Jacob passed the afternoon happily, trying not to think too much about his meeting with the bloodsuckers later that night. Instead he chose to concentrate on the happy things in his life. Like his wedding with Bella. Jacob whistled as he strode into his dad's house, a spring in his step. Billy put down the figurine he was carving, smiled at his only son, remarking "Uh huh. Guess I don't have to ask what you've been up to for the last few days."
"Nope".
"Hmph. Hope all that hard work pays off in grandkids pretty soon", responded Billy.
Jacob rolled his eyes. "Geez, Dad. Can we get married first? I don't think Charlie will appreciate me knocking up his only daughter." He grabbed a few beers from the fridge, and handed one to Billy, who wore such a serious expression on his face, it was comical.
"Son, Charlie and I have a bet on when it's going to happen. I'm just trying to tip the odds in my favor." Jacob opened his mouth, closed it again, and then shook his head. Billy burst out in laughter. "What? We bet on everything. What makes you think our grandchild would be any different. As soon as Bella's pregnant we'll start taking bets on the sex."
"You two are as bad as Quil and Embry". Jacob leaned against the old formica countertop, took a pull on his beer, and cocked an eyebrow at his dad. "So, I take it Charlie is over the whole werewolf/vampire thing?"
Billy blew some shavings off of the wood. "I wouldn't say he's over it, he's just dealing with it. He's accepted that it's real, and that there isn't much he can do about it". Billy's old black eyes danced with unconcealed mischief. "Besides, I told him when you give up the wolf, he can shoot you and you'll actually feel it."
"Great, I'll look forward to that. Thanks Dad", was Jacob's sarcastic response.
"You're welcome." Billy put down his tools, giving Jacob his full attention. "So, Paul tells me you're Alpha now. I'm proud of you, son".
"Yup. Think there's any reason I should worry about Sam?" he asked.
Billy's expression turned serious. "I don't think so, son. He's submitted to you, and that's not something that can be undone. He's no longer an alpha. Never was, really. It's not in his blood like it is yours. At this point, the only thing you need to worry about is protecting Bella and the tribe. Paul told me what happened with the Cullen's. When are you going to meet with them?"
"Tonight, and I want you and Charlie at my house, along with the girls. I don't think anything will happen, but I don't want to take any unnecessary risks. It'll be better to have the pack guarding you all in the same place, instead of splitting up."
"That's fine with me, I need to talk to Bella anyway about the tribal reception you'll have after the wedding is over. We discussed it before, and it should be a potlatch of sorts. It's fitting since you're going to be chief , and it's a way for the two of you to do something for the tribe without it be looked at as charity." Billy shrugged his shoulders. "Plus, I need to press her on the baby issue."
Jacob shook his head again at his father, and went out to the shed to work on the headboard. Just a few more weeks, and Bella would be his wife, and then they could think about starting a family. Smiling to himself, he decided that they'd need some more practice. Beginning tonight. He started whistling again, not thinking about the meeting he'd be going to in a few hours.
"I don't know Carlisle, I can't see her anymore." Alice had been trying for the last several days, but Bella's future had disappeared from her sight, completely. "I've never been able to see around the wolves, but I can always get glimpses of her future. Now, there's just nothing. It's all a blank."
Carlisle had been trying for the last three days to see some way out of this mess. The whole situation was fraught with complications. He didn't really want to turn Isabella Swan into a vampire, but if it meant keeping his family safe... reason outweighed his heart. Now, making things worse, Emmett and Rosalie were here ahead of them, determined to protect the girl. He needed to speak to Bella. Aro hadn't come to collect her yet, but he was thinking of it more often, and the delegation he dispatched to seek her out had not yet returned. Alice looked for Jane's future, but there was nothing. It could only mean that the wolves had destroyed her.
Carlisle leaned backwards in his red leather chair, studying the painting hanging on his office wall. "You said the Romanians are biding their time. Do you see why?", he asked.
Alice shook her head. "Not really. I keep looking. I've seen their council come together, but it's all foggy. I'm only getting bits and pieces. They are somehow aware that three of the Volturi guard have been destroyed. They never said how, but Carlisle? How would they know that? Do you think they had somebody following them?"
"I'd say it's possible. The Romanians are not stupid. They've planned their revenge for hundreds of years. All we can do is keep watching and waiting". Carlisle sighed. "How's Jasper holding up?"
Alice shook her head. Jasper had been in the basement of the house since they got Edward back. They had all tried to reason with Edward, but so far none of them had gotten through to him. In the end, the best they could do was allow Jasper to subdue him with his gift. "It's exhausting him. He's going to need to hunt soon".
"Yes, well, at least we know Edward can't escape. Why don't the two of you go. Try not to be gone long. I'm sure the pack will show up here soon, expecting some answers". Carlisle glanced up at the painting again. The men it depicted appeared serene, but he knew the evil that lay under the false facade. What are you planning, Aro?, he wondered.
Jacob walked up to the door of the Cullen mansion, flanked by two unlikely allies. Emmett and Rosalie. They swore their allegiance to him, and for reasons beyond comprehension, he believed them. In fact, they seemed more anxious to rip apart members of their former family more than he did. Casting a glance in Rosalie's direction, he saw the stone cold look of hate blossoming over her beautiful features. Laughing internally, the thought, 'this chick gives whole new meaning to the word bloodthirsty'.
Carlisle was waiting for them on the front porch, his mate Esme beside him. No matter what Bella said, and no matter what Dr. Fang had done for him in the past, he still found him to be creepy, unnatural. His relaxed demeanor, which had a calming effect on his patients, did the opposite for Jacob. It was too calm, and it made him wonder what lurked just beneath the surface. Carlisle was no fool. There was a reason he had survived for hundreds of years, a reason why he was still alive, whatever the hell that meant to a vampire.
Carlisle inclined his head in greeting. "Jacob, Emmett, Rosalie", then looking over their shoulders at the wolves behind them, he inclined his head to them as well. "Welcome."
"Save the pleasantries, Carlisle", sneered Rosalie. "Just tell us what we need to know and then get the hell out of here, and take Captian Emo with you."
"Rose", chided Esme. "Please calm down." She turned to Jacob. "Would you like to come in?"
Outwardly, Jacob was calm and reserved, but the expression in his eyes was hard. "I'd rather not. What I'd like is to know why in the hell you're here, and when you're leaving."
Carlisle sighed. This was not how he needed things to go. It was obvious that Jacob wasn't willing to give up Bella without a fight. If Alice's visions didn't change soon..., he wasn't sure what would happen, and what it would mean for his family. "I'll tell you everything you want to know. Perhaps we could all sit out back in the garden." Not waiting for an answer, he led them all to the back of the house, to a long neglected garden. It's bloom dead and withered from the changing seasons.
Jacob stepped forward, and again Emmett and Rosalie marveled at the way the wolves followed him, their heavy paws moving in unison, as if they were a well trained militia. They waited for Jacob to choose his position in the garden, before settling into theirs. Jacob's back was turned to the house, so the wolves faced it, guarding their alpha.
"Jacob, before we begin, I'd like to discuss the treaty", started Carlisle, but Jacob interrupted him.
"There is nothing to discuss. I already told you. Consider the treaty void." There was no way he was going to give them an inch. If his grandfather had known the evil that would come from that document, he would have destroyed the coven instead.
"Then what is to prevent us from coming onto the reservation?" observed Carlisle.
The wolves were outraged at the insinuation. Growling, their bodies trembling with fury. Jacob didn't flinch. "If you value your necks, you won't go anywhere near the reservation, and you'll stay out of Forks". It wasn't a threat, it was a fact. The Cullen's were vampires, animal drinkers or not, their presence here threatened human life. Their welcome had long since long worn out.
Carlisle was silent. Jacob Black had changed. He was no longer the headstrong boy who issued threats that couldn't possibly be followed through. He was a man, and a smart one at that. Since he had last seen him, Jacob had obviously taken over his rightful position of Alpha. It had been inevitable. After all, he was heir to the blood of Ephraim Black, a leader that wasn't to be trifled with. Apparently, Jacob was not either.
It was Esme's soft voice that broke the silence. Trying in a kind way to diffuse the situation. "Jacob, I know what you must think of us. We didn't come here to hurt anyone. We only came because we care about Isabella. How is she?"
The wolves growled when Bella's name passed through the female vamp's lips. Jacob saw the pleading look in her eyes, and it was the only reason he decided to give her any kind of answer. "Bella, is fine. Not that it's any of your business, but we're getting married."
"Oh" . Esme was crestfallen. She had hoped that the girl would come back to them. That she would somehow break through the mental anguish her son was in, but it didn't look like that was going to happen now. The pain of it wrenched her heart, but she knew that Isabella deserved a life, one with love and family. "I'm sorry, Jacob. I didn't mean any harm. Congratulations to you both. Please pass my good wishes to her. She was like a daughter to me."
Jacob sneered at the insinuation. "All of you claim to care so much about Bella. All I hear are selfish lies".
"Don't you think that's a little uncalled for?" remarked Carlisle. "My wife was only being kind."
"No, I think that's about right", stated Emmett. "Don't you agree Rose?"
"I think kind would be them promising her to stay away as a wedding gift." Rosalie glared at her so called father and mother. "or would you consider that too cheap? After all, Esme, you have taught us it's the thought that counts."
Jacob grinned. Rosalie was a tough bitch, something he had come to value. She didn't hold back, but then, neither did he. He also figured he was damn lucky she was fighting for him, not against him, and made a mental note never to piss her off. "Look, I'm here for the information you promised me. If you're not going to give it to me, this meeting is over". He was calling their bluff. Jacob had no intention of leaving until he got what he wanted, one way or another.
Carlisle jumped to his feet. "Wait! Please, try to understand. The situation is difficult for all of us. Bella is our son's chosen mate and he-"
Jacob spun on his heel, anger washing over him like a tidal wave. "SHE IS MY IMPRINT"!
Alice Cullen stepped through the tree's. She heard it all, and everything was clear now. Her lack of visions finally making sense. "It can't be", she whispered, crumpling to the ground. Jasper rushed to her side. "Alice! Darling! Are you alright?"
"It makes sense now. It's why I haven't been able to see her future for the last three days. But, they haven't made a decision yet! Oh my God! Carlisle! What if they kill her trying!", she cried.
Jacob was seething with anger at the mention of anyone killing Bella. "You have about 30 seconds to start explaining before I turn my brothers loose on you", he warned them. "I'm in no mood for guessing games right now."
Alice looked stricken. She knew she'd been selfish, but this...
"Please, Jacob. Sit back down. I'm sorry if we've offended you", begged Carlisle. He was relieved when Jacob sat back down. As much as he loved his son, he knew there was no way Bella was going to willingly leave Jacob. Imprinting was a phenomena that boggled his mind. Vampires being static creatures, mated for life. Edward would always be tied to her, but Bella was not a vampire. She could move on. She had moved on. Imprinting, it didn't just affect the wolf, it affected the mate. They were tied together in a way that he couldn't fully understand. He only knew what he had learned from observing the wolves of Ephraim's time, and from the current pack. As a scientist, he would love to study it, but knew it wasn't possible. No, he thought, there wasn't any hope for Edward, but he could help Bella.
"We owe you an apology. For very selfish reasons, we've returned to Forks. We were hoping to persuade Isabella to come away with us, but I can see now that won't be happening."
Rosalie rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. "no shit."
Carlisle ignored her. "As I'm sure my children have told you, Alice has had many visions regarding Bella's future, and what it means to our family. The Volturi plan on turning her, they have not changed their decision, that much is clear. However, Alice hasn't been able to see Bella in her visions for the last three days."
Emmett narrowed his eyes. "So? She's been with Jacob the whole time. Alice never could see around the wolves."
Alice's voice trembled. "No. I can't see her at all. Not anymore."
Jacob looked at her, confusion written on his face. "and that would be bad because..."
"Because Aro hasn't changed his mind. He still wants Bella. I can't see her anymore, which means she's going to die."
"Like hell she will!", shouted Rose.
"Rosalie, calm down!" ordered Jacob. "Nobody is going to touch her. I've made that very clear. The pack will make sure of it, with their lives if necessary." He turned to Alice. "So, you can't see her. Did it ever occur to you that maybe you just can't see her because of our imprint?"
"Jacob, please understand. Alice has always been able to see Bella's future, at least small glimpses of it. Now there's nothing", explained Carlisle.
"That doesn't mean she's going to die!" he exclaimed. "Look into Charlie's future! Have you ever thought of that? Do you see him mourning his daughter, or searching for her?"
Alice closed her eyes. "I'll try." They all waited patiently, as she flipped through the pages of Charlie's future like a picture book. Charlie in his living room, wearing a black suit, Renee straighting his tie. Then one of him picking up toys from his living room floor. Charlie smiling as he put a new picture on the mantle. One of a little boy and girl, their features a mix of their mother and father. She kept going, farther and farther into the future, until she finally reached his death. Never once did she find him grieving over his daughter. Charlie seemed to lead a happy life, and it looked like he had grandchildren. "No, there's nothing. I don't see anything but happiness for him."
Though he didn't want to put much stock in the pixie's visions, he relaxed slightly at the revelation. "So, that means Bella isn't going to die. It's time for you to tell me everything you know, so I can keep it that way."
Carlisle nodded. "Alice has seen that the Volturi will keep sending inquiries here in regards to Bella. One was sent one already, but they have yet to return." He raised one eyebrow, in a questioning look, though there was little doubt in his mind to their fate. "I assume that you had something to do with that."
"The pack destroyed Jane, Felix and Ethan", supplied Emmett.
"Yes, well, you've certainly dealt a blow to the Volturi, even if they are unaware of it yet." Carlisle smiled, but it appeared twisted, menacing even, and for one brief moment, Jacob got a glimpse of the vampire's true nature. "I don't know if my children told you, but you killed two of Aro's favorite pets. Felix was the strongest vampire I have ever encountered, and well Jane, we all know about her gift. I know nothing about Ethan, other than he was just more muscle recruited for the guard." Carlisle paused, but when Jacob said nothing, he continued. "There will certainly be more coming. Alice has already seen that. The only questions being when, and how to handle them. Most of the vampires who belong to the Volturi are quite gifted, fantastically so. However, I believe many of them are there against their will. Gifts among are kind are quite rare. Most of us who have them, choose to live nomadically, hiding from the rest of our kind. There are those among the Volturi, who are able to break the bonds between people, or strengthen them. Which, aside with the time I spent serving with the Volturi, leads me to believe there are many among them who are there against their will." Carlisle leveled his eyes with Jacob's. "That is why we came for Isabella. I do not wish for her to be taken in such a way. I won't lie to you, her life could mean a death sentence for my family, and by making her one of us, we had hoped to be able to use her gifts and strength to our advantage. However, it appears that is now out of the question. We must find another way, and that will necessitate our cooperation with your pack."
Edward's screams within the house were getting louder now, and more distracting. "Perhaps we can continue this tomorrow? There is much I need to tell you about the members of the guard, and their particular talents. It will take time."
Jacob looked to Emmett and Rosalie for their opinions, not sure if Dr. Fang was just trying to buy some more time to make a move. Emmett nodded in agreement. "He's right, man. There's alot of information. It's too much to go over in one night. I don't think they're going to make a move." He cast a stare in Carlisle's direction. "They know we'll destroy them if they try."
They all stood to leave, making plans to meet again the next afternoon. As he was walking away, Esme boldly rushed forward, laying a hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Please, tell her I'm sorry." He said nothing, walked into the trees to phase, and led the pack home.
Somewhere deep within the house, an anguished scream rose into the air. Edward Cullen's mind and heart were forever broken.
