Chapter Seventeen
Carlisle
Jasper rang with the bad news that Bella had been bitten by Alec and was burning now, he said he was staying to try to protect her from Aro's clutches if possible although I didn't rate his chances very highly knowing my avaricious friend. He promised to ring with more details when she woke up and was then called so cut the conversation short. There was a tone in his voice that I hadn't heard before. He was very concerned for Bella and I wondered if Alice had been right, perhaps Bella was his mate although whether that would help his cause I had no idea. My immediate problem was how much, and when, to tell Charlie. Deciding I needed to talk to someone I rang Billy Black and asked for a meeting. He knew instinctively that I had news and gave me permission to enter the Reservation, Sam would meet us at the treaty line so Emmett and I went alone this time, Rose had gone hunting with Esme and Edward.
Billy
I knew all along that the leeches were involved although I'd believed Carlisle's declaration that he knew nothing about her disappearance but he did now and I wondered what he wanted to talk to us about. I sent Sam and Paul to meet him at the Reservation boundary while Jake and Angela who'd become an almost permanent fixture here during the holidays much to her parents dismay, went to tell Old Quil and Harry about the meeting. By the time Carlisle and his son arrived we were all assembled as before, except for Angela who now knew our secret as Jake's imprint. This was to be her first meeting with the Cullens since discovering they were vampires and I wondered how she would react. As he came in Sam followed leaning uneasily against the wall. He still hated the thought of vampires on the Res.
"Carlisle."
"Billy, thank you for agreeing to see me at such short notice, Quil, Harry"
The others nodded a greeting and I motioned for Carlisle to sit. From his face it was obvious that he had bad news for us.
"I'm afraid I have bad news and I need some advice with you knowing Charlie so much better than me."
"Is Bella dead?"
Carlisle turned to Angela who had asked the question,
"No, she isn't dead but she has been bitten by a vampire and is becoming one herself"
Sam snarled his anger as Jake started to tremble. I held up a hand for quiet and Quil snapped,
"Enough. We will hear Carlisle out."
The two wolves subsided but tremors still shook Jake's frame and Harry moved between him and Angela not wanting any accidents like poor Emily.
"Who is responsible for this Carlisle?"
"The Volturi."
"And what exactly are you doing about it Cullen?"
Sam's voice dripped sarcasm.
"Sam if you cannot control yourself then leave. Dr Cullen came here to tell us not to be insulted."
As Sam subsided once more Carlisle continued,
"Jasper is in Volterra now and trying to help Bella but until she wakes up there is nothing anyone can do."
"Why was she taken?"
"To join the Volturi because they suspect she has a powerful gift."
"What gift?"
Jake's tone was as insulting as Sam's had been and it embarrassed me,
"I won't tell either of you again. While Carlisle is under my roof you will treat him with respect. He had no need to come, to tell us what he has, so no more"
Carlisle
I hadn't expected to be treated so politely especially as my news was so devastating.
"I will have to break the news to Charlie somehow but I wanted your opinion on how much I should tell him"
Jake opened his mouth but on seeing Billys expression closed it again. Angela looked stricken, after all she'd just found out her friend was now a vampire.
"You say you have to break the news to Charlie. You mean to tell him that his daughter is now a vampire?"
"Either that or she's dead but it seems a cruel lie"
"Oh and you think telling him his Daughter is a blood sucking monster is less cruel?"
Old Quil stood up, his eyes flashing and directed a glare at Jake,
"Jacob Black, you embarrass your father and the tribe. If you speak again you will be barred from future council meetings. Apologise to Dr Cullen...Now"
Jake stood up and Angela reached round Harry to put a hand on his arm,
"Very well. I apologise Dr Cullen"
He was interested in hearing the results of the meeting and that out weighed his hatred of me, for now.
Billy
We now had a dilemma and I looked at Old Quil for direction. He remained standing and bowed his head,
"I think until Bella is awake we should keep the secret to ourselves. It would be pointless and cruel to tell Charlie only part of the story. Will Bella be able to see her father again?"
"Yes if she chooses our diet which she will if Jasper is able to help her, but not for some time."
"How long?"
"It varies from person to person. I can tell you more when I hear from Jasper again."
"Do you know how she was taken from the beach undetected?"
"Not yet but I have put some enquiries in motion. When I find out I will pass the information on."
"Thank you Carlisle. Then there is nothing more we can do for now."
Carlisle stood,
"I am very sorry for what has happened, I am very fond of Bella"
"It is not your fault Carlisle although I would be interested to know how the Volturi found out about her possible gift."
I could see from his face that he had hoped to avoid this question but he answered calmly and quietly,
"I'm afraid Edward is responsible for that, although he did not do so with any malice."
"I'll bet"
Angela nudged Jake to quieten him.
"You will contact us again as soon as you have more news?"
"Yes Harry I will, just as soon as Jasper contacts me"
After Carlisle left Jake started,
"They are trouble and that Edward is the worst of the lot. I knew the leeches were responsible for Bella's disappearance"
"Before you go getting all self-satisfied Jacob you should remember that Bella was in your care when she disappeared. I'm sure that distinction hasn't been lost on Charlie"
Jake went silent but continued to tremble slightly as Angela took his hand,
"Jake we should be thinking about what will be best for Charlie, not throwing accusations. It's too late for that."
"Listen to you girlfriend Jake, she speaks with wisdom"
I wasn't convinced Jake could keep quiet until we knew more and shot a glance at Sam. He too was very upset and angry but contained it much better. He knew what I was asking and nodded curtly.
"Jacob, you are not to speak to Charlie about this until the Elders make a decision."
Even I could hear the Alpha male in his voice and Jake threw me a hate filled glance before nodding and walking out, towing Angela behind him.