Chapter 19
Alice and Edward sat with Carlisle on top of one of the many mountains of rock that overlooked the beautiful Forks landscape. They discussed what would be the best strategy should the Volturi approach their family. It was no coincidence that they were all lurking about so closely, especially when their true sanctuary was halfway across the world.
"Marcus is going to come back," Alice told them, "I saw it."
"We should start making calls," Edward suggested.
She shook her head, "He's not here to fight. He's here to observe."
"Shouldn't we anyway? In preparation."
"No," Carlisle intervened, "The last thing I want to do right now is go on the aggressor. They may be trying to see how things pan out for us with this situation, if they truly do know the truth."
"I feel like Aro has a bitter taste in his mouth from being shut down last time," Edward said.
Alice disagreed, "I don't think so, Edward. I think for the first time, he felt outmatched. Not by our numbers, but by our own gifts and the loyalty of our family."
"I agree," Carlisle said, "Alice hasn't seen any indications of an attack, and I think the Volturi are starting to feel as though we can certainly hold our own should we have to go up against them. It's risky for them to start picking fights."
"But what if they do."
"I'll let you know." Alice said.
"Well, before you said Aro was going to come here and talk to Carlisle. When is that going to happen?"
"Maybe Aro changed his mind and sent Marcus instead."
"That's what I mean," Edward told her, "We don't know for sure that they won't come here with a battle on their minds."
"Edward," Carlisle looked at his son, "It's not like you to have fighting on your mind like this."
He looked down, reading the rest of Carlisle's thoughts that accompanied his verbal statement, "I've gotten so protective since Renesme's come into the world. I feel responsible to take care of you - all of you. I don't want anything to come between the three of you and all the great things that are to come."
Carlisle put a hand on his shoulder, " I know, son. But fighting isn't the answer. We haven't come this far together by looking for a fight that isn't there."
Edward nodded, "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Thank you for caring so much."
"Maybe if we talk to Marcus, it will keep the rest of them from coming," Alice suggested, "I'd deal with him any day over Jane."
Carlisle nodded, "We're going to have to deal with this eventually. And I agree with that."
"But should we purposely be the ones to begin contact with them?" Edward asked. "Is that smart?"
"They're going to keep coming back," Alice repeated from her original statement, "And right now, I say we take the chance with Marcus. His gift may actually play be a benefit to the situation. Someone like Jane or her brother's could do us harm."
"When is he coming back, Alice?" Carlisle asked.
"Soon. I saw heavy snow in my vision."
"It's supposed to snow on New Year's Eve," Edward told them, " Renesme and I go over the weather every morning."
"That's two days away," Carlisle said, "I'll prepare to talk to Marcus then."
"Should we send Esme and Masen away?" Edward asked.
Alice shook her head, "Marcus has the ability to see the emotional relationships between people. I think it's important that he sees theirs."
"Just because he has the ability, doesn't mean he cares," Edward said sternly.
"Something is going to happen and I can't see it totally clearly," Alice told them, "But whatever it is, Marcus is going to at least understand our side, if not completely empathize with the situation. I think this is going to be a good thing."
Relief filled Carlisle's face, as well as his thoughts. "Thank you, Alice. You're sure it's safe for Esme and Masen?"
She nodded, "Yes. If I had even the slightlest doubt, I wouldn't let any of you near him."
Edward still felt skeptical about the whole thing, but trusted his sister and father with everything he had.
"Let's go fill in everyone else," Carlisle instructed, "We can continue to pull together a strategy from there."
"And keep Rose on a short leash," Edward said to Alice, "You know she's going to fight you on this."
Alice rolled her eyes, " Rosalie will listen to me."
They were about to head back to the house. Alice reached out to Carlisle and gave him a long hug, "You three are going to spend an eternity together."
"Thank you, Alice," he said again, then patted Edward on the back.
"We love you, too Carlisle," Edward said with a smile.
"Stay out of my thoughts," he joked, "They're private."