A/N: Thanks so much to all the wonderful readers and your questions and comments. I love getting your questions and hope that I've been able to answer a few of them. As the vampires come into play a little more in this story, I am going to be making a few minor changes for their characteristics for writing purposes. In this story, vampires can cry but only during extreme emotional times, instead of crying tears, they actually cry vampire blood. Additionally, although they don't sleep, however, they can go in a meditation state ever couple of weeks and shut down their minds and system if they choose to.

A very special thank you to the best Beta ever…Blue Baby! Thank you for all that you've done to help me. It is greatly appreciated.

Chapter 12: Vampire Affairs

Being a vampire means that you constantly come into contact with death; whether it be memories of your own or from watching humans fade away as the sands of life simply expired. Sometimes those lives expire from your inability to control the hunger and the blood lust growing inside of you. Humans, simply stated, are nothing but fragile creatures that die so easily. Something as mundane as food sliding down the wrong pipe or a simple trip down the stairs and they end up in a casket. Then there are the much more painful, more deadly ways for them to go. Being a vampire I knew all about those ways, death is never as glorious or romantic as it is in the movies. However taking a life, even one as pathetic as Jessica Stanley Newton never gave me pleasure. He thought. However he had done it. He had no choice in the matter. Killing her had been easy; deposing of her remains, cleaning up the scene and covering her murder, would not be. However he had the ability, the connections and the finances to do just that. At least the way that he had done it did it there had been no real pain for her.Some things were much worse than death. Jessica was lucky that she had found such a quick and virtually "painless" death compared to one she would have eventually received. The wind rustled against his hair as the breeze blew her scent of blood to his nostrils. He stilled for a moment trying to contain the monster that was caged inside of him. She was not his first human kill, far from it, however he prayed she'd be his last. With a gentleness that did not describe his actual feelings for her, he placed her in the hallowed ground. Her naked body had small bruises, though only the ones on her neck were from him. The ones that remained on her thighs and waist had come from someone else. Clearly she liked rough sex, yet that didn't surprise him considering her reputation as the town whore. He paused for a moment to look down at her lifeless eyes and said a small prayer for her soul. Then he used his speed to cover up her body sealing it beneath the cold hard ground where he knew that nobody would ever find her.

Cullen Mansion in Boston

Esme walked up the spiral staircase to the third floor, turned right and walked down the elegantly decorated hallway toward Carlisle's wing. They owned different houses, with different styles. This home was more of a majestic one filled with bold colors, rich textures and very refined antique furniture. Each room was different and styled with precision. Carlisle's wing was for his office, research library and laboratory. Esme opened the double doors to find him sitting behind his large desk. His chair was turned toward the window where he sat in deep in thought. Oh my love. What is it that has pulled your attention away from your family and your work? Whatever is going on has caused you to not only worry, but keep secrets. She moved quietly toward him to wrap her arms around him. "Carlisle," she whispered against his ear as she kissed his head. Carlisle immediately relaxed. His eyes closed as he allowed the warmth of his beloved to hold him. My love, you always seem to know what it is that I desperately need. He turned to look at her. Esme looked as beautiful as any in a charcoal colored dress with a darling little blue belt that matched her blue heals.

"You want to tell me what's going on." She asked as she slipped into his lap. "The last couple of days you haven't been yourself since you received a call from Jin."

"Esme, I'm sorry." He cupped her face and kissed her lips lightly. "I did not mean to keep things from you but…" He sighed. She was his mate; he was always honest about her. "I didn't want to worry you needlessly." Carlisle turned, stress shown on his handsome face. "You're correct, that phone call has kept me preoccupied." Jin was a very old vampire friend of the family. He traveled alone with no coven and resided mainly in Europe and Asia. He, like the Cullen's, had opted for a vegetarian lifestyle. Jin truly believed in the connection of the body, soul and spirit. During the 1300's in Japan, he was once a warrior who turned into a scholar after his change. Jin had more degrees and doctorates than Carlisle. He had devoted hundreds of years to studying the earth, the human species, and animals. But his greatest concentration was supernatural creatures, their conception, their strengths and weakness. He had been working on a collection of drawings and cataloging their species. Unlike most vampires, Jin had a love for all types of creatures and no real alliance to his kind, but to mankind; therefore had worked on building relationships with all kinds of creatures, including humans over the years. Carlisle had met him during his own travels and spent around 50 years under Jin's tutelage trying his best to learn about the other supernatural creatures. Jin had a lot of connections and found through a contact that Aro was currently sending Felix on a mission. Thoughts of his good friend fled as Carlisle dealt with the matter at hand. "Aro has focused his attention on finding Adam."

Esme gasped. "No…I thought that it would be years or even decades before he noticed his disappearance."

"Something must have happened to renew Aro's interest in him. I'm not sure how much information he has or who Adam must have spoken to about his connection to Victoria. I'm at a loss on how he knew her."

"But if he did tell someone it could lead Felix directly to Forks and to Bella." Esme was shaken by this news. She knew that if Aro found out that Bella had been attacked by Adam and lived, she'd be considered a threat. The law would demand that she be killed or turned because of her knowledge. Her eyes widened. "This is the real reason you sent Jasper to Forks, isn't it?"

He nodded. "I knew that he could ensure Bella's safety when she's off Quileute land. If the Volturi sends out soldiers Jasper will recognize them and let us know."

"If they find out about Adam, it will lead them directly to the wolves." Horror graced her face. "If the Volturi find them and find out what you suspect them to be then..."

"They will kill the humans, demolish the pack or worse." Carlisle voice turned serious.

"Worse?" Esme looked on. What could be worse than seeing your loved ones, family and friends at the hands of a powerful coven of vampires?

Carlisle's hand slid into his jacket pocket and took out the locket with Nafre's picture inside and handed it to his wife. "Eternal Imprisonment."

Forks

Alice stood near the bluff looking down at the crystal cold waters when she spotted who she was looking for. Edward, thank heavens. I've been so worried about you. She made her way to him. When she got closer to him she was taken aback by his appearance. My god, he looks almost as if he'd aged overnight. And he did. Edward's appearance looked very different to his normally fastidious nature. He looked untidy, his gray shirt was torn and there was mud on his jeans and his hair disarray. On the right sleeve of his arms was….She inhaled, her eyes turned colors. That's blood I smell on him. Why does he smell like…ohgod, Bella!

Edward's head snapped around as he plucked the thoughts out of his sister's head. He sighed. Even she thought him a monster. The monster you are. "No, it isn't Bella's Alice." He stated with dark circles under his eyes. "Though I can understand why you'd think that."

Alice was ashamed where her thoughts had taken her. Sorry…I was…

"Worried. I know." He turned away.

Alice reached out. "Edward, please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive." He stated bleakly. "Regardless of whatever pain that I feel over her marriage to that….that thing. I'd never hurt Bella. She still has my…." He winced painfully. "Whatever is left of my heart."

Alice closed her eyes. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "Sorry that I foolishly gave you hope in that area when…"

"You are not to blame. It is I who was a fool. I was foolish to walk away and essentially hand her over to him without a fight." He stated menacingly. Edward had come home in the wee hours of the morning. Alice had known the moment he finally stepped off the wolves' land and had been waiting anxiously. The pain she had seen in his eyes had been excruciating. She wanted to go to him, to comfort him, but he kept his distance. Jasper had come down feeling the rage and the anguish inside of him and wanted to protect Alice. As if I'd hurt my sister. He thought to himself. But then that wasn't the only thing he felt. Edward had allowed his own anger and disappointment to lash out at Jasper when Jasper had asked him about his feelings.

"What do you care? None of this would have happened if you hadn't lost control." He had spat. Jasper only looked saddened while Alice cringed with horror at his actions.

"I am very sorry my brother for my lack of control. I have wished many times that things had ended differently that night." Edward had seen the misery in Jasper's eyes.

"Jazz, no I'm sorry. You're not to blameI am." But then again, Edward didn't really blame Jasper for what had happened or his protective stance toward Alice; that's what mates did. It should have been what he had done for Bella. In leaving her, he had almost killed her. She had tried to commit suicide; she had tried to take her own life. In fact, she would have been dead if it hadn't been for Jacob. The bottom line is he had no one to blame for his situation expect for himself.

"I knew she loved you."Alice stated pulling Edward's attention back to the present. We all saw the devotion and commitment that she had to you. I just didn't think that she'd find love somewhere else so soon. But that was stupid of me. Time for humans is much more different than for us. With Charlie gone and alone it was only natural that she'd turn to …"

"Jacob Black." He finished her thought. Edward felt his blood boil at the thought of him. The image of Bella and Jacob's picture played in Edward's head. Over and over again he saw them in his mind. But that wasn't all. Last night, even after he promised himself that he wouldn't go back, that he'd allow her to live her life, he had gone to her. She was like a drug to him. He couldn't help himself. He promised it would be only one more time, to ensure her safety while she was all alone and unprotected in that house. Using his strength to propel himself up to the second floor of her house; her window was slightly ajar almost as if she subconsciously knew he'd be waiting. So he watched her slumber just as he did during the times that they were together. Yet, last night, something unexpected happened. Bella had been having a dream and started to moan. He had been so tempted to go and wake her, afraid that she was living through some sort of nightmare. Instead, she had moaned…Jacob's name. It took him a while to realize that her moaning and panting was not from a bad dream, but an erotic one. She had thrashed around the bed, her leg kicking off the covers allowing the air to hit her body. Her aroused scent hit him; his body had become erect immediately. He watched as her body undulated in an erotic taboo. It had been so hard to sit there on the edge of her bed and watch her like that. Bella had cried out and awakened in a sweat.

That was when she did something he never thought he'd see. She pulled off the oversized football jersey and lay naked on the bed. His mouth went dry at seeing her full breast, small waist and her tiny mound. He had been mesmerized as he watched her fingers find her breast. She pulled at her nipples as her other hand found its way down her body. When she parted her legs, he had to stifle a groan as her fingers slipped between to find her bud. She was wet; he could smell the arousal in the room. It had taken all of his will power not to unbutton his own jeans and find his own release. The erotic scene mesmerized him. However watching her cry out the name Jacob was like a slice to his heart. His pure, sweet Bella had turned into a very mature sensual creature that had certain needs that Jacob had been satisfying. Needs Edward wished to fulfill in every way if she'd only give him a chance. He couldn't have turned away from her seeing how many times she had needed a release before she finally drifted to sleep. How many times did Bella beg you to touch her and you pulled away or turned her down. You left her wanting and unsatisfied. It's no wonder she went to him. Jacob Black had been everything to Bella that he couldn't be.A protector, friend and lover.

"Edward…I swear I didn't know. Had I known the truth I never would have encouraged you. I just thought…well, that maybe she would still have a place for you in her heart."

"Really? Why would she?" Edward replied sarcastically. "I've done nothing but cause her insurmountable pain."

"That isn't true." Alice was afraid. Edward wasn't really rational. She had glimpses of his mind. At first he was going to leave Forks, flee as far away from Bella as he could. He carried guilt from the fact that she had tried to kill herself deep in his heart. That news had rocked Alice to her core. How in the world could I have missed that? Then she saw him changing his mind; he planned to show himself to Bella and profess his love and devotion to her and beg for forgiveness. Then she saw his other plan to challenge Jacob Black to a fight to the death for daring to take his mate. Then the last thoughts scared her the most. He would provoke Jacob and allow him to end his life in order to end his own suffering. Those thoughts scared Alice the most. If that happened then there would be an all out war between them and the pack. Lives would be destroyed and Bella would never be able to live with the guilt. Back and forth Edward's mind had run with different plots and different scenarios; and then she got nothing. It was if he had faded away into nothingness. Alice had panicked wanting to try to find him when Jasper intervened stating that he must have gone back to the wolves' land. Alice had tried to go to him, but Jasper stopped her. He said that Edward had to work this out on his own. Although he was afraid for his brother, he wouldn't allow Alice to endanger herself by following Edward.

"Yes, it is." He stated. "Thank you for all of your support." He reached out and touched his sister gently.

"What…what are you going to do?"

"You can't see it?" He stated wryly. Of course not, because even I don't know what I plan to do now. So much as changed in such a small amount of time.

"You keep changing your mind."

"I'm not sure if I can control any of my emotions. A part of me wants to leave. After all I've done to her; she deserves peace… yet a part of me…" He looked down at his hands. "A part of me can't seem to pull myself away from her." He looked pained. Edward dropped to his knees as if his legs could no longer hold him. "I know that she isn't mine anymore…but I just can't let go. I don't know how to, not yet."

Alice wasn't sure how she could comfort Edward. There were no words that she could say. His heart was breaking and it broke hers to see him like that. If Edward was going through such pain, what was it like for Bella who had been so alone? The situation had been handled badly; there were no winners only losers. However, Alice would do all she could to help. She touched him gently. "Maybe it would be best if we were to go to Boston." I'm sorry that I'm going to miss my chance at making my amends with Bella. I will miss my friend, but Edward needs me.

He gave her a tortured smile. "You won't miss your chance Alice."

Alice was confused. "Edward what are you saying…"

"That I've done enough damage to her, to you and to your friendship. But not anymore. You've given up enough and regardless of what I decide to do, to leave or to stay; I want you to go to her. Apologize for leaving her. Tell her the truth that it was my fault and that you were always her friend."

Hope swelled in Alice's heart. Are you sure? How can you be alright with me if she…

"Because it's the least I can do for you both. For the woman I love and the devoted sister and friend you've been." I took everything away from her and left her with nothing. No protection. No support base. No wonder she took the comfort of Jacob Black and that tribe. They gave her everything that I took away. Everything that she needed from me. I owe this to you both. "Especially after today."

"Today? I don't understand. What do you mean?"

Jasper suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She turned seeing her husband. He looked at Edward, but instead of seeing compassion, there was fury. A tingling went up her spine. "What's going on?"

"I did something…" Edward's voice cracked as he hid his face in his hands.

"Something very stupid that could cost us everything we hold dear." Jasper remarked with little feeling as he glared at his brother. Stupid fucker, you could have cost me everything. Any sympathy that I may have had for you this morning went out the window with your foolish callous act. "Do you want to tell her or shall I?" Jasper asked Edward.

Edward looked up at his beautiful sister and sighed before he spoke. "Jessica Newton is dead."

"Dead?" Alice gasped. "How?" She looked back and forth between at Jasper and Edward.

"She was murdered. I killed her."

Leah's Suite

The banging at the door to her suite pulled Leah away from her bedroom. She finished putting her earring in her ear while she opened it. "Jacob..." She was surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I've got to talk to you." He pushed past her. "It's important." Jacob noticed how Leah was dressed and stopped. Just who in the hell are you seeing tonight? Whoever it is, they must be loaded. Jacob knew that dress. It had been in one of the windows of the exclusive Markaza shops. The custom made and nude colored t-strap gown with a corset top and a scarlet bow at the waist, matched the floor length scarlet colored train. It was extremely expensive and there was no way that Leah could afford something like that. "Leah…just who in the hell are you seeing?"

"Jacob. Why are you here?" She stated ignoring his question. He had given her the rest of the afternoon off. When she had arrived back at the hotel, in her room was the most amazing dress she had ever seen. It was customized with a laced red bra and panties from La Perla, Jimmy Choo heels also waiting along with an invitation to go the attached with a note written in bold script:

Ms. Clearwater,

Did I get the size right? I had to estimate. Red happens to be my favorite color. Just thinking about you in it makes me lick my lips in anticipation. Regrettably I've got a dinner meeting in Paris tonight that has come up at the last minute and I can't miss. Instead of taking some insipid vapid woman who knows nothing about art and culture; I figured that I'd like to have a woman with beauty, culture and brains on my arm. You know, the type of woman you accused me of being afraid of Ms. Clearwater. So, are you up to the challenge? After all, you still owe ME dinner. I won our bet fair and square as you know and I'm not the type to allow anyone to get out of paying. I'll pick you up around 8:00. I'll be on my best behavior if you want me too….or not …that's even better.

M

The note had been on full emboss paper with burgundy and gold wax seal with an interesting logo of a M with a swirl around it. Leah couldn't believe it. Dinner, in Paris? Hell yes she was going. And although she had told him there was very little he could do to impress her, she was certainly impressed. At first, she thought him to be nothing more than a rich spoiled playboy out for a fling. However by the end of the night, he had proven to be a hell of a lot more than that. What had truly impressed her hadn't been his wealth but how he had handled himself. She had out and about challenged him last night and he hadn't seemed to mind at all; he had seemed to amused by her attitude and her comments. He had commanded attention, not because of the expensive suit that he had worn, but because of his mere presence. This was no momma's boy or some rich flop in a suit; this was a man who knew what he was doing; looked you straight in the eye and demanded respect.

"I…"

"Spit it out Black. What's up?"

"I got to go somewhere and I may not be back in time for our meeting tomorrow, so I need you to take care of things…"

"Hold up." She put her hands on her hips. "What are you talking about? We've got this deal and you're going to bail?" What the hell are you doing?

"I'm not bailing." He snapped at her.

Leah paused. This wasn't Jake. He was always light hearted, not surly. She looked at him, his face looked draw, his muscles tight, his nostrils flaring and he paced back and forth as if he was trying to stop himself from…phasing. Shit, something's totally wrong. "Is it Bells?"

His head snapped up. "No…it's just…" He closed his eyes for a moment. "I gotta go. Just handle things, okay. You can handle Paul and Seth and make sure that everything stays on track." He headed to the door.

"Where are you going?" He didn't answer her.

No, you aren't going to just bail and not tell me where you are going. What are you up to Jake? She sped past him to block him.

"Move Leah." He demanded.

"No." She crossed her arms. "Something's very wrong and you've got to tell me what."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can." Leah softened her voice trying another tactic with him. "Jake, whatever is going on it's got to be really important for you to risk the deal tomorrow. It's got to be about Bella and that means something serious. I know you and your commitment to her. She's the most important thing in your life, more important than the pack." Just like she should be. If only Sam had the type of balls to do what you did. But he didn't. The pack and his imprint came before me. If only he was half the man you are. You put Bella first. That's what I want. I want a real man, one who will put me first above all things. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've got to trust me. Please tell what's going on so I can help you."

Jake looked at Leah. God, I've kept so many secrets. From my pack brothers and sister, but most importantly from the woman I love. But, I had no choice. She was a mess. She had already lost so much. Her mind couldn't take anymore. I did what I had to do, but at what cost? I can't lose Bella. Not now! If her memories returns and she finds out what I did, I'll loss her. I can't. She's my soul. He sighed and closed his eyes almost as if he were ashamed. "I did something Leah. Something that nobody but Sam knows about." He rushed.

Sam? Jake why in the hell would you tell him anything? Tears filled Jake's eyes. My god, this is serious. In all the time they had been together, she had never seen him cry.

"I did it all to protect her." His voice broke. He reached out taking Leah's hand and painfully squeezed it as if it was all he could hold on to for the moment.

Whatever this is…it's bad. She knew it. But she didn't care. Whatever it took, she'd be there for him and Bella. The last piece of wall that she had built around her heart came crumbling down. Ah…fuck. Like it or not, they are your family. "Okay…whatever it is; you've got my word as your Beta and more importantly, as your friend that I will tell no one. Not even Bella if you don't want me to. Please Jacob…tell me what you did." She pleaded for the first time since she had begged Sam not to leave her. Hard as nail, take no prisoners, Leah Ann Clearwater actually pleaded for Jacob Ephraim Black to let her in.

New York

"I'm telling you Rose, it was made for you." Tanya stated looking at Rosalie who looked amazing as ever in a Ralph Rucci couture full mink and sable coat dress with full sleeves and leather mid-thigh boots. She had come two days ago for a fitting. They must have worked tersely to get it done.

Rosalie looked at herself in the circular mirror in the private dressing room at the couture fashion house. I do look good in this coat dress, don't I? It might cost a mint, but I have it. Between Edward and Alice's abilities, not to mention my own little vintage car company we are worth millions. "Emmett will love me in it, especially if I don't wear anything under it." She sated with a wicked smile thinking about her incredibly sexy hubby."And I do need something other than him to keep me warm when we take a trip to Russia this year." She took off the coat dress wearing nothing but a very skimpy pair of black laced thongs and matching bra.

"God, you're so lucky to have someone as sexy as him sharing your bed. He's big, strong, devoted to you and knows how to make you happy." Tanya stated while signaling the assistant to bring her the next item of clothing in Rucci's Chando's line that they had ordered. "I wish I had someone like him to spend my life with."

"What? You gave up your human lover, Reid?" I'm not even sure how you could be with a human. It wasn't that Reid wasn't good looking, but the temptation. I'm sure I could have withstood the smell. I've prided myself in never faltering and giving into bloodlust. I certainly wouldn't have risked it. Rose turned to look at Tanya who looked like a tall waif model on the runway in Paris with her small breast, a tiny waist and frame. The strawberry blonde was very pale, beautiful and flawless just as most vampires were. She looked no older than a very refined 20 year old. She looked amazingly sophisticated in her hand crafted custom tailored black pants and expensive black see through blouse with the buttons left mostly undone giving others a real view of her small perky breast underneath. Flawless diamond adorned her neck and ears while her hair was elegantly coiffed swept up in wavelike curls down on the right side of her face. Her tiny oval fingernails were painted a dark royal blue color while a sapphire and diamond ring rested on her middle finger Though Tanya resided primarily in Alaska, she Rosalie and Alice shopped in New York, Italy and Paris together once a year. She also accompanied them to Fashion Week. This year, Alice was missing. Poor Emmett was left to cart around their purchases. At the moment, he was frequenting an upscale sports bar at the Waldolf.

Tanya smiled a seductive smile remembering her handsome lover. "He was so handsome, and intelligent and refined for a human. However it was getting too hard not to take a sip; if you know what I mean. Besides, I always have to hold back with him sexually." She picked up a pair of shoes and handed them to Rosalie who now was wearing a grey sheer dress with a small feather like skirt that showed off her thighs."If only I could find companionship of our kind who could handle me and my urges." Tanya fingered a silk wrap. "I thought for a moment that maybe I could find something with your brother."

"Ugh...Edward." Rose looked at herself in the new dress she tried on. She'd have to wear the dress with no bra, but that wouldn't be a problem, vampires didn't seem to have a problem with showing a little skin. "I wish that you'd get over the crush you have on him. Didn't you learn when you offered to help him get over Bella?" He wasn't going to take you up on your offer. Edward likes submissive women clearly by his choice. Besides, he loves playing the tortured hero. "He's only going to bellyache and lament his lost love for Bella." So boring and so played out by now. You'd think that he would have gotten over her by now.

"I know." Tanya replied. "But with the fact Bella has married some werewolf; I thought Edward might need someone to cheer him up."

"What?" Rosalie was in front of Tanya in a matter of seconds. "What did you say?"

Tanya was surprised by her reaction. I thought that you hated the human Rose, why would you care? "Irina told me that they were married. It's been hard keeping her on a leash; she is obsessed with the wolves because they killed her mate. She stays off their land but she's been known to find out the coming and goings in the town hoping that one day Carlisle will renege on his truce. She wants them, badly, especially the alpha. It was during all that snooping she found out that Edward's Bella got married." Tanya smiled as she turned to check her makeup. "Do you think that Edward would be interested in killing the wolf that married his mate? That might make my sister ecstatic. She's been acting positively insane these days."

Ten Minutes Later

Emmett looked surprised to see his wife and Tanya striding into the hotel lobby of the sport's bar carrying a wealth of shopping bags. I hope one of them is from La Perla. I love when Rose wears that stuff and has me tie her up. I love ripping it off with my teeth. He smiled looking dapper in his Armani suit, his hair cut short and close to his head. Just recently he had died his hair a blonde color, Rose loved it, said that it made him look sexy. He turned away from the humans he had been "drinking" with. "Ladies that was quick. Don't tell me the Black American Express card has run its limits."He looked in his wallet. "I have another if you need it." Just wait until Rose sees that little babble that I picked up for her at Hermes, she'll love it. She'll spend most of the night finding exciting and inventive ways to thank me. Hopefully she'll be on her knees. He thought wickedly.

"We need to get home." Rose stated without any pleasantries.

"What? Why?"

"Apparently Bella has married Jacob Black."

Holy shit! Emmett thought paying for his tab with a grin on his face. There was nothing more than he liked to do was fight, other than having hot sweaty sex with his wife. Bella marrying a werewolf would no doubt cause major problem with his brother. There was no way and hell that Edward was going to allow the woman he loved to be mated to a werewolf. Damn Bella, you went from one dangerous creature to another. Girl you must like living on the edge. There certainly is going to be a war! Yeah…it's been a while since I had a good old fashion fight with a formidable opponent.

Forks

Jasper stepped toward Edward. "She's gone."

"And none too happy with us I'm afraid."

Jasper crossed his hands in front of him. "No, she isn't. However seeing Bella today will help her. She's missed their friendship. That will take her mind off the other matter." Jasper had seen the disappointment in Alice's eyes however he knew that she understood that sometimes human's lives had to be forfeited for the greater good.

Edward turned his eyes toward Jasper. "Jazz…I'm so sorry."

"I don't want to talk about it." He snapped at his brother. Out of all the stupid and reckless things that you've done Edward. I expected something like this from Emmett; he allows his passions to rule him, but not you.

"But I never meant for this to happen."

"Don't. I don't want your apology." Jasper stated with efficient coldness. "You lost your head and it cost Jessica her life."

"What she said to Bella…. I couldn't handle it." That bitch. She laughed at her and ridiculed her and had the balls to make fun of Charlie's death. I couldn't let her get away with saying the nasty things she said. She actually delighted in Bella's pain in my abandonment. She had the audacity to say that I didn't love her. "I couldn't seem to let it go. I lost it."

"And she lost her life for it. You revealed what were to her in the most callous of broke all the rules! I'm your brother and I love you. But I will NOT allow you or anyone to put Alice in danger by bringing the Volturi down on our heads because you lost your temper with a human." His cold eyes bore into Edward. "I killed her for you Edward. And I cleaned up your mess. But rest assured….I won't do it again. Not because of your reckless behavior." Jasper moved fast standing in front of Edward with a menacing look on his marble face. "I know that this entire situation with Bella is difficult for you. I can empathize; I can't image what I'd feel if I lost Alice. I don't envy your suffering. However, that doesn't give you the right to go off half cocked. If you want to take on Jacob and his pack, as foolish and dangerous as it may be, I'll stand by your side and fight with you. If you want to go away for a while and need someone to be there for you, I'll even do that. But you must control your actions." He inched forward, his nose almost touching Edward's. "But if you can't control yourself, but know that no matter how much it would hurt me, and it would, I will end you myself than allow Alice to come to harm. She will always be my first priority. I'll kill anybody who would dare bring harm her, including you."

And I would not blame you for such an act brother. Edward thought. With that Jasper strode away leaving Edward alone.

Top of Form

Bella and Jacob's Home

Bella looked over her notes, highlighted a section and used her I-Pad to update her outline. She felt more relaxed and at ease now that she had some rest. After a cup of strong tea and two homemade lemon sugar cookies, she had taken one of the sleeping pills that Kim had left her. Thank goodness those nightmares hadn't returned so she could concentrate on her work now that she had rested. She loved writing and the fact that it was early summer was great, she'd have the rest of the summer to work on her next book. Bella wanted most of her work to be done before she headed back to her full time job as a teacher.

A breeze came through the open French doors to her office/writing room. The room had been Jacob's idea. The room had originally been a den. Jacob had started spending additional time with Billy; little did she know that he and Billy had been working on creating the most perfect writing desk for her. Jacob, Roman, Embry, Jared, Paul and Quil had worked together; found a perfect used love seat and soft ottoman for her to lounge on when writing. They had repainted the room a beautiful buttercup yellow with white trimmings. Kim, Rachel, Emily and Angela had furnished it by going to a little antique store in Port Angeles. There they found the perfect accoutrements to make the room warm and a perfect place for writing. They had gone as far as to frame some of Bella's favorite photographs and placed them on the wall. Bella felt touched and loved being in the room that her family and friends had worked so hard to create. She still saw their smiling faces. Jacob had brought her downstairs blind folded to the door with a red ribbon on it. She had been gone on a small trip to Phoenix to visit her mother who had a hysterectomy. That had given her family the time to get everything together. She had pushed the door open to see their smiling faces as they gave her her office. Every real writer has a place to work. He had whispered in her ear. You have one now because you are a real writer, Bells. The room wasn't the only surprise, the closet to the room had been extended and Jacob had worked to create a dark room for her to develop her photographs. She didn't know who was more tickled, her or him. But she knew one thing; she was touched that he'd do something like this for her. Sitting on the mantel of the gas range fireplace was some of Jacob's carving that he did of a wolf and a doe. The wolf represented him and the doe, her, she loved them.

That was her Jacob; he was always doing small things for her. I really love you so much my wonderful husband. She lightly touched her simple gold wedding band. Marriage life was much more than she had expected. Bella honestly had been a little leery because of her parents failed married but life with Jacob had changed their mind. Things weren't always perfect, there were times they argued, but he loved her and she loved him. He was her best friend. He made her laugh, cared for her, protected her, but the most important thing was that he treated her as a partner and was always honest with her. Honesty was very important to Bella. No matter how hard or difficult things were, her Jacob would never keep anything from her. The front door rang pulling Bella away from her thoughts. Bella stood taking her working pad with her and headed to the door. She opened the front door and the pad dropped out of her hand landing on the floor. "Hello Bella." A mature Alice Cullen stood looking at her.

Cullen's Mansion in Boston: the blue room

Tanya placed her bags on the large king sized bed. The bed was made up with a flowing blue silk valence that matched the startling white duvet on the bed. The "Blue Room" was stunning and her favorite room in the Boston estate. Everything in the room was classic from the stripped wallpaper a mixture of powder and royal blue with white inlets that matched the crystal chandelier to the antique French furniture and accoutrements that were placed with precision in front of the detailed fireplace and classic paintings. Esme knows about style for each home is drastically different than another in style as well as location, though there were specific classic details that all her. It had been one of the reasons that Tanya had once commissioned Esme to remodel her estate in Alaska. The white orchids were the right color that matched the detailed blue and white marbled floor. The large master bath was a work of art done in blue and white, with an adjacent huge mirror. She wondered if Carlisle and Esme often tried out their different rooms in their houses. The night before, she spent over an hour lounging in the enormous tub. Tanya stepped out of her room onto the balcony to lounge and inhale the fresh air while looking at the vast empty land that the Cullen's used as their estate. She looked up at the dark sky, the wind had picked up, the trees blowing from side to side, and no doubt a storm was well on their way.

She loved visiting the Cullen's, but knew she soon would have to go back home because her sisters needed her. Lost in her thoughts as the air blew around her, a particular scent filled her nostrils, a hiss emanated from her chest as she placed her hands on the four story ledge and jumped over it. She sped as fast as she could in the dark toward the scent that was miles away. In a matter of minutes she had run toward the danger to spot two motorcycles with riders coming at her. The first whizzed by her, the second did not. She reached out grabbed the passenger and flung her as hard as she could. The female went flying into the trees breaking them as she flew into the air 50 feet away. Tanya turned to the other rider who had now turned around and jumped off the motorcycle when he suddenly phased in midair into a huge snarling russet wolf and landed right in front of her.

She had never seen a wolf so big before with large teeth. He roared het as he came at her with knife like claws. As she pranced around he followed her movements. The rain she knew would come started to fall hard around them, soaking them both to the bone. She moved fast but he was faster as he anticipated her move. Oh Fuck! She ducked but he was on her. She started to run toward the trees and ran up one and bounded off flipping backwards to land on the wolf's back; she sunk her teeth deep in his fur. He roared in pain and flung her back. Tanya flew across the air and landed as she used her catlike reflexes to climb up the tree. The wolf came at her and used his huge claws to bring the tree crashing down to the earth. She tried to jump but her high heeled boots missed from the sleekness of the rain and suddenly she was falling down through the air. She hit the ground. She looked around to see the big russet wolf coming toward her with another smaller grey one behind him. Shit!!!

"Oh…looky Fido has come out to play." A voice said out of nowhere. Rosalie reached out and grabbed the big russet wolf's tail and swung him propelling him to the trees but that didn't deter him. He only landed with a thud cracking the tree in half and scrambled onto his paws to go chasing after her with malice intent when Emmet seemed to have dropped down out of the sky between them.

"Run Rose!" He yelled as he ran toward the wolf and barreled into him. The two of them hit each other. The earth shook as the sound of two Mack trucks hitting sounded in the distance as they hit each other as the clashed.

Tanya was not out of danger as the grey one came close to her. She fanned to the left to get the grey wolf off her tail, it didn't work .The grey one swiped for a killing move to take her head off when suddenly strong arms wrapped around her and she was teleported to the Cullen's front lawn over 10 miles away. She turned to find a muscular, startling and handsome Asian man standing behind her. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that it is impolite to fight with your guest?" He stated with a bit of humor. A moment later, he simply "popped" out of sight.

A few seconds later Rosalie and Emmet were popped right next to her out of thin air. Emmett was spitting mad as he turned to the man. "What the hell did Jin do that for?"

"Jin?" Tanya should have known. She had heard all about the elusive vampire who was the only known teleporter of their kind and good friend to Carlisle.

Tanya's attention was then turned to the growling noises she heard as two running wolves came running at a fast pace toward them from the trees. Rose was getting ready to pounce when Carlisle came out of the house and stopped her. "No Rose."

She snarled. " But…"

"I don't want any of you to attack them." Carlisle looked at his children and then Tanya.

"They tried to kill my wife." Emmet complained. "I can take them." He said with excitement.

Emmet must truly be insane to want to fight with that big one. Tanya thought.

"After they were provoked, no doubt." Carlisle turned and walked down the stairs of the wrap around veranda toward the front lawn. The wolves roared, the big one stood in front of the smaller one thirty feet away, he looked ready to pounce at any moment. Carlisle however didn't look the slightest upset at the fact that werewolves were on his immense property.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding. My children were gone on a trip; they came home earlier when I wasn't expecting them. Tanya, our guest and friend, misunderstood your presence when she attacked you. She thought that you had, in error, come to harm us and was not aware of your invitation." Carlisle bowed his head.

Tanya's eyes narrowed as she watched the wolf. The big one looked her way, anger in his eyes as he growled. "I assure you that you and your kind will have safe passage during your stay. My deepest regrets for the incident. I'm sorry." The big wolf looked past Tanya toward Jin with distrusting eyes. As if Carlisle could read its mind he spoke. "Jin is an old family friend. He has the power of teleporting. He only took them out of harm's way. He can be trusted for he's the contact that I used to get in touch with Fae."

Then, as if the russet wolf had a great deal of intelligence it stood still. He studied them all for a moment, especially her and Jin. Suddenly in a matter of seconds a man stood there. Tanya's mouth popped open as one of the sexiest man she had ever seen was now in the wolf's place. Standing unabashedly naked with a magnificent body was handsome Native American with long hair, an artistic circular tattoo with a circular inscription outlining it on his left bicep, amazing abs and a very huge cock. Not even aroused, he was impressive in size. "Mmmm…" Me likes.

Tanya heard a gagging sound. She turned to see Rosalie with hatred in her eyes. "Fucking mutt."

Tanya turned to her. "Carlisle's right Rose. I attacked them first. I did misunderstand." She stated turning her attention back to the man who had her teeth marks on his shoulder blade.

"It doesn't matter. They had no right to be there. They're mongrels."

"Shh…be good Rose." Emmett pulled her into his arms and kissed her the top of her head.

Tanya's eyes went to Jin who was dressed in a black t-shirt and worn jeans and no shoes. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail; he just looked at her with amusement in his amazingly strange looking grey colored eyes. That's odd our kind normally has either red, brown or black eyes when we are hungry but not grey. She thought. For an Asian he stood tall at 6 feet. The t-shirt formed against his muscular chest. He wore a tiny gold necklace with an emblem she didn't recognize. He wasn't as built as the werewolf, but then again, who was.

Carlisle smiled and nodded. "Jacob, it's good to see you again. We have much to discuss. Please come on in."

Jacob turned to the other wolf. Tanya's eyes narrowed, they seemed to be communicating with each other.

Are you alright? Jacob thought to Leah. He knew she took a hit.

I'm fine. That vamp bitch didn't get the best out of me; the fracture will heal in no time. I'm just pissed that the transporter got her out before I could fucking take her head off. How about you, she bit you."

I'll be fine. Ihope. He thought. The venom from the bit was already causing the area around it to become numb.

Are you sure you trust them Black?

He studied the group before him. Carlisle looked calm cool and doctorly in a gray lightweight sweater and black slacks and concern in his eyes standing next to Esme. While the blonde in the expensive jeans and sequenced form fitting shirt and the killer stilettos, looked downright murderous. The muscular guy in the suit was kissing the top of her head as if to comfort her. Must be Rosalie and Emmett. Jacob already hated the bitch; after all she was the one in the group that had been mean to Bella. He looked at Emmett, the vampire had come at him man and man or beast to beast and deep down, Jacob respected that. Not bad for a blood sucker. Like her or not, you protected your mate. Instead of being pissed, Emmett looked amused. Must be like Paul. Bells did say that he loved to fight didn't she? Then there was the strawberry blonde in black who had bit him. She may be tiny, but she certainly had a fucking nasty bite. I'll probably have to get a rabies shot for that bite, damn. Then there was the Asian who looked…well…serene was the best word to describe him. Jacob couldn't read him. He studied the group. Three people were missing. The little pixie one, Alice and the one who always looked to be in pain… Jasper. And of course, the super prick himself, Edward. Jacob wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed to see that Edward was missing. A part of him wanted to smash the fucker's face in for hurting Bella so much and yet another part of him, the mischievous part, wanted to let Edward know that Bella was his and his alone, mind, body and soul.

Jake. Leah thought. She knew where Jacob's mind was taking him. She was glad that Eddie Monster wasn't here. That meant they could focus on doing what they needed to do and get the hell out of here. Do you trust what they are saying?

Yes. He finally answered. I may not like vamps too much, but Carlisle has come through in the past. I believe him when he says that the others didn't know we were coming. Believe it or not, I can understand the attack. They were protecting their land, just as we do.

Yeah…right. Well I don't trust anything that takes their food from the vein.

"Your friend can join us inside." Carlisle stated to Jacob.

Are they fucking kidding? I'm not going to go in there. Maybe you shouldn't either.

I have to. I need to talk to him. He's the only one that may be able to answer my questions.

Fuck!....Alright then, fine. I'm not going to have you go in there unprotected. Leah started to phase right there. Moments later she stood proudly and naked in front of a group of vampires. Thank god that I went to the spa yesterday. She thought. Her eyes narrowed as the "big" one looked her up and down stopping to stare at her breast and right down to her bare bikini waxed mound. "Like anything you see." She growled. I do look good don't I. Eat your heart out you fucking blood sucker, but don't get it twisted, I don't do vamps. Ever!

The blonde one next to him looked pinched as she turned to see where his gaze took them. Fury showed in her eyes as she elbowed him right in the balls. Leah grinned as he slightly doubled over.

"Come on Rose." He said to her. "I was just looking. You know that I'd never touch anybody but you." She stormed into the house. He followed her.

All men are the same. Leah chuckled until she noted an Asian vamp checking her out.

Her gaze narrowed."What the fuck are you looking at?"

He just smiled softly as he looked at her for a moment and could see something she didn't. "Women of your breed are very rare." He stepped forward. "I have many questions for you."

"Do I look like a fucking test subject to you?" She turned to Jacob. "Black…"

"Leah's my second in command, but that doesn't mean she's comfortable being here. Neither of us is."

"Ahh…a beta. I see. It explains a lot, though most of the time Beta's are the calming individuals compared to the Alpha male. This however is the exception; she seems to be the one with the fire." Jin replied.

Jacob turned to the vamp. "Don't let appearances fool you." He growled low in his chest while his eyes changed colors.

The crazy Asian vamp only smiled. "Interesting. Carlisle I'm so glad that you called me to meet him."

Jacob looked at Carlisle. "You did what?"

Carlisle looked at Jacob. "I know that you have questions, Jin can help answer some. Come, we have some clothes for you and my wife has cooked dinner."

"This isn't a social call." Jake responded.

"I know. But we know you must be hungry after your long drive here. Though we don't eat, Esme, I assure you is a fabulous cook. She's taken a few cooking classes you see. Of course those were in preparation to make Bella feel at home. You must understand that no matter what powers we have, I cannot allow my wife to be upset. She slaved most of the day for you. I think that you know the delicate nature of marriage and the need not to upset one's mate. So you will eat what she's prepared for you. " Carlisle stated using a non negotiable tone that Jacob had never heard.

Keeping tabs on me Carlisle? Jacob wondered. So you know that Bella and I are married? Good, does that mean that Edward now knows? I hope so, that should keep him away from Bella forever.

Jacob hesitated for a moment. He hated being here. He hated lying and he most certainly hated relying on Carlisle Cullen. But he had no choice in the matter. He simply strode in the house naked as they came to a strawberry blonde model looking vamp who was eyeing him up and down as if he were dinner.

She smiled.

He growled.

Leah took up behind his back and gave her a piercing stare. This isn't over bitch. Her eyes spoke volumes. It was only when she walked through the doors into the impressive foyer that she realized something. That 1) Jacob's hair was long again 2) Jacob had a strange looking tattoo on his back that had not been there before and 3) that Jacob had been talking to her in her head when he had been in the form of a man, not a wolf. What the fuck is going on? Stupid Leah. You could have been in Paris right now on the arm of the only man who made you cream you panties with just one look; instead, you're going into a vampire coven's house to see some leeches you don't like and certainly don't trust. Isn't this fucking grand.