Disclaimer: The Twilight Series and its characters are owned by Stephenie Meyer. This is written with no intention to earn anything but the reader's and author's enjoyment.
Prima Facie's Chapter Thirteen: Taken Under Advisement
The planning of Edward's capture and, most likely, death did not go the way Bella would have desired. She found herself thinking how she didn't want to be in this position, wishing it had all never happened. But she shook the thoughts off as silly and unrealistic. Her therapist told her it wouldn't be good to live in dreams. He had said it was important that she focus on reality- try to get involved in something productive to distract her. He had suggested knitting, but Bella couldn't see how that was very productive since the sewing machine and mass clothing produce had began.
After an hour of hearing the werewolves talk about the "blood-thirsty leach" and "crazed murderer," Bella couldn't handle it anymore. She knew that the words were technically true. And she hated that she still felt some sort of connection to the old Edward to honor his memory, however small. She didn't want to think of what he had become.
She wasn't aware that she had begun rocking until she heard Sam's voice calling to her from where he was sitting across the room. "Bella? Why don't you go lie down and rest? We can do the planning."
Bella looked at him, sadly, "I… I don't want to disappoint any of you more… I should help."
Sam stood and grabbed her hand while Jacob's arm tightened around her shoulders. "Bella, you can't help us plan an attack. The only thing I can think you can give us would be…. Do you know how to contact Carlisle Cullen? He might know how to help…."
Bella looked down. She didn't think that Carlisle would be comfortable helping the wolves track down his "son". However, she couldn't very well turn them down now. It was her fault that he had come to the area in the first place with blood on his mind. "His phone number is in my address book… do you want me to go get it?"
Sam nodded, and Bella stood from her seat, walking upstairs and grabbing the small book from her bag. She flipped though, seeing "Carlisle" and gazing at the number. If he was still in Alaska with the Denali coven, this was the number. She walked downstairs and handed the book to Sam. "Do you… do you want me to call him?"
Sam looked at her, but a glance over her shoulder at Jacob caused him to shake his head no. "You should go rest. Most of the planning will just be how we will work…. Guard times and pairings, boring stuff."
Bella felt Jacob stand behind her, putting a hand on her lower back and nudging her slightly toward the stairs. "I'm sorry," she whispered brokenly to the pack as she was led out of the room.
Jacob settled her into bed before saying he had to get back to them. With a quick kiss on her cheek, he left the room. Bella closed her eyes, hoping almost that she would slip back into the blank state of mind she had been in the past few months.
She needed to go see Charlie's grave. She knew that. Unfortunately, the idea caused her to feel sick. She didn't know how she could bear knowing that, thanks to her, he was inside a coffin underneath the ground. She reached for the sleeping pills on the nightstand and took one. Within a few more minutes, she was asleep.
Jacob walked down to see Sam picking up the phone. "What are you going to say?"
Sam hung up the phone with a sound of frustration. "I don't know. How exactly do you get one vampire to tell you how to hunt down his psycho family?"
Jacob looked at the group in the living room. They spoke in hushed voices, but he had a feeling that what they were saying wasn't good. "They won't forgive her for this will they?" he asked. They were talking about Bella. Just as they had been before she came down. And most likely what they had been doing the entire time it took Jacob to take Bella to bed.
Sam shrugged. "Well, I don't know. I think that they are excited about the hunt, if not happy that there is a need for it. I think they will forgive her, but I don't think they'll be so quick to trust her."
Jacob growled, "And you, Sam?"
Sam took a deep breath. "I've been married to Emily for a while. I think that… it would be hard to accept Emily as turning evil if she somehow did. Secondly, I don't think that it would be easy to give her up to anyone, just like I said to you outside. While they weren't married, they lived together. They were getting married. She relied mostly on him in Seattle, and he completely destroyed her perception and trust in him in one night. I think that's harder to accept. I think she would rather think that he will change back into who he was."
"We don't like to learn that the people we put our trust in lied or kept things from us. I think you felt that to a much smaller extent tonight. She's angry, hurt, embarrassed, disappointed, and she is feeling sadness for so much right now. I can't bring myself to be anything less than kind and sympathetic to her, even as pack leader - knowing she endangered the people here. And… as her mate, you should easily give her that much at least. And all of the love and affection you can muster."
Jacob looked down before nodding resolutely. "You are right."
Sam nodded in return, picking up the phone. "I am just going to wing it, I think."
Carlisle Cullen walked down the hallway toward his bedroom. Tanya had said someone was on the phone for him. He only knew a few people that had this number, and that most likely meant it was important. People used his cell phone if it wasn't important. If it was, they made sure to call here to get reception. And, with importance from the people who had the number, came the need to privacy.
He shut the door behind him and sat down at his desk before picking up the phone. He listened for a moment but heard nothing to suggest one of the girls was listening in. "Carlisle Cullen. Hello?"
A no-nonsense voice responded to him. "Mr. Cullen, this is Sam Uley. I am the pack leader at La Push in Washington… I think we met once or twice before you left. You worked on my girlfriend Emily when she was attacked?"
Carlisle remembered him when he had first said his name, but he didn't wish to interrupt the man. "Yes, Mr. Uley. I remember. How did you get this number?" He was genuinely curious at this. He had had no need to leave anyone in Forks his number when he moved here.
"Isabella Swan gave it to me… this is very important, and I thought you could help or, at least, lend some advice."
Carlisle had no idea why the pack would want his help with anything. They were definitely well suited to deal with any lone vampires that came around and caused problems. "What can I do for you?"
"Have you heard about the serial killings in Washington?"
Carlisle's eyebrow rose a bit. "No, I haven't. I am afraid I don't keep up with the news very much. I work at the clinic, come home, and relax."
The voice sounded a little impatient. "Have you heard from Edward Cullen recently?"
Carlisle's curiosity peaked. "Is he okay? He sent me a message saying the wedding was off, that was the last I heard from him."
"Well, I am going to get to the point. Bella moved here when the killings started. A few months ago, they started to move from where they were centralized to Forks. Bella's father was murdered… by a vampire. He was the first male. The others were all brunette females. Bella went into shock and admitted this afternoon that Edward was the one behind the killings."
Carlisle found that hard to believe, and told the other voice so. Edward did not have too many problems dealing with his blood thirst. Except for with Bella. And he had done a remarkable job of that.
Then, Sam Uley told him Bella's whole story. And his world came crashing down around him… Bella had never been dishonest, and she certainly wouldn't speak badly of anyone unless it was true.
Carlisle was sure that if he could, he would be crying. "What… can I do to help?"
The man calmly responded, "The next time the pack sees Edward, we will hunt to kill. If he is caught he will be taken care of. We have no reason to believe that he will change back to how he was. His murder of Charlie was... grotesque to say the least. And we still believe he is after Bella, the person with what he deems the "perfect" blood. The killings have continued around Forks. And, one of our pack members has imprinted on Bella."
Carlisle's interest rose, despite the shattering conversation. "Who?"
"Jacob Black, the last chief's grandson."
Carlisle was quiet on his end of the phone for a moment. He wasn't sure if the wolves would have their chance to get Edward. "Has Bella told you about Volturi? I don't know if Edward told her about them or not."
Confusion rang in the response, "No, she hasn't. What is it?"
"Who. They are Italian vampires… royalty of sorts. They are the oldest I know of alive and have sort of a… mafia, if you will. One of their 'duties' is to hunt down rogue vampires. They prefer us to stay a secret, as most of us do. If they have heard of these murders, they will be coming to take care of it..."
"Do you know if they are coming?"
Carlisle took a breath. "No. I don't really keep in contact with them. I'm not much of a blip on their radar. I can find out though."
"How do you suggest we deal with these vampires?"
Carlisle thought on it for a moment before responding. "They are very good at what they do. They are vampire assassins. But I don't think they'd be crazy to learn about werewolves. I would try to lay low if you can let them do the dirty work for you. Keep Bella safe. I'll make sure you find out if… if they get Edward." His voice cracked on the end, and he was sure that the other man knew how hard this had to be on him in the way he responded.
"I wish this wasn't necessary, Carlisle. But we both know that these killings aren't necessary. And… we do realize you are honoring your treaty with us, still."
"Yes, well… I will contact the Volturi. You will notice when they come to town. They don't blend in very well. They do feed on humans, but not often. And not where they are staying. In addition, I know this will sound bad to you, but I think that it is for the greater good if you let them do their job without trying to delay what they will do anyway. Keep your own safe and leave them to do their work so that they can get in and out as quickly as possible. You don't want them hanging around for a good fight. And keep Bella away from them…. How is Bella?"
The voice sighed. "Not too good. She was catatonic for over a month. She was just released today. She is in a lot of pain."
Carlisle sighed, closing his eyes. The few times he had met Bella, he had really liked her. And he didn't like that Edward was causing her such pain. "I'm sorry… Would you tell Jacob congratulations for me? She is a wonderful girl."
"I will. Do you need my number to update me once you speak to these… other vampires?"
"No, it is on caller ID. I will get in contact with you in a few days time. I… am sorry for all of this happening. I thought he was strong enough. Thank you for telling me."
"I know, and you needed to know. And… no one is to blame but him. Goodbye, Mr. Cullen."
"Goodbye."
Authors note: SO, here is the latest chapter. I told you within a week, so here it is. Que Sera, Sera is going beautifully. I really do love where it is going. I am sorry about a typo in the author's note. I meant to write Jacob rather than Edward.
The story will NOT be Bella/Jacob. It will be Bella and another character in the books. But not Edward. I think you will like it so please keep reading and reviewing for both stories.
I was recently told by someone that I need to be careful of typos. They are correct. I am horrible about not catching words that are similar on a second read through. I see what I want to see too much. I am not going to get a beta reader because it makes me feel pressured to give them material and it takes the fun out of writing for me. However, I am going to check my writing for closely from now on. Hopefully, a lot of the problems will be fixed, and no one will need to point it out anymore. Thank you for your pointers, loyal reviewer and friend.
Anyway, please enjoy the future chapters and review with your thoughts. Thank you.
