BELLA

I had my talk with Edward last night. It was not as explosive as I had anticipated it would be. He didn't pull out the self-righteous 'I just know better than you do' side. Maybe he killed that part of him. If you kill a part of yourself, does that make you a little suicidal? Not that I think Edward is suicidal, of course. Anyway, back to the task at hand. I'm looking for Jen. She's probably in the library with Dakota. In this house the library is not hidden or as massive as the one at the previous one.

"There you are," I greet them as I enter the library.

"I'm thinking we should stay here for a bit longer," Jen just jumps right in.

"Okay. Have you picked a target?" I ask her. I hope I didn't miss that part because of all the drama with the vampires.

"We have it narrowed down to two, unless you want to add to that. Of course, we waited for you to make the final decision," Dakota responds.

"Who are in the finals?" I can't figure out who she's thinking of. There are a few possibilities, but they dwindle if they want to stay here for awhile…

"Well, there is Renata. She's the one that can disorient and physically move you with her shield. Aro likes to keep her close at hand," Jen starts.

"I'm getting the impression that you are leaning towards whoever is behind door number two," I interrupt.

"That would be because I am leaning towards the vampire behind door two," Jen says.

"Who's behind door number two?" Emmett asks as the Cullen family joins us.

"What Emmett means is, we would like to help out," Carlisle interjects.

What do you guys think? I inquire of my friends.

I'm thinking about training, actually. Jen answers. Dakota barely nods to show her approval of that idea.

Are you guys sure? I mean, a first training run on an actual mission could end very badly.

She said training, not a training run. Dakota corrects my assumption.

This time is clearly out of the question. But if they intend on joining our family, then training them is a given. Jen seems sure. So does Dakota.

I suppose…but they will want to stay in on our strategy session. If they are sure, then I guess there is no problem. I was only concerned when I thought they were talking about letting them join us on this run.

"I don't think you joining us on a mission is a good idea at this point. I mean, we don't know each other well enough to anticipate moves or see when the other really needs help or is lulling them into a false sense of security," I inform them.

"But, if you end up wanting to stay with us, I think training together would be a good first step," Jen adds.

"Of course, I agree completely. Perhaps helping with planning would be alright, though," Carlisle answers.

"We'll try to keep the discussion out loud," Dakota responds.

"But no promises," Jen adds.

"So? Who's behind door number two?" Emmett is getting a little impatient.

"Chelsea. She's the one that strengthens or weakens bonds between people," Jen finally answers him.

"Thus sending the Volturi into a scramble," I fill in.

"All the little peons that had no choice but to join the Elite Guard will scatter. Well, some of the big ones might try to scatter too, but we already know who actually chose to join up," Dakota continues.

"So are you guys just thinking about the three of us?" I ask.

"Eliot too," Jen and Dakota answer together.

"I know Jake will whine…again, but I think that this is going to be the best way to take care of her," Jen says.

"I agree. I think we should catch her on her turn to check the perimeter," I inform them.

Jen pulls out a map. Everyone crowds around it. We look for a good spot that offers some isolation. Of course, some of the members of the Cullen family voiced their input. Like Jen and I haven't already been all over the Voltuir's property. Edward keeps looking at me. He's trying to be subtle about it, but is failing miserably. Jen, Dakota, and I are very careful to keep any discussion of when we will go on the mission in our heads, so as not to tempt anyone into waiting and then following us. Then, he moves to stand next to me. I can't help but sigh. We are not ready to try a relationship, as I told Edward last night. I knew he wasn't really listening.

"Oh, Dr. Cullen…" Jen interrupts my musings.

"Carlisle, please," Carlisle interjects.

"Carlisle, then. How varied is your medical knowledge?" Jen asks innocently.

"Well, I am very knowledgeable about human and vampire medical needs. I also know a little about Jacob's type of wolf. Why?" Carlisle responds.

"I was wondering if you would be mind being more versatile as a doctor. However, if you just want to stay with human hospitals, that's fine too," Jen answers.

"I am always interested in learning new things. I would like to start with a witch's medical needs, if that's okay."

"That makes sense. I will have our own personal collection of magical medical material shipped here," Jen responds.

"No need, I already had them sent here. They should be here tomorrow," Dakota says.

Jen and Dakota are moving faster this time around. Usually, Jen is very cautious with new additions, even if they only work with us on one mission. Dakota usually respects that and holds off on getting close. I've got a bad feeling about this, but I'll wait until later to ask them about it. We settle on the location for our 'meeting' with Chelsea, then goof off for awhile. Jen excuses herself to go and talk to Eliot about our plans. Jake and Nestalia are barricaded in their suite. I know I am both shocked and amazed. Dakota takes Bethany on a training run to test her control. Now is my chance.

"Edward," I say to get his attention.

"Yes?" he looks at me.

"No means no," I say. The whole Cullen family is looking at me now.

"I know, we are just working on building a friendship for now," he answers.

"No, I'm talking about the mission," I persist, this is important. Understanding dawns on every vampire's face.

"Okay…" Edward sounds uncertain.

"I mean it. You need to stay here. There will be no following us," I continue.

"I understand," he says, but he looks like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Don't worry, Bella. We'll make sure he stays here," Carlisle assures me.

"Yeah, he won't mess this up for you guys," Alice sounds confident.

Later that night, Dakota and I head out the door. Jen and Eliot are waiting for us at the tree line. We all move quietly and in tandem. It's kind of cool to watch a bit when we are working with someone that knows us well, verbal communication in not needed. Okay, verbal communication is never needed between witches. But we have all worked together, even with Eliot joining us often, so long that we anticipate changes in position and compensate without the need to break the silence. I breathe a sigh of relief when we get there with no Edward following us. We get into our positions and wait for Chelsea to show up.

Chelsea has not one, not two, but four members of the Elite Guard with her. They are all minor players and one distinctly looks like he is about to wet himself. Dakota makes his shoe untie itself. It's a little juvenile, but usually effective, trick. He falls behind. Dakota takes off his head first, to keep him quiet, the dices him up and burns the pieces in pink flames. Chelsea notices the absence and sends two other of the Guard members to find him.

Eliot smiles as he draws his sword. In one, circular swing he decapitates both of the guards and lands on the ground between the two bodies. He makes short work of the bodies and sets his own fire of emerald flames. Chelsea now understands what is going on. Too bad it's way too late for her to do anything about it. Jen encircles the two remaining vampires in violet flames. We both jump into the circle. The poor minion tries to make a run for it. He ends up screaming in agony while he burns alive in the enchanted fire. Chelsea looks at us in fear. We stare her down. Then, she tries to bargain.

"If I dissolve all bonds to the Volturi, will you let me live? I can make every vampire in the world loyal to you," She tries to entice us.

"If you are alive, then you are a threat," Jen informs her.

"You chose your side and then took that choice away from others," I add.

I unsheathe my sword. Chelsea takes a step back. The first things that she loses are her legs. I carve up her torso a bit. Her head rolls across the ground after I separate it from what's left of her body. Jen and I pile the pieces and I send it all up in blue flames. Eliot and Dakota join us. We all head to the safe house. This mission went off smoothly, I have to say. If only every mission went so well. Unfortunately, this one is the exception.

"Did it go well?" Nestalia asks when we arrive back at the house. Everyone is with her on the front steps, waiting for our answer.

"It went well," Jen answers.

"Thank you for asking," I add with a grin.

"Oh, and be prepared, everyone, Sarah will be joining us in the morning," Dakota throws over her shoulder as she heads to her suite.