Discussion
Carlisle's POV
The Cullens gathered in the living room at the big white house. Everyone sat together with their mates in a semi circle, leaving Edward to sit by himself in the armchair. He briefly wondered if this was the last time he sat alone with his family like this. His mind brought up memories of a lifetime of family moments when he'd been alone. The decades that marked passing time, cities, homes, hunting trips, schools, colleges; being the third, the fifth, the seventh. He shook his head to clear it of the thoughts and focused on the present. Isabella Swan.
"There seems to be more questions than answers from the letters. We need to know much more before we can make any decisions. I noticed none of the letters actually tell the context of what is in the books, even with the warnings." Jasper started.
"I agree with you Jasper. While we still have to learn the context of the letters and warnings, we shouldn't take them lightly. She says the Quileute are shifting again. We need to contact the elders and make sure the treaty is still intact. I must introduce you and Alice to them." Both of them nodded.
They hadn't joined us yet the last time we lived in the area and formed the treaty with the wolves. It would be wise to introduce them as members of the Cullen family.
"What about the Volturi warning? They could find out about us from anyone we've come across over the years. The size of our family and our gifts are not secret to many." Esme brought up the other warning from the letters.
"They haven't found out about us yet. You know we would turn them down anyway Carlisle." Alice stated then turned to Edward. "If you go to join them they will know everything there is to know about us. Maybe that's what the warning in the book was about."
Everyone who hadn't known of Edward's plan to leave and possibly join the Volturi gasped.
"Why would Edward go to them?" Emmett asked in confusion.
"You would leave us to join them? Edward, is this your heart's desire?"
Esme's words were barely audible even to our ears. She was heartbroken. I hadn't told her the details Alice had shared with me regarding Edward's decision to leave. I pulled her onto my lap and held her close.
"It was a fleeting thought Esme, nothing came of it. Alice must have seen it at the time."
Edward tried to pacify her but the damage was done. His eyes dropped to the ground and he slouched in his seat. I can only imagine what the others were thinking to him.
"Yes, you're right Alice, they would know much more about us if Aro had to read my mind." He admitted
"I don't want anyone anywhere near Italy from now on. At least until we understand what the danger is. And even then, I still wouldn't want you close to the Volturi. Please children, I cannot bear for any of you to be hurt or lost." Esme begged
They all nodded their heads in understanding. My Esme is a mother to them in every way that matters and they are immortally teenagers, her children.
I looked over to Alice wondering if she wanted to discuss what was in her letter about her. She shook he head slightly, quickly darting her eyes to Edward and back. He only acknowledged her with a frown.
"What about the most immediate danger to our family. This Bella knows things that no human should know about us. We're already in danger from the Volturi about that." Rosalie piped in, unaware of our exchange.
"That's true, for us and for her. It's also true for whoever wrote and gave her the books about us. We have to decide first whether we are meeting her or not; whether we want to learn what's in the books or not. She'll be at school with you tomorrow." I was trying to gently bring Edward into the conversation. He was deliberately keeping out of it.
"Why are we ignoring the pink elephant in the room? Edward, this is your mate. What do you want to do?" Emmett. Always blunt.