As always, I don't own Twilight. Evie and all other OC's, as well as this plot are my exclusive property and may not be used without my consent. Thank you.

CHAPTER 11

EVIE

The silence after my 'declaration' was thick and deafening. Finally, Alice spoke. "And what would that be?"

Instead of answering, I made my way into the house. "Bella, where's your computer?" I called.

A second later, I felt her behind me. "It's upstairs; want me to grab it?" I nodded and she galloped up the stairs, returning after what seemed like mere seconds with a laptop under her arm. Knowing how Renee-esque my cousin was, I hurried over and took it from her, pulling up Google as I sat down on the couch.

"What are you looking for?" she asked me, reminding me way too much of Alice at the moment.

"You'll know…" I mashed in several different searches, clicking on the webpages that seemed most relevant and skimming them. "When I find it." Whoops…I'm starting to sound like Paul or Jacob, I thought, realizing that the last bit had been growled out.

The atmosphere around me was tense as Alice, Jacob and Paul joined Bella and I and I tried my hardest to ignore it but Jacob's eyes boring into me finally made snap. "Yes, Jacob?"

My eyes flickered upwards to meet his face for a brief second before going back to my search.

"Are you a mind reader, too?" he asked. Even though he was smirking, Jacob's eyes held a deadly seriousness that would've scared me if I wasn't so preoccupied. Instead, I snorted.

"No, but it doesn't take a mind reader to realize you want something when your eyes are trained on me like a laser. So, again…Yes, Jacob?"

I heard springs shift and felt the couch dip as Jacob sat next to me. "That other witch…Nayeli…she seems to think that this would be risky."

Damn Paul. "So you've been updated, I see?" I said dryly.

"Completely. That calming thing she did was some of the most amazing stuff I've seen in a while…next to you poofing in, of course."

This immediately caught my attention. "Seen? What the – how could you see it?"

"Werewolf thing," he said quickly. "But anyway…if this other witch says it's too risky…"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Again, as I've been saying, it's not as risky as Bella going there."

Paul, who was standing in front of us, looked about ready to explode. "It's too big a risk for either of you if it involves losing your lives. What part of that is so fucking difficult to understand?"

I glared at Paul but chose to ignore his words and his tone. "And besides…if my hunch is right, I think I can decrease that risk."

"And if you're wrong – "

Something inside me snapped then. "Then we'll fucking fix it, but we won't know until I try!" I said, rising from the couch. My chest was aching but I pushed past the pain. "But I have to at least give it a shot because if I don't, I'm going to have to live with the knowledge that my cousin got herself killed and I didn't do any-fucking-thing about it even though I had a chance!"

"Now who's being selfish and suicidal? What about your mother and her feelings?" he roared.

I tried to act like his words had no effect on me but they hit me like a wrecking ball. This entire time, I'd been preaching to Bella but who was going to be there for my mother if something – no. I couldn't afford to think like that.

"That won't happen, Paul. And if it – by some very slim, awful chance – does, my mother will understand that it happened because I was protecting one of our own. An innocent." I shot Jacob a look, praying he'd back me up before locking eyes with Paul again. "You know I have to…you know why." I took a breath. "And even if you don't…I don't have to explain myself to you." Ouch.

Paul's eyes flashed and a flurry of emotions flew across his face but before he could say anything, Jacob interrupted. "So, what is this hunch of yours?"

I tore my eyes away from Paul and focused on Jacob and Alice, who looked completely intrigued. "Well…instead of taking myself to Edward, I figured I could bring him to us."

"What?" said Jacob, while Alice asked, "How?"

I held up a hand. "I'm going to try to do a spell." When Alice looked like she was about to say something, I pressed on. "When we were in the shop, Nayeli got me thinking…she said that the spell's energy was her energy, right?" Alice nodded. "And she also said that the only way to stabilize my powers was for me to regain my energy. So, all I have to do is use my energy to bring him to us."

Alice bit down on her lower lip. "What makes you so sure you can do it?"

"I'd be lying if I said I was sure at all," I replied. "But unless I try, I never will be." I sat back down and scanned a few more pages. "Besides, something tells me that staying here and doing the spell would be easier."

Jacob snorted. "How do you figure?"

"Because as everyone's been so quick to point out, popping from here to another country is going to be exhausting. And I'm going to have to pop there and back, which means that I'll be using a lot more energy than if I just have to pull him here."

"And when were you planning on doing this? Now?" growled Paul. Why does it hurt knowing that growl's meant for me?

I shook my head. "I'm not that stupid. I'm too drained."

"And where? You can't do this just anywhere…the risk of exposure is…" Bella trailed off when I looked her way, for once having the good sense to shut up.

"I know I can't do this just any time, any place," I said somberly. Taking a breath, I tried to clear my mind, to figure out in a moment the key part of the plan that had somehow slipped past me before. I glanced at Jacob. "Charlie's friend…the one you went to the hospital for."

"Harry Clearwater," he supplied. I nodded.

"When is his funeral?"

Just as Bella was about to answer, Jacob cut in, seeming to catch on to why I was really asking. "Tomorrow morning; about 10 or so. The service should last about an hour or so, after which we'll have the burial and probably head over to either the Clearwater's or to Sam and Emily's."

I nodded as I tried to figure how much time that would be. "Not a big window, but I'm hoping it'll be enough. I'll call when it's done," I said to Bella. "If I haven't called by the time you and Charlie start heading back, call me."

"You're going to do it here?" my cousin asked incredulously.

My eyes rolled before I could stop them from doing so. "No, Bella; I'm going to go into the center of town and do it right there for everybody and their grandma to see. As a matter of fact-"

"Evie!" Jacob exclaimed sharply, fixing me with a look that would've scared anybody who wasn't as exhausted or aggravated as I was.

Surprisingly, Paul walked over to where I was and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Relax, Ev," he muttered gruffly. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and waited a few seconds before speaking again. "To answer your question yes, I'm going to do it here. It's a place he knows so he won't freak out if it works. And it's safe from prying eyes."

Alice bit down on her lip even more. "That still doesn't guarantee your safety."

I shook my head but before I could say anything, Jake spoke up. "The leech is right. We're all going to be at the funeral…it's not safe for you to do this alone."

"I'll stay…keep an eye on her," Paul said, the gruffness still in his voice.

I shook my head again. "Absolutely not. Mr. Clearwater was your friend; I'm not going to let you not pay your respects just because of me." Paul growled and I couldn't help but shake slightly. "Paul…I'll be safe, alright?" I focused on Alice for a moment before I finished my thought. "I won't be alone."

"Of course you won't," said Bella. "I'm staying."

"No you're not," I said, causing her to take a shaky breath, which was my only indicator that she was hurt. "Charlie needs you, Bella. He needs his family, the person who means more than life to him. That's you."

Alice wrapped a comforting arm around Bella. "She's right, Bella. Charlie just lost his best friend and he needs your support. Don't worry…I'll stay."

Bella sniffled. "You'll keep her safe?"

"With my life."

Shortly after that debate had been settled, I managed to find a few more resources and bookmarked them, jotting down a few essential notes before I shut down the computer.

"Just in time," said Jake. "Dad just texted to let me know that Charlie's on the way back," he said. He cocked his head at Paul. "We should head out."

"Right," he grunted. "Bye, Bella…lee-Alice." Paul paused, glancing in my direction. His eyes flickered over all of me before he spoke. "Evie."

"Bye," I murmured softly.

"Will I see you before the funeral, Jake?" asked Bella.

Jake shook his head. "I know that Billy will have me helping to set up. I'll try and catch you before the service starts but I can't make any promises."

Bella nodded in understanding and Jake gave her a hug before focusing on me. "Evie, it was good to meet you. And…thank you."

"No problem," I said softly. "And…I'm sorry for your loss." And the sour start.

"Thanks," he said, before he and Paul made their way out of the house. I couldn't help but watch the latter of the two, and as I did, my earlier words came back to haunt me full force. What the heck is up with me? "Shit," I hissed under my breath.

"What's wrong?" Bella asked.

Instead of answering, I bolted from the living room into the front yard. "Paul!"

Paul had just closed the door to his truck. His head snapped up for a moment but all too quickly he started the ignition and began fumbling with his seatbelt. I picked up my pace and just managed to reach the truck, praying that he wouldn't start moving – I doubt my legs would've let me even try to keep up. "Paul, wait!"

He glared up at me, his eyes narrowed and blazing with unbridled anger. "What?"

The ferocity of his voice almost made me lose my nerve. "I…Paul, I'm sorry." His lips pressed into a hard, thin line, and I continued. "I'm sorry that I said what I said to you. You were just looking out for me and I was so caught up in my anger that I didn't, couldn't understand that. You've been a real ally today and…" I sighed. "Bottom line, I apologize."

His eyes, still gleaming with anger (though it was slightly subdued), roamed over my face. After a beat of silence, he spoke.

"It's okay," he said. "You got caught up in the moment."

My eyebrow shot up and I could tell that Paul was trying to fight a smirk. "Evie…nobody understands that more than me. It's alright…really."

Inwardly, I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Paul. Good night. And like I told Jake…I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks," he said softly. I stood silently for a moment before turning to walk back to the house. "Hey Evie!" I turned and kept walking backwards, my eyes trained on him as I walked. "Good luck!" he called, before peeling away from the house.

When Charlie came home, he wrapped me in a warm hug, saying that I must've had my mother's sixth sense about knowing when family was needed most. He really didn't know how right he was.

About that time, Alice came back to the house and the three of us managed to whip up a quick dinner for Charlie who, although surprised at Alice's presence, was grateful that Bella was "somewhat back to the Bella that he used to know."

After that, the rest of the night passed in a blur and right after Charlie said his "good nights," I decided to call it a night too.

"I'm going to head on upstairs," I said to Alice and Bella. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day and I'm going to need all the energy I can get."

Bella looked up from a conversation that she was having with Alice. "You sure you don't want to stay down here with us? At least for a bit?"

I shook my head. "No. Besides, you two should catch up. Night, girls," I muttered before making my way upstairs.

Once I was in Bella's room, I grabbed my toiletries and some PJ's. Just as I was about to head to the bathroom to do my 'evening clean up,' two raps sounded on the door and it opened, revealing a very nervous-looking Bella. "Evie? Are you okay?"

I shrugged. "I really think I should be asking you that. But yes, I'm fine."

"Oh." She glanced around the room, radiating uncertainty.

"Just spit it out," I said, trying – and ultimately failing – to keep my voice neutral. Bella stared down at her toes, obviously trying to figure out what to say. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she cleared her throat.

"I…Look, Evie, I'm sorry, okay? I know that I should've left the choice to tell Alice up to you." Instead of replying, I nodded at her. "You just…You don't understand…"

It took every fiber of self-control that I had to not slap her. Instead, I facepalmed. "Just stop, Bella. Seriously."

"But – "

"If I didn't understand, I wouldn't be doing this!" I hissed, trying my best to keep my control.

Placing a free hand on her shoulder, I made her lock eyes with me. "Listen to me, Bella. All of this – helping you, going to see that other witch, trying to summon Edward – all of it is because I understand; I understand that this isn't you – that you deserve to be happy, the way you were before he left. I understand that you have people who love you – Jake, Charlie and myself included – who don't deserve the pain of watching you wither away because you can't move on. And somehow, as fucked up as it is, I understand that you love Edward. So yes…I do understand. And so long as you understand that this is my magic and the choices are mine to make, I'm more than happy to help you."

And then, just because I couldn't stand all the seriousness that had swirled around us all day, choked us like a thick, poisonous gas, I pulled her in for a tight, fierce hug. "Now go on back downstairs and have an overnight with Ms. Pixie. I need to change and get my sleep."

She clung a little tighter before letting go. "Hey Ev?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

I shook my head. "Don't thank me till this is over."

Morning came far too quickly and before I knew it, I was standing in the living room hugging Charlie – who looked like he'd been run over by an 18-wheeler – and Bella.

"You sure you'll be okay here on your own? If you want, you can come with us; I know it's not the best way to spend a day but…"

"I'll be just fine, Uncle Charlie. Besides, I won't be on my own; Alice and I will have no problem finding something to do," I said, patting him on the arm once I'd let him go.

Deep in my heart, I knew that he didn't believe me, that he wanted me to go with them but that was the beautiful (and damning) thing about Charlie – he wasn't a pusher. Instead, he smiled sadly at me before heading out to his cruiser, leaving Bella and I alone; Alice had decided to make herself scarce by going into the kitchen and making breakfast, which Bella and Charlie had enjoyed before I made my way downstairs.

"You going to be okay?" I asked Bella.

She nodded. "Yeah. I have to be for Charlie. And the pack. Harry was – he was a great guy."

I nodded and gave her a hug. "Tell them I say hello, please." I had to bite myself so that I wouldn't add "especially Paul," but it felt almost criminal to not add it. Jesus, Hazel. You just met the boy yesterday!

"I will," she said. I heard her take a deep breath. "Evie, please be careful."

"Don't worry, Bells. I'll be just fine. You'll see."

With a final nod, Bella trailed after Charlie, turning around once more to wave at me. As much as she tried to smile, it didn't reach her eyes.

If I'm so sure this will work, I thought as I waved back to her. Why does my stomach feel like it's dropped to the center of the earth?

Pushing aside my negative thoughts, I closed the door and headed to the kitchen. Alice had set aside a full plate for me and beside the plate was a tall glass of orange juice and a huge mug of coffee.

"Wow, Alice…this looks amazing!" I said. If I could persuade her to become my personal chef I might – just might – be able to look past the vampire thing.

Alice gave me a surprised yet pleased smile. "I'm a bit of a Food Channel addict. Edward was actually the one that got me into it."

For a second, I was overcome by a wave of bitterness at the mention of the deadie that was the root of Bella's suicidal issues but I pushed it aside, choosing instead to take a bite of the food.

"Mmm! Damn, Alice!" I exclaimed, causing her eyes to widen in alarm. "Bobby Flay and Paula Deen would be proud."

She let out an unneeded breath and the rest of the meal passed in relative silence. When I finished, I washed my plate and probably took a bit longer than necessary; although I wouldn't admit it to anyone, a part of me was scared. Scared of what would happen if I failed, and at the same time, terrified of what would become of Bella if I succeeded. Would it strengthen her, as we all prayed it would or would she just get weaker?

"Evie…" I turned away from the sink to face Alice. "Do you think we should get started?"

As much as I didn't want to, I realized that I didn't know how long this would take and if I was to keep my promise to my mom about keeping Charlie in the dark, I had to use every minute that he wasn't around.

"Let's get this party started," I said with a nod.

Alice moved a few pieces of furniture in the living room out of the way (if Edward's landing wasn't pretty, I didn't want to explain and be responsible for replacing broken furniture) while I made sure that all the curtains were closed.

"Are we all set?" asked Alice when the last blind had been drawn. "Do you need anything?"

I thought back to what I'd read last night. Most of my resources had suggested that I use incense or candles. Fuck…I knew I forgot to ask Bella about something. Oh well; I wasn't going to waste any more time.

"I think we're good," I said to her. "Just make sure you stay close and if you hear anything – or anybody that isn't Edward- coming, let me know."

Alice nodded. Then, she paused. "I thought this might help," she said, handing me her cell phone. On its bright screen was a picture of who I could only assume was Bella's "Prince Charming," in all his pale, bronze eyed and haired glory.

There was something oddly regal about him and to a certain extent, I could understand why Bella – or anybody, really – would find him attractive. I looked at the screen for a few more minutes and when I was sure that I'd committed Edward's face to memory as much as I could, I handed the phone back to Alice. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let the spell that I'd hastily come up with upon waking up spill from my lips.

Hear my words, hear my cry

Forces unseen across the skies.

Be he far or be he near

Bring the vampire Edward here!

I felt slight tug in the center of my being but other than that, nothing. For a moment, I felt panic well up within me. No, I thought. This has to work. I will make it work. Forcing myself to take another breath, I focused on Edward's face in my mind and I repeated the spell.

Another tug tore through me, sharper than the last, and I took that as my cue to keep repeating the spell. As I did so, a light wind began to blow around the room. My eyes snapped open, unable to believe what was happening.

"Don't lose focus!" urged Alice and I nodded. "Hear my words, hear my cry! Forces unseen across the skies! Be he far or be he near, bring the vampire Edward here!" I said, pouring as much power as I could behind the words.

The wind in the room picked up and I doubled over, the latest tug nearly bringing me to my knees. Alice stepped forward to try and catch me but I shook my head. She hesitated but finally stilled as I stood, trying to ignore the pain that the action caused.

"Hear my words! Hear my cry!" As I started the chant again, a searing pain ripped through my chest and I struggled to hold back a whimper of pain. "Forces unseen across the skies!"

Alice's eyes widened. "Evie! Stop! It's too much…It's too much, Evie, stop!" She tried to step forward but the wind knocked her back, hurling her into the couch.

A bright blue light began to glow throughout the room just as I felt something wet slide from my nose down the space above my mouth. "Be he far or be he near, bring the vampire Edward here!"

The wind reached a fever pitch and the light got so bright that I had to fight to keep my eyes open but I was extremely grateful that I did because right as I was about to start the chant again, I felt a giant shift and there he was.

There, bathed in the bright blue light and looking as confused as ever, stood Edward Cullen.

"Welcome home, Edward," I whispered. "She's alive." And then, all I saw was black.

PAUL

As much as I tried to focus on the words that were being spoken at the cemetery as Harry was being lowered into the ground, I couldn't help but let my mind wander to Evie. I hadn't gotten a chance to patrol Bella's house last night – Sam had given the job to Jared because Jacob and I had nearly come to blows when trying to decide who would do it – so I hadn't been able to see her, to reassure my wolf that she was okay before I went to the funeral.

Oh well; all things considered, I guess I should be grateful that Sam allowed a patrol at all. Under the treaty, none of us could patrol Forks if any of the Cullens were back, and Sam had almost held to that until Jacob had the good sense to remind him that there was an imprint was involved (I was too busy trying to keep my control so I wouldn't phase in Sam's living room after he'd said that nobody would be patrolling at Bella's).

Just as a cell phone buzzed on my right, a white-hot pain ripped into my heart and traveled through my chest, and I struggled to breathe. Sam shot me a questioning glance from my left and I tried to school my features so that nobody would realize that something was wrong, but from Sam's increasingly narrowed eyebrows, I could tell it wasn't working.

Something's wrong, I thought. Evie's in trouble.

Another rush of pain hit me, this one so hard that I could swear my knees were going to give way and leave me eating grass. Much to my own chagrin, I grabbed onto Jacob who was standing beside me to keep from doing so and he shot me a worried glance. Before I could say anything, though, the minister finished speaking and the rest of Harry's friends and loved ones began to rush forward to pay their condolences to Sue, Leah and Seth.

Sam and the others broke away and charged toward me. Meanwhile, Jake was holding me up and speaking urgently to Bella.

"Paul, what's wrong?" Sam demanded.

My face twisted into a grimace. "I don't know, ask them!" I hissed.

All eyes locked on Bella. "Alice just texted me – the spell is done but Evie…" She paused and I'm sure that if it wasn't for the pain, I would've gone over and shaken her. Jake must've sensed my rage because he spoke up.

"What's wrong with Evie, Bella?" asked Jake, putting an arm around her.

Bella shook and her eyes filled with tears. "Alice said that she started bleeding during the spell and that when she summoned Edward, she passed out."

Those words were all it took; before anyone could stop me I was racing for the cover of the forest, my body overcome with shakes. In a moment, a flash of heat ran down my spine and I ripped out of my suit as I took my wolf form.

Not soon enough for my liking, I was thundering into Forks. The pain that I'd felt at the funeral had lessened significantly and I didn't know whether to be grateful or scared out of my wits.

Don't worry, Paul. Evie is going to be fine. Jake's thoughts invaded my own so quickly that I almost lost my footing but thankfully, I recovered just in time.

What in the hell are you doing? I thought to him. You're supposed to be at the funeral!

Bella wanted to check on Evie, too, he thought back. At the mention of the leech lover, I growled.

Don't start, Paul, Jake warned. Evie's her cousin; she's worried, too.

Another snarl ripped from my throat. That's bullshit and you know it, Jake.

Mentally, Jake sighed. Bullshit or not, we're getting close. Don't say or do anything stupid, Paul.

Whatever.

Minutes later, I padded into the woods behind the Swan house and I let out a growl as Alice and the other leech's scents hit my nose. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the disgusting smell of cotton candy and bleach, only to jump out of my skin when I felt something nudge my left flank.

I spun around and nearly snapped when I realized that Bella was the one that had touched me; as much as Jake had said to not do something stupid, I couldn't help but feel a wave of fresh rage overcome me.

"Jake'll be here in a minute; he grabbed you a spare set of clothes on the way home," she said, her voice broken.

Giving her a sharp nod I turned away from her, only turning back when Jake broke through the trees with some cut-offs and a black wife beater in his hands. "Go on, Paul," he said. "We'll wait for you."

I nodded and darted off for some cover, shifting quickly back into my human form and changing into the clothes. Without any warning, I darted off toward the house with Jacob and Bella at my heels. Before I could start banging on the door, it swung open and Alice ushered me inside.

"Where is she?" I hissed, barely able to register my surroundings.

"Follow me," said Alice, leading us into the living room. Lying on the couch was Evie, looking just as pale as the leeches. Behind me, Jacob gasped. "Damn!" he exclaimed. At the same time, Bella sucked in a breath and ran into the room. Instead of heading for Evie, however, she launched herself at the very confused looking male leech – Edward, judging by her lovesick exclamation.

Hearing his name escape her lips made my body break out in shakes. I raced toward the couch and dropped to my knees beside Evie, running a finger across her cheek. "What the hell happened?" I yelled. Alice, who was standing on the left side of the couch behind me, flinched. "You were supposed to keep her safe!"

"I tried! She wouldn't break the spell and I couldn't get to her!"

"Couldn't get to her? Couldn't get to her? Where the hell were you, Antarctica?" Fear wrapped around my heart; even though I could hear her heartbeat and her shallow breaths, my wolf was going into overdrive.

"Paul, calm down," said Bella, who was currently wrapped around Edward. "I'm sure Alice…"

"Calm down? Are you fucking kidding me? If it wasn't for you she wouldn't be in this mess!" I snarled. A whimper escaped Bella's lips and her eyes filled with tears.

"Paul, don't!" said Jake. His words made me tear my eyes away from Bella and for the first time I registered that his eyes were trained on the leech and Bella, his body wracked with tremors.

"And why the hell not, Black? Am I wrong? Was I wrong yesterday when I said this was a bad idea? Am I the only one who thinks that Evie being passed out on the couch is not a good thing?"

"Of course not!" Bella said.

"She's going to be alright, Paul…her heartbeat is strong," said Alice, trying to remain calm.

I rounded on her. "And that's the only reason why I haven't followed through on Nayeli's threat on her behalf!"

This seemed to pull Edward out of his trance-like state. "Don't you dare threaten my sister, dog," he spat, pushing Bella behind him.

I stood immediately and got in his face. "Just try –"

"Stop it! STOP!" yelled Bella. "That's enough!" She gave Edward a loving glance before fixing me with an icy glare. "You will not make threats in my house. And what the hell is the matter with you? Why do you care so much?"

My lips pressed into a hard, thin line. "That doesn't matter. The better question is why don't you care enough?"

Before she could answer, I gingerly grabbed her hand. Come on, Evie, I thought. You can't leave me to handle the Chihuahua on my own.

A moment later, my heart stopped. What the - ? Did she just squeeze my hand? Oh for God's sake, I need to stop being such a girl!

Just as my mind was about to get lost in another barrage of thoughts, Evie's grip tightened on my hand and her eyes snapped open, making me drown in a sea of steel blue.

AN: I'm kind of in shock right now - the good kind - over how quickly this chapter came out. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this next chapter in Evie's journey; I promise that we're nowhere near done and if the muses continue being nice to me, I'll have the next chapter up very soon. Shout outs to all those who reviewed and added this story to their favorites or alerts (or who added me to those lists in the author department). Your love and support are what keep this story going. Please continue to R&R! Love you all!