Chapter Eighteen
Slowly, we walked to our three remaining visitors. By their expressions it was clear that they regretted what they had done. Aro stood in between Caius and Marcus. They seemed to be ready to meet their fate. Sam stopped in front of Aro, still transformed. Edward and I stood beside him. The rest of the pack and our family stood behind us. I could only imagine how intimidating we appeared at the moment.
Jacob still remained limp on the ground. I wanted so much to go to him and see how he was, but there was one more matter of business to take care of. If Jacob died, I wouldn't be able to 'live' with myself. It would be all because of me and, whether Sam decided to let them live or not, I would make sure they perished for killing him.
"Please, let us explain," Aro pleaded.
"There is nothing to explain," Edward spoke for Sam.
"We were only trying to look out for our kind," Marcus explained.
"As were we. You ignored our wishes, why should we grant yours?" Edward passed along.
"We are the leaders of our race. Without us the world would break out into chaos," Caius added.
"It might just be time for a change in leaders," Edward relayed.
"But who would take our place?" Aro asked. Edward looked at Sam, meeting his gaze and shook his head no. Sam then turned to look at Aro.
"He wants to speak to Carlisle," Edward told Aro.
"Carlisle?" Aro replied. Carlisle stepped forward, next to Sam.
"He thinks you would make a good leader," Edward voiced for Sam.
"I appreciate the offer Sam, but I don't want to be a leader. My place is with my family," Carlisle declined.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive," Carlisle answered. Edward then nodded to Sam who ran into the forest.
"He will be right back, he is phasing," Edward explained for him. A moment later, Sam came back into the clearing, taking his respective position.
"Why should I show mercy on you, when you weren't going to show us mercy?" Sam questioned the three.
"We were wrong in our decision," Aro spoke.
"You say that now. But how am I to know that you won't track us down later and try to eliminate us again?"
"You will have my word," Aro replied.
"Your word is not good enough. You have proven you're not to be trusted," Sam shot back.
"We will make a deal," Caius pled.
"There is no deal that can make up for what has happened today. Not only did you harm one of our members, but you intentionally avoided coming to an agreement earlier," Sam said calmly. His manner of speaking and his control over the situation baffled me. He was doing well handling his anger.
"He attacked one of us first," Marcus pointed out.
"And it was a mistake," Sam said.
"We see that we were wrong in not going into an agreement. But, as you have pointed out, how do we know we can trust you?" Aro asked.
"You never gave us a chance. We came to you, willing to trust you in an agreement, and you decided to destroy us. How can we be sure that you won't try to attack us later on?" Sam countered.
"You do have a viable point, but we see our mistake. We would like to come to an agreement with you, maybe even be allies?" Aro replied.
"Allies?" Sam snorted.
"Yes. You have given us a first hand account of how useful your kind can be. With your help, we would be able to take down rogue vampires easier. This, of course, would only be if we needed you."
"Our place is at the reservation," Sam declined.
"I'm not saying you have to live in Italy or leave your home. But if things got out of hand, your kind could be a big help," Aro reasoned.
"And why would we want to assist you?" Sam laughed.
"Because even though we may drink from humans, we do retain a balance, and we do not allow massive bloodshed. We merely take what we need," Aro replied.
"I still don't know if I should trust you. I do understand, however, that there is a need for a leader."
"May I speak Sam?" Carlisle asked much to everyone's surprise.
"Of course," Sam answered.
"As a third party in this debate, I can see both side's points and this argument could go on forever. The only way to come to any sort of agreement or conclusion is to have trust in one another. Though I understand you are wary of each other, I think its best you come to some sort of agreement. Second chances should be given," Carlisle spoke.
"So you think I should give them a second chance?" Sam asked.
"Yes, I think you should give them another chance. As they have said, without leaders the world would erupt into chaos and they have done a good job thus far. This decision is, however, up to you. But I think an agreement could be reached," he replied.
"You would forgive them after what they have done?" Sam inquired. I remained quiet. I gave a sideway's glance towards Jacob. He just had to be ok.
"Yes. I would," Carlisle answered. Sam nodded and turned back to the three remaining Volturri.
"I'm not sure if you deserve it, or if I even fully trust you, but an agreement needs to be reached," Sam decided.
"So we are to live?" Marcus asked hopefully.
"Yes, but if you ever bring any kind of trouble such as this on us again, we will wipe you out without a second glance," Sam replied curtly.
"Very well," Aro responded.
"As mentioned before, in this agreement, you will not come on our land. If you need to contact us for any reason, you can call us on the telephone. Also, you are not to bother Carlisle or his family," Sam stated.
"And what do we get out of this bargain?" Caius asked.
"You will get to live and go back to Italy," Sam answered.
"What about being allies?" Aro asked.
"We don't wish to meddle in business that is not our own."
"Very well. We agree to stay off your land," Aro replied.
"And we agree not to go after any vampires. We will only deal with the ones that come to us," Sam agreed.
"And you're positive you don't wish to be allies?"
"The only way we would offer our assistance is if there was a major problem on this side of the globe," Sam answered.
"Very well."
"You all can leave now," Sam told them.
"What about our guard?" Caius asked.
"We will dispose of what is left of them," Sam replied.
"But it is unsafe for us to travel without them," Marcus retorted.
"You best keep your eyes peeled then," Sam snorted in reply.
"Well, hopefully our next meeting is better," Aro said coldly as he and his brothers turned and left.
"You know our deal, you show back up here and there will be no questioning," Sam called after them. They simply continued back through the forest. As soon as they were out of sight, Carlisle rushed over to Jacob.
"Jacob, can you hear me?" he asked as he knelt beside him. Edward and I followed behind him. I stood back, afraid that he might be dead.
"Yes," Jacob muttered lowly.
"Can you feel this?" Carlisle asked as he pinched Jacob's legs.
"Yes," was his reply.
"I don't know how, even with your quick healing abilities, you should have been paralyzed from this," Carlisle said astonished. I looked over at Edward, and then back at Jacob. Edward released me from his strong hold and I walked quickly over to Jake and sunk to my knees beside him.
"Jake, I'm so sorry," I apologized as I moved his hair out of his eyes.
"It's not your fault Bella. I thought they were attacking you. I shouldn't have rushed in there like that," he groaned.
"Shh…rest Jacob," I replied, seeing that he was having a hard time communicating.
"Emmett, would you mind bringing him back to the house?" Carlisle asked turning towards him.
"Not at all," Emmett replied as he walked over to us.
"Be careful, don't jolt him," Carlisle instructed as Emmett carefully picked Jacob up.
"Is he going to be ok?" Sam asked.
"Yes, I believe so. He just needs some time to heal," Carlisle answered.
"Will he be able to travel?" Sam asked.
"Not for a few days."
"We need to get back home after we clean up this mess," Sam sighed looking around at the various body parts and pieces of the slain guard.
"He can stay here, and when he is well enough for travel we will see that he gets home," Carlisle proposed. I stood up and walked back to Edward. He held out his hand and I took it, instantly feeling relief.
"Are you sure?" Sam asked.
"Yes."
"Thank you. And know there are no longer any ill feelings between us. If you want to come back to your home in Forks you are welcome," Sam said. Carlisle nodded and turned to us, Emmett behind him carrying Jake.
"I will contact you if his condition changes for the worse. Tell Billy I expect a full recovery," Carlisle said as we took our leave. Sam and the pack stayed behind, ridding the forest of our evidence. I could hear him phasing in the distance as we ran through the forest that separated us from our home. The smell of fire hit our noses as we reached the edge of the woods.
"Bella," Jacob groaned as our home came into view.
"Yes?" I answered.
"Call Heather," he responded.
"Ok," I answered. I would do anything I could for him. He had risked his life today because of me.
"Emmett, take him to the guest bedroom. Esme, bring me my bag," Carlisle directed as we walked into the house.
"What can I do?" I asked.
"It's best if you stay away. Call Heather for him; it will make him feel better," Carlisle answered. I nodded my head and walked slowly up the stairs. Edward stayed by my side.
We walked into our room and to our bed. Sitting in silence for a few moments, we could clearly hear the happenings of the house. Jacob was groaning loudly, making me more nervous.
"Bella," Edward said finally.
"Yes?"
"Everything is going to be ok."
"You think?" I sighed, shifting on the bed nervously.
"I know," he replied. I looked over at him to meet his serious gaze. I gave him a weak smile and turned my attention to the blanket on our bed.
"You should call Heather," Edward voiced as he handed me his phone. I flipped it open and looked at the numbers. Where would I call?
"Um, I don't know any numbers," I told Edward.
"Let me see it," Edward said holding out his hand. I gave it to him, and he quickly pushed in the phone number. He handed it back to me as it began to ring. What would I say to her? Would she even want to talk to me?
"Hello," a sweet voice brought me from my thoughts. Gulping down my nervousness, I decided to answer.
"Hey, this is Bella."
"Bella? Oh, yeah, Jake's Bella!" she exclaimed quickly. Her character instantly reminded me of Alice.
"Yes, that's me."
"He's said so much about you," she replied.
"Yes, and he's spoken of you."
"Have you seen him?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"He was supposed to be back today," she sighed, her tone laced with worry.
"Well that's why I'm calling."
"Is he ok?" she asked frantically.
"Yes, well he has been in an accident. He will be alright," I replied.
"An accident?"
"A fight actually," I answered unable to lie to her.
"That's why Sam and the others left," she voiced.
"Yes, he will be alright. My father-in-law is tending to him."
"Can I speak to him?" she asked, her voice cracking.
"He's not able to at this moment. But the minute he is, I will have him call you."
"Take care of him. I can't live without him," she sobbed.
"We will."
"Call me with updates please," she begged.
"Of course."
"Bye Bella," she hung up.
"Goodbye," I sighed as I closed the phone. Edward wrapped his arms around me, holding me close to his chest. I instantly started to sob, unable to bear the weight of today's events any longer. How could so much trouble come to one person?
"Shh…It's alright, love. It's alright," Edward comforted me.
"Trouble just keeps following me," I sputtered.
"Everything will be ok."
"I love you Edward, and I'm sorry for all this trouble."
"Bella, I love you too and you have nothing to apologize for. Whatever comes our way we will face together, and we will be alright."
"You think?" I sighed, still unconvinced.
"I know. As long as you are at my side everything will be ok," he spoke as put his finger under my chin and directed my gaze to meet his. His eyes said it all. They burned fiercely with what I knew was love.
"Is Jacob really going to be ok?" I asked, hearing his loud groans once again.
"Yes, I believe so."
"I hope so," I sighed.
"Me too," Edward replied. I rested my head against his chest and listened as he breathed, the sound soothing me. Nothing could calm me like he did; nothing.
"Would you like to go for a run?" Edward asked after a few minutes.
"Yes, I think that's a good idea," I replied, wanting to get out of the house. We stood and walked from our room down the stairs. The rest of the family was sitting on the couch.
"We'll be back. We're going for a run. Call us if anything comes up," Edward told them as we headed for the door.
"OK, be careful," Esme responded. Edward opened the door and we walked out. It was already night, and it was beginning to snow.
"Ready?" he asked as we stopped in our front yard.
"Yes," I said as we took off, flying towards the trees. Every rock, tree, and branch we dodged offered a challenge. As the adrenaline that running brought coursed through my veins, I allowed this animalistic side to take over, letting me momentarily forget today's events. Edward stayed by my side, running just as hard and fast. I pushed every muscle and fiber of my body to go further and faster.
I wasn't for sure how long we had run until we came to a stop. Edward halted and I followed his example. He looked at me, his eyes visibly darker from burning so much energy.
"We should hunt before we go back," he said. I nodded, feeling the burn in the back of my throat. We slowly stalked through the forest, having caught the scent of a herd of deer. Once they were in sight, we took down a few, ridding ourselves of the burn. We tossed the carcasses close to a pond of water, and turned our direction to that which we had come.
"Are you ready to go back?" he asked.
"Yes, I need to see how Jake is," I replied. He nodded and, taking my hand, we were once again racing through the forest.
It was some time later when the house was finally in view. My ears were met with silence. I grew instantly worried knowing that Jake was there and not making a sound. Surely he was alright, the family would have called right? We reached the door, and I found my self holding my breath as we walked through it, he just had to be ok.
(A/N: Sorry it took so long for an update. I'm working on the next chapter and almost have it complete. What did you think of this chapter? Should they have came to an agreement? Should Sam have let them walk away? Is Jacob alright? Review and let me know what you think. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and to my beta xedwardxloverx.)