Chapter 13 – Decided
BPOV
Alice was now finished with her finals and she was done with high school, again. We sat at lunch with our friends. Everyone who was done with their finals had the option of not going to class. I elected to go to school. Staying at home was getting to be too uncomfortable. Staying in the house made time go by slower. Skipping her classes, Alice stayed with me throughout all my classes. She kept to herself. She told Angela and Tyler she was still a little down about losing her grandmother.
They understood and left her alone. Alice was actually focusing on Victoria. When she wasn't looking in the future, Alice and I talked about our classes in Alaska. She wanted to discuss some courses, so that when I was under control, I could have an idea on what I wanted to study. While driving home, she trilled me about wedding details. Instead of going to Charlie's house, we went to her house. The house was silent and still sitting in the meadow. The grass was getting a little tall from no one here to cut it.
Inside, there wasn't one speck of dust on anything. Alice said Esme had a ventilating system that was always on, so dust wouldn't settle and air was always circulating. The two of us went up to her room and she pushed me onto her bed. "Bella, just wait until you see your wedding dress. You're going to love it." Alice was more excited for this wedding than I was. I didn't stop her fun, she was the planner. I could only imagine what Esme would want to do when she finds out. "That's great, but there are some stores we could try." Her golden eyes were hard as she whirled to look at me, "No way! That is out of the question." Heaven forbid I got something off the rack.
Her hands fell on her hips, "Besides, last night, I drew out some designs for my dress. Do you want to see them?" I nodded, holding out my hand for her drawings. Alice took out her sketchbook and showed me her designs. She drew up about five possibilities. One was blue, three were in silver and the last dress was in pale pink. "Alice, these are amazing. But I really do like this one." I selected an older designed dress in silver. This one had a classic feel to it.
Alice smiled widely at me, "I knew you would go for that one and I didn't even need my visions. Here are the designs for Rosalie's dress." Alice and I went over her other sketches. Alice mainly wanted to focus on the details for me; from my bouquet to my shoes. She already had the idea for the dress I would be wearing when Edward and I are leaving the reception. "I wish I could call Esme and tell her now," Alice lamented, "but she will be thinking about it non-stop."
Alice and I were discussing which designer we would use for the tuxedoes, when she completely froze over. "Alice…?" Her eyes weren't focus on anything. My body froze until she moved again. Alice remained frozen for a long time and so did I. After counting to 200, Alice gasped and she covered her face with her hands. "Alice, what did you see?" My hands clutched at her wrists, but she didn't move.
Her hand moved out of my hold and she took out her cell phone and dialed quickly. My eyes barely made out the movement, before she had the phone to her ear. "Sam, get over to my house immediately! Victoria is coming and she has a few new friends. She'll be here around midnight." I gasped and Alice's hand rested on my shoulder. "Come in by the south. They'll be coming in through the north." After she was done with Sam, Alice was dialing again. My lungs strained for air. My throat was locked up from fear. "Jasper, she's coming tonight. Bella and I are at home. She'll be coming at midnight."
She was silent for the briefest moment, "Yes, yes I've already told the wolves. Tell him to stay here at the house with Bella and the rest of us will handle Victoria and the newborns." Jasper's raised voice came over the phone, "Jasper, she created five newborns. One of them is a little more mature, but no more than a year old. I know, I will. Let me talk to him."
Alice looked to me, taking in my rigid posture. I had to remind myself that this is what I've been waiting for. "Edward." The sound of his name helped soothe me, "Yes, I saw it. She's coming tonight. Please, listen to me. No, I know what you want, but you need to stay here with Bella. With you in the fight, I'm not sure how much the wolves can restrain themselves."
She looked at me, "Besides, if any of them get through, you will be Bella's last line of defense. I was considering lowering the metal walls, but the newborns are very strong. They might get through and I don't want to leave her alone." I could only imagine what Edward was saying or thinking. Alice was looking to me as she listened to Edward. She nodded and hung up her phone. "Well…..?" I asked impatiently. "Emmett, Jasper and Edward were in Vancouver, on a hunting trip when I called. They're on their way. Emmett and Jasper will meet up with the wolves. I don't know how we're going to communicate but they'll lead Victoria and her newborn away from the house."
I took in a long breath, trying to push away the spinning feeling in my head, "What about Edward?" Alice nodded once, "He'll be staying here with you. I told him that I don't want to leave you here alone. And, I wanted him out of the way, too. I don't want him near those wolves either." Alice shared in my concern for Edward's safety, "But that's not what's really worrying me. It's after the fight."
My head tilted to the side, "What do you mean?" She laughed a hard laugh, "You know how he wanted to take down Victoria himself. But since the wolves have made their declaration against him, I don't want him to be in the fight. Edward is going to be unbearable because he won't be getting his way, but that'll only be for a while."
My face was flushed as a shiver went through me. "Don't worry, Bella. This will be all over in a few hours." I sighed heavily and looked to the floor, "I wish everyone would stop telling me that. 'Don't worry, don't worry.'" My hands clutched at my hair as the torrent rushed out, "Alice, I am worried. All of you say you're going to be fine, but still. I can't help myself, worrying is something I do, especially for the people I care about. If anything happens to any of you, I'll never forgive myself."
Alice looked down and bit her lips. "Since Edward and I first met, all of you have been risking your lives because of me. You've been driven out of your home, twice. And, because of me, the treaty is broken. You can never come back here. I'm ruining your family's lives. It would have been better if I never came here."
Alice's hand clamped over my mouth, stopping me, "Bella, you're not ruining our lives. This is just on place in the world. We have hundreds of places to go and you'll be with us." She moved her hand to my knee, "Bella, listen to me. As a family, we've lived for decades. We've had experiences time and time again that threatened our bond as a family. Throughout all of it, Edward stood with us. We love each other very much and we love you. Carlisle said it the first day at the baseball game. He said your name when he introduced his family. You should not regret coming here. Because of you, Edward has changed in many different ways. You belong with him. Please, Bella, can you honestly regret coming to Forks?"
She had me there, "Of course not, but look what my arrival has done to your family." "Our family," she amended, "Besides, we move every few years. This is just one place, there are hundreds of other places we can go. As far as the treaty goes," she exhaled, "we can make another one at a later time. Bella, you are important to all of us. The only thing that could truly hurt us is losing you. Not only Edward would be hurt, all of us would, especially me." Thinking of that dark time in my life, I missed Alice too.
"If we lost you, none of us would know how to move on. Bella, if I lost you again, I don't know what I'd do. You're my best friend. I love Rosalie, but I love having two sisters. Please, stop beating yourself up." She leaned her head on my shoulder, hiding her face, "Besides, Emmett's right. You do keep things interesting." I couldn't help laughing, "Ok. Just keep yourselves safe. I don't know what I would do if I lost any of you."
The two of us talked about more wedding details, down to what would be served and what kind of cake we should get. I would have to taste test everything. Alice laughed as I made a face. I was excited about getting married to Edward, but the spectacle of a wedding wasn't something I was looking forward to.
Alice and I cleared up our wedding ideas and hid them in her closet. She called Charlie and told him that she and I were going to have a girls' night out and that we were going to stay the night at her family's house. She charmed Charlie and he agreed, "Ok, Alice. You two deserve a night off. See you tomorrow and have fun." Still trying to distract me, Alice and I watched a movie. The movie played, but I couldn't completely focus on them. As midnight came closer, my anxiety grew with every tick of the clock.
The movie ended and Alice put in another one. She busied herself doing my nails. She couldn't conceal it from me, Alice was nervous too. Jasper was fighting against newborn vampires. After another two hours, the roar of an engine broke the silence. Lights flashed pass the front of the house and the garage door opened. They were here, Edward was here. Alice and I looked to the kitchen door.
Emmett was the first to enter. He had a huge smile on his face. He was waiting for this fight. Alice jumped up and ran to Jasper. They embraced and flew up the stairs before I could blink. My eyes were fixed on the door, waiting. Edward flew into the room and stood by the couch next to me. My head turned towards him and he took me into his arms immediately. Edward's cool arms held me in his stone embrace. My body melted into him, feeling safe again.
His thumb drew circles on my cheek. My head moved back to look at him. His lips crushed mine. Edward's kiss made my heart sprinting. His hands were on my back and his arms tighten around me, holding my body to his. His hands held the sides of my face, keeping me in place. My lips molded to his, feeling the coolness flush through my skin. The kiss parted my lips and his cold breath was on my tongue. From this kiss, I knew Edward didn't want to waste time. He had to have me now.
Edward was concerned about me and Victoria coming with her newborns. Edward released my lips, but he pulled me into his chest. His arms swept my legs up and my head rested on his chest. I listened to my breathing slow. The fire blazed under my cheeks from Edward's kiss. He lowered us both onto the couch. Edward cupped his hand around my cheek and tilted my head back to look at him. He stroked my hair back, "Bella, we will take care of this. Alice has already devised a plan. She, Jasper, Emmett and the pack with keep Victoria and the newborns away from the house." I already knew the plan, but hearing it from Edward was much more soothing.
His velvet voice melted away my fears. "I'll stay here with you. I wasn't going to leave you alone. Alice was right, I don't want any of those newborns near you. They're the most dangerous beings and completely out of control." My arm wrapped around his neck and my face hid in his neck, "What about what she said about the wolves? That doesn't concern you?" He pressed a kiss into my temple, "No, that doesn't concern me. I don't care what happens to me as long as you're safe." My head snapped up, "Don't say that! It may not mean much to you, but it would mean everything to me if something happened to you."
The torment I felt from our time apart rose within me, "I already suffered from losing you once. Please," my voice broke, "don't make me go through that again. I won't survive." I could feel the tears starting to build in my eyes. Edward brushed my cheek with the back of his hand, "I won't. This is something I cannot bear, hurting you." He laughed quietly, as he pulled me back to his chest, "I don't know why you love me?" I scowled, but he couldn't see, "I could put the same question to you?"
We sat on the couch, just embracing each other. Edward's hand traced the contours of my spine. My eyes were closed as I leaned against him. The house was so peaceful as we sat together. The clock chimed 11pm. My eyes opened from the booming sound. They were coming; the newborns and the wolves. My head rose to look at the clock, confirming with my eyes, what time it was. My blood ran cold as Alice, Jasper and Emmett came down the stairs.
Edward looked out the glass wall, "The wolves are close. Sam wants to speak with Alice." I looked towards the glass wall, trying to see them for myself, but all I could see was the moon reflecting off the river. Despite the menacing environment, the river looked peaceful and calming. "How am I going to talk with them? You can't be there to translate." "Sam is coming in his human form, with Jacob and Jared." My eyes turned to Edward, "You have to get out of here. They can't see you."
Edward looked down to me and kissed my forehead, "I'll be upstairs. You stay here. It will be helpful for both sides to stay calm." Edward kissed me again, then he flew up the stairs, right as the doorbell rang. Jasper opened the door and greeted their guests. His nose wrinkled in disgust as he opened the door, "Sam." Sam nodded one jerky nod, "This is Jacob and Jared. We need to talk about what we're going to do." "Please, come in." Jasper gestured for them to enter.
The three of them hesitated on the doorstep. I walked over to the door, so that they could see it was safe. All eyes fell on me, as I stood by Jasper, "Come in." I looked at Jacob and smiled. They trusted me enough to enter the house. All three of them wrinkle their noses in disgust. Jared briefly covered his nose with his hand as he walked past Jasper and Emmett. Vampires had a very strong scent to the wolves, but being in a house where such a large coven lives, the scent must be unbearable.
Jacob and Jared stood at Sam's flanks. They refused to sit down. Alice and I moved to sit on the couch, while Jasper and Sam strategized their attack plans. "These are newborn vampires. They depend completely on their physical strength and attack straightforward. First, never go for the obvious kill, they'll be ready for that. For the best win, attack them at their sides." I listened intently to Jasper, almost like I was readying myself for the fight.
Alice rubbed my arm, trying to dull away my stiffness. "Jasper used to train newborns. That's why he knows so much about them," Alice whispered to me. That was a mild relief for me. Jasper had experiences in dealing with this situation or something similar to it.
While they discussed their plans, Jacob looked at me from time to time. His expressions told me that he had something important to say. I looked back at him and feigned a smile. He smiled back, but it didn't look natural. More as if he had to force himself to do it. I knew his face so well. There was something on his mind. I knew when he was hiding something. After their plans were finalized, Sam and Jared were making motions to leave. The others were outside, waiting for their instructions.
But Jacob wasn't moving, he just stared at me. Finally moving, Jacob came over to me, "Bella, can I talk to you?" Alice got off the couch, before Jacob came over. She was rubbing her temple, with her face pinched. I nodded woodenly, "Yes." My eyes were on Alice as she stood with Jasper. He looked concerned, which wasn't a good thing. Jacob looked around the room, "In private?" Alice looked at me and I looked back. Jacob followed my gaze, "What, you need permission?"
Alice glared at Jacob, "No, of course not. But being that it's almost time, I was going to tell her to stay close." Alice flitted up the stairs, with Jasper and Emmett right behind her. My head shook as they disappeared. The big room was suddenly empty. Sam and Jared were gone. "Is there somewhere we could talk where they won't hear us?" "Not really, but let's go out to the garage. At least that's out of the house." Jacob nodded and gestured for me to lead the way. We walked through the Cullens' huge kitchen.
Jacob paused, taking in the room, "Why do they have a kitchen when they don't need it?" Jacob wondered. "To keep up the appearance of normality. Besides, I do visit from time to time." Jacob didn't say anything. We walked into the garage and Emmett's truck was next to Rosalie's BMW. That stopped my heart for a moment. I was careless. What if they came in Edward's Volvo? Maybe I was just too jumpy. They were brothers. Emmett and Jasper could have borrowed Edward's Volvo, had they come with it. That would have been a good excuse if the subject came up. Edward's Aston Martin Vanquish was still in the garage.
Jacob's eyes were locked on the showy car. "Whose car is that?" Jacob's eyes looked over all the features of the vehicle. "Edward's. It was his first car, a gift from Carlisle, I believe." This car was Edward's most prized possession. He uses the Volvo for public matters." Jacob went over to the car, taking in all its details, "Have you ever been in it?" Jacob asked in a voice that matched his interest. "Yes, last summer, when Edward took me to see Phantom of the Opera in Seattle." Jacob snorted and rolled his eyes, "I'm getting distracted," he mumbled under his breath. Jacob turned to look at me, "I needed to talk to you and apologize."
His expression was difficult to tell. His eyebrows were furrowed and, even if it was difficult to see, he looked as though he was blushing. His black eyes were fixed on my face. "Apologize?" I started, "For what?" Jacob gritted his teeth, "For how I spoke to you. For when I said that we wanted Edward. I should have found a more thoughtful way to tell you that." My eyes turned down to the floor, "Jacob, I don't think there was a thoughtful way of telling someone you want to kill the person they love." Jacob snorted, "Person?"
"Jacob…." My voice was harsh when I looked at him. He half-smiled at me. His smile reminded me of a child getting away with something, "Ok, still, I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you. I'd never anything to hurt you." I sighed deeply. Edward was hearing all of this and I hoped he was keeping himself under control, "I know. Thanks Jake." Jacob was rocking back and forth on his heels, almost like he was waiting for something. "Was there something else you wanted to tell me?" Jacob stopped and looked at me. There was a new resolve in his eyes, a determined one.
It was clear Jacob had something to important to tell me. It wasn't like him to hesitate to tell me something. If he didn't tell me soon, he would run out of time before the newborns got here. "Ok, Bella, I wanted to tell you…." An ear-splitting howl came from the distance. Jacob's body instantly became rigid and Alice was in the garage. "They came early! I didn't see it. Bella, get into the house and stay there!" Jacob looked at me, then to Alice, "Whose staying with Bella?" Alice looked up at Jacob, "Esme is on her way. I'll meet you out there when she comes. You want to help Bella, get out there and stop those newborns!"
Jacob glared at Alice, his eyes narrowing and a snarl building in his chest. "Jacob, she's right. Please." He nodded and ran out of the garage. Suddenly, Edward came into the garage, "Go, Alice. I'll take care of her." Alice ran out into the night. Ice ran through me, worrying about the Cullens and the wolves. Edward watched Alice leave, then he took me into his arms and flew into the house.
The air whooshed pass us, then I was on the couch. Edward touched the hidden keypad and the steel doors lowered over the glass walls. Edward and I were locked in the house, together. All I could think about was my friends outside fighting to keep me safe. Edward walked over to the couch and took me into his arms. My face hid in his neck as his arms held me close. I wanted to cry at the thought of what my friends and family were doing.
Edward kept a tight hold on me, "Don't worry. I can see everything and they're doing well." I sat up to look him the face, "They are?" Edward nodded, "Yes. Emmett is actually having fun. He's wishing there were more of them. Hmm…." he paused, "I don't see Victoria." The blood fell from my face, "You don't?" Edward was looking blankly into the air. A shocked look came onto his face. He stood, leaving me on the couch. I motioned to get up, when a noise shocked me. The steel doors were rising up from their positions.
"Edward, wha…?" Edward flashed across the room and crouched in front of me. On the other side of the rising doors, there were two figures standing in the dark. One was taller and muscular and the other leaner and cat-like. My eyes widened as I saw her, Victoria. The moonlight gleamed off of her bared teeth. Edward growled in his chest as he stared them down. The taller one, who must be her new friend step ahead of Victoria and kicked the glass wall. His kick was too fast for my eyes, but the action was processed as the glass began shattering.
Edward whirled around, pushed me down on the couch and hunched over me. He was protecting me from the glass shards flying into the room. My face was pressed into his chest, holding my breath. I was safe, except for a thin slice of glass caught the back of my hand. The wound was long and it stung. I looked up at Edward, knowing that my blood was irresistible to him. He didn't notice. He straightened and was crouched again in front of me. The hunters walked into the living room, stepping on the remains of the glass wall.
Victoria was smiling widely at me, "Sorry," her bell-like voice was shocking. It wasn't what I was expecting with her menacing stare, "I was here while you were gone. I learned the secrets of the house, including your security system." She waved a small black remote in the air, "I took one of your remotes, just in case." Edward roared furiously. Edward was glaring at the hunters, while the male glared at me. I felt his gaze, but I couldn't take my eyes from Victoria.
"Riley, walk away," Edward warned. The male looked to Edward, "Why? Someone needs to keep your human company. That is why I'm here." Then he winked at me. That angered Edward. He was ready to attack. "Edward, just step aside and this will be quick." Edward took one step towards them, but he kept his arms back, close to me.
Victoria and Riley looked at each other, then to us. Their bodies crouched down and sprang into the air. Edward had his arm around my waist and pulled me towards the stairs. My breath huffed as I was on the landing and Edward on the stairs, blocking his attackers. Victoria and Riley stood at the bottom, looking up at us. Victoria smiled and bounded into the air. Edward stood over me and pushed her back. Her bone white arm reached toward me. Her snapping teeth were inches from Edward's face. While Edward fought off Victoria, something had a tight grip around my leg and I was being pulled away from Edward.
There was a loud crash, then a roar. Riley's stone arm was tight against my neck and the other was around my waist. His grip was so constricting, that my feet were off the floor. My hands flew up to Riley's arm, trying to pull him off. But I knew it was useless. He inhaled deeply at my neck. He was close to the cut on my hand. My exposed blood was distracting him. I moved that hand away, but it was too late. Edward was coming towards us, but Victoria stepped in his way.
"Take one more step and Riley will break her," Victoria threatened. Edward stared into my eyes, worrying about me. I tried to nod, but Riley's arm was too tight. It was making it difficult for me to breathe. Victoria turned to me in Riley's arms, "Just stay here, Bella. This will be over soon." She turned back to Edward, "Edward, let's make this easy. Just walk away and you won't have to see it." A snarl ripped through Edward's teeth, "All this for James?" Riley's grip let up, but only marginally.
Edward smirked, "You never told him about James. That you only want to kill Bella because I killed James. The one you truly love. Too bad, he didn't love you." From this perspective, I couldn't see Victoria's face, "He did love me!" Riley's arm fell from my waist, "What?" My body fell a bit, being choked more. Victoria ignored him, "Riley, hold the human." Riley's arm was around my body again, pressing me to him. His arm around my neck tightened.
I gasped harshly. My lungs searched for air as my head began to feel lighter. Edward reached out for me and Victoria laugh. "See, it's not fun. You hate seeing her in danger." I fought to keep my eyes open and focused on Edward. "By the way, Edward, congratulations are in order. Riley was here and he heard Alice and Bella talking about wedding plans. Too bad it will never happen." Edward's face turned to stone.