Disclaimer: Do I own it? No. Do I love it? Yes.

Author's Note: Well this is the third update in about a month I guess. Crazy, eh? Well it may be a little bit before the next update as I've only gotten about 200 words written so far. But anyway... this chapter is crazy busy and lots going on. Thank you to Live720 for being the awesometastic beta that she is. I love that girl. And, I love all of you. Thank you for reviewing.

Chapter 11: Introductions

"Bella, I want you to come with me," Jacob said in a mumble. I looked up from the bed to see him standing over me with a toothbrush dangling from his mouth wearing a half buttoned white oxford shirt, and my very favorite hug-the-right-places black pinstripe pants. We had arrived back at our house…our home, just minutes ago and Jacob was frantically trying to get dressed before his meeting started in twenty minutes. I had hoped to calm my escalating anxiety by lying down but my frustrations were only increasing.

"I don't have time to get ready," I called behind him not sure if he heard me through the mouth gargling. I hadn't considered accompanying him, and I hoped that he'd drop the insinuation. I rolled over onto my side to allow my thoughts to drown me in misery. I had searched repeatedly for answers inside my mind for the purpose of the hasty assembly that I wanted no part of. Partly, because I was truly concerned about the meeting itself, but mostly because I didn't want to think about Alice's vision, or the pregnancy, or any of my other problems. I had determined that it was best to fret over immediate troubles, and deal with the others when their time was closer.

Despite all the brain ravaging, and perceived logicality the meeting's purpose was still a great mystery. Admittedly, I feared that Jacob's project might be extended and moving back home would be further away. Although we weren't exactly sure how long he would be here, his official contract ended in May of next year. That reason seemed the most logical but not critical, it could have waited for a more appropriate time to be discussed. Perhaps Jacob was in some sort of trouble or the meeting could be part of a conspiracy ring. I realized how farcical my rationalizations were becoming, and I willed myself to change the course of my thoughts.

"Just throw something on," Jake yelled from the bathroom giving me a break from the enigmas in my mind. Was he seriously going to pressure me about going?

"Easy for you to say," I muttered beneath my breath.

"What does that mean?" I hadn't meant for him to actually hear me, observing that his senses were really keen lately. I was a tiny bit embarrassed to have to admit my insecurities to him, but I knew he'd persist until I answered.

"One, you're a man. By default your effort to get dressed is far less than that of a woman. Two, you look gorgeous no matter what. I however require some work and planning to become presentable," I explained. Before I could take another breath he was standing over me fidgeting with his tie.

"Bella, you'd be beautiful in a bag of garbage," he replied with sincerity. The compliment was a bit of an oxymoron and I laughed in spite of myself. He pulled me off the bed and to my feet smiling impishly.

"We're leaving in five minutes," he said, kissing my forehead taking away my choice to stay home. I walked aimlessly to the closet predicting nothing in there would be suitable for the occasion. Jacob fell in behind me molding his body against mine. I could feel his chest muscles against my back and I relaxed into him. He reached his arms around me and started moving the clothes on the closet rack. I closed my eyes and breathed him in. He felt amazing next to me; everything in me was alive as his heartbeat thumped against my back.

"Here...wear this," he said, placing a pair of black slacks and a blue cashmere sweater in my hands.

For a moment, I had forgotten the purpose of him standing there. I was completely lost in having him so close to me, and when he moved, I was left breathlessly clutching the wooden hangers in my hand.

I managed to compose myself enough to get dressed while he went downstairs. I ran a brush through my hair, and lightly applied some mascara and lipstick. I grabbed my purse from the floor and met Jacob in the garage.

In the rush to get ready I had forgotten to allow myself to worry over the actual meeting. But as soon as the car pulled into the nearly empty parking lot the edge resurfaced and my nerves were a wreck of emotions. The sky had gotten darker and I knew by the time we left it would be completely black.

"Is that the mayor's car?" I asked Jacob, observing a late model sedan with the darkest windows I'd ever seen parked in the row adjacent to us. The only other cars with that kind of tint belonged to presidents, aristocrats or Cullens. I dismissed the fleeting thought almost immediately as Jacob responded. "No, I don't believe so."

City Hall was quiet; it was disturbing being in a place that was normally active to be silent. It reminded me of the way school felt without the students. I took a seat on the front bench as Jacob walked onto the hardwood platform. He took a seat at the table adjacent to the seat designated for the Mayor in the familiar half moon of chairs. Sad faces were to be found as the chair assigned for councilman Jennings sat empty. Jacob and I were the only ones in attendance that didn't hold a political seat, and I felt like a polar bear in the desert. Everyone dressed casual, and the formalities were downplayed to the minimum, but I was still very far from comfortable.

The mayor entered,, and out of respect everyone rose to their feet, when he sat down, we all followed suit. I was a bundle of nerves and the pressure in my stomach was unsettling. I had sat in this room many times before, silently cheering my husband on as he gave his project meaning and purpose, and convinced the town and its leaders of its value. Jacob was a natural at leading others to his ideas and visions.

"Mr. Black, I suppose you're wondering why this meeting was called," the Mayor said evenly, and with authority.

Jacob nodded his affirmation and the pit of my stomach clenched tight. That had been the lingering question of the day, and I was beyond anxious to have an answer as I was certain Jacob was too.

"As you know...councilman Jennings was murdered."

Jacob nodded again, and I held my breath.

"The city is at a pivotal crossroads. Election is more than a year away, and we are midstream in some major projects. We can't afford to miss one step. Let me cut to the chase here. We are prepared to offer you the council seat in the interim. We have been impressed with you from day one. Your work ethic is flawless, and you have experience with writing grants, and organizing projects. We feel that you are well balanced in all facets of our business and that you would be an asset to our efforts. We couldn't think of a better person to carry on with the business of Astoria in the absence of Councilman Jennings. And given the amount of admiration he had toward you, I'm certain he would approve of your nomination."

My mind froze, and my inability to concentrate or accept the circumstance, as the case may be, was only heightened by the twitching and shaking of my hands and legs. I focused my eyes on the floor beneath me, my fingers jittering between my knees. I wanted to run away.

If Jacob said yes I would surely dissipate right here. This change would certainly pull Jacob away from us even more, not to mention extending our lives in Oregon.

"We plan to formally announce your position at next Thursday's meeting should you accept," one of the others added. I was too scared to look up to see who was speaking. I was afraid that if I moved the rest of my world would continue to shatter.

I sat still as a stone, the words echoing over and over. Finally I raised my head just as Jacob turned to look at me to gauge my reaction. I was certain that I was paler than normal, and the beads of sweat on my forehead felt heavier than bullets. My brain signaled for me to smile, to play the role of the supporting wife, to be happy for such an honorable appreciation of Jacob's hard work and intelligence. But my heart was broken and all my face could reveal was hurt. I suppose it wasn't convincing enough because Jacob gave me a warm smile, and turned back to face the others.

"I'm very honored that you chose me, and I would like the opportunity to think on it. A decision of this magnitude shouldn't be made in haste," he answered intelligently.

"Can you give us an answer by Wednesday?"

"Yes."

"Well Mr. Black we look forward to hearing from you."

At some point after that the meeting was adjourned, I was so lost in sadness that I couldn't see anything in my surroundings. All I could see was our family and home in La Push moving further away.

"Bella, we can go."

"Wha…" I looked around to see the others filing out of the room, and its emptiness was nothing compared to mine. Jacob stood at the end of the bench and although it was just a few inches it seemed liked miles.

I felt like I had betrayed myself for becoming so lost at the thoughts of staying. I had resolved to accept the winds of life, but here I sat pouting. I looked up to meet Jacob's unsure eyes. I was being selfish again. This was just another circumstance. I still had everything that was most important and my husband had a critical decision to make. He needed my support.

We walked back to the car in silence, both of us lost in thought, but for different reasons. I knew Jacob was weighing the options of the decisions. I had followed the ground beneath me all the way to the car, too fearful to look in his eyes. I didn't want to hurt him, nor did I want to discuss his decision. I was too emotional to plead my case. I stopped abruptly at the passenger door and noticed Jake was a few steps behind me. I dropped my head until he joined me.

"Let's go get something to eat, I'm starved," he announced unlocking the car and tucking the remote into his pocket. He grabbed my wrists and waited until I looked up at him. It took a lion's amount of courage, but my eyes found his. He studied my expression, which undoubtedly told every emotion inside of me, and he brought my hands to his lips and kissed them delicately.

"Bella, why aren't you happy about this nomination?"

I tried to put some order to the reasons screaming inside of my mind, but the thoughts were coming too quickly and I wasn't able to process anything in verbal form.

"I don't like to see you so troubled. This is a good opportunity for us," he added for arguments sake. He thought I was being stubborn by remaining silent, but I wasn't able to respond. I wanted so badly to give him my opinions, but they all seemed selfish, and it was safest to keep them to myself.

"We'll discuss this more over dinner," he said releasing my hands and opening the door. I was relieved for a moment and tried to gather myself to be able to argue my case without completely losing control.

We stopped at the pizza place on the corner. The dashboard clock display said 9:30. Once inside I noticed the place was practically deserted. We sat in a front row booth by a window.

Once the waitress brought our drinks and took our order, Jacob excused himself to go the men's room and I took the opportunity to collect my thoughts and put some order into my debate.

"So, are we ready to talk about this?" he asked returning to his seat across from me.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I said lightly.

Jacob smiled. "I'll let you begin. Spill it."

"Your family, what about us? We hardly see you as it is. Can you really add anything more to your plate? I'm concerned that we'll grow even further apart." I fought with the straw in my glass of water, taking out unnecessary frustrations on an inanimate object.

"Bells, I would have to resign as project director. It would be a conflict for me to be a council member and direct a city program. I could still work with project in a regular Monday through Friday position. You'd see me so much you'd be sick of me," he countered. I had to admit I would like the fact that he might be at home more and that aspect did sound appealing to me.

"La Push. I really want to go back home," I said.

"This position is only interim, the election is next year. It will only be a few extra months longer than our original arrangements." I wasn't sure I could make it a few extra months, but I couldn't readily admit that to him. It would crush Jake to know exactly how unhappy I had been in Oregon.

"The baby will be here by then," I reminded him. It was my last hope of changing his mind.
He straightened at the mention of our child and for the first time since the discussion began I felt like I was on the winner's side. Family was important to Jacob, and having a baby meant having a lot of people to love. It was just rez tradition to have the entire family involved in nurturing a child.

"Bella, I really would love this opportunity. You know I've had political aspirations for a long time. This is a chance to get my feet wet."

And there he said exactly what I was afraid of him saying. I knew Jacob, too well. He would not be satisfied being a council member. He would continue until he was mayor, then governor, then president. I didn't want to hold him back from greatness, but I had hoped greatness would come a little bit later in life and a little closer to home. I had forced the thoughts from my mind, but I wasn't sure how much human life I had left, and perhaps, none of this would even matter, but I wanted every second with him spent in happiness.

"The future is never sure. It doesn't matter if we are in Astoria, La Push, or some little village in Ireland. It's being together, to fight together, to stand together, to be strong together, that's what makes the difference. I want this, Bella, but I'll respect your feelings, too. I can say no, if you tell me you want me to."

I sat for several minutes thinking about what Jacob said. There was no certainty in the future, he was definitely right about that. I could tell him I didn't want him to accept, but could I live with myself for killing his dreams? No, I couldn't.

"Jacob, I want you to make the decision that is best for you. I'll support you. Even if I don't want to, I will support you."

I suppose I could have given him a more diplomatic answer, but I felt entitled to at least one moment of bitterness. Luckily, our food arrived and the argument, for now, had ended. I didn't win, but I didn't really lose either. I still had what was important to me.

The snooze alarm sounded for the second time prompting me to my feet. Seven seemed too early to wake up on a Sunday morning, but Jacob was already gone to his office, and I had fought with sleep long enough. I tried to clear my mind of last night's events, Alice's vision and of the pregnancy and focus on the day ahead of me. Of course as soon as my feet hit the floor, the nauseous feeling in my stomach struggled free and I found myself perched over the porcelain bowl in the bathroom for the better part of thirty minutes. When I was convinced that nothing else could possibly find its way out of my esophagus I laid the lid down and rested my head against the cool plastic. I needed to pull myself together. Charlie would be bringing Arden home later and I didn't want him to see me in this mess. Tears begin to silently slip away and I realized how ridiculous my life was becoming. I was strong, I had conquered much more extreme circumstances and I could overcome this. I stood to my feet with a new sense of fight for the battle, but found that I may have become a warrior too quickly. My stomach cramped up and the pain knocked me back down on my knees. I inched my way over to the sink and pulled myself up. The cramping had subsided and I was able to splash myself with cold water.

Some warrior I had turned out to be, a few minutes later I found myself lying face first on my unmade bed. The smell of stale sheets and dried vomit made me queasy again and I rolled over for fresh air in spite of myself. I thought of Alice and worried that I had been too harsh with her. I needed her friendship, especially now that Astoria was becoming our permanent home. I groaned out loud as the thought crossed my mind.

My laptop was lying in the floor beside the bed and I pulled it up to occupy some time. I still felt some pressure in my stomach and decided to just wait it out until it passed. I hopped around several rationalizations and decided the pain was a result of stress, pregnancy, and poor diet. The first email I came to was from the principal.

Astoria City Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday in honor of the untimely passing of Councilman Hugh Jennings. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 pm at the City Building. All faculty and staff are asked to attend.

It was sobering when I realized that I had been feeling sorry for myself because of Jacob's opportunity. I had been selfish, not once had I really felt sorrow that this man lost his life. This man had died, been murdered no less, his wife and children and friends stricken with unbearable pain and their lives permanently broken and altered. I had been very selfish indeed. I still had everything that was important to me, all the rest of it was just miniscule setbacks. I could live with the unpredictable waves of life. I decided that I needed to speak to Alice. I wanted Alice as a friend, and I hoped she hadn't already left.

I thought about hanging up after the second ring. After all I hadn't prepared what I would say, but on the third ring she picked up.

"Hello, Bella."

"Alice, good morning. I want to apologize for being so harsh yesterday. I…"

"Think nothing of it. Are you well today?"

"I'm getting there. I have some rather big news for you."

"Oh really," she said excitedly. It was rare for anything to be a surprise, and Alice welcomed it with bright enthusiasm. I decided to keep the pregnancy to myself.

"I believe we are staying in Astoria a little longer than I had hoped."

"Why?"

"Councilman Jennings was murdered Friday evening, and Jacob has been appointed as the interim replacement. I wasn't supportive of his decision to accept, but I'm beginning to…"

"Did you say a council member?"

"Yes, it has been all over the local news."

"This happened on Friday evening?"

"Yes."

The silence on the other end was inexplicably eerie and I wondered if Alice was seeing something.

"Alice…"

"Bella, where is Arden?"

"She's coming home later with Charlie."

"Listen to me carefully. I want you to get out of that house. It may not be safe. I'm going to give you directions to our home. I will meet you there as soon as possible."

"Where are you?"

"I'll see you soon."

Frantically I changed clothes and freshened up. I wasn't sure why I was running but a familiarity came with it. I grabbed the piece of paper with Alice's directions on it, and shortly I was driving down a deserted street. Just as I was about to declare myself lost, I saw the house, an exquisite Victorian with a wraparound porch, and beautiful ornamental eaves. The house certainly stood out on the street of deserted buildings. I cut the engine and headed inside. The front door was unlocked, as I had anticipated.

The Cullen's new home was everything I had expected and yet completely surprising. Every detail was immaculate and every piece was stunning, and all of it was very different than their modern home in Forks. Much like most of Astoria, the old home held a certain charm. The winding staircase was original to the home, and all the moldings were traditional. Most of the fixtures were turn of the century and in wonderful condition. I assumed most of the pieces to have been bought new by Carlisle and Esme. Every inch of the front entry was timeless, tasteful and homey; it definitely had Esme's touch.

I sat down on an extremely oversized wooden bench while I waited for Alice. She would be here soon, I hoped. The cramping from earlier slowly returned, and I started scoping the home for a bathroom. I followed a tapestry lined hall down to the corner.

At that moment, the details of my surroundings became a bit fuzzy. I couldn't tell if it was the increasing pain in my stomach or the flash of pale marble in my peripheral view. Either way, I considered fainting or at least thought I might, but I found myself too scared to actually collapse.

"Bella Black," a smooth downy voice echoed from behind me. I turned my head just an inch and squeezed my eyes until he came into view. He towered over me by about nine inches. His beauty was undeniably that of an immortal, and his eyes glowered deep black and hollow, undeniably that of a monster. There was a trace of something in them that I recognized, something I had seen before in the eyes of James and Laurent, an unmistakable evil that wanted nothing more than to kill me.

Before I could catch my breath, he was directly in front of me his face close enough to mine to send chills across my entire body. His breath was sweet and intoxicating. He moved closer, the plane of his nose slowly exploring my throat in a primal naturalistic motion.

I remained still, helpless and trapped trying to control the wild beating beneath my chest. I felt like a defenseless gazelle in the clutches of a lion, the critical moment when the prey realizes it is actually prey.

"I saw you last night at the meeting," he said softly, moving his face back into my line of sight.

My mind immediately flashed back to the sedan in the parking lot and instantly I knew the vampire before me was Dexter.

"You were in the parking lot?" I asked.

"Yes, but I was present for the meeting, I was an unnoticed guest," he smiled. "I have a vested interest in the town's business, but before I continue answering your questions, I have a few of my own. For instance, why are you in my home?"

"I'm a friend of Alice's...of Carlisle's," I replied, hoping to dissuade him from harming me. I believed Dexter to respect Carlisle. If they worked together as closely as Alice had said then there had to be a trusting relationship. One I hoped would save my life.

"You are a human?"

"Yes," I replied. He seemed to accept my answer, rationalizing that the Cullen's were domesticated enough to have a human friend. His body shifted to rigid and his head moved slowly to the side, as if he was trying hard to hear something in the distance.

"I knew Edward was fond of humans. I just thought he liked to have a pet, I didn't realize the rest of the clan was so admiring of them too," he said amused.

At the mention of Edward, chills raced all over my body and I shook with an insoluble force. Did he know about my involvement with Edward?

"I must go now, Mrs. Black, but I'll see you again real soon." His promise was dark and sinister, and I completely believed it to be true. He wasn't being polite, he was threatening me, but for what reason I didn't know.

My eyes blinked by instinct and when I opened them he was gone. In his place was Alice and Jasper.

"Are you okay?" Alice asked.

"Yes," I replied hesitantly.

"I met Dexter just now," I said. Jasper followed the path that Dexter took outside, and he vanished just as quickly.

"Yes I saw him, Bella, we need to talk." There was urgency in her voice, and I was fearful of what she would say next. I knew Alice's vision was approaching reality, and I had not prepared for it.

"When I spoke to you on the phone, I had a vision. From what you've told me and from recent events here, I believe Dexter is responsible for the murder of Councilman Jennings. He is being reckless and careless."

"You think he's coming after Jake?" I asked terrified of the answer. It was a perfect explanation for him attending the meeting. I had to find Jacob and warn him. He was defenseless against a vampire now. My arms and legs began trembling, and I could feel my heart racing.

"It's worse than that," she replied. "Dexter has been on the radar of the Volturi for a long time. He has provoked them now. They are coming."

Volturi?" I asked. I vaguely remembered Edward mentioning the Volturi as he was explaining
Carlise's past to me, but I wasn't exactly sure what they were.

"Are they bad?" I asked unable to remember.

"They try to keep order within our world, to keep our secret. When there is a threat or a misuse of our abilities they bring a stop to it."

"So you have rules?" I asked intrigued. Their lives had always appealed to me in an unexplainable way, and this was just one more facet that I never got to see.

"Only one. Humans must never know. As long as the secret is protected then the Volturi can be peaceful, but there are extreme consequences when the secret is revealed to a human."

Her delicate porcelain face was twisted in fear, and she seemed vulnerable.

"I know the secret," I whispered with a gasp, realizing the entire world as I knew it was about to change.

A/N: Well there you have it...thoughts...please!