Disclaimer: I do not own it.

Author's note: Oh my God. This chapter was so hard to write. I'm sorry for all the cliffy's…really. But this fic will be over soon. Please review! It makes me feel really awesome when you do!

Family Tree Chapter 27

EPOV

Slowly, I resurface from Alice's vision. If I had a heart, it would be racing.

The rest of the family watches the two of us warily and Alice fills them in on what she saw. Everyone looks at me, waiting to see if I will explode or if I'm going to handle this well. I decide to not give them any further reason to worry. I've already caused a lot of angst for them because of my choices.

"I'm going hunting tonight," I interrupt, "so if anyone wants to come with me, let me know now." My voice wavers but no one harasses me about it.

Jasper glances at Alice and she nods almost imperceptibly.

"I'll go with you Edward," Jasper tells me quietly.

"Fine, be ready at 8. I'll be back then."

I block out the noise of their thoughts and worries as I jet out front to my car. I get inside and breathe deeply, unnecessarily, trying to calm myself down. I back out and begin the drive to Bella's.

As I'm parked at a red light, I flick on the radio. The song is sad and somber and matches my mood perfectly. I reach the turn that will lead me to Bella's street and stop. I sit there, letting the car idle and then, resolutely, I turn the wheel away. I drive as quickly as I can in the other direction without really knowing why.

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BPOV

I walk up to my house and unlock the door. Not pausing to look back at Edward I go inside and shut the door behind me softly. I sag against the red wood.

Today has been really weird. Edward has been quiet and my mind is racing so much I can't concentrate on anything. I can't stop thinking that it is all going to end…

Wearily, I trudge upstairs, letting my backpack slip off somewhere along the way. I go into my room and stare at the computer for a beat before I decide to turn it on. I wait for the dial up to work and tap my foot impatiently. At long last, I enter my screen name and sign on. I have two new e-mails, one from Renee, and one from Seraphim22. I open the one from my mom and read through it with as much attention as I can. I begin a short reply but realize that this might be one of the last emails I ever write to her. Wiping a stray tear from my eye, I resolutely turn back to the screen and begin a long, detailed message. I make sure to tell her how much I love her and miss her. I also find myself waxing poetic about philosophy, mostly in response to my mother mentioning her meditation classes. At long last I reach the end and my hands hover over the keyboard before I type "Love always, Bella."

With a satisfied sigh, I click send and then go back to my inbox. I open the next message, expecting spam but instead I'm greeted with a poem.

Thine eyes are like the earth, rich and deep

Thy scent wavers in the air like flowers-sweet

Thy honeyed voice spills secrets as you sleep

I stand and listen from across the moonlit street

Lovely starling, show no alarm

I would never allow you any harm

I watch you as a parent watches child

I shall not let you be defiled

Beware the demon in the night

She'll kill you before you take flight

I cannot turn on her just yet

Heed this heartfelt minuet-

(Bella please do not forget).

Woods are watching and shadows reveal

A huntress stalks you for her next meal

Be careful fledgling before you leave the nest

Or prepare yourself for eternal rest

I read it through several times and tremble violently in my chair. A huntress? A demon that will kill me?

Victoria is dead. If not Victoria; then who?

The words are eloquent. A few of the words are antiquated. I think for a few seconds and her face comes into focus. Dahlia. She's the only one that makes sense, unless there is someone else out there, someone I don't know about.

I'm feeling sufficiently creeped-out. I begin to dial Edward's number then think better of it. I hesitate for only a moment before I dial Jacob's number.

The phone rings five times and then, just as I'm about to set down the receiver, Billy answers. "Hello?"

"Hey Billy, is Jake around?"

"That you Bella?"

"Yeah."

"Hold on a minute. I think he's out in the garage."

I wait patiently and a minute later I hear a jostling sound. "Bella?"

"Hey Jake!" I say it brightly, trying to ward off the shivers.

"Hey, what's up? You feeling better?"

"Yeah. My wrist is fine, and my back is better."

"Wow. That's great news. Guess you're a fast healer huh?"

"Er, yeah. So what are you doing right now?"

"Just working on the Rabbit. The alternator isn't working right."

"Uh, ok. How long will it take to fix it?"

"Not long, why?"

"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out?"

Silence.

"Jake?"

"Oh. Yeah I'm here. Uh, do you want to come down here?"

"Or you could come up here," I say wistfully.

"Where's the leech?" He asks in a flat tone of voice.

"Jacob!"

"What! It's just a question," he says defensively.

"Edward isn't here right now. He went home to his family and I think he's hunting tonight."

Jacob snorts. "Well, I can be there in an hour, is that cool?"

"Yeah. I'll make dinner."

"Sounds great, I'm hungry."

"You're never not hungry Jacob."

"A guys gotta eat."

I roll my eyes. "All right, well I'll be waiting."

"Ok, see you soon Bells."

I hang up and feel a little better. I turn off the computer monitor so the words aren't staring up at me from the screen and decide to go downstairs.

The phone rings, momentarily distracting me. I pick up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Bella Swan?"

"Um, yes. Who is this?"

"Julian Russeau. I hope you don't mind me calling you like this."

My mouth drops open in surprise. I haven't even thought about him since our last encounter. "What's going on?"

"A multitude of things, as I'm sure you're aware. Bella, in regards to a few days ago, I apologize. It was inappropriate for me to have kissed you."

I nod my head but realize he can't see me. "Uh, yeah it was. I'm with Edward and you know that."

"Yes, I'd gathered that actually. It was not planned, just a response to the energy we were both feeling."

I want to deny feeling anything but I can't. There is something between us, a faint electric charge or something. I don't understand it. It makes no sense for me to be drawn to him. I wait in terse silence, not knowing what to say.

"You don't have to admit it Bella, if it makes you uncomfortable to do so. Are you presently alone?"

I don't want to answer that question. I lie. "I'm here with Edward."

"Oh? Would you mind if I spoke to him?" He voices the challenge without a hiccup.

Shit. What do I do? "Actually, he's a bit preoccupied at the moment…"

"Ah, I see."

I can almost see his smirk, the tone of his voice is condescending, knowing that I am lying.

"Well, I'm glad he's busy. He won't be able to overhear this conversation then."

"Uh huh."

"Bella, there is no reason to be alarmed. I'm not going to hurt you. I told you- I like you. You're different from most humans."

"Um, thanks, I guess." I twist the cord on the phone in agitation.

He chuckles. "You are a suspicious creature, aren't you? Well, it's not as if you don't have the right to be. An awful lot of bad things have happened to you."

"That's for sure," I mutter.

"I'm actually calling about that…you see, I may have a way out for you."

"Out of what?"

"The war, of course. Surely you know what a target you are."

I sink to the floor, clutching the receiver. "What war?"

He coughs. "Did they not tell you? How…odd."

"What war?" I repeat, dazed.

"The Volturi is at war with our faction. Dahlia leads our group. I am second in command at the moment. We were here in an attempt to persuade the Cullen's to join the rebellion. We'd also like to ask the clan in Denali if they'd be interested. You see- the Volturi have been interfering in our lives much more than they ought to. They act as rulers over all of us! It's their way or no way. You've met them, you know what I mean."

"Um. I've met them, and what you're saying is crazy, it sounds like suicide."

"It only sounds that way because you don't know of our army. We have over a hundred vampires, all strong, nearly half of which have extra gifts. That's nothing to scoff at. The Volturi are a mere handful of very powerful vampires in comparison."

"If your army is so large, then why do you need the Cullens?"

"Ah. Well, the Volturi are very interested in gaining the Cullen's help due to their formidable gifts, as well as obtaining your special services."

I stop breathing momentarily.

"Bella?"

Finally I manage to react. "Why do they want me? I'm just a human…"

"You're a human with enormous potential. Don't try to deny it. I saw a mere glimmer when you reacted earlier this week. Bella- you will be a force of nature when unleashed. They want to use you."

"So you're saying you want to use me as well?"

"I'll be honest with you. Originally, we were going to destroy you. Why let loose such a powerful weapon? But I've reconsidered. I'm not saying we wouldn't use you if you were to undergo the change and become one of us…but if you preferred to stay human, I could arrange that. I could hide you so that no one found you; not until the war was over."

"Why would you do that? Why do you care what happens to me?"

"Isn't it obvious? No? I'm fascinated by you. I think you're unique, and beautiful and humorous. I also see amazing potential in you."

"So you're interested in me? That's why?" I can't conceal my incredulity.

"I'm willing to risk alienating both sides of this war, to protect you."

"I don't understand! Why me?" I feel myself getting hysterical. This is just too much right now.

He sighs. "I've come to realize that I care for you. I don't want you to be harmed." His voice is cool, impassive, as though he is talking about the weather.

"I'm in love with Edward!"

"I'm not an imbecile. I realize that. But Edward won't survive the war. No matter what side he joins, he will be a target."

"No! You're lying!"

"I can see you're going to be unreasonable about this. You are so very young after all. Don't worry Bella, I will arrange everything and when the time is right, I'll take you away."

I gulp. "Julian?"

"Yes?"

"Go to hell!" I put as much venom as I can into my voice. I am not going to allow him to take me anywhere!

A ghostly chuckle travels through the phone and tingles in my ear.

"Until we meet again…"

The connection is broken. I stare at the phone in horror. I hang up and hastily begin dialing Edward's cell when the doorbell rings. I jump, surprised and scared.

I set the phone back in its cradle gently. With great trepidation I creep down the stairs. To my relief, I see Jacob through the peephole. I yank open the door and haul him inside.

"Whoa, where's the fire?"

I wrap my arms around his waist in a bear hug and sob with relief into his chest. He pulls me back to look at my blotchy face.

"What happened?" He asks in a grim tone.

"A horrible phone call and a really weird e-mail," I whisper and wipe away the tears falling down my cheeks.

His eyes narrow. "Tell me."

I pull him into the kitchen and sit on one of the chairs. He leans against the kitchen counter, waiting.

I tell him about the email and about the phone call. I don't look up to catch his reaction. His grunts and gasps are bad enough.

"Filthy stinkin bloodsuckers! I'll kill them all!" He walks out of the kitchen with a purposeful stride.

"Jake…no. Jacob!" I hop out of my chair and grab hold of his shirt before he reaches the door.

"What?" He shakes me off.

"Please don't go. Don't leave me alone," I whine, looking up at him with my most pitiful expression.

He stares at me for a long moment before relaxing slightly. "Fine, but this isn't over Bella. I won't allow them to do this to you. Not while I'm around."

"Thank you," I whisper.

He shakes his head, agitated. "Does your bloodsucker know about this?"

"No. I was going to call him when you rang the bell."

He rolls his eyes. "Call him. I'll wait."

"What?" I stare at him stupidly.

"Tell him what happened."

"Why?" I can think of a million reasons why telling him right now is a bad idea. It's not as if I'm in immediate danger. Jacob is here. He's also going to get so overprotective! But if I don't, he'll find out anyway and then, I'll really be in for it.

Jacob sighs gustily. "Are you really going to make me call him and talk to him? Because I don't know if I have the patience for that."

Before I can respond, the phone rings again. I jump.

Jacob reaches around me and snags the phone off the receiver. "Swan residence," he says blackly.

"Uh, hold on. Bella? It's for you."

"Alice? Yeah. Ok. No, don't tell him. I'm fine, Jacob's here. Yeah he'll stay. Ok. All right. Yes Alice! Fine. Bye."

I hang up and look at Jake worriedly. "You'll stay, right? Alice is worried because she can't see my future with you here."

He wraps his arms around me and nods. "I'm not letting you out of my sight."

"Good. Well in that case…are you hungry?"

"Yeah. What are you making?"

"Spaghetti ok?"

"Hell yes."

"Ok, park it. I'm going to get this going. Charlie will be home soon."

Jake sits himself at the table and watches me as I go through the preparations. It's such a simple dish that I don't have to give it much thought.

I wonder what Edward is going to do when he finds out about Julian. I know it won't be good. I shiver, thinking of the last time Edward was truly angry.

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EPOV

I'm sitting in the middle of the meadow. Its twilight now and shadows lengthen to invade the sanctity of this place.

So much has happened here. It seems as though it's hallowed ground. This is where I first showed Bella what I am. This is when she truly saw my abilities. This is where I first scared her.

Yet…this is still my favorite place to go. Yes, it holds evidence of my becoming unhinged; the broken trees will attest to that, but it also is the place I first allowed myself to relax around Bella. She traced my palm, my face, and she'd finally cut through my defenses with just one molten look. It was here that I decided I was strong enough to be with her.

I miss her. Things have changed so much in the last few months; ever since that dratted family tree project. There are so many moving pieces to the same puzzle. If only Bella would hold still long enough for me to place her into a safe spot, surrounded and connected by other pieces so that she won't get lost.

I wonder whether or not I'm right for her. Can I truly keep her attention forever? What will I do when she realizes that the world is a huge place and she has all the time in the world to explore it? Will she still want to stay with me?

I scowl. It isn't fair. I want to keep her here, in this tiny meadow and build a fortress around it that nothing can get through.

Belatedly I realize that this isn't a healthy option.

I lay back into the grass, pondering everything. I've screwed things up spectacularly and yet, she is still willing to die. I do not doubt her love, or mine, but rather the circumstances that always seem to catch us. I've had enough drama to last several lifetimes, and all within the last two years. For once, I'm tired. I wish fervently that I could sleep, that I could turn off this unending parade of thoughts running through my brain. What simple bliss it would be to sleep.

My phone breaks my reverie. I slide it out and see that Jasper is wondering where I am. I'm surprised to see that it's 8:15.

I leave the meadow behind me as I run back to my car. I try to shake the melancholy mood but to no avail. At least I'll be spending some time with Jasper; I know he can help with this.

I run quickly through the trees and locate my car a few minutes later. I slide into the bucket seat and drive back to my house. When I pull up in the driveway I sense that something is wrong. Before I can open my mind to the thoughts of my family, my car is pushed violently to the side with incredible force.

My instincts have me climbing out through the window even as it's rotating in mid-air and heading toward a tree. I hit the ground rolling, and am up, running straight toward the female standing defiantly in the driveway.

Stop.

I fall to the ground, stunned. I try to move but find myself frozen somehow. Dahlia saunters over to me and crouches next to me. She runs her fingers through my hair and I flinch.

Why must you be so stubborn?

I cannot fathom how I am suddenly able to hear her. I try to reach my mind out, around her, but she's blocking me somehow. It's as if everything else is white noise.

"What have you done with my family?" I rasp, using every ounce of my strength to get my lips to obey me.

Do not concern yourself; they are unharmed.

"Why are you doing this?"

It is time Edward. I cannot wait forever. I must strike within the next few days.

"Release me?" I look up at her and though I hate to do it, I plead with my eyes.

She stares at me thoughtfully and nods. Instantly, I am released. I stand slowly, carefully. She watches me with a hint of amusement.

"What do you need from me?" I figure this is the best approach to the situation. If she believes I will help her, perhaps I can gain her trust.

Honesty.

I nod in agreement. I will do or say anything to get out of this situation to find out where my family is. The house is dark and cold. I strain my ears but hear nothing.

No Edward. You do not understand; but you will. I need your skills.

"Against the Volturi?"

She smiles wickedly. No. Against those fools who think the Volturi can be brought down.

I suck in a breath. She is one of them. A spy…

Yes. A spy. The Volturi do not make mistakes. You know this.

I nod slowly, thoughtfully. Then I narrow my eyes when I realize she's reading my mind.

You didn't think you were the only one, now did you? Oh. You did. Well, surprise.

My lips form an indulgent smile but I do not feel like laughing. This is a twist I was unprepared for.

Your family has agreed to help us. I do hope you will be on our side as well. It would be a shame for such talent, and beauty, to go to waste.

"I stand by my family," I say sternly, with no hint of compromise.

Yes you do seem to be loyal…then there is only one other irksome bit of business we must deal with.

"And that is?"

Her face becomes frightening and she steps closer to me, her lips curled back behind her teeth.

That human bitch of yours.

I feel myself freeze. "What did you say?"

You heard me perfectly well. Aro demands that she be changed now…or she will die. We've given you enough time.

I let out a bit of air I didn't realize I was holding in. "We are going to change her in three days."

Dahlia considers me. You are telling the truth. How strange. Here I thought I would have a fight on my hands…

I wait, wondering what she's thinking about. She's blocking her thoughts now.

"You know that I hate her, don't you?" Dahlia speaks for the first time and I hold back a shiver. Her voice is cold as steel and smooth as silk, wrapping around her words with malice.

I nod. "I won't allow you or anyone to harm her."

She pouts for a second and then raises ice cold eyes to me. "You do realize that she will become a weapon of immense power? She will dwell within the castle at Volterra…a favorite pet. She won't be permitted to see you. They want her complete devotion. Will you be able to stand that Edward?"

I tense and try to hold back the snarl building in the back of my throat.

"Wouldn't it be better to end it here Edward? You can have your three days…and then, you can release her. Give her the ultimate gift; a beautiful death."

I cannot contain the snarl this time. "You will watch your mouth!"

She only narrows her eyes. "That was rude. I'm only giving you helpful advice."

"No. You're only being a selfish, subservient, mindless, callous, heartless bitch. I want nothing to do with you Dahlia. I will not allow your petty jealousy to harm Bella in any way."

She lunges, eyes wild with fury at my insults.

I dodge to the side, anticipating her movement. A tiny part of her mind has become unhinged and is open. I listen intently and mirror her lithe advances.

She shrieks as she jumps and this time, I'm not fast enough. She pushes me to the ground and grapples for dominance. I strike her but it doesn't seem to register. She pins me against a tree trunk and it shudders before cracking and falling to the forest floor with a deafening crash.

"Edward…don't you see how much I love you?" She asks in a childish tone before pulling one of my arms through hers and breaking the bone.

"I hate you," I hiss at her, refusing to show her any sign of my pain.

"No! No you don't! You don't know me yet! Edward, stop struggling! Damn you!" Stop.

I freeze at her voice command. It is heavy in my head. I try to fight the order, using all of my willpower.

She's watching me with a triumphant look in her eyes. "If you're too enamored of her, I shall have to kill her. I didn't really like the idea of having her around Volterra anyway. Wait here Edward and it will all be over…"

I watch in mute horror as she leans forward, kissing my cheek. Then she runs off like a wraith through the forest. I struggle against her command, howling with frustration in my own mind. Oh God no! No! Release me please! BELLA!

Shit! Shit! Let me go! Let me go!

I pant shallowly, trying in vain to think of something, anything that can get me out of this situation. I need to go to her…I need to help her.

Just when I feel the crushing blow of utter despair, the all engulfing horror that I'm really going to lose Bella, I hear flickers of thought.

Edward! Can you hear us? We're almost there! Hold on!

Hang on son!

God I hope he's all right…

Alice darts into the clearing first, followed by the rest of my family. They are looking harassed but otherwise in good shape. I don't know what to do, frozen as I am. I feel hysterical.

Jasper drops to the ground and the others glance at him in shock. "Panic. Horror. Sickness. Death," he gasps as he feels the powerful surge of my roiling emotions.

Alice freezes and her eyes get glassy. She looks at me, confused.

I stare at her with dead eyes.

Is it all over? Has my reason for existing been extinguished?

Suddenly Alice pulls out her phone with determination in her eye. "Bella. I need to speak to Jacob. RIGHT NOW."