My thanks to Aussie Royal for (always) helping me with my mental blocks, and for co-writing Antara and giving her the edge I seem unable to! You are a star Jinxy – thank you.

And Anagnophile – without her my punctuation would serious suffer! Thanks also for your comments, always appreciated.

And finally thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this story – I appreciate the reviews like you wouldn't believe, so thank you.

Chapter 89 – Stratagem

By the look on her face, I was in trouble.

Deep trouble.

"Alice."

As soon as her name left my lips, I noticed her eyes boring into me, their colour an inky black I was not familiar with.

Yes, I was in serious trouble.

"Ali- "

"What could you possibly be thinking!" she roared, as she suddenly appeared in front of me, her face contorted with rage. Her eyes continued to glare, making me flinch slightly.

"Alice I never inten-"

"I saw him... with you!" she growled, not waiting to hear my explanation. "You... you took his hand!"

I remained rooted to the spot, unsure on how to proceed as I watched Alice start to tremble with what could only be described as pure fury. Slowly, I took a hesitant step forward, my hand reaching out to take hers, but she stepped away from me, her pitch black eyes seemingly pained as she watched my hand drop to my side. I had grown accustomed to the honey glow of her eyes. They had always comforted me, reminding me of the sweet and viscid fluid produced by bees from nectar, but now they were the colour of a moonless night.

I hated seeing her this way.

"Bella... what were you thinking?" she repeated, her tone now defeated as her whole body seemed to slump.

"Alice, I never intended to meet him alone, but when I got to Charlie's… I found a rose and a note..." As my voice trailed off Alice seemed to relax, but only a little, her eyes taking on a lighter tone.

"I didn't see that," she replied regretfully, her voice hoarse. I stepped forward and reached out for her hand again cautiously, her eyes following my movement.

"Alice, you can't be expected to see everything," I answered truthfully, as she tilted her head, her eyes still on mine.

"Perhaps," she answered, as her delicate hand took my own. I was conscious her fingers were merely resting in mine. I gave them a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

"Please don't be angry with me," I whispered. Alice immediately removed her hand.

"Isabella Swan, you will not get out of it that easily," she replied. As I glanced at my now empty hand, I realised she was serious and still very much annoyed with me.

"If I didn't meet him, he was going to hurt Charlie. He somehow knew the wolves were not in the vicinity to detect his presence. I won't allow anything to happen to my father." As I finished, Alice growled.

"At what risk, Isabella?" Before I could reply, her gaze was back on my own, penetrating. "And I won't allow anything to happen to you, either!" she hissed, her eyes returning to their original black.

"Alice, I'm not human anymore. I can look after myself," I replied a little indignantly.

Alice shook her head. "You may be a vampire Bella, and you may be strong, but you are still coming to terms with your transformation. We have no idea how long Reuben has been a vampire, nor do we know anything about his fighting experience… experience that you are lacking!"

Before she could finish, I found myself smiling, to Alice's annoyance. I watched as she placed her hands on her hips, a flash of irritation spreading across her beautiful face.

"I'm glad someone finds this amusing, because I sure as hell don't," she continued, as I shook my head.

"Alice, I'm not being flippant. Please, let me explain?" I asked, as I held out my hand once more as a peace offering. Alice's eyes flickered to my hand, before resting back on my face.

"He could have hurt you," she replied, her voice low as I reached out and took her hand in mine. "He could have killed you, and I wasn't there to protect you," she continued, as I cupped her cheek.

"Alice, Reuben isn't as strong as we all thought he was. Not based on what I saw."

A frown immediately appeared across her face.

"Let me explain on our way back?" I suggested, as she raised an eyebrow.

"I'm still mad at you," she pouted, as I smiled.

"So you wouldn't have met Reuben on your own if he threatened my life when I was a human?" I asked gently, as she pouted again.

"I wouldn't have left your side!" she exclaimed.

I pulled her close, linking my arm through hers. "Ah, but that wasn't the question I asked, now was it?" I replied cheekily as Alice continued to pout. I pulled at her arm, but she held her stance. Glancing at her, I raised my eyebrow questioningly

"Bella, please, don't ever do that again."

I nodded. "Alice, I promise, I won't."

That seemed to satisfy her, and we slowly walked back towards the house as I explained everything that had happened: how I had found the rose and the note, how I had suggested Charlie go on an extended fishing trip with Billy… and how I had witnessed Reuben's past.

"So he was left heartbroken, and killed the object of his desire when she found another?"

I nodded as we approached the house. "Yes, he has mentioned Anne before… now we know who she is," I replied, as Alice suddenly stopped.

"What is it, Alice?"

Alice had developed an uncharacteristic frown as she glanced behind her, and then back to me.

"He knows about your gift. He knows what you did," she stated, as I slowly nodded.

"He tried to release himself from my grip, but the more he tried, the harder it became. I know new borns are strong Alice, but when I go into my trance, I seem to get stronger. He couldn't move until I finally let go."

Alice bit at her lip, a sign she was thinking. "We need to tell Carlisle what you saw, all of it."

I nodded in agreement as the front door to the house opened. It was Jake. I quickly looked at Alice.

"I don't want Jake knowing anything until we've spoken to Carlisle."

Alice quickly nodded as Jake arrived at our side. He seemed to be limping slightly.

"Are you okay, Jake?" I asked, as my eyes darted to his leg. Jake folded his arms across his chest.

"Why wouldn't I be ok?" he asked, as Alice laughed softly beside me.

"Because you're limping," she replied.

Jake shook his head. "I'm fine. How is Charlie?"

I found myself smiling. "It's okay, Jake, we won't tell Antara she hurt you," I answered, my smile widening as he rolled his eyes.

"She didn't hurt me. I told you, I am perfectly fine. I've just been explaining to Jasper how our transformation works, and how we hunt as a pack. He's using that information to help combine our skills."

I nodded again as Alice unhooked her arm from mine. "Jasper knows what he is doing, and I think it's only fair we credit Antara also. She…"

Before Alice could finish, Jake started to laugh. "Credit her? That egotistical, opinionated, conceited…"

"I think you mean amazing, modest and confident, Jake."

Jake turned suddenly to find Antara standing behind him. I had sensed her presence. Jake clearly hadn't.

"Whatever, Antara," he spat as he looked back at me. "My dad has asked if I want to join him and Charlie on a fishing trip."

I immediately looked at Alice, who nodded.

She knew what I was thinking. Billy and Charlie would be safe with Jake…

"I think it's a great idea," I finished, as Jake raised his eyebrow.

"But you need me around," he persisted.

Antara started to laugh. "To do what exactly, pup? Curl up in front of a fire while the big guns take care of things?"

Jake took a step closer to Antara.

"You've gone too far, Antara!" he spat, as Antara took a step closer, bringing them eye to eye.

"Well, someone give the dog a bone! Finally a reaction," she replied as Jake started to shake. Antara noticed and started to grin. "And now we're shaking with fear. Perfect!"

Before I could make any kind of comment, Alice was between them pushing them apart.

"Enough," she hissed, her voice laced with an acidity that meant one thing and one thing only. She meant it.

"Jake, go fishing with your father and Charlie. If we need you, you'll know."

I watched as she poked Jake on the chest, seemingly lightly. He took several steps back from the force.

"Antara, go back inside, we all need to talk."

My head turned as Antara cocked her head to one side before her face broke out into a large grin. "And if I choose not to?" she steadily replied, raising a challenging brow.

Alice didn't seem as shocked by Antara's question as I was, and she smiled softly. "I'll make you."

I watched as Antara looked over Alice, before letting out a rather unladylike snort as her face broke out into a large grin. "Alice, you're kinda hot when you get demanding," she replied as her eyes found mine, adding a wink for good measure.

I smiled as Jake rolled his eyes.

"Okay, Bella, but if you need me, tell Sam."

As Jake walked away, his injured leg seemingly now healed, Antara's voice chimed around the cool breeze.

"Lay your hands on me again, Jacob and I'll make you fly like superman."

Jake continued to walk as Antara flashed a smile in my direction. "So, what have you both been up to?" she asked lightly, as Alice appeared by my side.

"How about we go inside and explain everything?"

For the second time I watched as everyone in the room digested a story I had relayed to them.

"You shouldn't have gone alone, Bella." Edward was the first to speak.

I shook my head. "Edward, I did what had to be done."

Edward seemed to grimace before turning to Alice. Within seconds his facial expression altered and he looked back at me.

What had she said in her mind for him to hear?

Before he could continue, Antara interrupted. "You give the word angst a whole new meaning, Eddy. Lighten up, please. You're making me feel depressed."

I couldn't help but smile as Edward sighed.

"We may know more about Reuben now, but he is still dangerous."

Carlisle nodded. "Edward is right, although we now know who Anne is and what drives him to act the way he does. He loved her, and she betrayed him, so he killed her. He has no compassion for females, nor does he feel guilt over what he did."

Now it was my turn to shake my head. "When I witnessed his past, Carlisle, I felt snippets of remorse, pangs of conscience… he battles with voices in his head, and he said as much to me. Yes, he is dangerous, but a small part of him wants it to end, I could sense it."

"We need to end him!" Emmet bellowed. I linked my arm through his.

"I'm not making excuses for him, Emmet. I can't forgive him for what he has done," I answered honestly as Emmet placed his large arm around my shoulders.

"You did the right thing telling Charlie to take his fishing trip, Bella," Esme continued as I nodded slowly.

"I can't have my father placed in any danger," I answered truthfully.

Rosalie looked at Esme and then back to me. "I know Jake will be with them, but perhaps some of us should also keep an eye on them in the background? I don't mind doing it… I need to hunt anyway."

I smiled at Rose. "Thank you, Rosalie. That means a lot to me."

Rosalie returned my smile. "That's what family is for," she answered as Emmet pulled her into his side also, placing his arm around her as he had done with me.

"My two favourite girls finally getting along," he added with a large grin, as Alice pouted.

"What about me?" she asked indignantly, as Emmet winked at her.

"Don't tell the others, Al, but you're my number one."

Rosalie started to laugh as Alice smiled.

Jasper finally spoke. "Jake may be with Charlie and Billy, Bella, but Sam assured me he and his pack are always available if we need them. They're going to scout the area tonight. I suggested Antara, Edward and I join them."

I nodded as Emmet continued, "I'll go with Rosalie to keep an eye on your father."

I nodded my thanks again as I looked at Carlisle.

"I want to scout the area too, Carlisle. I know him… I don't want to be left inside while he is out there."

Carlisle glanced at Alice before nodding. "Okay, Bella. But first, I suggest you and Alice try and piece together the fragments of Reuben's past – you've seen how he was turned and how he lived his life… and you saw his connection to Alice. Perhaps if you fit these various scenes together, it could shed more light. In the meantime, you may have another vision, Alice."

Deep down, I knew Carlisle was right, and although I hated the thought of everyone placing themselves in Reuben's path, a part of me was thankful to have Alice by my side.

Carlisle steadily continued. "I'll go and see Sam, explain the developments."

I watched as Esme linked her arm through his. "I'll come too," she added, and they left together.

"Let's go babysit," Emmet suggested, as I smiled again at both him and Rose.

"I really appreciate this," I whispered, as Emmet twisted his cap so the peak was now facing backwards.

"Our pleasure, Bells. Besides, I'm hungry too… and I love hunting with Rosalie, especially when she gets pissed at me for scaring away her prey."

Rosalie snorted as they both left the room together.

"So, will you two behave while we're gone?" Antara asked lightly, as Alice took my hand.

Had I still been human, my cheeks would have flamed. Thankfully, I no longer had that problem.

"I'm sure we'll manage" Alice answered softly, as Edward walked towards the door.

"Let's go" he suggested, as Jasper followed him.

Antara smirked at us. "Have fun, and don't do anything I wouldn't," she sang, before turning to Jasper. "Then again...I think they'll have more trouble finding something I wouldn't do." She seemed to be thinking rather hard on this as Jasper coughed, snapping her out of her daze.

"Right, sorry!"

"When you've finished daydreaming, Antara?" Edward commented dryly, before walking out of the room.

"Eddy obviously doesn't know the saying: three's a crowd," she whispered.

Edward's voice floated across the room to us. "I heard that!"

Antara rolled her eyes before stalking across the room, dragging a bemused looking Jasper with her. "Lighten up, Eddy. And have fun, girls!"