The credit for ponderings on the size of the Quileute pack comes from a reader of my story Cosmology Shifts.

Beta: The incredible and amazing kiwihipp

(Updated 21 May 18)


Chapter 24: They're Coming


At eight o'clock in the morning, Carlisle rang Billy Black.

"Good morning, Mr. Black," Carlisle greeted him.

"Good morning, Carlisle," he replied his tone tense and hard.

"Thank you again for watching out for Bella and Charlie," Carlisle stated with grace and clear diplomatic intentions. "We really appreciate it."

"Well, yeah, it wasn't a bother," Billy replied clearly uncomfortable by Carlisle's attempts to charm.

"I also wanted to apologise for the antics of my sons," Carlisle told him smoothly laying on the magnetism thick. "I hope that Paul has recovered without concern."

"Yeah, he's fine," I heard Billy answered gruffly clearly being affected by Carlisle's tone and manner.

"Well, that's good to hear," Carlisle told him before taking a deliberate pause his tone changing to how he usually spoke to Billy. "In our continued cooperation, I wanted to let you know that Victoria and Riley are supposed to be arriving this coming Friday. We will meet them in the large field we took Sam to last time. We suspect that Victoria will bring at least ten of our young ones with her."

Billy suddenly was unusually quiet, as if he had even stopped breathing.

Carlisle said nothing waiting for him.

"Did you say ten?" Billy asked in disbelief letting out a puff of air.

"Yes," Carlisle agreed grieved. "As the danger to all the humans in the area is high, we would like to offer to Sam, and whomever else would like to come, the chance to observe and even participate in our training after the sun sets, assuming, of course, that the tribe chooses to have them stand with our family."

"Would you stand without the protectors?" Billy pressed his scepticism coming through clearly in his tone.

"Yes," Carlisle answered confidently, "even if it cost our family everything, we cannot allow the massacre that would inevitably result."

"Fine," I heard him huff, "I'll pass the message along."

"Thank you, Mr. Black. I sincerely appreciate all that you and the Quileute defenders have done."

"Sure, sure," he uttered unconvincingly before he hung up.

I turned to Carlisle wondering what Billy's reaction was about.

As if reading my mind, Carlisle shrugged and gave me a look that indicated that he didn't understand the reaction any more than I.

Needing to move things forward, I asked Carlisle, "Any idea what time they might show?" in order to pull him out of his thoughts.

His eyes focused on me and he uttered slightly detached, "I suppose Sam can call me. I did give Emily my number after all." Then he winked at me. "Or they'll just show up."

His attempts to lighten my mood were appreciated as I called Bella.

She told me that she had to head to work soon, but hoped to be over about four in the afternoon. Hopefully, she was unable to pick up the fear in my voice.

Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie spent the day strategizing. I listened. Carlisle would add something here and there. Alice was mostly in the future, but occasionally would say, "Won't work," then go back to her gift.

It was actually almost five in the evening when I heard Bella's truck come down the driveway. I got up and started dinner. When she walked in she greeted everyone. Emmett could be heard spinning her around the room happy to be near her again.

"Are you really okay, Emmett?" she asked concerned.

"Here look at my war wounds," he told her proudly. "They're not as cool as Jasper's, but still."

"Sorry, Emmett. I really can't see what you're talking about," admitted Bella after a few moments had passed.

"Well maybe under the lamp. Come here."

He could be heard carrying her. I could imagine Emmett trying to show her the thin lines on his thumb and wrist. Even the ones on his arm and chest could be barely seen with our eyes. Rosalie had done a fine job repairing him.

"Still no," she stated with slight disappointment.

"Maybe there's something wrong with your eyes," Emmett told her matter-of-factly. "Jasper, come here and see if she can see yours."

I could only imagine the look Jasper was wearing that matched his slow rise from the couch and then gait.

"Um, Jasper?" Bella said hesitantly and with great shyness.

"Yes, Bella?" I heard him ask cautiously.

"You look like you have bites like the one James gave me."

"They're newborn bites," he told her evenly.

There was a long pause.

"Well, I suppose this is just as a good time as any to tell you about my history," Jasper stated neutrally.

We had heard it before. It had taken him being with the family a few years before he had told it to us in entirely, and then only because he had lost a bet with Emmett. It was engaging story, despite the brutality, due to him being a skilled storyteller. Consequently, I had enjoyed listening to it, but after Diego's and Bree's deaths, all those newborns and how he misused them under Maria's direction looked more horrific somehow. It made the changes in him even more impressive. However, even more since the first time I heard the story, I was struggling to reconcile the reality of the incredible man I saw before me with the ruthless killer that had no moral compass that he described.

"No reason to do that," Emmett jested. "I haven't been able to tell her how I got my scars."

Bella could be heard moving. "Um, didn't you get them attacking Paul, even though you're both supposed to be on the same side," Bella accused him.

"Yeah, well, he had it coming. It's not like I really hurt him. Mutt's fine," he argued.

"Maybe so, Em," she agreed lightly, "but I doubt Paul sees it that way."

Jasper, Alice, and Carlisle could be heard lightly chuckling.

"I know, I know, you've got a soft spot for the mutts," he defended himself in his joking banner, "but if you're serious about becoming a Cullen, then you can't go around defending our sworn enemies."

It sounded like she was shaking her head. "That's where you're wrong. The Quileute shapeshifters aren't enemies; they are allies. They kept my dad safe for goodness sake."

"Well, they did stand watch," he grumbled good-naturally.

"See," she stated clearly pleased, "no reason mythical creatures aren't meant to get along."

He could be heard moving around her slowly. "Are you sure that Carlisle and Esme aren't your biological parents?"

The whole family chuckled, Bella included. "Yeah, Em, I've been told that's biologically impossible. I mean Carlisle's the doctor and your Dad. He could probably give you the birds and the bees talk, but I've got it on solid information that they are not."

He huffed. "Well, you sure sound just like Carlisle and Esme. We all but had one of them move in. House still sticks."

He could be heard flopping onto the couch.

"There, there, you big lug," Rosalie cooed, "don't let the measly human try and convince you that those smelly beasts should move in."

I could just imagine Emmett's look of indignation and then Rosalie's huge grin.

The shuffling of Bella's feet made me think that maybe her and Emmett's exchange had made her uncomfortable.

After a moment Emmett added, "It's alright little B. I won't stop being your big brother just because you agree with Pops."

"Unfortunately, although I disagreed how Emmett went about it, Jasper was right that we needed to make sure we appeared to be enemies," Carlisle stated morosely.

"See, little B, even Pop agrees that I did the right thing by breaking that mutt's leg," Emmett told her clearly gleeful.

"That's not what I said," Carlisle disagreed firmly.

"Yeah, sure, whatever, Pop. We all know you thought my move was genius."

I shook my head at his antics. He sure did know how to liven our family.

"So, what you think, Bella?" Jasper asked after a few moments of silence had elapsed. "Ready to hear my story. It's not pleasant, as you can probably guess from my scars."

After a few minutes she replied, "Yeah, Jasper, I'd be honoured to hear your story, but don't feel obligated. I can wait. I know we have a lot to talk about."

"Well, what our family is facing will have more context if you hear my story," he told her.

Bella turned her head.

"Jasper's right, Bella," Carlisle told her gently. "It might help you understand things more. And we have time."

"Okay," she agreed and moved to sit in her chair.

"You see, I was on my way to being the youngest General in the Confederate army," Jasper began his southern drawl coming back strong, "when I came across three women with unearthly beauty. One of them, Maria I found out later, told the other two that she wanted to keep me, so they went off and left me with her. She leaned into me slowly as if to kiss my neck, but instead I felt scorching pain, and my skin being ripped apart. The closest analogy I had at the time was a snakebite, except with venom that sheared my insides, killing me in the slowest most excruciating manner possible. I was awake as long as I could by sheer force of will. Eventually the pain was too great.

"When I next woke, Maria was talking with the other women about territory and armies. It was clear to me that I had been conscripted against my will to serve in another war. I didn't mind being a soldier really, and I had already risen to the rank of Major, so I figured I'd be useful, earn my keep, and after a few years move on with my life. At the same time, the input I was getting of greed, excitement, distrust, amongst others was overwhelming and I could not understand how I was feeling such things, since I had no reason that I could discern for these feelings.

"Before the pain even completely receded, I could smell something delicious. I was ravenous and wanted to partake on what smelled scrumptious, but the pain was too shearing to move. Instead, I waited for the pain to end, as all pain must. As soon as it did, without thought I leapt toward the scent, warning others away with a roar. With the movement I felt excitement, a sense of being pleased, and anticipation touching me. I learned later, as it was Maria's way, that three human bodies had been set aside for me. One had been cut along the wrist. This was Maria's typical way of starting a newborn into this life. Even now I can recall the complexity of that first meal. The amazing euphoria of having something that is so completely satisfactory for your body mixed with what I now know was fear, sorrow, regret, and resignation."

I brought in Bella's dinner, gave it to her, and sat down next to Carlisle.

"In Maria's army, most newborns were disposed of after their newborn strength weans, usually about the one year mark. She kept me because I was particularly useful. In her army, if we fought well and won the battle, then we were well rewarded. Women, men, children, babies, elderly, whole towns it never mattered. What mattered was the blood. Blood that satisfied the burn and filled the body with a sense of fulfillment that nothing else can match. Unfortunately that level of complete contentment was never mine to grasp. I could feel it from others, but I never experienced it myself, because these rewards of feeding that she gave me were also soured by the emotions of my victims. It was beyond irritating to know through others what feeding should feel like, but not experience it for myself."

His tone had grown dark and menacing clearly immersed in his memories in a way that he hadn't before. I wondered if that had anything to do with Edward not being here to see these events alongside Jasper, or the fact that this story was intended for Bella.

"Piece by piece all goodness that might have been in me was replaced by anger, loathing, hatred, and knowing that others feared me. The fear of others was something I prized, because it kept me safer. The more they feared me, the easier it was for me to defeat them. Not to mention that I had worked hard to generate their fear.

"The myths of vampires, of creatures that silently creep into your house in the middle of the night and take your beloved without warning, that watch you run to only catch you, that enjoy torturing you, that revel in killing your loved one before ending you just for the fun on it, anything and everything that makes humans scared about us that is written about in horror and is meant to terrify and terrorize, only begins to describe my life in Maria's army. Humans are nothing more than cattle and are treated as such with whatever activity is best for that vampire to enjoy its meal. Cattle have no rights, no basis to complain. Therefore, there's no motive to have empathy for them. Cattle are not equals. They are sustenance and therefore there is no wrong way to treat them before you take what you have fought hard and risked your life for. And each inch of earth, each battle fought is to have that feeding ground."

Bella looked ashen.

A part of me wanted to interrupt him, but we had agreed as a family to not coddle her, and it was his history to tell. I trusted Jasper, but the mother part of me wanted to protect her. Instead, I sat still saying nothing.

"There was no higher reason; there was no fight for freedom; there was no call for justice; it was nothing more than a war for the most basic of need, to sustain oneself on what is needed for survival. We would fight together as a group, but we were not a unit. There was no sense of camaraderie and the newborns were nothing more than cannon fodder meant to be dispensed with, when they grew weak. The number of lives that I've taken, human and vampire, are too great to ever count, let alone atone for.

"My gift made enjoying my reward for tearing apart the enemy difficult, but I learned that it helped a little if they were sleep. Now matter how I went about it though, it wasn't terribly different than the first time. Over time I, in part due to my gift, became Maria's most deadly weapon. She used me to strike terror in our enemies, to create the battle plan more likely to garnish success, and as the drill sergeant used to train her army, to force them into something useful, and then to disposal of them when the time came. Eventually the other two women were no longer a part of our army, I became Maria's second-in-command, and the constancy of battle became my life.

"Newborns are particularly strong, because their own human blood still lingers, but because they are new to this life they aren't skilled fighters. They bite a lot. For every bite I have, there are at least a dozen newborns dead at my hands that never came that close. I was very good at what I did. I'm a little rusty, but Victoria is no Southern Commander."

The way he told the story was jarring. I couldn't imagine how Bella was taking it. Clearly he intended to upset her and paint our kind in the worst of ways.

He smiled at her guardedly.

She looked contemplative.

"Ask your question, Bella," he encouraged his tone soft and almost brotherly.

"You make it sound like everyone, except maybe those other two women that were with Maria when she found you, were merely objects for her game. Newborn vampires used as pawns, you used like a bishop, and humans used as food to fuel her game. But you're your own person, Jasper. She didn't own you."

"She did," he answered softly as if he was, for the first time, trying to protect her from his reality.

"No," Bella retorted fervently. "You are your own person."

His face soft and compassionate, he told her, "It wasn't that long ago Bella that humans having slaves was common place. The idea that each individual is a unit unto itself is a very modern idea."

Her face fell.

"No doubt Maria was of the rich upper class when she was turned. Having slaves and others being objects for her uses and amusement isn't that far, probably, from who she was as a human. Then there is the vampire nature that fuels us. It is superior in strength and ability in comparison to humans, but more than that it is much more possessive, territorial, and instinctual. Maria believed, which is a common belief among vampires, that since her venom ran through their veins, through my veins, that she owned me, owned them. Her giving me this second life was only to fuel her agenda and anything less than that was betrayal. It's part of what make the Volturi so impressive in our world. To rule and not conquer the globe, treating other vampires, as long as the law is kept, as more or less as equals, is astounding."

"Well, what about Peter?" she questioned seeming to be arguing with him, as if trying to find a loophole in his argument. It was clear that this topic made her uncomfortable. "In Alice's story she mentioned he was your friend."

"I wouldn't have known the word friend then, but, yes, over time, Peter and I grew to be comrades-in-arms. He was another newborn that Maria let live, because with him as my second-in command our win rates grew. We worked beside each other and trusted each other on the battlefield. But he became mated to a newborn named Charlotte. Their feelings for one another were sublime in that moment, so instead of killing her when I was supposed to, I let him grab her and they ran away. Maria took more than her pound of flesh for my betrayal of her, as was her right as my creator. After a few years, Peter came back for me. When he told me that Maria had lied and that the globe wasn't covered in wars, I decided to desert. I travelled with them for a while, but then travelled on my own. My gift made being with them difficult. That was when I met Alice."

Bella's cheeks grew pink.

"Ask; it's okay," he encouraged.

"It's personal, Jasper," she protested.

"It's okay," he replied softly.

"Was Maria your mate before Alice?" she stammered out, while looking down into her bowl.

He smiled. "No, vampires only get one mate. Mine is Alice."

"Oh," she answered. Then she turned sad.

"Ask, Bella," he nearly commanded her, except his voice was too brotherly to be harsh.

Her whole face and neck was red by now. "You said that because of your gift you knew that Peter and Charlotte were mates."

"Uh-huh," he agreed giving nothing away.

By this point we were all silent and still aware, as I'm sure Jasper was, of where Bella's question was leading. Alice's eyes were focused in the present. We all wore some look of worry or concern.

"Did your gift tell you if Edward and I were mates?" she stuttered out getting softer with each word and Edward seemingly to have caught in her throat momentarily.

"Yes," he answered softly and gently.

Her eyes, covered in the substance to make tears, finally rose and met his. "Yes you knew, or yes we were mates?" she whispered then immediately her eyes went back to her bowl.

"Yes, my gift could tell me if you two had the emotional signs of becoming mates. Some would argue that a human and vampire couldn't be bonded enough to show the indications. But I disagree. Emotions are emotions, so my answer is yes, you and Edward had all the indications."

When she looked up, tears were running down her face and she was shaking her head. It looked like the bowl was going to fall out of her lap.

"How could that be?" she breathed as if the air were trapped. "How could you say that your gifts tell you that, while he tell me that he didn't love me? That he didn't want me? Where is he? What about his distractions?" by the end she was nearly hyperventilating.

Both Alice and Rosalie looked like they wanted to say something, but I gave them a stern look afraid anything they would say might make her worse. They held their tongues.

Carlisle quickly rose, took the bowl from her, and squatted down in front of her holding her hands.

"Breathe, Bella. Deep long slow breaths. That's right. Inhale. Exhale. Slow and deep."

He stayed in front of her breathing in an exaggerated fashion until her breathing was no longer worrisome.

When she opened her eyes and looked at Carlisle, she appeared bewildered.

He opened his arms and, after a few seconds of hesitation, she leaned into him. He picked her up and brought her over to me.

I moved and he put her between us. She stayed in his arms while I rubbed her back and stroked her hair.

We all sat saying nothing unsure of how to explain or comfort her.

Over a half and hour had passed when Carlisle spoke. "Are you feeling all right?"

She looked down at her hands. "No, not at all, but I'll be okay." Then she lifted her head and looked at Jasper, "Thank you for your honesty. Your story is nightmarish and honestly when you were telling it, my body wanted to vomit in horror. It's hard to stomach, Jasper, but I suppose that was your point. I'm glad you left and I'm glad you found Alice. But mostly, I'm glad that you decided to become a different person from who you used to be. Knowing your story makes who you are today even more impressive. The fact that you can go to school, have me in your home, all of it. You're an incredible man, and I'm grateful that you're here with us now."

Jasper said nothing studying her carefully.

She blew out her breath harshly. "And thanks for being honest about the mate thing. It was tough to hear, but I appreciate it."

He nodded back, but said nothing with a puzzled look on his face.

"That is very generous of you Bella," Carlisle commented. "Anything else?"

Her face took on a pink tinge.

"Ask, please Bella," Carlisle urged her.

"Well, Jasper said that most vampires see those they bite as belonging to them." She paused taking in a breath and holding it before she spoke again. "Would it make a difference who bit me then?" By the end of her question her face was even rosier.

Carlisle looked over at her his features serious. "I have never considered any of those in my family mine in that way. I do not agree with the concept of owning another. The whole idea is repulsive to me. In our family you being here with us is because we want you to be, and you want to be. There's no obligation or coercion on anyone, you included. So, no, who changes you would make no difference in our family. The only thing is that our scent includes traces of our maker. Thus, having me bite you would tell other vampires who might come across you, if you were alone, that I am your sire. In some cases that might offer you some protection, as I am fairly well known, but truly, please, Bella, know that here, with us, you are not owned. Nor, if you choose to stay human, would you be a pet, as some other vampires might believe and as Laurent told you. I meant what I said; it is your choice with no catches."

She looked down unable to make eye contact with him. "Okay," she muttered clearly uncomfortable.

"Anything else?" he asked.

She shook her head no.

"If you have questions later, please ask them. It's important that you know what many vampires are like. As much as I'm loathed to admit it, the likes of James and Maria are more common than the likes of Peter and Charlotte. Us Cullens are an enigma and a divergence that makes us a spectacle at times. By becoming a Cullen, you would neither be human nor be like our own kind. It's a strange second life, and I think you deserve fair warning of how the rest of our kind really are."

"Last year your friends visited?" she asked Jasper looking over at him as if something had just popped into her head.

"Yes, Peter and Charlotte came and visited before James' coven. They visit on occasion," Jasper replied looking at her oddly.

"They follow the rules of Carlisle about hunting people?" she asked contemplatively.

"Yes, they make sure to feed right before coming, so they wouldn't disrespect Carlisle's rules and they leave before their thirst becomes too strong," he told her.

"So Carlisle's rule makes the humans around where you live not just safe from you guys, but from others?" she pressed him.

"Accidents happen," he retorted.

"Fair enough," she came back with and then said nothing more.

We all looked uncertain about what had happened and what Bella was getting at, Jasper appearing more confused than the rest of us.

After some time had passed, Carlisle checked, "Anything else, Bella?"

She shook her head no once more.

He paused a minute and then told her, "Jasper is going to do some training with us and we have invited the Quileutes up at the field where you saw us play baseball. If you think you're up to being in that space, we would like to invite you to go with us. In order to have some sunlight to watch us, we need to leave soon.

She nodded, but clearly distracted some. "Yes, I'd like to go. Thank you for inviting me, Carlisle."

"Certainly. Would you indulge me and go change into warmer clothes? Let us know if you need anything. We most certainly would have a spare you could borrow somewhere."

"Shoes, maybe?" she contemplated. "I have on my tennis shoes and some hiking boots would be better. And maybe a heavy coat?"

I smiled. "You know," I said slowly, "I had this wonderful sales representative help me pick out some hiking boots a little while back. I have a pair not worn yet. Might they do?"

"Well, yes, that would be divine, Esme," she teased in a mock older cadence.

"Glad to be of service," I said with the cadence I used when I was a newborn learning my new role as Mrs. Cullen, wife to Dr. Cullen. "And you can borrow one of my winter coats. I'll also fetch the warmest one."

She giggled and stood up. "I should call Charlie."

"Certainly dear," I agreed.

She began walking towards to her room.

"I'll bring them to you," I let her know.

"Okay. Thanks."

She scrambled upstairs.

Going and retrieving my boots, Rosalie and Emmett began making plans of a vindictive violent nature on Bella's behalf against Jake, since he would probably be in the clearing, as payback for her injured hand. Carlisle and Jasper were refuting them, with Jasper pointing out that they could rough up the pup after Victoria was taken care of. And Carlisle pointing out that doing so would upset Bella, not to mention threaten the alliance that was being built. The conversation quickly turned to how they were going to quarter Edward and torture him slowly when he returned. Clearly, they were still upset with Bella's response to what Jasper had told her regarding her and Edward's relationship and her admitting some of what Edward had said to her. One day, I hoped she would tell me the whole story of Edward's parting words. Carlisle surprisingly wasn't trying to deter their Edward plans.

Of course, Charlie agreed for her to spend the night. He would meet her at the graduation tomorrow.

I waited until she finished with Charlie before knocking on her door.

"Enter."

Raising my hand I showed her the boots and coat, then sat down on the bed.

"Are you all right, Bella?" I asked once the door opened fully, concerned with her appearance.

"Truth?" she asked a little ashen.

"Absolute truth," I encouraged her.

"No, I'm not okay. I don't understand how what Jasper said could be true. But I will be fine."

Moving at my regular speed, forgetting to be slow for Bella, I wrapped her in a hug. "Which part?" I inquired.

"Both," she answered crying.

"I can't speak much about Jasper's life, other than to say that times have changed and vampires are not easily changeable creatures." Pausing, I assessed whether or not she was ready to hear the rest. "Regarding Edward, we don't understand his behaviour either. I do know that when he sets his mind to something, he is a stubborn mule. No one can change his mind until he's ready."

Her breathing began to hitch a little, but she didn't grab at her chest or anything of the things she used to do when I spoke of Edward. Hopefully that indicated progress.

"Is it any easier?" I asked softly.

"Yes, in the sense that I'm getting used to it. And these few months, since you all returned, have been very healing. I might never understand his choice. And my heart will always be missing the part of me that he took with him, but it no longer feels like the end of my existence. I don't know if I could have gotten to this point without you all, Esme. Thank you so much!"

I could feel her muscles tighten. She must be holding onto me tighter.

"You carry a part of my heart within you. It's good to see you healthier and happier, Bella. And you are correct. You will be all right. You have us to help you through. We are always stronger together."

"If he returned?" she asked as if she had just been punched in the gut.

"We will cross that bridge when we get to it, but nothing, not even that could change things between you and me."

"I could never ask you to choose," she said with equal parts guilt and reluctance.

"Bella that would be like asking me to choose which of my children I want to die. There are no options of choosing between here. All right?" I pulled back and looked into her eyes, making sure that she heard me.

"Okay, Esme," she replied mutely.

"You ready for this?" I checked.

"No, but I'm going anyway," she replied taking a deep breath.

"My brave girl." I hugged her quick and then headed out to let her change.

When she came down Emmett went over to her. "Little bit, can I please carry you to the field?"

She grinned broadly her hands on her hips. "Okay, but you have to start and stop slower than normal and no running faster than 80 miles per hour."

It was good to see her expressing her needs like that. I was proud of her.

He pouted. "Fine," he grumbled while she smiled looking proud of herself. He knelt down, but she still was too short, so Jasper lifted her up.

"Ready?" Emmett asked her once we were outside.

"Remember the rules, Emmett," she admonished him teasingly.

He snorted. "Who do you think I am?"

She giggled. "Emmett, voted biggest class clown and prankster in all of Vampireland."

"You hear that!" he bellowed. "I got an award!"

We all chuckled at them, with Bella laughing heartily, as we began running.

Emmett did a great job with her. I dare say he was more careful with her than Edward had been when he had run her to the field to play baseball. When we got to the field, we set it up the way we had agreed, so someone was always with Bella.

When it was my turn I asked, "I don't mean to be rude, Bella. I'm genuinely curious. Can you even see anything?"

"Sometimes, when it slows down enough. Then my mind fills in what's happening with the sounds. Mostly, though, I'm simply glad to watch. And knowing Emmett has scars that my eyes couldn't even find helped me know that as long as no burning of parts is involved, I won't lose any of you."

I brought my arm around her. "I'm glad. We are quite durable, much more than you, my sweet girl, physically anyway. Emotionally, I know few stronger than you."

She blushed, but her eyes never left the field. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

As the dusk truly set, Emmett and Alice made Bella a fire. It was doubtful she could see the sparring anymore. Shortly after, Sam and some other boys came out of the trees. Once they had all emerged, I noticed one was a girl! And even more shocking, there were seven in total! They had hidden two from us all this time. Despite my astonishment, I was relieved to know that they had left two to guard their own people the other night with Riley.

Ephraim's pack had been three. I couldn't help but wonder why seven. Our family had only grown by two and were of no danger to them. Could they feel the threat from Seattle? Was there some triggering from the elders that created their numbers? They were most likely questions I would never get answers to.

Once they came into the light that the fire created, Bella noticed them, stood up, and went running over towards the pack. "Jake! What are you doing here?" she asked her excitement clear.

"We were invited," he stated with a tone of 'why else would we be here'.

She punched him lightly in the arm.

"Hey guys. Nice to see you," she told them all.

"What are you doing here?" Sam asked through clenched teeth.

"I was invited," she stated with the same 'why else would I be here' tone that Jacob had just used.

Sam's eyes bored holes in Bella, and I smiled proud at my daughter for sticking up for herself.

Carlisle interrupted his sparing with Rosalie and went over. When he got nearer to them he greeted them. "Sam, I'm glad you could make it."

Sam looked at Bella and then Carlisle desperately wanting to ask why she was there, but said nothing.

"Billy said something about young ones?" Sam said gruffly.

"Yes, we call them newborns. It's a time period of when we are first into this way of being. It lasts about a year. They will be strong, quicker, and faster than us, but they also aren't as skilled fighters. Jasper has lots of experience with them, and will be leading the training. Emmett is the most like a newborn in his style, so we'll start with him acting as the enemy. After we've practiced some, you are welcome to spar against us, on the condition that there are no accidents. I've already made sure my children are aware of the severe consequences they will suffer for pulling the same stunt as last time."

"It worked, right?" Sam questioned harshly.

"Yes, I suppose it did," Carlisle agreed reluctantly.

Sam shrugged, which was in direct contrast with his irate tone. "He could have killed Paul. Instead, he got hurt and healed. We're good. I just don't want any of my guys hurt again. "

"Definitely." Carlisle agreed sounding relieved. He looked at Bella. "Are you staying here with them?"

"Yes, I'd like to. Is that okay?" she asked deferring to him.

Sam and Jacob scowled at her tone.

"Certainly," he agreed adding the instruction, "If you get too cold or need to go home, ask Esme, and she'll run you back to Forks."

"Okay," she agreed easily. "Thanks Carlisle."

Bella went back to sit near the fire and few of the Quileutes joined her.

I went first against Emmett. This time I improved in dodging him not being caught by him once, but I was still having a hard time attacking him, afraid I would hurt him once more.

"Remember, Esme, just look for an opportunity," Jasper reminded me.

Emmett got me before I was able to get him, but it was the longest I had lasted.

I went and sat near Alice, while Carlisle had his turn.

"Are you all right, dear?" I asked her.

"Why can't I see when they're around?" she seethed. "I want to keep an eye on things as much as I can."

I nodded in empathy. After some thought I wondered, "Well, would now be a good time to measure how far away you need them to be?"

She smiled. "You're a genius, Esme," and jumped up.

I wanted to stay near Bella, but knew she'd be safe, and didn't like the idea of Alice venturing alone, so I went with her.

We were slowly running when Alice stopped.

"Did you find your limit?" I asked.

"Yeah, 300 yards ago," she told me matter-of-factually. "I came a bit further because I wanted to ask you something." She looked nervous.

"Go ahead," I encouraged her.

"Do you think Bella's going to hate me now?" she asked sadly. Then she looked at me with scared wide eyes.

"Why would you ask that, Alice?"

"Because she's smart. She's going to figure out that I knew about her and Edward ages ago and never told her."

"Oh." I thought about it. "She might be a little upset, but I think she'll understand why you kept that to yourself. I would suggest you talk to her about it and apologise to her about it soon, though."

Alice nodded and we headed back. I was tempted to veer off course and follow the scent of a buck that I picked up, but Carlisle would worry if I did, so re-entered the field. When I did, three of the Quileutes, the boy she had called Jake and two others in wolf form, were in the centre with Emmett. The others were in human form off to themselves almost opposite to where Bella was shivering, sitting next to Rosalie. I went and sat on the other side of Rosalie confused at why no wolves were sitting with her.

"Do you need a blanket, Bella?" I asked her instead.

"No, I'm okay," she answered, but her teeth were chattering.

One of the Quileute boys stood up and came over to us.

"Maybe I can help?" he offered.

"That's okay, Seth," Bella told him. "Go sit with the pack."

"Why? When I can sit with the pretty girls?" he asked playfully.

Bella giggled and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

Seth sat down near Bella. She snuggled herself into his chest.

"You're only doing this to rile the other's up," she chastised him.

"Damn straight. Especially Jake," he agreed.

At his name a wolf looked over at us and Emmett got his arms around him.

Emmett got off and they started again.

"You're awful, Seth," Bella noted.

"Well, someone has to make things exciting," he joshed.

Bella giggled.

It didn't take long before she fell asleep.

When Seth went to go fight, Jake took his place.

By then Rosalie had moved to sit with Alice.

"It's nice to meet you, Jake," I greeted him as soon as he sat down.

He said nothing for a long time.

"Why is she here?" he finally asked in a whisper.

"She was worried about someone getting hurt. Carlisle believed that if she saw us practicing, it would help eliminate her fears," I explained to him.

He just nodded. Then after a few minutes said, "Knowing Bella that probably would help, but she'll worry some anyway."

Jake kept his eyes on the scrimmages. Some time ago, Jasper had added Rosalie to Emmett and had them fighting against four wolves. Carlisle was still assisting Jasper.

"How'd she get up here?" Jake asked after more than an hour of silence.

"Emmett carried her on his back while he ran," I replied kindly.

"She's going back with you?" he asked clearly disliking the idea.

I nodded. "That was the plan. The girls have graduation tomorrow, as you know."

"Yeah, I'll be there," he grunted.

"I'm glad," I told him genuinely. "It would mean a lot to Bella. She speaks highly of you. I wanted to thank you, Jake."

He looked at me speculatively.

"You were there for Bella when we were not. You protected her from Laurent. I will be forever grateful for all that you've done for her."

"Not grateful enough to leave her alone, though, right?" he muttered under his breath.

"She only has to say the word," I said simply.

"Yeah, I know," he grumbled. "She told me. I just don't get why she'd want you around though." He shook his head in confusion.

"Bella has a gift to see individuals in the heart of who they are, not what they are. She doesn't see vampires and shapeshifters, but who we are as people."

He said nothing else until it was his turn to go back in. They were having Emmett, Rosalie, and Carlisle against five wolves.

Seth came and sat with Bella.

"Hey, Momma vamp, Bella said you cooked food for us when my Dad died," he told me after positioning Bella on him.

I smiled. "Esme, Seth."

"Huh?"

"My name is Esme, over there," I pointed towards Alice, "is Alice. My husband is Carlisle. Emmett is the big one. Rosalie is his wife. Jasper is Alice's husband."

"Cool. My big sis is Leah. The ones fighting are Sam, the black one, Jake, the rust one, Paul, silver, Jared, brown, and Quil who is dark brown."

"Thank you for the introductions, and yes, I did make some food for when you're father passed. I was sorry to hear about your loss. Your tribe lost a wise elder."

"Yeah, well thanks for making it," he said quietly clearly grateful, but unsure about our conversation.

"Does your mother still need dishes?" I asked him. "I would happy to make some more. No one appreciates my cooking in my house, well except for Bella, and she eats like a bird."

He laughed. "I wouldn't say no." After a paused he added, "You're cool Momma vamp."

I smiled, assuming he was giving me a compliment. "Well, thank you Seth. I appreciate that you think so. Being over a hundred years old, I haven't been cool for a very long time."

His mouth dropped open and I could tell that Leah was trying to pretend not to listen. I bet she was a lot like Rosalie.

"You being real?" he asked his surprise evident.

"Yes," I confirmed. "I was born in 1895. Carlisle changed me in 1921."

"So, you were like 26?" he checked after pausing to think.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"It disturbs you at all that he like saw you and was like, 'that's the girl for me' and then bit you?"

I chuckled appreciating Seth's frankness and curiosity. It was refreshing.

"Actually, we met when I was 16 and I had broken my leg. He was my doctor. He left my town and doctored somewhere else. I stayed, got older, got married, and had a baby. My baby died and I was so upset that I jumped off a cliff to my death, except my plan failed, since Carlisle bit me. Without him I would have died."

"Oh, wow. Dude. He was your doctor when you were 16?"

I smiled at him telling him, "Yes."

"There's no way if one of us saw our imprint we could walk away." He shook his head. "So was it instant love once you were a bloodsucker?"

"No, because I was a newborn and I was overwhelmed. Not to mention Carlisle is a gentleman and gifted at denying himself." I smiled at the memory of those early months.

"But once you knew, you were it for each other?" he pressed.

"Since the time that we became bonded, we will never have another," I agreed.

Seth nodded wisely.

"Is Bella and Edward bonded like that?" he asked conspiratorially and so quietly I doubted the ants below us had heard him.

"The bond isn't complete, but we believe so. Why would you ask that, Seth?" I asked at the same volume.

"We all share a pack mind in wolf form, right?" he checked.

Nodding, I knew that from Edward meeting Ephraim's pack.

"So, I've seen Jake's memories of Bella. There's this one when he goes and visits her at prom. Edward and Bella have that same look that we have with our imprints. Jake doesn't see it, but I was curious."

I smiled widely. "I bet you're a very clever young man. Will Jacob see our conversation?" I wondered.

He smiled wryly. "Can you keep a secret?"

I nodded.

"I'm the best in the pack at keeping my mind on the task on hand. So the pack doesn't see much of my personal life."

I covered my mouth to hide my laughter. "You are clever!" I admonished.

He just shrugged.

"You going to do something with that brain of yours?" I asked.

"Not many options down at the res and being a wolf and all," he told me with disappointment. "Who knows?" he added with optimism.

"Can I ask a secret?" I checked.

He looked at me dubiously, but nodded. "If we set up a scholarship fund or built a school or something like that for kids on the res, do you think the elders would take it?"

"Take blood money?" He shook his head. "They'd be fools not to, but they might let their pride get in the way. Aren't you guys like master liars? Couldn't you make up some agency or government crap thing instead?"

I chuckled. "Are you suggesting we lie?" I asked unable to hold back my laughter.

"Depends on whether you care about it being done or getting the credit, like the food. Bella just gave it to my mom. She never said she made it, but it didn't taste like the food Bella makes. I did some math and guessed it was you."

"You're a good kid, Seth. You're an honour to your tribe." I raised my voice to a more regular human volume. "You're a Clearwater, right?"

"Yes, ma'am," he answered strongly and clearly.

"I don't think I met your ancestor, then, when we lived here the first time."

"No, my great-grandfather wasn't a wolf," he agreed.

"Incredible that you are then," I mused.

"I guess," he answered non-committedly.

"You don't like it?" I wondered quieting my voice once more in case he would deem it a personal question.

"I don't mind," he said nonchalantly his tone hushed, "but Leah hates the whole thing," he added sadly.

"I see," I told him, unsure of what else to say before adding at a normal human tone, "either way you serve your family and tribe well."

"Thank you Mrs. Cullen."

"You're welcome, dear."

We sat together and watched. I thought about Rosalie's comment about me being the ambassador. Maybe Seth was theirs.

It was about an hour from sunrise when Carlisle ended the training.

Sam and Carlisle agreed to practice more tomorrow. Carlisle let Sam know, due to the graduation, that it would be closer to 1am.

I carried Bella back and laid her down in her bed when we got home. All of us went to shower, change, and spend time with our spouses.

Rosalie and Emmett had left the house together, as had Alice and Jasper.

Carlisle and I simply laid with each other for a few hours saying nothing, holding onto the other tightly.

After Bella's breakfast, Alice returned, and the two of them spent the rest of the day together before it was time to get ready.

With it being just the two of them, Alice took the opportunity to apologise.

"What for?" Bella asked clearly confused.

"For not being able to stop the family from leaving, even though I was fairly certain of what you meant to Edward, and him to you" she clarified.

"What else were you to do, Alice?" Bella asked sounding befuddled. "They're your family."

"Jasper and I could have stayed behind," she said her tone conflicted.

"You would have disregarded the family's vote?" Bella checked.

"We didn't want to. That's why we went. And I was convinced that it would only be a few weeks until Edward returned."

Long minutes passed before Bella spoke again. "You're forgiven Alice. You tried your best. Water under the bridge, okay?"

"Okay," Alice agreed easily. "Thanks."

There were sounds as if they had hugged.

Rosalie and Emmett returned about an hour before we needed to leave for the ceremony.

When Bella came down, she was breathtaking. As I took a photo of the two of them to preserve Bella's memories in case during her transition she lost this one, I couldn't help but think that Edward would regret not being here for this moment. I was glad that we had moved back so that I was able to be. Maybe one day when he returned, he would see it in my memory. More than Edward, though, I wanted to preserve this accomplishment for Bella's sake.

Bella travelled with the kids, and Carlisle drove the two of us to the school. As soon as we arrived, Bella went to find Charlie and then her spot. The graduation was no different than the dozens of others I've gone to, except of how proud of Bella I was.

"She really has come a long way," I humanly whispered to Carlisle while names were being called.

"We were right to come back. It's done her a world of good," Carlisle whispered back in the same tone.

"Yes, it did," I agreed.

"You were right, my love, we shouldn't have left," he admitted. Then his tone changed the slightest amount as he told me, "Chasing money wasn't worth the cost."

"No, it wasn't," I agreed, "but having Bella as a friend really has done our Alice the world of good," I added, since a number of the humans around us had become more interested in us than in the proceedings.

He simply nodded and placed my hand in his.

After the ceremony, Charlie wanted to take Bella out, so we went home and got ready for the graduation party.

A few hours later, Charlie dropped Bella off at the house. She went inside to find Alice. I stopped Charlie before he could drive off.

"Charlie, I know the graduation was just today, but I was hoping to talk to you about college in September."

"Sure," he agreed although he looked uncomfortable.

"I assume that Bella has told you that Alice wants to go where Bella goes to college," I started.

"She mentioned that," he agreed stiffly.

"Well, Alice isn't a dorm person and neither is Bella. Carlisle and I are thinking about renting, or perhaps even buying, a house for the girls, nearby whichever school they ultimately decide. It's also possible that Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper might choose to join them. None of them have decided. If that happens, we would get something big enough for all five of them. But before we do anything, I wanted to check in with you."

"Well," he said after hesitating for a moment, "I'd rather Bella live with Alice than in a dorm with some stranger as a roommate, but I don't know how I feel about the boys and girls having a place together without supervision." His tone was contemplative and reserved.

"I could understand that. From our perspective, since Rosalie and Emmett as well as Alice and Jasper are already couples and have always behaved appropriately around us and around Bella, we believe they would behave just as well in the future. At the same time, your opinion as her father matters, and Carlisle and I are happy to first and foremost make sure it works for Bella." My earnest statement hadn't seemed to frighten him away yet. Nevertheless, I added, "Why don't you talk to Bella and let me know in the next week or two?" I offered.

"Sure, Esme, will do," he agreed roughly.

"Thanks Charlie," I told him sincerely, grateful at how well he shared her with us.

I would just have to hope that by the time Charlie made a decision our family had reached an agreement about moving.

We talked about a few other things until a vanload of kids arrived. As it ventured close to the house, it was obvious that Charlie was ready to leave.

"Thanks again, Charlie, for sharing her so much. She is a delight. Our home isn't the same when she isn't here."

Grunting, he said nothing, but nodded and then got in his car.

Some of the wolves showed up for the party just as Charlie drove away.

Shortly after the wolves' arrival, Carlisle and I retreated and acted like hormonal teenagers in his office, enjoying leaving our kids to mind the humans. Neither of us had intended to be physical, but between having such little time together, having no idea when we would have time alone again, the impending battle, and the comfort we had given the other earlier, it seemed to pour out of us. It was as if it was a communication of assurance.

As I wrapped myself into his arms, I wasn't sure I had enough faith to get me through what lay ahead, but I hoped, beyond reason, that when the confrontation with Victoria was over that we would still be standing together. I had never wished for someone's death, not even Charles', as much as I had wished to have Victoria's head unattached from her body. Jasper had pointed out, and Carlisle had agreed, that we would have to end Riley also, since he was likely to re-start the cycle as much as Victoria was. Apart from the fear of the unknown, details, and strategies, I had to wonder what our peaceful, non-aggressive version of being a Cullen had turned into. These events with Victoria were remaking us, and I wasn't certain I liked this version of us. Unfortunately, if we wanted to survive, it seemed that we had little choice other than to figure out those things after this war was ended. I just hoped that we would recognise ourselves by the time that the dust settled.


A/N: Thanks for all the support! I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the chapter and story generally.