NEW ECLIPSE

by TrillionSchiffer

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda version of the events that took place at the end New Moon & all of Eclipse. I will be going canon where I can, but I won't be stupid about it. Things are going to change. This what it should have been. I will be leaning more towards action and away from drama. No worries, the split would be somewhere around 65/35. ***UPDATING Old chapters as of 7/2/2019***

25. Into the Devil's Hands

***11/06/2017 UPDATED ***

NEW ECLIPSE

***This Weeks REVIEWER of the week for CHAPTER 24 GOES TO: MYEDWARDJACOB***

MEJ really raked me over the coals last week. But the point of reviews is to get my mind burning with questions. And as long as it's on fire I don't care how it got there.

MEJ made a lot of suggestion and a few points, and made me think about a lot of things.

For Example, where are the Volturi? Answer: Around. Lol. But seriously, they are occupado in South America. You will see the purpose once you read Horizon. All will be made clear.

Charlie's ignorance: Charlie is a realist, does anyone really think he is going to believe some hocus pocus nonsense? Im not SM, in not going to add wishful thinking to fantasy, just so that Bella can get everything under the sun. Plus there are just some ppl who would be completely freaked out by this world. I will not do EASY ACCEPTANCE. That was SM's downfall in my book. Something like this is HUGE, and should not be accepted willy nilly, like SM wrote. [Also a good topic for a one shot…any takers?]

But MEJ did make a good point about why wait for Victoria to build up her army? I guess a war in the middle of a city would be a better read. I know I would want to read it. Anyone want to write it as a one-shot? *looking left, looking right* well if you do let me know.

As per there being a lot going on, I guess I'll have to apologize for that. but hey, it was interesting right?. I'll dial it down now promise. One war at a time.

And if ANY of you have not read any of KzintiKiller's works. Shame on you, shame I say.

In any case MEJ comment really got the juices flowing. So APPLAUD him/her, for a job well done!

A/N: Sorry Folks, I was supposed to put this chapter out on Saturday, but then I read it and was like, OH HEEELLLL NOOO. So with a 'say no more attitude', I went to work. Tweak, tweak tweak, and with no further ADUE [or some misspelled French word lol] I give you CHAPTER 25!

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN SQUAT. JUST WHATS IN MY HEAD.

CHAPTER 25: "Into the Devils Hands"

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BELLA

Carlisle just shook his head grimly ending his call.

We were in the middle of receiving new information when he had surprised all by choosing that moment to place a call to the pack to inform the wolves of Jasper's assessment, that the news reports were misleading, and that there was no doubt that it was Victoria's army broke in and picked that gun store clean of its contents last night, and not citizens taking matters into their own hand. Then told of Alice's prediction, that Victoria's army would make landfall at precisely 10:31 am, and where they needed to be positioned. But to all that...

"Remember the line." Was all was said in response, before the line quickly went dead.

It stung and angered all present. We looked to one another wearing faces bitterness, anger and deliberation after witnessing another blatant act of disregard by the tribe. Then turned to Carlisle and shook their heads.

After our debate last night, Carlisle's anger had ran its course, and he was himself again. He began looking for opportunities to futilely mend fences with the pack, that he himself had no hand in breaking. Worse still, I knew he did it because of me.

It seems the conversation I had with Edward yesterday, then the family, opened his eyes to a much bigger problem, and fueled his desire to repair any damage that was done between us and the tribe, whether it was his fault or not.

Edward explained to me that Carlisle saw what I saw, and that it was then he decided to try to once again be the exemplar, and lead his family minds and hearts away from genocidal thoughts, and planned to repair the relationship no matter the cost.

He saw like I did, that killing so many innocents will undoubtedly destroy us as well, and just like I figured out, he knew his family wouldn't survive something like that and come out spiritually intact. Because to him destroying those who either called it upon themselves or can defend themselves was one thing, but people and children who knew nothing, was another matter to him entirely.

To him, if his family went through with something like that, then what would've been the point of following their diet, just to even the scales like that.

Truly, what would have been the point to any of it then?

Carlisle was battling for the soul of his family, and he didn't care how low he would have to sink on his knees to make sure we all kept our own.

Looking at the family as they stood like perfect statues, I could see that they understood what he was desperately trying to do, but didn't agree to the lengths he was willing to go to do it. It looked like most have already steeled themselves for what they believed they had to do, and was trying to get it done without being put through another resolve weakening sermon.

"It's enough Carlisle, they have made their position regarding us clear, and after today, we may not need to bother with them anymore, or at least their trouble makers" Esme said and then amended after glancing at me, "So there is no need to try so hard to be civil, you've done all you can. If the one's that survive this day ever wish to reach out us, they know how. Leave it at that."

Esme was right, the door was open, our part was done, but with the packs proverbial backs to us, like it is now, how could they possible see any of that?

"Ingrates! We're trying to fucking help!" Rose said angrily, never really able to hold back her tongue in defense of her family. "If it weren't for that phone call, those ignorant mutts would've been scattered all over the damn place, and many of them would've most likely been alone, and met all thirteen newborns one by one. We just saved their collective necks for fuck sakes. But yet again, and they can't even say, one fucking thank you?!"

No one had a problem agreeing with that assessment. A scenario like that would have undoubtedly gotten me what I was looking for, but it also would have killed off the entire pack, and the human tribe members as well; and not to mention added another thirteen newborns for us to worry about; and that I didn't want.

"You are without question right, lovely Rose. So which is why I ask again of you Carlisle, why do you persist to even bother with these ill-mannered creatures at all?" Eleazar inquired. "They want you gone. Gone from your home, and gone from your very existence. So why not leave them to their fates as your sensible mate suggested , hmm?"

"I know it is difficult to deal with this generation. And I understand and share in the frustration with dealing with them. But the purpose of call wasn't meant for the pact alone. It was for all who live there, and for us as well. The way I see it, Many who live there, no comprehension of the danger they currently face. Or that thier lives are completely depended on competency of over prideful leaders, who have shunned assistance, time and time again. It is they whom I am concern with and who I believe must be given all the chances we can provide for them to survive. For what possible chance do they have otherwise?" Carlisle said as his reasoning. "And as for how it helps us, that is simple. We can't handle the lump sum. That army must remain divided at all cost. And the longer they are occupied the better chance we all have. Is that not so?"

Many I could see weren't totally buying his second explanation in full. Did it make sense yes, but it was not something anyone believe he would prioritize. For we all knew the man. We all know what he really wanted to have happened with that phone call.

His heart was too big for even him to admit that he was fighting a losing battle with these wolves. And the pack were too proud and arrogant to heed to reason and common sense in taking our hand in this. And even after the Cullens display of dominance and benevolence, they still carried on as if this family were no threat to them at all.

For the life of me now, I almost can't comprehend how I thought a hero of any of them. All of them, not just Jacob has betrayed some portion of the image I held of them in my mind. Jacob's betrayal of my trust was more direct. But they all betrayed that image, in their support or choice to willfully disregard on Jacobs attempted murder of Edward; my mate, and life. Because that incident showed me all I needed to see of Jacob Black to know, he was not a 'friend' whom I should've ever placed my trust in. And the pack members, who supported this attack and or brushed it off as a 'failed attempt' and who would not have shed a tear next to me if Jacob had succeeded, are people I now feel I didn't even know in the first place.

I mean seriously, who were these guys I was so close to calling family? What happened to the pack that spent months chasing the devil herself back to the gates of hell for me? How did so many of them get twisted up inside? Was the chance to kill a vampire all they were really after? Was I just good bait to 'keep around' in order to increase thier chances at a kill?And beside Jacob, who only saw me as a broken object to fix, in order to be rewarded; did any of them even think of me as a real friend to the pack?

These are all the questions I see myself asking because what else is there to ask? They can't have truly cared for me or loved me like i had them. How could they, if I know in my heart that they would happily dance on the ashes of Edward or anyone else in this family; and do so even as I cried my soul out. How could they love me me if they can't even find it in themselves to not want to kill everyone I have come to love? How?

But still...

"I have to agree with Carlisle" I said nervously, knowing full well the round of debates we all have had over this already. All heads to me at the end of my quick statement, and one or two even rolled their eyes. "The wolves may not want our help, but that shouldn't stop us from being who we are. The things they do may bring destruction upon themselves but what about the villagers who know nothing of any of this? Listen, I-I don't even want to say this but... losses will be suffered today. But I don't want to give up on all of the just yet. Because maybe, after 'some' are gone, maybe we can work with what's left"

Carlisle and Edward gave me a small smile, but everyone else, gave my words some small consideration simply out of respect. I knew from there stoic faces, my words didn't move them, not even Esme. But I had to try.

"Fine. If you want to be rivals forever, that's an option too. I said my piece."

"And its enough." Kate interceded. "We already had this discussion. T fact remains the same. They threaten to out all of you. A threat no one here want to chance, and one we know they will happily carry out. So it's either we kill them, or the Volturi kills us. Personally I consider us blameless, and so should you. None of it is our, or your fault. They chose this fate for their own people." Kate said firmly.

"Yes, they most definitely did" Jasper added. "They made their choice, and forced our own. it is as simple as that. I will not sit back and allow us to act foolishly and be wiped out due to them or with them. If any member of the family do not have will to see this thru" He said looking at me, making Edward growl lowly at my side, "then you don't have to participate. But don't get in they way of those with the will, either. If it comes down to it, I will handle it myself. I will be merciful, I will be quick, but above all, I will be thorough. The rest of you need not follow me. There is no need to sully your hands in this. This is an old hat for me, one that I swore never to wear again, but I see even here. In this peaceful existence, something like this has its place."

"Jasper?" Alice whispered sadly and was about say more, but then seemingly changed her mind, then simply nodded at him.

"No worries darling, I don't plan to skulk around going house to house murdering. Even my conscious won't survive that. Plus, we can't have our fingerprints on this can we? And to that, I have given this some thought, and planned to solve the human number problem like the Volturi would have. I will get my hands on a contagion or two, and let it do the job for us, keeping our hands clean. In time, the tribe will be quarantined off, and if they figure out who did this evil to them and start to talk then; I would highly doubt anyone would believe them. Any nonsense they spout will just back labeled as sickness delirium. Doing it this way leaves no need for follow-up after the victims, because the cause of death would be clear enough for all to see; and will excuse Bella's father from our hit list. The Quileute nation will have few survivors, but the direct threat to us will more or less be wiped out. Our family will move away, stating, we did not want to risk infection, but I will stay behind to make sure the job is done. I will watch and save who I can, when I can, ensuring that some of their people will survive, but that's it. All know those who carry the gene and know our secret must go."

I gasped and was about to speak up when Edward chimed in on my behalf,

"Sue means a lot to Charlie, and her children a lot to her, spare her, if you could"

It was selfish of me to allow Edward to ask for special favors on my behalf, but I really don't believe that Charlie should lose his life over this either.

"I haven't overlooked that, but I will watch and see how they act first. People tend to change during times of great trial, and if they ever figure out what was done to them, and by whom, you may not like what they change into."

Most of the family nodded at that.

"Fair enough" Edward agreed then turned to me, and I nodded as well knowing that this was the best we could do.

"Ok then, let there be no more debate. We are in agreement. If they force us to act, we act." Jasper stated. To which most everyone agreed, some eagerly, some reluctantly, but we all agreed. If the wolves push this, their deaths would not be on our hands; just Jasper's.

Looking around I saw the relief in some of their faces, and even Emmett looked slightly less tense than he was a moment ago. Jasper's willingness to suffer the burden alone, solved the morality issue, but it still didn't seem right to just let one person suffer something like that for the rest of us. But this was as clean as this messy situation was going get.

Still, I truly hated Jacob for this. No matter how it was phrased, I knew that Jacob was the real reason things were pushed this far.

I would say I should have ended things sooner, but how much sooner could I have done it, when all I saw him as was a friend?

Of all the relationship I truly knew was at an end, it was the one between him and myself.

God damn him!

Edward seeing my stress began to rub small circles into my back. I looked at him and allowed his soothing touch to take me over. I walked in front of him and lean into him, and allowed him to wrap his arms around my mid section and nuzzled his face in my hair, breathing me in deeply.

I began relaxed again, and let go some of my frustrating thoughts and uncertainties, and replaced them with more pleasant and certain ones.

Like the fact that in a matter of hours Victoria and her army would finally be put down, ending her vendetta against me and Edward over the game James decided to play and lose years ago. Not to mention putting an end to the murder spree in Seattle, and delivering justice to their murders.

I stood there in Edward's arms as the rest of the last minute discussions a preparations took place. Everyone was getting ready to leave, and take up their positions.

They were all dressed in dark clothing. Deep dark greens, reds, and blues. The women tied up there long hair into tight buns, or low braided pony tails that were covered up by their athletic jackets. Either way, they simply wanted it out of the way leaving nothing for an enemy to grab hold of.

Jasper began liking his fingers, coating each with venom, and when Emmett curiosity couldn't take it anymore, he broke down and asked.

"So can you tell me what so finger licking good about this situation?"

"Just some fun for later," Jasper answered cryptically, with a mischievous grin, causing Emmett to roll his eyes.

"What kinda fun? Fun like you and Alice only fun, or is it something we can all join in on?"

"Don't know yet, were going to have to see what develops." Jasper cryptically responded once again, much to Emmett's chagrin, and Jasper's and now Edward's pleasure as they both chuckled at their irritated brother.

"Dude can't you just give me a straight answer?"

"Good grief," Alice said rolling her eyes, "He plans on marking our foes, scar-ring-them, there was that so hard?" Causing both Jasper and Edward to grumble, having their fun cut short.

"What? why bother doing that?" Emmett asked skeptically

"Well Emmett if you must know, some of our enemies will be braver than others. Some will fight, and some will run. I plan to scar as many as possible just in case they decide to take advantage of the chaos and make a break for it. You see, the scar will act as a calling card, and the urge to destroy to person who eternally marked you such a manner will haunt your consciousness like a ghost. Eventually, whether it's ten years, or a hundred years from now, their anger with you will conquer their fear, and they will seek you out. But of course they won't come alone; so when their little grief party shows up, we get to have a little sport, and break the monotony of our day to day façade. So, whattadya say, you up for it?"

"Oh hell yeah!" Emmett boomed, then quickly shoved his each hand down to his knuckles into his mouth, licking four fingers at a time.

We all chuckles at his antics. Leave it to Emmett to lighten the mood.

Everyone was done borrowing tomorrows fears. We had battle to win, and to at least put down one enemy for good.

Alice updated us on a few minor changes, and Esme handed me a backpack full of food.

"Just in case you get hungry. It is a nice day for a picnic." She said smiling sweetly me then quickly winked at Edward.

"But so much?"

"Well I don't know what type of picnic you girls have these days, but in my day, when you're alone with your significant other in the woods, it usually ends one way. I thought you might need your…energy"

"Oh" I said turning red. "Energy. Right."

Emmett boomed in laughter, quickly matched by all the ladies.

"Don't tell me that thought never crossed your mind? What? Are you studying to be a nun up there?" Tanya ribald tapping her temple

Emmett howled in laughter once again.

"Poor Edward" Alice mocked.

"Love, Its okay, I wasn't expecting…." I smacked his chest before I let him finish. Hopefully he got the message to shut the hell up and let this topic die.

Of course I wanted to, I will always want to. I was just shocked that I didn't think about before Esme handed me that backpack, is all. Could anyone blame me?

"OOOoooo, look who is about to get a chance to tickle home plate again" Emmett sang waving his pinky in a circular motion, causing me to burn with embarrassment, and him to boom in laughter once again, much to the delight of everyone around, who were also beside themselves.

So much for a quick death.

"Ugh, okay that's it, we're outta here" Having suffered enough embarrassment.

I stepped away from my mate and we went to hug each of our chuckling family members, and wished them luck.

I still held some minor concerns about the uncertainty of it all. Because even Alice can't give a guarantee, due to so many factors at play. All we knew was, this fight will happen today, and somehow we prevail. That will have to be enough.

Looking back at them once more, making a memory of how we were now, I'd say, they looked prepared for the fight, victory, sure; but any other outcomes as well.

"Okay... let's go." I said reluctantly. Taking his hand into my own. I took a last look around my family and gave the best reassuring smile I could possibly give. Then Edward and I were off.

~HRZ~

After dashing and making the leap over the River behind our home, we walked under thick canopy of the woods, letting the sun hit us both where it could, what was the rush? We trusted Alice, so that meant we still had an hour before Victoria's minions were due to make landfall, so we just took our time and walked through the woods enjoying the sight and sounds of the deep woods.. It was a beautiful day after all, and with every break in the thick canopy above us I stole a glance at my gorgeous husband to be.

Even though we have been living together for the past 2 months, we rarely got a chance to go out in the sun due to either school or the high alert status we have been under. So I took every chance I got to see him shine today.

But it was hard to forget that no matter how bright & beautiful as the day was, there were a lot of dark and ugly things were about to take place. And it was especially hard to forget, all those beautiful, happy faces, full of life.

"Bella, we will be fine." Edward said looking at me with concern.

I looked at him and studied the concern look he was giving me, with my own.

"I know, we'll be fine. I am more concerned about our family Edward. I've been watching them train for months and I know they are capable, but am more worried about what we don't know. It's not like Victoria has been an open book these last few months. I mean, what do we know about her anyway? Sure she is cracked nut, but that's just about it. We really don't know anything beyond that. And I don't believe for a second that she would just put numbers together and just throw them at us, and hope to get lucky. This is her one shot, her last shot, and she is going to take it with precision and patience. So I know there just has to be more to this, but who I am I to argue against one of Alice's vision. Still, I can't shake this feeling that we're missing something.

"I see, you've given this a lot of thought haven't beautiful girl?" Edward said smirking at me, but still looking slightly more concerned that happy. "But I wouldn't worry so much if I were you love. They are mostly newborns and even though they have strength on their side, they are still adjusting to this life, but that's one of the reasons why I'm not too concerned."

"And your reason for that is?"

"Well like you I trust Alice implicitly. But I trust Jasper's mind more." He with a smirk as if that explained anything at all.

"What about Jasper?" I said rolling my eyes, causing him to chuckle.

"For one thing. He has put Alice on the front lines today. Something he would not do without if this day was going to go any other way except in his favor. And Secondly, he is in his element today. Today there are no safety rules, and death is a real possibility, and with that possibility, comes a sea of emotions to play with. Because raging newborn or not, it will be just like Jasper mentioned before. Once their allies start dying next to them, it will do funny thing to all that courage and bloodlust they came in with. And Jasper plans on capitalizing on those feelings of uncertainty, insecurity and fear, just like he has a hundred times before." He explained with an ever present smirk on his face.

"It's going to be a once in a century performance today. I honestly wish you could bear witness to the show that Jasper is about to put on, it will give you an idea of exactly how dangerous our brother really is. The levels of anger, doubt, mistrust, fear, shock, can all be played with as easily to him as my notes are to play on my piano. All will be orchestrated in such a manner that the enemy will practically destroy themselves. Add that to all the maneuvers and distractions that our family will be using. It will be utter chaos for them. Their best bet would be to ignore it all and swing for the fences, but we are prepared for that also. They really are at a serious disadvantage; so much so that I don't even feel guilty for not being on the battlefield."

"Wow, really? Soooo ,you're not feeling guilty at all?" I asked, enjoying his confidence, and allow it push away my concerns.

"Really, love." He said genuinely smiling at me this time. "So please stop being so worried over everything okay?"

I had to roll my eyes at that

"Sure thing 'Pot', the 'kettle; will try her best." I said joked, then went to stand in front of him, on my toes to and kiss him soundly, releasing a good majority of my previous concerns, smiling happily. "Come on beloved let's get to our 'hiding' spot, and have ourselves a 'picnic'." I said using air quotes.

"Sure thing, hop on beautiful one." Edward said chuckling at me.

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EDWARD

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Bella took her bag off my back and placed it on her own, then hopped onto my back grinning happily no longer worried over our family, and for that I was happy. We took off, but in no real hurry.

" Higher Edward, take me into the treetops again, pleaaaasssee." She begged beautifully.

"Sure thing, love, " I chuckled at her. "your eyes could see much better now that the sun is fully out." Thinking back to our previous predawn jaunt into the treetops on our way to the line to meet with the pack after Victoria's at near the tribes.

"Exactly, but that was still fun."

And up we went. I zig-zagged up from one tree to another till I go to the top branches that seemed strong enough to support our weight. Then I launched myself from there. Making ten, fifteen, or fifty yard leaps in a single bound. Completely dependent on when the next strong looking branch was located.

We were traveling in the general direction of the meadow, but taking our time to explore the forest from the canopy as well.

"Wow. I love it up here" Bella said softly,smiling happily on my back. "I could see so much more now. It's amazing."

I deliberately lost myself in her delirious happiness. I looked back at her as she was peering around her watching the world go by, with eyes full of wonder. She truly was happy, and that made me extremely happy.

With a modicum of surprise, I found myself wishing she was turned. For then, we can truly play in the trees all day. Because up here our speed wouldn't matter. It would all be about agility, and quick thinking.

"I'm happy that you're happy love. It seem that this life agrees with you" I said to her smiling softly.

She focused back on me and smiled at me softy as well.

"Hmmm. It does, doesn't it?" She hummed lightly and speaking even softer. "I could easily imagine spend a year or two just running around in the woods with you like two mythical forest creatures, just like the sisters did" She laughed while contemplated the idea further "Oooo Edward, just think about that for a second, can you imagine it? Us running around all day, just having fun playing this or that, and of course, making love constantly.

Hmmm, Forest creatures huh? I like it. Living with you and you alone, in our own world, temporarily lost in the woods." I happily agreed.

Mmmhmm. I do to." She said the then gasped. I turned to her, and found her looking at me mischievously. " You know, come to think of it, we may not even need clothes. And wouldn't that piss off a certain someone we know and love." She said twitching her eyebrows upward playfully.

I laughed at that, she was just too cute when she was at play. But then I thought on it, and suddenly it was the only thing I could think of.

There wasn't a single downside. We would have one another, the freedom of the outdoors, no family to harass us, no façade like school to get in the way of our time; which I hated to doing anyway; and all the food we can hunt. But what really sold me was her openness and bold invitation to make love to her as many times as I pleased. And that I could never made the offer, impossible to turn down.

"That is not a bad idea at all love" I said chuckling at the idea, but nodded seriously. "We're about to get to the meadow, when this is done, and if you are willing, why don't we try out naked in the woods theory for a day?"

"Mmmm, sounds perfect" she hummed sexily against neck.

My thoughts quickly filled to the brim with everything I was planning on doing to my Bella when that day came. Trying to count how many different ways I could 'have her' without truly having her.

The clearing was just ahead now. And feeling jovial I decided to push things a little further. So,with one last mighty leap straight up, I hopped over the last few trees that obstructed the view to our meadow, and turned to peer back at Bella expression, wanting to see her eyes as she took in our meadow from this height.

"Oh my god Oh my god Oh my god." She crowed as her eyes increased in size the higher and higher we got, as expected, but seeing the great heights we were now falling from, caused her courage quickly leave her. She squeaked, shut her eyes tightly, held on tighter, ducking her beautiful face into my shoulder, screaming a strangled screamed into my back.

I couldn't help my uproarious laugh then. Proud I was able to frighten my previously unscareable little lamb.

As soon as we landed I spun her around, so now we were facing face to face. Keeping her likes tightly wound around me while doing so, which caused my shirt to twist with the movement.

"What? We landed?" She said looking left to right to confirm as her legs still gripped me tightly as they could.

I had to chuckle. "Yes my lamb, we did."

Letting out a deep sigh of relief. "Oh my god, that was so high." She said, seemingly shivering from the memory. Then turned and looked at me angrily and smacked my chest. "What the hell was that?" She asked causing me to laugh more.

"Just having a little fun with my brave gir-."

Penny colored hair. That was him no doubt. And the girl was on his back. I can't believe it. She was right to come here instead. Finally this bullshit is over.

I heard as a memory played of my recent leap over the canopy played for me.

Run come on... make it in time. If I get her first, that sweet blood would be mine alone. Another voice entered, showing a memory of that same leap except from the other side, and mostly concentrating on the Bella face.

Shit who was laughing like that? FUck, don't tell me I missed the whole thing. Rick better had not touched that girl. That blood was mine! Another thought entered, but had no images to show except the one of a sniff of Bella's sweater and the woods he was currently running through.

Hahaha. I knew it! They were going to hide alone after all. Those fools had better be on the move, and ready to greet me when I get there. Thank you Laurent. Your death was not as worthless as your life. Good for you, your worthless piece of shit. Good for you.

I had already figured out what was going on from the other three. But there was no mistaken it now. We were surrounded and would encircled within seconds. And it was all because of me.

''Edward? Edward? What is it? Whats going on with you? Edward?" Bella said bringing back to the reality all I stand to loose due to my gross negligence.

My wide eyed, ashen expression may have told her all she needed to know, because she gasped and unfurled herself from me. Turning to quickly gaze at the treeline all around us.

"They found us? That's it right? They're coming aren't they?" It was all rhetorical, but I nodded anyway and brought my hand up, to push her behind me and turn us about.

I smelt something from Bella that I've only smelt from her twice before. Once in phoenix, and the other in Italy. It was fear. True and unfiltered fear.

And there was no time to do a single thing about. Not even offer a comforting lie... We were in a bad way and it was only getting worse by the second. I felt four minds closing in, and doing so too fast. They would be in... NOW

"Edward!" Bella shrieked

I quickly snapped my head around as the first broke through the treeline, which was quickly followed up by the second and third.

Whom each growled deeply at the sight of Bella, and with challenge at the sight of each other. But my attention was focused on the Fourth. She was now before us, with a slow crawling smile creeping up one side of her mouth.

"Gotcha" Victoria happily sang, her smile growing wider, and she began to slowly clap to herself.

Her proclamation was quickly followed up by Jeers and growls from the one at my right and back. Their minds were ready to think about other things other than yellowed eyed monsters who needed to die. They were impatient for the future. They wanted us gone almost as badly as she did. And even the few words that were spoken so far, already seemed to be too much chatter for them.

The Jeers and growled moved Bella to increase her grip on me. She still foolishly wants to trust me with her safety, when it was my very actions that got us in this mess.

Damn it! So stupid. How could I've been so reckless?!

"Your patience was rewarded, look at what it has brought you." Riley said to her. "Are you happy?"

Victoria was smiling ear to ear ignored his comments and question completely. She enjoying her moment. She looked at me then to Bella. But her thoughts were bursting with relief at being right to come back here.

I was seeing her mind. Seeing that she had ran past this area before. She had smelt Laurent. Or at least she thought that it was him. She tracked the smell to a few feet within the treeline of this very meadow, and found ashes that were left half buried in dirt.

But her loss didn't make her as simple minded we hoped. Bella was right to worry. There was more to her. Because she looked up and saw the meadow and immediately began to guess that this place held some kind of significance. Or at least it would to a stationary coven, who played baseball, bought clothes instead of steal them, and who as much as possible, lived like they were still human.

Yes, this place had to be of some significance. For Laurent was sent to find my human mate, and somehow had failed and died here. Meaning to her mind, that his target had to had been very nearby; and despite all the danger the fragile girl was in, she had decided to come to this place regardless. Yes, significant indeed.

So she took a gamble that this place was more important than it seems.

But skipping around in her thoughts. I saw that in the last ten minutes or so, I saw she was beginning to doubt this approach, and wanted to take off to join the rest of her army before she lost the advantage of numbers; but that was before my miraculous leap above the canopy that put me in the sun, and lit me up like a signal flare. Something she was clearly able to see from her overwatch position in the Mountains.

Now she was all too glad that that choice was no longer necessary. It seems that from the information she gathered from her scouting missions, she planned for Bella and I to be separated from our coven, and sent to hide out. We have never shown face in another skirmish before, so to her it made sense that we went into hiding each time, while letting our coven destroy our enemies for us.

So with Riley's help, they deliberately planned to separate us from the wolves but they needed to test whether or not we would help them or they would help us. And they also needed to see how big of a threat the dogs actually were. And that was what the attack on La Push was actually about. Victoria knew from previous runs on our territory that we and the pack were not friends, but she feared a union of forces on her behalf. They both did. So they made a clear decision for Alice to see, but when one didn't lend aid to the other; it was more than clear there was nothing to fear after all.

If they had eyes, they would've saw that that was never going to happen regardless; but now wasn't the time for that. I needed to find a way for Bella to get out of this, or stall long enough for reinforcements. I needed to buy us time.

"Victoria" I snarled. Deliberately trying to get a dialogue going.

"Well, well, well. We were on our way to meet you, but it looks like you came to see us instead. We were camped out here for four days and heard not a peep from any of you."

'Four days. They were here for four days' I thought in pure disbelief. How could we have missed it?

"Impossible." I said to which she laughed.

"Not for one who lives normally like us. For us, yes, that would have been impossible to miss. We would have caught the scent of an intruder within hours. But as you can see. Pretending to be human in our world has its price, and the bill on your mistakes are gonna be verrryyy expensive!" She happily implied, over the growling impatience of the one to my right and behind me, who by the second was edging closer to disobedience, wanting to rip open their prize.

"That is also impossible. We would have noticed!"

"Yet, ya didn't did ya. Ah ha!" She sang back happily. "We didn't make any decision to come see you personally too soon now did we?" Gloating further.

My crouch stance deepened. Because it was my turn to hiss and growl.

They knew bout us. A lot about us. Someone's been talking.

Still These odds weren't good. There were four of them altogether. Two of them talented, Victoria with her evasion and this Riley, from what I could tell, truly does in fact have a form of enslaving ability. Both his and Victoria thoughts have given that away. But despite it all, and still needed answers, and I was intent on getting them.

"How do you know me, or Alice?" I growled at her.

She only laughed at me haughtily, as the others lost more patience with our 'talk'. It was only a matter of time, but I still needed answers.

"What?! You mean you haven't figured it out yet?" Then She howled in laughter some more at my expense.

But I was fine with that, I needed time to assess our chance of escape.

"I see being a mind reader doesn't make you any smarter. No matter, since he is dead anyway and your well on your way, it makes no difference. But I must say, for a mind reader you sure dropped the ball on this one." Victoria said haughtily, as she thought of the backstabber who betrayed my family.

"Laurent!" I said thru my teeth. Causing Victoria to laugh some more.

"I-Irina. It was Irina." Bella said in a cautious whisper

As Bella said that Riley signaled the other two to maintain their encircled positions around us at a distance of 30 yards. Proof once more that it was he they obeyed not Victoria.

So I shifted my thoughts away from the laughing witch to him. In his mind, I can see that his ability to enslave does not rely on bonds like Chelsea. It is a more pure form of mind-control. Meaning that I am fully susceptible to it no matter my mated status. But unlike Chelsea, the 'charm' of his talent, fades away after five days, and it seems he is not able to do it to again to that individual after the bond has been broken, but for those five days, you're his.

His talent seems to rely on his voice. He is slowly able to 'persuade' others to look at things his way, and eventually act the way he wants them to as well; much like he was able to when he was a student at Forks high. Back then it was part of his 'charm' as well, when he manipulated teacher and students alike. But no one ever saw it for what it was, and he just seemed like a golden boy.

His weakness, like all enslavers, was time. Its takes up to a minute for his talent to begin to work and 2 more minutes afterwards for the full effect to kick in. But when he begins to speak, his victim will be put in an entranced state; and other than harsh words, they won't act too aggressively against him; giving him the time he would need to complete his enslavement.

I needed to destroy him before then. But how without Victoria noticing?

Victoria's ability did in fact make her a shield type, and thru her eyes I could see the color about the crown of my head. Soft lights glowing at random frequency, and red, slowly overcoming the green, as I subtly began prepared my attack, but held back, knowing she would see.

"Just knowing about what Alice can do shouldn't have gotten you this far, so how did you do it?" I growled out.

"Actually dummy, it does." She said in her earsplitting bubblegum tone. "All you have to do is not think about any of you, and you're fine. But just to be sure, I took it a step further. All I thought about was those." She said pointing to the tree line.

"Trees?"

"Exaaactly, I thought about getting to one tree in the distance, then another, then another, then another, till waa-la! I ended up right where I wanted to be. See, easy isn't it?"

I was clenching my jaws tightly then. She was right, it was so rudimentary, I couldn't believe no one figured it out before. With no thought of us, Victoria could've walked right up to us, and Alice would not have gotten a glimpse of her intent.

Victoria clearly wasn't as dumb as she sounded. Bella really and truly was right about her. While we just labeled her crazy and left it at that, But Bella thought more of her. About what the last chance really meant to her. And was right to worry about how far she would go, how creative she would get, to make sure she succeeded today. She was right about all of it. But there was so much more going on up there I couldn't believe I didn't see it before.

My only excuse was, that James was my main focus. Once he targeted Bella, I targeted him, and nothing else matters.

But just then Riley's thoughts grabbed my attention once more. Listening to him now, I knew he had no use for me, but looking at Bella for the first time in person and up close, he had thoughts of changing her, then for the next five days convincing her that he was a better choice for her than I was, or having her forget about me altogether so he can have her longer. If all else fails, he would give her out to the others to keep them in line. A sort of a prize for those who perform their duties the best.

I looked at him murderously then and growled loudly.

That grabbed his attention from her, but he looked at me as if I was nothing.

"Save it, you'll be dead soon, and none of this will matter anymore." Riley said dryly and unconcerned.

And strangely I felt he was right, and even more strangely I was found that I was slightly alright with that outcome.

'NO.. .that thought... that's not me... What the hell? What wrong with me?

'Protect, Bella, Protect her!'

I growled more and began to listen again.

Was he using his talent?

He thoughts now showed me that he was banking on Victoria's fighting ability to counter and match my own, add that to the fact that we were outnumbered, victory in his eyes was assured.

And through their minds, I saw that Bella's eyes were going wild looking at all the enemies that surrounded us. But then she focused on Victoria and Riley. But more than that, she was no longer the scared lamb. She looked at them as if she was assessing them, all the while wearing a look of scared bitter, fury.

We were in trouble and she knows the odds aren't good.

"Well don't let my prodigy concern you, although he is correct in his belief. You will be dead shortly, so don't let future worries burden you on the way " She sang haughtily with a wide smile on her face.

"I'll tell you what. I'll do you one last favor and tell you how this all came to pass. Sound good?" She gloated some more, also thinking victory was assured her not matter what she did now. And she did so, completely ignoring the growls of the men she brought with her.

She wanted to savor this. They did not.

But I needed time for Alice to see and others to come to our rescue, so I bitterly played along. For as long as I did, Bella and I would still be together. So I nodded.

"Yes it was, in fact, Laurent who informed on you all. You see you were fooled from the very beginning." She said laughing some more. "First you need to understand, in our coven with our little band of three, we each had a role to play. James was the tracker, he would find sport for us, and my job was to get us out of any situation that became too hot for us to handle. But our dear dear friend Laurent. He was something else all together. So on that last game, James went too far out of my reach to save, and got himself killed." She said still smiling widely.

But that was just for show. Her mind showed me she didn't want Riley to suspect the pain that she was really suffering from. She has been hiding it from him for months now, and will be more than happy to go join James after this is done here.

"So while we were playing our part in the game, Laurent played his; which was to act as an infiltrator. And he did a superb job of it when he infiltrated your soft-headed group, pretending to want to know more about your horrendous lifestyle." She stated giddily "And with a physic and a mind reader, I couldn't believe he succeeded. You were all true fools. All he did was speak softly and smiled on cue, and all your defenses crumbled. You gave up your numbers, and told us where to find more of you, practically adding them to our list to do gods knows what with in the future. You allowed him to come into your homes annnddd your women. Fucking your secrets out of them one by one. And I still don't believe it, but it must be fucking true. But somehow, he even went as far as to fool one into believing him when he told her they were mated!"

She was laughing hard now, judging us true fools in her mind.

But as upsetting as all that was, I continued to look into the enemies around us. I see from Victoria mind, her laughing wasn't distracting her from the task at hand, one bit. She paid even closer attention when she talks, than when she is silent. Her defenses were always ready to look for a way out. Plus she see's the colors of my talent and knows what they mean, and is watching them closely, and as soon as my crown turns red with and offensive attack, she will undoubtedly attack herself. That would leave me only time to attack one of them for about 1.5 seconds, slowing that down to human level, while taking the lashing the others were planning on giving me. I will have to choose carefully between them. For I narrowed it down. It was going to have to be either her or Riley.

Putting their thoughts together I saw a quick blueprint of their plan. It was simple. I wasn't the target, Bella was, I just needed to be distracted, and they made sure they brought enough to do it.

Riley was now deciding whether to turn Bella and I against one other. I knew Bella would be safe, but unlike her, I couldn't defend against his gift.

Victoria was planning on signaling her men soon and finishing this, because, for all the jokes and laughter, she was wanted out, but not before I was broken, just like her.

And the other two were crouched holding their breaths as instructed and were constantly looking for a signal from either Victoria or Riley.

We were truly trapped. There was no way I could stop them all, and even if I could, I couldn't do it twice and or keep them off Bella long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Honestly, that was a fools dream to begin with. We were on our own, I just didn't want to accept it, but now I have, and the reality of our chances of making it through together are bleak.

In this close range, my talent was useless, especially with Victoria watching.

To move was death, and to stay was the same.

She has us.

"I can't believe that worked. To pull that shit on a newborn sure, but a millennium old vampire?!" She said as she laughed so manically, it caused Riley's attention to shift to her momentarily, after that statement.

"But now my poor, poor, friend is dead, never getting the accolades he so rightly deserved. Oh well, no matter, Eh? I got what I needed from him, and once I knew what to look for, I began to block your physic, letting her in just enough to make this plan work, and get us to this very moment." She said, then she was no longer smiling or, anything else for that matter.

She looked up to the sky, and breathed in deeply.

'Soon, I'm almost done here' Then sighed. As if that monster of hers was actually in any place good.

Then turned to face us once more, wearing nothing but a blank mask. Her boasting done.

"So now...while I have your undivided attention. Let me tell you how this goes." She said, focus on me, "While all your coven is fighting for their lives, you will be slowly and painfully, losing yours." Now looking at Bella.

"This place" Now gesturing all about her. "was special to you, yes? A good place to die then, huh? Good for you, most aren't that lucky" She sadistically joked.

Do something! I thought urgently.

I have to choose one, but which one?

"Hmph. You know what, I just had a thought. I think I will give you a choice." She said sadistically now looking to the both Bella and I. "You can either step aside and allow me to kill her in front of you, which of course you think you will never do" She told me. "Or option two, We kill you, then I change her myself, remove her limbs and have her raped every day for a year before I let her join you in death, if at all." She said now looking at Bella. "Or, option three. I can have Riley make you kill her slow. Pinching pieces off her. Piece by tiny piece. A toe here. A patch of hair there. A Tooth, an ear, a piece of skin. one by one. You'll give her the slow agonizing death, she wanted so very much, from you. Hmmm. How does that sound? Stepping aside doesn't seem like such a bad idea now does it? Be glad. At least you get a choice, more than you let my James ever have!"

Riley looked at her questioningly. Victoria slipped up, she was supposed to be his mate, at least that is what she was told him, but now he has some doubt.

I needed to use this!

"You're right to doubt her Riley," I said catching all of their attention. "She loved James, He was her real mate, Her true partner and match in every way. His match, his prowess, to her mind, unable to be found elsewhere or in anyone. He is the reason she went this far, it was to avenge him, not protect herself or to secure this area from others as she told you. She has no need for any of that. For she has no wish to continue her existence after this is done. None! She see's no future after today. Not for her. Not for you! Not for anyone! She planned on letting you take all the blame when the Volturi decide to act. She knows they will hunt you all to the last, and none of you will receive any type of clemency because of what you've done. And even if you manage to escape them, she knows you'll all either be on the run for the rest of your existence or hunted by others of our kind in order to gain favor with the Volturi. Believe me, I know" I said as I tapped the side of my temple.

But he just looked at me like I was an insect one again.

"I knew all that already," Riley said dryly. "I'm not some pawn fool. I was only surprised she let it slip so close to the end, a stupid mistake." Then he studied my face. "So surface thoughts do confuse you, good to know, not that it would matter shortly." He turned to Victoria "I learned all I needed to learn from her" Then turned to Bella "But I will agree one thing. I will see this finished for Victoria, as a final thank you for this life, she deserves that much. I will grant her fondest wish and give her, the revenge that she sought for so long.

Victoria and I look at him surprised, but Victoria's features smoothed out, and she just gave a small smirk.

She realized that she had no more need to plot for the future past this day, and was content with the results of what she was able to accomplish up to this point. And with another nod to Victoria, Riley continued.

"These Volturi will come, but their job will already be done. They will see only the remnants of two fallen covens and a pack of dogs. There will be no one left to inform on the survivors. Only I and a few choice members of my new coven will make it out of here." He said apathetically. But then he looked back to Bella. "So you don't need to make a choice mind reader, I will make it for you and for her. I will take her for my own or to be used by our group. That all depends on her willingness to conform to me." Then he looked at my furious face, unmoved. "You will die now. For I am tired of hearing your name. I will order you dead, then release Victoria soon after, when she is ready. And that will be that. I'll close this circle there. But the girl is coming with us."

"That's not going to happen," I said evenly, wondering why I wasn't attacking.

"It has already begun to happen. As soon as you entered this field, and heard me speak, you were mine to do with as I pleased." Riley said coldly

No! I was being taken over. My body was being pulled into a sense of comfort and trust. I needed to act fast.

My choice was made, Riley it had to be Riley. Nothing else would matter if I couldn't defend us. I began my attack. I gathered all the energies I could quickly put together from the four minds I was able to touch upon and pulled as many mental energies I can from them. Then without pause, I refocused them upon my target and prepared for whatever came next.

"No! Destroy him now, he's attacking Riley's mind!" Victoria screamed, getting the attention of the other two that were with them.

I concentrated on Riley as long as fear allotted. Trying my best to inflict as much damage as possible.

But turned quickly to prepare to intercept the other two coming up from behind me. But as I did, as I was about to be tackled, I felt a gush of air hit me, I snapped my head around and saw Bella's eyes shut tightly. Victoria had taken advantage of my distraction and had impaled her hand into Bella's chest.

"Nnnoooo!"

BELLA

We were trapped; Victoria was gleeful while the others were stone-faced. Except for Riley, his face held a jaded expression or at least he did until he saw me. I turned to look around as they began to box us in. They were all around us now. Riley and Victoria in front, and stood thirty feet apart from us and each other, and the other two that were with them was at the same distances at our backs.

Their eyes too were alight when they saw me. They looked me up and down inspecting me thoroughly. A look I've seen before, in Port Angeles, it's more than clear what their intentions were.

Edward began to growl fiercely. Which more or less confirmed my suspicion, but then Riley spoke up and fear shot through me.

"Save it, you'll be dead soon, and none of this will matter anymore," Riley said indifferently.

I looked around after he said that, and tried to listen for Edward to reply in the negative. But it didn't happen. He didn't say a word in our defense. In my defense. It was then I threw my hopes away, it was then I knew we were in trouble and there was nothing we can do.

I remembered back to the discussion Alice and Edward had regarding Victoria's evasion talent, and how Victoria handled herself with the wolves. She was not going to be easy to take down. Edward would need his focus, but he wouldn't be able to do that, not in this fight. As soon as he would get the upper hand he would be attacked from the rear, or I would be attacked while he defended us... alone.

I was getting angry then. I looked to Victoria, and then at Riley, and thought of the two behind us. As mad as I could be at any of them, I was extremely disappointed and infuriated at myself even more. There were four of them, and only one of us that could do anything. I was dead weight

To make matters even worst, my presence even hindered Edwards's ability to make an escape or fight to his full capacity.

I had preached to Edward over and over again that we were equals or that we will be once I was changed, but that's never happening now, because Edward and I were going to die right now, because I was completely useless. I couldn't hold up my half.

I was enraged at this fact but stood there silently nonetheless. I stood there while Victoria told Edward the choices for my future and how grateful he should be that for the opportunity to choose between a quick death, a year of rape, or being forced to kill me in inches.

That just made me even angrier at my uselessness.

Then Riley explained that he was completely aware of Victoria deception and was planning giving her her revenge, but ultimately was going to attempt to enslave me to be his, and if I won't be, then I would be passed around and used by everyone else.

But all I took to heart was that Edward was going to be killed and I won't be allowed to follow. That e was going to share a pyre and ashes with Victoria for all eternity and not me! They were going to stick them together while they drag me off to be raped senseless. My virginity will be taken way, and not given. The first man that would know me like that, would not be Edward or even one man. And there was nothing, nothing I could do to stop any of it!

No, no no! I mentally raged.

"That's not going to happen" Edward said, but he had no anger in his voice, he sounded resigned to his fate.

There was truly was nothing he could do get us both out of this, and he wouldn't move a muscle to leave me behind.

I truly was going to be the death of him.

I closed my eyes tightly in fury. I was infuriated at myself. I killed us...my humanity killed us. I was beyond rage now. My eyes shot open and in front of me was the one person I wanted dead the most.

Victoria.

Three things happened at once

Edward yelled out "No!" Then Edward and was tackled to the ground by the two vampires behind us, leaving a 10 yard long grove in the flower bed

Riley tried to run at our group by stopped short and was looking at his body as if he was confused by what he was seeing.

And Victoria had her hand on my chest looking as if she was trying to stab her way through it. But I felt nothing.

I looked around and saw all the colors around me. Riley's lips were dark but where it was fading back to normal quickly.

Victoria, aura, was a shade of Jade and was all around her.

And Edward, who just forced his way up from under the dog pile by kicking one member back ways and tossing the other straight over his head 15ft or more into the air. He was back on his feet looking at Victoria, then to me.

Both of their eyes in awe at what they were seeing.

I knew what was happening, this had happened twice before, I had my shield on again, and that meant two things.

One, I was no longer useless, and two, Victoria was dead.

With that thought, I snatched Victoria's hand with my own. But in my peripherals, I saw both vampires Edward fought off, get back up and was getting ready to charge in once again.

"Edward! snap out of it. I have her, handle your own fight" I snapped at him.

He nodded and reluctantly turned to face his attacker on either side of him. But they were just standing still looking at Victoria and me. They were confused. They were watching a vampire struggle against a human.

Victoria was looking at my body up and down, her eyes registering my shield.

"How? How can you do this? You're still human" Victoria disbelievingly questioned.

"You won't live long enough to care!" I sneered murderously

Her eyes went wide with fear, and her talent activated then. There were shadow copies of her limbs and some full body copies shooting out of her in every direction. All of them had a green hue to them, but when I saw when one of the shadow limbs turn blue, which just so happened to be the limb of the other hand that I was going to grab; that hand moved into the blue place quickly.

I see those were her safe zones. That's how her talent worked.

But she had no safe zone for the hand that I was holding and was desperately trying to get back. So desperate in fact that she was leaning away pulling with everything she had, even digging her legs deep in the dirt to use as an anchor point to get her hand free of me. But none of it work, it was like she wasn't even there pulling at all. I felt none of her force.

But now was not the time to be amazed by this. I squeezed down slightly, and fissures ran up her breaking hand and arm. I squeezed harder and ended up snapping her hand off. And since she was pulling with everything she had, she went tumbling backward.

Victoria was screaming and rolling. When she got upright again, she roared with anger looking down at her missing right hand.

She looked at me with rage. "No! This was my time, my victory! This was supposed to be over!" She roared then flew at me once again.

Looking upon her form, I saw that unlike me, she knew what she was doing, but I didn't care. I had no fear of getting hit, so form be damned! So if she flew at me, I was going to throw myself right back at her!

She threw a heavy left punch and I threw a heavy right punch. But there was a clear difference in strength. My punch shattered her left arm and then proceeded to land on her right shoulder, shattering that as well; sending her spinning backward with a thunderous boom, straight into the flower bed making a deep groove fifty yards long.

Everyone else stood still as statues, Edward included. They all paused what they were doing to look at the human beat up upon a vampire. Though they were new to this world, even they should know by now that there was something wrong with this picture.

But couldn't care, Edward can take care of what's left. Victoria was mine.

She was screaming in pain inside of the crater of dirt and flowers that she just created with my help. Looking down at her ruined body, she roared in shock. Her right arm was lost at the shoulder, and left arm was lost to her from the biceps down. She also had deep fractures crawling up her neck to her face, leaking venom along its path.

Victoria was panicked, her expression mirrored the hopelessness that she made us feel a moment ago. She knew the end was near like we did, and like us, didn't want to accept it.

"What are you all doing? Kill her," she whispered, "Kill her, Kill HER, KILL HER!" She spoke, her voice getting progressively louder till it became a shout. Her way of begging her shocked subordinates for assistance. But none of them budged. All were remained suspended in disbelief. Unable to believe their own eyes.

Victoria was on her own.

"Its over. Its all done! You can't hurt me, and no-one is going to save you!" I roared at her.

Her eyes snapped to mine. Wide as saucers with fear; activating her talent.

Shadows leaped from her every which way. Then one turned blue, giving Victoria her way out. She turned and snapped in place of the preceding shadow, and took off like a shot in that direction. Her movement matching the shadow that came before it fluidly, and precisely.

But I saw it all. I knew where she was going. I took off after her, desperate now to finish to. Her once great speed was lost on me. To my mind, it was as if she was now moving in extra slow motion. I raised my hand overhead and watched as all her shadows turned green. Which meant only one thing; she had no way out from this.

I brought my hand down with all the rage I had and watched as it chopped her vertically from the top of her crown to bottom of her sex, in one fast clean swipe. splitting her into two halves.

And even without the aid of a fire, I knew, Victoria was no more.

EDWARD

I had no words. Victoria was nothing against her. Bella was stronger and faster than even me in her human form. Thru Victoria I saw that she had on almost transparent haze around her that seemed to take the shape of her body, and glowed and even sparkled at times, at least that was the way it looked from Victoria's eyes. But from everyone else's, she just looks like some sort of superhuman.

Victoria tried with all her strength to pull away, but from the outside looking in, it looked like a spoiled toddler trying to yank her hand away from her angry mother. Bella didn't even budge; she just stared murderously at her.

Then she ripped Victoria's right hand off and punched right thru her left arm and shattered the right shoulder of the previous hand she destroyed, not even leaving Victoria with stubs. And after a fail attempt to call for aid, Victoria took off with great speed. But Bella was faster still. Her whole body moving at those speeds, so fast, it consequently made a vapor like the cone of air, as she somehow propelled herself somewhere near the sound speed of sound.

I couldn't believe my eyes even as I looked on. It was her gift, I knew it, but it was still awing to witness.

Then after a desperate plea for assistance, Victoria ran for it. Her mind concentrated on escape. But with speed and thunderous boom that finally broke the sound barrier, Bella was on her. Her form already poises to delivery finally blow. One that literally chopped Victoria in half; finishing the threat for good.

All the thoughts by every bystander were the same; they all compared themselves in their human forms to what they were now and measured my mate in the same way, and they all concluded one thing.

Bella would be a true monster of power if she was ever transformed.

But unlike me, they were not about to let that happen. The turned and ignored me and began signaling to each other, and planned to act Bella as she looked down on Victoria with her back turned.

It was then I remembered the danger that still surrounded us. Bella vanquished her enemies, now I must do the same on my own. Riley was still suffering from the effects of my attack. And although I only had enough time to bring him to level one, it seems that there was an added bonus to my attack. One that seems glaringly obvious not that I think about it.

Since my attack reduces the higher brain functions that we vampires have, it should be no surprise that it also can be used as an instant off switch to vampire talents; which, with few exceptions like Alice and Bella, all manifest themselves once the transformation has been completed.

Thanks to me, Riley could no longer use his talent. at least for the next 13 minutes. And he is still unable to handle this vampiric body completely.

That just left these two who were paying attention to Bella.

I decided to scramble them as well. I locked on to the target behind me and reduced him to level one; he seemed to be completely unaware of my intrusion as Riley was. So with that, I hit target two. Once both were reduced I spoke up.

"Let's end this," I said getting both of their attention. But right away they realized something was off.

They lost track of the scenery when they snapped their heads around in my direction, not to mention they felt that the motion was too fast for them. Then they registered that everything sounded muffled like they were underwater, and things weren't looking so vibrant as it was just a moment ago. They looked down at their limbs as they were trying to figure out what went wrong. But it was too late, much too late.

I turned and I attacked the one behind me as he inspected himself. I quickly got behind him then bit into his neck, and pulled it off by the hair. Then let his head fall.

The other saw this and tried to make a run for it, but his limps weren't responding as he had gotten used to. He ran but his mind couldn't keep up, things were approaching too fast, and he didn't know whether keep running out of fear or stop himself before he smashed into a tree and kill himself. So with signals crossed, he fell over, sliding from his momentum, barely 25 yards from his position. I ran up to him but he turned and swung at me, I batted it away increasing his rotation, spinning him completely around, and when he had his back to me fully I bit into his neck just like his compatriot and snapped his head off.

Now it was just Riley.

"Edward...hurry," Bella said barely audible before she stumbled to her knees. She had somehow made her way back to the meadow, but she was all used up.

In all my amazement of her ability while still in human form, I kept forgetting one key point, she was still human.

Power such as hers must surely have its price, and Bella's body was paying the taxes.

Wasting no more time, I ran to Bella's side and put her into my arms and held to my chest. "You were amazing love, absolutely amazing, you saved us, you really did?" I told her softly, She gave me a soft loving smile then quickly faded into unconsciousness.

"I'll take it from here" kissing her sleeping mouth. Then I turned to Riley and I knew exactly want I wanted to do.

"What...what did you do me? And what the hell is she?" Riley enraged. No longer jaded, he was using his rage now, if only to hide his fear. But he was stalling for time and I knew it. He couldn't block his thoughts from me as well as he could have before, his higher functions were too greatly reduced.

"The supernatural world is more vast than you know. A century later and I'm still making new discoveries. But as per what I did to you; don't worry about that, because it's nothing compared to what is about to happen to you I assure you." I said, causing him to grind his jaws and his eyes to flicker to his headless compatriots.

"Now, what were you thinking about earlier? Oh yes, you wanted to make my mate your slave; your whore, was that about right?" I sneered.

His eyes went wide and he began to walk backward, then he turned and went into a full sprint, but his mind couldn't keep up with his body, and he fell to the ground as well.

I kept thinking back on this day, of all the thoughts he had of turning Bella and raping my Bella if his mind control didn't work. Of how he would pass her around as a trophy to all the males in his coven, and rip her limbs off so they can use her body without resistance; and let it all build and build, and build.

I was beyond furious. I turned to squirming form, as wiggled his way off the ground, like a worm that suddenly grew legs, and concentrated on him with everything that I had.

His crawling stopped in less than a second, then his body began to twitch sporadically as his signal became more and more confused. I felt saw into the space that was his mind as it was attached to my own, and sway that his synapse was firing rapidly, signals were flashing and were get faster and faster, overworking his mind with more commands than it could handle at once; and now, it was beginning to burning itself out. Each synapse connection flashed and then began to fail, then die, from being worked past its capacity.

One after the other, I felt them die as he felt them. I watched what he watched, and saw color leave, his sight, then light, then sound, taste, and soon even the sensation of horrible fear was gone as well.

His signals broadcasted brightly, shined brightly, then they too were no more. Then, nothing. All fell silent. All thought ceased

15 seconds, it took all of 15 seconds from start to finish. Admittedly, much too long for multiple enemies at close range, but I suspected as much.

Barring my monumental screw-up, my initial strategy was still sound. If I were aware of their presence prior, I would reduce them all the human levels removing any advantages now knowing that their gifts were a part of the equation; then proceed to end them one by one. That should be the most effective tactic.

But now the main question was, would he return?

I looked around and confirmed that the battle was over, and I was the only one standing. I saw that some pieces were mindlessly pulling themselves back together like they were magnets, but at the rate, it was going, it would take weeks before their heads were back on, and then they would have to go through the horrible task of starting over with a completely blank slate. Better to die now than go through something like that.

I did a quick check of my surroundings making sure I was the only active mind within a 3-mile radius; I was not about to be caught off guard again. Feeling much more secure after my through the scan, I quickly ran Bella to the middle of the meadow, and laid her down gently, hiding her body, amongst the tall flowers.

I kissed her sleeping mouth, and caress her angelic face once more, then turn to the task at hand. I ran to gather up the pieces of the fallen, all except Riley and threw them deep into the woods next to Victoria twisting, split form. I ran to that spot and gathered the bodies into and nice bundle then retrieved my lighter and quickly lit the pyre. All actions ceased then.

Feeling the need to protect my mate more, I returned to Bella's side and watched the pyre from there; and also listened for any signs that showed that Riley may come around.

After an hour or so, my cell rang. It was a detailed message from Alice.

A: We're all done here. No losses. 2 gains. Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett went awol to the wolves. We heard gunfire. Sorry I didn't see what happened till it was too late. But WOW...*thumbs up*. He is not going to get back up, you can come home. See you soon.

2 gains?

Carlisle, Emmett, and Jazz went over the line? Can't say I'm surprised. I caught some thoughts of finishing the battle then going to aid the wolves in the back of his mind before he blocks them. I don't how he convinced Jasper to go along with it, but all I can do now is hope that they won't get themselves into anything they can't handle.

But with the wolves looking for any excuse to dissolve the treaty, Carlisle is sure handing them one on a silver platter.

But that was a worry for later, right now I needed to make sure that Bella was ok. She just burned through a lot of energy, and I was getting worried about what these burst of speed, and strength was really costing her.

I pulled out drinks and a deviled egg sandwich for her. I wanted to be prepared for when she awakened.

I saw that the pyre was dying out, so I quickly removed myself from Bella's side once more and went over to Riley who was on his knees looking like a perfect statue, with the only exception being that his face was contoured in horror.

You couldn't even tell that his mind was gone. It just looked like he was frozen in a horrifying dream. I put my hand in front of his face and waved to see if that started anything up again...

Nothing.

Riley Biers was truly gone.

Given how quickly he took to the darker elements of this life. And with the abilities, he was given. He would've rivaled the Volturi in power within a few centuries or added to their power and aided in their agenda.

So to Riley Biers, I say good riddance.

I took hold of his head from both sides. And with a sharp twist, cracked the foundation at the neck, and with a hard pull, yanked it off his shoulders. Then, I proceeded to rip him into 4 additional pieces, tossing them into the dying pyre, igniting it once more. And with that, I was truly done here.

I sat with Bella, for two more hours as I waited for her to come back to me. I began to get nervous, she didn't take this long last time; but then again she didn't use that much power last time either.

She was something else today. Fast, strong and completely brutal in her ferocity. Not to mention unbelievably gorgeous in her rage. I was looking forward to replaying the site of her in my thoughts later, but first she needed to get up.

My phone rang again.

A: 5 more minutes. Have Soda ready, she will need the sugar. Then bring my new sister back to me. ; ).

I smiled at that and then I got prepared for Bella's awakening.

5 minutes later on the dot, Bella was slowly beginning to show signs of consciousness. After another two minutes of calling her name softly, she was showing more cognitive aptitude.

"Ed...Edward, ar...are they gone?" Bella asked drowsily but still looking around.

"Yes my love, there all gone, it's just you and I in our meadow love."

"You got them? You got the rest of them?"

"Yes love, it was no problem at all. All thanks to you. You provided one hell of a distraction." I said with all the pride in her that I possess.

She smiled and then coughed.

Damn it

"Sorry love, here drink this," I said quickly.

She quickly drank three cans of soda then proceeded to eat everything in sight. Then she drank some more. After everything was done, she was looking around for more.

"Still hungry love?"

"Yes, but I don't know what for, I still feel, weak, drained…hungry."

I would have to talk Carlisle about this. These flashes of power were beginning to take their toll.

*Burrrpp*

Bella slammed both her hand to her mouth.

"Sorry!" she said embarrassed.

I just laughed. A few hours ago she literally cut a vampire in half with her hand, and now she was embarrassed over a burp.

Only my girl

"It's ok love" I said chuckling at her cute pouting face. "Come let's get you home to the rest of the family."

"Did everyone….Did they all make it out alright?"

"Yes love, the war is over we won, and I think we're going to have a couple of house guest for a while."

"What?" Bella said surprised.

"I don't know the details, but those were my thoughts exactly. Come one let's go see what that is all about."

She nodded but took a moment to look around. Her eyes stopped at every point of damage that she inflicted. From the grooves in the earth to the smoke from the pyre where she left Victoria.

"She really gone isn't she?"

I nodded

"I...killed her didn't I?"

I watch her worriedly. I didn't know how to answer this question. I was worried about what the answer would do to her in this situation. Because I didn't know how Bella would feel about taking a life. But what I did know was lying to my mate wasn't an option, so I nodded reluctantly.

"Then it's done. Good" She breathed out, seemingly relieved.

"Good?" I repeated trying to remain on the fence.

"Yes good, because until my shield miraculously activated, I was feeling completely useless here. There were four of them Edward, and two of those were gifted. Things were bad, real bad. Because no matter which one you went after I would've been left exposed to attack, and if they attacked at once, there was nothing you could've done anyway but die trying to protect me." She said looking away from me and at the purple smoke "I was hindering you, preventing you from attempting to escape. I thought I was truly going to be the death of you today."

"Bella you were..." I tried to say, but she interrupted me

"I know, but I was so mad at myself for being completely useless to you in your time of need, I practically went insane fury, but it was all directed inward. But then by some strange luck my shield activated and I was able to lend a hand."

"You were able to lend more than a hand Bella"

She stood up then and smiled at me.

"Thank you for sticking with your useless human mate. I will try not to be a hindrance like th..."

I kissed her, silencing her blasphemy.

"Never, ever, did I think you were useless. Fighting for the both of us, didn't feel like a hindrance, not to me"

"It didn't?"

"No Bella it most definitely didn't. I felt like a boost of focus and adrenaline. I had a mission to get us both out of here, but then you stole my thunder."

She snorted at that, and I smiled along with her.

"So please Bella, don't ever think that. Please?" I begged softly against her lips.

"Never again beloved. Plus I don't think I would have to. I don't see any newborn armies in our near future, and if we ever encounter one again, I will be able to lend a hand by then" She said giggling to herself.

"More than a hand, babe, much more". I told her smiling lovingly her. And when I couldn't resist it any longer, I kissed her deeply.

"Come on love hop on, the family is waiting."

When she did I began making our way out of the clearing.

I turned to take a last look around; because history was surely made here. Because this was the first time a human has ever killed a vampire with their bare hands, surely that's worth some sort of record keeping.

With that we were out of the meadow and were heading home. Time to meet our guest.

[END CHAPTER]

A/N: Okay okay, I know am about to get a hairy eyeball reading your reviews this week. No worries. I have not forgotten the actual fight. But the only POV's I use were both somewhere else, so I had to get creative of course.

As for Edward getting caught off guard. If you read the description on how his talent works, then it wouldn't be such a surprise. It should've been a big hint if you were paying attention that danger was right around the corner [from a readers perspective]. But I will see what I can do to put something resembling and explanation in next weeks chapter. Or, Or, Or, you could just go back and read his talent description now and save me 500 words. What? too lazy, fine! 500 words of review it is. Ugh. FML. Lol

For Victoria's talent, think Chronicles of Riddick, when Riddick was fighting that the lord marshall from the under-verse. Makes sense.

For Rileys talent, Imagine a part of his body darkening to black. In this case, his lips.

For bella: Imagine a very pale blue, very translucent sparkling shield emitting from her like an aura over her features. Its like Iron man in his suit. His muscles don't increase in strength, his suit move and the muscles follows. So in B's case, the shield moves and her body follows within, she is just along for the ride. NO muscles required.

Q & A Below:

-What did you think of the wolves stance on matters? [Most are going to say arrogant, but I have a different take on it.]

-What if wolves do spill the secret? Would the Cullen's be in the right to destroy the Q villages? [Did you all know the Q's are real people living in Washington? And there is a real town called forks? And there is a real BELLA CULLEN out there? OMG!] jk on that last part.

-What do you think of Victoria's surprise?

-Did you like my little twist on Laurent's purpose to his 3 man group? I needed to give him a purpose. Covens are created based on what you can get out of someone. Laurent just being a weasel seemed to lack some creativity. James & Victoria wouldn't have kept him around if he served no purpose. So I gave him one.

-Did you like Riley Jaded attitude about things? [Dryly Riley lol.]

-How did you like Bella shield? [Its not done yet folks]

-How did you like that so called fight? [B vsVic or E vs the trio]

-Who do you think the house guest will be? Or should I say, who do you want them to be?

A lot of questions, so that should provide you with more than enough reason to leave a detailed msg, instead of just "Good chapter" ugh.