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Death Warrant

Edward POV

"Destroy him" was the only thought going through my mind, when Bella called and told me what happened. I would literally destroy the little bastard for hurting Bella the way he had.

I was pissed off knowing he had told Charlie that Bella and I were having sex to start with, now I was beyond livid and barely had a rational thought. I was in a murderous rage when I watched as Bella went off on him over the phone and then broke down in tears.

It broke my heart to see Bella even a little bit upset over anything, but this wasn't just about her emotions. Her whole being was being shaken and broken down.

Jacob Black would regret his actions; he would pay and pay dearly. The more Bella cried in my arms; the angrier and less rational I became. It took everything inside me not to go down to La Push and take him apart, piece by piece.

Tomorrow afternoon, Jacob, Billy, the pack, along with Charlie and Bella were coming to the house. We were going to discuss what should be done about Jacob's actions.

Charlie had called Billy and told him he needed to talk to him; then, Charlie called my dad and asked him to join in the meeting too. It was something I was not looking forward to, but it needed to be done.

Charlie arrived first the next day. Shortly after that, the Pack, Jacob, and Billy showed up. We all gathered around the dining room table and sat down.

"Welcome everyone. I'm sorry we are here under these circumstances," Carlisle said.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and then the meeting began.

"Charlie, since this started basically at your job, I think it only fair that you start," my father said.

"Yes, thank you, Dr. Cullen. I have asked for this meeting to let everyone know what is going on. Yesterday, while I was at work, a video e-mail came into the station. It was opened up and a very private moment between Bella and Edward had been recorded and sent to me. I was sick at the thought of seeing Bella caught like that, mostly because I knew that was something she would never have wanted anyone else to see. Unfortunately, most of the boys in the station saw it, as well as me," Charlie explained.

"What does this have to do with us, Charlie?" Billy asked.

"It was Jacob that taped Edward and me and sent it to him," Bella said.

"No, no way; Jacob, you didn't follow through on your thoughts," Seth said.

"Follow through on what thoughts? What are you talking about? How could you know what he was thinking?" Charlie asked confused.

Seth realized he had just spilled a whole different bag of beans. He looked instantly repentant. Sam and Billy took deep breaths and shared a look with my father who nodded his head. Damn, I thought I was the only mind reader. I guessed my father had anticipated this happening and was already prepared for it.

"Charlie, there are beings in this world that you would not ever be able to guess their existence. The Quileute tribe, as well as my own family, is included in that," my father explained.

Charlie looked surprised, but he stayed silent waiting for further explanation.

"Charlie, Jacob and all of us guys are shape shifters. We turn into wolves whenever there are a large number of vampires in the area. When Dr. Cullen and his family came back to this area, we began shifting again; and when they leave, we will be able to stop," Sam told him.

"My dad was chief of our tribe the first time the Cullens were here; and because they were vampires that did not feed on human blood, he made a treaty with them. They didn't come on our land; and they agreed not to take a human life or even bite a human for the purpose of changing them into a vampire. We agreed they could stay here, and we wouldn't reveal what they were to humans," Billy explained.

"So, all the Quileute boys are able to change into an animal of some sort; and Dr. Cullen and his family are all vampires, but they don't drink human blood," Charlie said, seemingly coming to terms with all he had been told.

I was surprised at how calm he was. It reminded me of how Bella took the news when she discovered what I was.

"Bella, you knew this all this time? You knew what Edward and his family are and what Jake is?" Charlie asked her.

"Yes, dad, I figured it all out right after I came here to live, but I wasn't at liberty to say anything. It would have put you and everyone I love in danger, and I couldn't do that," she answered.

"Well, I am a bit surprised and even shocked; but yet, I am able to see reason in it too. At least, I know for sure you will always be taken care; and I won't have to be worried about you every minute," he said.

"I apologize, Charlie, for having deceived you all this time; but it was completely necessary for your own safety," I told him.

Charlie quietly nodded, but his thoughts were all over the place. I couldn't make sense out of any of them.

"So, as I was explaining, we are shape-shifters; when in our animal forms, we can hear and read each other's thoughts. I knew when Jacob came across Bella and Edward; and I heard him thinking about the fact that he wanted to get revenge on Edward for taking Bella away from him. Suddenly, I didn't hear him anymore; and I knew he had phased back to his human form, but I never thought he would follow through on his thoughts. I didn't think he would actually be able to hurt Bella like that," Seth said and hung his head, thinking he should have done something to try to stop Jacob.

"There was nothing you could do, Seth. He would have found a way that could have been worse than what it is," I told him.

"Jacob, son, I thought you claimed to love Bella. If that's true, how could you even think of doing something like this? Even if you were angry at her, you should have considered how Charlie would feel after seeing that video. I can't believe you would shame yourself, our family, and the tribe like this. Because of this, you have left the Cullens a wide open door to retaliate, if they choose to do so. Not only have you made an attack on one of them, you have also attacked a soon to be Cullen," Billy said.

"I do love her, and it pisses me off that she is choosing a bloodsucking leech over me. It's not fair; I'm better for her. She wouldn't have to give up her mortality to be with me," Jacob said, trying to defend his actions.

"Give up your mortality? What does he mean by that, Bells?" Charlie asked.

"He means, dad, if I chose him over Edward, I would not have to become a vampire to be able to live with my mate for eternity. The Cullens and I have discussed my choice at great length. I am fully aware of what I am choosing. I can't live without Edward, and I don't want to. Everyone knows what it was like for me those months he was gone from me. He and I both were completely miserable. It nearly killed us both; I won't let it happen again," Bella answered.

"I can't say I fully understand; but you are a grown woman, so I can't stop you from doing whatever you want to do," Charlie told her.

"Charlie, now that you know our secret, it is imperative that you keep that knowledge strictly to yourself. I'm not asking so much for our safety, but yours," my father told him.

"I wouldn't know where to begin to explain it, even if I wanted to; so you have no need to worry about that, none of you do," Charlie replied.

"How can you go along with this, Charlie, knowing Bella is going to die shortly after she is married to that leech?" Jacob said with rage.

"Jacob, I don't think you have any room to talk about anyone here. The Cullens have always been a peaceful family who has kept to themselves. Sure, I'll admit Edward has not always been my favorite person; and especially after he left Bella awhile back. Since he has been back, he has worked hard to make up for the pain she went through. She chose to forgive him and has chosen to make a life with him. I love her with all of my being, unconditionally. I see how happy Edward makes her, and I won't stand in her way of being happy. You, on the other hand, have claimed that you love her, but you have done nothing to prove it. This video thing actually proves just the opposite," Charlie said.

"He's right, son. You can't say you love someone and then betray them the way you have Bella and Charlie," Billy told Jacob.

I could actually feel a bit sorry for Billy because I could see and hear how much he was hurt by Jacob's actions. He had raised Jacob to be a better person than he was showing.

"So, what is going to be done about this situation?" Carlisle asked, looking at Sam, then at Billy.

"It was Bella and Dr. Cullen's son who have been attacked. As much as I hate to say it because I do love my son regardless of what he has done, it should be more their decision than anyone's. Do you agree, Sam?" Billy said.

"Dad!" Jacob exclaimed.

"Be silent, Jacob. You brought this on yourself. You will stand up to the consequences like a man, even as you act like a boy," Billy said sadly.

"Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, I do agree that it should be that way," Sam said.

Jacob jumped out of his chair and lunged across the table at Bella. I managed to jerk her quickly out of the way before he could get his hands on her.

I threw him backwards and flew at him. I couldn't believe he dared to attempt to put his hands on her.

"Get off of me you fucking leech! She's mine! She will never be yours! I'm not going to let you kill her!" Jacob screamed.

I had remained calm as I possibly could, but now all I could see was red. I got my hands around Jacob's throat and drug him out of the house. This would be the last time he attacked Bella or anybody else, and I was well within my rights to do so. He had attempted to make a physical attack on my mate. I was free to retaliate, and I did.

I took pleasure in every punch and hit to Jacob's body. Yes, he was strong and even stronger after he phased. Now, it was vampire vs. the wolf. I was beyond insane with anger and rage; he would not survive.

We fought hard. Each time he made an attempt to grab hold of me with his mouth; I was faster and got away. When it was over, almost every bone in his body was broken, fractured, or crushed. He now lay on the cold wet ground fighting for breath. Blood began pooling in his mouth and running out. I must have punctured his lung; I couldn't find it in me to care.

I looked up to see all the men standing on the porch and around the doorsteps. They watched me; and they watched Jacob as he lay dying, but no one moved. After a few minutes, my father came and pulled me away from him; and Billy went to him and knelt down beside him.

"I wish I could understand why you chose to do something so foolish, son. I love you, but you signed your own death warrant in there. You had to know your actions were going to set him off. I wish you luck in your next life, my son," Billy said; then, he got up and turned his back on Jacob, who was basically taking his last breath.

A few more seconds passed, and he was gone. The mutt was dead; and I knew it might be wrong, but I was glad to finally be free of him. He had caused my love enough problems.

I went in search of her and found her in Charlie's arms crying. Charlie looked up and met my gaze, then got Bella's attention; she then reached for me.

I took her in my arms and cradled her against my chest. I kissed her head and face tenderly. She continued to cry, and I just held her.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading this story; please leave a review and let me know what you think. Check out the blog at http:/ /markingbella .blogspot .com/

Beta'd by melanieintn