Chapter 12

The run there seemed to end all too quickly. We stood in the clearing, it was nearly midnight now. Jasper held onto Alice protectively next to me. I stood in my human form, I had to be able to communicate, with Nessie in my arms. She had both her arms around my neck. I leaned my head in and breathed in her heavenly scent and was automatically reminded of Bella.

I looked around the clearing. So many bad memories were stirred up. I could imagine our group of allied vampires and wolves standing here. I remember when the volturi appeared in the distance, the pure anger and terror I felt. I was practically reliving the same experience, except now my pack was safe in La Push instead of standing firmly behind me.

I let out a sigh, Leah had tried to convince me to let her come with the whole run up here. She was panicky; she didn't want to lose me. I was ultimately surprised at how our relationship had formed since she first was changed. She still annoyed me, but I considered her one of my closest friends and she felt the same. I hated being the reason for her anxiety but I didn't give in. If something were to happen to me she would be the best to lead our pack.

The wind picked up, blowing the scent of the trio through the trees. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end and a low snarl emerged. I could faintly see three sweeping black cloaks walking in unison towards us. Jasper stiffened and rearranged his position so he was faintly standing in front of Alice. Alice was calm, she grabbed his hand and removed herself from behind him.

I looked down at Nessie. Her breathing was steady but her grip on me tightened slightly. I reached up with a hand and stroked her hair. "Everything is going to be ok Nessie, I won't let them hurt you." I whispered.

Alice turned her head, "He's right Nessie, everything will be ok." Jasper looked down at her, his face was pained. Alice turned back to him and stroked his arm.

The trio was close now. They stopped about 20 feet in front of us. Aro stood in the middle with Jane and Felix on either side. Aro's eyes brightened when he saw Alice and Jasper nearly let out a snarl. Aro's eyes flickered to Jasper momentarily but they soon turned to Nessie and me. A smile wedged across his face.

He was still looking at me when he spoke, "Alice! It is so good to see you again, and it is nice to finaly meet you Jasper!" He turned back to them. Jasper dipped his head in greeting.

Alice kept her voice even as she replied, "I must say Aro we are not very happy to see you again."

"I know it is such a shame that my visits are always unfortunate, I wish I could visit you without bearing bad news." His smile was still broad on his face. "I'm guessing you know why I am here then."

I was having a hard time keeping from phasing and tearing his face off. I slightly felt Jasper's blanket of calm spreading towards me. Despite it my words to Aro nearly formed a snarl. "You cannot take Nessie from me."

Aro seemed not that supprised. "I can't can I?" His head turned slightly to Jane. All of a sudden an unbearable pain spread through me, worse than any pain I had ever felt. Even worse than the pain that haunts me whenever I think of Bella. I faintly heard Nessie's screams and I didn't feel Alice take her from me. I fell to my knees and then fell over writhing. When would this stop? Everything around me was bluring but despite it I clearly heard Nessie's voice scream my name.

"Jacob!! No stop hurting my Jacob!" The pain stopped. I stood again and Nessie rushed to me, tears streaking her face. I was her Jacob. My heart fluttered slightly.

"As you can see Jacob it is fairly easy to overpower you. What makes you believe I can't take her from you? You came alone, without your pack. If you did not want to give her up why did you come alone?" Aro spoke in a taunting voice.

My hatred for Aro was strong, I desperately wanted to explode and rip his head off. I took a deep breath and Jasper's calmness was spreading over me. "I was thinking of the families of my pack."

"Ah, but your sacrifice will cost you. You have no leverage over me Jacob."

Alice took a step towards Aro. "Aro, I have a question for you." Jasper had the same pained face as he watched Alice take another step towards her, he followed after her.

"What is it little Alice?" Aro chirped, he seemed to adore Alice.

She smiled at this. "Aro," She paused and looked up at Jasper. His face was firm. "are you willing to make a trade?"

What was Alice doing? What did we have that Aro would take instead of Nessie?

"What kind of trade Alice?" Aro seemed confused, he reached out his hand.

Alice merely stared at it, "Aro would you be willing to let Nessie free, If Jasper and I were to agree to go in her place?"