Hello. So what have you all been doing? Reading other FF? Any good ones? Let me know. A couple of shout outs... Welcome back BB (BellaBlush), missed you girl. Glad to have you back and all caught up. LOL. And my loyal followers, Horus, Andi, geentel, smooches... got a preview from chap 20 I'll be sending you tomorrow. Smile! Ok, I'm done... Enjoy.

19. Turmoil

Skye

Edward made his way into the kitchen quietly. He stood next to me and began stirring the grits.

"Don't forget the butter." I told him.

He cut a square from the stick and added it to the bubbling hot and thickening white cream.

I turned the sausage patties and scrambled the eggs.

"So what'd Dad say?" I asked as he blew on the wooden spoon before offering it to me.

I tasted the grits.

"They're good but they need more pepper," I said.

He went to work adding the pepper. He didn't look up from the pot when he answered.

"He said that the council's search party found another one of the facilities."

"Oh my god, they did? Are there people there?"

"We don't know yet. They're raiding it tomorrow evening." He stopped stirring. "Dad's the lead."

"What?" I stopped cooking to look at him. "Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"I don't know if I like that. Are they expecting it to be empty again? I mean fighting really isn't his thing, right? He could get hurt."

"I know." He agreed. "I honestly don't think he could kill a fly. He'd try and catch it so he could set it free."

I smiled.

"But isn't that why we love him?"

Eddie nodded.

"It is, but it makes him vulnerable. Everyone knows how compassionate he is. And no, they're hoping that the workers and prisoners are still there."

"Why'd they pick dad for that? Are they crazy?" I asked.

"I don't know. But Amun volunteered for the first one. They probably just decided that one of Cullen's should have a turn."

"And since you're babysitting Dad was nominated." They didn't know that we'd pawned Ashley off on my family.

"Probably..."

"That damn Council expects a whole lot from us," I said angrily as I pulled the plates and bowls from the cupboard.

"Yes, they do." He looked at me.

I smiled and watched him take the pot from the stove.

"So they have someone going with him, right?" I grabbed the glasses. "You guys have bodyguards when you have to do Council stuff, right?"

"Yes, The Council Guard," he said.

"Do you think that they'll be enough? Protection I mean."

"Honestly, no I don't. They're not really sure what they're headed into. They have no real intel. There could be no one, or there could be hundreds. We just don't know." He turned to me. "So, I'm going with him."

I stopped and looked at him.

He didn't say anything more. He was waiting for me to respond.

"But I thought you said they asked Dad because you were babysitting. Why would they send you both?"

"I didn't say that. You did."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Okay, so I said it, but you agreed."

"Fine, but they didn't ask me to go. And neither did dad. I volunteered."

"Why'd you do that?" I asked confused.

"So I can watch his back. The guard's not going to protect him like I will."

"Well you're probably right about that." I admitted.

I sat the plates on the bar. Then put all the food in serving dishes.

I could hear the kids washing up for breakfast upstairs. They'd be down soon.

I grabbed a piece of sausage and bit into it.

"So…" I asked with a mouthful. "How long will this trip take?" I pressed my body to his.

"A few days tops. Most of the time will be spent in the air trying to get there. Unless of course something goes wrong." He looked down at me.

"Don't say that. Everything will be fine. You'll come home and then you and I can finish making up."

He smiled.

"Do you know how great you are?"

"Yes, but feel free to tell me again." I giggled.

He pulled me in closer.

"I love you. Thank you for understanding."

I exhaled.

"Don't thank me, because I don't like that you're always leaving me. But I have to admit that you're good at what you do. And if anyone can neutralized a situation it's you and Dad. Just promise that you'll come home safe and in one piece."

He laughed.

"I promise."

He captured my lips as his hands drifted to my ass and slowing began kneading the flesh.

His chest rumbled as he growled low, almost purring.

The kids came walking into the kitchen.

"Aww man! You guys are so gross!" JR moaned.

Lisette and EJ laughed.

"Yeah, well lets see how you feel about it in about ten more years." Eddie smiled after breaking our kiss.

"In ten years, I'll still think you grabbing moms backside is gross, I promise."

I laughed.

"Smart ass…" Eddie whispered and I laughed louder.

"What's so funny?" Em asked coming in the back door.

He gave the kids high fives.

"Daddy was squeezing mommy's backside...again." Lisette laughed.

Em smiled.

"If it weren't for all the squeezing going on around here none of you would be here," he said.

"Ewww!" The kids groaned.

"Really Emmett?" I shook my head.

Eddie just rolled his eyes before releasing me. He swat my behind gently and I smiled as I made my way to the table. I took Stevie from EJ and put him in the high chair.

"What did I say?" He smiled. "At least you've cleaned it up a little. The things we used…" he started.

"Emmett!" Eddie and I shouted.

"What, you don't want the kiddies to know how much fun you guys use to have." He smiled. "Or that their parents are the biggest freaks ever."

I threw a slice of toast at his head. He caught it with his teeth and grinned.

"Missed me!" He taunted.

I narrowed my eyes at him then made every apple and orange in the fruit bowl fly at his head.

He jumped up, but he wasn't quick enough, and all but one hit him dead on.

"Damn it! I just took a shower!"

The kids and Edward burst into laughter.

He wiped at the juice and pulp that now covered his upper body.

"Gotcha that time." I laughed.

"You cheated!"

I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

"You have a mean streak." He accused.

I winked at him.

"I love you big bro."

He smiled. "Thank god for that."

I turned to the twins and pointed a finger at them.

"Do as mommy says, not as I do." I kissed their heads.

Eddie laughed.

"Well I'm going to take another shower. I told Rosie that I'd chauffeur you guys around on your shopping spree."

"How'd she rope you into that?" Edward asked.

"She promised to buy something just for me if I did." He wiggled his brows.

"What are you doing later?" Edward asked.

"PJ and I are taking Ashley hunting."

"Grandmere, says she's doing really well with the veggie diet." I chimed in.

"Yeah, she seems to be taking to it with no problems." Em shrugged.

"Well good for her. She may turn out to be alright after all."

I continued eating.

"So Skye, Rosie and I were talking last night…"

"And?" I said.

"And we want to know why we've been here for almost a month and you have yet to take us to Sid's to do a set for us."

I smiled.

"I don't know." I shrugged. "I've just been busy. We've had a lot going on here."

"Well I think you and Ed need to take us out on the town tonight. I want to see you in your element. On stage and singing your heart out. Jazz said you're awesome when you're up there."

"How would he know? He's never seen her on stage," Eddie said. "Other than Nessie wedding that is."

Em looked at me.

"Yeah he has. We went to a biker bar in Nevada and he dared me to, so I…"

"A biker bar?" Eddie looked at me.

"Yeah, he took me there on one of our riding trips." I laughed. "God, that was forever ago. We had such a great time. I sang 'Barracuda' by Heart. They loved it."

"Jazz took you to a biker bar?"

"Edward, I'm here and I'm fine, right?"

He shook his head.

"It's not like he couldn't protect me. He could've killed everyone in that bar in two minutes if he wanted to."

Em pat Eddie's shoulder as he rolled his eyes and asked, "So we on for tonight or what?"

"Well you, me and Rose can go. Edward's going out of town with Dad. Council business." I informed him.

"They found another facility?" Em asked.

"Yes, and they're sending Carlisle to raid it."

"Are they crazy or just plain stupid? That's not Dad's thing. Negotiating, yes. Fighting, no. He's a peacemaker." Em shook his head.

"We know. That's why Eddie's going with him," I said.

"Well good, I'm not part of the Council but if you need some help."

"I got it, but thanks for offering," Eddie said. "Besides, I need you here keeping an eye on things."

"Alright, I guess that means that PJ will be babysitting Ashley by himself tonight." Em laughed.

Eddie cleared his throat.

"Actually, you'll both be off the hook while I'm gone. I just need you to keep an eye on Skye and the kids."

"Really?"

"Yes," Eddie nodded his head.

"Is Jazz coming in then?"

I knew Jazz wasn't coming in. Rose and I had talked to Alice yesterday and she hadn't mentioned it.

"No, Ashley's assistance has been requested by the Council and Carlisle. She's going to Mongolia tonight also."

I turned to Eddie.

"You didn't say she was going." I eyed him.

"I hadn't gotten to that part yet."

"And just when were you going to get to it, Edward." I growled.

"After the kids left for school." He gestured toward them.

"And why is that?"

"Because I knew it would warrant a discussion."

"Fine, let's discuss it then." I put my fork down.

"Skye…"

"Now, I want to discuss it right now!"

Em threw the towel he was using to clean off with on the counter-top.

"Okay guys, grab your bag packs. You're coming with me to the guest house until your bus comes."

The kids all scrambled to get their things. Then they filed out the back door single file. Em grabbed Etienne.

"I bet Auntie Rose would love to see you."

Em looked at Edward before he closed the door.

"Sorry, bro. Me and my big ass mouth."

I looked at him.

"What are you sorry for? He's the one hiding shit!"

Em's eyes widened.

"You always listen at the wrong times, you know that?"

I rolled my eyes at him.

"It's alright, Emmett. And I wasn't hiding anything. I was going to tell you," he said and moved closer.

"Bullshit!" I growled.

"I'll uh, see y'all later," Em left quickly.

"Love, I was going to tell you. It's not like I can just leave with her and you not know. She's staying with your family." He cupped my chin.

I huffed and turned my head breaking the hold.

"Why didn't you mention she was going when you told me about Dad?"

He moved my face back.

"I told you. I didn't want the kids here when we discussed it. They're already having problems with her, and you and I arguing about her makes that worse."

"They don't have to like her, Edward."

"I know that. But we're not teaching our children to hate now, are we?"

"No, but they're smart. They see how she is with you and how you are with her, and they don't like it."

"What are you talking about? How am I with her?"

"You're different. You hide things from me. You lie to me and make foolish decisions that could jeopardize our family, our children. She brings out the worst in you. And don't even get me started on your stupid fascination with her."

"I'm not fascinated with her." He protested.

"Yes, you are, Edward."

"I'm just trying to keep her safe. Since when is that a crime?"

"It's not, when you're not doing it at our expense, and are being objective. You've always been insightful and saw the bigger picture. But with her you have blinders on. And I think we both know why."

"She's Nessie's cousin…"

"Oh my god! Come off it already. She's like Nessie's sixth cousin or some shit. They're barely related! I mean what do you really know about her…other than what's she's told you?"

"I…I…" he stammered.

"Nothing! And that proves my point. You've got this girl around my kids. She's living with my family, and you haven't even called Jenks Jr. to check her out."

"I know she's Bella's cousin…"

"You know that a girl named Ashley Swanson is Bella's long lost relative. How do you know she's her?"

"She looks just like her," he said.

"I know and I guess I'm the only one in this family who finds that just a little odd and too damn convenient." I stood up shaking my head.

"Love, I think your reading too much into this…"

"And you aren't paying enough attention."

He sighed and grasped my arm, pulling me to him.

He held me close but didn't say anything. When I tried to pull away he held me tighter. Finally I gave up, calmed, and lay my head on his chest. He began to stroke my hair and I closed my eyes. It was an automatic response.

I held still and listened to him breathing.

"What do I have to do to prove my love to you, woman?"

After a moment of silence I said, "Stay home with me."

He stopped stroking my hair and fiddled with the ends.

"We'll take Em, Rosie, and Colin to Sid's. Maybe call PJ and Indie, see if they want to join us. I'll sing, and then we'll dance the night away. Just how we use to. Remember?"

"I do. I fell in love with you the very first time I heard and saw you singing up there." He grinned my favorite smile.

"The first time?" I asked.

"Yes, it was your voice that drew me inside the bar, but it was you, your beauty, which I found out was inside and out, that kept me coming back."

I smiled. I hadn't known that.

"After hearing you, I just had to see you." He seemed far off in thought. "And after seeing you... I thought you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I had to know more... I had to know you..." He stroked my face. "It's funny because at the time, I didn't recognize what I felt for what it was. I had never experienced anything like that before. Not even with Bella. It confused and frightened me. But I was without a doubt, head over heels in love with you. If I wasn't, I would've never followed you outside that bar. It went against everything I believed in." He grinned and lifted my chin. "But a lot of my beliefs have changed since you've entered my life. I never believed in love at first sight...until I saw you."

He kissed me and I ran my hand over his bare chest before resting my cheek against it.

"Stay with me. Please. I have a bad feeling about this."

He took my hand in his and kissed it.

"You sure that isn't just insecurities?"

"I don't know. All I know is that it feels wrong and I want you to stay."

"Angel, I can't. I have to go."

"No you don't. You want to go. There's a difference."

"Love, you said it yourself. I'm the best person for this assignment. And Dad needs me."

"I need you."

He sighed.

"Don't do this. I don't want to leave on a bad note."

"Then don't."

"You were fine with it before you found out Ashley had to go."

I didn't say anything.

"Angelique?"

I pulled back and looked at him.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me that you're only going for dad, Edward. Tell me she has nothing to do with it."

He looked down at me and I could see it on his face.

I began to pull away.

"Love…"

I wiggled out of his arms and started toward the stairs. He flit into the doorway blocking me.

"Protecting her is part of the assignment."

"Move, Edward!" I warned.

"What do you want me to do? Lie to you? Let her get killed?" He asked. "Do you know what that would do to Reneesme? You see how close they've become."

I stopped.

"This isn't about Reneesme, Edward."

"Maybe not entirely but..."

I shook my head.

"Please move," I said as he slid out of my way, involuntarily.

He watched me ascend the stairs but didn't come after me.

Smart man.

Edward

The ride to the airfield was a quiet one. I wasn't in a talking mood and I guess I had set the tone for the trip. Em knew that Skye and I had argued and that she wasn't speaking to me…again. So he let me wallow in my misery.

I couldn't understand why she was so angry. I had done everything she had asked me to do when it came to Ashley. I was beginning to think that there really was no happy solution to the problem. Skye just wouldn't be happy until Ashley was totally out of our lives. And I honestly didn't know if that would be a possibility anymore with her and Nessie getting closer by the day.

I told Ashley to get aboard the plane. When she was out of sight I turned to Em.

"Keep an eye on my wife, please."

He nodded.

"You know we will."

"Tell her I love her. That I'll be home soon. I'd do it myself but I don't think she'll take my call right now."

"Probably not." He agreed then looked up at me. "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded.

"Is she really worth it?"

I looked at him.

"You're risking everything for her, so I have to know. And don't feed me that shit you try to feed Skye about it being all for Nessie. I know you."

That was Emmett. Straight to the heart of things, no beating around the bush with him.

"I love Skye. You know I do." I shook my head. "But I can't seem to stop thinking about her. I mean, I know she's not Bella. It makes absolutely no sense to me…but sometimes I find myself wishing that she was." I admitted.

He pat my back.

"You had a rough time after we lost her. We all did. But you didn't really have time to grieve because the war started shortly after. She does favor Bells, so it's understandable what you're going through, what you must be feeling. We all watched as you let the guilt eat at you needlessly. But what happened to her wasn't your fault. You do know that, right?"

I nodded slightly.

"Are you sure? I mean maybe that's why you can't stop thinking about Ashley. Why you feel this pressing need to help and save her from everything. Maybe you associate the two of them because they look alike." He shrugged. "I don't know. I'm no shrink. But whatever it is, you need to figure it out, and soon, because you can't keep putting her ahead of your wife."

"I don't put her ahead of…" I started.

"Bro, you do, and we all see it." He sighed heavily like his next words pained him to speak them. "If you don't…if you don't want to be with Skye anymore…or if you're not sure…let her go, Edward. Don't keep hurting her.

I looked at him like he was crazy.

"I love her, Emmett. She's my life…" I started.

"Then act like it."

I was at a lost for words so I just nodded. Had I really been that bad? And if so, how had I missed it?

"A bit of advice?"

I gestured for him to continue. Why stop now? He was on a role.

"Use this trip for a bit of introspection. Think about what it is you really want. When you come back home. Do so with a clear head and conscience."

I gave him a head check and he rolled the window up before pulling off.

I headed toward the runway and the plane. I had so much shit swimming in my head, thanks to Emmett, that I hadn't even noticed Ashley talking to me when I entered the plane.

"Umm…Edward?"

"Huh… What'd you say?" I looked at her.

"I asked if you were okay?"

I looked away.

"No, actually. I think I'm going to just wait the flight out in the bedroom."

I headed toward the back room leaving her standing in the aisle.

When I got to the room, I shut and locked the door behind me. Then I fell on the bed and closed my eyes. I had some self observation to do but it would have to wait. Because right now I needed a clear head to focus on the job ahead. Mistakes caused lost lives and that couldn't happen on my watch.

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

So what do ya think? Next Chapter is the raid. Lot's of action.