Chapter One Hundred and One
Emmett
It was good to hear that Bella and Jasper got one over on Aro but I could see Peter wasn't happy about something. When we got back to their place I got him alone and tried to find out what the problem was. We went hunting together and after feeding sat down on a fallen tree to chat.
"So Peter, what's the matter?"
"Matter?"
"Yeah, some thing's eating you."
"Not really. I just think they might have made a mistake upsetting Aro, even if it meant they got an ally in Marcus. He very rarely gets involved in anything, he might just go back to sleep for another century or two and leave them twisting in the wind"
"What about Chelsea? She must be grateful they nominated her?"
"Yeah for now, but people, especially the Volturi have a very short memory when it comes to people who've helped them out."
"You think she might try something?"
"No. But I think she might turn a blind eye if Aro decides he wants his pound of flesh."
"Have you spoken to the others about it?"
"Nope, not yet. I thought I'd let them celebrate for a while first."
Bella
We knew Peter wasn't as happy as he tried to make out but he wasn't talking, not yet, so I tried to get it out of Charlotte,
"I know Peter isn't happy. Can you tell me why Char? I thought he'd be over the moon with the outcome."
"He's worried about Aro."
"Aro, why?"
"Aro doesn't forgive or forget Bella, and you and Jasper made him out to be an idiot in front of the Volturi. That won't go unpunished."
"I think we can look after ourselves Char."
"Yes but what about us and Rose and Em? We don't have your secret weapon."
"I'll always look out for you too."
"Look, I'm not sure we're staying Bella. Peter doesn't like being in one place too long and we've hung around here way too long"
She was telling me they were bailing because they didn't want to be too close when the bomb that Aro was building went off.
Peter
After talking to Em I thought it only fair that I spoke to the Major and explained what we were doing. He was in the house reading and luckily he was alone so I sat down opposite and waited. He read on for a few more pages then put the book down.
"So Peter?"
"We're leaving Major"
"I thought perhaps you might. Care to explain why?"
"Do I have to have a reason?"
"No. I'll be sorry to see you go."
"We need a change of scenery. I thought we might go abroad, Chars always wanted to see Sweden and Norway."
"You can't outrun him"
"Who?"
"I know what you think Peter. You think Aro is planning his revenge"
"Well wouldn't you?"
"Yes but he's very weak just now and he has to be careful of Marcus and Chelsea"
"Aro doesn't give a fuck about them. Marcus is probably back in his stupor and Chelsea will be busy building up her own power base. You my friend are right in Aro's sights."
"And you think you aren't. If you felt that way why did you go with us?"
"I never leave a friend, you know that"
"But you're leaving now"
"That's different. I was happy to help because we had no choice. Now we do. I think its time to cut our losses."
"OK. Good luck and if you find trouble give us a call."
"Yeah, just don't call me if Aro comes. I'm not ready for a return match with him and his little allies."
"Don't worry I won't. Take care and be safe."
I felt a real ass hole when I came out into the yard, I'd only said what I was feeling but it sounded like a cowardly excuse even to myself and he still offered his help if we found trouble. I went to find Char and saw her talking to Bella, she was telling her the same as I'd told him, so I headed upstairs to get our bags. Coming back down I ran into Blondie. She looked at the bags and smiled.
"Leaving Peter?"
"Yeah, an extended vacation"
"I thought better of you, running out, especially on your friends."
"Now you listen to me Super Bitch. I've got my medals standing by the Major and not a few scars too. I'm not fighting any more wars I haven't started, it gets very fucking wearing, believe me. When you've stood shoulder to shoulder with him as long as I have, you can comment. Until then keep your fucking opinions to yourself".
I heard a cough behind me and turned to see Em standing there,
"Peter, you do whatever makes you feel happy but cut out the insults. Rose is entitle to her opinion."
"Em if only you knew. I'm a fighter, you aren't, well maybe the equivalent of a weekend soldier, but take my word for it. You stay, you'll be killed. Jasper's picked a fight with the one man you don't do that with. Aro will get his revenge and it may just be over your rotting corpse, but not mine. My life belongs to me and I've dived in front of the Major enough. You want to stand in my place? Be my guest. Char we're going."
Charlotte
I couldn't leave without speaking to Jasper at least to say goodbye. He was still sitting reading when I went in, just as he had when Peter went to speak to him. He looked up and smiled,
"Come to say goodbye Char?"
"Yeah something like that Major,"
"Look after him, I'd hate him to get into trouble"
"You know he will. He always does. You take care. I'm sorry to leave you like this but where he goes I go"
"I understand. I'll tell you what I told him, if you ever need help just shout."
"Thanks Major. Good luck and watch out for the others, just remember they aren't seasoned soldiers who know how to watch your back"
"Yeah Char I will. I wish you weren't going but I understand"
He picked his book up again and I went out where Peter had the car ready packed to go. Em and Rose watched us drive away, but there was no sign of Bella or The Major.