A/N: Hello, awesome readers! Whatever you celebrate, hope you enjoyed time with family and friends.

Thanks to my awesome prereaders, Keye, Sandy, and Aleea, for all the valuable feedback and encouragement. It means more to me than I can say.

Edward licks to my awesomesauce betas, wmr1601 and Katmom, for keeping my stuff readable.

Chapter 14

~Origin~

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small. ~ Lao Tzu

A snarling growl rips from my chest as I shoot across the room and grab Isabella, pushing her behind me. She lets out a squeal of surprise when she finds herself so suddenly displaced. Several pairs of shocked eyes are directed my way, two of which belong to Quileutes: one being Jacob Black and the other an older man in a wheelchair. The one in the wheelchair has a craggy, weathered face, but the resemblance to Jacob is unmistakable. His eyes meet mine—liquid brown and full of knowledge, maybe even some kind of understanding. Jacob's dark eyes harden when they take me in, and once again, he wants to tear Isabella away from me.

"Never put your hands on Isabella or try to keep us apart. Are we clear?" I punctuate my words with a warning growl.

Isabella's fingers claw at my shirt, and she presses her cheek between my shoulder blades. "Edward." My name comes as a relieved sigh against my back, the warmth of her face and breath branding me right through my shirt.

Jacob glares at me. "Who do you think you are? You don't own her! If I—"

"Enough, Jacob!" The Quileute in the wheelchair stares hard at him. "Whether we like it or not, Isabella is his mate. Nobody has the right to interfere in that."

"Mate? Pfft. How is it even possible for one of them to care for a human, let alone be mated to one?"

"Son, you're still young and cocky. You have much to learn about the ways of this world. It's clear to me that those two belong to each other. Maybe when you can tone down your anger, you, too, will be able to see."

I gaze at the older man, most likely Jacob's father, and instinctively sense he's here to help in some way. Jacob, on the other hand, is a volatile young pup, and I want him nowhere near Isabella. My gaze switches to Carlisle. "What the hell is going on, Carlisle? I thought we'd been attacked, but you don't seem perturbed in the least that they're here."

"Relax, Edward. This is Billy Black, one of the Quileute Elders. Sam Uley wouldn't agree to meet on our turf, so I spoke with the elders, and Mr. Black was willing to come."

"Why did you ask them here? Have you forgotten Sam tried to take Isabella from me? What made you think it was okay to invite them without consulting me first?" Anger burns under my skin like acid. I know he's the coven leader, but this is about my mate. Mine.

"Edward, it all came about rather suddenly, and I didn't want Demetri to get wind of what's going on—which is why they waited until he left before coming."

I glare back and forth between them, and Jacob's fists clench at his sides when our eyes meet. He still doubts that I'm Isabella's mate or that I'm capable of taking care of her.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of, young pup. I've lived your years five times over." I glance back to Carlisle. "Please explain what's happening, or I'm taking Isabella and leaving here."

Still feeling safer with her behind me, I reach back, offering her my hand. She takes it in one of hers, the other still clinging tightly to my shirt, her soothing warmth pressed to my back.

"Edward, I have a theory I'd like to prove. I've been missing a piece of the puzzle for a while, but it struck me just yesterday what it might be. After my conversation with Mr. Black, I'm almost positive I'm right."

"Please, Carlisle, call me Billy." The Quileute Elder smiles, nodding his head. His eyes are watchful but not completely unfriendly. He seems to be more open than the Quileutes I've encountered so far, and I'm impressed he recognized Isabella as my mate.

"All right." Carlisle returns the smile. "Billy has some interesting information to add to the mix, and I asked them here to test my theory. This might be rather shocking to you and Isabella both. Perhaps she'd like to sit down?"

"Isabella?" I call to her softly, and she moves to my side, latching her arms around my waist.

"I—I want to stand here with Edward."

"Very well." Carlisle nods, and I can sense his transformation into clinical mode. "I ask that you let me finish before you say anything. This is going to sound a bit wild at first. After the confrontation in the woods yesterday, I got to thinking, and I realized that Isabella's blood acts very much like a supercharged wolf bite. Naturally, I've never seen what happens at a molecular level when a wolf bites a vampire, but the result is the same: eventual death.

"There's a reason vampires aren't attracted to the blood of the shape-shifters. Their saliva is toxic to us, and their blood would likely work even faster. I believe we'll find the key to Isabella's anomaly in Quileute blood. Jacob is going to allow me to draw a sample from him to prove my theory."

Everyone is silent, just staring at Carlisle. Nobody states the obvious, so I do. "Carlisle, that's a lovely theory. The problem? Isabella is not Quileute, nor is she a shape-shifter."

"No, she's not a shifter. Perhaps Billy can take over now." Carlisle nods to the elder.

Billy Black gazes up at me, his eyes serious but not unfriendly. "Is that okay with you, Edward? Isabella?"

"It's fine with me." I turn to look at Isabella.

She smiles faintly. "Please tell us, Uncle Billy. Especially if it can somehow help us figure out how to fix me."

"Uncle?" I question.

"Uncle Billy was my dad's best friend."

"I see. By all means, please tell us what we need to know." My mind is suddenly working in a new direction, and if I'm right, I hope Isabella can handle what she's about to hear. I glance over at Carlisle, and his gaze is fixed on her.

Alice and Esme stand together behind Carlisle. I know Alice is uncomfortable because her visions don't work around shape-shifters, and she's not used to being in the dark.

Rosalie paces like a caged lion on the far side of the room, her eyes shifting continually between Isabella and the Quileutes. Don't worry, Edward—I've got your back. If they even look at Isabella cross-eyed, I'll be on their asses in a second. Jasper and Emmett are guarding the perimeter of the house just in case other dogs decide to show their ugly mugs.

I nod slightly, so she knows I heard and appreciate the backup. Although, if one of them tries to get between me and my mate, it will be the very last thing they ever do.

"Isabella, I just want to say that I'm so sorry about Charlie and Renee. Your dad was my best friend, and I miss him every day. And your mom—she was a terrific lady." Tears shine in his eyes.

"Thank you. I—I really miss them, too."

"Well, you might not like me so much after you hear what I've got to say, my dear. I never expected to have this conversation with you. Forgive an old man for protecting his best friend, huh?"

"Wh-What is it, Uncle Billy?" Her voice shakes, and I pull her in closer to my side.

"Isabella, whatever it is, we'll deal with this together. You're not alone anymore." I kiss the top of her head when she leans it against my chest.

How fucking sweet. Jacob's sarcastic thought breaks in, but I choose to take the high road—for now.

"Please go on, Uncle Billy."

"Well, sweetie, you are half Quileute."

"What? Charlie's not my father?" Isabella's voice rises to a near-shriek, and her body shudders in my arms.

"Whoa, hold up. Yes, Charlie was most definitely your dad—"

"In all the ways that count, right?" Her voice is bitter.

"No, in every way that counts. He was your biological father . . . but Renee was not your biological mother."

"What? You expect me to believe that? It's much easier to lie about who the father is, but I think my mom would remember whether she carried me in her womb or not, don't you?"

"Easy, sweetie. Renee knew all about it. You see, your mom was infertile, but they wanted to have you more than anything. I watched them struggle, watched their marriage deteriorate as your mom fell into a deep depression and Charlie worked overtime so he didn't have to see it happen. Most nights when he came home, Renee would already be in bed sleeping. Eventually, Charlie fell apart one day when were out fishing.

"I hated seeing them suffer that way, and Sue Clearwater stepped forward and offered to be a surrogate. Renee was much more comfortable with it because it was someone she knew personally. It only took two tries, and Sue was pregnant. You were the miracle baby, the one everyone on the Res looked forward to. You repaired your parents' marriage, Isabella."

"Oh . . ." Isabella slumps against me, and I support her weight.

"Are you all right? Do you need to sit down?"

"N-no. I'll be okay, Edward—just stay with me, okay?"

"I'm not going anywhere," I whisper into her hair.

Everyone in the room looks surprised, especially Alice. She can't see the future around the wolves, so it's no big shock to me that she didn't see this coming. Esme hugs Alice, rubbing her hand up and down her arm in a gesture of comfort.

Rose moves closer to us, concern in her hard eyes. Is she really all right, Edward? Do you want me to kick Jacob's ass?

I try to suppress a smirk. She's just hankering for some combat.

"So, Uncle Billy, my p-parents decided this together? My dad didn't—"

"No, dear! There was nothing illicit about it. Your mom and dad wanted you so badly. Sue went through artificial insemination, and as I said, it took on the second try."

"Why didn't they tell me?"

"I can't answer that for sure, sweetie. Sue was agreeable either way. Charlie told me they simply saw no reason to tell you because as far as they were concerned you were their child. And they loved you so very much."

"And didn't they think to change their mind when I was diagnosed with leukemia?" Isabella's voice rises, and my thoughts mirror her remark.

Billy Black nods his head. "They did, yes. Sue's family was checked out. The only possible link to leukemia was on Charlie's side of the family, but the information was spotty at best—far enough back it couldn't be confirmed. Believe me, Isabella, your mom and dad loved you more than anything. They'd have turned their own world upside down if they knew it would help you."

I sense only truth in Billy Black's thoughts. There's no subterfuge or hidden agenda; in fact, there were many late night discussions over the decision which repeatedly drew the same conclusions.

"It's true, sweet one. Nobody deceived you then, and nobody's trying to deceive you now." I tighten my hold around her.

Once she has my assurance, Isabella pulls away from me and sinks to her knees in front of Billy, laying her head on his lap. "I'm sorry, Uncle Billy. I didn't mean to challenge you. It's just . . . I've been lied to, deceived, my child has been taken away . . ." Her words end on a sob.

Billy strokes her hair calmly, although his eyes widen at the news of a child, and his thoughts run wild. His feelings toward Isabella are fatherly, kind, and protective. As much as I distrust the wolves, I can't find fault in his thoughts at all.

Jacob crouches beside his father's wheelchair, but he knows better than to touch her. "A child?" he whispers.

"Her husband," I spit the word out with a great deal of distaste, "took Hannah away from her just over a year ago. "

Bells has a child! Is she alive? Jacob's jaw tightens as he thinks of painful things he can do to James Hunter.

"Oh, we're on the same page about that, Jacob," I assure him. "And, yes, Hannah is fine. We're going to find her and bring her home."

Billy continues to stroke Isabella's hair, whispering words in his native tongue, and it seems to calm her. His eyes train on me, though, and he considers me carefully. There is no doubt in my mind he'll take care of our Isabella. They may be our natural enemies, but the girl is family, and I vowed to Charlie I would watch over her if anything ever happened to him. If that means dealing with them, then so be it.

I crouch on the other side of Isabella, careful not to get too close to Jacob. Placing a hand on her back, I rub gently. My eyes meet Billy's, and I nod to him—a gesture of acceptance. His answering nod and half-smile aren't missed by anyone, including Jacob.

So that's how it is. I suppose I better get used to the leech then.

I would love to backhand Jacob across the room, but I rein in my ire. He's young and impulsive, but I can see he tends to defer to his father who's a very wise man. They have been a part of Isabella's life since she was born; I wouldn't dream of interfering in that as long as they respect my place by her side. Besides, the wolves might prove to be valuable allies at some point.

When I look up again, Carlisle is the only one of my family still in the room. I need blood from Isabella and Jacob as soon as she's up for it.

"Will you be all right for a moment if I go talk with Carlisle?" I ask softly.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'll be fine."

Billy smiles up at me. "Thank you, Edward . . . for trusting me with Isabella. I have only the best of intentions."

"I know that, Billy Black. If I thought otherwise, you wouldn't be sitting here with your hands on my mate."

Carlisle smiles when I appear before him, putting an arm around my shoulders. He speaks so only I can hear. "It's good to see you making some concessions, Son. I take it you're satisfied with what you find in Billy's mind?"

"Yes. He thinks of her like a daughter and promised her father he'd look out for her. He doesn't like us, but he's willing to deal with us for her sake. Jacob does not feel as kindly toward us, but he will follow his father's lead."

"Good. Do you think she'll be up to giving a blood sample?"

"Yes, but why? You just took some samples the other day."

"Well, I have a theory I want to prove. I believe her blood is more potent when it's fresh—untainted by the oxygen in the air. Over time, I think her blood loses some of its toxicity, although it's still extremely deadly. I want to compare Jacob's blood to Isabella's. I believe we're going to find the same chromosomal fingerprint. Understanding what that chromosome does will help me come up with a cure—at least that's what I'm hoping."

Thirty minutes later, Isabella and Jacob sit side-by-side while Carlisle draws blood samples. The rate at which Isabella's blood consumes venom is similar to Jacob's. Carlisle examines the size and shape of their blood cells on a slide, and he's pleased with his findings.

This is it, Edward! I need to run some genetic tests, but I should be able to formulate a cure within the next few months.

I glance over at him with some concern, wondering if Isabella will make it that long.

I know you're worried about the time—and I am, too—but I think she'll make it. This cure will be temporary, and you'll need to change her quickly. Once her blood regenerates, the anomaly will return.

I nod my understanding.

Carlisle explains the blood anomaly to the Blacks, and they agree to keep it under wraps. It can't be hidden from the Alpha, but Sam can keep it from the rest of the pack.

After the testing is done, Billy and Jacob leave with promises to Isabella of keeping in touch. She hugs them both, and I suppress the growl building in my throat with great difficulty. Rome wasn't built in a day, after all.

Isabella smiles as I take her hand, pulling her from the chair and into my arms to press her firmly against my body. Something inside me loosens, as it always does when I touch her, and I feel the world come back into balance. Her soft sigh and the way she melts into me indicate she feels the same way. The center of my chest starts to tingle pleasantly.

"Edward, can we go now?" she whispers. "I just want to be alone with you—in our cottage."

My lips curve into a smile against her hair. Our cottage. I love that she thinks of it as ours, and I can see the same delight in Carlisle's eyes. "Soon, sweet one, but first we need to discuss something with Carlisle."

"Something else?" she whines like a petulant child who's had her fill.

"We could do this another time if you want, but we have to have this conversation before . . . we can be intimate."

Her head lifts from my chest, and her eyes hold a sudden sparkle of mischief. "Oh! We should definitely stay for this conversation."

Carlisle chuckles, and Isabella's cheeks flush as per usual. I sit down on one of the chairs, pulling her across my lap. She loops an arm around my neck, and rests her head on my shoulder.

"Carlisle, we need your advice. I need to know if there are any restrictions. While I've had . . . relations with other women, I never cared for them, and obviously, none of them were my mate."

"Well, it should be fairly straightforward—mechanically, anyway." Carlisle smirks. "There's no need to be concerned over your strength, since you have that under control. Naturally, you need to watch Isabella's health, but you've been doing that already. You do need to use caution when it comes to the mating instinct—it's very common for vampires to have the urge to mark their mate. While this isn't normally an issue, since Isabella's human, you'll have to suppress the urge to bite and drink.

"Since Isabella's blood consumes venom, I don't think pregnancy will be of concern. I've heard of rare cases of vampires impregnating human females, but in this instance, there's no possibility of a viable pregnancy."

"Anything else we should know?"

"I think that about covers it. Isabella? Do you have any questions?"

"How soon can we make love?" She looks surprised by her own question, and her cheeks turn a deep shade of crimson.

"Whenever you're ready. Your counts look good, and the new drug seems to be supporting your blood more effectively than the Neupogen. Use common sense, and you'll be just fine."

"Thank you, Carlisle—for everything. I know it goes against your nature to allow Quileutes on your turf, and I especially thank you for that." Isabella smiles shyly.

"It's my pleasure. I'm willing to work with anyone who's willing to work with me. I'm hoping this will eventually be a bridge for peace between us. We all have something in common: our concern for you. And now, I'll leave you two to talk." Carlisle smiles, and a second later, he's gone.

And we're alone.

With nothing stopping us.

"Edward, take me home." Her heart beats faster in her chest, and her eyes are bright.

She doesn't have to tell me twice. I scoop her up in my arms, and we're back at the cottage in twenty-six seconds.

~*RK*~

A/N: You know what's coming in the next chapter, right? I promise there will be no more interruptions. And what do we all think of the revelations in this chapter? There's still a lot to come because I really don't know how to write a short story.

See you next Tuesday, peeps!

Many of you have asked about my novel. Thanks so much for taking an interest in my non-Twilight activities! I'm really happy with the way it's going. When I have more information, I'll be sure to let you all know.

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