Chapter 10: Sacrifices- Edward

"He's through here," I heard Bella say as they came into the foyer. I leaned over to Simon. "How are you?" I asked. He looked pale and lifeless.

"Burning…" he moaned. I it sounded like there was no change. Ness dabbed his sweaty forehead gently. Then I smelled Bram's scent as he came in. Bella and Jake stood next to him looking somber.

Bram spotted Simon and moved up to the couch. He knelt down next to him, his face looking pained and longing. Simon turned to see him then his breath caught, instantly he started crying. Bram cringed then cradled his face with shaking fingers and rested his forehead on his. "I'm here baby, it's okay" he crooned, stroking his face. Simon kept crying in relief, stress, fear, pain; it was unclear. Maybe he finally felt like being with his lover was emotionally overpowering.

"Oh Bram.." he gasped voice breaking.

"It's okay….it's okay…" Bram whispered kissing his forehead, stroking away his tears. "I know honey, I know you've been worried," he said switching to stroking his damp hair.

"Bram...I'm sorry..I love you…" Simon pleaded.

"Shhhhh...shhh" Bram shhed him gently then kissed him tenderly on the mouth, to stop his cries. Simon was shaking, clearly in agony.

"It really hurts.." he moaned after they broke apart. "Bram.." he moaned in longing.

"I know honey, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry…" he said cradling him against him. He held him tightly as he burned. He whispered soothing comfort words to him as Simon cried himself out. Bram rested his head on Simon's, holding him close, cradled in his arms. Simon clutched him never wanting to let him go. "I love you. In any form Simon. I promise," he said kissing his hair. Simon cringed the burning worsening in the final hours. "I've got you, I'm sorry it hurts. It's almost over sweetheart," Bram said kissing his hand. He cupped his face with his other hand. I saw that his skin was turning cool and pearly. Bram stroked the skin, most likely feeling the change. His hair was a beautiful vibrant blonde. Face as pale as the moon. An almost vampire. Bram caught my eye, and knew he was out of time. He rocked his boyfriend, kissing him everywhere, his face, his hair, his cheek. He seemed like he decided to lie, probably not to overly upset his ailing Simon. Simon looked at him, blue/gray eyes appearing vibrant purple, on their way to red. He cleared his throat. "Baby, I'll be back soon okay?" He managed staying strong. "I love you honey," he said kissing his head, eyes tearing. He hid it from him.

"Please come back soon," he begged. "It's less painful with you here," Bram hugged him, hiding his streaming face. "Simon, I love you," he repeated, wiping his face. "I love you Bram, forever. Nothing can part us," he vowed. He reached up with his face and Bram kissed his lips, looking smooth and icy now. Bram pulled away.

"Soon," he vowed and kissed his shut eyelid. Then he squeezed his hand and let go. Ness took his hand in his place and nodded to him sadly. I grasped his shoulder leading him into the hall. Bram was going to pieces silently, heartbroken by the goodbye. He stopped and looked at me looking helpless. I hugged him and Jasper flitted into the room, sending comforting emotions to ease his pain. Bram was able to regain himself and pulled away, wiping his nose.

"I promise we'll be in contact and make sure that Simon is able to speak to you. We will reunite you as soon as he is able to withstand proximity to humans. But again I don't know how long that will take," I said apologetically. "What are your plans now?" I asked.

"I would like to go back to Washington with your family to get to understand Simon's new world, my world, if that's all right," he checked.

Carlisle joined us, beaming. "My name is Carlisle, I am the head of the Cullen family and Edward's father. I would be delighted to bring you home with myself and my wife Esme. We can teach you everything there is to know about us and what to expect. You will be perfectly safe." He assured. And Carlisle, radiated warmth. Bram nodded.

"We will stay here until it is safe to return," I said, clasping Bram's shoulder.

"Please take care of him and keep him safe," Bram begged him, pained by his separation. I nodded, a promise. After that Bram departed with Carlisle and Esme.

That night Jasper, Emmett, Jacob, and myself were preparing to take Simon into the White mountains, to hunt. It would be enough supervision to keep him safe. We had to leave shortly, he was in his final hours. Alice wanted to come in case of unexpected visions, and Jasper agreed, although Jake's presence may limit her. I moved to Bella and kissed her goodbye.

"Keep each other safe. And Simon. Call us, we'll be worried," she said, nuzzling my face.

"Of course but we'll be safe, this is only a precaution," I assured her, kissing her hair. Jake had picked up Simon and carried him to the car. Ness looked after him worried. "He's going to be okay Ness," referring to what could have been either of them. I touched her cheek and she smiled. It seemed that I have been forgiven. I still should talk to her later to make sure, however. But now wasn't the time. I turned and followed my brothers. We drove silently in the night. I ended up sitting next to Simon in the back seat of one of the cars, who writhed and moaned, not entirely lucid. I gripped his shoulder in comfort. I too remembered the agony of burning. Jasper blanketed us with calming feelings, which seemed to help slightly in Simon's tormented thoughts, while he drove. It was difficult having to hear the thoughts, but also my duty as a friend who ultimately had let him down.

"I like Bram," came Alice's voice in the front seat. "He's sweet. I can see how much he loves him," she said. She already experienced several visions of him adjusting to life at the Cullens. Polite and eager to learn. I nodded, I was glad the visions were happy, but it was impossible to tell the time fr8ame of the reunion.

"I hadn't mentioned it before to you, not much time to do so, but I can't hear his thoughts either," I said, speaking low. Alice turned in the seat to look at me.

"Wow, that's incredible. The second time in your life that's ever happened," she said. She could still see his future easily, like Bella. "He must be another shield," she said.

I wondered about Simon, how he would react to being new. If he would have a talent. I wasn't worried about him wanting to hunt humans; he was a caring gentle soul who never wanted to hurt anyone. His thoughts were exceptionally pure. I hoped his self-control would be similar to Bella's because it hurt me, keeping him away from Bram. I could never part with Bella. The one time I did, the pain of it nearly killed me. Never again. So I empathized, and felt terrible. Especially because it was my fault. I wondered about Bram. Would he eventually desire this life, as Bella had? To be with Simon forever? I never knew his thoughts, but his actions spoke volumes. I didn't know what to think; it seemed anything was possible. And if it did come to pass, our family was growing. But love always paved the way to family, and they were our best friends outside our family and Tanya's, which also had now come to include Garrett for the past 7 years. He only recently managed a full vegetarian transition, struggling as Jasper had. But Kate was patient. He was her everything.

I patted Simons shoulder. Cringing as the fire retreated to his heart slowly; the final stages. We would arrive shortly. In time for his transformation to conclude outside. He would be stronger than all of us. A crazed newborn. But with Jasper, myself, and Alice, it was as safe as we could execute the situation. "It's almost over," I comforted him, struggling to bear the fire in his thoughts with him, even somewhat.

When we arrived, we set him on the ground, minutes from the conclusion. At this point the pain in his heart was the worst so far. He screamed, voice coming out in vampire velvet tones. His appearance was completely transformed. He reminded me of Jasper's build, hair golden. He didn't need glasses anymore. Minutes later his heart stuttered than beat one final time. Everyone held their breath. I saw him open his red eyes and peer above him in shock. And then I heard my thoughts echo. I froze. I heard Jasper's tense thoughts echo as well and Emmett's. What on Earth? I stared at Simon, and saw a thought, my face looking from above at Simon. I heard absolute panic in Simon's thoughts.

My eyes aren't open how can I see Edward? Is it a weird ability? Plus he's clearly not talking, but I can hear him thinking… thinking… What I am? What the hell? And then he puzzled over how I heard what the hell, his thoughts. He shifted through dull murky human memories, and thought he remembered someone saying I heard thoughts. But, if that was true, why could he hear them? He spun to look at me jaw dropping. I stared back, equally stupefied. Edward? He thought.

Simon? I thought.

"Holy shit" he said, his vampire's voice shimmered pleasantly. He stopped to marvel at the sound. He started around in shock. It's so clear… He thought.

Yes. I replied in thoughts, and you can read minds like me.

Wow, really? He thought in wonder. I can hear everything. And it's weird not breathing. But I like the scents and taste… Well.. Not Jake, he thought grimacing at him. All the others were still waiting for more.

"I'm fine… It's just a lot… overwhelming ...and it appears I can read minds too…" he added, looking self conscious.

Jake gaped at him. "That's crazy! Another mind reader!"

"Oh wow, I'd love to hear Bram," he said looking eager.

Well, no, you won't be able to. I thought. I can't hear him or Bella. Their minds are protected for some reason. Simon looked disappointed.

Maybe it's good anyway, that we stay equals. It's hard, sorting what people are saying vs. thinking. And they're all taking over each other. He thought grimacing.

You can try focusing on one voice and the others become white noise. Or maybe, you can try turning it off? I can't unfortunately. I thought. He pondered this then focused on stopping. I heard my thought echo blink out. I was impressed.

Much better. Can you still hear me? He thought. I nodded.

"How do you feel?" Jasper asked, impatience in his thoughts. He was worried for a snap. Simon flashed to his feet and gazed in wonder at his pearly skin.

"Shocked… Strong… Not tired, even though that was exhausting." He said. "I can turn my ability on and off," he said.

"That's convenient," Jake added, moving closer. It was clear that Simon was not going to attack him.

"Why do you smell awful? Is it because you're human?" He asked.

"No I'm not. I'm a shapeshifter. I turn into a werewolf." Simon seemed to remember.

"Yes, you saved my life. Thanks Jake," he said. He nodded to him.

"Humans will not smell awful. They will smell so delicious, you may lose control. That's why we brought you out here. We need to teach you to hunt animals instead. So you can be with Bram" I said. He looked around.

"Animals? Like what?" He asked.

"Deer, maybe mountain lions, that's it around here," Emmett said.

"So you guys don't kill people?" He said.

"Not anymore, but some of us had phases at the beginning. Bella and Ness are clear. Rosalie also, our other sister," said Alice. "We won't let you… If you don't want to," she said awkwardly. He flinched.

"No never, I'll hunt animals with you guys," he said quickly.

"It will become easier to see Bram when your thirst is under control," said Jasper. Then, for the first time he touched his throat. It was odd, how it took him so long to get there, like Bella.

"So how do you hunt?" He asked. Emmett stepped up.

"You let your senses take control and reach out to find the scent or heartbeats. Then the instinct is natural," he said.

"But you can't let yourself hunt with humans around. Edward cleared the area," Jasper said. Simon looked uncomfortable trying to cool his throat with his hand.

"Let's go, follow us," I said leading the way through the trees. Simon kept up with me easily, stronger with his human's blood. I smelled deer and slowed. Simon stopped looking exhilarated.

"That was amazing," he said smiling.

"Let your thoughts reach out. Pick up the smells," I said. He closed his eyes and obeyed.

"I smell them, deer?" He asked.

"Yes, follow your instincts," I said. He sunk into a crouch and ghosted through the trees. I followed and I heard Jasper shadowing ahead. I could tell Jake had phased to keep up. I heard Simon's thoughts. He positioned himself near the water, then sprang gracefully. He pinned a female and sank his teeth into her throat. He had some difficulty finding the best place, but he drank gratefully. He finished before I could reach the water, and pin a buck. He watched me as I sought the point on his neck where the flow was strong and drink. When I finished there wasn't a drop on me.

"You make it look easy," he complained.

"Centuries of practice," I said. We cocked our heads and heard Emmett and Alice hunting a few miles away. Jasper wasn't hunting. His expression was locked on Simon's face. I had to admit, I was stunned. Simon was not feral. Like Bella. Jasper felt annoyed. Why was it so hard for him? I thought about the concept of mentally preparing for what was coming. We told Simon about hunting animals when he was burning. Was that enough? He could still snap still.

"Why am I still thirsty?" He asked.

"You're new. It also means you're the strongest vampire right now, because you still have your human blood," I said.

"Stronger than you?" He asked in wonder.

"Yeah, and Emmett, my largest brother back here," I said.

"Who are you?" He asked Jasper shyly.

"I'm Jasper, I have an ability too. I'm an empath. I can influence the emotions of people around me," he said.

"Wow, that's very cool," Simon said grinning. "What about the others?" He asked, remembering details about some of them.

"Let's keep moving, we'll tell you," I said taking off again but not so fast this time.

"My brother and sister Emmett and Rosalie don't have powers. Nor do Esme or Carlisle, our adopted parents. Carlisle helped attend to you. He's a doctor. He works with humans," Jasper said.

"Bella is my wife. I described her shield. She can protect her mind, and the minds of those around her. When she was human, I couldn't even hear her thoughts." I said.

"And Bram seems to have this too?" He said.

"Yes, perhaps it is similar to Bella, or different," I said.

"What about Ness?" He asked. I paused. I didn't want to explain everything about her yet.

"I mentioned it before, but she can share her thoughts through touch," is all I said.

We managed to find another herd of deer and Simon seemed to drink himself full. We reconvened to assess what to do next.

"Should we go back to the house?" Emmett asked.

I felt Jasper's doubt. It was more proximate to humans. But what exactly were we going to do out here?

"I have an idea," I said. "Do you mind listening to my thoughts?" I asked him. He looked puzzled but I heard him listening again.

I'm going to remember the taste of human blood and the smell, to see how you do. I thought. He nodded.

I pulled up a memory of an old hunt, not Bella's hyper potent smell and taste. Simon jerked clutching his throat. I saw the expression in his eyes change. His breath quickened. Jasper moved forward but I raised a hand. Simon heard our anxious thoughts and peered into my face. He fought back. After a moment, I saw reason regain in his eyes. I smiled.

"Ugh, that's awful," he complained, massaging him throat, which likely burned. "I don't think I can talk to humans yet, but I think I could deal if they were in houses a bit separated from us," he said, shaking his head to clear it.

How is this possible?! Jasper thought, outraged, but held his expression.

"Again," he said turning to Emmett. Overall it went rather well, we only needed to stop him from charging at Jasper once, but Jasper had the least amount of control in his memories, at the time. Simon was disturbed by the visions of the dead. Sickened. But after an hour, he barely reacted. True, an in person experience was far to come. But it was progress. We decided to go back to the house, which was fairly secluded anyway, and had many vampires keeping watch there.

He rode with me, trading thoughts, thinking it was so cool, he could telecommunicate almost.

There's a lot to be aware of. In a family, tensions can run high if everyone's thoughts and secrets were constantly accessible to me. Everything, even intimate moments. I learned that I needed to find a new space at night. Simon wondered what I meant.

Well, if you think about it. We don't sleep. Our emotions and sense of touch are much more sensitive. We don't need to eat or even use the bathroom. We never get tired. Most partners… Well, in the evenings, they are occupied with passion. I thought.

Wait a minute. All night? He thought shocked.

Think about it, does it sound exhausting to you right now? I asked mentally.

I guess not, but that's a lot of sex, he said dumbstruck.

When your partner is human, it's different. Humans are fragile. The act of sex could really hurt them, even kill them. It's better to wait until they are safe. But it's up to you what you do. I thought.

There's more about me I'd like to tell you. About my family. If just like to wait for now. I added. He thought that was fair.

Bram. I love him but I don't want to hurt him. I won't see him until humans barely bother me. And I certainly won't hurt him physically. I never could risk that. Do you… do you think he could still be attracted to me anyway? He thought, embarrassed.

You haven't seen yourself. If you remember, our good looks are part of the package. It's meant to lure prey in. Bella seems to always have been attracted to me. But I think you'll find it's love that attracts us. I thought kindly. Simon thought about how Bram said he would love him in any form.

When he saw you tonight, he did see some of your changes. Did he seem repulsed by them? I asked, knowing the answer.

No. It was like there was no difference. Simon thought, they he ran back through Bram's visit and his goodbye. He swallowed, then his face scrunched up. He touched his eye with his hand, confused.

We can't cry as vampires. Well, we can, but it's dry, without tears. I thought, gently.

That's strange, but there are so many benefits it seems. Hearing thoughts. Super strength and speed. No more human needs. Not being able to be hurt. Being young forever. Apparently endless sex. What do you guys do with your other time?

We mainly live in Forks Washington because it rains and is overcast the most. That means we can go outside, no sun. Every 20-50 years we attend high school, to keep up appearances. I have many graduation hats. We go to college. Travel. Visit our friends in the North, that also don't hunt humans. Basically these things.

Wow…. High school over and over. Once was enough. Thought Simon in despair.

It helps cut down suspicion. It will be a while before we go again. We have college to finish.

We can eventually go back?

Once you're safe, you can do whatever. Our family has millions roughly. Alice sees changes in the stock market. You can go anywhere or do anything. Just not in the sun.

Why can Ness do it?

It's complicated. I think I'd prefer she tell you.

Okay. That's fair… We have a while. He said.

Truly we do.

And you don't mind us living with you? Really? That seems huge.

No. We honestly think of you as family. It makes us strong, having more of us. Because we don't drink human blood, it lets us be less wild. We can form bonds of love. When other vampires only form small groups by convenience, or just travel as partners.

So, Bram and I, we would become Cullens? he asked.

If you want to. Our father Carlisle and mother Esme would adopt you.

Wow, that's so nice. He replied.

In the face of everything Simon, it's minimal. Remember, you look drastically different. You can't run him to your family and friends. We could try and orchestrate a reunion. Us hearing thoughts helps. But it could be they will be afraid. They may think they are crazy.

Simon looked pained. He held his head in his hands. Nora, Alice, Nick, Leah, Abby… God...I don't think I could live without them. I feel sick. I put a have on his shoulder.

Maybe it's possible but we can't say we're vampires. The Volturi will kill any humans that find out. And they all can't become vampires. Really, it only makes sense to change your partner. No one else.

He thought about it. Who's the Volturi?

A kind of government that regulates vampire behavior. We can't make spectacles of ourselves or reveal our nature otherwise they will arrive and use their combined supernatural gifts to destroy any vampires who break the rule. We've dealt with them in the past. Narrow escapes. But again, I think it's best if Ness explains.

There's a lot to learn. A lot to accept. And he thought it with a heavy heart.

I know, that's why we all feel wretched. And we wanted you to choose death over this. All of us, save Bella didn't choose this life. It happened to us or Carlisle saved us because we were dying, and couldn't actually consent.

Wow, and if you think about it, the same happened to me.

Yes. And we're so sorry. We stole your life and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself. I thought, and felt it too my core.

Simon didn't say anything, thoughts jumbled. Then they cleared. No, you we're trying to live in college. Trying to make a life. You didn't know you would be tracked in. You didn't expect an attack on your friends. Have you had human friends before? He asked. I nodded. So there you are, and I know you did your best to save me. You showed up with the whole family, and I'm grateful you saved my life… Or existence. I thought that it was really kind of him to be so forgiving. Perhaps it could change. I guess we don't know, but I'm not the type to hold on to hate. There are a lot of benefits to this life. Never growing old is a relief. I think my parents and two of my friends will accept me. Having Bram there explaining also could help. I mean, I'll tell them I was dying. No choice.

We will do our best to arrange that. But not soon. We need time to think, observe the future, and get you stable. He nodded, understanding. He felt tired but not physically. Mentally. I let him zone out in peace.

When we got home, we didn't have issues getting into the house. It was weird for Simon, not sleeping. He ended up typing in his phone to what I assumed was Bram. Eventually he lapsed into silence deep in thought. I felt bad, because vampire life could be quite boring.

What was less boring and very irritating to me was that Jake and Ness seemed to have reached full intimacy. It reminded me how Bella and I were on Isle Esme. Bella started shielding them at nights in the big house, because Alice set up another room for them, secluded, claiming they were adults and should probably be living together. It made me furious. But I also couldn't ask they l them to leave to go to another apartment or house because of tense times. Bella spoke to me briefly about it, saying she didn't love it but understood it, and how our daughter had never seemed happier. Except when she stressed over Simon.

There was a tense afternoon when she finally explained how she came to be to Simon, and how we were related. And she also explained our past with the Volturi. He stared bug eyed at us, and was grateful when Emmett offered to take him on a hunt.

Simon seemed like he kept in continual contact with Bram. That seemed to be helping. I once saw his phone screen accidentally.

Who's Blue? I asked.

When Bram and I first met, we actually met anonymously on the internet and emailed each other and it took some time to reveal our identities. I thought it might be nice for us to continue those old emails..He used the name Blue and I used the name Jacques. You have to remember we went to high school in Georgia, and it's not exactly progressive. It was tough but by senior year we were out and together. I smiled, thinking it was a good love story, and a good way to remind each other of their roots in a tough time.

Two weeks after hunting animals we decided to walk Simon through neighborhoods, under heavy guard. It was tense. But he passed. At the month marker, we took him on campus. He had a hard time focusing on breathing and needed to leave quickly, but no one died or was injured. He talked with Jasper in the evenings about ways to control himself. Weeks later, he finally seemed ready to mingle. He did everyday for a week, and managed it as well as Jasper did for many years.

We were planning to go home. I thought Simon was doing well with the separation from Bram, but several times I accidentally caught thoughts I wasn't supposed to, with Simon grieving and dry crying in silence. I knew not to disturb him. I'd feel the same if I needed to separate from Bella. It was unthinkable. When I was away, I simply existed. Nothing more. Simon was doing better than I was. But he also was still in contact, unlike my situation.

The night before going home, I was playing chess with Alice when a strange look crossed her face.

"I had a vision about Carlisle going for a walk with Bram but then it blinked out." She said, and I saw it too. For whatever reason, unexplained, I thought this was more significant than the others thought after we shared it with them.. I reached for my phone but it rang. It was Carlisle.

"Carlisle," I answered, an urgent tone in my voice.

"Edward," he answered and I heard it. I heard what I dreaded for many years. The same desolate tone in his voice from our last encounter with the Volturi. It was also from when we all thought Bella was dying. I froze into ice. Waiting for the worst.

"I was told to call you." He said, voice pained.

"Who?" I breathed. At this point I knew the others were gathered around me as still as statues. I couldn't concentrate on their thoughts. But I knew Simon was listening to me so it was like he was on the phone too.

"We have the company of half human vampires. They work for the Volturi." He said. If my heart could stop, it would.

"Surely you are stronger… You can defend yourselves," I breathed. And a few people in the room gasped in fear.

"Edward… They outnumber us 10 to 1," he said, voice dead. I couldn't speak. 30 part vampires?

"What do they want?" I managed.

"Alice, Bella, Jake, and Ness. Or we die," he managed. I couldn't breathe. Not me. That was the worst part. Taking my wife and daughter but not me. "If you attempt an attack, it will be instant death. I assure you, it's no bluff." He said. I couldn't. If I had the ability to have a normal stomach, I'd throw up.

"We can't not come…" I managed.

"We discussed it. We don't want you to. It is our wish," he says solemnly.

"No," I begged. "No we can't," I said, voice breaking.

"We can't allow this either. Even Bram won't risk Simon. He said he'd die right now to protect him," he said. "We agree," he said.

I didn't know what to do. I loved my father more than anything… except Bella and Ness. I loved Alice. I couldn't risk her being taken. Could I risk them? No. No we needed a plan.

"Tell them… Tell them to wait while we decide. We're going to come up with a plan Carlisle. We promise," I said, swearing to him. He tried to protest but I ended the call.

Then I dropped my phone and couldn't move.

No one did, the only sounds were the heartbeats. Then Bella was at my side. "Tell me," she breathed. I didn't think I could. I couldn't think of a way out. Alice was blind. I looked at her and her eyes were terrified.

"Half vampires, a large group have them. The are working for Aro," I breathed. Ness looked like she was going to throw up or pass out.

"And they want us," Bella replied, knowing them so well.

"You, Alice, Jake…., And Ness," I said the words burning on the way out. Ness sank to the floor. Jacob ripped to his wolf form, unable to contain himself. Simon looked confused and worried, but also aware what the Volturi coming meant. Jasper's expression was black as death. Not his Alice.

"You can't give yourselves up," said Emmett without preamble.

"Are you so ready to lose Carlisle?" I asked in a dead voice. "Esme?... And Bram," I said unwillingly looking at Simon. He also sank to the floor next to Ness, clutching his hair. Not confused anymore about this one aspect.

"No.." Alice moaned. "Not for me," she whispered.

"What?" came Jasper's voice, loud and cold as ice splinters. His expression was deadly, teeth bared. His thoughts were clear. All of us would die before Alice if it was his choice.

"They won't kill us," she whispered. "We're too valuable," she said. There was an ear splitting crash as Jasper picked up and threw a glass table. It broke into thousands of pieces, the shards bouncing off of the walls and floors. We flinched, but held our positions.

"There is no way," he growled. She looked at him beseechingly but I read in her eyes that if she chose to go, she would evade him.

He read it too and got in her face. "What do you expect me to do?" He snapped. "Let you go, f..forever?" He gasped, voice breaking on the last word.

"No. I expect the rest of you to gather everyone, and come to Volterra," she said clearly. Simon picked his head up, wanting to know what Voterra was. I told him through thought and he nodded his thanks.

"Everyone?" He asked.

"The packs, all the vampires from before. Anyone else we can find. They won't stand a chance."

"Bella's shield…" Rose whispered, and she was right. It was the only reason.

"They can't stop me from shielding without killing me. When you arrive, everyone will be protected." She said. Until they did kill her. I thought in agony. And they would to save themselves.

"How will you know when we get there?" Emmett asked. Jasper did not relax. In his mind, all of this was moot because she wasn't going.

"Alice. Hold the packs back and send Edward or Carlisle first, she will see them," Bella said. I locked eyes with her. How could I even begin to let her go. And Ness. How could I live with the deaths of my parents, and more plots to kill us in the future. There was no escaping it. No matter what, we'd never be safe until they we're dead. But some of us would die. Including my own family.

"Was there ever a chance to outrun this?" Rose said in a dead voice, voice the same as mine. "Alice can't see them anymore. At least this time, we know almost everything involved," she said.

"How dare you all go with this plan?" Jasper roared. "They will never let you go, or kill you!" Jasper yelled. Alice looked at him and he glared at her furiously.

"Would you let me go Alice?" He challenged. Her face twisted in pain. No, is what she thought mentally. But she didn't want Carlisle and Esme to die.

"Can't we take them at the house?" Jake croaked.

"They will light them on fire instantly the moment we try. I know it," I said in a whisper.

"We're all individuals," Ness said suddenly. She got up, looking strong and brave, tears in her eyes. "We all have a vote. No one can control anyone else's decision." She added, looking at me, but avoiding Jasper. He scared he slightly.

She looked to her mother; Bella. Bella looked anguished. Then her eyes met mine. She dropped her mental shield.

Edward. If it was Charlie, I'd never not go. You feel the same.

I looked into her eyes, mesmerized by hearing her thoughts.

What if we never had forever? This may be all we were allowed. If I'm leaving this world, I know we're leaving together. I mouthed Ness's name, and her resolve almost crumbled.

She's…. Not mine anymore. She is free to choose as we are. We can't stop her. And I felt such acute pain in her mind I wanted to hold her. The shield returned.

"I'm going," she said and everyone stared at her. I couldn't move.

"So am I," said Emmett. Rosalie looked overwhelmed with emotion, but nodded, unwilling to let him go without her. I looked at Jake and he was staring back, my burning man look from before in his eyes. He was terrified. He couldn't choose. He couldn't lose Ness.

The others looked anguished. But I knew Alice was going. Even if Jasper didn't. She was trying to decide if she should lie. I looked at her, and shook my head slightly. It just was wrong. If she wanted to go, Jasper couldn't stop all of us, she was going if she wanted to. Ness turned to Jake.

"Will you go with me?" She asked him, eyes locking with his wolf eyes. I could see tears in his eyes. His heart raced. But he bowed his head. Accepting his fate. He wouldn't live without her either. He would end his life to save hers. But he knew she was going. And it made him feel better, that he was going with her to Volterra. And was disconnected from the pack.

"I will," I said moving to Bella and pulling her into a hug.

Everyone looked at Alice. Jasper looked more like a vampire than I'd ever seen him. "You can't," he said, lips barely moving. She looked heartbroken and I saw a vision of what was coming with her thoughts. I cringed. I didn't want this.

"Jasper…" she whispered. Something in the tone meant something to him. "Let's go, follow me," she begged trying to avoid the vision.

"No," he snarled.

"Jaz please, I need you to...I see.. " he cut her off.

"You can't.. You can't Alice you promised you'd never leave me," he said voice starting to fail. I wanted to leave to avoid this scene, but Bella was frozen in my arms.

"Sweetheart…" she said afraid and desperate, the vision locking in. I looked at Emmett trying to stop him from what he was going to do in thirty seconds. He wasn't looking at me. Then Jasper reached forward and grabbed her arms restraining her. "Jaz no.." she gasped not caring about herself, but Emmett, who barreled forward at Jasper knocking into him full force. Alice screamed as she was dragged forward too, unable to shake off Jasper. I dashed forward, intent on releasing her. I got inadvertently knocked aside as they crashed through the living room and landed on the dining room table. It splintered. Jake tried to get a hold of Jasper's arm with his teeth but he was tossed against the wall. A few bones breaking in the side that made the impact. Ness screamed. I looked at Simon and he read my mind. He dashed forward and caught Jasper, he was strong enough to pull him off of Emmett and help restrain him. A new vampire. Finally, he couldn't move. He thrashed but knew he was beaten. He couldn't get free with Emmett helping. Ness rushed to Jake who phased back, wheezing in pain.

"It's okay, I'm healing already," he assured her. Alice moved forward, looking pained. There hadn't had a physical fight among that wasn't playful in many years. Jasper looked at her and I read his mind. He realized as long as we all were here, including Simon, he could never keep her safe. She was going. He couldn't stop her. And he broke. Switching from anger to anguish to hopelessness. He sank to the floor giving up. The others didn't let go yet. He gasped and started sobbing. Dry crying like I had myself recently had before. There was a wordless scream of pain in his head. Alice dropped to her knees, her eyes pricking with unshed tears. They let him go and he dropped to all fours.

"I'm sorry…" she moaned reaching for him. He didn't throw her off at her touch. "Baby I'm so sorry…" she said pulling him into a hug. She rested her head against his shushing him gently. Stroking his blonde hair. "I love you...I love you and I don't want to hurt you sweetheart," she said pulling him up to kiss his face. He didn't, pulling back.

"I can't do it...I can't let you go...I can't…" he sobbed. And I felt something in me break. It made it too real. "Please… Please don't, I'm begging you," he said hugging her.

"Jaz.." she said breaking down herself. "Jaz, honey it's not like that… It's not like that. I could never leave you, not that way," she pleaded, holding his face. I had to go. It was too much to take. He needed to be alone with her. I read his mind and he wouldn't attack again. She was kissing his face and comforting him while he moaned in pain. "Baby, I'm sorry. I love you…don't cry.." she whispered.

Simon followed me out, looking terrified.

Bram. He thought of with searing pain. They had him. His baby. He couldn't. He couldn't imagine it. I caught him as he stumbled.

I don't think he's hurt. I rushed to assure him. He's going to be okay. My father would have told me. They are protecting him. Simon thought about Jasper's crying and felt like he wanted to too. I honestly wanted to also. He was sick with worry. He didn't want them to surrender themselves. But he also couldn't help but selfishly want Bram free. He felt ashamed. Simon, I understand. I'd feel the same way. We're going to work on a plan. I assured him. Bella clutched my hand tightly. I could read the pain on her face. She couldn't bear the loss of myself or our daughter, not thinking about herself.

Ness caught up with us and Jake. He didn't have clothes from phasing but we avoided our eyes. He was hurt, I could tell from his thoughts bones were broken. It hurt badly. Ness regained my attention.

"I'm sorry, but you understand. We can't leave them. And they won't stop coming. Why lose them if this is inevitable?" She said and I knew she was right.

I couldn't imagine them imprisoned in Volterra, possibly being tortured. But no. Bella would shield them. No doubt about it. If we could attack from inside and out, we would prevail. The ancients weren't incredible fighters. They could feign poor fighting skills, then fight strongly when the time came.

"Where Ness goes I go," Jake said, huffing.I nodded my thanks to him.

"You should contact Sam. Ask if he wants to help or evacuate," I said. Jake nodded.

"I'll call tonight," he said. I felt bad because he was limping. And I could feel the pain.

"Should I look at that?" I asked. I studied medicine, but had nothing on Carlisle. Jake glanced at me then bent to sit down on a couch, jerking in agony. I sat next to him and probed his hip and ribs. He flinched. "I'll need to wrap these ribs. Bella?" I asked. She turned and flitted away to get bandages. I moved his leg to see if his hip was healing correctly. He flinched but kept most of the pain off his face.

"I think your pelvis has a break. But I need to move it, okay?" I asked. He nodded and closed his eyes. I did so as carefully as I could, but he still yelled, throwing his head back, a tear of pain escaping. Ness stroked his hair comfortingly looking upset. "There, it's done. You need to keep it still. I'll get you a blanket," I said. He groaned. He knew this would take all night to heal. Bella returned with bandages and tape. Have held still stoically as I taped him up. Ness flitted away, then appeared with shorts and a blanket.

"I couldn't possibly sleep now, we need to strategize," Jake complained but he looked exhausted and had a cold sweat going from shock.

"Alright, chime in when you want, we'll be in the next room," I said, knowing he wouldn't take my order to sleep. Ness sat next to him on the couch after helping him out in the shorts. I made sure he was readjusted after and he bit back another yell of pain. Then I joined Bella in the other room. I could barely think about what just happened. Was I really going to allow my wife to surrender herself tomorrow? I knew they wouldn't take me. Not including me was a clear message. We were much stronger together, and this was punishment for me. The thing that needed to be decided, was which plan had the best odds of survival. Right now, walking away would result in three certain deaths. Showing up technically could result in the same way, but I knew Aro's mind. If he was offering a trade, it was likely good. So showing up meant that four could likely die, but less than likely, because they were what they wanted. If they cooperated, it was doubtful they would be hurt. I worried about Jake. What could they possibly want to do with him? They said a genetic quality. We're they going to force him to spread his gene, so they could have werewolf offspring? So forced sex? Essentially… rape. I gagged, tormented with this unbidden thought. This was what Jake was facing, and as soon as I thought about it, I knew I was right. Now that I realized it, I knew I had to tell Jacob, I thought with a sickening pang. It wasn't right to keep this. He most likely hadn't gotten there himself mentally. And if his answer was no, likely what my answer would be if I were in his shoes, he needed to run tonight with Ness. Or as soon as he healed.

"Bella?" I said, tone of voice messed up. She looked at me and read my expression, looking worried. "I need to talk to Jake. Please." I said. She gazed at me but read that I wasn't about to explain.

"That's fine honey. Come back to me soon," she said and kissed my lips.

I made myself sound loud to prevent overhearing anything I couldn't or shouldn't hear what Jake and Ness were doing. When I rounded the corner, Jake and Ness was staring at me expectantly. "I need to talk to Jake for a minute Ness," I said with no emotional inflection. She stood up immediately and drifted back toward Alice and Jasper, but looked terrified. But she was hoping to help brainstorm anyway. I sat next to him and he looked at me and his face was grim. He knew this wasn't good.

"I swear I haven't moved," he said. I smiled wanly.

"No, I need to tell you something I realized," I said, but then my throat felt tight and uncomfortable. Jake knew me better now, because he looked concerned at my expression. "This isn't easy to say so I need a minute," I said, trying to buy time.

"If it's about Ness and me…" he started.

"No...no, it's about why the Volturi may have an interest in you." I said, worried he already knew and also hoping that he hadn't.

"That they might expect me to be their guard dog?" He replied. "I know and I'm going to have to go along with it if I want to protect her," he said voice desolate. I felt sick with explaining this. I almost felt like it was better for him to talk to Rosalie, the only other person I knew of in our family who suffered from this. I reached out and grasped his shoulder. He looked alarmed by this gesture. I never did this.

"No... I figured out that they must be doing genetic experiments to get half human half vampires. It seems to be their new weapon," I said. He stared blankly, not getting there.

"Jake... I think they want the pack's alpha for his genetic material…" I said softly. He still looked confused then his pupils dilated. His mouth popped open.

"Do you mean...that they want to mate me with people to get werewolves…" he said in a small voice.

"Probably the half vampires," I said, feeling sick for him. He looked away looking green. I snatched a trash can and gave it to him so he could throw up. He did so looking miserable.

"It's probably shock from the broken bones," I said kindly, to spare him. He nodded, looking upset.

"If you want to run with Ness we understand…" I said calmly. "No one expects you to endure…" I couldn't say it.

"Rape," he breathed. At that point I had no idea what to say. I had no advice I could offer. I didn't even know what I would do.

"She's going to want to go and I'm not going to be able to explain this to her…" he said in a surprising calm voice. I stared at him in shock.

"Listen, please do me this favor," he looked at me looking panicked. His eyes were full of tears. I felt at a loss, upset that he was losing composure. "Please don't tell her. If anyone is going to, it will be me someday. I can't bear it. Her knowing," he said sniffing as tears started running down his face. "I'm sorry," he said looking away.

"No, come here," I said pulling him toward me and hugging him, but careful not to jostle him.. He clutched me back trying to get his breathing under control. "I'm so sorry," I said patting his back. "It's going to be okay," I said even though it sounded empty. How could it be okay to know you were going to be raped, and you were accepting it? He gasped, thinking it too. "It's okay," I said again. "You can get through anything. I know you can, you're strong," I comforted. And eventually time heals all wounds, I thought. He let go and I gave him some tissues. "We will do our best to break you out before that happens. I promise," I said looking into his eyes.

"And you won't tell her, or anyone?" He verified. I nodded feeling like it was a deal with the devil. But could she ever forgive me… I'd be betraying her. And I knew he'd rather die than do that.

"No...Jake no… No it's not that. You're trying to save her life," I said voice hoarse, tormented by what was happening. He gasped and more tears fell.

Ness came back, we looked at her and she looked at Jake's red eyes and tears and gasped. She moved up to him and reached to cradle his face.

"Honey, what's wrong?" She asked sounding panicked. She looked at me and she couldn't help but wonder if it was my fault. She wiped his tears gently and he stared agonized at her face when she wasn't looking. Then he spoke instead of me, and she looked back. The expression was gone.

"It's nothing, Edward had to reset a few of the bones. They weren't quite right. I'm a baby," he lied easily.

"Oh, no you're not, it's okay," she said, hugging him gently. "Can he have painkillers?" She asked me.

"Yes, I'll be right back," I said robotic-like. I decided not to harbor any negative thoughts against him anymore. Jacob Black was more mature and self sacrificing than me. Willing to experience the worst thing on Earth to protect her life. I couldn't ever hope for more and couldn't want almost anything less. Less than what we were going to do.