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Chapter 11

The Meadow

Being around for a couple hundred years as an immortal makes you an exceptional liar.

Charlie had called Carlisle's cell phone, and his office phone at the hospital countless times looking into the information he received about me. Apparently a nurse at the hospital called Charlie personally to tell him of my "injuries." Carlisle was able to convince Charlie that the nurse was looking at the wrong file. Carlisle explained I had been in a few days earlier to have all my vaccinations updated for my around-the-world honeymoon. He told Charlie it was all a filing error and I was somewhere over international waters surely joining the mile high club with my new wife. Charlie bought it; hell, I would have bought it too if I wasn't sitting right in front of Carlisle in the Great Room of the house. Since Charlie didn't expect me back for a month, it gave us time to come up with the next step. Unfortunately my need to be separated from all humans was not our biggest problem. Apparently we had two pending wars on the horizon.

Alice had been searching the future for hours trying to see more of whatever her vision of Riley was. She could only get the same quick image before it would disappear because of the wolves. I sat and watched with her to make sure she didn't miss anything and to suggest different angels to check. Bella would put her shield around us so that no one's decision to watch TV, fix a car, go hunting, or any other trivial thing would distract Alice. The shield didn't keep all of the other futures out but it served as an effective filter. Carlisle argued that because the wolves were apparently so involved in this vision that they would be possibly helping in the battle, at our side. No one believed Carlisle, or maybe they felt that was just too impossible to believe.

Eventually we felt we were wasting too much time and effort, and decided to take our mind off things. Everyone's thoughts immediately went to spending time with their significant others.

Alice drug Jasper shopping telling him they had the great responsibility of updating my wardrobe to Cullen status. Rosalie went to work on the cars and planned to use her "monkey man" as her own personal "grease monkey." Carlisle and Esme retired to their study. Bella mentioned that Esme was working on something special and I would find out soon enough. Bella and I retired to our meadow. It seemed we hadn't been there in ages.

It was exhilarating being able to run with Bella to the meadow. With my new and improved eye sight I drank in her beauty as her hair whipped behind her in the breeze. I internally laugh at the fact that I had to slow myself to keep at Bella's pace. Bella was fast, but I was faster. I prayed this was something I wouldn't lose as my newborn strength began to wane.

As always, our meadow was half shaded and half illuminated by the sun. Even on the cloudiest day in Forks, Washington, this clearing seemed to be where the sun was hiding. Bella and I had stumbled upon the Sun's vacationing spot. I froze at the edge of the shadow. I knew what would happen with I stepped in the light but for some reason I was apprehensive. Bella took my hand and pulled me into the yellow light. Again, my previous human sight had betrayed me. My better than 20/20 vision could see every rainbow's individual color that Bella's skin produced. I could see when each faucet cut of her diamond skin refracted the sun light into a multitude of beams. More than that, I could see my own. What was more gorgeous than our shinning surface was the look in Bella's eyes as she looked upon my new face. She was in awe as if she never seen the phenomenon before. I imagined that was my very face the first time I saw Bella in such light (no pun intended).

I had gotten use to my new cooler temperature, it felt as normal as my living temperature before my change. I relished in the warmth of Bella's hands as we always stayed in physical contact with each other but being in the sun was a new glorious feeling. The warmth seemed so substantial. I wished that I may be able to carry it home with me. The light upon me was as soft as Bella's touch. This meadow would come to mean more to me than it already was. All the more reason to make it my sanctuary.

I slowly pulled my love into a slow and sensual kiss. The electricity between us was even greater than that wonderful day in Biology class. How was it possible for me to want her even more? How could love go this deep? For the first time in our relationship we weren't worried with being extra cautious. We weren't hurrying to the call of our names. I wasn't apologizing for something. We just were and we always would be. Nonetheless, I could sense Bella wanted to tell me something; I knew it had to do with our current worries.

"Edward I want to tell you what is going on. What the deal with Riley is and I don't want you to stop me. I need you to know this." We took our seats on the grass.

"Bella, you really don't have to tell me anything dear." I ran my finger through her hair.

"Yes, I do, so just listen." She was serious about this and it was something she needed to get off her chest and I was going to let her. I patiently waited for Bella to begin.

"About twenty years ago we all lived in Turnage, Maine. It's a lot like Forks: small town, little to no sun. It was my second favorite place to live, of course Forks coming to be first. It was also like Forks in that there were very few of our kind around. There were nomads that passed through, but for the longest time we knew of no one with permanent resident there. One day while hunting we came across their scent. We were leery to follow, but Alice saw they were vegetarians and Carlisle okayed it. That was when we met Victoria, James, and Riley."

Speaking his name was even a burden on Bella, but she was determined to continue. She closed her eyes in concentration.

"They told us they had been in the area for only a few years and learned of the new life style from a nomad friend of theirs. Carlisle had influenced many. Though we didn't commune much with other vampires due to our wanting to live close to normal lives, everyone knew of Carlisle. It really didn't surprise us. Victoria was to Riley what Esme is to us. She felt that Riley deserved a steady life in one spot as long as possible and knew the only way to do that was to change diets. James and Victoria were very kind and though they struggled some, they were devoted to their new diet choice. I think us being around helped. It showed them they could be successful. Riley was just completely against the vegetarian concept. He didn't really try at all. Riley felt humans were nothing more than our food source. I could tell Riley was attracted to me and at first I thought he always came around and singled me out because we were the only two who weren't a part of a mated pair.

"His disregard for human life and obsessive nature obviously left me to find nothing worthwhile in him. I was more than ready to leave Turnage. Unfortunately, James and Victoria had to leave as well. Riley's disregard brought too much attention to them. Abandoning those that you bring into this life is a big no-no in our world. Victoria once told me that she was trying to save Riley since the monster that created him left him to learn it all on his own. So, it pained her when she and James made the decision to leave him behind. They wanted a life like ours, something they would never have with Riley. We still hear from James and Victoria from time to time. They have stuck to their choice and have greatly prospered.

"I don't really know how Riley always knows where I am. This is not the first time he has shown up at one of our homes. Carlisle thinks Riley maybe a tracker, another talent common amongst our world. I fear he will never leave us alone."

I could see pain in Bella's eyes. Her feeling, be it pain or happiness, always seemed to affect me so much. Jasper told me that mates are as much empathic as he is naturally. The same rage that pulsated through me at meeting Riley at the wedding was there even now. It was almost tangible, as if it had come through my pores and completely covered my skin. I could taste it in my mouth. I had realized I hadn't address Bella.

"Edward, I need you to say something. I am sorry for bringing all this on you." Bella couldn't look me into the eye.

"He will pay for everything he has done." The decision was made. My mouth filled with anger again. I had to swallow down the liquid that pooled in my mouth leaving a bitter trail to my already burning throat.

Bella's warm thumb rubbed my brow that had frowned at my thoughts. "We're going to be okay," Bella said as she found her way back to my eyes. I loved the way her liquid color of her eyes brightened her face against the dark contrast of her hair.

"When will my eyes be like yours?" I rubbed my hands below her lids.

"Soon. About six months or so. I know the sight of the red can be a little disturbing."

"Yeah. Just a little."

We continued to sit in our meadow staring up at the quick moving clouds. Being in Bella's presence was peaceful in so many ways. Not only did I feel completed being with my other (and better) half but also not being able to read her mind allowed for much needed mental silence. A clear mind was a rarity when I could hear thoughts for what seemed like miles and being in a well populated house contributed to the difficulty. Miles away from other voices; the complete silence was welcomed and appreciated. It also made me more alert.

"Leeches!"

The voice was unfamiliar to me but I knew of only one group that used such a word. I was instantly on my feet. Bella obviously didn't hear the voice but she must have heard the heartbeat and above all else caught the smell. I was sure if it were possible I would throw up whatever deer blood was left in my system because of the putrid stench. They smelled like wet dogs magnified. The stench burned my nose and sent me into hyper-awareness. I instantly planted in front of Bella assuming the fight position. I wasn't a fighter as a human but I knew I was faster now and stronger, and, according to Carlisle, I would figure the rest out. The wolves had finally broken through the tree line.

There were five of them: the russet brown, black, and dark brown three from the morning following the wedding, plus a sandy brown one and grey one as well. They all crowded as if they were steadying themselves to attack.

"Bella, they're here about the treaty." I should have known this day was going to come. Because Bella and Carlisle made the decision to save my life, it could possibly be the end all of us. Carlisle broke a key point in the treaty as soon as his teeth broke my skin. This was going to be the start of the war that Jacob so desperately wanted.

"The girl is mine." The voice was feminine. I jumped back in front of Bella who faced the gray wolf. It never occurred to me that wolves could also be women.

"Leah, don't do anything yet. Nobody attack." Jacob voice roared in my head. Leah growled at Jacob's order, yet her mental state was of nothing but obedience.

"Jacob, what do you want?" Our leader wasn't here but I didn't want Bella anywhere near the wolves. I didn't know how fast they were but hopefully I could hold them off to give Bella time to run. Her shield wouldn't protect her in a hand to hand fight.

"You know what I want! You broke the treaty. There are no longer boundary lines. We find you, we kill you. This is the end."

"Back off, Jacob." My growl ran parallel to the words I spoke. My mouth began to fill with the bitter liquid again. "Carlisle had no choice. Before he was forced to make the decision, I had already asked for this."

"It doesn't matter, he knew the consequences. Now you all must die for your choices."

The fight was on.

Jacob lunged at me at full force. He was serious when he said he wouldn't take our past into consideration. I knew instantly what his move was going to be. At the last instance I moved to the right, completely dodging his attack. Jacob's next thought was to go for my left arm. Again, at the last instance, I jumped over his back at least seven feet off the ground. I knew then what my strength in battle would be. As long as my opponent didn't have a shield like Bella, I would know their every move, their every intention, and I could counter attack. I would still ask Jasper for fighting lessons, if I lived past this. It amazed me how I could still think clearly and successfully avoid all of Jacob's moves.

I realized that in my struggle with Jacob, Bella was left alone. Had the other wolves attacked her? How was she in battle? I took the chance to turn in her direction. She was alert, watching the other wolves and me as well. She looked perplexed. I could imagine she was debating on helping me or running, I assumed to Carlisle. Bella seemed to be my only mental distraction. As I mentally contemplated Bella, Jacob had successfully landed a blow to the center of my chest, sending me flying backwards and hitting and uprooting a tree. I was unscathed but pissed. I charged full speed at the dog, hell bent on ending its life. I was proud of the move I came up with. Only two feet from my opponent, I dove into the air landing on his back. I put as much pressure around his body and chest that I could muster. After two squeezes his howls and thoughts proved his agony. I could hear the bones begin to crack under the pressure. I wasn't going to let go. I didn't want to kill my childhood friend but I couldn't allow him to take my life or worst, my love's life. I still didn't know why the other wolves hadn't attacked, but was grateful for the moment.

As Jacob's body crashed to the ground, I was called to by Carlisle's thoughts. I was mentally aware of Jasper, Alice, Rose, Emmett and Esme as well.

"Edward, we're almost there." I could hear them thinking as they approached.

Despite Carlisle's words, I was too apprehensive to let go of the mutt underneath me. It wasn't that I didn't want to let go; I couldn't. I couldn't turn off the fight that was in me.

Without warning I began to feel lethargic. I couldn't tell if Jacob could feel it as well, his thoughts only registered pain. As the wave of emotions washed over me I rolled off Jacobs back. My body felt heavy and lifeless as I laid on the ground waiting on Jasper's magic to wear off.

"We have to talk. Alice had a vision that will affect us all and we need your help. Please, you all must listen." Carlisle's voice was sincere. I could see that the wolves were in fact affected by Jasper. They all struggled to stand up against their sudden mood change and none of them were willing to listen.

"Carlisle, they don't believe you. They think it's a trick." It took what was left of my strength to speak.

Carlisle addressed the wolves again, walking towards them with his hand up to surrender. "The threat that is on its way to Forks is greater than our differences. I understand your need to seek justice for our broken treaty. Know that we changed Edward because he had no other choice. He is our family." Carlisle turned to address Jasper. "You may stop, son."

As Jasper's hold slowly wore off, I had enough strength to join Bella at my family's side. We both felt better once we were back in each other's arms. I also felt like myself being behind Jasper's powerful effects, my strength fully restored.

I hoped Carlisle knew what he was doing; our entire family stood in the middle of mine and Bella's once serene meadow, surrounded by wolves that were dead set on vengeance.

"Jacob wants to know why they should trust us again." I conveyed Jacob's silent wolf thoughts into words.

Carlisle seemed to contemplate the question. "Because, you want to live."

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