Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer, but the plot is all mine!

Thank you all for your support and wonderful comments oxo…! Sorry its taken so long to get this chapter up but work and life gets in the way! Alice Cullen can she be trusted some of you think not…

Now the story continues…

Chapter 65 - Betrayed?

Bella rose from her chair placing her cell upon the table and robotically moved to switch the kettle on. She was lost in thought and her actions were just a reaction to what Alice had told her. Without any warning she felt a little woozy and swaying slightly she caught hold of the edge of the kitchen worktop to steady herself

"Jacob…" She breathed with her head bowed and for a few seconds she could see nothing but a field of snow surrounded by forest.

"Bella?" Billy's deep voice reverberated through her bringing her back to her senses "Bella are you okay?" He asked wheeling his chair towards her

"I'm okay…" She sighed closing her eyes as she took a deep steadying breath "I…I just need a cup of tea that's all"

"And something to eat" the older man sighed he wasn't gonna push it but something was amiss. "It's late and I know you haven't eaten for most of the day Bella" She just nodded in reply there was no point in lying to Billy somehow just like Charlie he always knew when she was not telling the truth, always had even when she and Jacob were small and up to mischief…

"I'll make myself a sandwich promise" Her voice didn't sound too convincing even to her. She sighed a little as she turned to open the refrigerator door. Eating was the last thing Bella wanted to do her stomach was tied up in knots but she knew Billy would insist and besides she wasn't just eating for herself anymore. Her hand drifted to her tummy a movement that was not missed by Billy who frowned a little…

"Would you like one too?" Bella asked as she reached in the fridge and pulled out some cheese and cold meat along with some sliced bread. She looked back at him over her shoulder to see Billy quietly nod in her direction then as she turned to face him, he took a deep breath

"So…" Billy began his elbows resting on the arm rests of his chair and his hands clasped together "I gather that was Alice Cullen" It was more of a statement than a question and Bella simply nodded as she poured hot water into a mug. She gestured to another mug and placed it on the work top.

"Please but make mine a coffee" Billy murmured as she poured hot water into the mug with a heaped spoonful of instant coffee. Bella stirred it watching the water spin then as she added some coffee creamer her eyes returned to the worried face of Billy Black.

"Yes" Bella replied a frown on her pretty face "That was Alice…" she quietly stirred the coffee again as she gathered her thoughts

"With bad news about Jacob?" Billy wasn't about to beat around the bush he'd heard enough to know things were not good and he needed some answers. He watched her with keen dark eyes…the same eyes as Jakes as she squeezed the herbal tea bag against the side of her mug. "Care to share exactly what is going on?" He added

"Sure" Bella she stirred her tea and placed the tea bags back in the cupboard before walking over to the kitchen table and placing the mugs down she took a seat as Billy rolled his chair to seat himself opposite her. She closed her eyes for a few moments…

"Jacob has gone to Seattle with the oldest and strongest members of the pack" She began as Billy frowned in response; he certainly wasn't expecting to hear that he had thought the pack were out on patrol somewhere on the rez

"Then who is left to guard the tribe?" He asked worry was clearly etched on his face as he reached for his coffee

"The youngest pack members Seth, Brady, Collin and the newbies" Bella nibbled her bottom lip a little before taking a sip of hot tea and watched as Billy wiped a large hand across his face he needed to know why Jake would leave them all so exposed and it had to be real bad to make his son do such a thing too. His eyes narrowed a little.

"Why Seattle Bella? Its miles away from here and his duty, the packs duty is to stay here on the Rez to protect the tribe. What the hell is he doing leaving inexperienced wolves behind?" Billy looked angry as he spoke as Chief of the Quileute, he needed to know his people were safe and right this very minute Billy didn't think any of them were safe with the pack so far away.

In response Bella simply shook her head looking down at the loose thread she was fiddling with on the hem of her over-sized sweatshirt

"I don't know everything Billy, you know how Jacob is… he keeps details to himself in order not to worry us" Bella looked up to see Billy nodding in agreement but he didn't look happy as he tried to grasp the severity of the situation and Jakes reasoning at leaving them so exposed but before he had a chance to ask what may be heading their way she added.

"But from what Alice said there is immense danger coming here and Jacob thought he could head it off maybe take them by surprise" She sipped again at her tea watching as a flurry of emotions flashed across Billy's face from anger, to disbelief to horror…they were all so vulnerable to an attack from the leeches.

"Sitting ducks…" He huffed "What else did Cullen have to say?"

Bella opened her mouth to reply but didn't get to say anything as her cell rang… it was Alice again…

"Bella?" Alice still sounded anxious

"Yes, it's me Alice who else would it be?" Bella wearily replied glancing at Billy who sat forward in his chair eyes eager for whatever the leech had to say

"I've managed to speak with Jasper. "Alice chattered on at a fast pace "The pack are heading back to La Push. The weather is so bad they only got as far as Port Angeles" Bella breathed a huge sigh of relief letting go of the breath, she had been holding bracing herself for more bad news

"Thank god" she replied, "Then they should be back in La Push soon thank you Alice" Closing his eyes Billy slumped back in his chair with relief

"But what about Victoria?" Bella asked, "What do you know about her?"

"Nothing has changed they will arrive here tomorrow mid-morning but we will be ready" Alice sounded a lot more confident than she had done previously "Bella everything is going to be okay believe me" But Bella was wondering just how much her former friend could be believed.

000

Alice placed her cell on Carlisle's desk with a sigh she had done what she could the rest was now up to fate

"What have you gone and done Alice?" Edward's cold vicious sounding voice sent a chill up her spine as she turned to face him

"Something I should have done a long time ago" Alice replied as she turned to face him "Do you really think I would stand by and let them walk into a trap and be slaughtered?" She was angry now sick of lying, tired of doing what Edward wanted. "Carlisle took me in despite the fact I just appeared out of nowhere gave me a home and treated me like his daughter" Her small hands were balled into tight little fists a movement Edward did not miss

"Jasper…" She stumbled a little at saying his name her intense emotions catching in her throat "Jasper loves me… I can't continue to betray him…lie to him …he …he is my soul mate and I'd rather die before I let anything take him from me" A slow hand clap filled the air

"Bravo…Bravo!" Edward sneered at her "Such a brave speech my dear sister and the offer of self-sacrifice… to die in the place of the one you love... noble even…touches me right here" he placed a cold white hand over his still heart. Before she could utter a word in response, he moved with inhuman speed grabbing her throat so hard Alice thought it would snap as he stared into her frightened eyes before lowering his face to whisper in her ear.

"You will not ruin my plan Bella will be mine" he hissed before drawing back "She was always meant to be mine and soon she will be my wife" His hand dropped to his side as he turned away. Alice could only watch as she involuntarily raised a hand to her throat and swallowed hard.

"You know that's not what the future holds for you I've told you often enough" She almost whispered as Edward rounded on her

"Your visions have always been unreliable Alice!" he spat "Subjective…vague…things change…decisions change"

"Bella won't change her mind about Jacob" Alice countered "You've lost her Edward let her go and get on with your life"

"Never!" He roared "She will see what is best for her, the life I can give her" he paused to rein in the anger that swelled "I would treat her like a Queen Alice, love her like no other for eternity"

"But she doesn't love you anymore Edward can't you see that?" Alice asked

"Bella loved me once, she wanted to be turned to be with me" he whispered his face a mask of despair "If only I hadn't left her and Jacob wasn't there, holding her captive with some sort of magical hold she could be mine again" Alice drew closer to her brother she could see his pain reflected in his black eyes.

"The only magic I see at play here is love Edward pure and simple and old as time itself. They love each other and that bond is unbreakable" She placed a hand on Edwards arm "Please Edward let it go, let all of it go before it destroys you" He roughly grabbed her hand from his arm pulling her closer to face him anger radiating from every pore of his being

"I will never give her up Alice, do you understand, never and tomorrow, when the new-borns arrive, I will get my chance to end Jacob Black and his mangy pack for good"

He let go of her hand and stepped back to look out of the window at the fast-flowing river at the bottom of the garden that was lit by the high moon above. The falling snow was lighter now just a flurry of small flakes but the job was done, everything was covered in a deep white blanket of silence

Alice frowned but said nothing clearly Edward was unhinged just as Jasper had predicted he would become. As the thought of her mate filled her mind, she took a deep un-necessary breath. He would be looking for answers when he returned, they all would… and by the end of this night she would most likely be without a home and family maybe even her very existence but it was so worth it to finally do the right thing, come clean…at last, maybe she would be forgiven...

"So, you think they might forgive you if you come clean" Edward still faced the garden as he spoke his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his pants. "That you did the right thing in the end"

Alice said nothing why bother he knew what she was thinking anyway no point denying it. Edward laughed of course he had heard that little snippet as well

"How many times have I told you that your talents are wasted here hmm?"

"I like being a Cullen" Alice replied as Edward turned to face her

"You always aim so low Alice" He turned back to the window "Together we could have ruled the world you and I"

"I don't want to rule" her voice was so quiet a human ear would have missed it "Family Edward family is worth more than money and power"

"So, you keep telling me" Edward paused "But you're not exactly living in poverty Alice you've used your talents to make the family rich by predicting the stock market with uncanny accuracy" he laughed low at his own joke "At least that's what the last stock broker said before his untimely disappearance"

"I help the family and why shouldn't they live well?" Alice replied appalled that maybe Edward had something to do with the young man's death

"You should be asking yourself that question Alice why should they live well because of you!" Edward moved closer to where she was standing "Carlisle has a well-paid job even Esme with her interior design company they don't need any more Alice" His eyes narrowed "But of course there are the greedy hangers on who without you would soon go back to feeding on humans and skulking in the dark."

"They would never do that" Alice cried much to Edwards delight her thoughts giving away exactly what he too was thinking

"Oh, I'm not so sure" he murmured "What on earth could Emmett do? Or the lovely Rosalie for that matter." He paused for effect "Ah unless of course she sold herself…you could give plenty of advice there hmm Alice? I can just see Emmett now as her pimp" he snickered at the thought

"You're despicable!" Alice was getting angry she was sick of Edward always referring to mistakes in her past, a past she had been so determined and careful to bury…or so she had thought.

"Now look what you have done" he sniggered again "Esme is on her way with air head Rose the bimbo blond" Alice stood frustrated that she felt so powerless against him

"But you're wrong there dear sister you could have power all the power you could ever need" His voice was velvety as he plundered her thoughts "You are capable of so much more if you join with me" he held out his hand towards her "You have nothing to lose Alice you know its game over here with the Cullen's"

"Join you doing what exactly?" Alice hissed in reply

"Join the Volturi" Alice looked gob smacked as Edward added "Aro extends an invitation to you to join his personal guard" Edward smiled his teeth sharp "Say yes Alice…come with me together we can become invincible"

Alice stood in silence her mind racing with what Edward had just told her…

A few moments later Esme entered the room…

"Alice?" She looked around the room a puzzled look on her face "I could have sworn…" She mumbled

"Where is she?" Rosalie asked as she stood by the door "And Edward I heard Edward when we drove up" She frowned as she watched Esme close the wide-open window that overlooked the garden

"I do wish whoever opened this window would have shut it when they left especially given the snow storm we've just had" Esme rearranged the thick drapes before moving to where Rosalie stood "We've been lucky though there's no snow on the carpet" She walked out of the room and headed towards the kitchen

No there isn't Rosalie thought to herself her eyes narrowing but she wasn't gonna say anything to Esme at least for now but she had a feeling that window had only recently been opened, seconds before they had entered the room to be precise. Turning she followed Esme out.

000

Jake ran fast through the snow covered forest his mind on the up-coming battle with the new-borns and more importantly Bella. How the hell was he gonna keep her and the baby safe? He needed to lead the pack from the front. All that Jasper had shared and taught them pointed to the fact it wasn't gonna be an easy fight. He was also being driven by the wolf to protect Bella and as it was too late to send her to safety how could he be in two places at the same time?

His pace slowed a little as he neared the tribal borders and relief swept through his huge wolf body. Already the pack seemed a little less tense, relieved to be back on home ground and their thoughts like his own were with loved ones and the fight to come. Paul caught up with Jacob just as they neared La Push and knowing their Alpha had returned the howls from the younger pups filled the cold night air in greeting.

"Stay at your posts" Jacob growled through the mind link "We are not out of danger yet the threat to the tribe is as great as ever." Paul who was almost as fast as Jacob in wolf form ran up close to his side

"Need to speak with you Jake" Paul growled "Alone" he added. Jacob nodded his huge head

"Follow me home Paul when the others disperse" Jacob replied. The pack split up as the first cabin in La Push came into view and Jacob issued one last order

"Go home see your loved ones and eat" he paused as his own stomach growled at the thought of food "We will meet up on the cliffs in an hour" The pack split up shortly after and just as the little red house came into view Jacob stopped and as Paul trotted up to his side

"Let's phase" Jake began he could hide his thoughts when he needed to and he also knew that Paul was quite capable of that as well, but he didn't want to take the chance of the pack overhearing whatever it was that Lahote wanted to share. His gut told him Paul wanted to talk about Bella. "Well?" he added as he pulled on his cut-offs

"I don't know how to say this Jacob" Paul wiped a hand across his face "Its gonna sound crazy" Jacob looked at him and frowned

"Just say it as it comes Paul I've seen and heard enough crazy as have you these past few months so you'll have to go some to beat that" he tried to smile but it was almost a grimace. Paul dragged a hand through his black hair trying not to meet Jacobs dark eyes which just unsettled Jakes wolf even further

"I think….he paused "I think the connection between Bella and I has grown deeper" Jakes dark eyes flashed with anger the wolf peering out as Paul held out both hand's in front of him "Not like that jeez…" Paul hedged "I mean oh for fuck sake I thought I heard her in my mind." He watched as Jacob did a double take, eyebrows raised "Told you it was nuts man" he shoved his hands into the pockets of his cut-offs and shrugged his shoulders.

"What did you hear?" Jacob asked if his own connection with Bella had heightened it made sense that the same would be true for Paul after all she was his imprint. His wolf snarled he didn't like that fact not one little bit

"Fear…shock…your name" Paul replied "I've known like you in the past when she was upset maybe not as strong…but this…this time was different Jake it was like she was with me in my damn head" he tapped at the side of his head and shook it "I'd better go and see Sue when this is all over, I need therapy" he mumbled

"No…." Jacob was pacing now with agitation "No need Paul because the same thing has happened to me." Pauls eyes opened wide then he frowned

"What does it all mean?" he wondered out loud

"I think it's the spirit warrior" Jake began "Bella can spirit walk too Old Quil has been training her" his eyes caught Paul's "I've just not told many people it tires her out and she needs to rest especially now…" he closed his eyes fuck he didn't mean to say that bit, but Paul didn't react he was too busy thinking about his new found connection with Bella.

Paul just nodded at what Jake had shared he didn't quite understand where Jacob was going with all this but he said nothing and waited for his Alpha to make the next move.

"I think that maybe we are communicating on a spiritual level." Jacob sighed long and heavily "Now who's the crazy one?" His eyes narrowed "I won't be able to confirm it until I speak with Old Quil but maybe Dad will understand"

"Figures…" Paul replied frowning in thought "I mean it wasn't until I finally ascended into the Spirit Warrior that I heard Bella" Jacob nodded and turned to face his house

"Keep this to yourself Paul don't share with anyone not even Leah" He looked back at Paul his face once again the controlled Alpha "Get yourself home and I'll see you in an hour"

Paul didn't wait around a second longer he phased into the wolf and set off for home. Once he was out of sight Jacob left the cover of the forest and walked to the house nodding at Seth who stood guard as he approached. The sandy coloured wolf nodded back

"Thank you" Jacob murmured "For keeping her safe. I'll see you in an hour take the others and go home." Alone he opened the door and stepped into the kitchen.

000

"Carlisle!" Esme squealed as she launched herself into his arms "I've been so worried you left without a note or anything" Carlisle hugged her close and bent his head so he could inhale her sweet scent. Pushing her long caramel coloured hair away from her brow he kissed her sweetly upon the lips before leading her to a kitchen chair.

"Sit" he murmured" It's time I explained what's going on" Emmett followed Carlisle's lead and sat Rosalie down too standing behind her he pulled his hand through her hair wrapping a golden curl around his finger. And as he knew she would his mate relaxed a little into his touch. Carlisle's eyes flashed to Jasper

"Where's Alice?" he asked as Jasper shook his head in reply

"I've no idea" Jaspers gaze was steely

"But she was here when Emmett and I left" Carlisle glanced at Emmett who nodded back

"Alice was here before Rosalie and I went out to get gas for the car too" Esme began. "But when we returned, she was already gone" She glanced at Rosalie who looked as if she were about to say something but merely nodded in agreement. Jasper didn't miss the look nor could he miss the wave of agitated emotion emanating from the cool blond. Carlisle looked at Jasper who nodded back

"We can't wait for Alice" Carlisle began as he took one of Esme's small hands in his own and lightly kissed it "As you know in one of her visions Alice warned us that Victoria had created a new born army and that army was set upon killing Bella Swan" he squeezed Esme's hand reassuringly " She also warned us that the Volturi were involved" Both Esme and Rosalie shrunk down in their seats in response

"I have been training the wolf pack to defeat the new-borns" Jasper began "Because Alice assured us all that together we could beat the army."

"But here's the crunch that's not what the Voluri would like us to do" Carlisle tried to smile but failed "They want the pack destroyed"

"And us? Esme whispered "What about us Carlisle we're supposed to go to Seattle to meet them tomorrow"

"We won't be attending that meeting." Carlisle replied holding his wife's gaze. "Jane was sent to deal with two problems my dear, dispose of those involved" He didn't need to elaborate his wife's whimper assured him of that. He looked around at the family he loved "But we are not going down without a fight"

"Hell no!" Emmett cracked his knuckles much to the annoyance of Rosalie

"We were on our way to Seattle tonight with the pack until the snowstorm took hold" Carlisle placed Esme's hand into her lap and stepped away "Jasper brilliantly suggested we take the Volturi by surprise by arriving earlier than expected." Both women glanced from Carlisle to Jasper

"So, what went wrong?" Rosalie asked, "Something has gone wrong that's why you're here "Then the penny dropped with a loud clatter… "Alice!" she hissed

"We don't know for sure Rose" Emmett began but Rosalie was already looking to Jasper for answers

"They knew we were coming…" Jasper finally conceded "Alice warned us when we were in Port Angeles that's why we returned."

"Alice stopped us from going to our certain death" Carlisle interrupted "And I agree with Emmett we can't be sure Alice warned them either."

"Edward" His name sounded like a sob coming from Esme's throat "It's Edward" Carlisle pulled her up from her seat and embraced her tightly. He had the same thought as did asper and Emmett but this was a big step for Esme Edward was her first son in her new existence and her favourite

"I can't say for sure who warned the Volturi" Carlisle sighed "But, for now it all points to Alice or Edward"

"Or maybe both!" Rosalie was fuming now "They have been in this together all along"

"We don't know if that is true Rose maybe there is some other explanation" Emmett tried to calm his troubled wife

"Don't try to defend them Emmett it's obvious Edward and Alice betrayed you!" Rosalie was standing now restrained by Emmett from storming out "Because of these two we are facing a battle that shouldn't even involve us and a death sentence from the Volturi for some crime we didn't even know we committed"

"Rose…" Emmett sighed pulling her closer

"She's right" Jasper's controlled voice brought Rosalie's struggles to an end already he was flooding the room with his gift "Alice and Edward have most likely betrayed us" he glanced in Carlisle's direction "They are the only candidates the rest of the suspects are here in this room and I'd safely wager my existence on it not being anyone of you." There was a gloomy silence in the room interrupted only by the occasional sniffle from Esme.

"What's done is done but tomorrow we fight with the pack" Carlisle sounded determined "We fight to save Bella Swan it is our fault for allowing her to enter our world but we also fight for ourselves to be free to live the way we want to live!"

"Hell, yeah fuck the Volturi!" Emmett roared banging his fist down upon the kitchen table. Carlisle smiled a little even though a little forlornly at his huge bear of a son as he spoke

"Yes, well put Emmett that's exactly what we are going to do! Besides running is not an option"

The rest of the family nodded in agreement there wasn't anything they could do other than run and with Demetri being in town well that was a lost cause before it had even started…

"I think we should call Jacob Black" Carlisle began "And Jasper we need your skill to plan the strategy" Jasper nodded in return bowing slightly. He had a call to make too he only hoped he was about to hear some good news

000

A/N: Has Alice really betrayed them all? Who is Jasper speaking with…

Till next time oxo