Disclaimer: I do not own most of these characters, they are the wonderful creation of Steph Meyer.

A/N: Sorry about the long wait between posts, but school kinda gets in the way sometimes. I'll try to have another up tomorrow before I get sucked back into the whole school thing. Thanks to all my loyal reviewers- you guys are amazing and always put a smile on my face and thanks to all my silent readers out there.

Chapter Eighteen Stupid Plans

We all sat in silence as we waited for Carlisle to announce his great plan. Edward's words were still floating through my mind, "I do not think you will like it, I certainly don't like it." I squeezed his hand harder trying to milk all the comfort from such a simple touch, but the feeling of unease did not dissipate. I was very nearly choking on it. Was Virat renewing his emotional assault on us or was I finally having a nervous breakdown? I glanced around at all the serious faces, but none of them appeared to be in the grip of terror that was slowly clenching closed around me.

Edwards's lips brushed my temple, but it did not lessen the feeling of foreboding. Carlisle's words broke through my panicked thoughts as he began explaining where the rest of the family was.

"Jasper and Emmett tracked down five Volturi members in addition to Chelsea and Virat. They are staying in a house in Seattle," he said. "As far as we can tell, none of them, with the exception of Virat, has been in Forks. They could only find Virat's trail traveling back and forth between the two cities."

Edward leaned forward so he could make eye contact with everyone and began, "We're only guessing here, but we think it's likely that Virat is the only one aware of the plan at the moment. It's the best explanation we have for why Alice, or Bella for that matter, has not had a vision." He released my hand and squeezed my thigh gently before joining Carlisle near the fireplace. "Alice and Rose are there watching the house, but so far nothing out of the ordinary is happening. They can't get too close, for the others would certainly catch their scents, but it appears that they are just waiting for a command," Edward said.

"We are trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Aro and Marcus now," Carlisle added. "I think it is likely that they never left after the battle, that they are still somewhere nearby."

Alyria patted Viktor's head before standing up in one graceful motion and sidled up to Carlisle, her lips pursed and brows knitted together. "What is it you expect of us? We are not fighters, Carlisle." She glanced back at Kattra and Christian before continuing, "What is your true goal, Carlisle?" She asked in her low sensual voice that left trails of heat down your body. Everyone shivered a little as they shook off the effects of her voice.

Carlisle sighed heavily and sat on the stone hearth looking older than his twenty-three year old form had any right to look. "We must dethrone the Volturi. If Aro and Marcus must die, then so be it." He rubbed his temples and closed his eyes looking defeated.

Such a decision on his part must be eating him up inside. Carlisle had once considered them friends and loathed killing anything let alone two great vampires that he'd spent a couple decades with.

"After all," he continued, "they have threatened us one too many times, lied to us, and broken treaty with us. I see no other way to ensure our safety."

Alyria cocked her eyebrow at him, her mouth in the shape of a surprised O. "And will you set yourself upon the vampire throne, Carlisle?" She asked, her tone mocking.

"Perhaps, for the time being," he conceded.

Whispers from Kattra and Christian and the blood donors broke out, but I paid no attention to them as I let Carlisle's words seep in. Somehow I didn't think that life would be any more peaceful as the rulers of all vampire kind. Call me crazy, but people in power always had to fight to retain that power.

"Quiet," Alyria hissed to her coven. She turned her exquisite face back to Carlisle, a half smile brightening her face. "Will you force all vampires to follow your diet too?"

Carlisle shook his head forcefully. "No, we would only interfere when absolutely necessary to protect our secret society. Keep in mind, I do not wish to rule, it is more a matter of doing so until an appropriate replacement can be found."

Christian's deep voice interrupted. "The Romanian brothers would be the obvious choice, don't you think?"

"Perhaps. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. There is no need to be focusing on who will replace them, what we need to deal with right now, is how best to breach their defenses and eliminate them," Carlisle chastised.

Carlisle stood and took Edward's seat next to me. My stomach suddenly felt in knots. He looked at me like my puppy had died. "I think the best way to proceed is from within the Volturi itself." He twisted around in his seat so his wise eyes bore into mine. My stomach was not simply in knots, it was like a kitten was in there swiping at all my internal organs with exceptionally sharp claws. "Bella, they have gone to great lengths to procure you. I believe we should allow them to think that their plan is working."

Though my mind was working in overdrive, not a single word managed to come out as I stared in shock between Edward and Carlisle. They wanted me to join the Volturi? Edward wanted me to leave? I just couldn't grasp what the hell was happening. Unfortunately, my lack of coherency did not shut my father-in-law up.

"Alyria, perhaps this is where you and your coven can be of some assistance to us. Virat is already aware that Demetri has joined you and he saw Bella with Kattra earlier this afternoon…"

"No!" I stood abruptly my voice echoing around the room, all eyes now focused on my outraged face. "Have you all lost your mind? You want me to deliver myself to them?" I spat. "Has it not occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, Virat is screwing with you right now, making you believe that this is the best course of action?"

A/N: Sorry, didn't feel like typing any more up right now. You should have another post tomorrow wrapping all of this up. I'm just too depressed for writing. I thought it would help, but it only seems worse. Feedback please? It's always appreciated.

Sabrina