Chapter Forty Four

Charlie

I really wanted to turn around, go back to the house and help out but I knew I would be more a hindrance than a help with giant bears, oversized wolves and vampires in the mix. It did help me make my mind up though, I couldn't continue in this life knowing about the other world that existed beside ours. I was going to ask Jasper to change me and he and Peter to help me make it safely through the newborn phase and reintegrate into the human world. It seemed to me that the Vampire world was badly in need of policing properly and I hoped they might let me work on that. At the station Eddy was just going off duty and asked if I wanted to get a drink, it was as good a way as any of occupying the time before Bella and the others came to find me. It would also be an ideal opportunity to set the scene for my leaving Forks. Eddy was a good police officer and I might suggest he put in for my job here, I'd write him a glowing reference. He was surprised when I told him I was leaving the town but put it down to losing Bella. Little did he know that I would be joining her when I left.

Peter

We drove to the treaty line where we were met by Sam and Harry along with the rest of the wolf pack. They stood in silence, heads bowed as Billy was carried from our car to the pick up they'd brought with them then Harry came over,

"Thank you for returning Billy to us. Jake told us what happened and I have spoken to Raven's boys, they are understandable upset but we'll keep a close eye on them. What happened to her body?"

"Its back at the house and Esme has given permission for you to collect it from there whenever you are ready."

"Thank you again."

He turned and walked back to the pick up, an arm around Jake who turned and nodded his thanks before climbing into the back with his father's body. As we turned and drove away we heard the howling start, a sound of pain that filled the woods around us.

We drove to the Police station to be told Charlie had gone to Millers Bar with his deputy for a drink so we went on there to collect him. He got up as soon as he saw us and said goodbye to his friend before following me out. The howls could be heard faintly even here in town and he sighed,

"I take it Jake didn't make it?"

"Jake's fine Charlie, the howls are for Billy"

"They killed Billy?"

"No, he died protecting Jake. Bella will tell you all about it"

I didn't feel I could go through it all again, it had hit me much harder than I expected, Billy and Jake had been brave warriors and I had great respect for them.

Charlie

They drove me back to the Cullen house in silence and I knew whatever had happened it had affected him deeply, Peter was never this quiet, not since I'd first met him. Bella came running out to greet me and I lifted her up in my arms,

"I'm relieved to see you are OK. What about Jasper?"

"He lost an arm but its healing now"

That stopped me in my tracks but I guessed there was a lot about vampires I didn't yet know.

"I've decided to go back to Italy with you, I have an idea I'd like to propose to the Volturi."

She smiled,

"Good, I've missed you so much. I'm not sure what mum will say though."

I groaned,

"I'd forgotten about Renee, well life will certainly be interesting."

Bella

We delayed our return to attend Billy's funeral, Harry giving us permission to enter the Reservation for the ceremony. The whole tribe were there, the wolf pack acting as pall bearers from the small chapel to the burial ground. The service was short and Jake stood dry-eyed holding hands with Angela as Billy's body was lowered into the grave before walking forward to drop a handful of earth on the coffin. He walked round the grave to speak to us as the rest of the wolves followed his action.

"Thanks for coming Bella, Jasper. Its going to be strange without my dad."

"I understand you are now an Elder."

He nodded at Jaspers question,

"Yes, and the treaty still holds, Billy would have wanted that."

As they left I caught Angela's arm,

"Could I speak to you for just a minute?"

She looked at Jake who nodded and walked over to Harry and Sue.

"Are you and Jake still planning on getting married in the summer?"

She smiled a little sadly and nodded,

"Yes, although without Billy it will be a sad occasion."

"Don't let his death spoil it for you. He wouldn't have wanted that, he'd be happy because Jake found his mate. Don't forget our invitation, provided Harry and the wolf pack agree to our coming."

"I don't think there will be a problem, they respect what you did. Are you going now?"

"Yes. I can't be seen in Forks, too many questions. By the way, where are your parents?"

"We didn't think it would be a good idea, they might see something they shouldn't"

She gestured over my shoulder and I turned to see the wolf pack phasing to circle the grave. They stood heads bowed for a few seconds then the howling sounded again but this time it didn't sound mournful so much as a farewell.

"I see what you mean. Take care Angie and be happy"

"I will. You too Bella"

We hugged then she returned to Jake's side while I rejoined our party who were ready to leave.

Charlie

We left the Res as the sun went down and I knew I'd probable never see the town of my birth again. I was starting on a new life, a new adventure, that promised to be different to say the least. At the airport the guys went to drop the cars off while I went in with Bella and Charlotte to book in for the flight. Bella smiled as she saw a huge guy standing just inside the terminal waiting, apparently for our party.

"Felix. Where's mum?"

"Renee is recovering from her...slight illness"

Bella smiled,

"So she's got you running errands for her?"

"Renee is quite forceful on occasion."

I laughed at that, realizing who this was,

"You can say that again"

He looked over at me then nodded,

"You must be Charlie. I've heard about you"

"If it came from Renee it was all bad I don't doubt."

"Well not all. The Volturi jet is at your disposal."

Bella

I knew from what Felix said that Renee had been transformed, so she'd found her true mate and a world she would probably feel happier in. The jet was a nice touch but how did she know we were leaving now? I touched Felix on the shoulder as we walked through to the private area of the terminal and he turned,

"How did Renee know when we'd want the jet or have you been hanging around waiting for us?"

He shot a look at Jasper before answering,

"We were told."

Jaspers face went hard,

"Told? By Alice Cullen?"

"I believe so."

So, it wasn't over yet, as he had said.