SM owns Twilight. We just want to live in her world a bit longer.
Chapter 43
"Darlin', what's the matter this time?" he asked in his drawling accent.
"Nothing," she answered stubbornly, turning on her bed to face the brick wall.
He sighed, knowing she was miserable. He could feel it radiating off her body in constant waves. Deep down, he enjoyed their new 'home,' but he knew his mate did not. He had a purpose and something more exciting than schoolwork to do.
"You're not upset by our clothes again, are you?" he asked carefully, trying to hide a verbal eye roll.
A voice called from the doorway, "no, it's the décor this time."
He sighed and sent waves of contentment and happiness to his mate. But, unfortunately, it didn't seem to be working; nowadays, she was repelling any attempts he made to comfort her.
"It's just so cold and dark around here. I hate it," she pouted.
"We can't feel the cold, my love, and we can see in the dark."
"That's not the point," she replied angrily.
He moved to sit next to her and held her hand. "I know you are unhappy here, but it isn't forever. It will pass much quicker if you just embrace the change."
She remained silent and petulant.
Suddenly, she perked up and looked towards their brother. "Hm, I wonder why he is calling."
She reached for her phone on her desk and answered it before the first ring. "Hi, Carlisle."
"Alice, it's so lovely to speak to you. I hope I am not disturbing you?"
"No, not at all. I'm with Jasper and Edward. How can we help you?"
"I am hesitant to contact you; I know you are very busy, but I'm afraid that I have been left with no choice, and I know that you will want to hear it."
"It involves Bella, doesn't it?" Edward asked, moving away from the door jam so he could shut it.
"Unfortunately, yes, it does." Carlisle agreed solemnly. "I received a phone call from Billy Black a week ago. It would appear that the Quileute wolves have been subjected to multiple attacks since we left the area. During the last attack, Bella was nearly injured herself."
"What do you mean nearly injured?" Edward asked urgently.
"Billy didn't give too many details. However, during the incident, they managed to get some information out of one of the attackers. He inferred that there is a bounty out against them in the vampire world."
Jasper immediately felt the worry and anxiety emanating out of his family. So he used his gift once again to calm them down. This time Alice accepted it.
"Who would do that?" Alice asked.
"Well, this is why I called. I have contacted a few friends, and it would seem that the ransom has come from an anonymous source. However, there aren't many vampires that knew about them. I've spoken with our Denali cousins, and they are adamant that they have had nothing to do with it."
"And, you believe them?" Edward asked. They all knew that Irina harbored a grudge against the wolves for killing Laurent.
"Yes, I do."
There was silence as they all processed the news. That only left one valid option.
"But, we had an agreement!" Alice said in outrage.
"I am afraid that it appears they may have reneged on it," Carlisle admitted.
"If we are going to start throwing accusations around, we need to be sure we are correct before we act," Jasper instructed.
"Edward?" Carlisle asked. Everyone knew what he was asking.
"I have noticed some odd thoughts, but nothing concrete."
"I'm afraid that by calling you, I have put your all in grave danger," Carlisle said sadly. "But you have the right to know what is going on."
Alice closed her eyes and concentrated on the future. Edward listened along to her thoughts, and they both grimaced at the various options revealed.
"Why can you see her future again?" Edward asked Alice. She didn't respond verbally. "She would never forgive me," Edward told her.
"I can't see another way," Alice said frustratingly. "Wait…." She opened her eyes and looked at Edward. Conviction clear in her eyes.
"No, Alice!" Edward yelled.
"It's the only way," Alice said calmly.
"Alice…" Jasper warned; he could hear someone coming down the hall.
Alice looked at him, and he felt sympathy? "Just do as you are told," she instructed him.
There was a knock at the door before Jane opened it and walked in. She grinned maliciously at the three newest members of the Volturi guard.
A/N Surprise!