Chapter 18

Carlisle and Esme sat on the couch, both visibly happy. Masen laid in Esme's arms and Carlisle sat up against them with his arm around her shoulders. Over the past few days, Masen had been on same diet as the rest of them, only in smaller portions. Carlisle hunted and brought back plenty for both him, and Esme. He took to it like a human baby would a bottle of milk, or formula. Things seemed to be going smoothy so far, though it had only been a couple of days.

"Okay, my turn," Alice said, almost in the form of a question.

Esme smiled and handed Masen over to Alice. Jasper lingered over her and talked to him in a low baby voice.

"I wonder how fast he's going to age," Esme thought out loud, "If he ages at all."

Carlisle kissed her temple, "Alice saw him at Renesme's age, remember?"

She nodded, "Yeah. I hope it's something similar to Nessy."

Carlisle nibbled on her earlobe and kissed right below it, then whispered, "He's going to be fine," then added, "Mommy."

Esme loved the sound of that and she smiled wide, glancing over at Masen. He was the most beautiful thing she had ever laid eyes on. She never thought she'd say that about anyone but Carlisle, but this was the only exception. She couldn't get the first time she saw his eyes out of her mind. They were warm and kind, just like her husband's were. Just like Edward's, and Alice's.. like all of theirs.

"How do you think he'll possibly be able to grow?" Esme asked, "We don't."

"Unfortunately we'll have to just see what happens," Carlisle told her, "This whole thing is such a mystery to begin with. I'm sure there will be many unanswered questions as we go."

"Okay, Daddy." Esme said.

"I'm starting to really like Jacob," Alice started, "But I can smell him coming from a mile away. That's something I can't get used to."

A minute later, Jacob entered through the door looking out of breath, "Get your game faces on."

"What's wrong?" Jasper asked.

" One of your kind just passed through the reservation."

"Who was it?" Carlisle asked.

"Long haired gentleman," he explained with bitterness in his voice, "Not the lead vampire of the Volturi but one of them."

"Blond hair or dark?" Alice asked.

"Dark."

"Marcus," Carlisle said.

"We strategically placed ourselves in between here and where he was. He knew we would attack so he subtly made his way in the opposite direction.

"Is he gone?" Esme asked.

"For now," Jacob told her, "Sam has the pack on watch."

Carlisle looked at Jasper and Alice's darkening eyes, "You two need to hunt. Do it now so you can get back here."

"Not until Emmett and Edward come back," Alice protested.

"No, go now." Carlisle repeated, "Marcus is gone. We're fine."

"Sam and Leah are close by," Jacob added.

Alice and Jasper exchanged glances and reluctantly agreed to go. Alice handed Masen to Esme, who cuddled him close.

Jacob gave a closed mouth smile, then looked to Carlisle, " We're here for whatever you need us for."

"Thank you, Jacob. We appreciate the information."

"Where are Nessy and the other two?"

"Charlie's."

"I'll go warn them. We'll get someone over there to watch the place, too." He turned to go then looked back, "Are you going to be alright here for a few?"

Carlisle nodded, "Yes. Go tell them. Thanks again for your help."

Jacob headed out of the house and went to Bella's old house. He immediately changed into his wolf form and got to her house within minutes, entering through the front door without knocking. Edward already knew what he was going to say as the name Marcus was repeatedly played in Jacob's mind, as if not to forget the name.

"Let's talk outside," Edward said in a low voice.

"Come on in Jake," Charlie greeted.

"Thanks Charlie, I just have to talk to Edward quick."

The two of them went outside. Bella had a close ear on their conversation, and Charlie and Sue sensed something was off.

"What about Marcus?" Edward asked once they were outside, but knew before Jacob could really get into it.

"What's going on?" Bella joined them on the front step.

"Marcus is in town." Edward said.

"Was." Jacob corrected.

"He'll be back."

"We have people watching over the house - here and with Carlisle and Esme."

"They're planning something." Edward said, then looked at Jacob, "Are you sure it was Marcus and not Aro?"

"Aro's the main guy right?"

Edward nodded.

"No, it wasn't him. It was the other long haired guy. Not the blond."

"Marcus." Edward stated, shaking his head, "They must be taking turns. I wonder if he was planning to attack or just watching."

"I'm sure they know you're all aware," Jacob said, "He knew we were stalking him and decided to leave quietly."

Edward looked uneasy and read Jacob's mind. He nodded in agreement.

Jacob nodded back and disappeared into the trees.

"What?" Bella asked, worried.

"We have to get ready to fight."