Chapter 10

Alice began to have more precise visions, well as precise as she could with me and Nessie being there. The Volturi would arrive around midnight tonight; we would be able to cut them off in the clearing before they reached the reservation.

Ryan hadn't gone to his human form yet, he was too worried about the coming Volturi. Someone was always in wolf form with him now, trying to get him back.

Alice and Jasper sat on the couch again in my house. Nessie was on Alice's lap, holding onto her locket with one hand and holding Alice's hand with the other. I paced back in forth in front of them. I was too nervous to do anything. I had to talk with my pack but I did not want to leave Nessie.

"Jacob, Nessie will be ok if you want to talk with your pack. We will keep her safe." Jasper said calmly, I could feel my fear start to edge away. Stupid emotion changing vampire.

I glanced at the clock for the millionth time; it was 10:00 p.m. I really should be going. I bent down and kissed the top of Renesmee's head. "Please keep her safe," I whispered. "I'll be back in an hour to go to the clearing." I turned on my heels and darted out the door.

Away from Jasper my panic was returning. Not only would I probably lose Nessie but I may lose my pack also. I couldn't think of the pain I would put their families through, and it would be my fault, again. I phased once I reached the woods and bolted.

I thought while I ran, but I wasn't alone. Paul was with Ryan.

Are we meeting now Jacob? Paul asked.

Umm, yeah. I was distracted and Paul felt my panic. I felt Paul tense but he and Ryan started galloping to where I was.

I sat on my haunches, threw up my head and howled. My howl was long and full of authority, no matter where Embry and Leah were in La Push they would hear me. My howl ended on a sour note and Paul flinched again. His thoughts were worried.

Leah phased then Embry, they were racing towards me. Paul and Ryan joined me and a couple minutes later Leah showed up, followed by Embry. They both felt my anxiety and became nervous.

It will be ok, Jacob. We are strong and there are only three of them and seven of us. I was surprised she included Alice and Jasper. Well I know they will be there and their help is appreciated. I smiled inwardly; Leah was getting a soft spot for the bloodsuckers. A low growl rumbled from her in response.

I didn't know how to put words to what I wanted to say, but everyone understood anyways. I couldn't put them in danger.

You want us to stay here? You don't want us with you? Embry nearly shouted in my head.

Your insane Jacob! You can't go alone! Paul snarled and his hackles rose in anger.

Jacob we can't let you go alone! Leah was desperate, I felt her panic welling to the surface.

Ryan was the only silent one. I felt the newborn's relief, he didn't want to fight. The others were annoyed by him but didn't say anything.

I stood, towering over all the others. They gazed up at me, dark wolf eyes full of worry. Tails twitched impatiently. The breeze blew our fur like a wheat field. I knew what I had to do, and my pack realized what was happening.

But Jacob.. Leah whimpered. My stare cut her off.

I raised my head and spoke for the first time with my low and powerful alpha voice. I will go alone to the clearing; you will stay in La Push for the sake of your families and our tribe. The words bit at me. I watched horrified as what I said crushed my pack into submission and they knelt before me.