Here's the next chapter, my christmas present to you. It also happens to be the final chapter, so enjoy!!
Disclaimer - i do not own any characters, only this computer and a half eaten bag of crisps
Previously - "What's going on?" I asked warily. My reply was only one word, and it came from Carlisle.
"Werewolves."
Jasper's eyes flashed to Carlisle, and then back to the surrounding forest. They fixed themselves on one point, between two oak trees.
Jasper and Carlisle moved in unison, taking steps towards me. They were standing in front of me, but were still moving backwards. I moved back, towards the far edge of the clearing so I wouldn't be trampled on.
We stood still, waiting. It seemed like hours but I knew it only to be a few seconds.
Then one man stepped out of the trees, but he was flanked by four wolves. On the mans immediate right was a large, russet-brown coloured wolf. To the right of that was a wolf with deep grey fur. On the mans left was a chocolate brown wolf and then the last wolf had silvery brown fur.
The mans gaze fell upon Carlisle, then Jasper. It was as if he was sizing them up. Then his gaze met mine. His eyes narrowed, until they were nothing more than slits.
A wave of calm suddenly swept over the clearing. I looked at Jasper, just to confirm that this was his doing. It was. I could see the look of concentration that embraced his face. Carlisle took a step forward, preparing to speak to the wolves.
"Peace friends, peace. We mean you no harm."
"You may not mean us harm, but we mean to harm you. You have broken the treaty our fathers founded; the leech behind you is evidence enough for that. That makes you untrustworthy, and a threat to other people in our lands, and we have an obligation to protect them."
Next to me, Jasper shamefully lowered his head.
Carlisle continued, "You know that was never our intention. Yes, the treaty has been broken, and we are sorry for that. We deeply regret the misfortune that has befallen Bella, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do to rectify that."
In the distance I could hear several pairs of footsteps running towards the clearing. I hoped that's not more wolves; we are outnumbered enough as it is.
"Wolves, we acknowledge that the treaty has been broken on our side, but we have no desire to fight you. We plan to move to our house in Alaska very soon so we will no longer be a threat to Forks. Until that time, we will not be making public appearances as an extra precaution. Bella has agreed to join us and our 'vegetarian' diet. You have no need to worry about us."
The footsteps were louder now, nearly upon us.
"Why should we let you move to Alaska?" questioned the wolf leader. "Our job is to protect everyone, even those living in Alaska. We would not be doing our job if we allowed you to leave here alive."
"I am sorry to hear that you feel that way, but it is foolish and irresponsible of you to let your pack fight a fight that they will clearly not win. You are greatly outnumbered."
From the shadows of the trees behind us came the rest of the Cullen clan. They emerged one by one, and stood with us, each taking up a stance. Surprisingly, Edward stood next to me.
The expression on the wolves' faces had turned from one of confidence to one of fear. The leader noticed this and said,
"We will not risk our lives fighting you, you are not worth it."
This earned a snarl from Rosalie.
"but know this, leeches, we do not give up. We will be back and next time we will fight.
Then he retreated from the clearing, the rest of his pack following.
Everyone waited until we could no longer hear their footsteps, then they relaxed their stances and smiled at each other. They were all hugging their respective partners/ Edward came over to me.
"Can we talk?" he asked
"Sure," I replied.
He led me off towards the edge of the clearing vacated by the wolves.
"Bella, somehow I feel all that with the wolves was my fault. Stupid, I know, but I couldn't help worrying for you. I know we have barely spoken before now, but I wish to change that. Maybe we could… if you don't mind… could we possibly… hang out more?"
He wouldn't meet my eyes as he said this. The way he asked, it was as if he was asking to marry me rather than permission to talk to me.
"Of course Edward. I'd love to talk to you more."
Alice came bounding up to us and locked us both in an excited embrace.
"I knew it, I knew it!" she cried, "it's so good when my visions come true."
I looked at Edward and caught him staring at me. We shared a smile, one that said 'Alice will be Alice'.
Once she left us we walked back to the house.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Edward asked.
"How about we start with the basics? What's your favourite colour?" I asked him
I put my head back and smiled. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
So there you have it. The story's over. You know what would make me happy? REVIEWS!! Go on, press the button. You know you want to...