A/N: The late chapter is compliments of fanfail. Thank you to everyone who recs, reviews, and lurks this story. You guys are awesome!

Love to my prereaders, Keye, Sandy, and Aleea, and to my awesome betas, wmr1601 and Katmom. These ladies rock my world. Mwah!

Chapter 12

~Point, Counterpoint~

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory.

Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Sun Tzu

Demetri leans against a tree with his arms crossed over his broad chest. We're about the same height, but he's solid where I'm leanly muscled. I still have the advantages of speed and mind reading over him, but facing off with Isabella here could pose a problem.

Crouching down, I let her off my back and tell her to stand behind me.

Demetri raises his eyebrows. Protective. Interesting. "So, having a little fun with the murderess before you bring her in? Would you care to share with an old friend?" He leers, tilting his head in an attempt to get a look at Isabella, who cowers against my back.

"Watch your filthy tongue, Demetri." I growl, baring my teeth at him.

"Whoa! Feeling a little proprietary?" There's more than meets the eye going on here. Aro's scouts were right—something's up.

"You have no idea." I answer him through gritted teeth.

Hearing Aro's name in his thoughts is startling and sends a jolt of fear through me—I was sure this had to do with James, and Demetri did recognize Isabella when he arrived. If the Volturi are involved, we could all be as good as dead.

Isabella's heart is pounding, and her breaths are shallow. She doesn't need this, and I'm angry he caught us unaware. Where the fuck is Alice? Or the rest of them? I can't properly attend to her with Demetri close by. He's seen enough already, and I know if he senses weakness in me, I'm dead and so is Isabella.

"Let's start with her." He nods his head toward Isabella. "You were hired to bring her in for trial. Why are you out here playing in the snow instead?" He smirks again. Getting some before you deliver her? It's not your style to play—you're more of the love 'em and leave 'em type. Drink and run.

"Demetri, why don't we start with what the fuck you're doing here? Who sent you?"

He snorts loudly, relaxing his arms down and taking a few casual steps in my direction. "Well, now, you see that's really interesting, Masen. Senator Hunter's people wanted to hire me to find his wife, but I heard through the grapevine that you were already on the case. I turned down the job, knowing it was just redundant to have two of us. After all, where's the fun in that? But then I was summoned to Italy, and imagine my surprise when Senator Hunter's name came up."

"And?" I prompt impatiently.

"Tsk. So demanding. You're really in no position to give orders, Masen. In any case, hand over the lass, and I won't tell Aro I found you two at play." He winks lasciviously.

My growl deepens. "Over my dead body."

"Too late! In case you didn't get the memo—we are technically dead." He laughs uproariously at his own joke, which I don't even find marginally amusing. "Despite the tension between us, my life as a bounty hunter would be mighty boring without you, Edward. I'd hate for Aro to toss you on the fire with the rest of the miscreants. Make no mistake—there will be purple smoke curling into the sky above Volterra soon."

"Wh-What's he talking about?" Isabella whimpers behind me.

"Stay calm, Isabella. It'll be all right." I try to soothe her. I'm dying to wrap my arms around her. I want to throw myself down over her and protect her.

When I glance back at Demetri, his head is tilted to the side, his eyes narrowed. "Oh, my God. You've fallen for her, haven't you? The unflappable Edward Masen has an Achilles' heel after all."

Before I can respond, there's a chorus of low growls to the right and the left of us. A quick pan of the area indicates two wolves to each side and two more heading through the woods behind Demetri. Fuck. Not only do those dogs know Demetri and I are here, but they've seen Isabella. Surely one of them will recognize her—if not now, when the pack is together later on.

"Edward!" Isabella cries out, wrapping her arms around me and pressing her cheek between my shoulder blades.

"Shh . . . it's okay. Nobody is going to hurt you."

Why is she hugging onto that leach?

What the fuck is going on here?

Bella? Shit, that's Bella Swan!

Who?

Charlie's daughter!

Thoughts volley back and forth between the assembled wolves.

Edward, I think we're in a bit of trouble here. Demetri's eyes are wide. As arrogant as he is, even he knows we don't stand a chance against six wolves.

"I need to speak with your Alpha!" I call out with a strength and confidence I don't feel.

The situation is dire. They could easily kill both Demetri and me, and then take Isabella—if she doesn't get in the way of their sharp teeth and claws, that is. Shifters are volatile creatures prone to mistakes.

One wolf from each side heads off into the woods, emerging in their human forms a moment later. We're still fairly well surrounded, and I pray that Demetri won't try anything stupid.

"Demetri, remain still. Don't give them a reason." Our eyes meet, and he nods imperceptibly.

Two young men, who appear to be in their mid-twenties, come together in front of me. They're both nearly naked, wearing only loose fitting cotton shorts that hang low on their hips, and their chests and arms are pumped up as if they've taken massive quantities of steroids. While I'm far from a prude, I'm affronted by the blatant flaunting of their virility. One of them seems fairly calm and stoic; the other, however, is fidgeting, and his eyes are hostile.

"I am Sam Uley, the Alpha of this tribe." Thankfully, it's the calm one.

"They've got Bella! God damn it, Sam!" The one next to him spouts off.

"Quiet, Jake!" Sam shoots him a deadly glare.

There's a sudden intake of breath from Isabella. "Jake?" she whispers, peeking around my shoulder.

"Bells? Are you okay? Has that bloodsucker harmed you?" Jake takes one step forward, his dark eyes glittering with hatred as they roam over me contemptuously.

"You insolent little pup!" I snarl at him. "I've been protecting her."

At the same time, Isabella's confused voice rings out. "Edward would never hurt me, Jacob! You've got this all wrong." Her breaths are short and panting, and I fear she's about to pass out.

"Isabella, remain calm. Please." I speak gently to her before shooting a dark look Jacob's way. "Don't upset her."

"Me?" he asks incredulously. Stupid fucking bloodsucker!

"Jacob." Sam's voice is soft, but it's all that's needed. Jake falls back behind him with his head bowed; however, his body vibrates with coiled up energy, and I know the danger is great.

"What are you doing with the human girl?" Sam addresses me.

"That's none of your concern. She's safe and well cared for. That's all you need to know."

"Not good enough. Send the girl over here to us."

"Absolutely not."

"No!" Isabella cries out, panicked. "I want to stay with Edward!"

"Shit, he's got her hypnotized!" Jake yells out angrily.

"No! It's not true, Jake!" Isabella's grip on my shirt tightens, and I can feel how violently her body trembles.

"Isabella, shh. Please don't upset yourself."

I feel trapped. If I try to keep her away from them, they might try to take her by force, and she might be hurt. On the other hand, I'm loath to turn her over to the Quileutes. It will be that much harder to get her back if she's on tribal land. Not to mention her leukemia, which might be thrown into overdrive if mishandled.

My dilemma is ended by a rustling in the tree tops. Six vampires drop to the ground in various positions, all between me and the wolves.

To my left are Emmett and Rosalie, in defensive crouches before the wolves to that side. Emmett turns his head for a moment to look at me. "Eddie! Welcome home, bro. You never could do anything subtly, could you?" Just as quickly, he whips his head back around and snarls at the wolf he's guarding. "You're on our turf now, bitch."

If the situation wasn't so dire, I'd laugh. To those who didn't know him, Emmett came across as a buffoon, but you'd be hard pressed to find a bigger heart, and he's fiercely protective of those he loves.

Rosalie is the ice queen all others were patterned after, but she'd die to protect the family and anyone in it—even me.

To my right are Alice and Jasper, also in defensive crouches.

I'm sorry we took so long, Edward. The future is murky around the wolves. I kept seeing blood in the snow—so much blood. Alice was clearly upset.

Edward, despite our differences, I've got your back, Jasper assured.

Carlisle and Esme had landed behind Jacob and Sam, but in front of Demetri and the wolves at his back. Esme remains where she is, while Carlisle strides quickly to stand in front of Sam Uley.

"What's going on here?" Carlisle's authoritative tone rings out as he addresses the Alpha. His voice lacks its usual softness, and although I can't see his eyes, I'm sure they're fierce and dark.

Four sets of ears flatten against gargantuan heads and thin whines come from two of them. The others fidget, their paws shifting in the snow.

The coven leader.

There're eight leeches now. We're outnumbered.

Shut the fuck up, Quil! Remember, our bite is deadly to those bloodsuckers.

So what, Paul? How many of us will they take out before they die? It's not instantaneous, you know.

"Carlisle." Sam nods. "I take it you know these lee—vampires."

"Edward is my son. I'm familiar with Demetri, as well, although he's not a part of my family."

"Your son? He's never been mentioned to us."

"Edward has been . . . away from us for the past two decades. He just recently returned home."

"Human blood drinkers. That's a treaty violation," Sam states flatly.

The wolves crouch slightly, and I know they're ready for a fight. Their minds are a blur of jeers and insults, a snarl of thoughts I'm no longer able to easily follow.

"No, Sam. It's only a violation if a human is bitten or killed within the borders set forth in the treaty."

"Your son's eyes don't match yours. Where's he hunting?"

"Actually, if you take a look at his eyes, you'll see they're in the process of changing. And I'm sure Demetri will agree not to feed in the area in exchange for his life."

"Without a doubt," Demetri interjects.

"Can you explain the presence of the girl here?"

"I'm not obligated to, Sam. Need I remind you that your pack is on our land right now, which is a direct violation of the treaty? But please . . . feel free to ask her yourself. Nobody's holding her against her will." Carlisle sweeps his arms toward Isabella.

Sam's jaw tightens, but he nods his head at his second in command.

"Bells?" Jacob calls softly. "What's going on, sweetheart?"

His cajoling tone and the use of the uncomfortably familiar nickname causes me to growl low in my throat. My fingers twitch with the desire to tear him to shreds, and my body is taut, muscles bunching with tension.

Isabella steps around in front of me and cups my cheek in her gloved hand. "Edward," she whispers, waiting for my eyes to meet hers. "It's okay. He's the son of my father's best friend. Jake would never hurt me. I don't think any of them would."

I grasp her wrist gently. "They may not mean to, but shifters are volatile creatures."

A collective growl rises into the air from the wolves, and Sam quiets them with a sharp command in what I assume is the Quileute tongue.

"Jake, I can't explain it all to you right now. I'd love to talk with you later. Maybe something can be set up." Isabella glances between me and Carlisle for permission.

"Certainly something can be arranged." Carlisle nods. "Preferably on our land, Sam. I'm treating Isabella for a serious illness, and she needs to be monitored around the clock."

Jacob's eyes fill with concern for my mate. I'm glad to see he cares for her, but I'm left to wonder how much. Shit, are you jealous, Masen? I never experienced such a wide range of feelings until I met Isabella. Used to being in control of my emotions and most situations, it's disturbing at a deep level.

"I'd like to talk with you, Bells. Sam?" Jacob defers to his Alpha.

"Carlisle and I will come to an agreement."

Isabella sags against me rather suddenly, her breathing erratic. Catching her, I cradle her in my arms and press my lips to her forehead. "She has a fever, Carlisle."

"Bring her home, Edward. I'll be there shortly."

What the hell is wrong with her? Jacob looks frantic. My God, is the leukemia back?

Interesting. So Jacob knows about the leukemia, and it was once in remission. We've never really talked about her illness in great detail, but perhaps some discussion would be a good idea.

"Demetri?" I question.

"He'll either be coming back to the house in one piece or . . . he won't. That depends on how smart he is." Carlisle's tone was grim. He doesn't care for Demetri any more than I do. "Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, go back with Edward and Isabella please. The rest of us will stay here and . . . hash things out."

Sam orders the wolves to back off, allowing us passage.

Emmett holds back until the rest of us are several yards into the woods before following behind. None of us speak as we weave between the trees and leap over the river. We pass Isabella's flowers of hope, and the sight of them soothes me slightly. I know it's just nonsense, but they mean so much to her.

Isabella's arms are slung around my neck, her face pressed into my shirt. She hasn't spoken a word the entire way, hasn't moved at all. When we crest a small hill and the cottage comes into view, only then does she animate. Her head lifts from its hiding spot on my chest, and she looks up at me with glassy eyes. "Home." The relief in her eyes and voice is palpable, and my heart breaks for the thousandth time.

"I'm so sorry, Isabella. This is entirely my fault—I never should have taken you out there."

"Shh . . . it's okay." She puts a gloved finger over my lips. "I had so much fun with you . . . before those creatures showed up. I can't believe Jake is one of them."

Fun with Edward? Rosalie's surprised thought causes the corner of my lips to twitch.

I'm the first to admit fun hasn't been on the menu for me since I was turned. Even seducing all the lovely young girls that allowed me the chance to drink without killing was simply a way to pass the time while feeding guilt-free. Bounty hunting? Another distraction. Competition with Demetri? Distraction. I've simply been a bored vampire with no real meaning to his existence—until Isabella. I've smiled more in the weeks since I met her than in all the years since Carlisle sired me.

"You're far too easy on me, sweet one. I should have known better."

Conversation stops as we reach the cottage. My siblings take up positions around the perimeter to keep watch, and I carry Isabella straight to the bedroom, unbundling her in the walk-in closet. Under the winter-wear, her shirt is damp with sweat. Moving quickly, I undress her and pull one of my shirts over her head. I have this need to mark her as mine, to have my scent all over her, and this is the only way at the moment. The shirt hits mid-thigh, and I slide a pair of her shorts up her legs—I don't want her half-naked in front of the others.

Lifting Isabella in my arms, I carry her to the bed and tuck her under the covers. Lying down on top of the comforter, I stroke her sweat dampened hair and fevered skin. Her eyes remain closed, but she smiles faintly when I kiss her temple.

"I love you, Isabella. I promise we're going to resolve everything," I whisper into her hair.

"Love you, Edward."

She slips into a fitful slumber, and I'm helpless under the need to remain with her. I know my siblings want to talk—that we'll need to talk later when Carlisle comes back with Demetri—but I'm glued to her side until the fever breaks. The fevers scare me. I know the leukemia is burning through her weakened body, that even Carlisle's new concoction can't hold off the inevitable forever.

She dreams of Hannah again, and it's like a dagger twisting inside me.

"Hannah . . . oh, baby. Mommy loves you so much, sweet girl. Don't cry." Tears wet her face, and I kiss them away, soothing her until she settles down.

Oh, my God! Edward! I think I'm much closer to finding Hannah! Alice's excited thoughts slam into me, and I share her vision.

It begins in front of a small but tidy yellow house with a white picket fence. Toys are scattered around the well maintained yard. A big shaggy dog bounds up to a small child and licks her face from chin to forehead.

"No, no, Bowser! No licky Nana!" She throws her arms up and falls on her butt in the grass, giggling madly as the dog sees the opportunity for more kisses.

"Bowser!" A male voice calls out in a commanding tone. "Leave it!"

The dog immediately responds by sitting down in the grass, looking guilty.

"Are you all right, dolly?" the man coos. He appears to be in his mid-fifties and has a kind face. His affection for the little girl seems to be genuine.

"Yes. Time to eat, Unco Harry?"

"Yeah, sweetie. Time to eat." The man leans down with his arms open, and she reaches up to him willingly.

She's breathtaking—a pert little nose, fair skin, bright brown eyes, and mahogany hair with bouncy little curls that come down to her shoulders. This is definitely Hannah; her resemblance to Isabella is astounding and undeniable.

The man carries her into the house where a woman is setting the table. She's about the same age as 'Unco Harry' and also looks at Hannah with affection.

"Did you have fun playing outside, sweetie?"

"Yeah! Bowser washed Nana's face!" Hannah giggles with her hand over her mouth.

"Oh, no!" The woman laughs. "I made your favorite for dinner. Let's go wash your hands first—and maybe your face, too."

Harry grabs the woman around the waist and hugs her, nibbling on her neck.

"Harry Donovan! You shouldn't sneak up on an old gal like that. My ticker."

"You look as good as the day I first met you, Margie. You were the most beautiful girl in all of Seattle."

"Oh, you!"

The vision cuts off there, but it might be enough to find Hannah. At the least, I'll be able to assure Isabella that her little girl is safe and happy. The couple seems to have nothing but affection for Hannah and for each other. I breathe my first real sigh of relief since this whole roller-coaster ride started.

~*RK*~

A/N: So, the wolves have arrived, along with the rest of the Cullen clan! Are you guys excited? There's lots of interesting stuff coming up now that most of the players are on the board. And we got a glimpse of little Hannah. Awww... Talk to me, peeps!

RK is up for readalong at Indieficpimp! Poll is up until the 25th, so if you'd like to vote, go here (remove all * from the link): h*t*t*p*:*/*/*bit*.*ly/wT7iGI

Thank you all for reading. Next chapter will post on Tuesday April 3rd.

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