Jacob knew that they wouldn't be able to keep the truth about Bella, Alice, and Jasper's whereabouts from the rest of Edward's family. If he was being completely honest, Jacob was pretty sure they had known what was up from the very start. But this was the first time that Edward and Jacob were actually being confronted about it by the rest of the Cullens. The glower that Carlisle was leveling them with right now made Jacob feel like he was in elementary school again, sent to the principal's office for a scolding.

"I think it's brilliant," Emmett piped up after they had tentatively explained their plans. Jacob internally winced. As much as he liked Emmett, he didn't think that having him on their side would improve their chances of convincing Carlisle that it was a good plan. It probably had the opposite effect.

"I always knew Alice was a little crazy. But Bella?" Rosalie let out a low whistle, looking almost impressed. Almost. "Should have known that she'd try to stir something up as soon as she was turned."

"Why weren't we informed of the situation?" Carlisle asked, face stern. Edward didn't even flinch.

"This decision had more to do with the pack than it did with our family," he explained. "They're the ones who are truly at risk. Jacob made the right call. Now, not only do we have one of the Volturi on our side, but we are accumulating allies as well. We actually stand a pretty decent chance."

Rosalie gave him a look. "Are you completely stupid?" she deadpanned. Jacob tried not to laugh. He really truly did. He failed. Edward glared at him but he couldn't help it. Rosalie was a bitch, but she cracked him up. She was a lot like Leah. He also admired how proficient she was when it came to cars. Rosalie continued, "This isn't the first attempt to start a revolt against the Volturi. Aro will shut us down like that," she said with a snap of her fingers. However, Jacob noted her use of the word "us" rather than "you" and considered that to be a step in the right direction.

"She's right, Edward," Carlisle agreed. "The risk far outweighs the potential reward. It was clear to me from my conversation with Bella that she was not to be dissuaded. I wasn't very surprised when she left with Alice and Jasper. But the fact that you condoned this, Edward," Carlisle shook his head. Jacob could tell Edward was a little shaken up by that. He knew how much Edward looked up to Carlisle, and how much he hated disappointing him. Jacob bristled a bit, indignant on Edward's behalf.

"With all due respect, sir, you're looking at this all wrong." Jacob gathered all the alpha pride he could muster. "It was my final call that put these events into motion. And while the consequences are not ideal, I believe they are still better than the alternative. Piero has told us what Aro has planned for my pack. He means to enslave us and incorporate us into the guard. That is unacceptable and I will not allow it to happen."

Carlisle was looking at him with a strange expression. It was silent for a few moments and then he spoke again.

"I still think it's wrong to ask other vampires to fight."

"They're not being coerced," Edward said. "These are vampires who have history with the Volturi and want to get even."

"That's not much better, Edward," Carlisle sighed. "I don't like that you are resorting to violence."

"It will only be violent if the Volturi make it so," Edward said.

Carlisle looked between Jacob and Edward. And then, to Jacob's surprise, he chuckled.

"This isn't going to be easy," he said.

"Screw that! Let's kick some Volturi ass," Emmett piped up. Rosalie rolled her eyes and smacked him in the back of the head. She turned towards Jacob and Edward, seeming pensive. After a few moments she shrugged.

"Alright fine. What's the worst that can happen? We're already dead."

"That's the spirit, Rose," Emmett said. She just smacked him again.

Bella was fascinated by the Amazon coven. They were strong and tall and despite having a bit of a wild look about them, they moved with a precision and coordination through the trees that was impressive even for a vampire.

And if Bella was fascinated…

"I think I'm in love," Luna sighed, staring dreamily at Zafrina.

"What makes you think we would even consider what you are asking of us?" Zafrina asked Bella, ignoring Luna completely.

"Because it's the right thing to do," Bella said. Zafrina scoffed. "And I think we might actually stand a chance. We have an ally in a member of the Volturi and an entire wolf pack on our side."

Zafrina came close, crowding Bella's personal space a bit. Bella stood still though, refusing to be intimidated.

"You are not right in the mind," Zafrina said. Bella huffed out a laugh.

"So I've heard," she said.

"There is no fight against the Volturi. There is only death."

"If this goes the way we plan then there won't be any need for a fight. The key here is intimidation, not actual strength."

"And if it does not go the way you plan?"

"Then you are free to leave."

Zafrina narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Bella, as if anticipating a trap.

"What does Carlisle think about all this? Carlisle is gentle and kind. He would not stand by such a radical and dangerous idea."

Bella and Alice shared a look. Neither of them answered.

"That is what I thought," Zafrina said. "I refuse." With that she turned away and disappeared into the trees with her coven, much to Luna's despair.

"Well...that was a spectacular waste of time," Nina said.

Alice could see the signs of Bella's incredible temper coming on.

"Bella, it's okay. We still have strong support. The success of the plan does not rest on Zafrina's willingness to help." Alice approached and wrapped her arms around Bella, comforting her while at the same time restraining her in case she did something rash like chase down Zafrina.

"Come now, Bella. All is not lost. The land of Forks shall smoke with the burned remains of the wretched Volturi," Luna said serenely, as though the taking down of the most powerful vampire coven in the world was a daily occurrence for her.

"That's a little much, Luna," Alice said. "But thank you."

Bella seemed to have calmed down, so Alice released her.

The sound of Alice's phone ringing sounded odd in the middle of the Amazonian forest.

"Jasper," she greeted.

"Please tell me you managed to convince Zafrina," he said. Bella groaned. That meant that their recruiting efforts back in the States were probably not going very well.

"She turned us down," Alice replied, eyes darting to Bella.

"How's Bella?" he asked. Rather than answer, Alice handed the phone over.

"Jaz…" Bella breathed shakily, starting to feel a little panicked and wishing Jasper was here to calm her.

"It's going to be okay, Bella," Jasper soothed. Bella had a hard time believing that. For the first time since they started this mission, she was considering the possibility that they may not survive.

"If we die—"

"Hey, we are not going to die," Jasper rushed to assure her.

"But if we do—"

"Bella, we cannot afford to have that kind of mindset. Come meet us in Oregon and we'll figure this out." Bella got that peculiar vampiric feeling she experienced whenever she felt like she was going to cry, but without any actual tears. She turned to look at Alice.

"I love you," she said, addressing them both. Alice rushed forward to hold her while Jasper replied in her ear.
"I love you too. I'll see you in Oregon."

"Be safe," she said.

"You too."

Piero watched with a distinct sense of astonishment as the Cullens and the wolf pack discussed strategy back at the Cullens' house.

"Bella's apparently discovered her Gift as a shield," Edward was saying. "Once they return, I think she should start practicing expanding and maintaining her shield. It is invaluable against the Volturi. The longer we can hold off an attack, the better."

"We cannot rely solely on Bella's potential success," Carlisle pointed out.

"As unlikely as civilized discussion is, I think addressing the Quileute laws—especially those regarding Imprinting—would help our case," Jacob said. "You've mentioned their adherence to certain aspects of law and justice. If we can explain the ways in which they are violating our laws, they might back off." Edward turned awed eyes on Jacob.

"Brilliant," he breathed, looking for all the world like he wanted nothing more than to kiss Jacob right then and there.

Piero's eyes slid over to where Sam was sitting and he pondered their own relationship. With all the stress and planning, they had little time to discuss or develop their bond. Piero's memory transfer technique could only do so much. Sam now knew plenty about Piero's past and a good bit about his present feelings. But now Piero wanted to talk about their future.

He wasn't sure how to approach the topic, though. Piero had never had any meaningful or romantic relationships. There was no room for that level of vulnerability around the Volturi. Aro had a knack for exploiting weaknesses. And that was another thing.

Aro.

Fear was not an accurate description of how Piero felt about Aro. There was fear involved, of course. But there was also resentment, and despair, and alienation. One never really belonged with the Volturi. You were merely allowed to exist in exchange for loyalty and cooperation, no matter the cost. As Piero watched Sam laugh with his pack mates, Piero felt a rising sense of dread. Sam was certainly a weakness of Piero's that Aro could and would exploit, given the chance. Just the thought of what Aro already had planned for Sam made Piero tense with fury.

"Can we talk in private?" a voice asked from next to him. It was Edward.

"Sure," he replied. Of course there was no sense of privacy with so many wolves and vampires around, but the discussion in the living room would drown out anything they discussed on the front porch.

After the front door closed behind him, Edward turned to face him.

"You're worried," he said. It wasn't a question. Piero simply nodded in response. "I'm worried too," Edward admitted. "The thought of something happening to Jacob…" he shook his head, as if he could shake the very thought from his mind.

"How do you stand it?" Piero asked. "How do you stand all the fear and worry and not knowing?"

"It's not something that will go away," Edward explained. "At least not until the confrontation with Aro is over. The key is to cherish the time you are certain you have—the here and now. It's the only way to—"

Both of them froze suddenly and the chatter inside the house died down immediately. Piero sniffed the air. There were other vampires nearby.

Within seconds the Cullens and the pack were outside, the wolves having shifted and the Cullens on the defensive.

"No need to panic. We are allies," an accented voice chuckled from the trees surrounding the house. Oh no…

"Vladimir…Stefan…" Piero greeted as the two Romanian vampires emerged from the forest. It took only a moment for them to recognize him.

"Piero," Vladimir purred, taking a step closer. Piero heard Sam growl and in seconds his wolf was standing in between him and the two newcomers. Stefan chuckled at the display.

"I thought the Cullens were looking to overthrow the Volturi, not join them," he said.

"I am no longer with the Volturi," Piero replied tightly.

"Oh?" Vladimir asked. "A couple of vegetarians and some wolves decide to start a rebellion and you change sides? How convenient." Piero wanted to get angry but he could tell he was being toyed with.

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," he said. Vladimir and Stefan shared a look.

"Word of your plans are spreading," Stefan said. He attempted to come closer but was immediately deterred by the snarling wolves. Piero couldn't help but feel a little smug. He was protected.

"Plan?" Carlisle asked innocently. Stefan turned a sickening smile on him.

"Indeed. Word travels fast amongst vampires. Especially word about the Volturi."

Piero was growing weary of the posturing.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"We want to join you in your little venture," Vladimir said. "Tear down the Volturi just as they did to us."

Piero did not feel comfortable assuming the role of leader for this conversation. He looked to Carlisle, who in turn studied Vladimir and Stefan closely.

"Where has this alleged word travelled?" Carlisle asked. Vladimir leered.

"Ah, you are wondering if the Volturi are aware of your plans?" he asked. Carlisle remained silent. "I'm sure they will be learning about it soon enough. Luckily for you, only the Volturi care about their own prolonged rule. The word is mostly passing between those who either want in on the fight, or those who want to see the Volturi taken down from the sidelines. I wouldn't be surprised if you had more unexpected visitors coming to your little town."

"We are not looking to fight. We are gathering…petitioners," Carlisle said carefully.

"And what are they supposed to be petitioning for?" Stefan asked.

"Adherence to Quileute laws."
Piero was thankful that Carlisle refused to elaborate. As much as Vladimir and Stefan despised the Volturi they were not above trying the same tactics to enslave the wolves in an effort to grow their own power.

The Romanian vampires shared a look before speaking again.

"We'll be in touch," was all Stefan said before they sprinted off into the woods.

Jasper kept a close eye on the horizon, waiting anxiously for Bella and Alice to arrive.

"They'll be here soon," Kate assured him from where she was standing next to him. Jasper huffed.

"We shouldn't have split up," he grumbled.

"It was an insurance plan, Jasper," said Patrick from behind him. "To make sure no one coven conveniently got lost on the way back."

Jasper turned away and trudged over to where Tanya was waiting with Stella, Marisol, and Lucas. It was unfortunate that they were the only two who had agreed to join them. It would have been useful to have Benjamin's huge coven with them. And Jasper would have appreciated the presence of some more vegetarians. But they would make do with what they had.

Silence took over as an unfamiliar scent came in on the wind. No, it wasn't unfamiliar…just forgotten. It was—

"Peter," Jasper breathed as he spotted the couple in the distance. The left figure waved in greeting before drawing close.

He had met Peter and Charlotte during the vampire wars, and later he and Alice had travelled with them until they found the Cullens. It had been ages since he had last seen them.

"Jasper!" Peter called out jovially as he came up on their group.

"Peter. Charlotte," he greeted. Charlotte simply nodded in acknowledgement. She never did like him very much. "What are you two doing here? I thought you were somewhere in New England."

"We were," Peter replied. "But then we heard something about you and an army and the Volturi and couldn't stay away."

"I think it's idiotic," Charlotte piped up, though she was smirking slightly.

"Nevertheless," Peter said, "We would like to help in any way we can."

Jasper looked between the two of them, trying to get a read on their emotions. He couldn't feel anything but determination and excitement from them.

"You're serious," he said.

"Absolutely," Peter replied. Jasper grinned.

"Fantastic."

"Jasper!" a familiar voice called in the distance. Bella. Within seconds she and Alice were surrounding him, clutching him close.

"Thank god I don't have to kick your ass," Bella breathed as she nuzzled his neck. Jasper chuckled.

"I'm glad you're safe too, love," he murmured into her hair.

"Peter. Charlotte," Alice addressed the newcomers. She did not seem at all surprised to see them there.

"Hello Alice," Charlotte greeted.

"Glad to see some new faces!" Eleazer crowed as the rest of the group arrived.

"We need to lay out some ground rules before we cross the state line," Jasper said. "No hunting in the Forks or La Push area. You are free to hunt near Lake Ozette up north or in Olympic National Park. I don't think I need to tell you to remain discreet."

There were nods of agreement all around.

"Alright," Jasper said, turning to Alice and Bella. "Let's go home."