. We need to end this for good; I will not allow the Volturi to hurt my family anymore.
"We will stop this Bella," I whispered. "I won't let them hurt you anymore."
She looked into my eyes and this time I didn't need her to push her shield away to know what she was thinking.
"They will never take me away from you," I whispered. "You are my life, we will always be together."
Jacob's POV
Nessie and I were on the beach. It felt strange to be here with Nessie as this was always mine and Bella's favourite place to hang out.
Being here with Nessie made me feel complete, I never felt scared to say what I was thinking because I knew she loved me as much as I love her.
Although I try not to upset her, sometimes my mouth opens before I think. I could of kicked myself the other day when Nessie asked me to take her cliff diving. I nearly lost it right in front of her, it brought back the memory of Bella jumping and before I could think I said, "I'm not losing you too."
Nessie was so upset I felt awful. I tried to explain just how much she means to me and that my life is not worth living without her.
I think she understood what I was trying to say as she placed her hand on my cheek and showed me all her memories of our lives together emphasising that there was no life outside of that.
I was watching Nessie's gorgeous red curls blowing in the wind when I noticed her expression. It was a shock to see, as she looked scared, worried and upset. What was wrong with her?
I placed my hand under her chin pulling her face around to face me. She looked down. "Nessie what's wrong baby?" I asked.
"I'm sorry; I just can't get the image out of my head. I don't know how to help her," she confessed with a sob.
"What image? Is this about your dream?" I asked.
"Yes it's so awful Jake."
Nessie was sobbing in my arms, I felt so powerless. What can I do to help her?
I let her cry until her sobbing stopped. I didn't want to upset her any more than she already was but I needed some answers. How could I help her if I didn't know what the problem was?
"Nessie will you please tell me about your dream? I don't want to upset you but I don't know how to help you?"
Nessie didn't say anything she just placed her hand on my cheek. It was awful, I could see everything that she had seen and I could feel everything she felt.
I felt sick seeing this awful vision through her eyes. I didn't realise how much pain it caused her to smell human blood and how hard it was for her to control her natural instincts. I didn't know who the girl was, I've never seen her before but Nessie felt strongly about saving her.
My eyes were wide with shock when I looked into her eyes, which began to fill with tears again.
I pulled her towards me trying to comfort her. "Why didn't you tell me before?" I demanded.
"I'm sorry, I thought I could handle it," she said between sobs.
"I don't understand who is the girl?" I asked.
"It's Brooke, they have got her, they are going to do this to her." Nessie broke down again. "Nessie calm down you don't know that. It is probably just an awful nightmare. There is so much going on at the moment, we don't know what is going to happen. You are bound to have nightmares about it," I said trying to sooth her.
"No Jake, it just seems so real. They are going to kill her, I know they are."
"Okay lets look at this logically. Have you told anyone else about this?" I asked.
"Yes I spoke to Alice about it this morning. I didn't tell her about the dream; I just told her I was worried about Brooke. She said she would try to see for me but wasn't very confident as she hasn't been around Brooke much" Nessie informed me.
"Did she say anything else?" I asked anxious to know more.
"No she left quickly saying she had to talk to dad about something" Nessie said.
"Why would she need to speak to Edward?" I asked confused but as I said it. It all clicked into place. This is what Alice saw, that is why Edward said he didn't want anyone to see it especially Nessie. They have known about this for weeks and haven't done anything.
I was abruptly angry, how can they just ignore this? A girl's life is at stake.
I took Nessie's hand and pulled her off the bleached log we were sitting on.
"What's wrong Jake?" Nessie asked.
"We're going back, I need to speak to Edward," I said through my teeth.
"I don't want dad to know," she said as I pulled her into the forest. "I think it might be a bit late for that Nessie." Nessie did not reply. We ran back to the house in silence both immersed in our on thoughts.
'Edward I think I need to talk' I thought as we approached the house.
Edward walked out the front door to meet us.
"Can I have a word Jake?" he said as we approached the porch stairs.
'I would like nothing better' I thought adding as much venom as I could.
"Nessie why don't you go inside. We won't be long," Edward said.
"Why? What are you going to say that I can't hear?" Nessie argued.
"Just go inside Nessie, I'll tell you when I'm back," I said
Nessie glanced at Edward and me before storming into the house.
I felt bad about telling her what to do but I really didn't want her to hear this conversion.
"Shall we talk?" Edward said walking past me and heading down the driveway.
Walking behind him now reminded me of the day I found out Bella was pregnant and the favour's he asked of me. I saw Edward cringe at my thoughts.
I felt sick just remembering it so I redirected my thoughts to what I wanted to say now.
'You knew, you have known all this time yet you have done nothing'
"Hold on a minute Jacob, You know about Alice's vision?" he asked surprised.
"Well no not really. Nessie has just shown me her dream. She told me she spoke to Alice about it this morning and that Alice said she needed to speak to you. So I just put two and two together," I informed him.
"Oh well you've got what we need then" he replied.
"What's that then?"
"We need to know what actually happens in her dream. Bella thinks it might help us to save Brooke" he informed me.
"So everyone know now?"
"Yes when Alice told me about Nessie's dream this morning I thought it was time to tell everyone," he admitted.
"Why now? I don't understand. You have known about this for weeks and you haven't done anything. Don't you care what happens to Brooke?" I said getting angrier.
"Of course I do I just didn't know what to do. We didn't have a time scale or anything else to go on …" he trailed off unable to find an excuse I would accept.
"This isn't the point now. I regret not doing anything sooner but we cannot waste time arguing about it now. Brooke has been reported missing so we know we have about a month before Alice's vision becomes reality," he informed me.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He could have prevented all of this.
"Jake please. Nothing you can say will make me feel any worse than I already do so will you please just tell me what happens in her dream?"
I didn't think I would be able to explain it properly so I thought about what Nessie showed me.
Edward was quiet as he watched Nessie's dream in my head. I felt worst thinking about it this time than I did watching it the first time. All Nessie's emotions seemed so much stronger and I found it hard to keep my thoughts on her dream.
I watched Edward's reaction after I had thought of the dream. He had definitely seen it before but I could tell there was something he had not seen. 'What is it?' I thought.
Edward didn't say anything he just stared at me but I had the impression that he was looking right through me.
"Edward, what is it?" I asked again.
"Alice never saw Nessie there. She didn't see the impenetrable shield…" Edward trailed off again.
What does this mean? Is Nessie's dream just a dream or is Alice's vision flawed because of Nessie's involvement?
"I don't know" Edward said answering my thoughts "but we will find out."
"How?"
"I don't know that either but we need to share this with everyone else. I made a mistake of keeping things to myself and I apologise for that. We need to stick together," Edward said.
I couldn't agree more, it is too dangerous to keep secrets from each other especially if it affects us all.
We walked back to the house and entered the huge family room.
Everyone was there doing various activities Nessie was sitting on the sofa with Bella and Alice. She looked relieved to see me, got up, and came to my side.
I took her hand and lead her back to the sofa. Her expression turned from relief to suspicion in a second.
Everyone had stopped what they were doing and gathered around the sitting area.
"What's going on?" Nessie asked.
"There is something I need to talk to you about Nessie. I have not been completely honest with you and I'm sorry for that," Edward said sincerely.
"What about?" Nessie asked wearily.
"We all know you have been having nightmares about Brooke and we need to discuss the reasons for it," Edward said.
"So you've been talking about me behind my back. Thanks Alice I thought you of all people could keep a secret" Nessie said angrily.
"It wasn't like that Nessie" Alice replied. "I had to tell your dad because …" she trailed off unable to tell Nessie the truth.
"Because what? What are you not telling me?" Nessie said getting angrier.
I stroked her hand with my thumb and whispered in her ear, "let them explain."
She looked into my eyes for a second before taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"Nessie do you remember a couple of weeks ago when Alice had a vision?" Edward asked.
Nessie nodded so Edward continued, "well Alice's vision is nearly the same as your dream."
"What? So it is going to happen. Brooke is going to die" Nessie asked.
"What do you mean nearly the same?" Alice asked.
"Nessie showed Jake her dream earlier and he just relayed it to me. It would appear that Nessie is with Brooke but she cannot save her because some sort of invisible shield is stopping her from getting to Brooke," Edward explained.
"Is that not what you saw Alice?" Nessie asked.
"No all I saw was the child being born" Alice replied.
"What about the Volturi did you not see them?" Nessie asked.
"No. I just saw Brooke on the stone floor surrounded in blood." Alice replied confusion evident on her face.
"I don't understand" Carlisle said, "what does this mean?"
Everyone was silent. It is all so confusing how will we be able to know which vision is going to happen.
"Have you been able to save Brooke Nessie?" I asked.
"No. no matter what I do I can't get to her."
"Have you considered the fact that your not suppose to save her?" I asked.
"What? I can't just let her die Jake"
"No I didn't mean it like that. All I meant is that it might be someone else that has to save her."
"That's an interesting theory Jake," Carlisle said.
"But who can save her?" Nessie asked.
"Anyone of us could" I replied. "Alice if each of us were to decide separately to save Brooke would it change your vision?"
"It's possible Jake. My visions can change when people change the course they are on" Alice replied.
"That's not a bad idea Jake, maybe this could actually work" Edward said.
"Okay then who's going to go first?" Alice asked.
"I will" Edward said, "I will go and save Brooke."
All was quiet as we waited for a vision from Alice.
Alice's eyes suddenly went blank and I knew she was having a vision. Edward sighed and I guessed it was not good news.
"No sorry it hasn't changed anything. I saw Edward there but he couldn't get to her," Alice informed us.
We all took it in turns to decide to go and save Brooke. Emmett, Jasper, Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie and Alice could not get to Brooke either. Bella was the last person to go and the tension in the room was very high.
"I will go and save Brooke," Bella said.
Alice had a vision immediately. It was awful having to wait for her answer. I watched Edward trying to decipher his expressions. Edward gasped and cringed. What did Alice see? This was the first time Edward had a reaction to any of Alice's visions.
"What happens?" Bella asked.
Alice answered, "I'm sorry Bella. You get to Brooke, you can break the shield but you lose control …" she trailed off.
Bella's face already white actually appeared to get whiter.
"What if I go with her?" Jasper asked, "I could help to control Bella."
"That might work" Alice replied.
"I will go to save Brooke with Bella," Jasper said.
This vision came even quicker than the last. Again, I watched Edward for his reaction.
"It will work" Alice declared.
I was shocked to see that no one was happy about this answer except Emmett.
Edward almost turned into the burning man I saw seven years ago. I suddenly realise what it all meant. Bella and Jasper would be going to Italy to try to save Brooke. We knew they would achieve that but we did not know if they would make it home. Edward wouldn't be able to let Bella go without him but would this affect them saving Brooke? How could he choose between Bella and Brooke's lives? I noticed Edward glace at me 'sorry' I thought. I didn't want to make this any harder than it already was.
"So when do we go?" Emmett bellowed breaking the silence.
"Not yet Emmett. We need to plan this carefully and there are still some loose ends to tie" Alice said.
"What loose ends?" Emmett asked.
"We need to trap the Volturi," Alice said.
"I don't understand" Bella said.
"I don't see the Volturi when you save Brooke so I am assuming they are coming here" Alice replied.
"No" Bella whispered, "I'm not going and leaving you all unprotected, I can't, I won't do it you need me," Bella said panicking.
"Calm down Bella" Alice said, "We won't know until the Volturi decide to come here."
"When will that be?" Rosalie asked.
"I don't know. I think they are waiting for someone to inform them of Nahuel's whereabouts" Alice replied.
"But that could be months away" Nessie said, "Brooke will be dead by then."
"Don't worry Nessie. We are not waiting any longer than we all ready have," Edward said.
"But how?" Nessie asked.
"We are going to call in a favour," Edward said.
I didn't understand what he was talking about until he pulled a cell phone from his pocket and handed it to Carlisle.
"Are you sure this is the best way?" Carlisle asked.
"I don't see any other alternative" Edward said, "Alice is blind until the decision is made. We can't afford to wait for them to make the decision on their own."
"I don't understand" Nessie whispered to me.
I pulled her into my arms to explain. "Carlisle is going to ask the Denali coven to inform the Volturi that Nahuel is with us."
"What? Why? That's what they want" Nessie cried.
"And that's why we have to do it now while we are in control. We need the decision to be made so Alice can see what they are planning" Edward explained.
Nessie did not reply she rested her head against my chest. I stroked her face trying to see her.
"Are we all in agreement?" Carlisle asked.
I looked around at all the faces in the room. No one look happy about this idea but no one had any alternatives. Everyone nodded as did I.
As Carlisle dialled the number, I thought about the last time the Volturi had come here. They came to acquire and destroy as they would this time to. Irina had given them the excuse they wanted to come here that time and this time we were asking a member of her family to provide the excuse they were waiting for.
This is so messed up, what would this mean for the Denali's if they agreed. Irina had been killed for bearing false witness. Would they kill the others too?
Edward snatched the phone out of Carlisle hand. Carlisle had only informed them of out situation.
"What's wrong Edward?" Carlisle asked shocked.
"Sorry Carlisle I was just listening to Jake and he had thought of something I didn't consider" Edward explained
Why does he always listen to me? I just complicate things.
"I listen to you Jake because you think differently to the rest of us. You see things we don't" Edward explained.
"So what did Jake think that no one else considered?" Rosalie asked annoyance in her tone.
"he thought about what would happen to our friends" Edward said acidly. "They are our friends and not one of us considered how this would affect them."
Everyone was silent as Edward's words sunk in. There was a mixture of expressions on everyone's faces but the majority were guilty. Even I felt guilty for thinking of it. I have so use to being around everyone that I actually care about how I make them feel. What is wrong with me they are vampires for crying out loud?
"So what do we do now then?" Rosalie asked still annoyed.
"Could they not spread the word that Nahuel is here?" Jasper suggested. "That way none of them would be implicated."
I liked this idea. The Volturi would still be informed but it would be by some other greedy bloodsucker that didn't care about any of us.
"Yes we could ask that much of them," Carlisle said.
"I agree" Edward said, "I'm sure it won't take long for someone to go to the Volturi."
Carlisle dialled the number again. Two second's later Edward grabbed his shoulder. Edward was staring at Alice. As I looked towards Alice I realised she was having a vision.
"What is it?" Jasper asked.
Carlisle slammed the phoned shunt again as we all waited to find out what Alice's vision was.
Her face was completely blank and her eyes seemed to glaze over. I looked towards Edward to see if I could get more from his expressions.
Edward's face was also blank as he watched Alice's vision.
Only a few second's had passed but it felt like forever. What has she seen? Are they coming here? Has something else changed? Is it Brooke?
I held Nessie closer; I couldn't bear to see her in any more pain.
"Alice what is it?" Jasper asked again. "Are they coming?"
"Yes" Alice and Edward answered together.
"When?" Carlisle asked.
"How?" asked Rosalie
"How many?" Jasper asked.
Alice answered, "Aro and Caius will come with a majority of the guard. Marcus will stay in Volterra with the remaining guards and wives."
"When?" Carlisle asked again.
"When the sun is shining, about three weeks from now" Alice replied.
"How did they find out?" Bella asked.
Edward answered this time "it would appear that someone has been watching us."
"What, who?" I asked shocked.
Surely, we would have noticed, we would have smelt them. Edward would have been able to read their thoughts. Alice would have seen.
"Nahuel"
What? Nahuel why? I don't understand it doesn't make any sense.
"Why?" Carlisle asked shocked.
"It would appear that Nahuel has been working with the Volturi all along," Edward explained.
"I don't understand" Bella said shock evident on her face.
"Nahuel hasn't been completely honest with us. The Volturi found Nahuel and Huilen. They asked Nahuel to join them but when he refused, they killed Huilen. Nahuel did not escape he agreed to come here and tell us his story and in return Volturi would give him Nessie."
The heat rose in my body so quick I pushed Nessie off me and ran. I phased in mid stride only a metre away from Nessie.
"I'm sorry Jake" Edward apologised.
I was pacing around the room to angry to phase back. How could he do this? The selfish hybrid I ought to go and rip his bloody heart out he doesn't deserve one.
"Jake please calm down." Edward said.
'No'
"Think of Leah, it would destroy her. You cannot do this he is her imprint. You can't touch him."
He had a point, it was against tribal law to kill or hurt the imprint of a fellow brother or sister in this case.
'I don't understand. Why would he still agree to this after seeing Leah' I thought.
"It was already arranged. The Volturi had already agreed to give Nahuel five weeks before they came looking for us" Edward replied answering my thoughts.
"I would have seen that" Alice said, "How did they get around it?"
"I can only assume as I have only seen as much as you but I guessing that Aro told Nahuel he had five weeks. He didn't tell him what would happen after five weeks and never made the decisions about it until now," Edward explained.
The room was quite again, there was so much to take in and think about. What do we do now? They will not take Nessie not now not ever. How could Nahuel do this? What is he thinking now? Surely, he knows they will be coming soon. Has he told Leah? I haven't heard anything in anyone's thoughts but I haven't phased in a while. Crap someone is phasing. I tried to calm myself, I though of Nessie and the expression on her face while she watched me pacing.
I ran towards the stairs and phased once I was out of view. I walked slowly to our room to get some clothes. I grabbed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and pulled them on.
"I'm going to kill that little freak," Emmett bellowed as I descended the stairs.
"That will not be helpful Emmett," Edward said. "We are not going to break the treaty over this."
Nessie saw me as I reached the bottom of the stairs and ran straight into my arms.
"I'm sorry Nessie that was really stupid. I can't believe I nearly hurt you because I was angry at Nahuel," I said holding her close.
"Don't apologise Jake. You haven't done anything wrong" Nessie replied and kissed me lightly on the lips.
"So if I can't kill Nahuel, who can I kill?" Emmet said annoyed.
Edward and I both chuckled. We would both love to kill Nahuel too but it is not worth it. Nahuel is probably scared to death already wondering if he is going to be found out.
"I don't think we should tell him," Edward said responding to my thoughts.
"Don't tell who what?" Bella asked confused.
"I don't think we should let Nahuel know that we know of his intention for coming here," Edward explained.
"Why not?" Emmett said, "I'd love to see him squirm."
"I don't want to give him a reason to run" Edward replied, "If we have got to face the Volturi he can face them with us."
Edward's announcement brought back the thoughts of what was coming. The Volturi would be coming here and Bella and Jasper would be going to Italy. Is it safe for us to separate? Bella and Jasper will not be able to defeat the remaining Volturi alone but we would also be out numbered.
"Its time to call on our friends again" Edward announced. "I hope this will be the last time."
It would be the last time as one way or another either the Volturi will be defeated or we will be annihilated. The odds are against us but we will try.
