A/N: Just a quick note I wanted to make: For the sake of this story, Charlie is much more important in the law enforcement in this fan fiction. He isn't just a chief in forks.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 24

Alice's POV

I glanced at Rosalie. She has been staring at the wall ever since Edward left, while I have been trying to find the courage to talk to her. She didn't exactly look thrilled when she found out about me and Jasper.

And quite frankly, I know I should have told her. She shouldn't have found out that way. Luckily Esme seemed to be taking it well. I half expected her to start planning Bella and Edward's wedding.

I glanced over at Rosalie again. This time she caught my eye. My eyes widened and I quickly looked away. I now knew what it was like to have her mad at you and did not look forward to it. Finally, she sighed.

"Is there something you need to say?" she asked impatiently. I looked down at my hands.

"Listen Rose, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about your brother and I." I looked up at her carefully and she raised an eyebrow.

"You think I hadn't figured it out? With the way Bella blushes at the mention of Edward and the way Jasper looks at you. It wasn't hard," she said, half heartedly laughing. "My brother has never looked at someone like he did you. Never." I fought back a smile.

"So you're not mad?" I asked. She shook her head. I was confused. Why was she so distant if she wasn't upset about Jasper and I?

"I'm not mad at you," she said. "Edward however is getting on my last nerve. He is too careless in his actions, he needs to think! He drives me crazy sometimes…."

I couldn't help but laugh. They were fighting just like siblings.

"So, when are you gonna tell Jasper about Emmett?" I asked casually.

"What? No-Emmett's not- huh- no-I" she stuttered, eyes wide.

Luckily for her, she was saved as the door opened, revealing Jasper.

"Jazz!" I exclaimed. He smiled at me, though I could see the pain in his eyes. Esme rushed up and embraced him in a motherly hug.

"How are all of you?" he asked as he sat between Rosalie and I. Bella and Esme came over and sat across from us.

"We're fine, really," I assured him. No point in making him worry more than he already was.

"Good. Well, I don't have much time," he said, glancing up at the door, "but I have some information I thought you should hear."

"About what?" asked Esme.

"The Volturi?" I questioned. Jasper nodded.

"What are they? Like a mob or something?" Rosalie scoffed. Jasper gave her a look, which she returned in disbelief.

"I wouldn't say that they are exactly like the mob, in the sense that they like to think they are working for the common good. They oversee by their own rules, completely secret of course, but interfere where they feel necessary."

"Okay, but what as that got to do with us?" I asked, trying to cover up my shock and even disbelief that this could be true.

"Well, Billy works for them, as you have heard. Not that he has direct contact with them frequently, but he does their bidding in what they consider smaller issues." He looked up and met my eyes, checking to see I was holding up okay. I gave a small nod for him and he continued.

"And how are you and Bella connected? Well, Charlie Swan."

"My dad?!?" Bella exclaimed.

"Apparently Charlie has been suspicious of Billy and The Volturi for quite some time. He's even made efforts to getting them exposed, though he hasn't had much success. But it's enough to make Billy feel nervous. The last thing he wants is to get the Volturi involved directly."

I caught Bella's eye. The fear there was evident.

"Of course, there is also the much simpler reason you're here: ransom,"

"And who better to take for ransom money than the daughters of the man threatening to expose you?" I finished for Jasper. He nodded solemnly.

"In Billy's mind, he is not only collecting the money he needs, but also letting Charlie know who he is messing with, all in one shot," Jasper said.

We all fell silent. It all made sense, in a twisted kind of way. Still, I'm grateful to know more about the enemy, about who we are dealing with. The more we knew the better. And from what I can grasp, we need to get out, as well as keep the Volturi out of it. If they become involved, we have no chance.

"So why hasn't Billy let Charlie know that he's kidnapped us for ransom?" Bella asked.

"I'm guessing that he wants Charlie to suffer longer because he has been working against Billy. He feels that Charlie deserves to panic before realizing you two are alive and safe," Jasper answered.

"But it should be soon right?" Bella asked in a small voice.

"I would think so. It's already been weeks," said Jasper.

"Then we can just wait until the ransom is paid and we can go. I'm sure my dad will come up with the money somehow." I could sense the hope Bella was starting to feel. I however, felt no better than before Jasper walked in.

"Bella no." Everyone looked at me as I spoke. "What about Rosalie and Esme? Jasper and Edward…even Emmett? Do you really think they will be free too?" I could see Bella realizing I was right. We were still screwed.

"Alice, don't worry about us," Jasper said, almost pleadingly. "We'll be fine. We have completed his orders." I knew him well enough to know he didn't believe his own words.

"Yes, but does he trust you now? Do you think your mistake will go unpunished?!" We stared at each other, both too stubborn to break the gaze and give in.

All our eyes shot to the door however when Emmett suddenly burst into the room.

"Jasper, Billy needs you in his office," Emmett told us. Jasper looked back at us all, his eyes landing on me last.

"Oh just go, we're fine," Rosalie said waving a hand at him. And with that they were gone.

A/N: Short yes, but very important. Let your thoughts be heard through a review :)