Chapter Sixteen
Edward's stance slacked a bit. I looked at him, thoroughly confused as to what was going on.
"Jacob," he said turning to face me.
"What?" I questioned him.
"It's Jacob who's coming," he said, taking my hand in his and facing the direction in which Jacob was coming from. He could clearly be heard by our sensitive ears coming.
"What does he want?" I asked.
"He has news, he's blocking what exactly it is though," he replied.
"He isn't going to try anything is he?" I asked, remembering my last encounter with him.
"No, I don't believe so. His thoughts, while hectic, seem to be directed in other places," he answered. A second later, Jacob's burly wolf form came out of the forest. He howled and then walked back into the woods to change back into his human form.
A few minutes later, he came out, looking the same as ever. His hair was slightly longer than I remembered. His skin was the same russet brown, and his eyes the same deep chocolate color. Seeing him, I could hardly contain myself. I looked up at Edward and he smiled brightly. I let go of his hand and charged at Jacob.
"Jake!" I squealed as I threw my arms around him. The smelly pungent odor then overtook me, and before I knew it, I had taken a few steps back, putting a foot between us.
"You smell," he chuckled snarling up his nose.
"You too," I laughed.
"I told you he smelled," Edward laughed as he came to my side.
"What are you doing here?" I asked Jake, cutting to the chase. He looked at Edward and they seemed to be having a silent conversation. Edward nodded his head and Jacob turned to look at me.
"I came here to let you know a group of vampires are looking for you," he said.
"What?" I shrieked. Would it simply never end?
"Calm down," Edward said taking my hand in his.
"They came to Forks. I believe it was the Volturri," he told us.
"How could Alice not have seen this?" I asked.
"She probably did, we just haven't been near a phone," he sighed, a regretful tone present in his voice.
"They tore your house apart looking for you. We didn't see them, but I believe they are on their way here."
"What are we going to do Edward?" I asked, the fear bubbling up inside me. Although I was changed, it was hard to say what the Volturri would have in mind.
"We need to get back home. Jacob, thanks for all your help. I think it would be wise, however, if you and the wolves stayed out of the way. They may try to eliminate you if they find out about your kind," Edward instructed.
"Alright. But if you need us, we will come to help. I've talked to Sam and he has agreed."
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't think we'll need it," Edward replied.
"The offer still stands. See ya Bella, Edward," Jacob said as he sprinted back to the woods. A moment later, the howling of a wolf could be heard and the beating of paws against the ground.
"Let's go," Edward said as he led me to the side of the pond where our shoes waited. We took off the skates and replaced them with our boots and, taking them with us, we rushed to the truck.
"Edward, I'm scared," I told him as we got into the truck. He had started it, bringing it to life, and we were headed down the driveway and to the main road.
"There's nothing to worry about love. I will be with you the entire time. We will not be separated," he said.
"You promise not to leave my side?"
"I promise," he replied.
"Oh Edward, what if they try to attack us?" I asked. A million thoughts and possibilities raced through my mind. How would I defend myself? Would I still be impervious to the vile Jane? One thing I knew for certain, I wouldn't let her get to Edward.
"We'll fight back."
"I'll have to use my shield," I informed him.
"You know your limits, just keep that in mind," he replied. I looked over to see his jaw set tightly with concern. He was clearly not amused.
"I won't let them hurt us Edward, or the rest of the family," I said definitely.
"All I ask is that you promise me that you won't overdo it Bella. That would only further jeopardize our situation," he said gazing over at me seriously.
"I promise," I told him. But in the back of my mind, I knew if the situation called for it, I wouldn't allow anyone to get hurt. I just couldn't stand back and allow one of my loved ones to suffer knowing I had the ability to stop it.
"Just stay by my side, don't let go of my hand unless I tell you too, ok?" he asked as we grew ever closer to the main house.
"Ok. Just don't leave me Edward. Don't leave," I told him as I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
"Never," he promised as we rounded a curve and the driveway came into view. He turned off at the almost hidden driveway and raced up it. We could only hope that the Volturri hadn't made it there yet.
"They're not here," Edward informed me.
"Good," I sighed. He parked in the driveway and we rushed inside.
"Esme," Edward said as we entered the house.
"Yes?" she called from her bedroom, in little more than a speaking tone.
"Could you please come here for a moment?" he asked and in a second, she was standing before us, the concern written across her face.
"What is it?" she asked, a tone of worry present.
"The Volturri, they're on their way. Call Carlisle, have him come home. We need to call and alert the others," Edward instructed her.
"Alright," she said as she shuffled away to call Carlisle. Edward and I ran up the stairs and to our bedroom where he grabbed his cell phone from the desk.
"Great, a missed call," he muttered as he flipped it open.
"Alice?" I questioned.
"Yes," he replied. He then hurriedly dialed her number. I sat anxiously waiting to see what her vision held. Would they try to take me away?
"Hello, yes Alice everything's ok. Bella is fine," he spoke.
"No, they haven't yet. What have you seen?" he replied.
"I see. How long until you get here?" he questioned.
"Ok, and Emmett and Rose will be here in about two hours?"
"Alright."
"Bye," he said as he hung up.
"So, what did she say?" I asked, nervously gulping.
"The vision she had at first was of them making the decision to come, she then lost sight of us, no doubt because of Jacob's presence. All she can see now is them coming to the house. Aro hasn't made up his mind as to what he is going to do. We can only hope for the best."
"When will she and Jasper be back?"
"In about six hours."
"I hate that their vacations got cut short," I sighed.
"Don't worry about it," he told me, as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Edward, let's not allow any of them to get hurt. I couldn't bare it."
"They won't. Don't worry," he told me. We then heard a gentle knock at our door.
"Come in Esme," Edward replied.
"Sorry to interrupt you two. Carlisle is on his way home right now. He will be here any moment," she informed us.
"Thanks Esme. Sorry for all the trouble," I replied.
"Not to worry dear. We're all in this together. You are family after all," she said smiling brightly, instantly giving me a feeling of warmth.
"Emmett and Rosalie will be here in two hours. Jasper and Alice won't be here for another six," Edward told her. She nodded her head and then turned to leave.
"I'll just give you two some alone time," she said as she left.
"Bella, I don't know what's going to happen, but I promise to do everything within my power to keep you safe," Edward said as our eyes met. His were burning with a look of extreme intensity.
"Edward, I love you. And know that if anything ever happened to you I simply could not go on," I told him. We then heard the purr of Carlisle's Mercedes approaching.
"He wants us to meet him in the living room," Edward said. I nodded my head and allowed him to lead me downstairs where Esme was already waiting. Carlisle entered the house moments after we had taken a seat on the couch. His face held a look of worry, as I'm sure everyone's did.
He looked at Edward, and for a moment nothing was said. It was obvious he was speaking to him through his thoughts, trying to spare me. However, it was only further distressing.
Edward nodded, and then turned his attention back to me.
"As I was conversing with Edward, I think the best thing for us to do at this point, is to appear as a united front. We can only hope that the rest of the gang will get here before they do. If not, we must stand together; make them see that we are a family."
"And what if they choose to fight?" Esme asked much to my shock. She was never one for confrontation. But when circumstances called for it, she would fight.
"We have no choice. We will have to retaliate. Our best bet if that happens is for Bella to shield us the best she can. Remember though Bella, you need to know your limit and respect it," I nodded my head, letting him know I understood.
"Edward, you need to concentrate on controlling your anger. No matter what they throw at us, you have to stay calm. Flying off the handle will only make things worse." He nodded his head in understanding and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"What do we do now?" I asked.
"We wait," Carlisle said as he took a seat on the couch next to Esme. Edward and I sat opposite of them, waiting for the inevitable. What did the future hold for us? As I looked around the room at everyone's expression, I could tell that they were all deep in thought. Both Carlisle and Esme's faces were scrunched in concentration, as was Edwards. I redirected my eyes to the ground, knowing once again I had brought trouble on them.
It seemed like we waited forever. Still as stone, we sat passing the time until we met our fate. I was growing ever antsier when I felt Edward stiffen even more beside me. I looked over at him questioningly, not yet ready to meet our guests.
"It's just Emmett and Rose," he said as he relaxed.
"Oh," I sighed in relief. A few moments later, I heard Rosalie's BMW approach, and the two of them got out. In a matter of seconds, they were both standing in front of us, relief written across their face.
"Are you guys alright?" Emmett asked looking over at Edward and me.
"Yes, they haven't gotten here yet," Edward answered for us.
"So we're waiting then?" he asked as he and Rose took a seat.
"Yes," Carlisle replied.
"When will Alice and Jasper arrive?" Emmett asked.
"In about three or four hours," Esme replied.
"And what's the plan?" Emmett asked.
"We avoid confrontation at all costs. We want this to be a friendly visit, if possible," Carlisle answered.
"So I won't get to rip off anyone's head?" Emmett inquired, disappointment present in his tone.
"No, hopefully not. So, please, contain yourself. We don't want any trouble that we can avoid," Esme spoke in a motherly tone, as if directing a child.
"Yes, ma'am." He replied.
"Do we know when they we will arrive?" Rosalie spoke up for the first time.
"No, Alice didn't see that part," Edward replied.
"You haven't said much Bella, are you ok?" Esme asked.
"I'm fine, just worried," I answered. Despite the lack of 'blood' relation, Esme was just like a mother to me.
"Don't worry Bella, no one will harm you," Emmett said.
"We're in this together," Esme reminded him.
"That's right, Bella. All of us are here, nothing will happen to us," Carlisle added.
"Thank you guys," I replied smiling at each of them.
"It's nothing Bella," Esme dismissed me. The other's nodded in agreement and we went back to our silence, waiting for fate to play itself out.
We sat for what felt like years, verily moving, hardly breathing, all waiting for a sign that our visitors had arrived. Most likely, they would arrive before Jasper and Alice, and we would have to face them without her foresight. But we did have Edward's mind reading on our side. So hopefully, he could catch if they made a decision to attack. I just hoped they didn't. I wanted this to be civil.
"They're here," Edward said wrapping his steel arm around my waist. He looked over at Carlisle and nodded at his silent question, a motion I wouldn't have caught if I were still human.
Moments later, a rapping came against the door. I grew stiffer and quit breathing all together. What awaited me behind that door, I couldn't run from. I had to face it. I just hoped that I was prepared for this, whatever it turned out to be.
Carlisle walked to the door, in a normal vampire pace and opened it wide.
"Carlisle, my old friend, it is so nice to see you once again," Aro's vile voice rang in my ears.
"Aro, it's good to see you as well. What brings you to our home?" Carlisle asked as he moved aside, allowing Aro to come through the door. My memory didn't fail me. He looked the same, if not more unsettling as I remembered. His skin appeared translucent, almost see through. His hair was long and jet black, a complete contrast to his pale skin. His eyes were a cloudy crimson. His features were of course perfect and precise.
"I came to check up on Bella, we did have an agreement," he informed Carlisle. Behind Aro, came Demetri and Felix as well as Jane. All stood clad in the dark grey robes that symbolized the Volturri guard. Jane was small, maybe even more so than Alice. Her frame was thin and boyish. If not for the girlish features of her face, one would think her a little boy. Demetri and Felix were huge. They both were only slightly smaller than Emmett.
"Very well. As you can see, Bella has been transformed," Carlisle said pointing to me. All at once, each pair of crimson eyes was on me.
"My, my, you made a very lovely vampire my dear," Aro chuckled as he took a few steps in our direction. I could feel Edward's grip on me tighten, and this didn't go unnoticed by Aro.
"Edward," he laughed. "I just wanted a better view. Relax."
"The boy is very fond of her," he observed out loud as he turned his attention back to Carlisle.
"Yes," Carlisle spoke, still keeping airs.
"So I see that you are still maintaining your unique way of life. I also observe that you have chosen their path Bella," Aro spoke turning his attention to me.
"Yes," I squeaked.
"Don't be afraid, child. I mean you no harm," he chuckled, his laughter making me further sick.
"She's just nervous," Carlisle enlightened him.
"Ah, I see. Well, let us get reacquainted," Aro said as he moved closer to the sitting area.
"Demetri, Felix, Jane, stand by the door, I wish to chat," Aro ordered as he took a seat on the lounge chair on the opposite side of the couch where we were sitting. Carlisle took his seat on the other sofa next to Esme and all eyes were directed to our unwanted guest.
"So, tell me. What led to your change of address?" Aro queried.
"We wanted a more remote area, for Bella's change," Carlisle answered.
"Ah, I see. And did your change go well?" he asked turning his crimson gaze to me.
"As well as expected," I replied, cringing at the remembrance of the pain.
"No," Edward said sternly, looking at Aro.
"My boy, it was but a fleeting thought," Aro explained. I looked at Edward questioningly.
"I was just wondering if you still had the ability to block certain powers," he answered.
"Oh," was my only reply.
"Tell me, is her mind still impervious to you Edward?" he asked looking at Edward.
"Yes," he answered coldly.
"Ah," he smiled.
"Master," Jane said as she approached Aro.
"What is it my child?" he questioned her.
"No, I won't allow it," Edward growled.
"My boy, it is not for you to decide," Aro laughed, "Now, what is it you wanted Jane?"
"Could I test my power on Bella?" she asked. I grew stiff. What made this foul creature want to cause others pain? I felt my anger flare at her request.
"Would you mind Bella?" Aro asked.
"Not at all," I replied my anger getting the best of me.
"Bella," Edward growled looking at me, concern overpowering the anger that was present in his expression.
"I'll be fine, trust me," I told him.
"But…" he started. I silenced him by placing my finger on his lips and shaking my head no. I shoved off his arm and stood to face Jane. She would not harm me. She couldn't.
"Alright my dear, give it a try," Aro laughed. Jane turned to face me, her gaze locking into mine. I stared at her red eyes, daring her to try anything. Her gaze intensified, but I stood impervious to her vile power.
"That's enough," Edward spoke.
"Alright Jane, you've had your fun," Aro dismissed her. But her eyes never left mine. I was angry; she was giving it all she had to cause me pain!
"I said enough!" Aro said angrily. Jane then backed down, turning to face Aro.
"Sorry master," she spoke. I smiled in victory. Her power had no effect on me.
"That's ok, back to the door," he ordered. I took my seat back beside Edward, who once again encased me with his arms.
"Still a mystery, I see," Aro laughed.
"And what wonderful things have you uncovered concerning Bella?" he asked Carlisle.
"She's always been a mystery. As you can see, her mind is still blocked from Edward and Jane," Carlisle answered.
"Could I see your hand?" Aro asked me. I looked at Edward, who nodded. I stood and extended my hand. The moment our skin touch, I felt an immediate contrast. His skin, while tougher than human's, was weaker than mine. It was notably softer than my own.
"Nothing. You are quite special," Aro announced releasing my hand from his. Nodding, unsure of what to say, I took my seat next to Edward.
"So, what have you been up to lately Carlisle?" Aro asked extending his hand to him. I instantly grew nervous. He would see my power. He would know from what Carlisle had seen. Carlisle placed his hand in Aro's. From the expression that crossed his face, I knew he had seen my power. Seconds later he released Carlisle's hand and turned to me.
"Interesting. This I would not have guessed."
"She won't go," Edward voiced, his tone deathly. I placed my hand in his and gripped it hard, letting him know that everything would be ok.
"That is for her to decide," Aro replied gazing at me.
"What is for me to decide?" I cut to the chase.
"As you know, I have extended an invitation to join my guard to Edward and Alice as well as the others if they so choose and I would like to extend the same to you," he answered.
"No thanks," I said quickly, not needing to weigh any options.
"You could be of great assistance. But, I see you have made your decision for now. Know that the invitation stands," he said backing down and returning to his seat.
"I noticed that Alice and Jasper are not here, where have they ventured? Have they had enough of your 'vegetarian' life style?" he asked.
"They are on their way back. They were on vacation," Carlisle replied. I glanced over at Emmett and Rosalie, they both seemed annoyed. Emmett's muscles were visibly bulging, and Rosalie's facial expression could kill.
"I see. Alice undoubtedly saw our arrival."
"Yes."
"Such wonderful gifts you have amongst you. So many talents," Aro voiced in a thoughtful tone.
"Master, someone approaches," Demetri announced, as he stood ready at the door.
(A/N: Sorry this took so long. But, I have to admit, it was hard to write. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, I really appreciate. And thanks to everyone who voted in my poll, this story was ranked 2nd to "In the Arms of an Angel", I was really surprised. Also thanks to my beta xedwardxloverx! SO, who could be approaching? Will the Volturri simply leave Edward and Bella alone? Or does Aro have a hidden agenda? Review and let me know what you think about this chapter. Oh, and check out my profile and take the new poll. It relates to this story and a possible oneshot of Carlisle and Esme's surprise. You guys are the readers, let me know if you want one or not.)