A/N Hey everyone, once again sorry that this came perhaps a little later then what many of you would have wished but unfortunately with work and real life. I end up with not nearly as much time to write and edit as I would like, believe me if I could I'd spend all of my days writing so you guys don't need to wait. I'm not that lucky however though I'm going to keep doing my best, this chapter is still without a Beta though I do have to have gained some interest. Now I'm going to just have to see how scheduling with those who offered will work, I'm completely set in always updating at least once a week. I understand however some Beta's prefer to have more time with the work, that they are given or simply don't have that kind of time to spare completely. I've still been slowly making some progress with the writing of this story and I hope to keep well ahead with chapters written to those posted so I never fail to have something already written for you. I've got the next couple of months worth of chapters though so that's all good but you all know with time I'll get you more than one chapter. Anyway I don't want to bore you with all the talk about how I'm going to set my posting I'm sure you've all waited long enough for this chapter. So I'll let you all go, let me know what you think it's been very enjoyable seeing the reactions from the last chapter I've very much enjoyed that.

Enjoy :)

RED DAWN

SUMMARY: Edward had always warned Bella that the pack were dangerous. Hostile, volatile and aggressive in nature. She ignored him, testing even Edward's own vampire instinct by staying friends with his enemy, Jacob. One event will change them all, Bella never truly understood the supernatural world. Didn't understand the aggression that lay dormant even in her controlled mate until it was too late. Warning: Violence and Character death.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all the Characters.


Chapter Seventeen

Bella had spent the evening talking to Renee and trying her best to avoid the sounds of Charlie's yelling over the phone, Charlie hadn't taken the way Billy and Sue were treating him well at all. In the end Renee had suggested that the both of them go to Bella's room to watch a movie together, neither woman used to the angered tone of Charlie. He'd always been a very laid back, easy going type of guy. Some of the curse words that had been said they'd not been aware Charlie even knew. It was clear though even though Charlie was sympathetic of Billy grieving something had been said that had brought Bella into it. Then the Cullen's and Charlie had come to the defence of his daughter and the family that had stood by his daughter and him while she'd been in hospital. Charlie had always been very much against the way the people of La Push talked about the Cullen family but when they'd had such a hand in caring for Bella he wasn't going to remain silently in disagreement.

It hadn't been ten minutes into the movie when Renee and Bella had heard the sound of the door slamming behind Charlie, Bella all while feeling her heart in her throat. She didn't want to feel guilty but couldn't help it when it was her father who had to suffer the punishment of her actions. The actions of her other supernatural family, the Cullen's. While Bella wanted to ignore it completely she knew Renee was curious about what had happened to cause the argument.

"They don't like the Cullen's?" Renee asked confused, the only people Renee could even start to consider having a problem with them would be herself and Charlie for the way they'd cut ties with Bella. She'd not held a grudge, Charlie possibly the most stubborn man she'd ever met in her life was accepting of them too. Had finally even come around to Edward, which Renee had believed would never happen, the Cullen's were a kind and generous family. They loved her daughter too as one of their own.

"They've always had a problem with them." Bella said not wanting to go into the details of it, it was clear to most of the locals who knew anyone from La Push that those on the reservation didn't want anything to do with the Cullen family. That some of the members of the tribe had gone as far as too completely stop going to the hospital to simply avoid being in any capacity that had them near any of the members.

Most of the town put it down to a strange prejudice, some rumoured it was about a land ownership disagreement. That somehow the Cullen's had ownership of land the council of the Quileute's deemed theirs. There were many reasons for the clear hostility between them but none were the correct answer, no one knew the truth of two supernatural enemies that couldn't stand each other. That the conflict was from something much deeper and instinctual as two ancient supernatural creatures barely held themselves from war.

"Esme's a lovely woman. She's raised good, honest, loving children. I can't imagine what excuse they'd have for being so hateful. I'm glad you never let your dad's friendship with Billy and the tribe effect your relationship with the Cullen's" Renee said proud that Bella hadn't let rumours and hate influence her own choices, little did Renee know that there was no choice. It wouldn't have mattered how she'd thought or believed, the moment she'd met Edward it would have all came back to him. He would have always brought her to him. The bond would have demanded nothing less of them.

"I got to know the Cullen's before any of Dad's friends I went to school with them" It was true, Bella while had memories of fishing trips with Billy hadn't really known any of them when she'd moved back. She'd not gone to La Push until after she'd already met Edward and the other Cullen's, she'd only even spoke to Jacob that day on the beach to gain information on why the older boys had reacted badly to her inviting Edward to first beach.

"I imagine nothing could have been said to change your mind on Edward" Renee grinned down at Bella as she moved to stroke her fingers through her daughter's long hair as Bella grinned shyly not meeting her mother's eyes.

"I was worried when he came back. I was so ready to tell you to stay away. Charlie and I were so scared when he left you and you were so heartbroken. You've always been like Charlie in that respect constant and sure of what you wanted, I didn't want you stuck yearning for someone who didn't want you in the same way. Then you started to come back to life, I could hear it in your voice when we spoke and then when Edward came to visit with you. I knew he loved you. The way he watched you. Like there was nothing in the world that would stop him from being by your side. Like he'd jump in front of a bullet for you if he had too" Bella listened to Renee enjoying the closeness with her once best friend. Before Bella had moved to Forks, Renee had really be her only friend of course she'd had people she'd been friendly with at school but nothing like she'd had here in Forks.

"I knew that he'd ask to marry you and that scared me too. I thought you'd do what Charlie and I did, marry far too young we weren't mature enough or I wasn't. I wanted you to have the best of life. I guess part of me hoped you'd wait but I know that you aren't me. I just want you to know that I'm happy for you. Any doubts I might have had. I want you to know I trust you and Edward to make the right choices, I just hope you won't forget about me when your off living as a married couple" Renee said softly Bella resting closer to her mother, cuddling against her suddenly feeling like she couldn't speak but silently wishing she could tell her mother that this was goodbye. Tell her mother that she loved her and that she'd never forget her, forever she'd remember her and Charlie. All parents hoped their children outlived their parents. Bella would, but unfortunately she'd need to die in their eyes to live forever with the man she loved. She was sorry that she'd hurt them both so that she could have what she wanted.

Both Renee and Bella would return to watching the movie in a somewhat silence, every now and then sharing a giggled exchange over what they were watching. Renee had even tried to pull some gossip from Bella about the seriousness of Bella and Edward's relationship, her mother very much still interested in why she'd found Edward's wallet within her daughter's bed sheets. Bella had done her best to try and change the topic. She'd also done her best to lie around the reason for her wearing one of Edward's shirts. She'd told Renee it had been because some of her stitches had bled slightly during the day but Renee hadn't seemed all that convinced. Renee however was simply happy that despite the horrible attack her daughter suffered, she seemed relatively still herself. If not even happier then she'd seen her before, they spoke about Bella and Edward visiting Renee in Jacksonville before they finalized any marriage plans.

It became very clear that while Bella may want something more private and small Renee wanted her daughter to have the best. Bella knew she was in for a rough road with her own mother, Alice and Esme all wanting to help her plan the nuptials she was going to share with Edward. The cynical part of her mind, telling her that they had to get through so much before she and Edward could be married first. The two remained cuddled together until eventually Bella found herself tiredly closing her eyes while resting her head against her mother's shoulder.

Edward would eventually leave his family home to return to Bella, the sound of Renee and Bella both sleeping in her bedroom would stop him from entering as he remained outside. He didn't want to intrude on the moment knowing that there would not be many left for them both like this. There was also the risk of waking Renee by his entering, he'd remain close by as he always did though on the tree line near her home watching over her as he always did. Ready to protect her and be there the moment she needed him. Edward didn't get to see what became of Charlie's conversation finding the cruiser and Charlie absent, he'd not been aware of Charlie working a late shift but assumed he would find Charlie at the station should he look for Bella's father. In the early light of the morning Jasper's thoughts would break through into Edward's mind as he approached with Eleazer and Alice.

Edward knew that both men had wanted to speak to him the previous evening when he'd returned after talking with Esme, but he'd wanted to give Esme the freedom of not having debates and discussions on what they planned. He'd tried to gift his mother a night without the constant bickering of how best to kill or attack those who risked their loved ones. Carlisle hadn't returned from the hospital, but Esme had been somewhat expecting of this. Carlisle found comfort in his work and with him leaving most had expected him to remain at the hospital as long as he could before returning home. Edward knew that Esme had planned to start packing some items before he'd left to be at Bella's side. He wasn't sure what time they would be leaving but he'd suspected during the evening.

Edward planned on driving Renee and Bella to Seattle so that Renee could catch her flight back to Jacksonville. It would give both Renee and Bella more time together, it would also give Edward the chance to search somewhat limitedly with his mind reading for any stray thoughts of newborns within the Seattle area. He'd thought to have either Kate or Emmet present but hadn't wanted to split the family up just yet. He'd be in a very populated place where he doubted vampires would risk exposure. Edward would be relying on his wide hearing range to pick up anything of a hint of the location that Riley had planned to move the newborns after the confrontation yesterday.

"This must be rather important for you to be coming here to talk to me" Edward said dropping down from the tree branch that he'd placed himself throughout the night, it gave him the best view of Bella's bedroom window so he could still watch her.

Edward did however notice that there seemed to be some attempt by all three to try and think around his ability, Eleazer was thinking in his natural Spanish tongue reciting a passage of an ancient book he'd enjoyed reading in Volterra. Jasper was circling around images, using images that Edward and he both knew would somewhat repel Edward's mind reading. Jasper switched between memories of his past during his time in the south and then switching back to moments in the fight. Alice went with her usual attempt trying to use music, the modern high tempo base music that Edward abhorred. It worked effectively but still things slipped through, trails of thoughts that they tried to push back by concentrating on their chosen attempts to keeping him blind. It wasn't nearly as effective as his family liked to believe when he truly focussed on their minds. Edward had always found that the more someone tried to hide something in their thoughts the more often they thought of it and in there revealed what it was they wished to hide.

"You're trying to hide something from me" Edward said simply as the three of them stood before him, his head turning slightly towards the direction of his mate and her steady heartbeat and breathing as she rested peacefully.

"What's wrong?" Edward said then turning back to them his question firm, he didn't like when his family tried to hide their thoughts from him. While he'd never admit it to his family with his constant forcing to try and dull their thoughts from his mind when he wanted to know something he usually found that he didn't even think twice about using his ability to gain what information he desired.

"You left before we could talk. We hoped if we spoke early enough then we wouldn't disturb your time with Bella today. Alice saw that you planned to go to Seattle so we parked your Volvo a few blocks away." Jasper said using his own ability to try and ease his calm influence over his brother.

Eleazer had believed Jasper's influence would be much needed. Alice was here simply because of her natural connection to Edward of all his siblings he took better to her presence than any other, they knew approaching Edward with what they had to talk about might go badly. That he may reject what they had to address him with. That they could no longer let him believe that it had been Jasper and Alice who had saved him from the newborn who had been crushing him.

"You saw something?" Edward turned to Alice then hoping that somehow her visions were starting to come back. Every so often she'd see something very brief but not enough to know anything important. Edward couldn't help but hope for his sister's ability to somehow adapt and start to see around the blackness that left her blind to the wolves. If her ability was to come back to her now, she may very well be able to find Riley all with her own ability. As long as the wolves were closely involved though they may have to resort to tracking, it would likely be what they'd do if Edward found nothing in his lone search with his mind reading.

"I only saw you and Bella in your car driving away from the airport. It was blurred and barely a flash. I'm still unable to see anything else. I think it was only because you were far enough away from here that I even saw that. I've tried to see Victoria, Riley or anything else but nothing. I'm sorry" Alice said knowing that Edward would want to use her ability to guide them to find those that chose to hide. She wished that she could help. With her hard fall in the fight yesterday and her lack of visions she was feeling truly useless in helping her family.

Alice had spent most of the evening trying to comfort a still very much shaken Rose. Rose was struggling never having been made to feel weak since her change she was not taking that well. Mixed reactions of clinginess and then rage when people tried to help, it reminded Edward much of the Rose that he'd first met after her change. Dealing with the torment of the attack that had taken her human life, Rose was strong she'd find herself again and then she'd come up fighting.

"It isn't your fault. It's become clear that Riley is the one in control of the newborns, Victoria gives orders but you had no idea that they were being carried out by a middle man. It would have escaped your ability not knowing who to watch for. Now we're too involved with that of the pack so it's having an effect on all your visions because our future will involve them" Edward said reaching to Alice and squeezing her shoulder gently to reassure her that no one blamed her for not being able to help the family.

Ever since she'd joined them Alice with her gift had guided them through the years. Too long they'd expected too much of her, it was time they grew used to being able to handle situations without the visions of Alice. They were helpful of course but never concrete as they changed with the choices made, simply seeing the visions often changed the outcome anyway.

"So I know it isn't about Bella and I taking her mother to the airport then what is it that you need to talk to me about. You seemed rather urgent about talking about it last night and clearly your need to discuss whatever it is has only grown during the night. You don't have to block me I'm willing to talk Bella is still asleep and I won't be taking Renee to the airport for a couple more hours" Edward said and expected some kind of response from them, he had no problem talking to them about whatever it was that bothered them.

Edward knew that he'd asked Jasper to contact some of their nomad friends. He hoped there wasn't any bad news from the friends that they looked to call upon. Edward knew how dangerous a life as a nomad could be especially when travelling through lands with actual covens placed there. Not all covens were welcoming of nomad's on their hunting grounds and it could result in devastating consequences. Edward doubted however that Jasper would have felt the need to shield such news from him. While Edward would be saddened by the loss of any of his friends it was simply part of this life even for immortals. While frozen, death still clung to them, no one truly lived forever even those who claimed themselves the most powerful of the vampires.

"It's about the fight with the newborns Edward" Alice said deciding that she'd be the one to try and break it to Edward first, her mind opening up then to him. Showing him flashes of images of the battles scenes, Alice lingering on the moment she'd been badly harmed, she was doing outwardly okay but Edward noticed then that Alice too was not happy with how she'd faired in the fight. Edward knew on some degree he held much annoyance at his own fight. He'd been distracted and almost gotten himself destroyed.

"We've spoken about the fight. We won't let those mistakes happen again. We should have had Eleazer there even if he wasn't taking part then simply to see for those who may possess gifts" Edward replied believing that this was some attempt at strategizing, while none of them believed the newborns were the first threat with the wolves being so close. Edward respected that he'd been single minded to believe the newborn threat would just sit back and wait for him to deal with those of the pack. An error in judgement, while not his only error he knew it could have resulted in much more drastic consequences had he not been at his home to hear those thoughts of the approaching threat.

"This isn't about how we dealt with the fight. It's about you Edward" Jasper placed his hand on Alice's shoulder moving forward then to talk with Edward seriously.

Jasper's mind was showing Edward in the grip of the beaten newborn, the image was of Edward and the newborn on their knees amongst the body parts as Edward struggled against the destructive strength of the newborn. Edward watched though as his own face scrunched up, fractures trailing up from under his shirt and over his neck crawling slowly along his face. His body about to crumble, under the sheer strength and power of the newborn. Then his voice, he'd almost forgotten he'd even spoken out loud when he'd believed he was going to fail. He saw that Jasper was nowhere close enough to stop the newborn, or even Alice as suddenly the newborn recoiled. All but flung its own battered body away from Edward. It was what Edward saw in Jasper's mind though, his memory of hearing Edward's voice in his head. Of how it almost buckled him, bringing him to his own knees under the command that Edward had given.

Edward was stunned, as he looked into his brother's eyes not completely sure he was understanding at all what Jasper's memories were trying to show him. What he'd missed in his own agony and belief that Jasper and Alice had saved him from destruction. They'd not been close enough to pull the newborn off him, no one had been there to stop what would have happened to him. He'd heard his own voice in Jasper's mind as clear as he heard the voices of other's in his own. There had been something more than within that demand, that scared and desperate plea he'd cried out. Like Jasper had he been the one holding him wouldn't have had even the will to not do as he was asked, the newborn cradling his own head whimpering those words. Edward stood stock still, his head slowly shaking as he stepped away from Jasper and Alice.

Eleazer though stood watching Edward intently.

Using his subtle but powerful gift.

He'd been too focused on watching Jasper's memories. He'd all but made himself blind to the strange gift that Eleazer's mind held within him. It had been why they'd all come together Edward saw then, Jasper and both Alice noticing what had happened during the fight. They'd told the others and then had spoken to Eleazer about it. Eleazer had known that Edward's gift was developing. Eleazer had not expected it to be so strongly developed though. It was like the newborn with her gift when she'd been scared. That fear and desperation had unlocked the key to parts of the gift that had before been unknown. Self preservation was one of the highest natural instincts within a vampire. Too survive was what a vampire's main instinct demanded.

"Truly remarkable. I knew the possibilities were of any but this... I have seen nothing like it. For all the gifts I've seen. I've seen illusions, readers, thought pushers, but too so directly place an order in the mind. It's incredible, what you could do. The limits while I'm not sure of... it's incredible that I've not seen this before. That your hearing thoughts gives you control and there in lay the true potential of your gift. To control all that surrounds you. Hearing thoughts is nothing more than a branch off from what you can do Edward" Eleazer said with wide eyed wonder stepping past Jasper and Alice to move closer to Edward while he remained still shaking his head. He didn't want this, he'd not even wanted to hear thoughts.

"The reason you hear those minds you know so well even further simply giving you better ability to force your control over them. It's a wonder you've never stumbled upon it before. Carlisle always said you had more control then even he and I always presumed his pride in you the reason for that. Perhaps he saw what I could not in your gifts without its maturing" Eleazer reached out his hand then and Edward knocked it away and stepped completely away from them all.

"I don't want this. I don't even want to see thoughts. I don't want control" Edward denied it, the gift that seemed to have cursed his entire existence seeming to only further grow to haunt him. All those cruel taunts directed at him by Jake about his way of making Bella want him, brainwashing her it seemed his gift was closer to that sick twisted ability then he would ever want. While Bella would remain protected from his gifts always the rest of the world was not.

"You can't hide from this Edward. You see the bad in your gift and that makes sense because of whom you are but don't let this be made evil. The gift you have could truly become something so much better than that. Its young think of it like a child, this gift. Nurture and care for it as Kate did with her own. You control the gift, the gift does not control you" Eleazer said evenly knowing that he had to reach Edward now, he did not want a repeat of the agony Edward forced himself to endure at the knowledge of being a mind reader. While other's felt many things for having gifts Edward was the only man he'd known to resent it, to believe it a curse.

"Your mind reading has only been an extension of what your true gift was" Jasper said from behind Eleazer as Edward turned his gaze to Jasper nodding in agreement with what he'd managed to see from Eleazer's thoughts. It was very overwhelming for Edward, all this time he'd believed himself a mind reader and he'd been incorrect in that assessment.

Aro was a true mind reader. He saw all, every thought and memory the person had. Edward only saw what was there as it was thought. He'd had a link to minds his entire existence, refused to let his power grow to what it was meant to be. Not a mind reader but someone who could force thoughts, ideas into the mind.

"It's very powerful. I've seen others who can force images. As Carlisle, knows of Zafrina and gift of her illusions. Yours is much more Edward. You can command a thought, as you did to the newborn. It released you in its most deadly and lost instinct, to destroy its enemy" Eleazer shook his head still very much interested in working with Edward.

Eleazer had wanted to push the ability that Edward possessed even when he'd only known it was developing now it had a direct ability and he was seeing Edward whole in a way for the first time. He couldn't deny the eager desire to help Edward practice, the possibility of seeing something as rare as even that of Zafrina, Alec, even Jane with Edward's developing gift. He wanted to see its strength's, its limitations and the opportunities were endless with this rarity.

"I... I need time. To think about this. To wrap my own head around this, development. It wasn't what I was expecting" Edward turned his head towards Bella's home, the sound of Renee stirring and leaving Bella's room making him want to go to Bella even more now. To seek out her comfort and assurance, the love he knew he'd find in her embrace no matter his strange supernatural powers. Jasper could sense the longing in his brother to be away for a moment from them and he understood it even if he wanted to discuss this all more.

"We understand... I don't want to push you but this. Edward this power you have. It could save so many lives. If you can target multiple people. If you truly can take away a person's control." Jasper said with a firm urgency but Edward was already seeing the picture that Jasper's mind was conjuring of a battlefield of their enemies stock still like Edward had heard of the nightmare tales of Alec's gift. A field of wolf's motionless standing with Vampire's frozen in place.

"You'd be able to end a fight before it even began. You would be able to prevent any fighting at all Edward" Jasper concluded but the image that Edward saw in his brother's mind didn't sit well with him, even though he wanted his enemies destroyed. That image of him standing against a field of enemies controlling them made him feel more like the Volturi and the power and control they forced on everyone then he'd ever wanted.

"We can't rely on a gift I've not even used with any sense of control. I'm by no means capable of what you think" Edward denied instantly wanting to remove the thoughts that Jasper was having, he didn't think he was a weapon like Alec. Didn't want to be seen as a weapon in any way at all. It was one thing to fight for his family to protect them, it was different slaughtering helpless creatures even if they'd wronged him.

"It's fine. We know you want to go to Bella, Edward" Alice cut in on her husband as he moved to say something more to Edward placing her hand on Jasper's arm silencing him.

"We can talk about this when you arrive home. As a family, all of us. Esme and Carlisle will leave this evening. Bring Bella we can say our goodbyes and then begin planning. We've sat around idle doing nothing for too long. It's making us weak. We can't let them have more time to prepare, nothing was done after they attacked us. They'll grow daring" Edward nodded at Alice agreeing with her completely, he was grateful for her standing in too. He'd waited all evening to be with Bella and didn't want to miss the chance to be by her side when she woke.

"Thank you" Edward said turning towards Bella's home and then turning back to Alice and Jasper, Eleazer was a few yards distant further but well within hearing range.

"Have Kate ready. If I'm to develop this gift I'll need her guidance. We can't afford to leave something like that out of our control. I won't be a hindrance to my family" While they had not seen it Edward had seen his gift differently then Jasper had.

If Edward had used this strange undeveloped gift while they'd all been fighting, had he caused Jasper to so abruptly freeze it could have been his end. He could have indirectly caused the destruction of his family by protecting himself. He couldn't risk that, while he hated the thought of it. Time for hiding behind his mind reading was gone, he needed to accept his gift fully and learn the complete scope of what it was he could do. He would protect his family at all costs. He knew one thing though. Edward knew that Aro could never again come into contact with either him or anyone of his family that knew of this gift. Eleazer may trust what Aro stands for, Edward took Alice's warning to heart though. He'd seen Aro's mind, knew some of the inner workings of that ancients mind. He could not become more desirable to that man or risk an endless chase from Aro trying to obtain those within his family.

"I'll inform her of your request. She'll have no problem helping you Edward. We all will" Eleazer said as Edward accepted that this was what he'd need to do. His gift had always been something that he'd struggled with, knowing the minds around him as intimately as he had, it would always be something he'd have desired never being capable of. If it meant keeping his family safe though he couldn't continue to hold himself back.

The three of them left quickly then as Edward moved to Bella's home, he leapt fluidly up from the ground almost stepping onto the window ledge and opening it with one movement. He was through the window and into Bella's room before the breeze of the outside even had chance to whisk into Bella's bedroom and cool the warmer temperature. Renee had left to get herself ready for leaving Forks, she'd let Bella rest for a little longer. Edward was thankful for that, as it gave him time to see her, at least be here for her when she woke. Edward's hand slowly reaching out as he crouched at her bed side his fingers tracing along her smooth cheek, stroking tenderly along her jaw while his thumb slid over her full bottom lip. Instantly calmed by being at her side, thoughts of Eleazer, Jasper and Alice forgotten along with his power that was growing, his resolve was strengthened in her. Bella his fragile mate who was his rock even without knowing, she held him strong, she was both his greatest weakness and his greatest strength. Edward listened to the pitch in her heartbeat, her body somehow knowing he was close as he touched her and then those chocolate brown eyes that pierced his very being fluttered to life and peered up at him filled with sleep. The warm smile that slowly spread over Bella's face as she focussed on his face, his own smile matching her own her hand reached up and holding his hand captive. Pressing her warm plump lips into his fingertips.

"Morning love" Edward whispered.

"I fell asleep before you got here" Bella said in an apologetic tone as Edward grinned shaking his head, his other hand moving to brush her wild untamed hair away from her face. He could see with his enhanced vision that the stitches were ready to be taken out from her face, he'd have to talk to Carlisle about it before he left. Edward was more than capable of ensuring Bella's care though. He'd attended medical school more than once in his existence.

"Don't worry. Renee stayed with you. Both of you fell asleep I waited until she left to join you" Edward explained as he leaned closer to press his lips to Bella's mouth as she turned her cheek Edward catching the corner of her lips.

"Sorry. I haven't brushed my teeth yet" Bella said with heated cheeks and Edward chuckled at the absurdity of it, she truly had no idea how little effect such a thing had when she tasted like heaven to him. She was everything he longed to taste, even just her lips were a pleasure he'd never before tasted.

"Renee is leaving today" Edward said as Bella nodded in confirmation.

"I thought I could drive the both of you. Give you a little extra time with her before her flight. I know you miss her. I'm not sure how much time you'll have left to spend with them both Bella." Edward said referring to her change that they both knew was coming soon, he wanted Bella to have as much closure from her human life as she could have.

"When will you change me?" Bella asked now. Curious of the answer, graduation had gone, while she should be preparing for college she'd instead be found frozen in this strange limbo of waiting. The agreement had been to change her but then this had all happened, suddenly stuck in the middle of a supernatural war. Charlie would be expecting to know what was happening soon, he'd not asked question but he would eventually.

"I wanted to wait only while we settle the problems we have. I know it leaves you vulnerable but changing you now while we can't leave is far too risky. I don't want you to carry that burden. Once the pack and Victoria are handled we'll leave. I'll change you then. I'm ready Bella. I'm ready for forever." Edward said seriously the conviction in his voice making Bella feel so much better, she'd known he was willing but seeing his face free of pain or hesitation when he spoke of her coming transformation made her feel amazing.

"What will we tell them?" Bella said the other side of her happiness the guilt of what her change would do to her parents, they could never know. She would have to die in their eyes to live forever in Edward's world, they couldn't know for the risk it would have to their lives if they knew the secret.

"If all goes well. We'll marry away from here. Charlie and Renee will see you walk down the aisle to me and that will be the last time they see us. We'll leave for our honeymoon and instead of hearing from us we'll have one of our family members tell them. To explain that there was an accident that we both passed away. We'll leave them enough money to take care of them throughout their lives, we'll even watch over them if that is something you want. We'll die on our honeymoon to them though" Edward tried his best to explain in a way that wouldn't hurt his Bella he could see the tears build in the corner of her eyes but they never spilled as she nodded understanding that there was no real alternative.

"They'll be so hurt" Bella whispered feeling the gravity of what this choice really meant, to be with her love she'd have to break her parents hearts. She'd seen in their reactions to what had happened to her just how much she was loved by them, it would have been unbearable if the future she was gaining wasn't everything she wanted.

"It will never be easy. Being what we are, always forced to the outside only ever looking in never being part of. They will hurt but they'll live on. It's one of the beautiful parts of human life, their ability to continue on. To survive even despite their pain. They will always miss you but they'll know Bella deep down they'll know they had a beautiful daughter who loved them and was so very happy. They'll know she wasn't alone when she passed from this world" Edward said finally capturing Bella's lips this time as they shared a deep kiss filled with love and the mourning of what they would one day have to do. Edward could only hope that Bella viewed him worthy enough of the sacrifice she would need to make.

Bella and Edward shared a short time alone then in her bedroom kissing and caressing away the thoughts of the hurt they would one day have to place on her parents. While Edward wished there was another way he knew that it simply wouldn't be safe. They had remained in each other's arms until Edward had needed to remind Bella that he'd need to collect his car and arrive for appearance sake with Renee. Edward could see from Renee's thoughts that while she hated leaving Bella she was beyond her limit when it came to Forks, she'd never really ever liked the place.

Everything about Forks was against Renee as a person, she was bright and lively and wished to live in places similar. She liked warm places and the city life she'd grown accustom too was much more her pace, Forks was too stagnant. Though Edward did notice a stray thought, a moment when he'd carried Renee's bag to his car when Renee had thought of Charlie and the family they could have shared. The moment when she thought what if she had stayed, she thought of herself and Charlie raising Bella in the house they had once planned. She loved Phil truly and he was who she wanted but Renee had loved Charlie, she'd hurt him in her immature attitude, she'd always regret that. Charlie was a good man, one she'd always believe would have loved her and Bella without fault. She was sad that she didn't get to say goodbye to Charlie before she left but Bella had promised to tell Charlie that Renee had been thankful to him for letting her stay in his home while she'd visited.

Edward had simply become chauffer to Bella and Renee, listening with great humour as the both of them talked during the trip to Seattle in the backseats of his car. Renee had decided to address the wallet issue with Edward present, he had seen from her mind that she'd been unrelenting with her constant bringing it up to Bella. He'd not been free of her accusation, he'd done his best to laugh his way around it. All people knew that he'd been in her bedroom that night, no matter Bella's embarrassed protests Renee had caught them. They'd arrived at Seattle airport with time to spare and Edward had convinced both Bella and Renee to allow him to take them both to dinner away from the airport. It had both been a way to give Bella her much needed time with her mother as well as giving him a more central place to try and hear anything.

Bella had done her best to keep Edward from being noticed as he'd seemed to be more distracted then he usually was, fortunately with Renee's constant chatter it was easier than if it had been Charlie. She had wanted to ask him what it was he was hearing but left him, for all his distractions he didn't seem overly worried and she doubted he'd have brought them into Seattle alone if he'd believed there was a threat. Eventually he'd simply sighed audibly, offered Bella an apologetic smile and then involved himself in the conversation they were having as if he hadn't been silent and not present for the beginning of their meal together. Renee had tried her best to convince the two that they should spend some time in Jacksonville with her and Phil and they'd both done their best not to outright say either yes or no.

In the past Edward knew he'd have tried to convince Bella to go but now he knew sending her away even when there was so many threats around Forks would only hinder himself. Being away from her was unbearable, the added heightened feelings that was blooming for both of them now too with the more intimate awakening of their relationship had only strengthened their bond. It be near impossible now for them to part for any length of time. The evening simply being outside of her window had been uncomfortable for Edward even though he'd been able to hear her heart and see her from her window. Edward knew the bond was demanding the final completion of their mating, the one he was ready to give her. To consummate their bond completely, to finally make love to his mate. He'd never before thought it possible that it could be completed while Bella was human but her reaction to harm coming to him had thrown away all his beliefs.

"You'll take care of her?" Renee said as she hugged Edward tightly as they were saying their final goodbyes, while not used to being close to anyone other than Bella and his family he'd always welcomed Renee's need to hug. Even if it did worry him her noticing his cooler touch, if she had noticed it at all she'd not lingered on the thought.

"Always Renee. We'll see you soon enough" Edward smiled, Renee kissing his cheek and stepping away and turning to Bella opening her arms out to her daughter as Bella moved into her mother's arm quickly.

"I'm going to miss you sweetie. Make sure you take care of yourself and please think about visiting. Phil and I would be more than happy to have you and Edward with us" Renee cupped her daughter's cheek looking into her teary eyes.

"I love you mom" Bella said trying her best to control her tears, she had enjoyed their day together and she'd never been more thankful to Edward then she was now. He'd given her more time with Renee, after they'd spoken about how soon she'd be changed she knew her time with Renee was almost over. Even though she'd been curious what had taken Edward's attention so completely and why he'd been so silent for most of the day she'd been happy to simply talk about the past. About silly stories the two had shared together, from times even before Renee had met and then married Phil. When it had just been the two of them.

"I love you too baby. If you need anything Bella. Just call, I'll be on the next flight back. You just have to ask" Renee said and Bella could see that her mother was serious which in some ways surprised her, this accident had really affected both her parents. She'd barely had time to think about her injuries most of the day, though she'd noticed a few stray glances but then it seemed whenever Bella tried to see if someone was staring at her scars Edward was usually there. Perfectly timed to pull her thoughts and attention away from it, she was on to him though positive he was trying to shield her from the reactions of people to how she looked now.

"I know mom. Call me when you land I don't care what time it is when you do. I'm sure Phil has missed you too" Bella said her hand still holding her mother's, the lingering need to not let her leave yet.

Even in spite of Bella knowing that she wanted the life she had chosen this felt almost final, as she stood in this airport knowing that she may not see her mother again. That this may very well be one of the last times she got to spend time with her mother, she wasn't sure what was coming. She didn't know what the future held for everyone she loved and with Alice blind, she doubted she'd be knowing what was coming until everything was dealt with. As if Edward could somehow read her mind he stepped forward slipped his arm around Bella's waist and pulled her to him as Renee backed up slightly picking up her carry on and waving a little.

"I better go I'll miss you both. Bella take care of him. Edward you know" Edward simply smiled at Renee and nodded at Renee's not subtle comment, not that he needed to be told to take care of Bella. He held Bella close to him knowing she'd struggle with this placing a kiss to the side of her head as she clung to him her emotions finally getting the best of her.

"Bye mom" Bella croaked waving at her mother as she stood in Edward's embrace watching her mother move through the checking line, through into the main part of the airport. Renee waving one last time once she'd made it through the security gate. Then turning away from Bella and Edward, moving further into the mass of people. Bella losing sight of her mother and then falling apart into Edward's arms.

"Shush love its okay. You'll hear from her soon. You'll get to see her again" Edward whispered into her hair his arms wrapped tight around her petit body trying his best to sooth his emotional mate, he didn't envy Bella her choice.

He'd never known what he was giving up, his parents already passed on he'd never had to leave them behind. He doubted he would have, but had he known Bella was his reward had he been healthy and his parents alive he knew he'd have made the same choice. Even now with all that he was and had lived through, knowing that at the end of it all he'd be rewarded Bella he'd pick her each time. He'd endure the pain and agony all over again to have her, she was worth anything to him. He could only hope that Bella would always feel he'd been worth the sacrifice she'd make to be with him.

"Let's go home love" Edward whispered wrapping his arm around her shoulder as Bella kept her face still somewhat pressed into his chest as he guided her towards the parking lot. Bella's crying finally slowing as she gained control of herself turning up to look at Edward.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think I'd fall apart like that. She kept asking us to think about spending time with her in Jacksonville and then making plans with her and I couldn't explain why. I know she was disappointed. I hate hurting her especially when I know we'll have to die in her eyes" Bella said shaking her head moving her hand to brush the tears off her cheeks feeling a little silly for breaking down in the middle of an airport like those cheesy movies Renee always enjoyed.

"You have nothing to apologise for Bella. You can feel however you want. If you want to spend time with Renee before you undergo the change we can try to arrange that. I won't rush you Bella if you need more time with your parents I'll give you that. I love you I only want this to be as easy for you as possible" Edward turned to her pausing in the exit and tilting Bella's chin up as he leant down pressing his lips to her own chastely as Bella's hands twisted in the front of his shirt melting into his kiss.

"Thank you" Bella said suddenly the feelings shifting drastically at Edward's kiss, the need for more filling her completely she felt all over the place. These all consuming desires to make some type of claim of Edward settling over her chest again making her face flushed, her body ache in ways only she'd ever felt with him.

"Your distracting me" She whispered heatedly her tone a little breathy, once upon a time she'd accused him of trying to dazzle her and while this had a similar affect it was different. The way his taste seemed to make her feel wild when they kissed, the way his touch sent her body off like a live wire. His crooked smile was all the answer she needed as she shook her head at him, noticing that a few people were staring at them curiously as she tugged on his shirt pulling him out of the entrance way so they weren't blocking anyone's exit. All while Edward laughed lightly at Bella's blush.

"You seemed distracted enough for the both of us today?" Bella said with a question in her tone, while she'd much prefer to continue kissing Edward she knew this wasn't the place. Not out in the open, she'd much prefer the privacy of their bedrooms especially for the things she really wanted to share with Edward. Though she was deeply curious about what had garnered Edward's attention so completely during the meal they'd shared with Renee, not that Edward had ate anything. He'd done his part of moving food around with his forks to make it at least appear as if he too was eating.

"I was. I'm sorry for that. I wanted to see if I could hear anything. I wasn't expecting anything and I was right to assume so. I'd hoped that I'd pick up on vampires in the area. Unfortunately I didn't hear anything. Jasper will have to arrange scouting trips to Seattle to track scents. We've been complacent. We're sitting back and doing nothing. Giving our enemies too much time to plan out their strikes against us" Edward told Bella honestly as he slipped his hand into her own as they walked towards his Volvo. Bella listened intently. Pleased that she was no longer someone that was left to the background unaware of what was happening. She felt like his true equal now that he shared so much with her even the things that in the past he'd have hidden in his aim to protect her.

"Should you be splitting up everyone like that though? Carlisle and Esme are leaving today will we have enough people" Bella said concerned, if Esme and Carlisle were leaving it meant even less numbers to the expanded numbers of the pack and the fluctuating size of the newborn army. She worried there wasn't enough of her family to protect themselves.

"I've had Jasper contact friends of the family. He's sending word to Peter and Charlotte. Garret, a friend of the family and nomad. He's also contacted my friend Xavier, we travelled together during my rebellious phase" Edward said Bella turning her eyes to him pausing to a standstill in front of his Volvo.

"You travelled with another vampire?" Bella asked surprised, she'd never heard about anyone he'd spent time with during his existence she'd believed she'd met all those Edward had lived with for a time. His family, and now the Denali coven. It was even more interesting because this vampire was with Edward when he'd hunted humans.

"Yes Xavier and I spent a few years travelling. It's not safe for a vampire to travel alone. Xavier was a good friend, when I returned to Carlisle though he didn't wish to follow the diet. He preferred hunting criminals. I've not seen him since I returned to my family" Edward told Bella moving around her and opening the passenger door for her as Bella climbed in her lips parted almost on a question that seemed stuck on her tongue.

"How will it work? If they all hunt humans" Bella said finally was Edward moved into the driver's side as he turned to her smiling pulling the car out from the parking lot swiftly.

"I've told Jasper that while we require their assistance and they stay with us they must feed on animals. Too much attention has been drawn to the deaths here in Seattle. Having four human drinkers added to the hunting area would only draw more attention. They'll either decide not to help or they will and they'll work to the rules of our territory. Charlotte and Peter are Jasper's friends while they may want to refuse they wouldn't say no to Jasper. Garret likely will refuse. Xavier owes me. He'd not be here if it weren't for me so he'll return the favour." Edward said clearly confident that some of them would simply do as asked, Edward believed they would too. It wasn't like he was trying to force them to convert their drinking habits only while they were confined to the Cullen territory, he wanted to keep control of the deaths that were already growing out of control.

"And Carlisle and Esme have to leave?" Bella asked feeling the unease of them leaving, while Carlisle had upset her with the way he'd reacted after the fight she wasn't sure if it was the right decision to send them away. They were a family, in the hospital they'd been so set in family sticking together it felt wrong to then tell two members of the family to go.

"It isn't that I want to make them go" Edward sighed reaching to Bella and taking her hand in his own, his eyes however focussed on the road ahead.

"Carlisle is struggling. I'm hoping to save our relationship too. By sending him away I'm hoping there will still be a chance to fix it in the future. Esme must go with Carlisle, they're mated and she isn't taking to Jasper's training well. While she has learned the technique she's lacking in the execution, she doesn't go for the killer blow. Something that could harm her" Edward tried his best to explain to Bella why it was that Carlisle and Esme were both being sent away for a time, he was trying to save Carlisle from being forced to endure the killing. He was sending him away so they weren't to turn against each other, Edward could see that if things continued that may be the result. He wouldn't allow that.

"There has been things changing. Between Carlisle and I. I will always see him as my father but things have come to light that I'm not sure we can get past. I hope I'm wrong. This morning Jasper, Alice and Eleazer had news for me. My power we've believed for some time it's developing..."

"Developing?" Bella asked confused, never before hearing a term for those gifted within the family before.

"A developing gift is when a talent starts to change over time. It can either become stronger or merge into something more. Kate's talent was a developing one. She once could only shock someone with the palm of her hands. Now she can shock anyone when they come into contact with any part of her skin she has her talent active on." Bella nodded understanding then, suddenly realising that would mean that Edward's mind reading was developing. She couldn't help but feel proud of him, she wasn't sure why she felt that but the thought that his gift was becoming even more powerful only eased her worry. If Edward was stronger he'd be safer in this world.

"How is your mind reading developing?" Bella asked sitting up a little straighter her fingers playing with Edward's as she held his hand in her lap.

"Eleazer believes I'm not a mind reader. In some respects I have to agree. Aro is a mind reader. Aro can see and hear any thought or memory he wants with touch. I only hear what is present in the moment. When I was in the fight with the newborns I was being crushed. I'd become distracted and tried to warn Rose. One of them wrapped me up and started to crush me. I'd cried out for the newborn to release me. I'd believed, Jasper and Alice had stepped in and saved me but from Jasper's thought I saw what had happened. The command I'd made had not only been verbal it had also been mentally sent, the newborn heard it and so did Jasper. The newborn let go of me because I'd told him too" Edward said he'd still be very much trying to work it out in his own mind, trying to understand what it had been he'd done and seen from Jasper's thoughts. Even Eleazer's thoughts on what it would be he'd be capable of in the end.

"It's like the alpha command" Bella said and Edward turned to her surprised that he'd not seen it in that way too, and yet deeply disturbed that he'd somehow have an ability like that of the pack. Surprised Bella had seen in his developing gift the truth of it that he'd lacked knowing.

"They share a pack mind. You share in everyone's mind hear everything. When Sam makes an order his alpha command must be followed. You can do that to other people" Bella continued and Edward didn't like the thought of sharing anything that was like the pack but he had to respect that what Bella was saying was very close to the mark.

Like Eleazer had said his talent was like a child that had to be nurtured correctly, he wouldn't know what it was until he started to learn. He would have to be blind not to see the similarities that his gift had though to that of the pack. Edward had begun to reply to Bella when his phone had started ringing, he'd pulled it free from his pocket clicking the answers.

"Hello?"

"Edward. You need to get home now. I'm sorry to rush you but... Edward something's happened. Edward we need you." Jasper said urgently in a grave tone that sent a wave of fear up Edward's spine, Bella's hand the only thing tethering him to his place. His foot pressing more firmly down onto the accelerator as the car lurched forward faster, the purr of the engine as he pushed it to its limit trying to eat up the time between where he was and his family.

"What is it? Has there been an attack? Did Alice see something?" Edward rushed out and Bella tried her best to stroke her fingers over Edward's cold rigged hand to calm him. She felt the fear too though that something had happened to her loved ones while they'd not been there to help them. Even if as a human she had no hope of protecting the people she loved and cared for.

"I... I don't know how to say. I'm sorry Edward." Edward could even hear a hitch to Jasper's tone that he wasn't used to, Jasper usually so well controlled with his emotions due to his talent he often gave nothing away accept for in his mind. Edward could feel the dread in his stomach only grow greater, as he turned to look at Bella the only calming influence he had now, knowing that beyond anything else that she was safe.

"I'm so sorry Edward. Sorry... It's Carlisle, Edward. The pack got him..."

Only the sound of shattering plastic and metal was heard in the silence as Edward's phone crumbled cutting off Jasper, the roar of Edward's car vibrating. His nostrils flared eyes coal black, he couldn't look at Bella but could smell her tears in the air. She knew. Just like he did, he'd cut Jasper off before he'd finished but Edward knew.

Knew what that meant. Edward hadn't needed Jasper to finish his sentence to know how that ended. He could already feel the twisted knot of agony forming like he knew without being told at all.

His father was dead.