A/N Hey everyone, First I'd just like to say that I hope you all had a nice thanksgiving weekend, at least those of you that celebrate the holiday to those of you who don't I hope you just had a good weekend. I'm sorry that it took my so long to get the chapter updated for you guys but things have just been busy recently. It's the holidays period which means everything is hectic I'm sure all of you are aware of that :P so with that I'd just like to say that the next chapter may take a little to get updated but be patient. This chapter is very important in the story for what I've been building towards but believe me your all in for a huge treat with the next chapter. So it'll be worth the wait you may all have to endure for me to get it looking perfect before it's posted, so thank you all for being patient with me. I won't leave you guys waiting any longer and I'll let you all get to the chapter.
As Always massive thank you to my Beta, RDoster2012.
BETA READER: RDoster2012
Enjoy :)
RED DAWN
SUMMARY: Edward had always warned Bella that the pack was dangerous. They are hostile, volatile, and aggressive by nature. She ignored him, testing even Edward's vampire instinct, by staying friends with his enemy, Jacob. One event will change them all. Bella never truly understood the supernatural world; she 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 Twenty-Six
The tension was thick in the car, but there was also a sense of foreboding as Edward drove towards Bella's home. Only the sound of the rain pelting against the rooftop could be heard. Edward continued to run his thumb along the back of Bella's hand as they kept contact with each other, the rain oddly soothing his own concern as well as the melodic sound of her heartbeat. Carmen had opted to run alongside them both in the cover of the tree lines that surrounded them; she'd shared a long and heartfelt goodbye with her own mate Eleazar, before leaving with Edward and Bella.
With an unspoken desire, Bella and Edward hadn't broken contact with each other for even a moment when the practicing had finished, neither wanting to leave the other. But knowing that now was the time for action, as they'd earlier approached the Cullen home the sky had opened down on them and the rain had began to pour harsher still. It only grew harsher still once they had begun the drive to Bella's home where she'd be left behind. It seemed only more ironic and daunting as the grey sky seemed to sweep in with a harsh breeze that bit at the warm skin on Bella's face. The day had started so bright and hopeful even in the heartache and chaos that had happened around them, and now as she would allow all those she cared for to walk into danger the sky seemed to match her own fear. As tears steadily trickled down her cheeks silently, the raindrops cascaded down her window; Edward remained silent, but still just as comforting as they savoured each other.
So much could go wrong, so much more could be lost, much more than what has already been lost.
Bella wasn't sure she could take this much longer, and yet knew she'd do so to have Edward, to finally have forever with him. It was so close, the sparks of what they could be together, what they could share if they just survived, was all she could cling on to. The morning they had shared, embracing the love they had, so intimately she knew him and he her, and now she knew what devastation it would cause to have it taken from her. She wouldn't regret it though, not a moment of the life she had already shared with him, not the obstacles already overcome and those that promised to still come. Once upon a time she'd been a naive girl who had loved and yet not understood the depth of the love she had, she'd believed herself broken once when he'd left her. Only to take advantage of it when that love had returned to her, then she had her eyes awoken to so much; she'd matured in a moment that had ultimately been her own mistake.
Now she knew that not even those months without him could promise to make her understand what would truly become of her should she lose him now. Now she'd felt the true strength of the supernatural bond that tied them together, not that she knew the lengths not only Edward would go but also she would go to keep him. Her part in this was to stay behind and she would, she'd convince Charlie of her part, explain to him the coming trip that she and Edward had planned. She'd lie better then she had ever had to lie before to finally tie away all those loose ends.
Her time as Bella Swan was coming to an end. She had to hope that her life as Bella Cullen would soon enough be hers completely to revel in. The threats were still so many and dangerous but this one, a threat she'd once viewed as a harmless prejudice between species. The threat of the pack she'd found she'd never truly known, could be ended this evening, how the loose ends that would be left could be explained she'd never know, or if her family realised the true depth of how unlikely it was that they'd be able to hide so much death.
So much was on the line now.
"I need you to know. I need you to understand, every choice I've made... every single one, I would endure again to have you. Of course I wish I could have spared us some of my mistakes. Time apart, that should have never come to pass. I won't let this be the end of our story Isabella. I won't let this be our final chapter." Edward said fiercely, with a burning confidence in his beautiful eyes, as Bella turned to look at his handsome face. Memorizing every curve and line of his features, every curled eyelash that surrounded his still red eyes, but the hint of gold at the edges. She felt her eyes greedily take him in, never wanting to admit but knowing this could be her last time to ever see his flawless handsome face. She couldn't let herself linger there those thoughts too dark, too heartbreaking to experience.
"I know. I trust you. From the very first moment, till our very last, I will trust you and love you always." Bella brought their joined hands to her lips, brushing her warm lips over his cool knuckles, the tightness around Edward's own chest heightening, he was ready and yet he still couldn't help the fear that sat in his gut. The terrifying thought that he might never see her beautiful heart shaped face again, that he'd never see those deep chocolate brown eyes looking deeply into the soul he'd once believed he'd not possessed.
"Just be prepared love. Prepare for my return; ease Charlie into the lie that we must leave him with. I know it's one more lie that you've been forced to tell, but we can no longer stay in Forks. We'll take care of him, our family will watch over him while I take you from here. Somewhere I can bring you into this world as my true equal. Are you ready for this Bella? Are you ready to make that choice? I need to know now, so much hangs in the balance and..." Edward was silenced by Bella's soft smile pressed into the back of his hand as he turned from his gazing at the growing slick road back to his mate.
"I'm ready Edward, I'm only scared of the mess we'll leave for Charlie to deal with. I'm scared of what those who remain from the conflict might say or tell him. I'm scared of every time I think of how they could hurt him. How him not knowing any of the secrets places him in so much danger and yet knowing if he knew he'd never be able to live with it, and he'd only be in even worse danger." Bella explained and she could feel the edges of her own hysterics, not only at the situation of what Edward was walking into and leading his family into because of her choice, but there was also the fear that Charlie would come to harm, that even should they beat the pack, that this would all hurt Charlie.
Many of the people in La Push were important to Charlie, many tied into the pack and the council were friends he'd had his entire life. Billy who had once been his best friend, now the two hadn't spoken since Jake's death. Sue his girlfriend, who had lost her daughter and possibly would lose her son, how could they ever be together, how could Charlie do anything when Bella knew Sue hated her as much as any of the Cullen's. Would she hurt her father emotionally due to something completely out of his control, and yet Bella selfishly wanted Sue and Charlie away from each other.
"I can only promise that we'll watch over him Bella. I can't make promises that those Charlie once viewed as friends will ever be accepting of him. If we've learnt anything of those within the pack and council, it's that their hate and grudges run deep. We won't let anything happen to your father Bella, I promise I won't let harm come to him love." Edward swore and knew he'd do everything he could to ensure Charlie was safe. That even once he took Bella away, he'd make sure to have someone watch over Charlie Swan. His father in law, the man he'd come to respect even in spite of the many difficulties that the two of them had shared. Charlie loved his daughter; he was to his basic bones a good man, a man who believed in law and the rules that society held. It was also one of the reasons Edward knew that Charlie could never know the truth, he liked his small town, and he enjoyed his life simple without complications.
Edward pulled into the driveway behind Charlie's police cruiser, inhaling the scent of his mate, as he turned his body more towards her and then reaching forward, cupping her face in his two large hands as he leaned forward, brushing his lips against her forehead, then tenderly tracing his lips over both of her cheeks and then finally pressing his lips against her own. The kiss, deeply longing and beautifully sweet, to anyone present they would have been able to witness the underlining reality that this young couple were facing uncertainty, the heartbreaking unknown that loomed over both. As Bella found her hands twisting into Edward's shirt trying to pull him even closer still, as if she could embrace him completely and never have to let go ever again, the kiss slowed to gentle chaste pecks, both feeling the need to control their panted breathing. Even with one unneeded of such a bodily function.
"Go. Bella go before I find myself unable to leave." Edward said, and once again Bella found herself knowing she had to be strong now, even though she didn't want to be. If she panicked and pleaded now they'd all be lost. She chewed on her trembling lip, then pressing her lips to his once more so softly and brief it left Edward still leaning into her kiss as Bella pulled away.
"I'll be waiting for you. Don't leave me waiting too long Edward." Bella whispered, and then for possibly the first time in their relationship Bella exited the car without Edward's help; both knowing that he was holding himself in place by a very fine thread of restraint. Edward swallowing against the build up of venom as he watched every step his mate took towards her home. She didn't look back to him, he was thankful she didn't. Even amongst the rain hitting the roof of his car he could still hear the sound of her hitching breath as she cried. Edward remained frozen in his position until the door of her home closed behind her, and then he felt his body move almost as if on autopilot reversing smoothly and driving a few houses down from her home as Carmen moved into the moving car's passenger side, sitting beside Edward then but not saying anything. Edward finally turning to face Carmen as she now took up the seat that had only moments before Bella had been sitting in.
"You protect her. Even a hint of danger and you get them away from here Carmen. You get Bella and her father far from Forks. I won't let this be my end; if she's in danger I'll find you. Keep her safe Carmen. I..." Edward found himself struggling for words as he pulled the car to a stop once again and Carmen's hand stilled over his own on the steering wheel to silence him, understanding the fear better then he'd be able to explain.
"I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe for you Edward. Now go, our family is waiting. End this, for all of us. Avenge our fallen family members Edward, unleash that darkness that lies inside you and don't stop until they're all dead. Not a single one of them Edward, don't let a single one of them live with the chance to harm us again!" Edward turned to the fierce gaze that was on Carmen's face.
Edward had always believed her very much like Esme in her mind set, but now he found a more hostile woman. A vampire that was tired of the pain; so exhausted of the tears that couldn't be shed for loved ones that had been taken from her. While she knew she wasn't as able, she wanted her pound of flesh too. Carmen once compared to herself tender mother, but both having a dormant monster sitting in wait, he knew she'd do all she could to protect his mate. Now he had to believe that he and his family would be able to protect and fight together to end those who wished to destroy them. Edward could feel the edges of that long forced down rage on the edges of his very being, the rage that he'd feared as it had found him unable to control his new gift. He knew he could embrace the rage now without lashing out, he had unleashed his rage before on these shifters, and he would do so again.
"Be aware of anything. Even a hint of something... you go Carmen. Take them far and I'll find you. Nothing, not even defeat will keep me from her. Keep her safe as I destroy our enemy." Edward said with finality, as he stepped out from his car and into the harsh rainfall, the cold temperature almost feeling warm against his skin as the rain clung to him already.
Edward ran towards his home now, it didn't feel much like a home any longer, destruction caused from conflicts that had occurred within. Broken flooring, crumbled walls, the once pristine home was falling apart inside; and yet still oddly looked perfect visually from the outside. Edward knew that they would never return to Forks once they left, that any history that this place held would be buried with those who had been lost. This place that should have been something special, the place that he found his true love and became whole would also be tainted by the horrors that had happened within this small rainy town.
The place he'd found his mate would also be the place that he buried the ashes of his mother and father, the place that he'd killed again since his decades of abstaining from harming any creature that wasn't an animal since his rebellion. It was time to put away old beliefs and ways now though, he was a vampire, he was a man of both sides, he knew now that he was not simply one half. To be able to hold dear to him all that he treasured and adored, Edward knew that there was also need for his darkness.
The La Push pack had awoken that darkness completely and now they had provoked his fury even more, he had allowed so many things to give him pause. Edward knew even in his own failings that he'd tried to also give his family more time; by stopping himself, he'd allowed his enemy more time to prepare. No longer, Edward knew what he was, he knew the man he was to become. He was a leader, he was a brother and fiancée, his place could not have been any clearer to him, Alice's vision had always been known, and it had taken the love of a human to bring it forward. It had taken mortality to show him that even in his unyielding state he too could change, that even he was capable of both good and evil. It had taken the complete acceptance of finally being who and what he was to free him from the layered restraint and control that had hidden so much of himself from not only those around him but even himself.
Edward found his family and friends already in the living room standing around the once standing dining room table, now a large map of the surrounding area of Forks was pinned down. Jasper stood at the front of the table, in his mind he'd clearly been waiting for Edward's arrival back, but he'd already been making brief and decisive comments to those around for what they would need to do. Edward would entrust much of the planning and strategy behind this attack in Jasper's hands. While they may look to him as the leader of this force, Edward knew that Jasper's experience and talent for this art form far out shined anything he could hope to create with his own planning.
Edward's desire was simple, he wanted to kill Sam Uley, he wanted to kill the alpha and as many of those that stood to defend the pack leader and who had taken his father from him and forced his hand against his own mother. It was only the rational part of his mind that knew he could lose, should he rush in, that held him from crossing the treaty line to hunt them all down, just as he crossed it once before to save Bella. Only knowing that he potentially could protect his family better by not rushing in did he find himself standing around the table beside Jasper, as they looked over the surrounding land between that of their home and Forks, and that of the reservation.
Edward could see already though that this was where Jasper was truly in his element, something he'd not just gained from his life as a seasoned warrior, but from his human life as well. He was pleased not only that he had Jasper to entrust such plans being put into place, but also that this didn't torment Jasper. Much of Jasper's existence plagued him; at least this was something he could still hold some pride in.
"Moving into the pack's territory should be fairly simple. From what we've seen in the past, we know that they take a perimeter check that spans a wide U shape of their land. Unfortunately to go around and loop into the open space they don't watch over would be too time consuming, something I know we are all not interested in." Jasper pointed over the map, dragging his finger along the course that the pack took for scouting and protecting their own lands in the past. Even then, that to Edward made him believe he should have seen the signs sooner, from the beginning the wolves had constantly tried to protect their lands from them. Even when there had been no signs or even moves from his family to ever break the promises that they had made so many decades before. The distrust and hatred had been there from the beginning, they'd been positive of the coming threat, now they would finally have reason to protect the land.
"So what's the plan? We just cross into their land and head straight for them?" Xavier asked, a little sceptical then as he pointed his finger to the small area that was La Push and where those of the tribe lived. Many of them human, and likely fearful of the pack as any human should be, Edward knew that from what little he'd seen that evening in Billy's mind that the people of La Push were not happy. They did not feel protected they felt threatened and scared, not only of the boys who lacked any control but also of the bloodlines that could potentially make their own sons and daughters change. Not even the girls were viewed as safe from the transformation after Leah made the change.
"Crossing into their land, essentially yes. We'll walk right on in; we'll break into pods of no less than three and follow the perimeter checks they carry out. Any wolves we cross must be dealt with quickly. End them fast and without any hesitation, we need to make them feel like they are surrounded. We need to make them know that we are closing in. We can't take the fight to the streets of La Push. While some humans may know of what we are we just can't risk that level of exposure. The wolves may not fear the world, knowing what they are but we have rules that must be held in place." Jasper said firmly, all knowing that the exposure of what was about to happen could already make them guilty enough. There was no hope of attention not being drawn to Forks, with the coming deaths, even with what was taking place in Seattle. Edward had to believe that the Volturi and Aro were at least somewhat aware; his only confusion was why they hadn't stepped in already. The deaths in Seattle had been happening for longer than they should have ever been allowed, it was clear to any who knew that it was vampires. Even clearer still to an ancient such as Aro that it was not simply an uncontrollable vampire but an army of such creatures.
"What of the disposing of the dead once we handle the task at hand? We haven't even begun to speak of how we'll cover so many deaths in one swoop. Authorities will hear of the deaths of so many men, especially within a tribe such as La Push. Your mates father will be one of them to learn of what has happened, how can we hope to kill these men and not be exposed in such a way?" Eleazar questioned and Edward placed his hand on Jasper's shoulder to stop him from continuing, this was a question he knew he himself would need to answer.
"We've decided to stage an accident. We'll have to move quickly, but we believe it's possible that we may be able to stage a house collapse that'll explain the death of some of the men. At least the more prominent members of the tribe." Edward said, and he knew how lacking the plan sounded, they had tried to think over many ways to cover so many deaths but it had nearly been impossible. They had almost come around to the stealing of a pathogen that could be released to the locals of La Push. It had been one Carlisle had expressly refused to consider, Edward too had been able to agree to such a way to cover the deaths that he was planning, such a pathogen being released promised no control at all.
There was also the risk that such a disease being released to the public could cause more innocent deaths than any of them wanted, they wanted to destroy the pack but they didn't wish to harm the humans within La Push. Many of those in La Push could be considered no more than victims to not only the pack, but also the council that had resorted to protect the shifters over their own people. Then there was the potential threat to that of Forks and even Port Angeles should the pathogen spread and fan out even further, they didn't wish to risk a pandemic in their need to hide the deaths of the pack. An accident was the best solution; a housing structure collapsing killing so many would raise questions of course, but Edward knew however, that many would know as he did that the pack would return to Sam's home, that many of them spent time in that home together rather than apart.
"This is all undetermined of course. We know the council will never reveal the deaths; they've already covered such acts before with those that have died. They may want to destroy us and believe they can but those of the council once the pack is destroyed will have no protectors. They know of our leaders, know what would become of them should they expose the supernatural world. The entire tribe would be massacred; it would become another mysterious unexplained tale of a town being wiped out over night. A tale that conspiracy shows spoke of, but never truly touched upon the truth, we all know of places that exist such as this. The south has remained all but unaware even though a war has continued on that soil for centuries now. The humans will always believe the lie as long as it's more believable then the truth." Jasper continued after Edward, he too feeling the same trepidation in the part of the plan that required clean up after the deaths of the pack, should they win which Jasper truly believed they would. He had complete confidence that he could lead his family through this with Edward, without losing any of them. He knew the pack were far more dangerous than they had been, but he had a weapon in his own arsenal unlike anything he'd had before in his existence. In Edward, Jasper believed he had the equivalent to a nuclear warhead.
"What splits within the group were you thinking Jasper?" Kate spoke out, wanting to move the topic back to the plans; while she too did not wish to bring down the wrath of the Volturi for exposure, she wanted her chance to kill the wolves. Too long she'd been made to sit back, mourning her sister, remembering the sight of Irina's head torn from her body before she'd been made helpless under the attack of the wolves. The constant reminder on her new human sister, the scarring and stitching that marked her face, something that ebbed a fire in her to protecting the young woman that had come to mean a great deal to her.
"I thought it best to place us within groups we'd be somewhat familiar with. Kate, Tanya and Eleazar. Emmet and Rosalie with Peter and Charlotte. Edward, Alice and myself. I wasn't really sure where to place Xavier and Rochelle, though it would seem you already had a place in mind that you wished?" Jasper turned his gaze to Xavier, who shared a look with his own mate, as she nodded confidently placing her hand upon his shoulder as he stepped closer looking over the map.
"Seems pretty clear to me. You want to draw those bloody dogs out, Rochelle is awfully hard to find and I've always been good at finding her." Xavier turned to look back at her with a mischievous grin, Edward could see then within Xavier's mind that he was willing to place himself very much in the thick of this battle. Would even make himself bait as to help draw the pack out and to where they wanted them most.
"After the initial running of the perimeter. Killing any of those we come across, I'd make the suggestion that Rochelle and I move into La Push. She can keep herself hidden from sight but her scent will still be there for them to follow, and I've got no problem making my presence clear to them all. We won't engage, we'll wait until we've got them into the surrounding forest area, Rochelle and I can run across each other making our scents overlap, confuse them. They'll likely expect that you're all involved but then that comes down to Jasper. Seems the sergeant here is more the thinker for actual battle plans, I've always just been good at causing other's to chase me." Xavier turned to Edward shooting a wink in his direction, the cause between their first meeting. His being in danger after aggravating a coven of other immortals that Edward had in a rare moment felt the need to step in and help aid Xavier. They had spent a long time together after that initial meeting and Edward had learnt quickly that Xavier had a talent of rubbing individuals the wrong way.
"Is it something that could work Jasper?" Edward turned from his shared look between himself and Xavier back to his brother, as Jasper's mind worked furiously over scenarios. He did enjoy the thought of using both Rochelle's subtle leaving of a scent but hidden appearance and Xavier's blatant presence to draw the wolves out. The best way for them to end this was to destroy the wolves all at once, even though they no doubt had the numbers now they couldn't risk any surviving, for them to plan an attack later. The timing would need to be perfectly set between Xavier and Rochelle drawing the pack into the selected location and the rest of the pods that they had been split into converging on the unsuspecting pack. Even a second off and it could not only leave Rochelle and Xavier without back up but it could leave many of the groups outnumbered and removed from the rest of the family and easier pickings for the wolves.
"Could it work? Yes. It's dangerous though, if the timing is even a fraction off. If the wolves were to suspect and return to the perimeter before chasing down the scents. If the numbers are large enough that they split up it could be devastating for us. We'd end up essentially closing ourselves in, much like we wish to do to the pack." Jasper said, reaching up and using a very similar trait that many associated with Edward, as he pinched the bridge of his nose inhaling deeply. The mannerism very human and appearing even more strange to those within the family that spent so much time away from other humans, even the Denali's.
"We won't let ourselves be a second off then." Emmet said seriously, looking from Jasper to then Edward, he'd felt the rift between himself and his brothers. Felt almost an odd man out, he wasn't gifted, and he didn't possess the supernatural and devastating talent that his brothers had when it came to combat. He had his power, strength that while was a threat and respected amongst their kind was often pushed aside when dealing with those gifted. Aro had proven the true power in the immortal world when he'd fought the army the Romanian's had gathered to topple the Volturi. So many numbers and they had not been able to overcome those gifted within the Volturi.
Emmet knew however that the complications had not only come from a sense of feeling forced out. It also came from the rift between his mate and his brothers. Something he struggled with, something he knew he was failing at. The family was on the brink of destruction, choices were being made, ones he himself knew he could have never made and he had failed to help his mate's pain and contain her harsh tongue against others. His family meant everything to him though, he would just have to learn to handle it all better, learn to stop his mate even when his heart didn't want to make her feel closed in on. Emmet was coming to the realisation much as Edward had so long ago. It felt now as he'd stood on the edge of heading into a war that risked everyone he cared for, he'd allowed Rosalie's feelings and decisions become more important than his own. She'd said terrible things to Jasper and Edward; he loved Rosalie as all mated pairs loved each other, but as he'd given the words to Edward outside the hospital that fateful night. It was okay to be angry with the ones you loved, even when your heart told you to forgive them without thought.
"No, we won't Emmet." Edward said confidently, sharing a glance with his large brother, accepting of the thoughts and hidden meaning behind his own statement. Emmet was a protector; he'd been devastated by Carlisle's destruction and heartbroken at seeing what Esme's loss had done to his Rosie. He wanted his pound of flesh, and he'd do all he could to ensure that he helped defend his family now, even from his own mate whose temper had harmed other members before.
They exhausted each avenue of the plan that they had come to agree upon, Jasper had made every single note of danger that this could and would likely place before them. It had been an agreement across the board that the first initial attack would be set to take out any of those on perimeter check. Edward once within La Push would have a far greater knowledge of specific locations. His hearing range being able to use to its full potential once they were deep into the reservation forest, then as the rest of them dealt with those tracking the land, Xavier and Rochelle would split up and move deep into the small reservation of La Push.
Rochelle was to move ahead, hidden by her gift but leave her scent clearly along a specific route that would run along first beach and then lead into the forests surrounding. Xavier would make a more obvious and blatant path, the intention of having Xavier not only move past the location of the Black's home and then even deeper into the small area of houses that Edward knew to have Sam Uley's home.
They would be placing Xavier out in the open, around not only those who weren't shifted but the humans who were most important to the pack. It had been made completely clear however that neither Rochelle nor Xavier were to engage at any cost, they were to lure the pack away from the reservation into the surrounding forest. Once Rochelle and Xavier were being chased or at least their scents were in the air they were to loop in from different directions until they would cross at the single location Jasper had decided upon within the forest.
While they didn't know the land on the reservation as well as their own land, Jasper wanted a thickly condensed area, with a build up of thick trees and foliage. Vampires with their smaller frames could and would be able to use such tight and close proximities to most effectively harm the wolves. Such close quarters and lack of clear space would cause many problems not only for the wolves' bodies and sizes but the style in which they fought. The rules were clear to all, that none of them were allowed to drift far from their selected group, with the numbers and way the pack thought, finding yourself alone would be a death sentence.
Jasper wished for a strike and move rotational fighting, that would have them essentially cleaning up after each other. Leaving the wolf that you harmed ready for the killer blow by the member coming up behind you, it would both be disorientating for the wolves as well as unexpected. Jasper believed it would work, and Edward trusted Jasper's strategy completely. Much of the confidence in all the members, came from Jasper reminding them of Edward's success alone.
While he made it clear the advantages that Edward had held over his enemies, it was still a feat greatly achieved that Edward had bested three of these beasts single-handed. They were still vulnerable, still very mortal, and precise and lethal; targeted strikes would and could end them in one blow if delivered correctly. Also, the added reality that they all had one last ditch lethal attack were they left without any other option, the bite was a devastating attack all of them had at their disposal to use should they need it.
Edward found himself watching over those in his family and friends as they all spoke with their most adored family, he watched the tender scenes of mated pair's whispered words. Edward watched as daughters looked to a father figure readying themselves to avenge a fallen sister and daughter, he saw in his own siblings that need for vengeance against the parents taken from them. Then also he saw the need for justice in the eyes of his friends that needed to make right of the wrong done upon them all.
They were all strong in their belief that this was right. Many choices had brought them all to this point and Edward knew that he was ready to let go of his control. That the darkness that settled inside of his chest, which seemed to vibrate with an excess of energy, the monster he'd named it, was there and it had never been a closer friend to him as he found his own mind willing it to life. He was ready to end this, both parts of him, the man and the monster, both were ready to end this threat and move forward with his life, they had a mate that was protected away from this violence but he knew he had to overcome this threat to return to her.
"You're ready for this Edward?" Alice whispered at Edward's side, breaking his attention away from looking over the room, turning to his sister. His most favourite sibling of all, she'd always been held so dear to him throughout the years, her affection and care for him often a soothing balm to the heart aching loneliness.
Alice had always stood by him, always been supporting of him even when she'd been in disagreement he could now see she'd only ever had the best of his intentions at heart. All while holding a secret to herself, he couldn't begin to understand the level of restraint she'd have had to endure to keep it from him for so many years. But she'd somehow managed, knowing before he'd never accept it. Now it was his reality, she'd waited her entire existence to see it and he knew in her mind she was finally seeing the signs of her vision, even if she was heartbroken that it would never be a complete vision with those already taken from them.
"I'm ready Alice. I've been ready for a long time, I held off... I shouldn't have. I'll never let our family wait for a threat to harm us first again though. All the mistakes I've had to learn from will shape my choices for our family from this point forward. I'm not the only one who has struggled though, you spoke with Eleazar?" Edward questioned, knowing he'd only seen partly into that shared conversation the two had briefly begun before he'd left with Bella and Carmen to return Bella to her home. He knew even now, from the sound and tone of Alice's thoughts that the conversation hadn't gone favourably. She was still aggravated with the lack of help Eleazar had really been able to offer her.
"He doesn't offer much. Not that I expected him to, seems we Cullen's treat our gifts more of a curse then a gift as others do. My entire existence I've used my ability to guide me through life, now when my family most needs it, I find it out of my ability to see anything that can help us." Alice said, and her irritation wasn't only clear in her tone of voice but the expression of her face. Edward reached beside him to squeeze her shoulder as he saw the memory she showed him of her conversation with Eleazar. It seemed Eleazar had given her a piece of advice that Alice just didn't believe was helpful at all, but it seemed oddly perfect to Edward's own understanding as he listened to the words of Eleazar in Alice's mind.
"Stop trying Alice, let it be..."
"Perhaps he's more right then you understand Alice." Edward said softly, turning his body away from looking around the family living area to focus his complete attention on his pixie sized sister. Her gaze looking up at him unsure, he could see it then just how deeply this had rocked his usually confident joyful sister, a conversation she'd have likely known the result of before he'd finished deciding what to say. She had never been normal, much like him it had been something that had bonded the two and he felt he'd let Alice down by not reaching out to her sooner, it seemed now she was turning to him before this was all to come to head for need of reassurance. He would be there for her now as a good brother and leader, as she'd expected of him, a lifetime of her constant care if even at times somewhat stifling it had always been from love. Now he'd help her too, or he at least hoped he'd be able to reaffirm her own confidence.
"For so long now you've forced the visions you see. You've had complete control upon when and what you see, that wasn't how your visions came to pass though Alice. When you found Jasper in your gift you never looked for him, when you found our family it came to you without looking, when you saw what Bella would become to me you saw it without even trying. Even with your lesser control over seeing those outside of our species you saw so much of what Bella could mean to not only me but you also. Perhaps Eleazar's advice is exactly what you need Alice, all the visions you have seen of recent have come to you when your gift has decided to show you. Not from forcing, not from willing it to happen but from instinct.
Our most strongest and powerful ability in our beings Alice, our instincts that even we deny often do not fail us. You've seen around the pack, you've seen things even though so much is undecided, stop looking Alice because you aren't blind, your visions haven't left you and you aren't less of who you are without the constant assurance of the gift you posses. You are my sister, you are powerful and strong and you are a seer, stop searching and instead let yourself see." Edward smiled down into her eyes, his hand moving up from her shoulder to cup her cheek, as she looked at him, surprised almost. The growth in this man, he'd always had deep care within him, even a wisdom to much of his knowledge but Alice standing before him as he reassured her had never felt more confident in her ability then hearing the confidence that Edward held for her.
"So many of us have misunderstood our own gifts. Jasper and I have restrained ourselves while you have allowed it to become every part of you. The defining thing that makes you my sister and yet it isn't Alice, you are a force of nature, even without the visions you are gifted. You told me to stop controlling my restraint and I have and I've seen the beginnings of what I can do. Now I turn those words on you Alice, let go of the control you hold over your gift. Let it be what it has always been Alice.
Not your first sight but a second sight, an instinctual part of your nature that protects you. Let your gift protect you as it did that first day you awoke to this world completely and truly blind to what you were." Edward finished, as Jasper finally made his way towards Alice, feeling the heightened emotions that seemed to be oozing from his mate, he knew the conversation with Eleazar hadn't given her the satisfied conclusion she'd wanted and felt the need to speak with Edward.
Jasper had of course reassured her that Edward would be able to listen, speak over what concerned her and he could already feel and share from the emotions of his mate that he'd been right to believe in Edward. The relationship the two shared had once upon a time made Jasper very wary of the once unmated handsome youth with a deep insight into his loves mind; he'd not understood it then but learnt and trusted in Alice. Only recently as he found himself at Edward's side more so then any other just how easy it was to be pulled under the strange spell as it were that Edward gave off even if unintentional. Jasper knew that while Alice's vision had seen many who had fallen still part of this grand coven she'd once hoped for, Jasper knew that the leader at least was finally becoming who he'd meant to be. Jasper couldn't be more grateful for that as he saw the tension and self-doubt seem to ease from upon his mate's shoulders at his brother's words.
"It's time." Edward stated finally as he released Alice to move to Jaspers side. Finally making a final sweep of the room, taking in all the faces of those who stood behind him now. No clearer could it have been, the faces that were missing now as they all stood before him ready and willing to run into danger. He knew what he was asking of them, knew the consequences better than any of what could be lost if they failed as he knew the future he'd promised his mate could be ripped from him in this moment.
She was left behind, and yet she could have been at his side still, the strength even her name in his mind gave him was astounding, he did not fear the fight, he wasn't scared of the pack. He knew the danger they held but he also knew the vulnerabilities that they carried too, he'd waited, he'd forced his family and friends to wait and that had cost him. No more would they wait though, like sitting ducks to be picked off by children who didn't truly understand what mortality was. It was easy for immortals to become naive to death, never aging or growing sick, never taking harm, they stood still for too long, became to stagnant. Edward would be sure to never let that come to pass with his family, they were not beyond change, and they were not beyond adapting to the changes around them.
"Carlisle was always known for his words of wisdom when it came to these kinds of moments throughout our life. While I can't hope to give you the words to guide you through this fight, while I can't promise that all will be the same after. I can swear this to you. I will be by your side every moment, each struggle, each obstacle you have to overcome, I'll be there as each of us will. Some of you have come to defend my family out of friendship, I'd like to believe that that once friendship is now just as strong as the ties of family. These wolves are many, they are not to be underestimated, but they are not our end, they are arrogant, they are new to this world and they do not know of the power of a coven fighting for each other. I called upon you all to help defend my family, now I ask you stand by me to help defend our family.
Follow the strategy and plans that Jasper has crafted with all of our help, protect and work together. We are by no means helpless to these threats, so channel what you must, if it is the grief of what has been lost, the justice you believe needed, the love of your family or even the honour of what you believe in, channel it and fight. Fight without remorse, without restraint, give these beasts every part of you not only the vampire but the man or woman inside, I will be leaving nothing left, on this battle field. I vowed to end this and I shall, this pack shall never live to tell the tale of the enemy they created here." Edward looked between each of them, every one of his siblings even to Rosalie, who he knew still held much resentment towards him and yet she still stood ready to defend.
There in lay the reason he'd tolerated her soured mood, even in her anger, her blaming of him, she still stood by their family. Would still place herself in danger to help protect Emmet, who stood more maturely then Edward had ever seen before. The thrill and enjoyment of a fight still at the back of his mind, lingering in thoughts and tenor of his thoughts but there was seriousness there now, a maturity that showed he would not make a joke of this fight. Emmet had always been a capable fighter who had only been held back by the lack of need to take a fight further then playful, he'd always relied more so on his power then his skill. This Emmet was not of old; this Emmet would bring down upon those who wished to harm his loved ones an untold amount of decisive destruction. Years of ignoring both the teachings of Jasper and Edward's less aggressive and brutish fighting styles were still in his immortal memory; he was ready to channel that now.
Jasper stood with a collected calm that would have caused any seasoned fighter fear, the cold hardened edge to his entire demeanour spoke of all that this immortal could do. He'd spent a lifetime on the battlefield not only of mortal men but of immortals too, he'd felt shamed and guilt for much of the lives he'd taken. He'd barely survived through it but he'd learned, with each scar that littered his marred flesh he had learned another lesson that would help forge the legend that would linger still in the south of Jasper.
Then Alice, a ferocious foe in her own right even despite her pixie size, she'd never had need to truly unleash all that she was capable of. Her gift made her just as dangerous as Edward, in the past, many not even bothering to try to fight her for she already knew the outcome. Now with so much unknown to her, with her visions feeling like they had failed her, Edward still believed Alice would fight through this without question. Jasper had not left his mate without the means of protecting herself and Edward knew that laying dormant in his favourite sister was the anger and frustration at all that had happened just ready to burst free upon the pack. Edward knew his family were ready, knew that they were all as ready as could be expected now. Time for waiting was over.
The sky above Forks had darkened some, even with the thick constant cover of rain clouds; the grey darkness swirled over head as the rain poured down. It was unrelenting and yet Edward knew that perhaps this rain would be washing away the ashes of those he cared most for, it could also be washing away the blood that he would spill. Even now as he walked out from his home knowing that soon he would leave this place, he couldn't help but think of both Esme and Carlisle, his parents. Those who had tried to help guide him through his existence in this life even when he'd all but turned them away; it only fuelled that inner rage as the rain swept over him. Coating his usually untamed windswept hair to his forehead thickly.
Edward barely caught sight of Rochelle and Xavier, both removing the shoes on their feet. Peter and Charlotte both without the item of clothing already, something so simple and yet it held meaning, nomads, he'd once travelled like them and yet he'd often been teased by Xavier for his constant purchasing of such items. A way to somehow appear civilised and human even when he'd been at his least human, Edward felt himself kicking away the shoes from his feet then. Peeling the socks away from his bare feet and feeling the softening mud beneath his feet. If he was to truly accept himself as a vampire, if he was to leave all that he held inside of him, then even the smallest of hidden meanings, even that of a pair of shoes he'd remove. The Edward that was going into La Push was not the same man that burst through to protect his mate, there had still been humanity within that vengeful beast.
They moved then, Edward moving to the left of the gathered pods, both Jasper and Alice flanking either side of him as they pushed forward. Edward in constant connection to the hum of the minds that he held closest, Peter and Charlotte were both ahead with Rochelle and Xavier. Once Rochelle and Xavier crossed into wolf territory, Peter and Charlotte would move to join Emmet and Rosalie. From there they all had their own duties given to them by Jasper's planning; none had a more difficult task though then Xavier and Rochelle. The two had willingly decided to place themselves completely within La Push without anything more than each other, while Rochelle would be able to hide herself, Xavier would be left vulnerable.
Edward paid close attention to all the minds as best he could while continuing on his path, as he crossed through into pack territory, the scent of the wolves was sickeningly strong, almost unnaturally heightened. As if they'd for some reason tried to coat their very scents over the area. Edward could see quickly that he wasn't the only one to notice this strange abnormality. While the scents were older and fading, there was many of them and they had been all but forced over every inch of the surrounding tree line.
"Something isn't right. They smell but this..." Jasper spoke as the three of them slowed their pace slightly, Edward looking around urgently, knowing they couldn't stop. The group of Charlotte, Peter, Xavier and Rochelle were readying to split from one another. If they allowed themselves to be drawn away from the plan, even by a few seconds it could risk everyone.
"They've tried to cover a scent." Edward's nostrils flared, not known amongst his family for being the best natural tracker of scents, he'd made a fool of himself trying to hunt Victoria in such a way when he'd separated from Bella, when he'd chased Victoria clear to South America. Edward inhaled deeper, his eyes turning around looking from the tree lines, the pace they moved now was almost human, and Edward could see that he wasn't the only one to have noticed something. Emmet and Rosalie had picked up on the slight foreignness, but as Rosalie inhaled clutching at Emmet's hand abruptly stopping him he saw in his sister's mind what he'd lacked to see.
"Gasoline..."
It happened almost at too fast a pace for even Edward's vampire mind to register completely, it had almost been too late for them all, as he'd realised that something horrific had been laying in wait for them. As Edward had turned to warn both Alice and Jasper of what he'd seen in Rosalie's mind he'd seen the shocked wide eyed gaze of Alice. He'd seen as a vision had hit Alice harshly with a devastating power that had almost knocked the small pint sized Alice from her feet.
As her vision faded from the world around her in that moment and suddenly it was as if the world was raining fire in her vision. Alice could see the horror of unrecognizable charred remains lay on the forest floor in front of her feet, as she looked down in her visions to witness the half burned face of her own mate who still cried out in unimaginable pain as he slowly burned away to nothing but ash before her eyes. Edward shared in every horrific image, as the explosion ripped around them in her mind, spewing an inferno around what had once been immortal flesh scorching and incinerating their family.
He watched then as Bella stood on the edge of a cliff, he watched in Alice's vision as his mate stood on the cliff face, tears trickling down her beautiful face. Edward could do nothing as for a second time in his existence he saw a vision of his mate leaping from the edge of a cliff, this time the vision didn't fade. This time Bella didn't hit the water as her soft, vulnerable human body found rock beneath her fragile body, Edward could barely register the devastating sight of his mate's still rising chest as she tried to kill herself for his failing her. Edward endured each agonising second as slowly the rise and fall of his mate's broken body became slower until it stopped completely. Edward watched his mate's death.
"Dear God, no!" Alice cried out, shaken to her very core, her visions that had evaded her had hit her strongly and deeply within her heart as she'd witnessed their destruction. She'd only had time to cast her gaze to Edward's own tormented face as the sky had ripped open with an almighty roar. The explosion more deafening then even their enhanced hearing could handle as they already began to feel the heat of the inferno that they'd shared in with her visions.
