Chapter 9: "The Plan"

Disclaimer: The proprietary elements of Breaking Dawn, including its original treatment and all of the characters, belong solely to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Bella's POV

"Er, you're probably not the only one listening," I whispered, biting my lower lip. How was I going to be able to pull this off without involving my new family? They'd overhear every word, just as clearly as if we were in the same room.

Jacob's laugh was laced with sarcasm. "And I bet the in-laws aren't letting you out of earshot anytime soon, so you might as well spill, Bella."

There was a chuckle from the kitchen (Emmett), followed by Rosalie's exasperated sigh. Esme was silent.

"Okay, how much do you know about the Volturi?" I asked—still whispering. Dead silence.

It took only milliseconds for my computer-like brain to sift through a myriad of hazy human memories, searching for any recollection of past interaction between my werewolf friend and the vampire elite from Volterra. Jacob had tried to stop me from going to Italy once, but thankfully he hadn't been directly involved then—nor had he been present when Jane and her small entourage made their perfectly-timed appearance after the newborn conflict.

"Well, I remember what Alice told me before, when you two went racing off to Italy to save Edward. She said the Volturi are 'the very essence' of…er, your kind—the reason my hair stands on end when I smell vampires. She called them 'the substance of my nightmares, the dread behind my instincts.' Yeah, I'll never forget that—just how she described them—it creeped me out. Or how I felt when you left to face them alone. I won't let you do that again."

I paused for the tiniest fraction of a second. He noticed. "Then come with me—or at least, help me get to Volterra," I urged, leaning towards him. "Please."

Jacob growled and a shudder rippled through his torso. "This is crazy. You know that right? Whatever you've got planned—it's a suicide mission."

"Jake, I have to try—"

"You don't, though. You really don't. You could stay here with me. You could stay alive. For Charlie."

I shook my head. What if I never saw him again?

"You're my best friend, Jacob. You always will be."

His dark eyes were glistening with tears. A lump filled my throat.

"I get it, Bella. I actually do, okay? You don't have to say any more."

I reached out carefully, extending my fingers to touch his arm, but thought better of it and made a fist instead.

"Will I ever stop hurting you? I'm so sorry, Jacob—" I managed.

"Bells, you're married. You made your choice, and—believe it or not—I'm mature enough to handle that. You're not the only one who's grown up around here lately, you know," he added, his gaze meeting mine.

I smiled. I knew then that he'd always be my Jacob, but I also realized he'd somehow found the inner strength to accept what had to be.

"Anyway, we're not even in the same league anymore," Jacob continued with a smirk. "For crying out loud, you're someone's mom! That puts you like decades ahead of me on the maturity scale. I still can't get over that one."

"Me either," I admitted. "And I love her so much, Jake. That's why I'm asking for your help."

"Okay, okay. Lay it on me already."

Before I could speak, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie entered the room. Esme's expression was one of sympathy and concern, Emmett was eyeing me suspiciously, and Rosalie's icy glare in Jacob's general direction conveyed the clear message: "You've out-stayed your welcome, now get out."

"Fine," I stated matter-of-factly. "You may as well be present for this. I'd rather you not be involved, of course—I don't want to put any of you at risk—but, I suppose there's no other way."

"Bella, dear, we agreed that sending Edward and Carlisle was the best way—" Esme began.

"I didn't agree," Rosalie chimed in.

"Knock it off, Rose," Emmett warned.

"I have to admit that I'm morbidly curious," Jacob said, with a sidelong glance at me. "I mean, I can pretty much guarantee that it's going to be way out there, but I think we should at least listen to Bella's plan."

"Thank you, Jacob," I sighed. "Sort of."

"Ugh. Get it over with then," Emmett groaned. "Tell us what's going on in that head of yours, little sister."

"My plan is simple: Edward needs me, my daughter is in danger—I'm going to Volterra."

"Over my dead body," Rosalie hissed.

"Cool. Is that my part of the plan?" Jacob offered eagerly.

"You didn't just threaten her in my presence. Did you, mutt?" Emmett growled.

"Boys," Esme said softly. "Please."

"Look, this can be easy or this can be hard," I explained. "Time is of the essence here: please remember that I am the strongest vampire in the house," I said, looking directly at my new brother-in-law. "I'm going to be on the next plane to Italy—with or without your help."

Emmett threw his head back and laughed—a little too loudly.

"Uh. I think she means it, bro," Jacob chortled uneasily. Emmett raised an eyebrow.

"I do." Again, silence. Then…

"Of all the ridiculous—" Emmett sputtered, throwing his hands in the air.

"Bella, I'm sorry, but travelling to Italy is simply out of the question under the circumstances," Esme interceded.

"I'm not suggesting that I wing my way to Europe on a commercial flight surrounded by dozens of sweet-smelling humans in first class. I know I don't have that kind of willpower, yet."

Jacob wrinkled his nose. "How about coach? Nothin' but peons and peanuts."

I ignored the jibe—I wouldn't purposely endanger humans under any circumstances, and he knew it. "Look, that's not the only option. I'm Mrs. Edward Cullen, remember? I'll charter a private jet—whatever it takes."

Jacob snorted.

"Money's not a concern, of course," Esme continued, "But your safety is. And Edward's. And…"

She didn't have to say it. I knew what she was thinking. "You're absolutely right, Esme. Our family's safety is the primary concern. Which is why I have to see Aro immediately—preferably before Carlisle does."

"Who's Aro?" Jacob asked.

"He's who I need to bargain with. The only one with the power—and inclination—to save the people I love most."

"And just what, precisely, are you planning to propose to the most powerful vampire on the planet?" Rosalie sneered.

"That Alice, Jasper, Carlisle, Edward, and Elizabeth be permitted to leave Volterra—unharmed."

"You must have a heck of a bargaining chip," Emmett roared. "I can hardly wait."

"I'm hoping Aro will think so," I answered, lowering my eyes.

"No way. I'm calling your bluff," Jacob said slowly, shaking his head. "It sounds to me like this would be a one-way ticket. You're talking about a trip to the sleaziest casino there is—for what? A chance to gamble with some high-rolling super-vamp, who will most likely end up turning the tables on you? No dice. How could you possibly think you'd have a shot at a winning hand in that situation? I'd bet money this Aro is a shark."

"The dog's actually got a point," Rosalie interjected. "Cross the Volturi and you're ripped to shreds. Think, Bella."

"I need you trust me on this. All of you," I said, locking eyes with Jacob. He cocked his head to the side, and his skeptical expression became pensive as he saw the absolute confidence on my face.

"Sounds like she's got an ace up her sleeve," Emmett laughed. "Okay, okay. Deal me in. I'd love to see Aro's infamous poker face reduced to something a little less high and mighty. But Rose and Esme stay in Forks—and that's final."

"Deal," I said, before anyone else could answer.

"No deal," Rosalie and Esme echoed in unison.

But it didn't matter. With Emmett (and hopefully Jacob) on my side, it was just a matter of time before I stepped onto the airplane. And I needed to pack—for an extended stay.