Author's Note: Hi! Thanks for you people following and favoriting this story! Just a quick word about a character at the end of this chapter. She's featured in the novel Life and Death, a retelling of Twilight with Beau Swan and Edythe Cullen. I take this character for the purposes of my story, but it'll be the only one. More details to come in the next chapter! Enjoy, and please review!

Chapter 7

I ran back home with Jacob, Quil and Embry, while Seth and Sam's pack phased back to carry Leah. They were headed to La Push, where in a few hours, I hoped, Leah would calm down and see things in a more appeased way. Maybe she'd even miss Nahuel, even not knowing him yet. The thought made me feel better.

Around me, awe and astonishment were rolling off the three wolves, but I ignored them as best I could. They were sharing their thoughts with me, creating a crash-course for my wolf learning, and I concentrated on that. Being a wolf would be easy. Too easy. And I knew that a much more difficult task was lying ahead of me now. I'd have to face my parents, and Edward in particular. His thoughts were marred with worry, anger and self-disgust. I'd have to work hard to soothe him.

I concentrated a bit more, and discovered that even with the wolves minds' link, I could block my thoughts, keep them to myself. So I did. I didn't want my new pack to know Edward's thoughts. That would be something of a betrayal, in my opinion.

Nessie? Jake's voice resonated under my skull. I can't hear you anymore.

I can, Jake, I'm still connected to all of you. But I've raised my shield. I'm... thinking about my Dad.

Yeah, good luck with that. He's quite prone to self-castigation.

I nodded dejectedly. How right Jacob was. He knew my father better than I did.

I... I'll be on first watch with the pack. See you later.

Thanks, Jake.

He ordered his friends to run with him, then, and they left eagerly, always happy to stretch their legs. I appreciated the gesture. Jake was giving me time with my family, and I needed it badly. I reached the house a few seconds later and bounded in the living room, startling all the people in it. I noticed that the Brazilians were nowhere to be seen. But I veered towards Edward. He was sitting on the leather sofa, flanked by Bella and Esme, and despite his tight features he looked better. We were both better since Leah had stopped screaming like a banshee, of course, but he looked more... composed, I decided. And his thoughts were carefully controlled.

I passed in front of Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, and nodded at them, showing my love.

"We love you too, Nessie," Jasper exhaled softly, reaching out to pat me. It was the first time that he acknowledged it in so many words, and I rejoiced internally. I bumped my nose on his shoulder, and he laughed under his breath.

"Take care of yourself, Nessie," Rosalie said with a smile, only wanting me safe and, for once, overlooking her aversion for werewolves.

She grinned at me, and I grinned back. Emmett burst into laughter at the sight of my giant tongue lolling out of my mouth, but he didn't touch me. They knew that I was still too unstable for this. Then I passed Carlisle and Alice, smiled at them too, and they chuckled weakly. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard to be a wolf. Maybe they would accept my choice. I reached the sofa, and Esme hastily pushed the coffee table away to make room for my huge body. She extended her hand, then caught herself at the last moment.

"It's strange, not being able to touch you," she admitted with a weak smile, her thoughts more concerned than the rest of my family. "But I'll get used to it."

I nodded and smiled, and she smiled back before joining Carlisle. That left me standing in front of my parents. Both were looking up at me with wary eyes, and I couldn't help but notice how small they seemed to be, seated on the sofa next to each other, holding hands, while I towered over them. So I sank to the floor, smiling my wolfy smile, to see them grin at me. It worked. Bella patted me on the head.

"So you've chosen to be a wolf, now," she said calmly, masking her dismay behind composed features.

I nodded, love flooding through me. Everybody around me relaxed, taking seats around us, and even Edward sat a little straighter, his smile more genuine. They felt what I was feeling, so I still could communicate with them, even without speaking.

"You've chosen well," she assured me, her golden eyes full of emotion and understanding. "You'll live a happy life with Jacob."

I huffed in agreement, hoping that she was right. Hoping that I could live a little longer than what Alice had seen. Then I focused on my father. Edward was still in shock, I could feel it and hear it in his head. So I tried something. I advanced on all fours, and came to rest my head on his lap, like a giant dog. I whined softly once settled, and he chuckled under his breath, caressing me between my ears, making me purr.

"It seems like you're the adult and I the child, now," he whispered, his eyes troubled. "Nessie, I... "

I lifted my shield then, and fought to keep it at bay. I needed to talk to Edward, and I needed to talk privately.

Stop putting the blame all on yourself, Dad. It was my choice. I took uncle Jasper's talent because I needed to ease Leah's pain. And I chose to be a wolf because I want to live like a human, or as close as I can manage. But I'm not turning my back on what I am, or on my family.

I know that, he said, nodding absent-mindedly, causing our family around to understand that we were talking silently. And I can't blame you, Nessie. No, I...

Don't blame yourself! I shouted in my head, yelping once aloud, making him jump slightly. It's not your fault! All this situation is not your fault, Dad! So stop wallowing, stop your self-castigation right now, 'cause it's driving me, and everyone around us, crazy! They won't tell you about it, of course, but you have to stop this! They feel bad for you, and I can't stand this anymore! So we'll face it like adults now, and stop beating ourselves over something we have no control over, do you hear me?

He stared at me for a very long minute, his butterscotch eyes full of pain, but gradually they cleared and started smoldering as his thoughts took a new resolve.

You're right. Of course, you're right. And I'm truly sorry. I...

Stop being sorry and tell me what will happen now. We wait for us to be attacked. Okay, I get this. But what, then? We kill them? We incapacitate them and make them talk? What about Joham?

I still haven't talked to Jasper and Carlisle about it, he thought, frowning, his thoughts jumbled again, but I think we cannot afford to remain passive. Too dangerous. Our enemies are strong and, most of all, unknown. We're in the dark, and I don't like it.

The problem is, I sighed, aunt Alice can't see anything, since I'm so involved.

True. And that's a very serious liability. But...

You know I have to do it, I cut him, seeing his reluctance.

Nessie, he said, gently pushing me aside and getting to his feet, starting to pace around us, much more agitated than he wanted to show. We don't know all the after-effects of the vampire venom still affecting you. You're a wolf and you're not supposed to be, you have a bunch of new talents that can be very useful, but can also be a real curse. And we don't know how much your body will be able to endure. You have new wolf and vampire instincts raging in you. We cannot take any more risks with you.

I know it's the right thing to do, I told him, rising to my paws, stretching on the way, showing our audience that our conversation was still cool. You can't deny it, Dad. We need to know what's going to happen. Too much is at stake here. We're standing between Joham and the Volturi, and Joham won't hesitate to use us, or more specifically me. And the Volturi won't hesitate to annihilate us if they somehow think we're involved in Joham's plans. We have to act. And for that, we have to know.

Nessie, hasn't it occurred to you that the only things we know about Joham were told by Nahuel and Huilen, and that Joham could've used them?

Not really, I said, thinking about it, but I know they're sincere.

I know they are, but what about Joham? A dozen vampires in his lab set free by Nahuel, and they can't kill one half-vampire and one vampire?

Joham wanted them to reach us, I nodded gravely, ignoring the impatient sigh from Emmett. Of course. And so they did. Now they can strike us like shooting fish in a barrel.

Exactly, he said, scowling murderously at the idea, making Bella shiver a little. And I won't have it.

It's too dangerous, I agreed smoothly. So you see, it's necessary for me to know our future.

He stopped then, shoulders slumped, and stared at me helplessly. I went to him and held his gaze, glad to see that I could still fight my shield, and that it was easier with each passing second.

Trust me, Dad, I whined softly. Please, trust me. I'll be fine, but maybe not if we don't know what's waiting for us. And I won't be able to bear it if any of us or the werewolves are hurt, or worse.

Neither will I, he sighed in defeat. Okay, go on.

He patted my head, then put his forehead against mine.

I don't want you to die, he shuddered a little, confessing his fear at last.

I won't, I promised him. Not until I'm three hundred, at least.

Good. But I hope you'll not wait this long to introduce me to my grandchildren.

I jerked away from him, baffled, but he only grinned earnestly. He was a hundred percent serious. But I was having a tough time picturing it: my frozen-at-seventeen father, a grandfather. And an even tougher time picturing myself as a mother.

But marriage first, if you don't mind, he added with a small laugh.

I growled in annoyance, and he laughed a little louder. Marriage... I repressed a shudder.

Let's talk about it after the apocalypse, shall we?

"Whatever you say," he said aloud, still grinning, then sighed, serious again. "Alice. Nessie has to copy your talent."

I shuddered a little this time, but my decision was made. I'd regret this, I knew it, but I honestly believed we had no choice. We couldn't afford to be in the dark. I had a large family to protect.

"I guessed as much," she trilled unhappily, glancing at me before focusing on her brother. "Edward, it's not the best idea."

"I know that," he shrugged, pain in his eyes. "But it's Nessie's decision."

I thanked him wordlessly for his support, he just sighed. Then I went to my petite aunt, feeling like a beanpole next to her. Bella's angry voice erupted suddenly.

"Wait a minute! Edward, why...?"

"We think that being kept in the dark while waiting for a probably very dangerous attack is too risky," he explained patiently, making his way back to the sofa and sitting next to her. "Alice can't help us in this, so Nessie thinks that if she acquires her talent, she'll be able to see what's coming for her, Nahuel and the werewolves."

"And maybe us too," Rosalie added, concern in her voice. "Nessie is half-vampire. Maybe she'll see all of us."

"Possible," Alice said, her eyes riveted into mine, still upset about not seeing the future. She sighed. "Are you sure about this, Nessie? It's an overwhelming burden, do you realize it?"

I nodded. I could see it in her head that she didn't know the outcome of this risky move, and it stressed her. But I had a strong desire to protect my family. I would take whatever risks I had to to do my job. And thankfully, Jasper spoke up for me.

"Go on, Alice. Nessie is resolved. It's the right thing to do."

She shot a look at her lover, and an understanding passed between them. Their thoughts were so much in sync that it was unnerving. They trusted each other blindly.

"All right, then," Alice said, turning to me. "You ready?"

I nodded again, yelping faintly. The corner of her mouth twitched, then she raised her hand.

She touched my neck and patted me, and I braced myself for the wave. But nothing came. Puzzled, I whined faintly. She immediately withdrew her hand, and stared at Edward.

"Is she okay?"

"I don't know," he answered, he and Bella jumping to their feet, like the rest of my family. "Nessie? Do you have visions yet?"

I shook my head, sensing their distress. Maybe I had to take a few steps back. So I retreated towards the platform that had once displayed Edward's piano, and peered outside. The weather was still good, no rain, but grey clouds were rolling fast towards us. Heavy rain incoming, maybe a storm.

And then the wave hit me. Not a wave, exactly, more a tsunami. Thousands upon thousands of images swirling into my head, picturing me, the wolves, Nahuel, the vampires of my family. I should have collapsed under the weight of them, but instead I held my ground, sorting through the madness. I even had the presence of mind to lift my shield, and I heard Edward gasp.

"It's starting," he choked, reading my mind. "Oh, my God..."

"Edward?" Bella was distressed now. "What's happening? What is she seeing?"

"Give us a minute," he pleaded, his eyes unfocused, like mine were. "It's such a huge wave."

He and I watched intently the stream of images pouring into my mind, but I didn't feel overwhelmed. I was ready for that, I had been right. But the images were not encouraging. Terrible fights, heavy losses, the Volturi coming to kill the last of us, wicked smiles on their faces, Nahuel torn apart by a vampire so like him that he could only be his father. I concentrated hard, resolving to fight to the death, and the images changed. Edward decided to fight till the end, too, and the losses weren't so many now. Some of us would make it. But it was still hard to watch.

"Concentrate, now," Edward told me, deeply immersed in my visions. "What is their first move? What will trigger all of this?"

I searched through all the images as if I were holding a movie wrap, trying to find the chronology, and then I saw it. A tiny thing, some insignificant ripple in the air around us, here in the house, a minute from now. Nothing detectable by any of us. But I saw it. And now I smelled it too. A very faint disturbance in my family's scents, one only a wolf with a sense of smell even sharper than a vampire's one could smell, if she focused on it. So I returned to reality in a hundredth of a second, my shield back on, then I lunged.

I bounded ten yards in the air, over the ring of my startled family, growling madly, and my open jaws caught the invisible vampire standing in front of the kitchen door. He was a lookout for Joham, with a stealth talent. He could mask his scent and turn invisible. Even his thoughts were concealed. He had wanted to attack us first, Esme specifically, to hurt us and trigger the bloodbath, but I'd seen him in my visions. Tough luck for him.

The vampire, his thoughts betraying his astonishment at having been spotted and his pain as I was crushing his right arm, bellowed in agony and suddenly revealed himself. He couldn't hold his camouflage when in pain, fortunately. And Jasper and Emmett came to my aid in a half-second. Right before the vampire could punch me, they circled him and tore away his head and his other arm. The three of us together ripped him apart, and Carlisle and Rosalie ran outside in the blink of an eye to light a fire. A minute later, the vampire's remains were burning.

A heavy silence was lingering in the air around us as we watched our enemy go up in smoke, then I saw another vision, just as Alice was hit by one. She saw that the Volturi would learn about Joham's schemes and come to confront him near Seattle in a week, and I saw that, thanks to our quick reaction, we would all be safe from Joham now. All of us except me. But I had my shield up, so Edward didn't see this. I tried not to give in to despair as I heard Jake's frantic voice in my head.

Nessie? What is this smoke? Have you been attacked? Are you all right?

I'm fine, Jake. A vampire with camouflage talents was spying on us. We killed him. No worries.

We're coming.

I turned towards my mother, looking more distressed than I had ever seen her. I went next to her, and she threw her arms around me, nearly crushing me. She knew that something was bad, I guessed as much, but fortunately she didn't talk. And then another vision hit me. The attack would occur in less than three minutes, four talented vampires and Joham would come at us. Jake, Quil and Embry would run straight into them, and be killed. The attackers would kill Esme and Alice, one of them would be killed by Emmett, two of them by Jasper and Edward, and Joham would tear me apart. I didn't have time to figure out the talents of the incoming vampires. Instead, I made decisions and watched the outcomes.

A minute later, as the three wolves reached our group, I was sure of one thing. I had to advance and let myself be captured. So I lifted my shield, carefully controlling my fear. Jasper raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

Dad? I called him.

What did you see? he asked immediately, on edge. What...?

I have to let them take me, I explained, a tremor running up my spine, making Jake nudging me gently.

And before he could refuse, I showed him my visions. He saw, agony on his features, that we had no other choice. Joham had been very cunning. He wanted me to copy all the Cullen's talents, and have them stolen by an accomplice of his. Mele, former member of the Volturi, now helping him take revenge against her former coven. She would steal all of my talents, and passed them to him. He would be invincible. And what an easy way to do it when all the talents of a mighty family were gathered inside a single being!

"I won't let it happen!" Edward roared, fury erupting in him, making my tense family jump.

But we both knew there was no alternative. Me being whisked away was the only future where no one was hurt. Every other outcome implied casualties. And we could hear now the running vampires. They were seconds away.

"What's happening?" Jasper asked tensely. "They're coming." Neither of us answered him.

Dad, I said while caressing Jake's head with my own, regretting not being able to tell him my love, take care of our family.

Nessie..., he started, agony in his head.

There's a tight window, I reminded him, bracing myself. I know you'll always be there for me, Dad. I know you won't let me die. I trust you and Jake.

I know, he thought with difficulty, shielding Bella and exchanging a meaningful look with Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle, who all shielded their mates. But...

It's the only way, I sighed, my mind set. I take care of my family. Love you Dad, and Mom.

I love you, Nessie. Don't die.

Jake, I reached my love last, ignoring his interrogations. I love you more than my life.

Ditto, Nessie, he thought, confused and hearing the incoming enemy. What... ?

And before he figured out what I was up to, I bounded. In three strides I was at the edge of the forest, between my family and the enemy, just as all hell broke loose.