Chapter 25: Closing Time

Oh geez, guys. This is the last chapter. I think I will do an addition later, with some poetry and one shots from this story universe. I really, really hope that you guys love this story as much as I have. Follow me so that you can catch any other thing I might post! I love you all. All the best, Lucybell XOXOXO

Bella's POV

This bitch is scary. Why is she talking like that? I can see the monster lurking under the surface. She looks like a cat who caught a canary.

"Jane! What a pleasure. How long has it been? Decades? What brings you here?" Edward is being carefully measured. She is the danger he was talking about.

"Oh, it's definitely been too long. We heard some gossip and thought we'd come check in. It looks like there was some truth to it. You are keeping some interesting company these days. Would you care to introduce your friends to the rest of the group? We're all just over this way," she says, walking away. There was no turning down her invitation, that much is clear. We follow after her, Jacob continuing to carry me in his arms. His muscles are tight, ready to run. He wouldn't risk my getting hurt.

"Edward! You have returned. I'm so glad we caught you! I would have been so disappointed if we had come all of this way and we didn't get to see you. Who are your friends? I hear heartbeats! Is this the girl that we have heard tell of?" Aro inquires.

"Yes, this is Edward's ex-girlfriend, Bella," Carlisle supplies.

"And your burly friend that is carrying Bella? Who might this be?"

"Jacob Black. Nice to meet you," Jacob answers for himself. He can sense that this is not the time to be his usual snarky self.

"Pardon my saying so, but... You are truly pungent. Remarkable. I've never met an actual werewolf before," Aro fascinates aloud.

"Pardon my saying so, but I'm no werewolf. What I am is different. I'm a shifter of sorts. That's neither here nor there. I think Bella and I should get going and let you guys visit. It was nice meeting all of you. We have to get home. See you guys later," Jacob said politely, then turned to walk away.

"Wait. Any friends of Edward's are friends of ours. I think you should stick around. We have some issues that need addressed before you leave. Please, stay," Caius spoke for the first time, and his voice was so low that it shocked me a little. This is no request. If Jacob tries to leave, there will be consequences. Jake stops, and turns back around. I clear my throat, thinking I might try to speak. Somehow I know that I will be able to get something out.

"Put me down, Jake, I know you are tired. I can walk," I tell him, my voice cracking with disuse. His eyes narrow, and I can tell that he doesn't like my idea. I purse my mouth and decide to get down by myself, and instead of making a scene, he relents and lets me down. I look around, and my friends are openly staring at me. The visiting vampires look more than a little curious at this reaction.

"Carlisle, you know the rules about humans knowing who we are. This is not allowed. The number one rule about being one of us is to keep our secret safe from those not like us. How does this girl know about us? You know what we do to humans who find out about us, even the mainstreamers like yourselves," Jane informs us of the actual purpose of their coming here. "What happens if she gets angry? Humans are fickle. They talk to other humans. Before long, the whole town will know what you are, then we will have to have another Holocaust on our hands. It's just not good for business."

"Oh, I promise, I won't say anything. It's not my secret to tell. My lips are sealed. Truthfully, I don't even talk that much," I supply helpfully, knowing that this answer will mean nothing to them. I almost chuckle a little, because lord knows I crack myself up.

"No offense, sweetie, but I just can't believe you," Jane says, menacingly. "Humans are known to be great liars."

"Well, Aro could touch her. That's a good option right now, I think," Alice says, with hesitation in her voice.

"And how do you think that will turn out, dear one?" Aro asks Alice. "Tell me what you've seen."

"Actually, you are going to want to see this yourself. You will love it. Let it be a surprise!" Alice is doing a cute pouty face, joking playfully with Aro. She's an artist.

"I'm not sure about that. The only way that she will go to you is if I come with her. I don't know you, and I am Bella's protector. She goes nowhere without me," Jacob jumps in.

"How utterly tiring. If you must," Aro says, rolling his eyes. He holds our his hand to me, and I nervously step forward and take it. Aro's hand is cold and dry. His face goes blank, and a look of concentration passes over his eyes. A slow smile spreads across his face. "How delightful! Edward, are you able to read her mind? I see nothing! This is the first time my gift hasn't worked. I am fascinated by you, dear child!"

"No, I can't read her mind. Alice can see her in visions though," Edward answers, reading Aro's mind. "Jasper can affect her mood."

"Hmmm... I wonder..." Aro starts.

"No, please. I don't want to find out. Please, Aro. If it works... She is human," Edward begs. I'm wondering what is going on, but apparently everyone else knows. The unease can be felt from where I am. Everyone behind me is shifting nervously, a human habit that none of them normally have. Something is wrong.

"Alas. We must find out. Jane?"

"As you wish, master," Jane answers, then stares intently at me. A look of confusion crosses her delicate features, then anger. "It doesn't seem to work. I could try the wolf, if you like."

"No, I think I would like to formally meet him, as well. Tell me, will you shake my hand, Mr. Black?" Aro asks. I nod at my boyfriend, trying to get him to cooperate. Jake is well outside his comfort zone. He is not ok with touching vampires, but I know he can sense the seriousness, the danger of the situation we are in. He reaches forward and takes hold of Aro's hand.

"What exactly is this, anyway?" Jacob asks.

"Aro has a special gift. With just a touch, he can see anything in your mind. It's not just what you're thinking of, like my gift. It's anything. Everything," Edward answers. Jacob visibly flinches. This is not ok with him.

"A witch?" Aro gasps, dropping Jake's hand. "You were right not to spoil it for me, Alice!" he smiles, and Alice nods, going along with his excitement.

"Well, the cat is out of the bag, now," Jacob chuckles uneasily.

"Your kind has many secrets. What a joy, to be able to see how it works. Thank you," Aro smiles at him. "A witch. But not always. What a surprise this must have been to you!" he exclaims, looking at me.

"Oh, yes. Um, a big surprise," I say. My throat hurts.

"Well. I think we have seen all we need to see here. Do come see us sometime, Isabella. I would love to see you in full power. Edward, of course, we would love to see you as well, anytime. It was wonderful to see you all. We really must head back," Aro bows, then as one, all of the vampires that had come with him, turn around and start walking away. "You really should retrieve the body of the redhead and burn it. I know this was your first time, Bella, but we mustn't be sloppy."

"Yes sir?" I sort of ask. I'm not sure how I should address him. I get that he's important, but I don't know anything about the formality of it. It doesn't matter, because he doesn't answer anyway. As they disappear out of sight, there's a collective sigh of relief. It seems to have went well.

"I will get Victoria's body. I remember where it was from the scrying pool. You should get back to the Reservation, Jacob. I think you will find something there that requires your attention," Edward states flatly. He looks toward Alice, nostrils flaring. He's upset at her, but I'm not sure why.

"I'm too tired to dig into your cryptic messages right now. Do you have a vehicle I can use? I would hate to have to run all the way to the Res tonight," Jake opines.

"Of course. You can take my Volvo, just bring it back tomorrow. Go get some rest," Edward advised. "And Bella... I'm glad you can speak again. That must be a relief."

Jacob's POV

It's kind of nice to be getting along with Cullen, for a change. I can't say that I mind borrowing the Volvo. The trip to retrieve it was pretty short, considering. Running back to the Res with Bella on my back would have sucked major ass. I don't think I've ever been this tired. Phasing in the Aether really took it out of me. It required a whole new level of concentration.

When we get back to my house, the lights are all on. There's definitely someone in there moving around. Looking at the time, there's no way that it's Dad, unless something is wrong. He wouldn't be up this late, otherwise. I steel myself, and wait for Bella to hop out of the other side of the car before I go up the walk. When I open the door, I see the look on Dad's face, and this is the first time that I have felt real fear today.

"Dad? What's wrong? What's going on? Is everyone ok?"

"Jake, you need to go to Paul's. There's been... an incident. Something happened to Leah. You'll need to go see for yourself. I'll leave the door unlocked for you, but I don't think I'll be seeing you back tonight. We need to talk, so make yourself available to me tomorrow. Goodnight, I love you guys." Dad is shaking his head on the way to his room, and I notice just how slowly he wheels his chair. How very tired he really looks.

"You ready, Bells? I guess we're heading to Lahote's." We go back to Edward's car and drive. It's not too far, and I run it all of the time, but I'm just wore out.

"I hope Leah is ok. I'm really worried now," Bella says, wringing her hands. When we pull up to Paul's house, she jumps out of the car before I do. I could hear Leah's screams before we got here. She is in excruciating pain. She's a tough woman, and I've never heard her even cry over any physical hurt. We run in without knocking, and see that there are other people here waiting, too. Charlie is in the corner, talking to Sue. Seth is sitting next to his mom, crying into his hands. Emily is rubbing Sam's back, making soothing shushing noises. This looks like a room full of people who just heard of the death of a loved one.

"What's going on? Dad didn't tell me what happened, he just told me that I needed to come over."

"It's bad, man. I'm not sure what to make of it, honestly," Sam answers, sighing and shaking his head. "She was going to die. She was going to die, and Alice saved her."

"If she saved her, why is everyone so upset? Why is she still in so much pain? I've never heard screaming like that from anyone," I say. Bella reaches over and touches my arm, looking into my face knowingly. "What... I mean... Oh, fuck." I'm so exhausted that it takes me longer than normal to piece together what is going on. I push down all the emotions that are bubbling to the surface, and break into a run to Paul's bedroom door.

"Jake," Paul says, and I can barely hear him over the cacophony that is happening just a few feet away from me. "Jake, I don't know what to do. What do I do?" He looks so confused, and tired, and something else... Hurt. This is his imprint. The love of his life. What ties him here.

"Paul, buddy, we are going to figure this out," I reassure him, and I feel Bella walk into the room behind me. I close my eyes and realize that there is nothing TO do. Nothing can be done. I've not heard of any wolf being bitten and surviving, mostly because bloodsuckers tend to tear us apart if they can. "Let's think logically... Alice did this. She must have known how it would turn out, before she did it. She wouldn't do this if she was just going to die anyway."

"That's what I was thinking. I mean, we didn't really have time for Alice to explain everything, but she told me that though it's not set in stone, she is expecting her to be fine. She said it was her only option if she wasn't going to die," he says, then sighs. "I just don't think I can stand to see her suffer through this. And I can't leave, obviously. This is like torture. The imprint is making me nuts right now."

"I can imagine," I tell him, and I can. This is some shit that I wouldn't wish on anyone. "The only thing I don't understand is why I didn't know this happened. From the timing, I would guess that I was phased too... But come to think of it, I didn't hear any of you while I was in the Aether. I guess being in another realm must block us from each other. I could easily hear Swift..." I trail off, thinking about how I didn't even notice my brothers missing from my mind.

"Leah is strong. She's going to get through this. And she's going to make one badass vampire wolf. I know that this is horrible right now, but everything is going to be ok. After all that we've been through, how could it not be? She is my best friend. Even if I have to sacrifice a goat or something, I will make sure that she makes it through," Bella says, chuckling, trying to lighten the mood. "Go get some rest, Paul. This process takes days, from what I understand, and I have plenty of energy. The Aether heals my ails and all that. You can cuddle with Jake in our bed, but you have to be the little spoon. Promise?" Paul cracks a small smile.

"OK, but if anything changes, please call me. I'll be back in a few hours to give you a break. A few hours of constant screaming is going to take its toll on you, believe me." Paul reaches up and rubs his eyes, tiredly. I can see his struggle to even walk away from Leah. I put my arm around his shoulder and pull him to the door, letting him lean on me while we walk to Cullen's car.

Bella's POV

I sit in a chair at the side of Paul's bed, watching Leah scream for what seems like forever. Thankfully, Emily ran to our house and brought my old copy of Wuthering Heights for me to read. Not that I can really concentrate. It's been four hours since Jake and Paul left. I expected them back by now, but I'm guessing that they were so tired that they are still sleeping. I'm ok with that, feeling pretty good right now, though my nerves are shot. Carlisle and Alice come by to check on Leah, saying that she actually looks further on in the process than one would normally be. The drops of blood that he took are stuck on little slides and put under a microscope.

"I've never known of a wolf being bitten by a vampire and actually surviving that long enough to change. It is looking as though this will be a typical wolf process, and she will change much faster than a typical human. What would normally take a few days, is probably going to come to an end within a few hours or so for her. We're really just kind of waiting for her to wake up," Carlisle tells me. Alice is standing off to the side, not talking. I can tell she feels horrible.

"Wow. So what are we expecting, here? Is she going to wake up and want to bite everyone? Will she try to kill me, if I'm in here?" I ask, questions tumbling out of my mouth like word vomit. All of a sudden, Leah stops screaming. I look at her, stunned by the silence.

"I'm actually going to just hang around here on the Res until she turns. I would recommend you not being in here when it happens, because you are human and we are not sure how she will react. Maybe give Paul and Jacob another hour, then call for them. She will need familiar faces when she wakes up," Carlisle advises. "I have a few calls to make, so I'm going to step out, but I will be close enough, should you need me." I nod at him and watch him walk out of the door. Alice stays put, arms crossed over her chest.

"I'm so sorry. I went over everything. This was the best option. Bella, she is going to hate me. I've seen it. It will take a lifetime for her to forgive me," Alice almost sobs, clearly upset by this.

"I think she will find it in herself to forgive you, one day. And all of us who love her... Well, we thank you. I don't want a world without her in it."

Jacob's POV

We really overslept. I got the phone call from Bella, and we had been asleep for five hours. Paul is so upset with himself that he can't even speak. He somehow feels like he had abandoned her when she needed him. It's hard to see him like this. He's such a hard ass that seeing him so upset, completely falling apart, is the most unsettling thing about this whole experience.

"Jake, one thing before you leave?" Dad asks. "I can't do this forever. It's time for me to teach you to be what you were born to be. Whether you take over as Alpha of the Pack or not, is your choice... I know that may not be something you want to do. But remember... You were born to do this. You will always be my son, but it is time for you to become Chief Black."

I knew this was coming, Dad's getting older, and he has been delegating most of his chiefly duties to me over the last year. I heave a big sigh, and look over at Paul, who is laughing quietly. I reach forward and shake Dad's hand, then pull him into a hug. When I let him go, I nod, then walk to the door to leave. Paul is in front of me, but he suddenly stops and steps backward.

"Chief Black," he snickers, bowing in mock fashion. Ass. At least he hasn't lost all of his humor.

We drive over in the Volvo, and I see Dr. Cullen's car sitting in front of Paul's house. Bella told me that he had come by. When we get out, Carlisle walks up to us, talking before we get to the door.

"It's going to happen, soon. I'm here," he assures us. "We are going to find her something to eat, as quickly as we can. If we can get the thirst out of the way straight off, she'll be able to better focus and get back to her regular self. Or the closest version, anyway," Carlisle finishes.

"Will she try to bite one of us?" Paul asks, all seriousness.

"No offense, Paul... But you smell as appetizing as rotten garbage. She's not going to want to eat that. Although, since she is part wolf, I suppose that could make a difference... We'll have to play it by ear. Alice and I will sit closely, you can sit further away, just in case. Bella is going to have to leave the room. I estimate that Leah will be waking very soon."

When we walk in, Bella is sitting on the bed, holding Leah's limp hand. Sometimes I swear that girl has no sense.

"She has started stirring. I know, I know..." Bella says, when all of our eyes bug out of our heads at her, well... her stupidity. "But I just love her so much. I heard you guys coming. I thought no way would she wake up before you guys got in here, but I wanted to say goodbye before all she knows of me is how good I smell..." Her small face turns down into a frown, and a tear rolls down her cheek. Leah's body jerks a little, and Bella lets go of her hand, getting up to make room for Carlisle and Alice to take her place. "It's going to be awhile, but... I'll see you later, friend," she whispers at Leah, then walks out of the bedroom and to the front door, not looking back.

We're sitting there, staring at Leah for a good fifteen minutes, when her eyes open and she bolts upright. Her vision darts all around the room, her hand reaching up to her throat.

"Oh God. It burns. Why does it burn so bad?" she asks, genuine discomfort in her voice. "And what is that smell? Why is Dr. Ken doll here?"

"The smell is this house. The wolf smell is particularly strong here. Leah... During the fight with the newborns, you were fatally injured, and... Well, you were going to die. I did what I had to do to save you. I hope you can forgive me. I'm so sorry," Alice said soberly.

"Wait... wait a fucking second. Are you telling me... Are you saying that I'm a goddamned bloodsucker?!" Leah screamed.

"Ahem. I am afraid that that is exactly what you are being told, Miss Clearwater," Carlisle answers softly, reaching out for her hand.

"Don't fucking touch me. Nobody touch me! You let them do this to me? You HAD to know that I wouldn't be good with this, Paul! You know how I feel about leeches!"

"You were dying. You could be saved, and Alice knew that. You know that she sees the future, right?" Paul asks sarcastically. "I didn't really know what was happening, until it was actually happening. It's not like she consulted with me. There was no time. She saw what she had to do, and she did it."

"I can't believe that you are ok with this! Has this even ever happened to another wolf? What if... What if this breaks our bond? What if you hate me now?!" Leah is in full freak out mode. She screams, a tortured sound unlike the ones during the change.

"I can't hate you, Leah. I love you. I more than love you. That won't ever change." Paul's heartfelt release does nothing to calm Leah's sense of despair. She rolls her eyes and grunts loudly.

"How do I stop the burning? I'm guessing I have to go eat someone now, right? This is my fucking life?" with that, she jumps up and runs out of the door, a blur in my vision. Carlisle and Alice leave just as fast, monitoring her so that she doesn't kill any humans.

Bella's POV

I'm waiting outside to go home, sitting on Paul's handmade swing in the far side of the yard, when Leah runs out of the door. She stops and whirls toward me, hunger in her eyes. Fuuuuuck. There's no one with her, and I have no idea what to do... My brain is going a thousand miles a minute. I haven't played with my powers outside of the Aether, and I don't want to hurt her, but it's worth my life to try. I look around quickly and notice a branch hanging in the path she is taking to get to me. I reach out with my finger and flick it with my mind. Nothing happens. Shit.

"Leah, NO!" Carlisle and Alice are running toward her, fast as lightning. They catch up to her before she gets to me, thankfully. The thing about newborns is, they are easy to dispatch because they are careless. The only problem with this is that they are SUPER strong, and if you are trying not to hurt them, well, you would need more than two fully grown vampires to try to hold them. Leah breaks free of their grips, and starts toward me again.

"Shit!" I flick my finger again, begging my brain to cooperate. The branch shakes, and that gives me hope to try again. I stand up, flicking my finger one more time. The branch breaks and falls on top of her. It doesn't hold her for long, but for enough time for Alice and Carlisle to hold her and Jake and Paul to run out to help.

"She doesn't mean it, Bella, you know that," Alice grunts with the effort of holding Leah back. I start feeling a little weird, and right before my legs give out I see a very defeated Paul wiping tears from his face. I'm not sure what's happening, but I don't lose consciousness at least.

"Jesus, Bells! You're already tired... You're not in the Aether right now. It's cool that your powers work here, too, but maybe we should give it some time before you try again. It looks like it might wipe you faster here," Jacob scolds, scooping me up from the ground. "We're going to get out of here. I need to get her home, put her in bed for a while." I fall asleep before we even make it to the Volvo.

I wake up with Jake pulling open the passenger door to get me out of Edward's car. As I'm being carried, I see the rocking chairs sitting on the porch, promising forever. I imagine us there, rocking back and forth, Jacob whittling a walking cane for himself. Me reading Wuthering Heights for the millionth time. Grandchildren with jet black hair and beautiful mahogany skin playing around our feet. And I know, right now, that this is the best possible forever that I could ever have.

Well, folks... This is the end. I left some room, so that if/when I want to write a follow up, I can. I am so, so thankful for all of the love you have shown me. I have never written anything but poetry, and was so scared to attempt this fanfic. Thank you for the encouragement, and the kind words. This is just the end of this part of the story, guys! Follow me to see what else I have up my sleeve for later!