Chapter Twenty Six

Charlotte

When I saw the flames in the distance I knew Alice Cullen had been right, we weren't in time which meant The Major stood between us and the others.

"I think maybe we should try to drum up a little extra support. Maybe we can get enough bodies here by the time the flames die to take him down."

"I'm not sure there are many of our friends who'd be willing to face The Major Charlotte"

Garrett was right of course but we had to do something or risk the lives of everyone at the ranch, including my mate.

"Well just suggest a better idea."

Garrett took out his phone,

"I don't have one so start dialling, we have no idea how long we have after all. Pick the closest first."

I took out my own phone and scrolled through the contacts list frantically looking for anyone I thought might be willing and close enough but they were few and far between so I hoped Garrett was having more luck.

Garrett

Esme and Alice would probably kill me for this but I had to try Emmett and Rose, I knew if they were still in the country they would help if only to attempt saving their "brother. When someone answered I was relieved although it was a very cautious answer,

"Garrett? Is that really you?"

"Yes Em it is. Where are you?"

"We have some kind of situation here Gar and it wouldn't be a good idea to tell you that."

"I'm in the middle of your situation Emmett, up to my neck and sinking fast, we need your help"

"We?"

"Yeah, Alice, Esme, Edward and Bella Swan are trapped at Peters ranch and we need to mount a rescue party but its going to be dangerous"

"Why? And what the hell is this situation?"

"How much do you know Em?"

"Only that I'm in danger and need to keep moving but I think it might have something to do with Jaspers disappearance."

"That's right as far as it goes. Why you're on his hit list I have no idea but someone has hit the switch and The Major is out for Bella Swans life"

"Bella's? Why? And what do you mean by flipped the switch? What the hell is going on Gar?"

"I don't have time to explain, will you help or not and where are you?"

"We're in Cheyenne why?"

"Then you're close enough. Get here as fast as you can, you can't miss us we're the ones warming ourselves at the fire."

"Fire?"

"You'll see."

I broke the connection glad they were close enough although they weren't exactly fighters. Maybe Rose could help Esme take the girl to safety, Emmett was big enough that his strength might help. There had to be someone else surely? Darius was in England visiting Alistair so he was too far away to help in person but there was someone else I could try and this time it would be Peter who wasn't happy.

I rang a number I hadn't used in over ten years hoping she had kept it and crossed my fingers.

"Garrett? What a lovely surprise to find you're still alive. I thought Peter would have killed you by now."

"Peter and I sorted out our differences Faith and we need your help."

"My, my, what's wrong?"

"Where are you?"

"Why? Are you coming to take me on another date?"

"Please Faith I don't have time for games."

"Very well, I'm in Frisco."

"Can you get to Boulder in the next twenty-four hours?"

"Boulder? That's Whitlock territory, are you mad? He's already tried to kill me once."

"You tried to kill him first."

"That's his story, is it him in trouble? Only I want a front row seat if it is"

"They're all front row seats but it isn't Peter you'll be dealing with, it's The Major"

She laughed and it was as sweet as ever.

"Garrett, The Major disappeared a long time ago. He's a pussy cat now, living with the Cullens I hear."

"Yeah but you missed the latest news flash. He's back and meaner than ever, on a killing spree starting with Peter and some of the Cullens"

"Well if he was coming back that would be a good reason. I could help him if you like"

"We're trying to avoid any deaths for now. We need him stopped."

"Not even Peter? It would entice me"

"Not even Peter. Will you come?"

"Well I have nothing better to do so yes I'll come but I wont promise to help until I see what's going on. I rather liked The Major, he had spirit while Peter was just a disagreeable pig"

"He's still one but even so please don't kill him"

"You spoil all my fun but OK, he gets a free pass this time so long as he doesn't try killing me again."

When I told Charlotte she groaned,

"Are you mad Garrett? Putting those two together is like mixing gasoline and a spark."

"Look she has the only gift strong enough to knock The Majors legs from under him outside of Volterra. You muzzle Peter and I'll do my best to keep her away from him."

"It's probably just as well. Peter sent a message, The Major has cut off the water supply and they don't have food for the human so out waiting The Major really isn't going to be an option any more."

I slumped against the nearest tree looking for any sign of The Major beyond the flames but seeing nothing.

"Lets just hope Faith agrees to help, she hasn't decided yet. The only good thing is that there's two raging fires and a pissed Major between her and Peter so lets look on the bright side. Maybe she can do her thing and leave before he reaches us."

"You're such an optimist Garrett. What do you think the likelihood of that happening is?"

"I don't even want to think about it."

Actually as I sat watching the flames roar it was all I could think about, the last time Faith and Peter had collided. He and I had been to hunt and when we got back Faith was sitting on the porch talking to Charlotte. She had that certain smile in place, the one that always meant trouble for someone and Peter groaned,

"What the fuck is she doing here?"

"I guess when you told her to go to hell she thought you meant your place. I told you not to upset her, that girl has a nasty temper."

"She tried to rip my clothes off with Charlotte due back any minute, what was I supposed to do?"

"Well maybe telling her "fuck you lady" wasn't the best thing you could have said. All she wanted was to contact Charlotte."

"Hey, you don't know her like I do, that girl is one hundred per cent pure poison. I told Charlotte when we met her that Faith was trouble but all she could see was her kin. Peter she's my niece I can't just ignore her. That was a laugh, no one ignores Faith, especially no man if he wants to live without a lopsided limp."

"She was Charlotte's kin though"

"Yeah well I'd rather be related to a rattler than her. Every time I see her she causes trouble. Hell I had to throw her ass out of that hotel room."

"I think the fact she landed in a cattle wagon upset her a bit."

"I didn't know it was going by at the time. I was hoping for an express train or something more lethal."

"Why didn't she just zap you?"

"I don't know and I don't care. Keep your mouth shut and lets see if I can get rid of the bitch without a fight this time."

Of course he didn't, Faith liked nothing better than a good fight except of course a little stirring.