Meeting the Cullens and Death

Two weeks had passed since Edward had seen Bella and in those two weeks, he'd been very different. He would only hunt animals that weren't on Bella's land, he spent more time at his piano and wrote a special lullaby, he was quieter, didn't join in when Aro and some others made fun of the werewolves and humans, and he seemed to be carrying a secret he was unwilling to share.

Finally, one night, Rosalie confronted him when he was sitting by the window, letting his mind wander.

"Okay, Edward, what's the matter with you?" she asked. "You've been way too quiet for two weeks and you're not acting like yourself! What's wrong?"

"He's just missing Bella," said Alice, making Edward's head jerk up.

"Who's Bella?" Esme asked.

"The girl he met two weeks ago," said Alice. "You could say she's his girlfriend."

"You knew about Bella? Is that why you were so much perkier than usual when we came here?" Edward demanded. "You could've told me."

"And have you think you wouldn't be good enough for her?" said Alice. "No way! Besides, there's more to come. I saw lots with Bella."

"Alice, I ought to—"

"Will one of you please just tell who Bella is?" Emmet interrupted.

"Preferably now," said Jasper.

Edward sighed. He didn't want to tell them, but knew he had to. With reluctance, he told them of how he'd met Bella, who was Chief Swan's daughter and almost everything they'd done that day—not mentioning they'd almost kissed—and admitting that he loved her and longed to see her again. When he finished, everyone except for Alice had curious looks on their faces.

"You fell in love with a werewolf's daughter? You really can pick them, can't you?" said Rosalie.

"She sounds fun," said Emmet. "I want to see her."

"This could be dangerous," said Jasper. "What if her father finds out about this? The pack isn't exactly thrilled with us after what I did."

"That wasn't your fault," said Alice, defending her husband. "It was just an accident."

"If she makes you happy, dear, you should talk to her again," said Esme.

"See if you can bring her and Jacob around if you see them again," said Carlisle. "Let us meet them."

Edward didn't reply, but nodded, before getting up. He couldn't stand it any longer. Without another word, he sped out and followed Bella's scent.

XXX

Bella sat in the woods, talking with Jacob and Jessica—a friend from her school who knew Bella's secret. Her mind kept drifting back to Edward and how badly she missed him. After she'd gotten home, she had quietly gone along with Charlie's orders, not feeling up to arguing, despite knowing he was wrong in thinking all vampires were evil.

Thankfully, the pack members who'd been injured had made a full recovery and there hadn't been many mysterious deaths or disappearances for a while, so Charlie had not done anything rash, but other werewolves were still due to arrive and neither Jacob nor Bella were eager to have them.

Leah knew of Bella's love for Edward, and although she didn't approve of Edward being a vampire, she supported Bella the best she could and liked the idea of a "secret love." She assured Bella and Jacob that whatever happened, Charlie and Billy would not find out from her, and that Bella, Jacob and Edward would have her if they needed her.

"Bells?" Charlie called, coming over to the three. "There you are. You shouldn't wander off too far with those creatures lurking about."

"We'll be fine, Dad," said Bella, not meeting her father's eyes.

"I'm keeping an eye on them," said Jacob.

"I know you are, Jake," said Charlie. He smiled at Bella. "You look just like Renee whenever you wear that necklace."

Bella fingered it. "I miss her."

"I know, but she'll always be here with us," said Charlie. He sighed. "I've got to go, but I'll ask Sam to come out with you."

As soon as Charlie was gone, Jessica turned to Bella.

"Alright, tell me."

"Tell you what?" Jacob asked.

"The two of you are hiding something. And don't tell me you're not, I can tell."

Before Bella could reply, there was rustling and Jessica said, "Bella, Jacob, look!"

Bella spun around and saw Edward.

"It's one of the vampires your dads mentioned! I'm going to—"

"You're going to keep your mouth shut," said Jacob, putting a hand on Jessica's mouth.

Bella chuckled and turned to Edward. "Edward! What're you doing here?"

"Whft?" said Jessica, muffled.

"I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to see you again," said Edward. "I missed you too much."

"Agpim?" said Jessica, still muffled.

Bella smiled as she hugged him. "I missed you too."

"Bella, Jacob, Jessica!" called Sam.

"Oh, crap," said Jacob. "That's Sam. We'd better go." He turned to Jessica. "Please, don't say anything."

"This way," said Bella.

Quickly, the trio disappeared through the woods and out of sight.

XXX

Jessica watched her friends disappear. She bit her lip. What the devil were they doing?

"Jessica!" said Sam, startling her. "Where're Jacob and Bella?"

"I-I haven't seen them," she lied.

Sam sighed. "Those two can't keep running off. It's dangerous out there. Tell them that, they listen to you."

He left.

Jessica rolled her eyes and muttered, "And I'm the Queen of England."

XXX

Jacob, Edward and Bella continued running through the woods until they came to Leah's cabin and quickly entered the shape-shifter's home. Leah wasn't entirely pleased by Edward's being there, but was polite and accepted the three into her home.

"I've missed you so much," asked Bella. "Is your family alright?"

"They're fine. They, uh, want to meet the two of you," said Edward.

"They do?" said Jacob.

"Do you think they'll like us?" asked Bella.

Leah and Edward chuckled.

"Bells, you never cease to amaze me," said Leah. "I think going there is a little risky, but what's life without a few risks?"

"Don't worry, they'll be fine," said Edward.

"Okay, I'll go if Bella goes," said Jacob.

Bella nodded. "Let's go."

XXX

Edward, Bella and Jacob traveled and eventually came to Edward's house, where they were greeted by an ecstatic Alice, who hugged them.

"Bella! Jacob! Oh, it's so good to see the two of you at last!"

"This is Alice," said Edward, looking embarrassed as Bella and Jacob chuckled.

"Hi," said Bella and Jacob.

"Come on in," said Alice.

She led them inside to the other members of the Cullen family, who were waiting in the living room.

"Bella, Jacob, I'd like you to meet my family. This Carlisle, Esme, Emmet, Rosalie and Jasper," said Edward. "Everyone this is Jacob Black and Bella Swan."

"Pleasure to meet you both," said Esme smiling.

"Same here," said Bella.

"Ditto," said Jacob.

"I've always wanted to meet a werewolf," said Carlisle.

"So," said Rosalie. "You two are aware of what will happen if Aro or Bella's ather finds out about this?"

"Yes," said Bella, dropping her gaze. "Charlie would kill me if he knew I told you this, but…he's sent for more werewolves if it comes to a fight between the two sides."

"More werewolves?" said Emmet, shocked. "When?"

"We don't know," said Jacob.

Most of the Cullens looked uneasy.

"Neither of us want a battle," said Bella, quickly. "I'll try and talk to him."

"It's not just you we're worried about," said Jasper.

"Look, I know I'm crabby, but I don't want my family in danger."

"We know," said Jacob. "Which is why we'll be careful; not to let them know. Oh Edward, you dropped this when we saw you last time. I forgot to give it back."

It was a silver compass, but Edward just shook his head.

"You can keep it."

"Thanks," said Jacob, pocketing it.

"Oh, Alice, can I talk to you for a moment about a dream I've been having?" Bella asked.

"Sure," said Alice. "What happens in the dream?"

"I can't remember everything, but there's this spinning arrow, something silver and someone in the background. I never see his face."

Alice gasped. "That's most of my vision!"

"Really?" said Bella, shocked.

"We'll talk more later," said Alice. "In the meantime, Edward, go show Bella the music you wrote. Jacob, come with us."

No one protested as Edward took Bella upstairs to his room. There were several CD's on a shelf and a huge grand piano.

"You play?" said Bella.

"Yeah," said Edward as he sat down.

Bella's eyes fell onto a sheet of music labeled, "Bella's Lullaby." She felt touched. He'd written a song just for her.

"You inspired me to write it," he said, when he saw her gazing at the sheet music.

"Will you play it for me?"

He nodded as she sat next to him and he began playing.

The music was beautiful. It was luxurious, sweet, sad, brave, elegant and so many other words Bella couldn't name. Bella couldn't believe she'd inspired such a beautiful piece of music. She felt a few tears sting her eyes as she rested her head on Edward's shoulder.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He didn't reply, but smiled and continued playing until the lullaby ended.

The two of them continued enjoying themselves. After playing the music, Edward switched on a CD and they danced together. Then he took her on his back as he climbed trees and made her feel like she was flying. They went swimming in the lake and then they relaxed in a beautiful field they called "their meadow."

As they lay on the grass, curled up to each other, Bella could sense something was troubling Edward.

"Edward, what's wrong?" Bella asked.

"I…" he sighed. "I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't be in love with you. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I don't want you to get hurt either," said Bella. "You don't know what you mean to me."

He caressed her face. "I think I do. But it's not as much as you mean to me."

They sat up and he cupped her face.

"You are my life now," he said.

"And you're mine," said Bella, fighting back tears.

They were about to lean in for a kiss when Jacob came running to them and interrupted.

"Bells, we have to go. It's almost sunset."

"Okay, Jake," said Bella. She turned to Edward. "When can I see you again?"

"Meet me here tonight, when the moon's out," said Edward.

"Alright," said Bella.

She and Jacob ran back to their home, not knowing what would happen next.

XXX

Back in his office, Aro was starting to worry. While the Cullens had been perfectly happen since they'd come to Forks, no one else had been. The other vampires were unable to get the prey they wanted without the humans noticing and they couldn't get any riches as none of them were qualified for high paying jobs. Some were on the verge of leaving and others question Aro's judgment.

He would have to find a solution to his problems and fast.

Then it came to him.

The werewolf pack in the forest.

They'd attacked one of the other vampires once before. What if they were hiding the better prey and riches? What if they had secrets Aro could use to help the Covens? What if Aro could exploit them or better yet, destroy them and take what he needed from them?

Yes, his mind whispered. Yes, it could work.

"I'm a genius," he said.

And if the werewolves were destroyed, well, it was just collateral damage. And who cared about some flea-bitten dogs anyhow?

XXX

Bella and Jacob ran back to their home as fast as they could. When they arrived, they saw dozens of men arrive too. Jessica ran over to them, looked terrified and furious.

"Are you two crazy? What were you two doing out there with one of them?" she demanded.

"Later, Jessica," said Jacob.

"Jacob, Bella!" said Sam. "Look, now we'll have enough to destroy those cold demons!"

"Now that we are joined by others of our kind, we will have enough power to defeat our enemy!" said Billy, loudly to the pack.

Bella and Jacob exchanged appalled glances as they went over to Charlie and Billy.

"Dad, Billy, we need to talk to you," said Bella.

"Not now, you two," said Charlie. "The meeting's about to start."

"Who cares about the meeting? Look, we don't have to fight them!" said Jacob.

"There has to be another way," said Bella.

"What's gotten in to you both?" Billy asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Look, sometimes we've got to do things we don't want to do. It's a harsh lesson, but sooner or later, we've got to learn it. Fighting may be the only way I can guarantee the pack's safety," said Charlie.

"With bloodshed and pointless battle?" said Jacob. "That's crazy. We could try talking to them; make a peace treaty or something."

"Jacob, hold your tongue," said Billy, sternly. "And anyway, the Cold Ones don't want to talk. They made that clear when Sam rescued one of our own from them."

"If one of them did want to talk, you would listen, wouldn't you?" asked Bella.

"Bells, I—" Charlie was cut off.

"Wouldn't you?" Bella demanded.

"You know we would." said Charlie. "I'd rather not fight, but it's not that simple. Nothing's simple anymore."

He and Billy went into the house, leaving the two alone.

"We've got to warn Edward," said Bella. "They'll have to leave. They're all in danger."

"Let's go now," said Jacob.

XXX

Edward went back his house, only to find that Aro and the other Coven had arrived.

"Aro, what brings you to our door?" he asked, with forced politeness.

"I've made plans to make us all rich and eliminate certain problems," said Aro. "Starting with the battle to destroy the werewolf pack."

"What?" said Edward, outraged. "You can't do that!"

Aro narrowed his eyes. "Oh, can't I?"

"We don't have to fight them!" said Edward.

"Edward, what's gotten into you?" Caius asked.

"I-I met one of them," Edward admitted.

Everyone except for Edward's family looked horrified and disgusted.

"You made friends with a dog?" said Marcus.

"They're not dogs!" Edward snapped. "They know this place, they know how to do the things you can't, and a lot more. "

Aro just scoffed. "I suppose you're also in love with the mutt you met? Really, Edward, I expected better of you. Clearly this brainless dog's bewitched you. Falling in love with a werewolf! Honestly, Edward, you are pathetic."

Edward emitted a growl as Emmet blocked him from attacking Aro.

"Aro, maybe he's right. Look, the werewolves haven't caused any problems for quite some time. We could just let them be or make a peace treaty," said Carlisle.

"We don't sense any danger," said Esme.

"Leave them alone," said Emmet.

Aro just scoffed. "And why would I leave them alone when I know they've got things we came here for?"

"Such as?" Rosalie demanded.

"Human prey, riches, secrets that could help us, the list goes on," said Aro.

There aren't spectacular riches here and they don't like killing people!"

Aro just snorted. "And I suppose your little 'friend' told you this?"

"Yes," said Edward, stubbornly.

"Lies! Lies, all of it! Murderous, flea-bitten cowards," said Aro. "There's no room for their kind in this world!"

"You're crazy," said Jasper.

"Am I? Or are you just too guilty after the little attack you caused?" said Aro.

"Lay off," Alice snarled as Jasper flinched. "That was an accident! And you have no real proof that the werewolves are planning to do anything to us."

"You can't destroy them! This is their land!" said Edward.

"THIS IS MY LAND!" Aro shouted. "I am leader of the Volturi and I make the laws here. And I saw anyone who so much looks at a werewolf without killing them will be executed for treason against his or her own kind."

Aro and the other vampires disappeared, leaving the Cullens alone.

"Thank you," said a voice.

They spun around to see Leah, standing the corner.

"Easy, easy, I mean you no harm. I'm a friend of Bella and Jacob's. It appears I was mistaken in my previous beliefs about your kind," she said.

"Leah!" said Edward. "What're you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure Bella was right in her love for you," said Leah. "I was looking out for her. Now, you must go warn her. I'd go, but Charlie and Billy might not listen to me if they knew where I'd gotten my information. Go!"

Edward nodded.

"And, Edward?" said Leah.

"Yes?"

"Take care of her or I'll kill you."

Edward nodded and sped off to the meadow.

XXX

Jasper was walking in the woods when Aro, Marcus and Caius pounced on him.

"Did Edward go off tonight?" Aro asked.

"Why should I tell you?" Jasper snarled. "Let me go!"

But he couldn't budge as Marcus and Caius held him tight.

"Listen, Jasper, I don't like you, and I know you hate me, so let's make this easy. Follow Edward's scent, find out what exactly he's doing and tell me. If you don't, I'll kill your family—including your precious Seer wife. However, if you do as I ask, I'll let them live and I might spare the life of that mutt Edward likes."

"No," said Jasper, horrified. "You can't!"

"I don't lie when it comes to my bargains," said Aro. "So, do it…or else. Release him."

Jasper was released and left alone.

He could not risk the lives of his family—especially Alice's. Trying to ignore the feelings he felt, he went after Edward. He would follow him, but he would see if he could get away with lying to Aro's face about Edward.

XXX

Jessica felt a twinge of fear. She didn't want to betray Bella and Jacob after they'd trusted her, but she was so worried for them.

I'm doing the right thing. Someone has to go after them and I can't. She tried to ignore the feeling of guilt and fear in her stomach as she tapped on Sam's shoulder.

"Sam?" she said, timidly.

"Jessica," he said, not looking up from his work. "What do you want?"

"It's about Bella and Jacob," she said.

Sam looked at her and stood up. "What's wrong? Are they alright?"

Jessica hesitated. "I-I think they're in trouble."

XXX

Bella and Jacob got to the meadow just as Edward arrived.

"Bella!" said Edward.

"Edward," said Bella. "You've got to get out of here. The other pack members have come. You've got to go before they attack."

"Well, that's just perfect," said Edward. "Listen, Aro and some of the others are planning to attack your pack. You've got to warn them."

"Maybe it's not too late to stop this," said Jacob.

"Jacob's right. You've got to talk to my father and Billy," said Bella.

Edward shook his head. "It won't do any good. I already tried talking to Aro and the others. My family won't take part in this, but no one else will listen."

Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Guys, watch."

He placed a finger in a puddle of water and sent out ripples. "Look, the ripples are small at first, but then they grow when I start them."

"They won't listen to us," said Edward.

"Look, Edward, sometimes the right path isn't the easiest one," said Jacob. "Think about it. If this madness stops, then the two of you can be together."

He pushed Edward and Bella together and they looked into each other's eyes.

Edward smiled. "Alright, I'll talk to Charlie and Billy."

"Thank you," said Bella, hugging him.

Jacob smiled and ran back to his home to give the two some privacy.

Edward and Bella looked into each other's eyes again as they let go.

"Bella, there's something I should've told you from the beginning. I-I love you," he said.

Tears of joy glittered in Bella's eyes. "I love you too, Edward," she said.

Without anymore hesitation, they reached for one another and kissed each other passionately. Every bit of their love for each other was poured into that kiss and they never wanted to let go.

But what neither of them knew was that Jasper and Sam were watching. Jasper was pleased at his brother's happiness, but Sam was furious at Bella's choice of mate her "betrayal" to Jacob.

Unable to stand it any longer, Sam let out an angry snarled and changed into a wolf, startling the couple before he attacked Edward.

Quickly, he pinned Edward down and the two wrestled and fought.

"Sam; no!" Bella yelled.

She tried to pull Sam off, but he was too strong for her and kicked her away with his back feet as he tried to kill Edward. Edward fought back, but the two were evenly matched in strength. Jasper came and tried to help, but eventually, Edward drew blood from Sam's leg and the smell of blood drew Jasper crazy.

Jasper lunged forward and with one swift bite to the neck, delivered a killing blow to Sam.

Sam changed back into a human and yanked Bella's necklace off her neck just as he died.

XXX

Jasper staggered back, unable to believe what he'd just done as Bella ran to Sam's side.

"I-I didn't mean to," he stammered. "I-I was just trying to protect—"

"Jasper, just go!" Bella yelled, fighting back tears. She'd never liked Sam that much, but he'd still been part of her pack.

"They're coming," said Edward. "Jasper, get out of here!"

Jasper didn't want to leave, but followed Edward's orders.

Strong members of Bella's pack came and grabbed Edward, who struggled a little, but followed them back to Bella's home. Others took Sam's body as Bella wept and grabbed her necklace from off the ground.

She ran back to home and got there just as she heard her father's angry shouts.

"Who did this?" he demanded.

"Bella went off on her own without Jacob. Sam went to find her and this bloodsucker attacked them," said Quil, holding Edward in place for Charlie and Billy to see.

"You and your kind will pay for this. Don't think we haven't figured out more ways to kill you," said Billy.

"In the morning, he'll be the first to die!" said Charlie. "I'm authorizing an execution!"

"Dad, no!" said Bella.

Charlie glared at her. "I told you not to go off without Jacob. You disobeyed me! You've severely disappointed me, Isabella."

Bella flinched. Charlie never called her Isabella unless he was angry or upset with her.

"She was only trying to help!" said Jacob, who came up to her.

"Because of her foolishness, Sam is dead!" said Billy. "Take him away!"

Bella fell to her knees and cried as Jacob held her and rubbed her back.

"Bella? Jacob?" said a soft voice.

Jessica had come up to them.

"Sam was just coming to protect me," said Bella.

"Guys, I have a confession to make," said Jessica. "I-I sent Sam after you two."

Jacob and Bella looked at her, surprised.

"I-I was worried about you," she said. "I thought I was doing the right thing."

"I understand, Jess," said Bella. "All of this happened because of me. And now I'll never see Edward Cullen again."

Jacob paused for a moment and helped Bella stand up. "Come with me."

He took her to Edward's cell, which was guarded by two werewolves and the door was made of pure titanium.

"Bella would like to look into the eyes of the one who killed Sam," said Jacob.

The guards exchanged glances then nodded.

"Be quick," they said.

Bella went into the cell.

XXX

Edward was sitting on his knees, his head low. His hands were behind his back and handcuffed to a pole. The handcuffs were made of indestructible titanium or Edward would've broken them already. Red marks on his wrists were quickly healing from where the cuffs had cut into his skin.

This sight broke Bella's heart as she knelt beside him and lifted his chin.

"Bella," he breathed.

Tears glistened in Bella's eyes as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered.

"This wasn't your fault," said Edward. "Besides, I've had worse situations than this. Nothing comes to mind, but…"

His humor did nothing to cheer Bella up.

"It would've been better if we'd never met. None of this would've happened," she sobbed.

"Isabella Marie Cullen, look at me," said Edward, softly. When she looked at him, he said, "I'd rather die tomorrow, than live an immortal life without knowing you." Softly, he sang.

"If I never knew you
If I never felt this love
I would have no inkling of
How precious life can be

And if I never held you
I would never have a clue
How at last I'd find in you
The missing part of me

In this world so full of fear
Full of rage and lies
I can see the truth so clear
In your eyes
So dry your eyes

And I'm so grateful to you
I'd have lived my whole life through
Lost forever
If I never knew you

He had no regrets. Bella had been the greatest part of his life. She'd saved him when no one else could. He only wished he could've met her sooner. Memories of all their happy times together flooded him as she touched his face.

-Bella-
I thought our love would be so beautiful
Somehow we made the whole world bright

I never knew that fear and hate could be so strong
All they'd leave us were these whispers in the night
But still my heart is saying
We were right

-Bella- (Edward)
For if I never knew you (There's no moment I regret)
If I never knew this love (Since the moment that we met)
I would have no inkling of (If our time has gone too fast)
How precious life can be (I've lived at last...)

"Bella," said Jacob, softly. "We have to go."

Bella tried not to cry as she touched Edward's face.

"I can't leave you," she said.

"You never will," said Edward. "No matter what happens to me, I'll always be with you…forever."

Bella kissed Edward's head and embraced him once more before leaving the cell with a heavy heart.

-Edward-
And I'm so grateful to you
I'd have lived my whole life through
Empty as the sky

-Bella-
Never knowing why

-Both-
Lost forever
If I never knew you

Bella clung to Jacob's back as he carried her to the Cullens' house.