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Mirage

Chapter Twenty-six

CPOV

Life was starting to get into a steady rhythm for all of us. Emmett and Rose had moved closer to us since we had moved back to Ithaca from Forks. She was working under a modeling agent in Rochester, but they lived between Rochester and Ithaca. She couldn't stand the thought of living in Rochester, as it was the city where she was born and raised; it was also the city where Royce King assaulted her. She wouldn't live in the house in Ithaca either; this is the house she woke up in after she was transformed. There were many bad memories for her here as well. Emmett was working for an accounting firm in Rochester, and they were happy on their own.

We were all awaiting the arrival of little Oliver. Alice had dragged the women on numerous shopping excursions to get all the items she knew we'd need to care for him. It's hard to believe all these things were necessary for one tiny human boy.

Alice and Jasper moved from their apartment into our house, as Alice didn't want to be separated from Bella and Edward. Jasper had no reservations since Bella had been changed; being in close proximity to her wasn't an issue any longer.

Because he already held two doctorate degrees in medicine, Edward had no trouble getting accepted into the biomedical research graduate program at Cornell. We worked on his appearance a bit to make sure he looked slightly older than his physical 17 years. Bella was a good high school student, and fortunately, other than the physical education classes she wouldn't participate in, she hadn't left her grades suffer when we left her. Making up a year of gym class was not a daunting class for her now that she was no longer a clumsy human. In September she started in the undergraduate program for Sociology.

When Alice and Bella weren't doing class work, they were plotting wedding plans with Esme and Rose. Bella had asked Edward if they could have their wedding at Edward's home in Chicago. She said she felt closeness to Elizabeth while they stayed there in her home, and she thought it was only fitting. Edward was pleased beyond belief - I could tell he was so proud that we would all be there for his wedding, in the home he grew up in. We would have to find someone to conduct the service; I knew the wedding classes at St. Michael's would be very involved and take a number of months before the priest would even consider doing a wedding for them.

In the end, Bella came to me and asked if I would conduct a simple ceremony. She wasn't raised in a home based on faith and didn't feel a close connection to any church. We all knew Edward's views on religion. He felt he was damned. I asked Edward for his opinion about my involvement.

"Dad, I would be honored if you would do that. I'd like to have the wedding before it gets too cold to do what I'd like to outside. The gardens are beautiful. I always thought I'd ask my girl to marry me in my Mother's garden. Once I found a girl, that is."

I had to laugh. I gave him a hug and a pat on the back. "I believe you've found her, son. A fall wedding in Chicago it is, then. We only have a few weeks. You better break the news to Alice."

Esme was getting a lot of requests for home renovations after she completed the bed and breakfast my colleague had opened over the summer. She did a beautiful job and people couldn't wait to welcome her into their homes so she could work her magic. I was teaching in the program Edward was enrolled in, and it was nice spending the time with my son. I never failed to notice what a fine young man he was. I never regretted changing him; he was the first member of my family and we shared a special bond. To say I am proud of Edward would be an understatement. It makes my heart swell to finally see him happy and so in love with Bella. She's a beautiful, loving addition to our family. She completes us in the best possible way.

One afternoon Alice called me from her cell phone. She was frantic and was talking so fast I couldn't understand her. "Alice, honey, you have to slow down, I can't understand a word you're saying."

She huffed a bit and started over. "The Volturi know about Twilight. You and Edward have to go to Italy. Now."

Now I understood. "How long, Alice? When do we have to be there?"

After a minute she answered, "I would leave as soon as you can. I think you need to diffuse the situation if you are able."

I went to the research lab where I knew I'd find Edward. I had already gone to the department head and explained that my grandmother had a near fatal heart attack in Washington and we were leaving immediately, I explained we were hoping to get there to say goodbye before she left this earth. Little did they know my grandmother died over 400 years ago.

Edward knew there was a problem and met me at the Mercedes. As we pulled away, I explained. "We have to leave immediately. Aro and Marcus want to convene a jury to determine our guilt in regard to infractions of the law. They know about Twilight."

"Do you think we'll get out of there alive, Carlisle? What will they do to the family?" I knew he was thinking of Bella. I had no answers.

"I don't know, son. We'll stop at the house for a minute to say goodbye. There isn't much time, but I won't leave without telling Esme in person."

By the time we made it to the house, Alice had assembled the whole family, bless her heart. They all looked like someone had run over their puppies. There wasn't much time for goodbyes.

They all wanted to come along, but there was no sense in that. If we weren't coming home, they would come and get the rest of the family and we would all suffer the same fate. If it went well, we'd be home. I could only hold onto the faith that my old friends would hear my side of the story and make accommodations for modern times, knowing that vampire lore had been the subject of speculation repeatedly over the years since the humans began making Hollywood movies.

Bella was especially clingy. She looked like she would cry if she could. She looked at Edward and said, "You promised you'd never leave me, Edward. You promised." I could tell her little heart was breaking, and there was nothing that could be done.

I took my new daughter in a fierce hug. "Bella, honey, this is something that can't be avoided. We have to do this for not only our family, but the cast of the movie and everyone who is involved. I also have concerns about Charlie's safety."

She gasped and said, "Charlie? What do they want with my dad?"

"Anyone they even think knows our secret is subject to the penalty of their law. They will annihilate the humans Bella. We need to go. This isn't just about us, it's about innocent humans as well."

Bella shook her head in understanding. She grabbed Edward and held onto him like she wasn't going to let go.

The tearless sobs reverberated throughout the house. Everyone was clinging to each other. Our flight left at 6pm, we'd arrive in Amsterdam at 7am with a 13 hour layover in that country. We'd arrive in Rome about 11pm. I could have booked a flight for us without the layover, but this way we were traveling early in the morning or late at night, allowing us to travel at times with the least amount of sunshine. If we were seen during the day in the open sunlight, we'd reveal ourselves. Jasper offered to drive us to Tompkins Airport. It was only about a 20 minute ride. We said our goodbyes and left as swiftly as we could. Jasper had our passports and other documents ready to go, as well as a carry-on bag for each of us.

Finally, he spoke. "I will watch over them. Emmett and I will. If Alice sees anything happening, we'll take the girls and go. If you know you're not going to get out and it comes down to a fight, do your best to take down Demetri and perhaps Felix as well. I think they would be the greatest threat."

Edward was clenching his jaw, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Jasper, thank you. Thank you for saving her for me. I can't imagine my life without her. Thank you for watching over them. We'll do our best to get home to all of you. If there is any doubt in your mind, don't hesitate to run. Do you have all the documents?"

Jasper laughed. "I have documents stashed all over the globe in safe deposit boxes. I've spent the last few months working on several sets of documents for Bella. I mailed them to the banks where I have accounts; they placed the items in my safe deposit box. You know cash is not an issue. We'll be okay."

Edward and I thanked Jasper and we each gave him a bear hug as we left to go through security. The flight to Italy was fairly quiet. About an hour before we landed, Edward looked at me and asked softly, "Do you think we have a chance?"

I went over all the scenarios in my head for him; no need to air our dirty laundry on the plane anymore than necessary.

I planned on going with the simplest plan. The truth.

Vampire lore has been studied for centuries. Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431. Bram Stoker's Dracula was based loosely on his story. When Hollywood came to be, our history and the rumors surrounding it were regarded as nothing more than fiction. No one truly believed. There have been numerous movies over the years. In the seventies, a vampire was featured on a children's learning program. He was a puppet simply called the "Count". He had a spot on each show teaching children their numbers. Hollywood had made a parody of us for almost 100 years. General Mills even made a children's cereal based on a vampire, Count Chocula.

I don't think it'll be hard to dispel another vampire story as just another good fiction movie. I think we're of a day and age where it's time to let people utter the word because no one gave our existence any credibility. I hope the Volturi agree with my opinion. If not, the family was prepared to flee. Edward and I would meet our demise protecting them in any way we can. I wouldn't go down without a fight.

Edward nodded. He agreed.

After securing a rental car, we would go to Volterra from the airport in Rome traveling after dark.

It would take just over two hours to get to Volterra. They know we're here. We make our way to the hotel. We wait. They will come for us when they're ready.

Our flight and the trip through Tuscany went smoothly. We didn't converse a whole lot; we both had a lot on our minds. When it came to concern for the family, Edward and I were in the same mindset. I had always hoped that if anything were to ever happen to me, he'd remain to follow in my footsteps. It was a great concern to me that we could both be annihilated at the same time. We didn't have the conventional family, but we were a coven of vampires connected to one another by the bonds of love. This was extremely unusual as far as groups of vampires are concerned.

I knew the Aro was intrigued by our family. He had always been a friend and had never abused his power when it came to my family. In my eyes, he was always a fair representative of leadership in the vampire community. I hope that he remembers our friendship when we met again.

No one came for us the first day. No one came on the second day. Edward was pacing around the hotel room like a caged animal. It was said our food preferences were indicative of our personalities. Edward's choice was the lion, and watching him now, I could see the grace and power along with the pent up energy of the lion bound in a cage. He wouldn't find peace until this situation was rectified in some way. We had phoned home several times, and everyone waited with bated breath. Alice wouldn't know what to do until a decision was made here in Volterra concerning our future.

Everyone was calm at home, even Bella. I know she had resolved to be patient, knowing this trip was necessary to protect the humans she left behind. I suspect that Jasper had a hand in controlling the emotions at home. He was doing what he needed to do to keep the family together so they would be ready to take flight on short notice, if necessary. I don't think the Volturi know yet that we've left Forks. Even if they do know our whereabouts, unless they already have members of their guard in place in New York, time is on our side as far as everyone having the chance to flee.

On the third day, Jane came to our hotel at dusk. Aro had invited us to the ancient fortress they reside in to join him for "dinner," though I declined the "meal." Jane laughed and told us to come by in two hours since we were 'squeamish'. I wasn't squeamish, but I didn't murder humans and I wasn't going to sit and watch another of our kind do it.

At 8:30, I sighed and stood up; we were expected in thirty minutes. I looked down at Edward and he met my gaze. "I'd like to call home and tell them we're going now. I'm not saying goodbye."

I smiled at my son. "I don't want you to say goodbye, son. Tell them we'll see them soon."

Edward called and spoke with his mother and Rose. The others had taken Bella out to hunt, in case they had to leave on short notice. They wanted to make sure she was safe to travel. Edward gave them our love and hung up the phone. It was time to leave.

We walked across the town square. There were a few people out tonight, but for the most part, the center of town was deserted. I hoped the good people of Volterra weren't joining our friends for dinner. Edward shook his head as the thought crossed my mind. "Bad joke, Carlisle."

I was relieved to see that Demetri and Felix were both here with Jane. The three of them were the greatest threat to my family. If they were here with us, the others had a chance to get away if they were in danger. Alice would see it, I was sure.

We stepped inside the entrance to the business facade the Volturi used as a cover. By day, the front of the building was used as a bank. A series of tunnels and catacombs wound under the city, coming out inside a cold and threatening fortress. The inner workings of the city resembled a series of dungeons. Ice cold, wet and gloomy. A fitting place for a group of monsters to congregate; these creatures were pure evil. As we were accompanied by Felix and Demetri through the underground, the smell of death permeated the air and hung stagnant. The smell wasn't like the pleasant aroma a human might experience upon visiting a friend after a meal had been cooked. No, this was the repulsive stench of death. Once again, I was proud of the lifestyle my family and I embraced.

Edward shook his head upon hearing my mind, but we don't live like this; perhaps he finally understood. He just smiled a small smile and quietly said, "I get it, dad." He rarely ever called me dad; I had to smile at the sentiment. It was his way of expressing affection, affirming the bond we shared.

When we entered the main chamber, the three elders were assembled in large heavy thrones. Aro stood and stretched out his arm as he called out to me. "Carlisle, you and Edward may approach us. Please come, my friend."

We walked to the front of the room to greet them, Edward looking extremely tense. I knew he was holding his breath. His hands were clenched at his sides; he's never been here before. The place is more than a bit intimidating. I can only imagine the sheer terror that assaulted the humans who were brought here as a meal once they realized they were never leaving. What was that song? Hotel California? I chuckled. Not funny, but so true. Ironic. Edward just gave me a look akin to his earlier, "Bad joke, Carlisle." He was chastising me. Nervous humor passed between us.

"Carlisle, I believe you've misunderstood our intention for summoning you here. We understand that what has happened is beyond your control. We agree that it is time for us to look at things a bit differently. Perhaps times are changing. I believe you've been so concerned about the repercussions of this whole situation you failed to see the big picture. Has it failed to enter your mind that one of our kind has had to provide information for this to have happened?"

I cocked my head to the side and thought about his words. I had been too distracted to notice that. It did seem almost impossible for a mere human to have so much detailed information about our family.

"I understand one of your sons blurted something out on one occasion, but it's impossible for any human to know the information that we've found in those books. And yes, we've examined them all."

"We've been monitoring this situation for nearly six months. There are two nomadic vampires who have been living in the forest in the Olympic peninsula. One is older, named Victoria. I believe you've had the pleasure of meeting her, Edward." From where he was perched, Caius smirked, revealing ugly, twisted teeth. Edward shuddered.

Aro continued. "Victoria is looking to avenge the death of her mate, James. Apparently he was lost during a battle to save your human, Edward?"

Edward corrected him. "My fiancé is no longer human; she is one of us. She has been changed. But yes, James' death occurred as a result of his attempt to take Bella from me. We weren't aware that James and Victoria were mates, however. There was no indication of their affection towards one another."

Jane looked at Edward. Her lip twitched, and I feared she was going to toy with Edward. She had a terrible reputation for bringing grown men to their knees with just a bit of concentration. She purred at Edward, "What you're going to hear next is going to turn your world upside down, Edward. Can you block your mind to keep the others from reading it?"

He nodded his head. "I suggest you concentrate on keeping this conversation contained in this room." He nodded his head again, understanding perfectly.

Aro leaned closer, although we had no problem hearing him. "Victoria has taken another mate, or rather, has lead him to believe they are mates. His name is Lawrence. I believe you know him quite well, Edward."

Edward fell to the floor, clutching his head. He screamed and clawed at the floor. For a split second I thought Jane was toying with him. She liked to play cat and mouse games. When he spoke I understood Jane had nothing to do with the reaction.

"How could I have been so stupid? He can read my mind just as clearly as I can read everyone else's mind. He has taunted me since Bella came into our lives, but not once did I think about something like this happening. He taunted me, tortured me, wanting me to kill Bella. I knew it was because he didn't want me to be happy. I never thought about him spying on us to use it against us!"

I knew Edward was on the verge of a meltdown. Such a lack of self-control in this particular setting could be detrimental to our welfare. I continued to shoot calming thoughts his way, he needed to get a grip on himself. Steady son.

Aro put his hand on my shoulder. "Carlisle, we believe that this Stephenie knew of our kind when she began writing her book and sought out someone to help her find information. We don't know how she came to befriend Victoria, or how she's managed to remain alive in her presence. Apparently revenge has curbed Victoria's urges to consume Stephenie. It appears Victoria and Lawrence have been together for quite a while."

Marcus cleared his throat. "We are not determined to destroy your family, Carlisle. We need help to put an end to this situation. Edward, your brother does not have a bright future. I'm sorry."

Edward had a grim look on his face. "Lawrence and I shared a womb, but he has done nothing but try to destroy me my entire life. He is my alter ego. He's an unwelcome part of my existence. Finally being free of him would be like having an exorcism."

"I believe that it would be prudent for you to explain your little secret to the rest of your family. Carlisle has kept your secret long enough. You are putting that beautiful new mate, as well as the rest of your family, in grave danger. Make no mistake about it, Lawrence is extremely dangerous." Aro had his hand on Edward's shoulder and was studying his face, waiting for a reaction.

"What do we need to do to help get the situation under control?" Carlisle asked.

Jane stepped forward, holding hands with her twin, Alec. "If you can smoke him out, you will need to find a way to contain him. It's only fair that the two of them receive a swift trial before being punished for their infractions of our rules. Understand though, a trial is merely a formality. We already know their crimes, and the punishment is the same for everyone. Although your family could exterminate the problem on your own, it would be extremely unfair to force Edward to exterminate his own brother."

Marcus cleared his throat again. "It would not be unlawful for you to take them out in an act of self- defense. That would be completely understandable and you would not be punished in any way."

Edward spoke up. "While it's been very nice meeting all of you, please understand I have no desire to be a part of your group here. I don't know if I like acting on your orders."

"Son, you are free to go whenever you wish." Aro smiled at us, looking directly at Edward. "While you are quite gifted and we'd love to have you join us, you are under no obligation with us. However, you are the only one of us who is going to successfully flush Lawrence out. He is incredibly smart and has wreaked havoc around the globe for almost 100 years. We simply request your help because we know you will be the most effective bait. Now go home to your new mate and help us bring this to an end."

I had a few things to consider before we left. "Aro, we discussed the way times have changed. The way the word vampire has become a household name thanks to Hollywood. These actors who are part of this movie, some of them are aware of what we are. It was purely accidental. I am concerned that they will start disappearing, and I fear for their wellbeing. You will leave them alone, yes? They had no way of knowing any part of our world was real."

"Ah yes, Kristen. She is Bella's double in so many ways, isn't she?"

His comment made Edward grimace.

"We will let your friends be, for now. Our concern is flushing out those who are responsible for blatantly breaking the rules. We have no interest in your humans. We may be ancient, but we aren't behind the times. We know they are playing a part. We do watch movies, you know. Having this much time on our hands becomes boring after hundreds of years, surely you of all people realize that."

Caius stood and took a few steps towards us. "There is still the issue of where they will reside."

Marcus shook his head, still sitting regally in his throne. "Obviously it's not possible for your family to be out in the public eye being recognized as vampires. You cannot flaunt what you are simply because we choose to overlook some things."

I was waiting for this to come. "Would you prefer we blend in for a while? It could be some time until things blow over from this movie. It was a huge hit and I hear there will be three more."

"In the life of a vampire, this is but the blink of an eye. I think it's fair to ask your family to go to a remote location until further notice. Is there a place you can go? The United States is out of the question." This came from Marcus' perch in the corner.

"I purchased a beautiful island for my wife a number of years ago. It is completely private. South of Rio de Janero. Aside from the need to hunt on the mainland, we are self sufficient there."

Aro smiled. "Ah yes, Isle Esme. I remember when you bought that little gem."

The brothers had a silent conversation. They returned to their seats and spoke. "Eradicate the problem you are having and then make haste to your private Island. We will tell you when it's safe to move on. Don't be surprised if you are there a number of years. When you go to the mainland, it would be preferable for you to go at night to feed, and if you must travel during the day, please alter your appearance."

Aro reminded us, "We don't hold you accountable for what has already happened. We understand none of this was initiated by your family. Now that lovely Bella is one of us, we have no qualms with you. However, we take how you follow the sanctions we have imposed quite seriously. Please, Carlisle, let us know when you're ready to take care of this problem. And contact us when you move your family. We like to know where to find you in case there is a need."

Jane sneered our way. She was chomping at the bit to do some damage and it wasn't going to be today with us. I'm fairly certain she was disappointed.

We left the city of Volterra late that night and traveled back to Rome to catch a plane home.

Edward called home and everyone uttered a collective sigh of relief. On the ride home we had a quiet discussion; most of the other passengers were sleeping. There were very few people in first class. "I feel bad about this, Carlisle. He's still my brother." The considerate, responsible son I had nurtured pondered.

"I know, but think of what he's done to us. Think of the possible danger we are all in."

"I think I share my mother's guilt. I feel bad because of his situation. None of this was ever his fault. He's always been unstable, as a human and as a vampire. It could just as easily have been me. My mom always felt it was her fault, like it could have been prevented somehow."

"Why do you feel guilty, son? What could you have done to change things?"

"I don't know, Carlisle. It's haunted me since the day I woke up like this and saw him sitting there in that corner like an animal. How can we be identical in every way, yet be so different mentally? It's like I stole all the goodness or something. How can we be so extremely different?" He held his head in his hands, "I don't want to kill my brother. How can I flush him out, knowing its simply a means to an end?"

"I can't begin to imagine your anguish, but think of some of the things he did, both as a child and again before we went our separate ways. Imagine what he could do to Bella, or even Esme, Alice…Rose."

He sighed. "Would it sound entirely strange if I asked you to hypnotize me? It tends to take away the stress. I really need to unwind."

I put a hand on his shoulder and nodded my head. Rubbing his shoulder was an affectionate public gesture, but he looked stressed. It wouldn't be unnatural. I began to rub his shoulders, the back of his neck. All the while, inside my head. "Relax son, think of your Bella. One…go someplace quiet in your mind. Two…"

In no time at all, Edward was snoring softly, curled up in his seat, looking visibly relieved.

I thought back over the years we had spent together as father and son. I'd never regret bringing him to this life. Edward was my greatest accomplishment, and though the situation at hand was disturbing, we would handle it. We would be okay. Edward would be okay. I sensed something was brewing in our midst that would assuage Edward's guilt over offering up his brother to Felix and Demetri. Right now, the only consolation I could give him was the fact that the consequences would be swift.

The flight attendant came by with a blanket. She smiled as she handed it to me. "Rough day, Dr. Cullen? Would you like something to drink?" I covered Edward as she stood watching. He didn't need it, but it set her mind at ease to see me doing something so human.

"No thank you, and yes it was a rough day, more for my son. He'll feel better once he's rested, I'm sure."

She smiled and walked away, carrying a pillow for a woman a few seats away from us.

It didn't seem like long and we were preparing to land. I could hear the others rustling about, gathering things up. Putting on seatbelts. I leaned in close to Edward, and snapped my fingers twice. A huge smile graced his features.

"Thank you, Carlisle."

I smiled, shaking my head in understanding.

We were met at Tompkins Airport by our family, looks of relief written all over their faces. Bella nearly knocked Edward off his feet rushing to him and catapulting herself at his frame. He laughed, a genuine laugh, spinning her in circles, kissing her.

Esme walked over to me, always the picture of cool confidence. She slipped her hand into mine and smiled. "I've missed you." She reached up, cupping my cheek and pulled me down for a kiss. I never failed to thank the powers that be for bringing this incredible creature into my life.

Alice and Jasper were quietly talking with Edward. Someone was missing.

I didn't see Emmett right away. I looked at Rose with one eyebrow raised.

"He's over there, Grandpa!" Huh? What had I missed? "The people from social services stopped by the day that you left. They inspected our house and approved us on the spot. Emmett and I signed the papers the next morning." I looked to a bench along the wall. There sat Emmett with a dimpled grin plastered on this face. An extremely tiny person was snuggled into his neck, sleeping soundly.

Edward walked over and laughed. "Congratulations, Em."

The child was a tiny version of Emmett, from the tiny dimples to the brown curls. Emmett stood up and walked over to me. Nudging Edward in the shoulder and laughing as he passed him.

I noticed Bella hung back a bit, unsure of herself.

"Bella, sweetheart, are you doing ok?"

She smiled at me. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just being cautious. I haven't had any rough moments yet. He doesn't smell so human as a grownup does, I don't think."

I had noticed that too, on occasion at the hospital. I wondered briefly, I had never considered what she was saying, but children never affected me in that way either. Perhaps a person's scent is more attractive after puberty. I think maybe it was the hormones that drew us to them. Interesting concept. I would have to look into that further.

I looked to Rose - she looked maternal. I had never seen her so at peace. She looked genuinely happy. This was a side of Rose we could all get used to.

"Rose, motherhood becomes you. He's adorable."

Rose beamed. "He's such a good little boy. He's been calling Emmett daddy ever since he got here. Look how proud he is." She pulled out a photograph of the boy with his father. Emmett's grand-nephew. The resemblance was staggering. "As young and impressionable as he is, I don't think he'll ever ache for his parents the way Edward has."

"Rose, I'm sure you're right. According to Jay Jenks, he never knew his mother. This should be a healthy transition for the little guy."

Rose looked at me hesitantly. "I hope you aren't offended. We're going to both start using Emmett's real last name. Oliver's name is already McCarty; he knows his last name. It seems like it would be healthier for him."

I agreed wholeheartedly, although where we were going, it won't matter what his name was.

When we got to the parking area, Emmett walked over to the huge jeep and started buckling the little fellow into a car seat. He gave him a little kiss on the head and covered him with a blanket.

I could hear Edward laughing behind us, and I was sure I had a smile on my face too. Emmett has gone from being a big old grizzly to a teddy bear in a matter of days. "Dude, you are so whipped!" Emmett turned, growled and punched Edward. When Edward slammed back into the Jeep, the impact was so great it dented the bumper.

Esme wasn't too happy. "Boys, behave. People will think you were raised by a pack of wolves!"

I headed to the Mercedes with Edward, Bella and Esme in tow. "Meet us at the house. There are some things we need to discuss."

:-:

EPOV

When we got back to the house, Emmett headed up the stairs. "I'm just going to throw Oliver in the nursery and I'll be right back."

Carlisle and I look at each other and share a common thought. Nursery? When did we get a nursery?

We all settled around the table and waited for Emmett to come downstairs. He whistles a lullaby and as he comes around the corner, grabbing Rose. "We can't forget to go to the store tomorrow for the little guy. We need diapers. I want to get him some chocolate milk, and pop tarts, and my favorite cereal."

Rose poked him in the chest. "You will not feed our baby all that garbage!"

Esme cleared her throat. "I'll cook for him. We'll shop tomorrow." She looked to Carlisle and nodded her head to let him know she's said her peace.

I stood up and placed my palms on the table. I cleared my throat and pulled everyone's attention to Carlisle and myself. Carlisle puts his hand on my shoulder and nods his head. I sit back down; all I could do is hang my head in shame. This was all my fault.

The voice in my head had been screaming at me since we got on the plane. "I'm coming to get you, Edward! You're going to suffer, suffer like I have for a century. What are you going do about it? You can't stop me if you can't find me."

I'd been trying to search his mind since he started hounding me, but he's been successfully blocking me. If I could just get a handle on his surroundings, I'd know where to start looking. For now, I can only hear him and his unsettling laughter. I knew it was only a matter of time before my world crashed and burned, no doubt destroying me and everyone I cared about.

Carlisle looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. He reached out and touched my head. I heard him sigh. "Aro, Marcus, and Caius have been extremely generous, given the circumstances."

Everyone watched me, waiting for the rest of it. I am working so hard to block my thoughts from the monster that I am unable to talk to them. It is so very important to their safety that none of this gets to him. We needed the upper hand.

Carlisle kept talking. "The Volturi believe that there is no coincidence with our situation. There's no way Stephenie from Dr. Ben's office learned enough from those few sessions to pull together a story like Twilight. She's not that creative. I don't know if the rest of you have read the books. But the first one contains a very detailed account of our lives over about a five month period."

"They know who it is, a mind reader. Victoria's new mate." I manage to get out. A collective gasp filled the air. I still haven't disclosed the fact that it is my brother wreaking havoc on my family. I just couldn't bring myself to tell them yet; I felt completely responsible. Carlisle and I should have taken care of him when we realized he was as unstable in this life as he was in his last. Our irresponsibility is going to have its repercussions now.

Carlisle looks from one face to the next. "They have asked Edward to help bait this vampire. Once we draw them in, we have to contain them until they can get here to give them a proper trial."

Alice looked at me, and then at Carlisle. She looks absolutely terrified. If it's possible, I think she's gotten paler. "Edward? How? I don't understand. This is scaring me."

I had to make her understand. "Not now Alice! Please. Just not now. I'll explain later."

She showed me what she's seen. Lawrence and I together, fighting. One of us beaten and battered. I can only imagine which one was me, and I hung my head.

She came over and puts her arms around me. "You know how much I love you. You are the best brother anyone could ever ask for. Please don't feel that way. We won't let anything happen to you."

"Alice, I don't think there is anyone who can save me."

Alice hugs me even tighter. She taps her forehead and says, "I know everything will be okay."

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