A/N: Hello again, folks! For those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it was a wonderful socially distanced day! At least, I hope it was as good as it could be.

I want to say thank you to everyone for reading my story, and all the wonderful comments. Some of you have very valid points about Bella and Edward and their relationship. Let's get to the next step, shall we? Lots going on. Enjoy!

Chapter 18: Preparations

Bella

I woke up slowly, not remembering where I was at first. I felt cold, hard steel wrapped around me and it took me a few minutes to realize that it was Edward. Then it all started to come back to me. I was in a cabin, hiding out with my boyfriend who had decided it was ok to continue to have sex. I felt my face heat in a blush as his arm started stroking mine.

"Good morning, love," he said, shifting up and kissing my head. I rolled over so I could see him. "Why are you blushing? Not that I don't enjoy it..." He smirked at me.

"I was remembering last night." I lowered my eyes, hoping that he wouldn't change his mind again. His emotions were sort of giving me whiplash; but we had been together several times and the last few, anyway, he hadn't seemed like he was regretting anything. Still, after the first time and the horrible fight we had, I could never be too sure.

He leaned down and captured my mouth. "Maybe I live to make you blush like that," he whispered in my mouth. I groaned and kissed him back. He pulled away too soon, though, which reminded me of how he had been before the cabin. "But we need to get up and moving. Everyone will start showing up today."

I sighed...that's right. Crazy, vindictive vampire was out there creating a damn army. I had almost forgotten. I looked up at Edward. "We won't have any alone time anymore."

His eyes looked sad when they met mine. "Not for some time, no. I'm sorry, Bella. I have enjoyed our alone time as well."

I kissed him again, but made it quick. I got up and grabbed some new clothes, heading into the bathroom. "I'm going to shower. How much time do we have before everyone gets here?"

"Mother said they would be here after lunch." He smiled at me. "Want me to join you in the shower?"

I rolled my eyes. "That's a dumb question. Of course, I do."

So, that's how I ended up being pushed up against the hard tile wall, my boyfriend slipping in and out of me while I tried not to scream in pleasure. I knew he said they weren't going to arrive until after lunch, but that damn vampire hearing made me nervous. I didn't want anyone to be that close when we were like this. Edward was still very cautious with me. I could tell he was holding back, but maybe that was ok. After the first couple times, we had been successful in having sex without injury. The third time, though, he had grabbed my arm too hard and caused some mild bruises. Man, Edward can 'guilt' more than anyone else I knew. It took me two solid days, and the bruises disappearing, before he would touch me again.

By the time we were done in the shower, the water having turned cold long before, I was definitely happy. At least we had been together one more time before the family descended on us. It would be great to see them, but I wasn't lying when I had told him that I would miss our alone time.

If I'm being honest, I couldn't help but worry about all of them with this new threat. Edward said it would be easy; that Sam's pack was joining us and would help significantly. He said that Alice only saw us winning, and faster than we thought originally. But I still worried for my new family.

What had shocked me, though, was that Esme and Charlie were on their way, too. I hadn't thought I would be able to see him for a long time, but they wanted to be there to fight. They were bringing the rest of the Denali clan, including the new one, Laurant. I knew that Charlie couldn't get that close to me, but I was excited to see him from a distance at least.

I set about cleaning up a bit, knowing they would be there soon. I glanced around my school work mess, the dishes in the kitchen, and decided that I better start in the bedroom, considering their crazy ability to smell everything. Edward took the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, while I focused on the bedroom. Stupid fast vampires. He was done before I was, of course. He came in and shook his head at me.

"Sorry, love. The smell is still here. Maybe more cleanser?"

I sat down on the bed. I had the sheets in the washing machine already, and I had wiped everything else down. The smell of lemon Pledge was hitting me, and I couldn't believe anything else was there. I sighed in defeat. "Honestly, I don't know how much more I could clean without corroding everything in sight."

He laughed and sat down beside me. "They won't say anything, love. Well, maybe Emmett. But everyone else will just be happy for us."

"Even Charlie?"

Edward's eyes clouded over for a moment. "Well, I don't think he'll be getting close enough to the cabin for that to be of concern. I'll check with Alice, though, to make sure he's not going to try and kill me or anything."

I snickered, leaning into him. We continued to clean up at that point, moving the sheets to the dryer while making sure everything else was put away. I decided to try and get some school work done, just to pass the time, when I heard the first footsteps outside. Running to the door, I threw it open to see Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, Elizabeth, Rose and Emmett standing outside. Alice and Rose ran up to me first, throwing their arms around me. Jasper hung off to the side as usual, while Emmett got closer waiting to get in next.

Once Alice and Rose stepped back, Emmett came in and did exactly what he had done that last time: he put his arms around me, picking me up and hugging me a little too hard. I laughed, telling him to put me down. Elizabeth was next, coming up to me and hugging me, while Carlisle reached for my hand. I had one arm around Elizabeth in a hug, while I held on to Carlisle's. It was a wonderful moment, honestly. It was clear just how much they had all missed me, and how much I had missed them.

Edward cleared his throat from behind me. "And what am I, chopped liver?" he joked. "No one missed me?"

"Not a bit, little bro. I was finally able to beat someone in Chess, considering no one else cheats like you do." Emmett came forward and wrapped Edward in a hug, laughing. The rest of the family laughed, coming forward to hug him next.

When Carlisle came up to Edward, I could see them both have serious faces. I knew some of the issues between them in the past, but Edward had been quick to assure me that it was much better now than it ever had been. However, my own personal opinion was that they were both used to the tension it was hard to forget. I watched Edward step forward and put his arms around Carlisle, who reciprocated immediately.

"Thank you for coming, Father. All of you. I guess we need to sit down and discuss the plans? Before the pack gets here?" Edward said, stepping back from Carlisle to place his arm around his mother. "I told Bella that we would not hide anything from her, so I want to make sure that we are including her in these conversations."

Alice beamed up at him. "Good! Yes, Bella needs to be a part of the discussions. But we can't start them yet. Esme and Charlie will be here within the hour, along with the rest of the Denali's. We need to wait for them. The pack won't be here until tomorrow."

"Within the hour?" I asked, taking a step toward Alice. She smiled at me and nodded. "Can I...am I allowed to hug him? Or..." I lowered my face; I knew what I was asking was impossible. He couldn't get that close to me yet. "Never mind."

Alice put her arm around me. "It's ok, Bella. It will be ok, trust me."

Esme

As we sped through the Northwest Territories, nearing the cabin, I continued to worry for my mate. The last month or so with him had been almost bure bliss. He was calmer than I remember any other newborn being, that was for sure. But he was also the kindest man I'd ever met. He was gentle and sweet; everything I had ever wanted in a mate. He loved me, and told me frequently.

He was more comfortable with the rest of the Denali's now, too. He spent a lot of time with Eleazer, just getting to know him. But Kate joined often while they were testing the strength of his shield. Charlie was fascinated by it, and wanted to learn how to fully use it. Eleazer thought it must be totally instinctual at this point, considering how Edward had a hard time reading his mind while he was human, it must have always been a part of him.

What worried me now, though, was being around Bella. Charlie had done extremely well so far, but he hadn't gotten close to any humans yet. I didn't want him to hurt her – both for Bella's sake, but his own also. I knew that Charlie loved his daughter so much that if anything happened to her, he would be so guilt ridden he wouldn't be able to live with himself.

Charlie reached out and grabbed my hand, just as we rounded the bend. I could see the cabin now, maybe a mile out. He brought my hand to his lips, kissing it slightly, and I melted while looking at him.

"Don't worry so much, Esme. Everything will be fine. Alice or Edward will be able to tell how close I can get to her. I'll trust their judgement, ok?"

I nodded. "Close your eyes and tell me what you smell?" He smirked. He was used to me teaching him how to hunt, but he also knew this was different. I was helping him identify Bella from a distance. If he could make sure her smell was singled out, he may be able to avoid any dangerous situations.

He did as I asked, inhaling and he opened his eyes, looking at me with a wild expression. "I can smell her! Cinnamon and strawberries, just like when she was human."

Tonya and Irena walked up, putting their arms through Charlie's – he had asked them to do that previously, to make sure he didn't take off – but I knew it wasn't necessary. I could see in his eyes he was surprised, not thirsty. He smiled at me, and I smiled back, knowing that this was just one hurtle in many.

"It's ok, Tonya and Irena. I'm ok. I'm not thirsty, and her smell doesn't make my throat hurt any more than it normally does. I'm in control." He glanced at them in turn, and they smiled, releasing him and walking away. We all stood there for a few moments, making sure Charlie didn't lose control. He glanced at us. "Let's go. I want to see my daughter."

We took off running until we got to the cabin. Tonya, Irena and Kate called out to the Cullens inside, knowing that we couldn't all congregate inside together. They began to spill out, greeting each of us in turn. Elizabeth made a bee-line for me, wrapping her arms around me tightly. I almost cried in relief; I had missed her so much. I saw past Elizabeth's shoulder that Bella was hanging back, with Edward standing in front of her. I released Elizabeth and ran up to Edward, practically jumping on him. His arms wrapped around me, hugging me tight.

"I have missed you, my friend," he said. He leaned back and looked at me. "Neither of us are the lonely ones any longer, though, right?" I know he was talking quietly so Bella couldn't hear him; I also knew that Charlie had.

I smiled up at him. I've never been this happy in my life, Edward. And I can see that you feel the same. He smiled back at me, hugging me again. I reached over and hugged Bella next, who's eyes didn't quite meet mine. She was focusing on Charlie at the other side of the driveway area.

Alice came up next to us, looking at Bella. "Go ahead. He wants to see you, too."

Bella walked carefully, as Edward had coached her no doubt, toward Charlie. Everyone sort of parted and watched, curious as to his reaction. Jasper and Emmett made their way to stand behind Charlie, ready to grab him if anything was amiss. I knew that Jasper was reading Charlie's mood, but for now at least he didn't seem concerned. Edward hovered behind Bella in case he needed to make a fast escape with her. I did the same, though based on Alice's smile and Jasper's confident look, I wasn't as concerned as I had been.

"Dad?" Bella asked, staring openly at Charlie. "Is that really you? You look so different!"

He just smiled back at her. I had warned him to hold his breath, that it should help with the craving. Charlie didn't move, cautious again. But Bella did. She started running toward him, even as Edward got to her and grabbed her, stopping her progress, she was trying to get to Charlie.

"Let me go! It's my Dad! I want to see him!"

"Bella, Charlie isn't safe right now..." Edward stopped talking and looked at Alice. They shared a look, and Edward dropped his hands. "Go slowly, Bella."

Amazed, I watched as Bella walked up to Charlie. He didn't even hesitate; he put his arms out and she ran into them. For a brief moment I was worried, but I remembered the look between Edward and Alice. If he had willingly let Bella go, then he must have seen through Alice's visions that she would be ok. I had to trust that. Still, I made sure to get closer and hover, just in case. Jasper and Emmett did the same thing.

Every vampire there stood and stared as Charlie's arms closed around Bella, softly so as to not hurt her. Bella was crying softly into his shoulder and he was smiling, obviously proud of himself at the restraint. They continued to embrace for some time, not willingly moving away from each other. Soon, the rest of us determined that he was fine, Bella was safe, and we started to move away to give them a little more privacy. Edward and I lingered, though, just in case.

"I thought I wasn't going to be able to see you for so long," Bella said, leaning back to look at her father. "You look good, Dad. Like a whole new person."

Charlie chuckled. "I feel different, that's for sure. I feel strong, but also sort of scattered. Like I can't seem to focus on one thing at a time anymore. My thoughts sort of fly all over the place, all the time." He leaned forward and kissed Bella's forehead, while Edward and I clenched. Nothing happened, though. Charlie really was stronger than anyone thought he would be.

"I'm sorry to intrude," Edward said, stepping forward. "Mother wants us in the clearing. We need to discuss the fight before the pack gets here tomorrow. She wants to make sure that we are all solid on the plan."

Charlie looked up at Edward. His face was stoic, but something was there. I couldn't read it, but Edward nodded at him. "You are welcome, Charlie. I promise to do that for the rest of my life."

Bella

I didn't want to let go of Dad, but I also didn't want to push him too much. Getting to hug him was incredible, as I really hadn't thought that would be possible for some time. Edward steered me to the side of the cabin; he ran in to get my jacket, which I had forgotten, before he scooped me up on his back and took off running. I had traveled this way before, but not for too long. I realized that I absolutely did not like this way of travel.

We arrived at the meadow that Edward and I went to frequently. All of the vampires were standing around. It was a sunny day, and the diamond-like glare was coming off of all of them. If we hadn't been in such a serious situation, I would have laughed. They all looked so ridiculous. I sat down, Edward beside me, and glanced up at the group. I was surprised to see Jasper stand up in front of everyone.

"Victoria has a newborn army, and we need to discuss our strategy. There are a lot of things that I can tell all of you; instruction on how best to handle them. But I'm going to save that for when the wolves get here. In the meantime, let's talk about timing and where all of you will be. When Sam's pack gets here tomorrow, I'll start the instruction."

"How does Jasper know so much about newborns?" I asked Edward, trying to keep my voice low. All the vampires heard me, of course – stupid vampire hearing. Jasper was the one who replied.

"My background is very different from my siblings. I was ushered into this life by a vampire named Maria, at the time of the Civil War." He didn't let me process that information before he continued. "Because of my abilities, Maria put me in charge of her newborn army. I trained them, and took care of them when she decided one wasn't going to work out. I spent years with newborns during the wars."

I was sure my face was a mask of shock, but I just listened to him. He told me of the horrific things he was responsible for, the massive death that occurred to the humans in the area where the army was, the wars between them and another army close by. The death and destruction were not what I was expecting, and by the end of his speech I thought my head would explode from the extra information.

Jasper changed gears and started giving instructions to everyone, but stopped short. His eyes were focused on Alice, who had a horrified look on her face. I felt Edward stiffen next to me; he wound his arms around me pulling me closer to him in a protective gesture.

Before I could blink, Jasper was standing next to Alice. "What is it?"

"There's more-more than I originally saw! Liz!" Elizabeth came rushing over also, holding on to Alice's hand. She closed her eyes and I saw Edward stiffen again.

"It's the only choice. There; Alice, now what do you see?" Elizabeth asked, opening her eyes to look at Alice.

Alice nodded, smiling a slight grin. "That's better. That's the only way, you are right."

"Can you let the rest of us in on this?" Emmett said, slightly irritated.

"Victoria's numbers have increased. They have almost doubled. Even with the wolves, we will be well undermanned. But Liz just made a choice, and we win the fight now. A quarter of the fight is blank, so that must be the wolves, but the rest of us can easily take it." Alice looked around at everyone. "We have some preparations to make now. Everyone needs to find friends, anyone who would be willing to fight. Liz has already made the decision to start calling and visiting her and Carlisle's friends, and our numbers keep growing. If we reach out, people will come to help us."

"So, there will be more vampires here?" Charlie asked, glancing over at me. I could see he was worried about my safety. I was the only human there.

"Bella will be with me, Charlie. I'll keep her safe. But I saw the choice, and the impact it has on the battle. We have to do this or we have no prayer of winning." Edward stood up, grabbing my hand and gently bringing me up to stand next to him. "We will stay in the cabin, while the rest of you go on your searches. I'll keep her inside, and her scent away from this field."

Charlie nodded, but I could tell he still wasn't happy about the situation. Esme slid her hand into his, and he glanced down at her. For a moment I was taken almost aback at the glow of love in his face. They were really perfect for each other. The compassion and joy on both of their faces was clear enough to tell that.

Carlisle walked up to Elizabeth and put his arm around her. "I can't ask my friends to fight, Liz. That's not fair to them."

She looked up at him and smiled. "We must be honest with them; tell them exactly what's at stake here. Let them choose to come. Many may not want to Carlisle, I can't tell until I'm with them. But we need to get moving now. We don't have any time to waste."

I could tell he wasn't happy, but he didn't say anything else. The rest of the group started hovering around Liz to know what she had seen, and who they should contact first. Edward tugged on my hand and started leading me back to the cabin.

Sam's pack showed up the next day as expected, and none of them were happy to hear about the change in plans. Alice and Liz explained everything as best as they could, and gave them a choice to leave if they weren't comfortable being around all of their friends. Rose and Emmett had already left to find some of their friends; Eleazer and Carmen as well. Tonya, Kate and Irena had scattered going in different directions to track down more people. Liz and Carlisle were booked on an international flight the next morning; they were heading to Europe, having many friends in that area they were going to visit.

Esme and Charlie decided to stay with us, along with Jasper. Jasper was going to continue the training with the wolves, and he thought Charlie could benefit from it as well. Esme and Charlie were in the meadow when Sam's pack got there, continuing to work on his shield. I was still amazed when I thought about my father being a gifted vampire. I briefly wondered if I would have any gifts after I was turned.

Unfortunately, this thought process brought on Edward's wrath. While we had come quite far in this discussion, he was being extremely protective of me right now. He was not willing to discuss my change at the moment, and this line of thinking gave Alice a vision that he had seen.

"Bella, be reasonable. Right now is not the time to discuss this!" He was frustrated, running his hand through his hair. We were back at the cabin; the pack having gone to the meadow to meet up with Jasper. He was pacing around the living room while I was making a large meal to feed everyone with. At least I had something to do to keep my hands busy.

I didn't even look at him. "It's not up for discussion, as I have said before, Edward. I agree that now is not the time, but you can't stop my errant thoughts about things. I'm allowed to think and plan for future."

"Bella, can we please at least agree to discuss this after the damn fight?"

Before I could answer, Alice and Elizabeth came walking in, standing to the side. Edward didn't look at them, but his face looked fierce. "No, Mother. Please."

"It's her life, Edward." Elizabeth turned to me, walking up and putting her arms around me. I hugged her back, standing away from the stove. She leaned back and looked at me. "My son likes to control his surroundings, and because he can't hear your thoughts it makes him crazy sometimes. He will get over it, dear. The only successful choice I see for you in the one you have already made. I see nothing but happiness and contentment in your lives. You are right, dear, it's not his choice. It's yours."

Alice walked up to stand next to us. "I've already shown Edward the future; since you made your choice all I can see in your future is you becoming a glorious vampire. That you are both happy. He is resisting, but I can see that the choice is not his either."

I smiled at them both. Edward stayed quiet, as I expected. Later that night when we were curled up in bed, I thought about bringing it up again. I decided against it, though, because I knew his tension could only go so high before he snapped. He was terrified about everything going on, and he simply didn't have the ability to discuss anything right now.

Instead, my mind circled back to Jasper's description of his upbringing. The way that Maria had used his gifts to her advantage. I wished for the hundredth time that I could do something to help everyone in this battle, but I knew I couldn't stand against a vampire. Watching Jasper and the rest of the group moving around the meadow in simulated battle had taught me that, if nothing else.

With the thought of helping them in my mind, I fell asleep next to Edward. He curled his arms around me, holding me tight and keeping me safe. I woke up alone, though. Edward must have gotten up at some point. I took the opportunity to go and take a shower before wandering into the kitchen to make breakfast. The house was silent, but there was a note from Edward telling me he had gone to the meadow with everyone else. I decided to make a simple breakfast of cereal, since I wasn't sure if Sam's pack had already eaten.

I sat down on the couch eating my cereal, and my mind started circling with everything going on right now. We knew that Victoria and her army were days away at this point, and the worry continued to grow for me. I wanted to do something to help, but everyone kept telling me that there was nothing I could do. That I would only be in the way, and a liability considering I was a human and couldn't turn into a giant wolf.

As I was sitting there, I overheard talking outside. I snuck over to the door and listened in.

"I don't care, Alice! I know that it would be better if I was there, but I don't want Victoria anywhere near Bella! If she truly is out to kill Bella – a mate for a mate, as you put it – then I don't want to let Bella out of my sight. She could be here anytime!" Edward's voice was agitated, which was probably why he wasn't watching the volume.

"Edward, I told you that she wouldn't be here for two more weeks. We have plenty of time. We need you to be in the meadow right now to help us talk with Sam and his puppies. They are so uncomfortable, according to Jasper, that they all refuse to go back to their human shape."

I listened to them argue for a few minutes, but then their voices got too quiet. I opened the door and only Alice was there. She looked at me with a funny look, but smiled.

"Did you get any sleep, Bella?" she asked me, walking in the house.

"Some. How about you?" I joked, closing the door behind us. "Edward make you stay here to babysit me?"

She smiled sweetly, sitting down in the chair in the living room. "Yeah. I do need to go back to the meadow soon, though. Jasper wants my help."

I nodded. "I'll be fine, Alice. Just go. I promise I won't go anywhere, and Edward will be back soon, right?"

She gave me that weird look again, but nodded. "Edward won't like it, but oh well. I'll just head back over then. I'll send him back to you in an hour or so, ok?"

I nodded again, and she popped over to me, kissing me on the cheek, before running out the cabin. I was formulating a plan in my head, but I knew I couldn't make a decision without Alice seeing it. I had to wait for the right moment to decide.

Through the next couple weeks, Edward spent a lot of his time in the meadow. Rose and Emmett returned with a few nomad vampires they had met. I hadn't met any of them, of course, because none shared the Cullen diet. Edward was so protective of me, he kept me locked in the cabin most of the time. One of his family would usually hang out with me so I wasn't alone, but I really wanted to be a part of the action. Help where I could.

I didn't have my opportunity until we were a day away from the fight. Elizabeth and Carlisle had just gotten back, bringing with them many vampires that I didn't know who had just casually walked by the cabin without looking at me. I watched from the window amazed. Edward had been with me, but he had left to speak with them and greet our guests. The second the coast was clear, I put my plan into action. I didn't think, I ran and got my shoes on, a jacket, and then I ran out the cabin door, running in the opposite direction that he had gone. I knew I didn't have much time. Alice would see my choice soon, and Edward would come and find me. But I had to try.

If this lunatic vampire was after me, maybe I should give her what she wants? I thought that if I could get myself out of the way, then maybe she would stop trying to hurt my family. That maybe I could do something to help them after all. As I was running, I was also thinking to myself how stupid I was, though. I was trying to help, and I stuck to that thought as I ran as fast as I could.

I ran until I was exhausted and had to slow my pace. I continued to go, though; I didn't dare stop my progress away from the cabin. As I came into a semi-large opening, I saw a burst of red fly by me. I stopped, breath cold, staring into bright red eyes.

"How lovely? Bella, I assume?"

A/N: Just like Bella, right? Run right into the middle of the danger instead of away from it. What are ya gonna do? LOL. And I guess someone found her...to be continued soon!

What did you think of her and Charlie's reunion?

Please remember to check out my other story Consuming Love, a companion piece to Inappropriate Love. All Edward POV for the same story. New chapter coming for that today or tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you again for reading. Reviews make my day!

And thanks to my sister and my beta, zombified419 for everything you two do!