Chapter 26

They say when it's quiet and calm, that's when you have to worry the most; the 'calm before the storm theory', if you will. Alice hated being the bearer of bad news. She loved how her gift helped everyone out, but hated having to see everyone's faces when she had something edgy or dangerous to say.

Jasper attempted to calm her, but even his emotion altering tactics didn't work as well as they normally did.

"They're coming," Alice told her mate, "Aro, Marcus, Jane, Alec, Felix..."

"What about Demetri and Caius?"

She shook her head, "I don't see them. They must be staying behind to look after their own city."

"When will they arrive?"

"Valentine's Day."

"Fitting."

Alice closed her eyes, visualizing Aro talking with Carlisle. It was identical to her original vision of the two of them talking, but there was still nothing beyond that. She didn't know what would happen next, and it made her anxious.

"Jasper," Alice said frantically, "What if I can't see past Aro grabbing Carlisle's hand because that means we all... die? Or that I die?"

He shook his head and cupped her face with his hands, "It's most likely something to do with the wolves."

"But I asked Jacob to stay out of it."

Jasper smirked, "You know he won't listen."

This time Jasper's antics worked and he successfully brought her wandering thoughts back to a still, concentrated pace.

"Thank you," Alice said, fully meaning it. She looked to Jasper for comfort, pulling him close. "I need to know what's going to happen."

"We've been through this before," he told her reassuringly, "We won't fall if we stand together."

"Some of us could. I saw it last time. In fact, I can't get out of my head the visions of that day."

He kissed her, "This is a new battle. New cards are in place."

Alice composed herself fully, "Well, we prepare again. Since it'll be more than just Marcus, we all need to make our presence known."

"And the wolves?"

"Well, my vision still isn't complete, so if they intend to be useful, we should let them in on our plans."

Jasper nodded. The two of them were close to Quileute land and so decided to talk to the wolves first. Most of their family members were out hunting in their own spaces, anyway.

When they arrived, Alice followed Bella's scent which lead to Jacob's house. She was happy to see her there to pass the information on.

Bella saw the two of them approaching through the screen door in the front of the house. Billy arched his neck, surprised to see them. Although Alice knew they were aware of their presence, she gave a light knock on the door.

Billy was about to wheel over, but Bella offered to get it and let them in.

"Hi, Bella," Alice said, "How are you Billy?"

"I'm doing okay," he answered, "Something tells me that something's not right."

"That obvious, huh?" Jasper said.

"I just don't see you two around these parts much."

Jacob joined the group with Renesme on his back, "What's up?"

"It's Aro," Alice told them all, "He's made up his mind. They're on the way over here."

Jacob's face got stern, and Bella felt the pit of her stomach turn with feelings of dread.

"I can only see up when he actually touches Carlisle's hand," she explained, "Which means that regardless of what I ask of you, the pack will become involved. So basically, I'm here to ask for your help if a fight were to break out."

"Of course," Jacob looked and sounded ready to go.

"No Jake," Renesme squealed.

He looked toward her out of the corner of his eye. Her tiny face peeked over his shoulder, "It'll be ok Ness."

"Why don't you come in the other room with me, Nessy," Billy suggested.

Renesme shook her head. Bella looked at how much older her daughter was beginning to look. She was growing by the day and within a few weeks would probably stop hanging on Jacob's back. Although it would still be a little while, she wondered when her teen years would start to kick in.

"Maybe all of you, and all of us could get together tonight," Alice suggested, "Have another fire or something and really plan this out, because there is a major blind spot in my vision."

Jacob looked at Billy, who gave the okay without saying a word. "Okay," Jacob said, "Come back to the reservation tonight."

Alice and Jasper turned to go.

"Tell Carlisle we'll do anything to help that we can," Billy said to them, "I haven't forgotton how he saved Jacob after that fight with that army of vampires."

Alice flashed a friendly smile at him, "I will tell him, Billy."

Billy smiled back and Alice and Jasper left. "I like that Alice," he told them, "She's a nice kid."

Bella laughed, thinking of how Alice also charmed Charlie. She had a way with buttering up the dads, that was for sure.

"I don't want you guys to fight." Renesme said firmly, "I really don't."

"It'll be fine," Jacob said again.

"We probably won't even have to fight," Bella explained, "It seems like the Volturi just want to talk."

Billy wasn't buying it, "Don't hold your breath."

She looked at Jacob, who gave her a reassuring look, "We'll be there waiting in the wings if they try anything."

"I know. Thanks Jake."

Worry covered Renesme's face. She was starting to fully understand everything that was going on and didn't want to see anyone in their group get hurt. As much as everyone tried reassuring her, the same fearful feeling that lingered in Bella's stomach lingered in Renesme's, as well.