AN: I apologize for the long layoff between chapters. Way too much going on in real life. Moving, trying to vlog some, not to mention working near 60 hours a week and there's just not enough hours in the day. I have really 4 other stories that I still want to work on and can't find the time for most of them. When I get some, I work on one and this is the primary one on my plate because I find myself identifying with Beau more than almost any other character in the Twilight universe. Maybe that's because in many ways, I was him throughout most of high school.

Oh well. Enough rambling. On to the story.

Chapter 20

Final Preparations

Everyone began to stagger back from hunting just after daybreak. First Royal, then Eleanor, then Archie and last Jessamine, with all of them having bright golden eyes again. It surprised me a little that they all seemed to split up when they hunted. Edythe and I never really did that. But that could just be because I was so new to this life. Maybe she was just protecting me from screwing up. That I could appreciate. But if it was because she felt the need to babysit me, that was beginning to get old.

Just after Jessamine returned, she along with Carine and Edythe met in the large dining room. I thought about joining them, but I knew they were talking about me and if I should be in the clearing during the fight. It didn't take long to see that both Carine and Jess both agreed that I should. But it would take some convincing to get Edythe to also agree.

Instead, I just stared out towards the river at the back of the Cullen's house. I was there for about two minutes when I heard an approach which was followed by Archie's warm voice. "You just gonna stand there until a tree magically falls down?" He laughed out.

I smiled. Archie and I always just had this feeling together ever since Phoenix; I couldn't really explain it. The two of us were going to be best buddies. "Maybe that'll be my gift," I joked back, "telepathy."

His answering laugh was as hearty as ever. "Naw. You're much better than any telepath." He looked back towards the house, nodding for me to also pay more attention to the debate. I really didn't want to. Eavesdropping was just part of our lives here. Everyone heard so well that we could discern a conversation from more than a mile away, even one at a human whisper. "You don't want the play by play?"

"Not really." In fact, I had heard everything. Carine and Jess were both on my side. Edythe was still conflicted. She favored going somewhere else. "Besides, I can still hear just fine, thank you very much."

Archie winked at me. "You're gonna win, you know?"

I just tilted my head a little to the side in disbelief. "What?"

"It'll take Jess and Carine a few more minutes to convince Edy, but they will," he winked again. "You'll be in the clearing with everyone."

All of a sudden, I was way more interested in what was going on inside and started to pay more attention.

"I don't want him anywhere near there," Edythe still protested. "He won't be able to do what's needed if it comes to it."

"Now Edythe," this was Carine's soft and gentle but firm voice, "I can understand your feeling on this but I think Jess is correct in her assumptions," at which I heard the sound of a head move. I couldn't be sure if it was a nod or a shake. "You won't be able to concentrate on the task at hand if you two are separated." Definitely a nod, which would have made it from Jessamine. "I would not be able to if I was in your situation and Earnest was away. So, your options are you both sit out or you both are in the clearing. Beau has given you two valid choices."

"Beau in reserve has a great deal more logic behind it than you realize," Jessamine said. "Many battles place a regiment or two in a reserve position." I knew this tone from Jessamine. She was deep in strategy mode now. "And you sitting out isn't ideal either. We may need your gift in case there are some newborns who have talents we are not familiar with. Being able to read minds is an invaluable asset."

Edythe growled but this one was more annoyed and defeated than I was expecting. "You know Archie has been catching glimpses of some of the newborns, right?" I heard two heads move; no doubt nodding. "Including some faces he recognizes. It's possible that whoever is behind this has changed a few people from Forks in addition the the psychopaths he has too."

"He?" Jessamine questioned. "We still don't know for a fact is behind this."

"Not for a fact," Edythe confirmed, "but who else besides Victor could hold such a grudge against us? Sure, Sulpicia desires both Archie and my talents for the guard and she'll be sure to desire yours as well," this had to be directed to Jessamine. Her past experiences as the leader of one of the most successful southern armies would be invaluable to the Volturi. "But she is no doubt going to desire Beau as well. If he is in fact a shield, that is the most highly sought-after talent by them. From what Elena has said, shields are, in some ways, the ultimate gift that Sulpicia desires."

"Those are all valid points," Jessamine said, "but it's not them. Now, it could be someone who owes the Volturi a great deal but that is even unlikely. Sulpicia is too much protective of the secret to let anything near as half-assed as this be done, at the very least, with the permission by inaction of the Volturi. This is clearly a vendetta. And who other than Victor could be behind it. It has to be him."

"All the more reason for Beau to be nowhere near the clearing," Edythe said again.

I was beginning to have the slightest amount of doubt in Archie. Big mistake.

"Just wait," Archie whispered. "It's almost over."

"Not really," Carine stated. "With the guard coming afterwards, it makes much more sense for us all the be together. And Edythe, Beau has surprised us all so much in his few weeks to this life. He has adapted so much more quickly than anyone, even I could have hoped for. You need to stop underestimating him."

"Exactly," Jessamine added. Was this the final argument that Archie had been referring to? "Beau found his rationality so much quicker than any other newborn I have ever seen before. The way he strategized through the fight with Eleanor should prove that to you, Edythe. He was able to beat two mature vampires single-handedly. He will be able to handle a newborn if it is necessary."

"I still worry about that," Edythe protested but her tone was becoming more defeated by the second. "If one of his friends are a part of this or worse, his father, I'm not sure he'll be able to do what's needed."

"So, Archie has…" Carine started.

"Seen Charlie as a newborn," Edythe finished the thought. It wasn't a question but a statement. "He saw him attacked that night in Seattle and at first thought he was newborn fodder but then Archie saw him at Walla Walla the night of the prison break-out. He was a part of it. He had to have been. Think about it, Carine. Charlie would never have killed an innocent."

Edythe's speculation stunned me. Did she know this when she had asked earlier if I could have killed Charlie? I thought it was just a random thought; she was just spitballing names. I didn't know that she had almost knew now that my dad was still alive.

"So, he is a lot like you then," Jessamine said. Jess didn't mean anything by it, but she knew how Edythe had fed when she went off on her own for those few years.

"Yes," Edythe answered, "assuming Archie's vision is correct. Charlie was a police officer. He'd never kill anyone unless they were truly deserving. The six they took were all condemned. If they killed even all but one, I can't say that it wouldn't have been justified. All six were convicted of multiple killings."

I thought about it again. Charlie as a vampire. It would make life so much better- wrong word- easier for me. I'd be able to see him and he could know everything. And it wouldn't change anything with him and Bonnie, other than Charlie living forever and Bonnie still being human. It could work out. And he liked Carine, so they'd be able to teach him everything he needed to know.

"I can understand your concern Edythe," Carine said, her voice showing how much she was trying to convince her, "truly I can. But You have to see how Jessamine logic is sound. The two of you split up is not going to be helpful for anybody. It is your decision, either way, just like it was in the dance studio," Carine had to be trying to inflict at least a little bit of guilt trip, "but I do believe that Beau in the clearing could be of some assistance. If you wish to stay by him, that would probably be a good idea as well. The six of us should be able to adequately handle the newborns who will meet us."

"Okay," Edythe said defeated. "Give me a little time."

"Of course," Jessamine said. I wondered if Jessamine was using her gift to inflict at least a little bit of an extra guilt trip.

I heard the sound of feet falling then. Edythe was coming to find me. I could tell from the urgency in her gait. She found us in a matter of seconds after leaving the dining room.

"How did you-" I started but was interrupted by her pointing at her nose, to which I smacked my forehead. I should have thought of that. "Oh, right," I added in realization.

"Can we have a little privacy, please?" She asked to Archie.

"Of course," Archie said in answer as he gave me one last wink and then was off like a bullet.

"Beau," she started but I cut her off.

I thought it might be better if I tried to use reverse psychology. "I get it. I'll be good and do what you say," I said dropping my head in despair, trying to lay as much of a guilt trip on her as I could.

"Nice try, mister," she said back. Curse Archie for spilling the beans to her.

"Sorry," I said back.

She smiled. "You'll do whatever I say then?" She almost teased back. I nodded. I really couldn't do anything else at this point. If Jess and Carine hadn't been able to convince her with this, then they never would. "You want to be in the clearing?"

"Not really," I said completely truthfully, "I've gotta be with you, where ever that is."

Her smile was slightly more guilty than before. "Ok then, well I'm going to be there. So, I guess, so will you."

This has been way easier than I had expected. "Really? What's the catch?"

"I know you heard the whole thing," Edythe said admonishingly.

"Archie!" I growled.

"It wasn't his fault Beau. I heard him while I was speaking with Jessamine and Carine; at least during the beginning of it. They're right. You should be there."

"Wow," I gasped. This had been easier than I thought it would have.

"There's something else I need to tell you," Edythe said as the two of us clenched hands. "There's still one thing you have to do after all this is over."

I thought long and hard about this. I'd proposed already. What else could she be talking about.

"There's one thing that is required of newborns as soon as they are well enough controlled to make the trip, you need to go to Italy and pledge your allegiance to the Volturi's rule."

"Oh," I sighed. I had known there would be right of passage type stuff that we would have to go thru at some point. I just wasn't really expecting all of this so quickly.

We sat down on the damp lawn that overlooked the gentle slope down towards the river with my right arm around her shoulders and her hear leaning into my chest. It was easy to just do this now. Sitting on even completely drenched earth felt as comfortable as sitting on a dry, warm, plush sofa. We didn't need to move or talk, just look at the sights that were too easy to see, sniff the scents that were too easy to smell, and listen to the sounds that were too easy to hear. I didn't know how long we sat there, it could have been a minute or several hours, but eventually I felt the phone in Edythe pocket vibrate. I wondered if it was Archie or Carine, or possibly even one of the Quileutes- most likely Bonnie, Jules, or Sarah- but she just let it go on vibrating sounding like a large swarm of angry bees in her pocket.

By the time I realized how long had passed, the sun had already begun it long decent to the west. In a few hours, we'd have to go towards the clearing where o so much of my life changed on one beautiful Saturday afternoon a few months ago and then the wolves would be in the larger clearing where my fate took an unexpected turn; although the end result wasn't all that bad. In fact, it was where I kind of hoped everything would ultimately end up at some point. But I thought again about what was coming. There was a chance that my dad was a part of this. But I didn't really want to get my hopes up for it. After all, it was still a long shot but sometimes that all you can hope for. I had told Edythe before that sometimes we need to have just a little bit of faith. Maybe I needed to do the same. At least in this one issue tonight, I was getting my wish. I'd be in the clearing with them.

"So," I said as the sun was sinking lower signify the beginning of early evening. "Should we be getting back?"

She pulled the phone out of her back pocket. There were several missed calls, all from Archie. He knew where we were and if it was truly urgent, he could have come and got us. There was probably something on his mind that he wanted to tell Edythe but it wasn't super critical.

"So, what's the nut want?" I asked teasingly. I had begun to do that with him, razzing him just a little but about the fact he did time in an asylum.

"Not sure," Edythe answered. "No voice mail and no text. I'm sure hell let it slip when we get closer to the house."

I was surprised when we approached the back door that the smell of wolf was strong, really too strong. One of them was here. But why? There was no reason for it.

When I opened the door, Eleanor looked right at us and laughed. "What the hell you two been doing all day, the horizontal mamba?"

Edythe growled but I gave her a drop it look. I had this one under control. I looked right at her and said, "You want another round? I kicked your butt once. I can do it again."

"Beginners luck!" Eleanor countered. "You couldn't do it again if you tried.

"Fine, tomorrow night then," I answered. "My schedule is a little full tonight."

"Yeah got enough vamps that wanna kill ya," Jules countered. It was the first time that she interjected herself into the conversation. "I just came over for an update. Apparently, no change according to the psychic. So, we'll all be ready by dusk and in position."

"Good," Jessamine answered. "You may want to grab some rest before then. It could be a long night."

"Hmmm," Eleanor started, no doubt thinking of another innuendo.

"Drop it!" Edythe snapped.

"There was one other thing," Jules said looking towards Carine, "we've tried to keep Sarah in La Push but she doesn't want to. I mean, Sam could order her to, like she is with Brandy and Colleen, but she really doesn't want to do that. But I had another idea."

"Hmm," Edythe said after hearing whatever Julie was thinking, "interesting."

"Care to share with the rest of the class, Edy?" Archie said. "The clearing just went dark."

"Go ahead Julie," Edythe said. "After all, it was your idea."

"Right," Jules said. Apparently, she had gotten over Edythe consistently racking around in her head. "So, it might make some sense to have someone in your area that can relay info just in case you guys need some of our help-"

"Or if you need some of ours is more likely," Jessamine interrupted.

Julie growled sounding more annoyed than mad. "Sure, sure. Yeah if that happens too. And Sarah would make the most sense."

"Hold up," I interrupted, "how would Sarah be able to tell us if you need help? You guys'll be about a mile away from us."

Julie laughed. "Didn't I tell you this?" I had no idea what the heck she was talking about. "Oh. Apparently not then. Ok, when we're wolves, we can hear each other thoughts."

"The distance won't be an issue for you?" Jessamine asked.

"Nope," Jules answered popping the 'p'. "I know we're good for at least 100 miles."

"But why Sarah?" I asked. She was so young, barely 15. "Why not the other two?"

"Brandy and Colleen are both staying in La Push just in case it all goes to hell and some bloodsucker tries to get to the Rez. Sam was going to have Sarah stay behind too but she too stubborn. If she could, she'd completely ignore what Sam orders. This makes some sense. This way she can be there, just in case but provide a link between you good bloodsuckers and us." Royal groaned again but everyone ignored him.

I could see that Carine was definitely considering the proposal. Julie was right. There was definitely a good reason to consider it. "Jessamine?" Carine asked looking right at her.

"There are some valid reasons for having a line of communication open between us should something come up. Edythe could pay attention to Sarah and stay with Beau, being ready to respond if either side needed reinforcement."

This worked out better than I could have hoped for. This way Edythe wouldn't have to fight unless she would be needed and could be ready if something happened with the wolves to help them.

Edythe looked a little disappointed. Did she really want a chance to fight? I had no doubt she was more than capable, especially with the whole mind reading thing.

"Fine," Edythe said annoyed.

Eleanor grinned widely. "Great! More fun for me."

"Shut up El," Royal said looking stern.

I looked at Edythe confused. Luckily, she filled me in. "It's been a long time since Eleanor could really let loose. No holds barred. Yeah, she got to take care of Joss but this will be a bigger challenge."

"Damn skippy!" El let out as she flexed her muscles.

"Well that's it, I guess," Jules said looking at Edythe, something definitely on her mind based on the way the two looked at each other.

"What?" I asked after an awkward minute or two.

"Wanna walk me to the border at least?" Julie said, still with a mischievous look on her face.

I turned to look at Edythe, wondering for once what she was thinking. I knew Julie had some reason for asking me to go for a walk with her. Edythe looked really tense about it, whatever it was.

Getting really no help from Edythe on what she thought I should do, I answered, "Sure, I guess."

The two of us started walking out the back door. I took one last look at Edythe. She still looked like she was trying way too hard to not show whatever Julie was thinking. "You wanna come?" I asked Edythe, hoping an invitation was what she was after?

"No, that's okay," she answered, still not moving a muscle other than in her lips. I could tell by her expression that it wasn't okay, whatever Julie had on her mind. I'd have to be on my toes right now.

As we exited, Julie took my right hand in her left. It was easy to fall into this trap. The heat from her skin seemed to radiate throughout my entire ice-cold body. I understood why Edythe loved when I touched her while I had still been human. It was unbelievably pleasant. Although now the electric current between the two of us had completely replaced that old feeling, or maybe it was just that I felt what she had felt in the beginning.

"So, what were you thinking that had Edythe so on edge?" I asked as we approached the midway point between the Cullen's property and the boundary.

"I want you to dump the bloodsucker and be with me." She answered with absolutely no filter.

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm one of those reeking bloodsuckers now too," I retorted back.

"Naw," she said. "You're still Beau," a teasing smile crossed her face, "just a little stinkier now. But I think I can get used to it."

"You smell like roses yourself," I countered back. "Dead ones."

She laughed like I hadn't heard her laugh in a long time. "Did you just try to tell a joke?"

"Yeah, I guess I did."

"I really do bring out a different side in you, don't I?"

She was kind of right. It was easy to just be myself when I was with her, or Sarah for that matter. Both of them saw me as just one of the gang, and not a vampire. To a lesser extent that was true for Emma and Quinn too, although they saw me as a vampire first and then part of their group second. The rest of them really only saw me only as a vampire. "Yeah," I teased back, "part of me wants to spend all day with you."

"And the other part?"

"Drives me up a wall."

She smiled again. We had crossed the distance much faster than I thought we did. I didn't notice that we were entering La Push. I saw the Quinn's dad's store at the point where the highway from Forks turned towards the beach. I could smell another wolf inside but the breathing was completely even. Probably Quinn snoozing.

"Well, I guess I should get going," I said as we passed the store.

"No, not just yet," Julie answered with a longing in her voice. "Bonnie needs to see you for a minute."

This was risky. It would only be Jules and her mom? I hadn't hunted in a week and the thirst was getting to the annoying point. "I don't think that's a good idea Jules."

"Come on," she begged again as she grabbed my left hand and tried to drag me along towards the house.

I growled towards her and was absolutely appalled by it but other than releasing my hand, she didn't move away but a step.

"Seriously Beau," Julie said as she reached her hand towards mine again; an offer this time, "Bonnie really needs to talk to you."

If she was going to be this insistent, could I really refuse her? "You'll stop me from doing something stupid, right?"

"Sure," she said with an eager smile on her face. "I'll rip your head off if I have to, but I don't think I will."

"Deal," I joked back. She wouldn't really do it but I still felt better about this now than a few moments ago. Again, she tried to take my hand but I didn't really want to. It wasn't that it felt uncomfortable. In fact, her heat was very comfortable. It was that I didn't want to risk one thing leading to another and then who really know what would happen after that.

We got to Julie's small house a few minutes later. I was surprised when we got to the door, that I couldn't smell anyone, nor hear the sound of a heartbeat. Bonnie was gone. This had been a rouse, but why?"