Author's Note: This short chapter is dedicated to the awesome BerryBlue96 who was the first to review the last chapter. She also suggested that I do a POV change to show how things are going back home. You know what? You got it.

Also so sorry for the long wait between updates – in the interim I started my own business and had a lot going on. =)

The Truth and the Consequences

Chapter 18

I watch the leeches' mansion burn with very little satisfaction. I would have thought that it would make me feel a tiny bit better but it doesn't. If Cullen was trapped inside – that might help.

My heart, what's left of it, is focused on one thing: bring Bella home. The rest of me is intent on finding that sparkly bastard and tearing him to pieces.

It nearly destroyed me when I found out that the leech had kidnapped her – I'd nearly killed members of my own Pack because I was so enraged that they'd let it happen. And to find out that he'd physically assaulted her – there are no words.

Sam had tried to calm me down but there was no way that was going to happen. I told him I didn't care if the whole pack died to get her back.

Sam and I fought. It got ugly because he wasn't going to step aside with me being so angry and hell bent on revenge. But it doesn't matter because I won my rightful place – and now I'm Alpha. And there isn't anything anyone can say to make it better. I will not rest until she is safe again.

Tonight we are going on a hunting expedition – I am going to find members of his coven and hopefully find a way to get some information out of them before they die (for good this time).

Suddenly, in the middle of planning this mission out in my head, I'm assaulted by the scent of strawberry shampoo causing me to gasp out loud. Inside, something shifts, holding back all of my anger and I feel weak and slightly dizzy. I drop to my knees and look up to see a smoky image of her, with her eyes wide and shocked, staring at me. I lunge forward but the image dissipates like smoke. I stare at my hands, my heart in my throat, and wonder what the hell I just saw. Was it actually her? Or have I completely lost my mind?

Leah – of all people – helps me to my feet.

"All right, boss man?"

I stand up straight and tall – shaking off my confusion. I feel nothing but grim determination. "I will be when they are all dead."

She smiles. "Me too. When are we leaving?"

"Right now," I say.

Everyone but Brady and Collin are coming with us. They are staying at home to watch over the tribe and to keep us informed of what's going on.

The Cullen's were out hunting as far as anyone knew – their cars had been left behind – everything but that damn Volvo. Their scent burned in my nose and I led the way through the dark woods – intent on my one purpose. I was going to do what my ancestors should have done in the first place.

There will be no survivors.

BPOV

I've never felt so small in all my life. Hunched here, against the cold white tiles, shivering, and waiting for whatever madness is to come is unbearable. Edward's out there digging a grave for that poor man – he'll never be found. He'll never go home to his wife again – see his children grow up. His death is on my hands. And the sick thing is that I know more people will die before this is all over.

People make mistakes all the time. Life affords the opportunity to make those mistakes – to learn from them – and to move on. But the mistakes I've made are too great. There will be dire consequences, for me and for those that I love. If I was the only one to suffer – that would be fitting. Instead I have to wait to find out who next will be hurt because of my selfishness.

I never should have gone to Italy to save Edward from himself. I should have let him go into the sun and then into the darkness forever where he belongs. But I didn't. I was far too worried about living with a guilty conscience. I couldn't let him kill himself under a mistaken assumption.

I replay the scene before I left to Italy in my head over and over – Jacob begging me to stay for Charlie and to stay for him. I would have made him so happy if I'd only known then what I know now. I'm sorry for failing you, Jacob.

I cry as silently as I'm able. I have to get out of here alive – for Jacob – for Charlie and for my mom. I need to get out of here for everyone I love. I need to learn how to lie – and fast. And I need to get it together to do that.

I pull myself upright and wipe my eyes on a pristine white towel hanging elegantly from a metal hoop in the wall. I don't have a lot of time. I unlace my shoe and dig out the stowaway cell phone. I text Jacob – each press of the button sounding like a shot ringing out in the silence.

Barcelona. Then Helicopter. Over mountains 2 the East. Andorra. La Messana helipad. Como Pedrosa. 2 hrs. Love you w/ all I am. Bells.

I turn the phone back off without waiting for a reply. It's too risky and I know Edward will be fast. I stash the phone under the kitchen sink, beneath some towels. If he catches me with it – I know we will leave this place for somewhere else remote. At least I've given Jake an idea of where I am.

I hear a door shut from far away. I quickly turn on the water and splash my face a few times. Before I can reach for a towel Edward is handing one to me.

"Thanks," I mutter, forcing myself to be civil. It's all I can manage at this point.

He sighs. "Bella – I'm sorry for that scene out front. I apologize for subjecting you to that. I was out of my mind with thirst. You being so close for so many hours was torture. But I'm feeling better now – more in control. I won't let myself get to that state again. Can you ever forgive me?"

I want to vomit. His tongue is like a silver dagger edged with poison. How could I have ever fallen for that? I shake my head. "I don't really want to think about it."

He nods. "Of course. I won't bring it up again. Are you hungry?"

My stomach growls suddenly and I cringe. "I guess so."

His face lights up. "Why don't you accompany me to the kitchen? I made sure it was fully stocked."

"Ok," I begrudgingly agree.

I trail after him, glaring daggers at his back. We reach a beautifully appointed kitchen done in a light colored wood. Edward gestures toward the refrigerator and I open it. Most of the labels are in a language I don't understand but it's easy to see that there is milk, eggs, and cheese available. I pull them out and set them on the counter.

"I can cook for you if you'd like, Bella. I know it's been a long journey."

I shrug. "It doesn't matter. I just want to eat and go to bed."

Edward escorts me to a bar stool and I have to bite my cheek to keep from jumping away from his icy hands. He makes an omelet and pours me a glass of milk, serving me on expensive looking china.

"A paper plate would have been fine," I say sourly.

"Nothing but the best for my girl," Edward says softly, looking at me with what I used to think meant love.

I eat methodically until I can't bother chewing any longer. I finish my milk and feel nauseous.

"Where am I sleeping?" I ask him, feeling uncomfortable.

"You can choose whichever room you like."

I start to walk down the hall but come to a stop and breathe in deep. Although I'm frightened by what I now know is a very mentally disturbed vampire – I need some place where I can feel safe.

"Edward?"

"Yes, my love?" He hurries over to me and grabs my hands.

I shiver. "Um – I'd really like to have some privacy if that's okay."

He looks displeased. "If that's what you need – fine. I can understand that."

I remove my hands from his. "Goodnight."

It takes every bit of my willpower not to run from him. I quickly find a suitable room and shut the door behind me. I lock it before crossing to the bed and flopping down on my stomach. Tears squeeze out of my eyes until the pillow I'm lying on is wet. I turn it over and curl in on myself, feeling colder and more alone than ever before.

I wish that I was home with my wolf more than anything. I pray to whatever God will listen to keep my loved ones safe.

I fall into a fitful sleep, thinking only of Jacob.