Disclaimer:
I still don't own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer has that honor.
Author Notes
Thank you everyone for your lovely reviews. This site's review process is weird right now, but I'm trying to get to everyone to answer you. If I miss you, please know I did not mean to. Also, for now, all review replies are being sent as private messages, so if you have them disabled, I won't be able to reply to you.
Thanks to my much loved beta, Dooba, far more than just a beta to me, a very special friend. Also, thanks to my prereaders, Shannon, Divine Inspriation, Debbie, Drotuno and PiedPiperOSIB. Everyone of these amazing people give me feedback, insight and suggestions that have all helped to make this story even better.
As I mentioned last week, I have made it through to the finals for the Avant Garde awards, for best new author, best must read, best Bella, Charlie and Carlisle. Voting is open to June 26. There are many great stories up there, including several by my prereaders and beta as well as several I have recommended to you. Please go vote for your favorites. www . avantgardeawards . com
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Bella felt restless in the first week after returning home. She missed Isle Esme dreadfully, and though she saw Edward constantly and spent time with the other Cullens, she missed being with all of them everyday.
She was also furious with Billy, because he was putting Charlie in so much danger by trying to get him to realize the truth about vampires and werewolves. Why was her father's oldest and closest friend being so careless with his safety? Why would Billy Black think it was any of his business what she chose to do with her future, and how did he think endangering Charlie would get her to change her mind about the Cullens?
"Relax, love," Edward tried to coax her, after she'd ranted about Billy one evening when she was visiting the Cullen home.
"I can't relax," she argued, "Every time Charlie goes to see Billy, I wonder if that will be the time he learns the whole truth. I can't stand this!"
"I've been thinking about this too," he said, "You know I have trouble reading Charlie's thoughts. So far, he seems to be thinking they are only legends and that Billy is just letting his prejudices rule him. If he starts to believe, I think the thoughts would be so sharp I'd be able to hear them."
"I hope so," she sighed.
"Bella, I can see Charlie's decisions, remember," Alice added, "I'm sure I'll see if he decides anything important about us."
"But you won't see it if he's at La Push, when he realizes it," Bella objected, "I know I'm being paranoid, but I worry about my father."
"Of course you do," Esme soothed, "But you know you're not in this alone, and we will all help you and all help to protect Charlie."
"I know. I can't tell you how much I love you all for that!"
"You're family," Carlisle said, "And that makes your concern our concern."
She smiled and relaxed. She knew in her heart the Cullens would protect Charlie.
"I think I want to go to La Push and have a little chat with Billy Black," Bella said, "I want to try to get him to stop this."
"I really wish you wouldn't go there," Edward said, "You know we can't go with you, and once you cross the line, Alice can't see you."
"I can talk to Jake," she suggested, "You could drive me to the boundary, and he can meet me there. When I'm ready to come home I can call you, and you can pick me up at the boundary. I could just go for a short visit. It might even be helpful in our relations with the wolves for me to be around them, to show them how happy I am, and that I've come to no harm around you all."
"You know we'll all worry if you do this," Alice said.
"But I think it's a good idea," Jasper said, "It's good strategy, and they might speak more freely to Bella than they would to us. It could be good to know how they are thinking about us and particularly about Bella's future."
"Oh, are you turning me into a spy now, Major Whitlock?" Bella teased.
"You know it, darlin'," he laughed, "But seriously, strengthening our bonds with the Pack can only be good. I think we have begun to develop mutual trust, particularly with their leader, but it seems that few people can resist our Bella, and I think her idea could be helpful."
"Not to mention that she deserves the right to go hand Billy Black his ass on a platter," Rose snarled, "Of all the selfish and dangerous things in the world, he risks his best friend's life all because of an old prejudice."
"Exactly," Bella exclaimed, "And I will not stand for it!"
"Here's my phone," Edward sighed, "Why don't you call your friend and set something up. If I cannot dissuade you, I'd rather you just got it over with so I don't worry too much."
"Silly vampire," she hugged him.
She called Jacob and arranged to visit him in two days for a couple hours in the afternoon.
"I'm planning revenge for those doggy comments," he teased her, "Not funny, Bells."
"Whatever you say," S=she laughed, "I thought it was funny, and so did everyone else."
"Sure, sure, ok, I'll meet you at the border. Tell your Leeches I'll keep you safe while you're here."
"Jacob Black, if you use that term around me again, I will not speak to you anymore," she chided, "We're trying to break down old prejudices here, and you just continue them with that kind of talk."
"I'm sorry. I kinda did it to get a rise out of you," he admitted.
"Well, it's not funny," she said, "Please, if you value my friendship, do not do it again."
"Yes Ma'am," he said, then laughed.
"Ok, see you soon," she replied, and they hung up.
"Now that is settled," Edward began, "I have something else I want to discuss with you."
"Ok?" she made it sound like a question.
"Don't be nervous," he said, pulling her closer into his side, "It's not bad."
"Oh, all right, what is it?"
"The musical Wicked is coming to Seattle," he told her, "I know you've been wanting to see it, and I wondered if you'd like us to go. It will begin its run next month, and I thought it could be one of your birthday presents."
"Oh, Edward, I'd love that!" she flung her arms around his neck, "I've wanted to see that for so long!"
"I know you have. That's why I suggested it."
"I wonder if Angela and Ben would like to see it," she thought out loud, "Remember, I promised her we'd do a double date, but we never did, because we went off to Isle Esme for the month and all. I'd still like to do something with them, and I've been trying to figure out what we could do that didn't involve eating dinner."
"Oh, this would be perfect!" Alice squealed, "You could all drive up to Seattle for the show on a Saturday evening. Afterward you could suggest going for dessert or something. That would be easy enough for Edward to fake, because you could say you were splitting something. It wouldn't be obvious that he wasn't eating."
"Hmmm, Angela might suggest having dinner first though," Bella said.
"We can just say that we have something to do that day and wouldn't be able to make it for dinner," Edward answered.
Bella smiled.
"That would work," she said, "I can't wait! I'll call Angela."
Two days later, Edward drove Bella to the boundary line to meet Jacob. He was not happy about it and tried to change her mind, but she would not agree.
"We're here, and I see Jacob's car," he said, "He's thinking at me that he'll protect you and I shouldn't worry. But I can't help worrying when you're somewhere I can't be. Some of those wolves are not very happy with you and your choices."
Bella took his face in her hands and kissed him.
"I love you for so many reasons," she said, "Not the least of which is how much you try to care for me, and how hard you work to protect me, and how hard you work to let me be independent. I'll be safe, I promise. I'll stay with Jake the whole time, and he won't let anything hurt me."
"I know," he sighed, "I trust you, and strangely, I trust both Jake and Sam. But I'll be happier when you're back with me."
"Me too."
They kissed again, neither wanting to let go, each knowing they would be feeling that pain from being separated.
Edward got out of the car and moved to open Bella's door. Jake walked to his side of the boundary.
"Hey Cullen," he said, "She'll be all right."
"Thanks Jacob," Edward answered, "I entrust her to you."
He gave Bella his hand as she got out of the car.
"Do you have your cane?" he asked.
"Of course," she laughed, "And my phone, just in case."
She unfolded her cane, as she stood from the car.
"Hi, Jake, thanks for meeting us here," she said.
"No problem, Bells, are you ready to go?"
Bella and Edward held each other close for a moment. They kissed, and then Bella let go and turned to walk across the border to Jake.
"I love you," Edward said, "Be safe, please, for me."
"I love you, and I'll be safe. Don't worry."
She walked with Jacob to his car, stopping to wave in Edward's direction once. He stood at the boundary, watching her walk away, feeling the ache begin. His phone buzzed with a text message.
"I see her with us in a few hours. Stop worrying."
He smiled at Alice's message. With a sigh, he got back in his car and forced himself to drive away.
"So, how was your trip?" Jacob asked, as he drove to his house.
"It was great!" she exclaimed, "We had so much fun, and I have to admit, it was hard to come home."
"I'm glad you had so much fun. I told you my dad was worried they whisked you away to change you into one of them."
"Yeah, you told me," she muttered, "You know that was ridiculous, don't you? They'd never do that and then bring me back to my father in a month."
"I tried to tell my dad that, but he has gotten really fixated on this prejudice thing he has over the Cullens."
"That's why I wanted to come here," she explained, "Jake, he's putting Charlie in serious danger, and I will not have it."
Jacob almost wanted to laugh at the demanding tone in her voice and the scowl on her face. He knew she was right though, so he didn't. His childhood friend had found a brand of confidence he'd never seen in her before. She was not afraid to walk into what she considered enemy territory and demand fair treatment. He was just thankful that it was only his dad she considered to be enemy territory.
"Ok, we're here," he told her, "You ready for this?"
"Of course I am. It's why I'm here."
"Ah, and here I thought maybe you were here to visit your favorite doggy friend," he teased.
"You'd better watch out, or I might turn you into my guide dog," she laughed.
"Oh yeah?" he laughed back.
"Of course, I think I'd have to have a harness specially made for you. Can you imagine me trying to take you in public and claim you were my guide dog?"
They were both laughing, as they entered Jacob's house.
"Hello, Bella," Billy said, "It's nice to see you. I'm glad you came to visit. Jake, get her something to drink."
"What do you want, Bells?" Jacob asked.
"Just a coke, if you've got any," she answered.
Bella sat on a chair in the living room. She fiddled nervously with her bracelet. Whenever she was away from Edward, fiddling with the bracelet seemed to help her calm down. It wasn't helping much now, however, and she sighed, trying to figure out where to start.
Jacob came in, handing her the can of coke. He sat on the floor near her feet.
"Oh, good doggy," she reached out to ruffle his hair.
"That isn't very nice, Bella," Billy chided, "Jacob is not a pet, and I don't appreciate you teasing him like that. Our boys are proud strong warriors and not to be mocked."
"Dad, it's nothing," Jacob protested, "Bella is just teasing me. I don't mind."
"Well, I do mind, and I expect Sam would mind."
"Actually, I don't mind either," Sam had come into the house in time to hear the comment.
"Hi, Sam, I'm glad you're here," Bella smiled.
"I heard you were coming today and wanted to welcome you to the Reservation," Sam said, taking Bella's hand.
"You may not be so welcoming by the time I leave," she sighed.
She still couldn't think of a tactful way to begin her discussion with Billy, and at last she decided just to come out and say what was on her mind. Was there even a tactful way to talk about such a subject, she wondered. She took a deep breath and turned to Billy.
"Billy, I came here today to talk to you about Charlie," she began, "Actually, to talk to you about what you think you're doing with him, trying to get him to accept the truth, practically telling him about vampires and werewolves."
She had started calmly enough, but as her words poured out, her anger grew and she was near to yelling by the time she finished.
"You know you are putting him in terrible danger, don't you?" she continued, trying to calm down, "How can you do that to him? You are supposedly his best friend. You've been friends with him for all your lives. Why would you put him at risk like that?"
"I believe Charlie has a right to know the kind of creatures his daughter consorts with," Billy answered coolly, "You will not listen to me and end your ridiculous friendship with the Cullens, but Charlie can force you to end it. I'm trying to keep my best friend's daughter safe."
"That's crap, and you should know it!" she cried, "If he figures this out, how do you think he'll react? What if he goes public with it? Either people will think he's crazy and lock him up, or they'll come after you all. The Cullens are used to disappearing, but your people are here. Not to mention, if the Cullens disappear, who will be here to protect Charlie from the danger you've caused?"
"We would protect him. Charlie is my blood brother and everyone here knows it. He is like one of our own. Besides, if we can drive the Cullens away, neither Charlie nor you would be in danger anymore."
"That's not true, Billy. If Charlie goes public, there are outside forces that could still come down on him, and you, and the entire town. The one rule for vampires is to keep the secret, and if any humans discover the secret, either they are to be changed or killed, along with the vampires who told the secret."
"I don't care if your Cullens are killed, and we can protect you and Charlie," Billy said with scorn, "Charlie should know what kind of company you keep."
"But Billy, I won't be here," Bella tried to explain, "I will be 18 next month. If the Cullens leave, I go with them. It's as simple as that. They are my future."
"You are a stupid foolish girl," Billy snapped, "You would do that to your father? I never thought you could be so selfish, Bella."
Bella was furious and fumbled to find words to reply.
"If anyone is selfish here, it's you, Billy Black," she snapped back, "Due to your own prejudices, you are willing to risk not only the life of your supposed best friend, but your whole tribe, the Pack, everyone. Why can't you see that?"
"Bella, you are the whole world to your father. All your life I have watched him and how deeply he loves you. I know how his heart ached all the years you lived in Arizona. I know his joy when you called to say you were coming home. He has been so happy with you living here, happy as he's never been in the years you were gone. Do you think I can let you disappear on him again? If you become a bloodsucker, like your leech boyfriend and his so-called family, do you expect me to sit by and watch Charlie's grief, when he gets word that you have died mysteriously? Or did you intend to just disappear on him without a word? If anyone here is insensitive to his feelings, it is you, his own daughter."
Bella had begun to cry part way through Billy's rant, and by the end tears poured down her cheeks. She tried to pull herself together for one last attempt to break through to him.
"You've sunk pretty low with that little speech," she said quietly, "And in some ways you are right. The only thing that hurts about my choices for my own future is worrying about my dad. But, what makes you think he'd be any happier with giant wolves than with vampires? I am mixed up in a world of fantasy come to life, and I don't want my father mixed up in that world, too. I want him to be safe, and safe means not knowing the truth. Can't you see that you are letting your bigotry cloud your judgment here? Whatever you think of me, the Cullens, or my plans, it's plain criminal the way you are endangering Charlie. It's not really caring about him or my future. It's just you and your prejudice trying to cause harm to the kindest most loving and gentle people there could ever be. You don't even know the Cullens, and yet, you judge them. Your grandfather made the treaty with them, doesn't that count for anything?"
Billy said nothing.
"I've said everything I can, I guess," Bella continued, "Just remember that famous treaty, in which you put so much stock. Jake broke it, and now you are breaking it. You may have a lot of explaining to do to your own people if you don't stop. Jake, I think I'm ready to go home."
She pulled out her phone to call Edward.
"Wait, Bella," Sam said, "Let's go outside and talk a little. Maybe you'd like to come to my house and meet my fiancée, Emily."
"Ok, that would be good," she agreed, "I'd like to wash my face anyway before Edward sees that I've been crying."
Jacob scrambled to his feet and offered Bella his arm.
"We can walk to Sam's from here," he told her, "Come on, I think you and Emily will get along."
Emily welcomed Bella warmly. She had heard Sam and the boys discuss Bella a great deal, and she felt a kind of kinship with her. She and Bella had both fallen in love with beings some would consider monstrous. Emily could not judge Bella for loving a Cullen, when she herself loved Sam, a shape shifter. She hoped she could become friends with Bella, and maybe she could help the younger girl as she navigated the world of mythical beings come to life.
"I've just finished baking a big batch of chocolate chip cookies," Emily said to Bella after welcoming her with a hug, "Would you like some with a glass of milk maybe?"
"I'd love some, thanks," Bella answered, "Do you bake a lot?"
"Well, the boys are here so often," Emily explained, "And they all have appetites you wouldn't believe! I like to keep goodies around for them. Some of them don't have much at home. Besides, like I said, they are always hungry! It's the wolf thing."
The two girls laughed together.
They chatted for a while. Emily asked about Brazil; Bella asked about Emily's life and what it was like having the wolf pack around all the time. Emily seemed to take it in stride, as easily as Bella fit in with a family of vampires.
"I'd better call Edward and get going," Bella said after an hour, "He'll probably be wearing a hole in his floor waiting for me to call. He worries since he can't come here."
"They are all over protective," Emily agreed, "I think it comes with being a guy. While you've got your phone out, let me put my number in there. If you ever need to talk, feel free to call me."
"Thanks for that," Bella said, "And the same to you. We have things we can't discuss with outsiders."
"Oh, we're in trouble now," Sam Joked, "Perhaps I should warn Edward Cullen to watch out for girl bonding."
They all laughed and the two girls exchanged a hug. Jacob led her back to his house to get his car and drove her to the border to meet Edward.
"I'm sorry you didn't seem to get through to my dad," he said as he drove, "It's good that you tried, but he's pretty set in his ways."
She sighed, feeling sad about all the trouble that could come down on them through Billy's reckless actions.
"For what it's worth, Bells, most of us in the Pack agree with you," Jacob said, "We don't want Charlie to know. We don't agree with my dad."
"What about the others? You said most of you."
"Well, there are a couple members of the Pack who don't like your plans and feel if Charlie knew he'd send you away. They think that would be a good thing."
"I can't get over how so many people think they have the right to decide for me what I should do with my life," she grumbled, "We live in the 21st century now, and women have the right to make their own choices."
"Chill out. I'm with you. I may not like the idea, you know, it goes against everything the Pack stands for, but we have no reason to doubt the Cullens' sincerity and integrity. And, as you say, it is your life and your choice to make."
"I'm sorry, Jake."
"No problem. Here we are, and Edward is pacing a hole in the road waiting for you."
They laughed. Bella hugged Jake and thanked him.
"Anytime, Bells," he smiled, "Hey Edward."
"Jacob," Edward replied, "Thanks for bringing her back to the line."
He reached across and clapped Jacob on the shoulder.
"Are you ready, love?" he turned back to Bella.
"Definitely. Bye, Jake, thanks for everything."
"See ya, Bella."
Jake got back in his car and drove away, as Bella and Edward threw their arms around each other in the relief of being together again.
"How did it go?" Edward asked.
"Not good," she sighed, reaching over to hold his hand, "But since everyone will want to know, I'd rather wait to talk about it till we're all together."
"That's fine. I'm sorry it didn't go as you hoped."
"Billy wasn't very nice to me," she said, "It hurt a lot to have him say some of the things he did. But afterward, Sam and Jake took me to Sam's house, and I got to meet his Emily. She's great, and I think she and I could become friends."
"I'm glad of that," he replied, squeezing her hand gently, "I think it could be good for you to have a friend outside our family, a friend who knows the secrets and can be a venting person for you."
"I think Emily feels the same. I know I do. It isn't anything against your family, but it's just nice to have other friends who are in the know."
When they reached the Cullen home, everyone greeted Bella warmly, then gathered in the living room to hear her story. They were all angry, when they heard how Billy had spoken to her. Esme moved to sit beside her and held her close, as Edward paced angrily across the room.
"He won't see reason," Bella wailed, "And he's going to put Charlie in such danger. I don't know what else we can do. And telling me it's my fault if Charlie is in danger. It's not right!"
Esme held her tighter, stroking her hair.
"What kind of a person am I?" Bella asked, "I want to be one of you with my whole being, but I know it will hurt Charlie, break his heart forever, if he thinks I'm dead."
Carlisle looked over at Jasper who obliged by trying to send Bella some calm.
"Bella, honey, this is what happens," Carlisle said, "If you join us, you will lose your human ties. It can't be helped."
"But you know," Emmett added, "It is the way of things when people grow up. You could stay human, move away to go to college, get married, and never see your parents much or at all. It does happen that way sometimes."
Emmett hated seeing his little sister in such distress, and he wished he could go take it out on Billy Black.
"I tried not to let Billy see it, but he made me feel so heartless with the things he was saying."
"You're not heartless," Edward objected vehemently, "The mere fact that you can worry about it like this shows you have more than enough heart. Certainly, you have more heart than Billy Black. I could just about—"
He broke off. He shouldn't say what he was thinking out loud, that he could just about kill Billy for having treated Bella so cruelly. Edward hated to see Bella so upset. She should always be full of happiness, and it was Edward's goal in life to keep her that way, and nobody should be allowed to break her heart.
Bella took a few deep breaths and tried to pull herself together.
"I'm ok now," she said, "I just couldn't react in front of the boys or Emily, so I guess it all came pouring out."
"Does any of this make you want to change your mind about becoming one of us?" Rose asked.
"No, it doesn't" Bella answered with confidence, "I realize this is the price I have to pay. I just felt that Billy was trying to put all this on me, and that's not fair."
"We need to make contingency plans," Jasper observed, "In case Chief Swan does figure this out. We need to have more than one plan, depending on how he reacts."
"I think none of you give Charlie enough credit," Alice spoke up for the first time, "He's seen us with Bella. He knows how Edward and Rose saved her in Port Angeles. He has seen with his own eyes that we have never put her at risk. He may not react as negatively as you all think."
"It's one thing to know something or think something when you don't have all the facts," Carlisle said, "And then when you do, it's easy enough to throw out all the other facts. It's human nature to look at the negative and fall into old fears, rather than to look at the whole truth."
"But he's a cop, and a damn good one," Alice protested, "Yeah, I think he'd be freaked out at first, but afterward, if he put all the evidence together, everything he knows, he might surprise you."
"We can only hope," Carlisle sighed, "Yes, Jasper, work on the plans for various reactions. One key here is that Charlie might listen long enough to be told the truth about Bella's future if she joins us. Maybe the fact that she would be able to see would keep him from telling anyone. Above all, we must protect Charlie."
Edward knelt beside Bella, folding his arms around her.
"Don't worry about it anymore, sweet girl," he said, "Would you like to go to our meadow for a while?"
"Yes, I think I really need a visit to the meadow."
He swept her into his arms and ran out of the house. By the time they reached the meadow, she was laughing, her sad mood wiped away in the joy of running with Edward.
"You're feeling better now," he said, as he lay her down on the grass, "I'm glad of that. I hoped running would cheer you up."
"I'm sorry I had a meltdown back there," she sighed and snuggled close to him, "Billy just really upset me."
"I know he did. My vampire nature could quite easily kill him for doing that to you, but I promise, I will do no such thing. It just angers me to see you hurt like that. We all know that this is not an easy choice for you. We all support you and are here for you, even should you decide you don't want this life."
"I'll never decide that," she said, "Yes, I'll miss my dad terribly, beyond what I can imagine. I know I will. But living a human life, one in which most likely he will die far sooner than I will, well, I'd be losing him anyway. We belong together, and the only sensible way to achieve that is for me to be changed."
They said no more on the topic for the rest of the day. The meadow was lovely as ever, though they both missed the warm tropical paradise of Isle Esme. The day was cloudy and cool, and Edward found he missed being able to see Bella in her bikini almost constantly. Bella missed having so much of Edward's skin uncovered for her to touch any time she chose.
Bella and Edward stayed in the meadow till it was time for dinner. They lay together, kissing, touching each other softly, and just enjoying the intimacy they could share when they were alone. They hadn't gone any further with their physical relationship, than they'd reached on Isle Esme. They both knew they each wanted more, but they were both content to let things happen when they were ready.
It had been a stressful day for Bella, and Edward just wanted to show her how much he loved and cherished her. He covered her face with kisses and touched her skin under her t-shirt with great gentleness, trying to infuse her with all the love in him for her.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered against her skin, "I love to look at you, to watch the light on your skin, to see your blush when I say things like this to you."
He pulled up her shirt and let his lips move slowly over her skin, kissing every part of her.
"Your skin is so soft to my hands and lips," he told her, "I could do this forever and never get tired of touching or kissing you."
His hands stroked over her sides and stomach. Carefully, he moved to her breasts, placing light touches on each, then kissing each with equal gentleness.
Bella shivered at his touch, melting from his words. The love he felt rang in his voice, and the way he touched her so carefully made her want to cry from the complete happiness she felt. His love washed away the bad feelings left by Billy's unkind words, and she felt alive and full of need for her mate.
"Let me touch you," she begged, "I can't bear not touching you."
"Shhhh, this is for you," he answered, "Just relax and feel all my love. Let this be all about you."
"Mmmmm," she breathed.
He continued to kiss and caress her, making sure to cover every bit of her from the waist up. Then he nuzzled her neck, breathing in her freesia and strawberries aroma that was all Bella. At last, he moved back to her face, kissing her cheeks and eyes before finally claiming her lips again.
Bella could not hold back any longer, and she reached up to entwine her fingers in his hair, kissing him passionately, trying to hold him to her, till he could never let go again.
On the other side of the country, the three nomads had just finished a satisfying hunt and were disposing of the bodies. James was in a foul angry mood, and he threw his into a hole, stamping the dirt over it.
"What's the matter, Baby?" Victoria asked in her little-girl voice, "You've been unhappy and angry off and on for a long time."
"I just keep thinking about those damn Cullens and their wolves!" he snarled, "How in hell did they get the jump on us like that? Why would they team up with werewolves, and why would they protect a human girl?"
"They are stupid," Victoria tried to comfort him, "They do not feed from our natural food source, and they develop attachments and have pets. We could have beaten them all without those wolves, because no animal drinker could be as strong as those of us who drink from humans."
"That Bella is the second prey of mine to get away," James snarled again, "And she's another one to be saved from me by disloyal vampires. They should pay for that. They have both my lost prey now, and I damn well want them and want to make those Cullens pay for their interference."
"We could inform the Volturi," Victoria suggested with glee, "They would all be destroyed, even those disgusting wolves."
James grinned evilly and thought for a moment.
"No, I don't want to bring the Volturi into this," he decided, "This is personal. They have stolen what I wanted, and I intend to pay them back for it. This is my revenge, and I will take it."
"When are you planning to do this?" Laurent asked.
Laurent had been terrified when they were hemmed in by the huge wolves. He did not want to go back to Forks. He did not want to fight the Cullens or face the wolves again. He didn't agree with James that the Cullens were weak due to their diet. One look at the huge male and the blond male told him they were the type you didn't want to underestimate.
"Not now," James said, "Revenge tastes better when served cold, as the old saying goes. I can bide my time. But someday, I will go back. I will kill them all, starting with the little human and ending with Mary Alice. I'll let her watch me destroy her so-called family in front of her."
Victoria giggled.
Laurent wondered if he should leave and strike out on his own. It was not his fight after all.
"James, I do not want anything to do with this grudge of yours," Laurent said, tentatively, "I think it's time I went on my own. This is not my fight."
James turned in a flash and grabbed Laurent by the throat.
"You miserable coward!" he hissed, "You do not want to face those wolves, I know it. You would leave me to handle this alone, just me and Victoria? I don't think so. You will stay with us, until I'm ready to go back and deal with those Cullens. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"I have no issue with the Cullens," Laurent tried to protest, "It is not my fight and I want nothing to do with it."
James lowered his voice, and the effect was even more deadly.
"You will stay with us, until we deal with the Cullens. If you try to leave, I will find you. You know this; you know my gift. I will track you down and I will tear you to tiny little bits, one piece at a time. When we finish with the Cullens, I will release you to go your own way, but for now, you will stay with me, and you will help when the time comes. Do you understand me?"
Laurent just nodded. He knew that what James said was true. If he tried to flee James could find him, no matter where he went. He thought briefly of going to the Cullens and asking for protection, but his fear of what James would do in those circumstances changed his mind.
"Very well, James, I will stay," Laurent agreed reluctantly.
"Very good, that is a wise decision," James answered.
Alice was always looking for the nomads. She saw James decide that he wanted revenge, but since James had not decided when or how, she couldn't get a strong fix on his plans. She was frustrated.
"If only he'd decide something!" she groaned to Jasper, "I even saw Laurent briefly decide to leave James, and then even decide to come to us and ask for protection. For a minute, I saw him as part of the Denalis. But he changed his mind again and is staying with James and Victoria for now."
"Don't stress yourself, darlin'," Jasper held her close to him, "You'll see when they finally decide to come, and when you do, we'll be ready. Maybe, when they come, we can offer protection to Laurent, if he will choose not to fight with James."
"At least we have a better relationship with the wolves now," Alice sighed.
"Yes, thanks to Bella. She's like our own little version of the treaty, in the flesh."
Alice giggled and decided to drop the subject.
"Come here," she whispered in Jasper's ear, "Let's forget about nomads for now. I have something else in mind for you and me."
"Do you now?"
"Oh yes, I do indeed," she answered and pulled him down on the bed.
In Bella's room back in Forks, Edward held Bella close to him. They'd gotten the electric blanket, and since then, he was able to lie under the covers with her. She slept peacefully in his arms. She dreamed of their meadow. He watched a smile flit across her face in her sleep and smiled to himself. Her dreams were happy, which made him happy.
Down the hall, in his solitary room, Charlie dreamed of wolves and vampires again, waking with a start of fear.
"This is getting ridiculous," he mumbled, rolling over.
He fell back to sleep.
Edward was deeply concerned. Quietly, he moved out of the bed, going to the window and calling Carlisle.
"Charlie had another dream about wolves and vampires," he told his father, "I think his subconscious is trying to tell him something."
Carlisle sighed.
"What was his reaction to the dream?"
"He woke, heart racing at first," Edward answered, "But then he calmed down right away and laughed at himself. He's already sleeping again."
"Good, good, we'll just keep hoping he continues to think it's crazy," Carlisle decided, "Jasper has everything ready, so if we have to leave in a hurry, we can, at a moment's notice."
"With Bella?" Edward asked.
"Of course. We would not leave her behind."
"I hope it doesn't come to that," Edward said, "Bella would be devastated if she had to flee in that manner."
"I hope the same thing, but we have to be prepared for any eventuality," Carlisle answered.
"I'm going back to Bella now."
"All right, son, take good care of her."
Edward snuggled back in bed beside Bella, his mind racing with worry about Charlie.
"Edward, is everything ok?" Bella asked, half awake.
"Everything is fine, love," he whispered, "Go back to sleep. I love you."
"Love you, too," she murmured.
She pulled herself a little closer to him and fell back to sleep. Edward clutched her to him, watching her sleep through the rest of the night, praying for only happy endings for her.
End Notes
You hadn't forgotten the nomads had you? They wanted to make sure we all remembered they are still around.
Recs!
Foxfire by WoodLily
This is an EPOV of Twilight, and I'm sure most of you have read this kind of thing before, but one of my readers recommended this to me, and I love it. Please check it out and show the author some love.
http:/www . fanfiction . net/s/5661822/1/Fox_Fire
City of Sin by wutheringbites
Bella is a security expert, and Edward is a cop. Someone is trying to kill her, and someone is somehow learning everything Edward and his team are trying to do to protect her. This story is full of action and suspense, like the very best thrillers on the market. Again, one of my readers recced this to me. Please check it out. It's absolutely fabulous!
http:/www . fanfiction . net/s/6502259/1/
See you all next week!