AN: Sorry this took SO long everyone. I was off having a few adventures of my own and am just now getting a chance to get back to this story. Holiday time is coming so I am hoping to get the chance to get this story fully posted in the next few months while I have some down time. Thanks for sticking around. I have several chapters of this already written out, I just need to get them typed up and proofed and then I will be posting up a storm. Promise.

Forks, Washington

-November 16th-

Alice

"She slept with wolves without fear, for the wolves knew

a lion was among them."

I ran out of projects to keep me busy on our second day in Forks. The house had been cleaned meticulously, the furniture covers removed, the drapery laundered and rehung. Edward had cut back the overgrown foliage that blocked the driveway and landscaped as far back as the river. Bella still had not returned. We were both becoming increasingly anxious. I was beginning to question my decision to leave that message on the answering machine. I knew it would buy me a few days, time to get settled and keep Edward from barging into Bella's life and ruining everything. I wasn't counting on her staying away for so long though.

The wolves made their appearance on our second evening in the house. Jacob Black was by far the most hostile towards us. Apparently he and Bella had grown close during our absence. We were reminded of the treaty line by Sam, the leader of the group. Jacob requested that we leave the area, to which Edward not-so-kindly told him to go to hell. The pack retreated back to the reservation, but not before warning us that they would be keeping an eye on us. Jasper was nervous about the wolves presence; he was already making plans to join us the following week. I had debated not telling him about the wolf pack at all, but Edward had helpfully filled Emmett in before I had a chance to work damage control.

As three days passed, I became less and less confident in my grand plan. She wasn't supposed to be gone for this long. Edward had taken to stalking Charlie when he could, trying to read his mind to garner any clues to Bella and her whereabouts. This led to several fits of irrational anger and childish outbursts from Edward. I had officially become a glorified babysitter. Edward was never fully able to read Charlie, even before we had left Forks. I gathered that he had been able to pick enough information out of Charlie's mind to have a basic understanding of not only where Bella was, but with whom she was most likely spending her time. Needless to say, Edward became increasingly difficult to placate with each passing day.

On the fourth day, I decided to make my presence known to Charlie. I arrived at the house later in the evening. Charlie answered the door, his face showing his complete surprise at seeing me on his doorstep. He kindly invited me inside the house and even offered me a beverage.

"No, thank you." I replied

"Is Bella expecting you?" Charlie asked.

"No. I'm in town for the holidays. I was hoping to catch up with Bella while I'm here," I explained.

He nodded in understanding.

"Bella doesn't really stay still for long. She's off on a trip to Oregon right now. Should be back by Thanksgiving." He opened a can of beer.

"I see. Is there any way I could leave her a message?" I asked.

He hesitated at first, but then reached for a notepad next to the phone.

"Sure. Is it just you in town then?" he asked.

"For now," I lied

"Is the rest of your family planning on visiting as well?" He handed me a pen.

I wrote my note quickly, jotting my phone number at the bottom.

"Most of us, yeah. I came early to get the house ready." I continued to fabricate my story.

"I see," he grunted.

"Yeah, Esme really hates California; she just couldn't imagine spending another Christmas down there." I handed him the notepad.

"Is your brother going to be coming as well?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Edward? I think so." I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Bella is happy. Doesn't need any trouble," Charlie gruffed.

"I know. We don't want to cause any trouble Charlie. We all care about Bella." I smiled sadly. "Edward was heart broken when Carlisle told him we were moving again."

"That's why he dumped my daughter?" he snipped.

"I think Edward thought he was doing Bella a favor, I know it sounds incredibly stupid, but he believed she would be better off if they had a clean break." I shook my head sadly.

"That is stupid, Charlie agreed.

"Yes, well I think Edward was just afraid of holding Bella back, trying to stay in a long distance relationship in high school isn't exactly practical." I continued.

"I see." Charlie appeared to be mulling over this new information.

"Well, I still have to swing by the store." I made my way towards the door, I was satisfied with the seeds I had planted. Charlie could come to his own conclusion from here.

"I'll make sure Bella gets your message." Charlie opened the door for me.

"Thanks Chief. It was nice seeing you again." I gave him my best smile.

"You too Alice. Hope to see you around." He nodded once.

I turned to make my way down the small walkway.
"Oh and Alice?" Charlie called out once I was almost to my car.

"Yes, chief?" I called back.

"You can let Edward know that he'll have his work cut out for him." He gave me a knowing smile.

"Oh, we are all counting on that." I grinned back.

"Good," he grunted before closing the door.

I was still celebrating my small victory over Charlie when I arrived home. This incensed Edward even more.

"Why didn't you tell me you were planning on visiting him?" he demanded.

"It was a last minute decision." I shrugged.

"Right. That's why you keep blocking me from your thoughts." He rolled his eyes.

"Look, I saved your ass with Charlie. The least you could do is thank me," I huffed out.

"You didn't save my ass. He still doesn't like me." Edward argued.

"Yes, but he never really did. She's his daughter. It's unavoidable." I explained.

"When is she going to return?" Edward asked for the hundredth time.

"I can't see that. I have already told you. She hasn't decided yet." I groaned in frustration.

"I'm going," he huffed.

"No. You will not be going anywhere. You don't even know what part of Oregon she is in." I made myself comfortable on the sofa.

"Alice, I found her trail. I could easily track that scent from a hundred miles away. You know that." He began pacing in front of me.

"You found her trail?" I sat forward. I stupidly hadn't considered the possibility.

"Her scent is all over the region Alice. She's left trails from Seattle to La Push. I practically smelled her the second we stepped off the plane!" He ran his hands through his hair in exasperation.

"I know it must be difficult-" I began to placate him again.

"Difficult?" he cut me off. "Difficult doesn't even begin to cover it!" He raised his voice. "Imagine if Jasper were not only your mate, but human as well. Even if I try to ignore the pull to find her, the bloodlust alone is enough to drive me insane."

"Her blood still appeals to you?" I questioned.

"You have no idea," he groaned.

"I'm sorry Edward. I didn't even factor that in. You've always been so good at hiding it, I forgot it even mattered anymore."

"I have that part of me under control Alice, but it's always going to be there. Always." He sat next to me on the sofa.

"You can't go after her Edward. I'm sorry." I shook my head.

"I know. Why do you think I'm still here?" He leaned his head back, resting it against the sofa.

"We have to respect her boundaries. Let her choose to talk to us, not the other way around," I explained.

"Yes. I am aware of this Alice," he sighed.

"Then why is your scent all over Charlie's house?" I challenged.

He slowly turned his head towards me.

"I was curious… her house is infested with the smell of dog," he spat.

"Ah, yes, I hadn't anticipated the wolves." I nodded.

"They are dangerous. She shouldn't be around them," he huffed.

"It's not your place to tell Bella how to live her life, though," I argued.

"I know that, Alice." He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Why don't you go hunt?" I suggested.

"Already did, three times to be exact." He gave me a pointed look.

"Sorry," I whispered.

"It's not your fault. I know you're trying to help. I'm sorry I am so irritable. The waiting is wearing on me," he explained.

"Jasper will be here in a few days. He can help." I patted his shoulder softly.

"Right. He's going to help." He gave me a disbelieving look.

"He will. Now that your thinking clearly, we can all help you."

"Alice, no offense, but Jasper uses his ability for evil more than he does good." He chuckled darkly.

"Your one to talk!" I tossed a pillow lightly at his head.

"How could I use my ability for evil? I read minds. I don't have the ability to manipulate anything," he defended.

"Sometimes I wonder," I muttered.

"What?" He turned towards me.

"Nothing." I shrugged.

"You think I am really that manipulative?" he questioned.

"I think you have a very unfair advantage of knowing how the mind works and you also know people's vulnerabilities because of your ability. I think you use that knowledge to get your way." I narrowed my eyes at him.

He smirked.

"You know me too well."

"Yes, I do," I quipped. "I also know you are going back to her house tonight even though I have warned you against it." I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket. It was becoming more difficult to be away from Jasper. We had taken to texting and video calling several times a day.

"I have to. You realize that don't you?" He gave me a serious look.

"No, you don't." I shook my head.

"Alice, you do realize what he is doing? That dog? He's marking his territory. He thinks of Bella as his territory. I cannot allow that," he growled.

"Really?" I asked.

"He patrols the woods outside of her house every night."

"So let me get this straight… you are purposely going to Bella's house at night to prove a point to a volatile werewolf?"

"Precisely." He grinned.

"Don't be a child Edward," I scoffed.

"I'm not being a child. Quite the opposite. I think that boy doesn't understand the dynamic here. He really does believe he has a say in the matter. He hasn't even considered how incredibly easy it would be for me to find Bella and sink my teeth into her right now, if that were my intention." He paused and I could see him swallow back a mouthful of venom. "I would give it an hour tops if I left now." He smirked.

A brief vision flashed before my eyes. Edward sinking his teeth into Bella's throat.

"You've absolutely lost your mind." I shook my head in disbelief.

"What?" he questioned.

"You just made a joke about biting Bella. You never joke about biting Bella." I pointed out.

"I wasn't joking," he said calmly.

"Edward! You wouldn't," I gasped.

"I would," he disagreed. "I would rather face her wrath for an eternity than let that dog anywhere near her," he spat out.

"That is incredibly selfish," I accused.

"That filthy mongrel should stop pushing the matter then," he hissed.

"Bella isn't even interested in him like that, she's wouldn't be with…"

"Shut up!" Edward rose from the sofa.

"I can't even say his name can I?" I laughed lightly.

"I'm warning you Alice," Edward growled out.

I smiled in satisfaction. This time the vision was much clearer, almost life-like.

"Okay." I nodded, dropping the subject.

"You're evil." Edward accused.

"Yes, I can be when needed." I began typing a text message to Jasper.

"You saw it clearly that time," he murmured.

"Yes, It appears that your temper tantrums come with at least one positive side effect." I smiled in satisfaction.

"Do you think I could stop?" He almost whispered the question.

I paused from my texting. Edward had never been willing to discuss the matter of Bella being changed before.

"Do you think you could stop?" I asked.

"I don't know." He swallowed thickly.

"You know I can't see if that is possible or not. You could change your mind at any point and decide not to stop…"

"Yes, I know. That is why I am asking your opinion. Not for you to see if I could," he explained.

"If you want my opinion, then yes. I think you would. You already have proven that much. You stopped yourself last time, when James bit her."

"I lose control when I am around her, though. That was different. My thoughts were different at the time. She was hurting and in pain," he explained.

"Lose control how?" I asked.

"I don't think clearly," he groaned.

"You mean you think like a man?" I smirked.

"Be serious, Alice," he pleaded.

"I am being serious. That's what your not understanding, Edward. You need to just let go and allow yourself to feel and think that way. That's what love is all about. It makes you irrational and jealous and happy and carefree and so many other things. It makes you do things that are out of character sometimes. It's like that for everyone, but especially our kind. Instead of fighting it every step of the way, you need to embrace it." I tried to get through to him.

He pondered my words for several moments, allowing me to get a few text messages through to Jasper. Esme and Carlisle were making plans to come to Forks. Carlisle had to give sufficient notice to the hospital where he worked, meaning it could be some time before they could make it to Washington. Rose and Emmett were planning on making their way to us after they stopped over in Alaska to visit the Denali coven. The entire family was slowly coming together. I smiled at the idea.

"So jealousy… that sucks." Edward laughed lightly.

"Depends on how you handle it." I gave him a meaningful look.

"Are you saying I'm just supposed to pretend to be alright with all of this?" He motioned to nothing in particular. "I can't do that. Even the thought of…" he trailed off.

"That's more than understandable Edward. I'm saying that you need to be careful because Bella isn't going to take kindly to you staking some nonexistent claim on her." I huffed,frustration again with his lack of understanding.

"Nonexistent?" he growled.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but yeah, it kind of is at this point in time. You forfeited that right when you left. It will only push her away if you take that kind of route. I don't have to be psychic to know that much."

"How do you know then?" he asked.

"I'm a woman," I deadpanned.

"I see. How would you prefer someone in my position to address this situation then?" he questioned me.

"Your over-analyzing again. It's not something I can give you a pre-packaged answer to." I looked at him in disbelief. I knew he lacked relationship experience, but he was a mind reader. Didn't he know how women thought?

"I just don't know how Bella thinks!" he answered my unspoken question.

"Her thoughts on the matter are more than likely similar to most women," I quipped.

"Most women enjoy getting a reaction out of their love interest. Especially jealousy, from what I've heard," he said.

I took a moment to think about what he had said.

"Yes, It can be fun, I suppose. But that's only if you're genuinely interested in that person and if they show it in a way that isn't entirely demeaning to the woman," I explained. "For instance, Jasper and I have a stable relationship. We trust each other entirely and we know we belong to one another. He also allows me to be my own person and make my own choices and he doesn't constantly try to tell me what to do. So when he gets jealous, it usually leads to a very hot session of sex in the middle of the woods somewhere. Now, if all the other factors in our relationship were not present, I would be offended by him acting as if he had some kind of right to claim me or get jealous of my potential suitors. Especially if he was my ex-boyfriend who broke up with me. I would be quite offended, actually."

"I didn't break up with her! You know it's not like that!" Edward defended.

"Semantics. You get what I'm saying."

"So what the hell am I supposed to do here?" He threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Edward, how do most men act in this situation?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, a man likes a woman, finds her attractive and is interested in being romantic with her. What does he do?" I motioned for him to answer.

"You're saying I should woo her?" He gave me an incredulous look.

"Slightly outdated term, but yes, that is what I am saying." I snorted

"I never even did that when we first met. We kind of just…" he trailed off.

"Exactly. Maybe that's part of the problem. Mates are different, I understand, but you never really did take the time to win Bella over, it just happened because of the mating phenomenon of our kind," I explained.

"Maybe you're right. Except the issue of her other… suitors." He sneered the word.

"Get over it. She has other men interested in her. A lot of women do." I rolled my eyes.

"Yes. But she is interested in him as well, from what I have seen." He choked the words out. It looked like it physically pained him to say it.

"So what? Make her more interested in you than she is in him. Problem solved." I smiled.

"Well, gee Alice, I never would have thought of that. Thank you so much for solving all of my problems," he drawled.

"It's not going to be easy, I'm not saying that." I returned to my texting.

"I'm headed out." He stood from his spot.

"Stay out of trouble, Edward," I warned.

"Of course. I always do." He smirked.

"Men," I muttered lowly.

The next evening, we had decided to take an extended hunting trip. Edward had been hunting more frequently and we didn't want to risk upsetting the local wildlife population due to Edward's increased appetite.

We had decided to go to one of Edward's favorite hunting spots, Cougar Rock. The area was aptly named, as it had a larger than average population of cougars, something Edward was more than willing to fix. After several drained animals were responsibly disposed of, we decided to make our way towards the creek to clean up.

"Can't you smell that?" Edward had asked when we were almost to the creek.

"Smell what?" I asked.

"Her. Bella. It's diluted, but I can still smell it." He paused.

I took a moment to really breath in the air around me. I couldn't smell any trace of Bella. I was beginning to seriously fear for Edwards' well-being.

"I'm not crazy, Alice!" he spat out.

"I can't smell her at all." I shook my head slowly.

"I think I'm more sensitive to her smell, not just because she is my mate, but because she smells so good to me," he pondered out loud.

"If you say so," I muttered.

"Or maybe because I am so hyper-aware of everything to do with her, it's like a part of me is always tuned into finding her?" He turned to me, a questioning look on his face.

"We could ask Carlisle. I don't know how that works, to be honest." I shrugged.

"I'm telling you she was here." He looked around the area slowly.

"It's likely at any rate. You said so yourself that she has been all over the place." I continued to walk in the direction of the creek.

"Yes, but it's winter, there's still snowfall on the ground and you know as well as I do that mountain lions are prevalent in the area," he said.

"Your point?"

"Why would she be out here? It's dangerous," he huffed out.

"Here we go again." I rolled my eyes.

"Does she have a death wish?" he continued.

"Edward, she is fully capable of trekking this kind of terrain. Humans do it all the time." I laughed lightly.

"But Bella is so tiny" Edward whispered lowly.

"I'm tiny. I can still kick your ass," I deadpanned.

"You're not human…" he reached down to grab a handful of snow and molded it into a perfect ball.

"What are you doing?" I began to retreat from him slowly.

"Come on, Alice. You said you could kick my ass." He laughed, knowing my dislike for getting snow in my hair.

"Don't you dare!" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He was too fast for me. I saw the vision a split second before the snowball pelted me squarely in the face.

"You asshole!" I growled.

He laughed hysterically, his head thrown back. "The look on your face was worth it!"

I narrowed my eyes before hastily lobbing several of my own frozen weapons towards him. He dodged most of them easily, feigning from side to side as I continued to make my way towards him.

"Bring it, Alice." He gave me a cocky smirk.

"You're cheating. If you couldn't read my mind right now it would be a fair fight!" I pouted.

"Okay, Emmett," he scoffed.

I smiled victoriously as a particular thought came to my mind.

"Right!" Edward laughed, running his hand through his hair.

"She would be magnificent, you have to admit it." I smiled.

"I know." He almost looked frightened.

"A formidable opponent. I can't wait to watch you eat dirt for once," I snorted.

"I love you, too, Alice." he smirked.

"I'm just saying. You need someone to keep your broody ass in line." I wiped my hands off on my jeans.

"Let's get to the creek. We should be able to make it back to Forks by dawn." He began walking with purpose again.

We had barely made it into the outside of Forks when we were accosted by a single wolf. Jacob.

"What do you want dog?" I sneered. He was blocking the path that lead directly to our house.

"He's going to change form. He wants us to wait here." Edward translated for me.

"Why?" I asked, Jacob had already backed away into the forest.

"He wants to talk to us." Edward rolled his eyes.

"About?" I pushed.

"I don't know Alice!" Edward was getting annoyed. "He's fairly proficient at blocking me when he wants to." He pinched the bridge of his nose.

Jacob came back after a moment, this time in human form.

"Cullen." He sneered his greeting towards Edward.

"Dog," Edward hiss.

"We would greatly appreciate it if you would give us a warning before any more of your family members arrive. We have several young wolves who are unable to control themselves sometimes." Jacob said.

"What are talking about?" I said.

"We crossed their trail yesterday afternoon. They stopped to visit Bella before she returned last night." Jacob continued.

"Bella came back?" I asked.

"Yes. I have been patrolling her property on most nights, but when we caught the new scent we were all forced back to the reservation." he narrowed his eyes.

"We don't have any other family members in town yet, Jacob." Edward shook his head.

"Well whoever they were, they knew where Bella lived and they were in her room. We just assumed they were another one of your lot." Jacob shrugged.

"Let me get this straight, there is an unknown vampire in the area who has been in Bella's bedroom in the middle of broad daylight and you decided to run back to the reservation?" Edward growled.

"It's alpha orders, Cullen! I have to protect the tribe first." Jacob began to shake.

"Some guard dog you are!" Edward sneered.

"I could say the same for you bloodsuckers. Where were you?" Jacob stepped closer to Edward.

"Sucking the blood out of furry animals." Edward rushed forward swiftly, leaving only an inch of space between himself and Jacob.

"Watch yourself, dog, before I make a meal out of you." Edward smiled falsely, making a point to bare his teeth.

Jacob stepped back several paces. "Ugh." he wrinkled his nose. "I don't know what she ever saw in you." He grimaced in disgust.

"Maybe you could ask her." Edward smirked. "When your not busy stalking her property, that is." He narrowed his eyes.

"Says the corpse who climbs into her bedroom window every night," Jacob retorted.

"There's a difference. I've been invited into Bella's bedroom on several occasions," Edward taunted.

Jacob's face twisted into another grimace. "I doubt you're still invited." Jacob shook his head.

"That's for Bella to say, not you," I interjected.

"I'll be sure to ask for her opinion. Tonight. When she's on my territory." Even though he was responding to me, his eyes never left Edward.

"Like fuck she will be!" Edward took a step towards Jacob again. I rushed to put myself between the both of them.

"Not now, Edward." I placed my hands on his shoulders. "We have other issues to worry about." I reminded him.

"Bella and Charlie will be safe on the reservation." Jacob said.

"Look, Fido, we are perfectly capable of protecting our own. We don't need your help." Edward pushed against me, trying to move closer to Jacob.

"Knock it off, Edward." I hissed into his ear.

"Your own? Bella isn't one of you. She doesn't belong with your kind." Jacob spat.

Edward suddenly stopped fighting me. Instead he took a small step backwards. I eyed him suspiciously as he moved into a more relaxed position. He tilted his head slightly, as if he were listening to something off in the distance. I narrowed my eyes slightly, trying to figure out the sudden change in his demeanor.

"You don't know anything about me Jacob Black." Edward spoke quietly.

"I know you're a coward. You left her once already." Jacob crossed his arms defiantly.

"That's true." Edward nodded. "I've also learned a very valuable lesson in doing so."

"Right. I bet you thought she would just cower down and cry about you for months on end," Jacob scoffed.

"I had hoped she wouldn't." Edward continued to slowly edge his way backwards, closer to the tree line.

"Well your wish was granted, bloodsucker. Why'd you come back now? She's perfectly fine without you in her life."

"That's none of your business."

"Fair enough. She doesn't want anything to do with you, anyway." Jacob shrugged.

"People change, Jacob." Edward took another step back.

"Last I checked you weren't a person." Jacob sneared.

"No, but Bella is." Edward smirked.

"You wouldn't dare…" I watched as the color drained from Jacob's face.

"Like I said, you don't know anything about me." Edward turned towards the tree line.

"Edward…" I tried to warn, but he had already made up his mind.

"Sorry Alice." He threw me an apologetic look before he disappeared into the forest.

"Aren't you going to go after him." Jacob glared at me.

"What for?" I shrugged, not wanting to let the dog see me as anything other than calm and collected.

"Edward would never let anything bad happen to Bella." I turned on my heel. "Besides, Edward is unusually fast. I don't even have a chance of catching up to him." I threw a smug smile over my shoulder.

I would thoroughly admonish Edward once we were alone, but I wasn't going to let the dog see even an ounce of my concern for the situation at hand. It would do no good to show them our soft spots.

"We'll be seeing you around Cullen." Jacob screamed after me.

"Looking forward to it, dog." I mumbled before setting off at a fast pace.