Chapter Thirteen

Peggy

I knew it wasn't going to be easy to persuade him to meet Bella, he was suspicious of anyone who had encountered vampires and survived, and she was an extreme case. She was, however, possibly the only person who could help him to destroy the Volturi and with it the most evil and dangerous of the cursed vampires.

It was the breakthrough he had dreamed of. The one sure-fire way to destroy the power of the Volturi. If Bella was the one who was prophesied then what was her power? The ability to block mind readers while novel, was hardly a weapon.

The fact she had survived the Cullens was cause for concern. Mainly because Carlisle was so close to the Volturi, and Aro would have snatched his hand off for a gifted human. Against all the odds, it appeared that Caius had kept his dirty little secret. The Volturi were unaware that there was a hybrid in existence with the capacity to cause their downfall. Surely Aro must have heard of the prophecy if we had? Admittedly, it was a well-kept secret known only to a handful of people. Those whose beginnings stretched back into the mists of time. The guardian leader, Caius, and presumably the descendants of the gifted one. Even so, it made me uneasy to think that a man who held the vampire world in his mailed fist had missed out on such an important prophecy.

Had Carlisle told his friend about Bella? If so, had Victoria, one of the rather pathetic army of searchers Caius was using, zeroed in on her? Is that why she had killed Bella's father? There were too many questions, important ones, that needed answering and I was not the best-placed person to be interrogating Bella. No, she needed to meet someone much more knowledgeable.

Having finally come to a decision I called Bella.

"I have to go into town for some supplies. You can come with me if you like."

Bella stood in the doorway and stared at me in confusion. I hadn't left the farm since she arrived and I knew she hadn't been expecting me to make a trip, but it was necessary. She didn't speak and rather than wait for awkward questions I turned my back and hurried away calling to her over my shoulder.

"Well? If you want to come you'd better get your stuff together."

She ran upstairs, eager to get off the farm for a while, but still trying to work out why I had made a sudden decision.

While she was out of sight I sent a text message explaining the situation and received a prompt reply.

Impatient now, I called up the stairs to her.

"Bella. Are you ready? We should leave if we're to get everything done and get back before nightfall."

She came running down the stairs with a jacket slung over her shoulders and for a moment, just fleetingly, I felt sorry for her. She was so young, so damaged, and her way forward would probably result in her death.

"I'm ready. Do you have a lot to do? I mean it's not far into town is it?."

"There's been a change of plan. We're not going into town. I have to drive into Missoula."

She stared at me in confusion and I couldn't blame her. First I told her we were going into town and now we were going on a road trip. I sounded like some madwoman!

"Here. You can drive."

I handed her the keys to the station wagon that I kept in the barn. While she was driving she would have less time to question me and that would give me time to think.

Bella

Something had changed. Peggy had always acted relaxed and laid back, but not today. At least not since I had come back downstairs. First, there had been a change of plans. I was pretty sure that the original plan was to drive into town yet here we were taking a three-hour drive, and to do what? Did this sudden excursion have something to do with what had been discussed over the breakfast table? Or her mysterious visitor? Was she taking me to meet her mystery contact at last?

I had to concentrate on the road more closely as I didn't know this area which didn't give me much time to think about things or question her more closely and I got a strange feeling that this was exactly why she had given me the keys.

Noticing the gas tank was getting close to empty I suggested we stop for a coffee while we filled the tank she agreed, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

While Peggy filled the car I went inside and ordered coffee and a slice of cherry pie which looked and smelled wonderful, taking a seat in the window so I could keep an eye on her. Not that I expected she might drive off and leave me, but I was aware of the sudden tension in the air and that had made me nervous. When the server brought my order to the table I was aware of her gaze on my scars. I had been with Peggy so long I'd almost forgotten them and her stark curiosity was a rude awakening.

I could just see the top of Peggy's head as a truck had pulled in obscuring the station wagon, but I thought I could see her talking to whoever was driving it. I laughed inwardly, now you're imagining things girl. If she was then it was sure to be a casual 'Hi, nice day'. Chill out. It was certainly an improvement, I hadn't laughed at anything even inwardly since I saw my dad's mutilated body and I felt strangely liberated even though I wondered if I hadn't just fallen down another rabbit hole.

I turned as the server spoke and when I turned back the truck was gone and Peggy was entering the diner. As she slid in the booth opposite me, I thought she looked anxious, but she just smiled at my inquiry and set about her pie and coffee.

"I'll drive now."

She held her hand out and I dropped the keys into it wondering why she had suddenly changed her mind.

"Don't worry. I thought you drove very well, but there's been a change of plans. We're not going into Missoula."

I frowned. Had I been right? Had the driver of the truck been giving Peggy some new instructions?

"Oh, where are we going then? Back home?"

"No. That wouldn't be safe. We're going to meet my friend. The one I wanted you to talk to. Things have changed and we've been forced to speed things up."

"What's happened? I don't understand? Why isn't it safe to go back to the farm? Did you speak to the driver of that pickup? Did he have news? Is that why things have changed?"

I was aware I was shooting questions like arrows, but I was suddenly uncomfortable, no, make that scared.

"I'll explain everything when we arrive. Do you mind if we don't talk for a while? I have some thinking to do."

What could I say to that? I stared out of the windshield wondering what had happened and who I was going to meet. That it involved what I had told Peggy about the Cullens I didn't doubt for a moment, but as they had abandoned me I didn't know why it was so important that I meet this mysterious stranger.

If like Peggy they also watched the Cullens or some other vampires did they think I could help with information? Much as I would like to help them cause problems for Edward and his family I didn't think there was anything I could tell them that they didn't already know. Or was this sudden haste something to do with the gift Edward had told me I possessed?

The silence became uncomfortable, but I knew there was no point in trying to make conversation so I checked the signs along the highway until I figured out that we were headed into the Selway Bitterroot wilderness. I saw the sign for Lake Como and its beach and swimming site.

"If I'd known we were coming here I would have brought my swimsuit and a towel."

My attempt at humor was lost on Peggy who seemed distracted as she pulled into Rock Creek Horse camp which appeared deserted except for two other vehicles. There was a huge RV parked in the far north corner of the parking lot and the pickup I had seen earlier when we stopped for gas. So, I had been right about that.!

"Stay here a minute, Bella. I'll be back for you."

I watched as she walked quickly to the RV ignoring the truck which appeared empty, and disappeared inside.

Deciding stay here did not mean waiting obediently in the car I got out and stretched, looking around. It was just the sort of place my dad would have enjoyed camping out while I preferred the comforts of a motel room or at least something like that RV rather than damp canvas, the dew, and bugs.

I didn't have to wait long. Peggy appeared in the doorway of the RV and beckoned me over.

I walked slowly to join her, suddenly not at all sure I wanted to meet whoever was inside. I hated talking about Edward and what had happened between us and most certainly didn't want to discuss my affairs with strangers.

"Come in, there are some people I would like you to meet, Bella."

I hesitated then ascended the steps and stepped inside the vehicle which was as huge inside as it had appeared from the outside.

I could see three people seated on one of the leather sofas that ran along both walls and Peggy motioned me to the other, sitting down beside me. Tension stiffened my muscles as I felt their eyes on me. I wanted to hit the road and keep running, but I forced myself to sit back and swallow down my anger.

"Bella, I'm sorry to have been so mysterious, but it was necessary. Now, I'd like to introduce my friends, Jack, Lisa, and Ben."

The three looked like siblings with thick dark hair and large brown eyes. All three were native Americans and I wondered if they were guardians. Just being in the same space with them made me feel physically sick.

They nodded in unison and Lisa offered me coffee which I accepted reluctantly, but glad to have something to occupy my hands as the other two continued to stare at me.

Looking at them through the rising steam from my mug I broke the uneasy silence.

"Well? What's this all about?"

Jack, the eldest, shook his head, "Let's wait for Johnny H. He should be here soon. It's pointless going over things twice and he'll explain everything much better."

So, these weren't the people Peggy had spoken to me of, or at least not their leader. There was at least one other. The mysterious Johnny H. What a strange name.

I sipped my coffee trying not to burn my lips and then nearly spilt the hot liquid down my jumper as there was a sudden tap at the door which startled me.

Lisa, who seemed to be the active one of the group jumped up and went to open the door and it was then that I noticed it had been locked. I hadn't noticed that she had fastened it when I entered and I wondered why. Who were they afraid might interrupt them? Were these the fearless vampire hunters I had been told of? After all, a lock would hardly keep a vampire out! Then again, guardians wouldn't bother with locks either.

One look at the guy who followed Lisa took my breath away. He reminded me of Jake in some ways. He had the same long glossy dark hair and intelligent mesmerizing eyes, and yet. There was something else. Something I couldn't put my finger on at first, but then it hit me. Jake had been young and innocent even after he began to phase. This man may look young, but looks were deceptive. His eyes had that knowing look that only comes from centuries watching the world turn. He may look like he was in his early twenties, but he was much, much older unless I was very much mistaken.

The newcomer nodded to the others then turned his attention to me.

"You must be Bella. I've heard a lot about you."

I glanced at Peggy who said nothing then took his outstretched hand. It was firm and warm which gave me a shock. If he was as old as I suspected, how was he not a vampire?

He smiled and his resemblance to Jake increased.

"I'm sorry for the need to meet under such circumstances, but the situation is changing rapidly and there was no time for the niceties. Peggy has told you something about what we do, but I know you must have many questions. Unfortunately, we do not have time for them right now. I would like you to go with these people, Bella."

I frowned, shaking my head firmly.

"No way. I'm not going anywhere with these strangers until someone tells me what the hell is going on and you can start by introducing yourself."

He sighed, but he could see I meant what I'd said.

"Very well. My name is Johnny H although that will mean little to you. I am the leader of the guardian tribes, including the Quileutes. Of course, it follows that I am also a sworn enemy of the vampires, or more particularly those who wish to take control of the world as we know it."

"Well, if that's the case then you'll understand my reluctance to be here. It was a guardian who did this to me."

"I am aware of that and I offer you my apologies. Be assured that the guardian responsible will be punished. We do not exist to harm humans."

"Really? Well, you didn't do so good at guarding us either, did you? My dad is still dead and I almost died."

He nodded gravely, "I understand your hostility, Bella. All I can say is I am truly sorry. I, we, need your help."

"Yeah, Peggy told me as much. When my mom mentioned the hunters she missed out on the bit where they are guardians. Maybe she knew I wouldn't be interested if she'd told me."

"You have every right to be angry, but I'm assuming you still want revenge for your father's death?"

He had me there, so I just nodded.

"You and I have a common purpose. We are both at war with the forces of darkness and I believe that you can help us."

I laughed bitterly, he sounded so melodramatic then stopped as I saw he was in deadly earnest.

"Look, I don't know what you think I can do. All I ever managed was to almost get myself killed a couple of times and stop Edward Cullen from reading my thoughts. That hardly qualifies me as a warrior. Besides, as I already told you I don't consider your kind to be friends. To my mind, you're as bad as the vampires."

I pulled up my sweater to reveal the twisted scars that marred my skin.

"Those aren't vampire bites. They were done by a Quileute wolf."

He nodded slowly and pulled my sweater back down by the hem.

"I am aware of what happened and that you consider my apologies worthless. I am sorry you were injured by one of my people. However, I was hoping you might at least listen to what we have to say before turning your back on us.

I got up shaking my head. Talking about Paul's attack had brought it all back to me and I felt suddenly nauseous.

"I...I have to get out of here."

I ran to the door, wrenched it open, and almost slipped down the steps. Only a strong hand on my arm steadied me and I turned to see Johnny standing there.

Wrenching my arm free I ran to the station wagon only to find the doors locked.

"Go away. Just leave me be. Haven't your kind done enough? You didn't save my dad and you didn't save me."

His voice when he spoke was full of compassion, but determination too.

"Bella. Nothing I can say or do will prevent the pain you feel or make up for the loss of your father, but please believe me when I say that I am trying to keep you alive as well as destroy the vampires."

I took a few deep breaths of the cool night air and turned to face him.

"What do you mean, keep me alive?"

He pointed to a fallen tree.

"Let's sit down and I'll explain. Then, once you have heard me out you can make an informed choice. To stay with us or leave. If you choose to go I promise you that no one will attempt to prevent you. I wish we had more time, but I'm afraid danger is creeping ever closer."

"OK I'll listen, but I warn you that nothing you say will change my mind."

"We'll see. First, let me tell you a little that you may not know about the Cullens or more particularly Carlisle Cullen."

I was about to tell him there was nothing he could tell me that I either didn't already know or wasn't interested in learning, but he just went on.

"Carlisle and Aro are close, very close. Few other vampires know it, but he is one of the ruling council who works in the shadows as the Volturi's secret weapon. Many a rogue nomad has come across the sympathetic and caring doctor only to find themselves a prisoner of the Volturi or dead.

He has drawn in others over the centuries, lost souls who thought they had found a safe haven only to discover just how wrong they had been. There was Alistair in London who survived only because he smelled a rat and moved on before discovering the true nature of the rodent. He and Carlisle have kept in contact but they haven't met in centuries, Alistair's doing, not Carlisle's.

Matthew moved on after falling out with Edward, therefore, saving himself from whatever Carlisle and Aro had in store. Probably a stint in the guard, a slave to Chelsea and Corin. He was probably allowed to live because he kept a low profile and wasn't seen as a threat to the powers that be. He may not have been a threat to them, but he was a threat to humans and the hunters took action to prevent him from causing any more deaths.

Carlisle also collects gifts for his friend, Aro. When I heard about you I had to ask myself, why did you survive? Why are you not in Volterra right now? Are you a Volturi spy sent here to destroy the hunters?"

I shook my head, "No, I'm not a spy and if I were looking to destroy anyone it would be Edward and his family who abandoned me and my dad to Victoria, or your kind for letting her slaughter my dad. As for Carlisle being Aro's ally, I find that hard to believe. Edward told me he left the Volturi because he didn't agree with the way they live. He doesn't kill humans so why would he trap or kill his kind? If this was true then why didn't he hand me to Aro or kill me? Edward discovered I had a gift, of sorts, so your version of events doesn't make much sense in light of the fact I'm standing here, does it?"

"Oh, I think you were meant to be handed over, but Edward fell for your charms. I believe he saved your life by walking away probably telling Carlisle he had killed you in the forest. By the time Carlisle discovered the truth either you were already suffering from the effects of Paul's attack or more likely he sent Victoria to kill you and when she couldn't reach you, she killed your father.

You have been very lucky, Bella. It seems the Gods, or Fate is smiling on you, holding you in their care. You see you aren't just any human. You know this; you read your mother's letter explaining the truth of your ancestry. She did all she could to protect you, dying without even knowing if she had succeeded.

James wasn't just a random nomad who crossed your path. He didn't know it at the time becoming fixated on you as a challenge, but you were the one person on earth he had been tasked with finding and killing. Caius wants you dead so badly he has an army out hunting for you. Until now, they have been rank amateurs and we began to think that maybe we all had it wrong. That you had died and that's why no one could discover your whereabouts.

Unfortunately, there have been several developments lately that make your continued existence questionable."

"Such as?"

"It is partly my fault. The hunters I sent out to kill vampires had some gifts which brought them to the attention of the Volturi, but so long as we confine ourselves to killing vampires who take the most human life they are content to leave us alone. We are doing their job for them as they see it. Taking out troublesome nomads and only in the continental USA. They are not the source of the danger. Aro doesn't appear to know about Caius' problem. His hybrid offspring whom prophecy says can bring about the downfall of the vampires."

Understanding dawned on me.

"But Caius believes that one of your gifted hunters is me and he's sent some of his own after them. So, my being here puts me in danger. Well, it looks like the guardians are my worst enemy once more."

"If you don't know what your gift can really do then we may be your only hope of survival."

I got to my feet brushing green moss from my pants.

"Look, you use your hunters to kill Caius' hunters like you've been doing and I'll take my chances."

He stood too, shaking his head and looking very grave.

"It's no longer that simple. Caius has now found himself a competent commander to lead the search for us, for you. This is an enemy I cannot promise we can defeat."

He looked genuinely perturbed, and I found myself curious.

"Oh? Who? I thought the guardians weren't afraid of anyone, any vampire I should say."

"In general you would be right but this particular vampire is a consummate commander and a fearless warrior. Nothing will stop him from reaching his goal. If he has to kill every guardian in the process he will do it. That's why I beg you to come with us. Allow us to protect you while you discover the real extent of your gift and then you can protect all of us. Free both us and all humanity from the vampires once and for all."

He held out his hand and waited as I mulled over all he had said and tried to decide my best course of action.