Author's note: A little bit of news, before the chapter begins. Kupat, on Deviantart, who made the lovely banner for this story, has made a cover for it, too. Unfortunately, it's in the wrong format to be used on here and I didn't want to adapt it, as it would've had an impact on the quality. If you want to see it (and I highly recommend you do), there is a link on my profile that will take you straight to it. :)

Chapter thirty one

When Carlisle arrived home from work, the atmosphere in the house was far from jovial. We were all still reeling from the encounter with Jacob, Isabella especially. She had been fidgety from the moment we got back and Jasper's gift was not a requirement to gauge her current mood. The fact that we were unable to provide answers for what had happened served only to increase her understandable frustration. I wanted to explain, we all did, but that wasn't a possibility. It wasn't our secret to tell. In that way, we vampires shared a similarity with the tribe and, just as they had sworn to keep our secret, we were forbidden to reveal theirs.

Isabella's eyes flew in the direction of the door, as soon as she heard it click shut. Amidst the anger, frustration and confusion was also an element of apprehension. She was worried how Carlisle would react to her revealing their relationship to Jacob. My interaction with the tribe could be described as minimal at best and I had yet to meet the current Alpha, so was unsure how the revelation would influence their decision. I hoped, for everyone's sake, that the Quileutes would not hold it against us.

As Carlisle entered the lounge, it was clear he could sense the tension in the air. To be honest, one would have needed to be in a coma not to.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes immediately flying to the unsettled human sat on the sofa.

"There was an...altercation with Jacob Black," Jasper explained, standing by the window.

I freed the spot beside Isabella to stand next to him. Alarm rang in Carlisle's eyes and he rushed at his natural speed to kneel before the young woman and grasp her hand.

"I'm fine," she reassured him, before reconsidering her words. "Well, no, not fine. I'm not hurt, at least, but I still don't know what the Hell is going on, because, apparently, no one's allowed to tell me." The annoyance was evident in her tone, as was her worry.

"Explain to me what happened," he requested, taking the empty seat I had recently occupied.

I took this as a cue for the rest of us to leave. Not that either Carlisle or Isabella made any such request, but, I felt it best to give them some time alone. After all, it would not require four people to recount the event and she had a firsthand witness account, so I made my way towards the stairs, with Jasper following and I turned to see Alice lingering indecisively. She knew the couple deserved their privacy, but, she hated the thought of leaving her friend in such a state. I called Alice's name softly and she reluctantly joined Jasper and I, as we ascended the staircase.

On the first floor, we headed for the bedroom belonging to my two companions and I settled myself on the seat positioned in front of the large dressing table. Jasper slowly strolled over to the bed, perching on the edge of it, as we both watched Alice pace back and forth. Dear Alice had never been one to hide her thoughts and feelings. Most vampires, when suffering anxiety of any kind, would usually go completely still, like a statue, but, restlessness was a defining characteristic of hers when she was plagued by worry.

I had an inkling of what one of the major reasons for her distress might be and decided to try and calm her down.

"Alice," I said, after walking over and clasping her face between my hands. "Don't bottle it all up. Talk to us."

"I hate this!" she declared in a whisper. "I hate what's happening, especially to my gift. I used to see everything so clearly, but, lately, it's become so difficult."

I could tell she was getting even more worked up and I was tempted to ask Jasper to intervene.

"Things seem to keep happening without offering me even the smallest of warnings," she continued. "And I want so badly to see how tonight's meeting with the tribe will go, but, of course those damn wolves are impossible to see!"

"I know, Alice," I said, releasing her face to clasp her hands. I was aware of some of her qualms about the unexpected lapse in her visions, but, this was the first time I'd witnessed her become so agitated about it. "But, do you have any idea why your visions aren't working? Is it all of them, or just ones concerning certain people?"

Alice considered my query for a short while, before answering, her voice slow and pensive.

"It's not that they never work," she replied. "But, I had trouble pre-empting the actions of Edward, as well as the tribe, although, we already know why I can't see them." Her voice lowered to a level so quiet, only Jasper and I would be able to hear. "What frustrates me most, however, is that, for some reason, Isabella's fate is no longer visible to me."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my grip on her hands tightening. Jasper had remained silent throughout this conversation, so far, so, I assumed he was already aware of her concerns. I suddenly understood her reason for lowering her voice, as this was information Carlisle would not be happy to hear.

"A few months ago, I received three sets of visions, each dictating a different route her future could take," she explained. "All three were relatively good, although one was a little less favourable than the others, but, none was anything to worry about. However, when Edward came onto the scene, it all started to become a hazy blur and my once crystal clear premonitions were filled with uncertainty. It worries me, especially given Edward's behaviour. If I had just the faintest of glimpses into her future, I could see if anything bad was going to happen and I could do something to prevent it."

Her delicate ochre eyes were wide and brimming with trepidation and I could tell it was the ignorance that was killing her.

"I'm scared, Esme," she finished, those eyes meeting mine.

I could understand her fear perfectly. It must have been frightening for someone so well acquainted with precognition to suddenly be as oblivious as the rest of us. To be honest, it scared me, too. Unable to stand her discomfort any longer, Jasper had moved from the bed to stand behind Alice and wrap his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck affectionately. She responded by slipping her hands out of mine and wrapping her fingers around his forearms, before squeezing gently.

"I've been contemplating telling Carlisle," he said, after placing several kisses on the dark crown of her spiky haired head. "But, could easily see him being consumed by his desire to protect Bella."

I nodded in agreement. Although the notion of keeping secrets from Carlisle was not a habit I wished to adopt, in this instance, I thought it best. For now, at least.

"Perhaps we should wait and see how tonight's meeting goes," I suggested, an idea they both seemed to concur with. "And, seeing how you and Sam Uley have already had a less than friendly encounter," I remarked, addressing Jasper. "I'll accompany Carlisle to the border tonight."

Neither had an issue with my proposal and, even if they did, I would have argued my case. Sam and Jasper's earlier face off provided me with an excuse, but, I would have requested to go, regardless. I was deeply intrigued by this modern day tribe and wanted to get to know them better, seeing as they were to be my neighbours and-possibly-allies.

As Carlisle and Isabella continued their talk downstairs, I decided to give the other couple their own privacy. Making my way to my bedroom, I prepared myself by changing into clothing more suited to the occasion and waited patiently.

Alice wasn't the only one wishing she could predict the outcome of the meeting.

000

The evening air was brisk, but, as a vampire, I barely felt it. I hadn't gone running with Carlisle for quite some time and, despite the fraught circumstances leading to the occasion, I couldn't suppress the part of me enjoying the moment. It was a relief to finally let go of the shackles placed upon us by our facade and give in a little to our more basic natures. At natural speed, the reservation wasn't a long journey and, as promised (or threatened, depending on one's point of view), we were greeted by a small pack of wolves when we arrived. I wondered how exactly this meeting would commence, as we were unable to communicate with the tribe in their wolf forms, but, before I could speculate further, a figure emerged between the two largest wolves. Judging by the way the rest of the pack responded to his presence, I assumed the only humanoid figure amongst the tribal members scattered before us must have been the pack Alpha, Sam Uley. He was very tall, easily matching, if not exceeding, Carlisle's height and his face belied wisdom far beyond his years. I wondered if any of the wolves present were Jacob, but, had no way of finding out without asking, which probably wasn't a very good idea.

Carlisle began the meeting by greeting the tribe. "Good evening," he said, as cordially and courteously as greeting an old friend. To outsiders, it would appear that he held complete trust in the wolves. I, however, knew him well enough to detect the defensive edge to his stance that meant he was prepared for trouble should it arise. He may be compassionate by nature, but he was by no means stupid. "I thank you for taking the time to speak with me yet again."

"You may not be so thankful," replied the Alpha. "When you hear what we have to say." Silence reigned over us, as everyone was given a moment to let the statement sink in. Then, Sam continued. "When you first came to us, we listened and appreciated your honesty and swiftness in apprising us of the situation. It did not take us long to come to a unanimous decision."

I listened carefully and a spark of hope lit inside, as his words rang through the wintry air. However, one quick glance at his face quickly extinguished that hope.

"Unfortunately, earlier today, we received information that has forced many to reconsider."

They knew. Jacob had told them. My shoulders slumped imperceptibly, as I waited for the inevitable rejection.

"However, it's only fair you have a chance to explain yourself, before our decision is made final."

Sam was looking directly at Carlisle and I knew the Quileute held no interest in anything I had to say. I could already guess what the main concerns might be. The biggest question on their minds would inevitably be whether Isabella was to remain human, seeing as she had committed herself to a vampire. I had no idea if it was something she or Carlisle had ever discussed or if she was even aware that such a thing was illegal under the stipulations of the treaty. Either way, everyone was about to find out.

"According to Jacob Black, Bella has declared she is-" Sam paused, having difficulty speaking aloud a notion he found so distasteful. "-involved with you. Is this true?"

Carlisle returned the Alpha's gaze with respectful confidence. "It is," he confirmed.

The muscles in Sam's face constricted in obvious disapproval, although he tried to hide the reaction as best he could. Sadly for him, our eyesight was far too enhanced to miss it. "How did this come to be?" he asked and I had to commend his attempt to retain a blank face, despite the aversion he felt.

"It was gradual and not at all expected," Carlisle explained. "In the beginning, I even tried to hinder its progress, for reasons you, more than anyone, will understand. Unfortunately, I failed, as I realised how strongly I returned her feelings."

"Why did you not inform us?" Sam's question proved my earlier assumptions wrong. There was something else they deemed more important to know than Isabella's potential transformation. It was understandable, though, as, if we had kept this secret, what else could we be hiding?

"I did not want her relationship with me to jeopardise her chances of gaining the aid and protection of the tribe. I apologise for the deceit, but, it was done for Isabella's benefit."

Sam remained quiet and mulled over Carlisle's words. Now that it had been confirmed, I wondered what the tribe would make of it and Carlisle's explanation.

"You understand the complications such a relationship might cause." It wasn't a question, but a reminder and I knew he was referring to the treaty. This was where we got to the concerns I had originally expected them to raise first.

"Your concerns are understandable," Carlisle said. "However, I need you all to know that Isabella is as safe with us, as she would be were she a vampire."

The moment that sentence left Carlisle's lips, I almost cringed. Of all the times to bring up such an idea, why choose now? Then again, perhaps it was a conscious decision on Carlisle's part. After all, the topic of Isabella possibly becoming one of us would inevitably crop up eventually.

"That, of course, is another worry," Sam remarked. "Regardless of reason or intent, the biting of any human is prohibited by the treaty."

"We have not forgotten," my blonde companion replied. "And it is another thing you need not worry about. Isabella and I have already discussed it and it is something neither of us are ready to do."

"That doesn't mean you never will," the Alpha pointed out, a hint of aggression seeping into his tone.

Carlisle was quiet for a moment, as he considered the best way to explain. My eagerness to hear the explanation matched Sam's and I had to wonder whether Carlisle would really want to change Isabella. His first and only attempt at changing a human ended so badly, I had thought him forever put off the idea, but, perhaps what he had with the young woman was beginning to make him see things differently this time around.

"I cannot predict the future," the vampire began. "Were the decision mine alone, I would be able to guarantee her humanity, however, I have to take Bella's wishes into consideration. When we discussed it, it was only spoken of as an absolutely last resort and I could tell she had a limited desire for the vampire lifestyle."

"So, she is aware of the consequences surrounding such a choice?" Sam asked.

"Yes. They are the reasons why becoming a vampire is still considered an act of desperation for her."

Sam was still for a moment, arranging the facts in his mind, before slowly nodding. My eyes scanned the pack of wolves standing before us and the vulnerability of our position was not lost on me. However, I also knew that they were as bound by the stipulations of the treaty as we were, so, an unprovoked attack was very unlikely. Again, I wondered which of the wolves-if any-Jacob Black was.

Studying the faces of each four-legged creature present, I tried to see if they carried any human physical characteristics into the animal forms. Unfortunately, as I hadn't yet met any of them as humans, it was an impossible task. Impossible, that is, until my golden orbs connected with a pair of black eyes, loaded with so much animosity and confusion that I felt a shiver of trepidation run down my spine. Those eyes were intently fixed on every aspect of Carlisle and I realised I had found Jacob. He was one of the largest of the pack and, even in the dark, the mingling colours of red, gold, auburn and brown glistened throughout his fur. Were he not intent on ripping out the throat of my companion (explaining his position at the very back of the group), I might have almost considered him beautiful.

Eventually, Sam spoke once more. "You have been honest, so I must be, too. The idea of a human embarking on a relationship with one of your kind is nothing short of repulsive to me, to all of us. However, we must take into account that you and your coven are not like other vampires. Although I wasn't around when you first arrived in the Olympic Peninsula, I do know you've been watched closely by the tribe since that time and, during your recent settlement in Forks, have never done a thing to break the treaty. That being said, I still worry about Isabella. No matter how careful you are, a human amongst vampires means that accidents are always a possibility. I will need to speak with her at some point."

Carlisle nodded his understanding and approval, before asking his first question of the evening. "After what Bella saw this afternoon-" I wasn't blind to the glances several wolves threw Jacob's way. "What are we to tell her? She has many questions and the only information we have been able to provide is that we are not allowed to say. Of course, this is only frustrating and upsetting her more."

"It's forbidden for anyone outside the tribe to know what we are," came Sam's brusque reply.

"I know, but, you have to acknowledge that this is a rather unique situation."

A fourth round of silence commenced, but it was shorter than the previous three. I could sense the difficulty Sam was facing, trying to think of a way around Isabella's discovery of their shape-shifting natures, as well as dealing with her intimacy with a vampire. It would require all of us, wolf and vampire alike, to be mature and responsible, respecting the wishes of either side, but, everything was so close to the knife's edge and it would take very little to send everything crashing down into turmoil. I was confident in the abilities of my fellow vampires to remain civil towards their natural enemies, so I could only hope that the tribe would be the same. My main concern was Jacob. Although Jasper's retort towards Sam had been crude, there was a great deal of truth in the words. A leash may have been a tad harsh, but the lad really did need to be kept under control and I was sure it was something the rest of the pack was all too aware of.

"The pack will need a couple of hours to make its final decision," Sam stated, signalling that the meeting was coming to a close. "If you are able to wait here, we will return as quickly as we are able to give you our answer."

Carlisle nodded and Sam mimicked the gesture, before turning and jogging away. One by one, the rows of wolves quickly followed suit, with the last remaining pack members withdrawing slowly by moving backwards, until their forms were hidden amongst the brush. Jacob was the very last to leave. I waited in silence with Carlisle, until enough time had passed for them to be safely out of earshot. Like us, they possessed enhanced hearing, although it wasn't as strong as ours. Yet another similarity between two species destined to be enemies. The sense of impending irony was not lost on me.

After fifteen minutes of immobile hush, I slowly turned my head to face my companion. His face was predictably indecipherable, but, his eyes were thoughtful and a little uneasy. This was going to be the longest wait of his immortal life. I didn't expect it to be much easier for me, either. If the Volturi chose to act, we would need all the support we could muster and, despite the dislike between our species', there was no denying their aid would be invaluable.

Rather than endure the silence, I decided to fill it with conversation.

"Do you mind if I ask what prompted the discussion between you and Isabella?"

At first, his delayed response made me wonder if he had suddenly gone inexplicably deaf, but, he eventually replied.

"She initiated it," he began and his gaze roamed the skyline as he spoke. "It was after the first meeting with the tribe last night. She's very worried about what might happen and, I think, more aware than ever of the frailty her mortality presents."

"But, she doesn't seriously want to be become a vampire?"

"To be honest, I think her only real motivation for changing would be that it gives us more time together. As much as I love that idea, I refuse to do it, unless she is one hundred percent determined that it is what she truly wants."

The statement warmed my heart with its sincerity, but, also troubled me with its implications. If Isabella wanted it badly enough would he break the treaty to grant her wishes? I didn't know how to ask him that, as I didn't want to be disrespectful, but, he managed to read the question in my expression.

"We need to get through this situation, before we can even begin to think about any others," he said and the ghost of a smile crossed his lips, showing that he held no resentment towards my thoughts. "And, no decision will be made rashly. It affects all of us, so everyone will have their say, before anything happens. I love Isabella, more than I could ever describe, but, I will not disregard the thoughts and feelings of others simply to appease her wishes. She would not want that, either."

I had to smile in reply. Not just a quick smile, but a wide, beaming grin that split my face in two. The adoration he possessed for that girl was truly wonderful to see and, if we all got through this intact, I couldn't wait to watch him and Isabella play out their happily ever after together. However, the pair had not been blinded by their love. They were still very much aware of the dangers they faced and the consequences their actions would have on those around them. I truly valued the fact he was ready to listen to our views on certain aspects of his relationship and respected our opinions.

Two and a half hours passed, as the tribe came to their decision. The pair of us continued talking and I appreciated the opportunity that allowed us to engage in serious conversation. It seemed that too much time had passed since we'd last spoken this way, but, given the circumstances, it was understandable. I hoped it might also make the wait pass quicker for him, but, although his body betrayed no signs of impatience, it was hidden within the flecks of ochre and gold mingling in his irises.

Eventually, distant movement in the forest signalled the return of the pack and we instantly regained our alertness. The wolves emerged first, although there were far less of them this time, followed by the tall figure of their Alpha. I stood beside Carlisle, waiting with unnecessary bated breath. If my heart had been required to pump blood through my veins, it would have been thudding wildly against my chest.

Sam situated himself at the front of the pack. "We have made our decision," he said, thankfully getting straight to the point.

The night suddenly seemed too loud. The wind was rustling the leaves and the insects were scurrying through the earth and I just wanted to tell them all to stop. I needed to hear what Sam was going to say and they were nothing but a distraction during this most crucial of moments.

"We have decided to help you."

I could have danced for joy. Despite everything, the Quileute tribe was still going to offer their assistance against the threat of Edward and, possibly, the Volturi. I looked at Carlisle and he hadn't bothered to hide the relief on his face.

"I still need to speak with Bella," Sam insisted. "Not to say I discredit your word, but, I want to hear her thoughts on everything, as well as try to explain exactly what she saw with Jacob."

"That's fine," Carlisle agreed. "But, if you will permit me, I have one more request."

Sam eyed the vampire warily. "What is it?" he asked.

"Now that we have come to this agreement," Carlisle began. "Can you offer a guarantee that there will be no repeat of what happened earlier today?" His eyes flitted to the large wolf at the back of the group and it seemed Jacob had not escaped his notice, either. "My coven and I accept and understand your reasons for disliking us, but, I do not feel it fair to push that argument onto her, as she knows little of it and the incident has distressed her a great deal."

Sam didn't bother to look at Jacob, but, he knew exactly what Carlisle was talking about.

"The issue has been dealt with and you can rest assured that it won't happen again."

"Thank you," Carlisle said.

"Is there anything else you need to know or ask?"

Carlisle shook his head and Sam seemed ready to finally bring this meeting to a close. "We will send a couple of our members to keep watch over the Swan residence tonight."

His tone brooked no argument, but, Carlisle seemed to have no problem with the arrangement. I think he was simply glad of their help and trusted them to protect Isabella and her family as well as any of us. Personally, I would have been more confident with one of my own kind looking after her, but, that was only because I already knew what they could do. I had no idea the level of competence these wolves possessed, but, supposed I was soon to find out. Arguing the point would have achieved little and the last thing anyone needed was a quarrel to add fuel to an already tempestuous fire.

Sam informed us that he hoped to speak with Isabella tomorrow evening and the pack members assigned to watch over her and Charlie would be sent to the house immediately. After another round of thanks from Carlisle, the pack turned and left, leaving a very relieved couple of vampires in their wake. The meeting went far better than I had ever expected and could imagine Carlisle felt very much the same. Nothing needed to be said between us and we silently agreed to simply run back to the mansion. After tonight's good news, I could sense Carlisle wanted nothing more than to celebrate with Isabella.

I wondered if she would cope with another sleepless night.

A/N: It's been a while since we heard from Esme, so I hope you all enjoyed. The next update may take a little longer than usual to be posted, as I'm on holiday for the rest of this week. I'll get it written and posted as soon as I can when I get back. See you all soon :)