Bella's POV

Strangely enough, I wanted to faint as Scarlett and Sam left in a blur. I just needed a moment to escape the confusion and strain of reality, to put myself back together. Just a few moments of peace and nothingness. Of course it wasn't like that was possible, being a vampire.

"What should we do?" I whispered, looking at Edward and Carlisle. They seemed just as stunned as I was.

Carlisle recovered first. "We'll have to tell the others," he said. He turned to leave.

I didn't move at first. I just wanted to stand there—frozen—while I slowly contemplated what was happening. Even my vampire mind wanted a break at some point.

Edward took my hand. His touch immediately thawed me out. We were together, I reminded myself, no matter what happened.

Esme met us in front of the house. "What happened?" she demanded, gold eyes full of worry.

"We didn't fight," Carlisle said. "But they've told us bad news."

"What?" Esme asked, tense. Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie appeared by the door.

Carlisle led us all inside as he explained. Five pairs of topaz eyes widened as he spoke.

"What about Renesmee?" I asked Edward, frightened. "They don't want her here." Though I knew it wasn't at all personal, it hurt to know that someone disliked my daughter like that.

"We should bring her back," Rosalie said. "She'll be safer if she's protected by us."

"And Charlie?"

"They're still hunting here," Edward said, his eyes tight. "It may be safer for them to remain in California."

I longed to have her back in my arms, but I knew Edward was right. "How long?"

He shook his head his face pained. "As long as they're here." I could see he wanted to have Nessie safe in our arms as much as I did.

"So who will we side with?" Jasper said.

Carlisle looked around. "I will not force anyone to do anything, you know that."

"I think I know what side we all want," Edward sighed. We looked at him expectantly. "Their side. For humanity."

We murmured our agreement. "Should we tell them now?"

"Wait, we should call Charlie and Jake first," I said. "Tell them to stay for a while."

"I'll do that," Carlisle said. He started to move for a phone.

"Wait," I said. "Don't let them tell Nessie. I don't want this to ruin her first trip to Disneyland."

Edward wrapped his arms around my waist. "She'll be fine," he murmured in my ear. I sighed, and then realized that we never got our quality time together. I sighed again. "What is it?"

"Nothing," I said, not wanting Emmett to hear my reason.

He caught on anyway, letting loose a booming laugh. "You were really looking forward to that weren't you Bella?" Emmett grinned at me.

I glared, a growl building in my chest.

"Emmett," Edward groaned. Emmett just kept grinning.

"When should we tell them?" Esme asked, helpfully changing the subject.

We all turned to Carlisle, waiting for him to return. Then we turned to Alice. "Tomorrow," Alice said. "I believe they plan to hunt tonight."

I flinched. "Where?"

"Seattle."

Jasper spoke suddenly. "How do they know about this before the Volturi? Are you sure we can trust them?"

"That's a good point," Carlisle said, returning from his phone call. "But they may have a reason. We must talk to them."

"After they hunt," Alice reminded him. He nodded, thinking.

I stretched up to kiss Edward lightly on the lips. It was selfish of me to be thinking about it now, but I was still disappointed about our schedule not working out. Maybe we could work it in just before Scarlett and Sam finished hunting…

"In the mood Bella?" Emmett asked, wagging his eyebrows.

I growled at him.

"We'll be in the cottage," Edward said. A wave of anticipation sent a shudder through me. The moment we were out the door, I broke out into a sprint, ignoring Emmett's booming laughter behind us.

We arrived inside the cottage in less than five minutes, and I threw myself at Edward, kissing him fervently. He kissed me back with the same enthusiasm. Like usual, we didn't make it to the bed.

"I feel kind of guilty," I murmured after about an hour, unable to shake off my guilt. "We should be worrying about other things."

Edward kissed my neck, sighing. "I know, love, but if we're going to be involved in a war…" His golden eyes burned into mine. "I want to spend as much time with you as possible."

The words sent a spark down my spine. He opened his mouth to say more, but I silenced him with my lips.

Leah's POV

I phased, only to be 'welcomed' by frantic thoughts and the memory of a sickeningly sweet scent that burned my nose. What's going on? I demanded. Seth let his thoughts loose, briefly running me through what had happened.

Have you told Sam? I asked, trying not to cringe at the name.

Not yet, Seth said. He'll go berserk if he knew that they killed a human.

And why aren't you all? They killed and sucked the freaking life out of a human.

Well, the Cullens said they'd take care of it.

I snorted. The Cullens? Yeah right, they wouldn't punish their kind properly if their life depended on it!

I was only about a mile away from Jacob's little pack when I came across the vampire scent. The unfamiliar one. My nostrils burned, but I turned to follow the scent trail

Leah! Where're you going? Quil asked.

Tracking down the bloodsucker, I answered. If you guys won't do it properly, I will.

This isn't just some random newborn, Embry warned. And there are two of them.

You're free to join me. I won't stop you. I snorted again. Not like I could. Actually, no one could since Jacob isn't here.

Fine, fine, we're coming, Seth said, taking off running with Embry and Quil at his side. Shoot. I didn't want Seth fighting.

I slowed so that they would catch up faster. We followed the fresh scent trail for a couple of miles. Then, the reeking smell intensified. They must be nearby.

Are we going to fight them? Quil asked. He was excited, but nervous. I thought the Cullens said not to do anything.

What? Are they your Alpha now Quil? I said dryly.

No!

So stop acting like their slave.

Are you my Alpha Leah?

I didn't answer. I was the only female wolf, of course no one would consider letting me start of a pack of my own. Not that I wanted to, I'd rather just be a lone wolf. I tried, but it never worked.

I was distracted enough not to hear the nearly silent sound of bloodsucker footsteps. The next thing I knew, a female leech was in front of me, bright red eyes glinting.

I snarled and attacked, remembering the newborn training I had had. I wasn't going to mess up this time.

The bloodsucker saw right through my attack and disappeared in a blur. Before I could react, a wave of agony shot up my left hind leg and up my spine. I stumbled, my head spinning.

Leah! Several voices exclaimed in my head.

The leech appeared in front of me again. A male stood by her side, his eyes a deep crimson.

"We'll leave you alone," the female said.

"If you don't bother us," the male finished.

I bristled, my lips pulling back over my teeth. Embry, Quil, and Seth joined me, forming a line.

"I'll take that as a no."

Battle strategies streamed into my mind from the others. They all left me out of the plan, sending a wave of furious heat down my spine.

Suddenly, blistering pain that was not my own overtook my mind. I felt my knees buckle.

Seth's mind went black and faded out.

A/n: Review! It would be very much appreciated and I am open to suggestions.