A/N: Thanks for all the flavas you guys submitted for Emmett's Party Pack! Stay tuned...

Thanks and Edward licks to my awesome preaders, Keye, Sandy, and Aleea, for their invaluable feedback and friendship.

I treasure my betas, wmr1601, Katmom, and Sue (chayasara), more than I can say. These ladies are beyond compare. Mwah!

Chapter 24

~Alarming Revelations~

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic,

nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.

Martin Luther

We walk along the river, hand in hand. Isabella seems stronger today, but a bit on the quiet side. I suppose dropping my bomb about Jasper and then ravishing her against the kitchen wall might have something to do with it.

I slow my steps, turning her to face me once we come to a stop. She smiles up at me innocently, and I rub my thumb across her bottom lip. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, Isabella? Talk to me."

"Oh, where to start! You may have infinite room in your head to handle all the stimulus and information, but I still have a lame human brain to work with, you know."

"Have I overwhelmed you too much? Should I have kept my night with Jasper to myself?"

"No, not at all. I want to share everything about your life. I'm just saying it might take me a while to process things."

"That sounds fair."

The day is overcast, but the temperature is mild. Isabella's face is flushed a lovely shade of pink, and her eyes gleam. Between Seth's contribution of blood and Carlisle's Neupogen substitute, she appears to be in better health and has been able to take longer walks. Now that Hannah is home, and we have a sample of her blood, Carlisle can work harder on a vaccine in addition to continuing his work on a cure. Things seem to be looking up, and I feel hopeful that I'll be able to change her before the leukemia takes her from me.

Filled with a sense of hope I've never experienced before, I grab her up in my arms and spin us around and around. Isabella giggles and squeals with abandon.

"Edward!" Her breathless voice is warmth against my ear, and her arms are wrapped tightly around me. "What's going on?"

As we come to a stop, I put her down but hold her close against me. "I'm just happy. I feel like things are looking up—confident that Carlisle will find a cure so I can change you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I'm getting a little chilly, and it's about time for me to eat lunch. How about we head back?"

"My lady?" I turn and crouch down so Isabella can climb on my back and head back to the cottage.

While she's stirring some soup in a pot on the stove, she finally admits how hopeful she is that I'll be able to turn her and also starts talking about recent events. She never fails to amaze me with her almost Zen-like presence. So many injustices have been done to her, and yet she remains a positive force. I'm ashamed of the negative way I've often viewed the world—in many ways still do view the world. She doesn't exactly believe things are all hearts, flowers, and rainbows but has a strong belief things will work out and is always grateful for what she is given. I'm still uncomfortable with the subject of God and faith, but I suspect her religion may play a huge part in her ability to have such a sunny outlook in the direst of circumstances.

"So, you have a connection to Hannah that's like our connection . . . but more fatherly?" Isabella asks me this while facing the stove, so I'm not sure if the thought disturbs her or not.

"Yes. It's definitely fatherly, nothing inappropriate. Carlisle believes it's because you're my mate and she's your child."

"And if for some reason . . . I die?" Her body is hunched over the pot of soup, almost curling in on itself, and her shoulders quake with tension.

"I pledge to watch over her for the rest of her natural life." When I give my word about Hannah, Isabella visibly relaxes and lets out a long breath.

"Thank you. I know they would look out for her on the Res, but it's you I trust—and Hannah trusts. She was so drawn to you, Edward. She senses what you are to us." She finally turns to face me, and her eyes shine with a film of tears.

"What is it that I am?" I ask softly, coming around to her side of the counter to caress her face in my palm.

"You're everything we need." She traps my hand against her face and leans into it. "I love you so much."

I take her in my arms and kiss her until popping sounds indicate her soup is boiling away. I carry the tray with her soup, crackers, and a glass of milk into the sunroom, and we talk more while she eats.

"So, let me get this straight . . . Jasper has been so hostile to you because he's jealous? And he feels he has to compete with you for approval from both Alice and Carlisle? And Jasper feels Carlisle is so hard on you because he looks at you as his true son and believes in you?"

"In a nutshell, sweet one." I smile at her ability to break my family drama down to a few sentences. Too bad it hasn't been that easy to repair. Even in vampire covens, relationship dynamics can be quite challenging.

"Well, that's kind of good, right? I mean, now that you know what the issues are, you can work on them."

"You have such a wonderful way of looking at the world. I wish I could muster a fraction of your enthusiasm." I smile sadly, which draws a frown from Isabella.

"What's wrong, Edward?"

"There are still many hurdles to overcome. Vampires don't easily change, so the anger and resentment may take a long time to break down—even if there were misunderstandings."

She nods slowly with a thoughtful look. "You mean it's kind of like a speeding car? You know you went the wrong way, but it takes time to put the brakes on and come to a stop before you can change directions."

"Exactly like that."

She covers my hand with her own. "You'll get there, Edward."

"You know, I believe I will." Anything seems possible when I'm near her.

Late in the afternoon, we return to the living room after taking another short walk. Snuggling up on the couch, I turn the TV on, intending to put some of her favorite Seinfeld reruns on.

"Oh, the news. Let's watch for a few minutes and see if there's anything about me or Hannah."

We watch the reports carefully. There's a repeat of the information about Isabella, and a while later, a report comes on about Hannah.

"In a bizarre and tragic twist, Senator James Hunter's almost four-year-old daughter has died in a failed kidnapping attempt. Margaret and Harry Donovan, the child's caretakers, were found bound and gagged in their home. The bodies of the kidnappers were found in Puget Sound a few days later, after their car broke through a guardrail and sank to the bottom. There were no survivors. Authorities found detailed plans for the intent to kidnap the child and blackmail Senator Hunter into paying ransom to get back his beloved daughter. Once again, the senator has requested privacy for his family while they grieve their loss. I'm Greta Foster."

Isabella snorts. "Grieving my ass. He's probably dancing a jig right now, thinking he's rid of us both. Bastard."

"Indeed. It just makes things easier for us. Nobody will be searching for you or Hannah now."

"I suppose so. It's just . . . I still can't believe how stupid I was falling for his crap!"

"He's a politician, Isabella. Lying convincingly is par for the course, isn't it?"

"Apparently."

"So . . . a little Seinfeld to cheer you up?"

"You're starting to like the show, aren't you?"

"No."

"Maybe a little?"

Before I can answer, another Breaking News banner goes across the screen, and the report is interrupted.

"We have breaking news from the small village of Sanlucar de Guadiana, Spain. Several desiccated corpses have been discovered in the nearby woods. Jesus Herrera, a local fisherman, was the first one on the scene when his dog ran off into the trees. He came upon the poorly concealed bodies, which were apparently piled in a shallow grave and covered with vegetation.

"When authorities came to remove the bodies, the first one simply turned to dust. They're stumped as to how the bodies came to be in such a condition. A witness identified one of the bodies as belonging to a tourist seen around town just this past week, dispelling the belief that the bodies could have been old enough to reach such a mummified and fragile state on their own.

"Authorities are asking anyone who has information to please call the number flashing on your screen. I'm Liam Johanssen, and we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming."

"Fuck." I leaped up from the couch, pulling Isabella with me.

"You don't think . . ."

"That's exactly what I think. We need to go up to the house and talk to my family. This is very, very bad."

As we walk up to the house, my cell phone rings.

"Demetri? What the fuck is going on over there?"

"Edward, I think he's lost his mind. I haven't been able to get too close because he's staying in a compound up in the hills with security fences, cameras, and guards around the clock. I didn't want to tip him off that we're watching. He hasn't come out at all, but the bodies keep coming."

"How careless! Who's been disposing of the bodies?"

"I'm not sure. A few guys dressed in all black with face masks. But surely they didn't think they could dispose of bodies this way and not be discovered! It's awful, Edward. I knew a few of these vampires in passing, and to see them like that—empty shells that disintegrate so easily . . ." Demetri's voice is haunted.

"The Volturi," I whisper.

"I haven't heard from Aro yet, but this news will eventually make it back to Italy, and then . . ."

"There's no other choice then. Stand by. I'll be in touch soon."

I hang up on Demetri and dial Emmett, but he doesn't answer his phone. Isabella looks at me askance, a question deep in her eyes. I only want to have this discussion once, in front of my family; otherwise, Isabella could easily derail my plans of doing what should have been done a while ago. James Hunter must be stopped.

~*RK*~

When we arrive at the house, everyone is already assembled in the dining room. Alice.

Isabella and I walk in and take a seat in the two empty chairs beside Rosalie, who is uncharacteristically quiet. Jasper's face is pinched as he fights off the concern and paranoia rocketing around the room.

I greet them as I grasp Isabella's hand firmly in mine. "Alice, I'm assuming you had a vision and gathered everyone together?"

"Yes, but I haven't told them what it's all about yet."

"Is this about Em?" Rosalie bursts out, wringing her hands and glancing over at me anxiously.

"No. Why would you think that?"

"He hasn't called me for two days. That's not like him." She grips my arm tightly, digging her long nails into my skin. "Edward, I'm worried."

My mind passes over the fact that I tried to call Emmett on the way here and received no answer, and I seek to reassure her. After all, Emmett is following Demetri, and with all the security in the area, he might have decided to go dark for a few days.

"Try not to worry, Rose. I do have news of Spain, though." I go through the news report we just watched, and the faces around the table register disgust, anger, and fear. They all know if this news reaches the Volturi, there will be hell to pay and quite possibly more lives lost.

Carlisle shakes his head, his lips pursing into a frown. "Edward, this is bad. Something like this will not only catch the attention of the Volturi, but it draws human concern and investigation. Aro is not going to like this one bit. He'll punish anyone involved."

"I know. That's why I'm going to Spain to stop him."

"No!" Isabella lunges out of her seat and turns to face me. "You can't leave me!"

"Isabella," I say gently, "he must be stopped—and soon. The only way we can avoid the wrath of the Volturi is to neutralize him ourselves. James is no threat to me—it's not as if I'd take a drink of him." I smile, trying to lessen the sting.

Isabella feels betrayed by the way I announced this, I know. I see it as my responsibility to bring James Hunter down, and I don't really trust anyone else to do it. Besides, I need to read his mind to ascertain whether there's anything else we're unaware of.

"Why you?"

"Because I can read his mind. It has to be me, sweet one. This is my responsibility anyway. You're my mate, and Hunter hurt you and Hannah."

"Wh-What will I do . . . without you?" Isabella's lip trembles and a lone tear spills down her cheek.

My heart clenches, and it's all I can do not to promise her I'll stay. The last thing I want to do is be away from her, but there's no other way to do this. Getting to James Hunter with minimal casualties will be easier for me because of my gift. Just because there are people hired to protect Hunter doesn't mean they're guilty of any wrongdoing.

I turn in my chair and open my arms, welcoming her onto my lap where I wrap my arms around her. Nuzzling my nose into her fragrant hair, I breathe deeply, closing my eyes as her unique scent envelops me. "Isabella, I'm sorry. There's no other choice. I hate the thought of being away from you, but you'll be taken care of, protected, until I return." I place a finger under her chin and lift her face to mine. "Do you trust me?"

Isabella's eyes are full of tears, but in their sable depths I see her inner strength and resolve. They also tell me she trusts me completely, but I still want to hear the words. "Yes, of course I trust you, Edward. With my life—with Hannah's."

Bending my head down, I kiss her sweet lips, not caring that we're sharing such a private and tender moment in front of my family. Isabella doesn't seem to care, either, as the warmth of her fingers seeps into my face with gentle caresses. She parts her lips, kissing me back with abandon, leaving no doubt how much she believes in me. And I must not fail her.

"It's settled then. I leave tomorrow."

"Is there anything we can do, Edward?" Carlisle asks.

"Not that I can think of."

"Need a wingman?" Jasper smiles and winks, but he means it; he would come with me.

"As many of us as possible need to stay here and make sure Isabella and Hannah are safe and protected."

Rosalie's gaze is burning into me. "Maybe I should . . . ?"

"No, Rose." I shake my head.

"But Emmett hasn't answered his phone, and—"

"Rose, you're too close to this. I promise you, I'll find Em. I'm sure you'll hear from him soon. The more of us that show up over there, the more chance we'll receive attention from the wrong people."

"Gah! I hate it when you're right!" Rosalie curls her fingers into claws and snarls.

"What do you think?" I look over at Alice, who's said zip since we started talking.

She has that faraway look in her eyes that tells me she's checking different scenarios. Jasper watches her carefully, along with everyone else in the room. Her head tilts to the side, a V forming between her brows. When the pouty lip comes out, I know she isn't seeing things clearly.

"Well, there are too many damn variables! I do think it's best if you go alone . . . the more of us that get involved, the more likely the Volturi will be alerted. I wish I could see the outcome, but James Hunter is an unknown quotient."

"It's all right, Ali. While I'm in Spain, you can text me with any new information."

Esme grasps Carlisle's hand and smiles bravely. I just got my boy back. Please let him come home soon, safely.

"I'm going to be fine, Mother. And we won't lose touch the way we did before, okay?"

"Okay," she whispers.

"Isabella and I need to visit Hannah and let the Quileutes know what's going on."

I embrace each member of my family, even Jasper, and then I call out to Quil, who's patrolling closest to the rendezvous point. He obliges and leads us through the wooded paths that end near the back of Sue Clearwater's house. Isabella rides on my back silently, and I suspect she's worrying about me being apart from her. Hell, I'm worried about it, too; I haven't been able to venture very far from her since we met. I expect to be in some pain while I'm away, but it's a necessary evil. The side of her face is warm between my shoulder blades, and I know I'm going to miss that and the feel of her body against my back.

Quil nods his head once we reach Sue's door, and I assure him I'll call for an escort when we're ready to leave. I let Isabella down off my back, and she rings the doorbell.

Sue opens the door with a smile. "Isabella, Edward, what a nice surprise!"

"Mama! Edwood!" Hannah squeals with delight, running out from between Sue's legs onto the small wooden deck and straight into Isabella's arms.

"Hey, baby. Are you having fun with Grandma Sue?"

"Yes! But I miss you, Mama." Hannah kisses Isabella's cheek and hugs her tight then turns to me. "Hi, Edwood!"

"Hello, princess." I scoop her up, spinning around as she giggles the way only a small child can. Her bubbly laugh is infectious, and despite our dire situation, I can't stop smiling. Once we stop spinning, I hug her close, enjoying the feel of her little arms around my neck, holding onto me with such trust. Her little girl scent swells around me, and oh, how I wish I didn't have to leave.

"Can you and Mama stay for dinner, Edwood?" she asks shyly.

"Oh . . ." I hesitate, looking between Sue and Isabella. Sue nods her head. "Sure. Your mama hasn't eaten yet, but I already have. I'd be happy to sit with you guys, though."

"Okay!" She leans close to my ear and whispers, "We're having cookie dough ice cream for dessert."

"Ah, I may have to try some of that." I smile as I put her back down. I'd eat ice cream if it would make her happy.

Sue ushers us into the house. It's small, not much larger than the cottage, and it's obviously been decorated with care. It's neat and uncluttered, and a small play area has already been set up for Hannah in the living room with dolls, stuffed animals, books, and puzzles.

"Mm-mm, that smells good, Mom. What are we having?" Isabella holds Sue's hand, and they walk into the kitchen together.

"Pot roast with vegetables and a salad. Hope that's okay—it's Seth's favorite, and I wasn't expecting company."

"That's great! I haven't had pot roast in ages. Where is Seth anyway?"

"He's on patrol, but he should be home any minute."

I sit on the floor with Hannah while she puts a puzzle together. She's very patient and has half of it finished by the time Seth barrels through the door in nothing but a pair of loose fitting shorts.

"Oh! Sorry. Didn't know we were having company. Hey, sis! Edward." Seth offers up a winning smile. "I'm just going to take a quick shower, Ma."

"Yeah, you do that, stinkerson." Sue waves a hand in front of her nose and laughs.

Ten minutes later, we're all sitting at the kitchen table with plates of steaming food, except for me. Hannah eats happily, delighted when the bottom of her plate reveals the Disney Princesses. She leans over and whispers, "Ariel is my favorite."

"Which one is that?"

"The mermaid! She can have feet or a tail and breathe under the water."

"Wow. That's pretty awesome. I think she'd be my favorite, too."

Hannah flushes with pleasure and holds my hand in her chubby little fingers while using the other to eat more pot roast. She gulps down her milk, leaving a white mustache over her top lip. I almost expect Isabella to feel put out because Hannah is paying so much attention to me, but her luminous smile says otherwise.

After dinner, Isabella insists on helping clear the table and do the dishes. I sit on the living room floor with Hannah while she finishes the puzzle she started, which turns out to be a picture of Ariel.

Eventually, Isabella joins us, and it's time to tell Hannah what's happening.

"Listen, princess, we need to talk to you for a minute." I wait for her big brown eyes to meet mine. "I have to take a trip that's going to help your mommy. I just wanted to let you know that you won't see me for a while."

"Edwood come home?" Her voice holds a tinge of anxiety, and she grasps my sleeve.

"Of course. I'll be back before you know it. I'm going to miss you, and I'll be thinking about you and your mom every moment I'm away."

Hannah looks into my eyes, her forehead wrinkling up. "You still love us?"

"Always."

"Don't want Edwood to go."

"Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't really want to."

"Like brushing tangles out of our hair?" she asks with a dramatic sigh.

"Yeah, like that. Okay, princess?"

"I guess so." Her cupid bow lips form a pout, but she hugs me. "I love you, Edwood. Come home for Nana."

"I will." I swallow around the huge lump in my throat and watch Isabella's tears spill over. I lean over to brush my knuckles over her cheek, and mouth, "I love you."

The three of us huddle together on the floor, and I wonder how I'm going to face leaving tomorrow.

~*RK*~

A/N: Yes, the inevitable separation. *cries* FYI: the contest is still on for flavors/scents Edward might choose from Emmett's Party Pack! If I use yours, you will get a special preview of that chapter and bragging rights for sheathing Edward.

The next chapter of I Want It Painted Black should post on Thursday, and the next one is nearly finished. I'll be on vacation all next week, so I'm not sure if there will be a chapter of Red Kryptonite next week or not. I'll try my best!

Thanks to everyone who reads, recs, and lurks this story!

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