~Thanks so much my dear readers. I have been writing the days away basically, but remembered I wasn't posting. Thought you might appreciate a long chapter. Lots going on. Sometimes, I hold my fingers over the keyboard and sprinkle hints. I love good guesses if you have any about some of the backstories.

"Stay" by Rihanna was my musical inspiration for this chapter.

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

"Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving."

Chapter 43: Silence is Deafening

Bella woke up to a stillness she wasn't expecting. Her son was nuzzled against her left side. She remembered he'd squirmed in his sleeping spot sometime in the night, so she pulled him next to her since it seemed everyone was finally sleeping. He briefly nursed then went back to sleep. Rachel had her arm linked with Bella's on the other side. They'd whispered and cried to each other for what seemed like hours before surrendering to some type of restless sleep. Faint circles of light shone through the blinds and sheers that covered the front windows. She knew the sun wasn't high in the sky, that the trees were blocking most of the light or else the room would be filled with daylight. It was the break of dawn and inside the house, all were safe.

She couldn't stand the silence. Last night had been filled with the sounds of a violent storm, crying mothers and children in anguish, now there was nothing but the sound of her own breathing. Bella carefully released Rachel and pulled herself off the floor. Atticus missed the warmth of her body and lifted his head. She grabbed her phone from under the pillow as she scooped him up to tip-toe past a sea of bodies to a chair that they'd pushed out of the way.

She sat there calmly and quietly to feed her son. There was nothing on her phone. She saw service had returned, but there wasn't a single text or voice mail. She had no idea what happened to the pack or what possibly was still happening. The reality that no crazed vampires busted down the doors and ripped her away from her family was the only thing that gave her hope. They hadn't gotten past the pack which to her meant their side won. She had to have faith the guys were all okay.

Atticus continued eating his normal amount of time, before squirming to a seated position to give his mother one of his big gummy grins. She wiped a trail of milk from the corner of his mouth and he burped loudly. The memory of the distress he felt was obviously erased as far as he was concerned and for that she was very thankful. Bella kissed his forehead and whispered her love to him. She had to try to make some calls, but she knew none of the guys would have their phones on them. She could try Edward again. It was concerning even he hadn't attempted contact. As soon as she stood up to try and start coffee, Sue came out of the room looking frazzled. She was holding her phone between her fingers.

"Who's on the phone?"

"I have to go, they're all headed to my place."

Bella grabbed her. "Sue, who called you?"

All heads popped up around the room. Everyone was anxious to hear word. The other ladies were just like Bella. They all wanted to know who called, what was going on at Sue's.

Sue looked at Barry who sat up, wiping the sleep out of his eyes. "How's your stomach?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, how are you in an emergency? I need an extra pair of strong hands. What do you drive?"

"An SUV."

"Good, come on, we'll take your car. There are trees down all over the place, we might have to take it off-road some. Charlie's coming with a crew this way as soon as he can get through."

Bella was completely rattled. Sue had heard from Charlie and someone from the pack. She handed the baby to Rachel. "I'm coming with you."

"No, Jacob said all of you need to stay here."

"Sue, seriously, you spoke to Jacob but didn't let me talk to him! What the hell is going on? I need to be there."

Of course, Kim, Rachel, Emily and even Amelia agreed.

"No, there are multiple injuries, the children don't need to be around such things. You are mothers, stay with your children. That's what Jacob said is best and I agree, so come on Mr. Van Pelt, we need to get moving. My children need me as well."

Bella felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Jacob had access to a phone, but he called Sue? Of course, she knew that made sense if Sue was a nurse, but why not ask to speak to her next? What the hell was going on? No one had any sort of messages from their mates. She wasn't the only one in the dark. Everyone started moving around trying to act normal. Emily was the first to suggest they get some breakfast started so the kids would be taken care of and not be worried. Bella knocked on Billy's door. He told her just a minute. She waited at least five minutes pacing in front of his door. He tried to make an exit but she was blocking his way.

"You heard from him too, didn't you?"

"He has work to do, so knowing that you and his son are safe assures he gets the rest accomplished."

She was getting the message loud and clear, Jacob wanted her to stay at the house, but they all deserved more news than 'there are injuries.' That could mean a host of things. The little girls were happily entertaining Atticus so Bella made herself useful in the kitchen. At least an hour or more passed after cooking and cleaning up from breakfast. Finally, as always, she could count on Barry. He texted.

Crash course as an EMT, but at least these guys heal up quickly. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. The big guy gave me permission to send out an update. Gather the spouses.

Bella yelled. "Over here, Barry's telling me the details."

Most important detail: no pack fatalities but I think you knew that. Next would be 17 burned and dismember leeches. Is that what they call them?

"Seventeen?" Someone said in disbelief.

Bella typed in they were all relieved to hear that. She asked what they could do, who was still healing up?

He didn't text back for several minutes. The waiting was excruciating.

The new wolves: one with a broken leg, another with significant lacerations, the other in a very bad mood, but all three outdoors, still unable to change back. Sue shows promise as a vet.

Claire wanted to know which one Zane was, but Barry didn't specify. Emily tried to calm her down.

The next messages came through.

Lots of cuts, bruises, and various broken bones. Sam was one of the worst cases.

Emily practically snatched the phone away. She was extremely worried until Barry explained further.

He's strong. I'll give him that. Broken ribs and and serious shoulder/arm injury but that strange blonde doctor fixed him up. He's back outside, taking care of business.

Emily heaved out a sigh of relief. "My Sammy, he's okay." Bella put her arm around her and Emily handed her the phone back.

B. Not supposed to mention this, but your man had a pretty wicked cut on his leg. He was bleeding all over the place, but he's bandaged up now. The doctor insisted he sit still long enough for an IV and antibiotics. He seems fine now except for the foul mood but I'm used to that.

Bella typed out a response. Tell him to call me.

There was one more message that stopped them all in their tracks. They thought the pack was on the mend and nothing was serious.

Only one hasn't woken up, my pretty friend. She took a nasty blow to the head. It's been hours. I'll update you on that as soon as I know something. Did you know she and Embry...

Bella held the phone against her chest, "Leah."

The room got quiet again. Emily was clearly shaken again. "That doesn't sound good."

Rachel added, "What did he mean about Leah and Embry?"

Bella didn't answer but she couldn't hide it. The look was written all over her face.

Kim said it first, "It's Leah, that's who he's been sneaking around with. How did we all miss that? Why were they being so secretive? It's a good thing, right?"

"Poor Leah... poor Emb. She's going to be fine, she has to be."

Bella needed to see her. The longer Leah went without waking up, the more critical the situation appeared. The rest of the morning they attempted to act as normal as possible for the children's sake. They were fortunate that Rachel had done a big shopping trip Saturday morning so they had plenty of food to last for awhile. Bella suggested making extra. The guys were healing, they'd been out all night fighting and they needed fuel. Sue would probably be staying close to Leah. The others agreed and they got busy doing some batch cooking.

Charlie finally got through the debris covered roads. He had been out most of the night. As the storm rolled in, the calls started pouring in so he went to work. Bella practically launched herself off the porch into her father's arms. She needed someone to hold her and tell her everything was going to be fine. Inside, she felt like it was necessary to be the one taking care of everyone, but outside in her father's arms, she felt like she had permission to accept his comfort. She would always be his little girl.

Bella cried into his shoulder. "I brought this evil to them."

"Stop that right now, Bells. This is beyond your control. What's the alternative, you off alone with no way protect yourself and my grandson?"

"No, I wouldn't risk my son's life, but Aro wants me and now this entire reservation could suffer the consequences. How am I supposed to accept that grim reality?"

Her father kissed her forehead and gave her one more squeeze. "It's going to be alright, kiddo. I trust these men, they handled a very dire situation and Leah's going to make a full recovery, I'm sure of it. She's a warrior."

"Have you talked to Sue?"

"Little bit."

"I haven't spoken to Jake."

"Sue says he's fine. I'm sure he's busy."

Bella knew those things but it didn't stop her from wanting to hear that from him... actually, needing was more accurate. Charlie said he really needed to get going, Bella offered to make him a plate of food, but he said the office had gotten food from someplace and he was fine. He told her he'd touch base with her soon. He also mentioned checking in on Renee. She was a bit rattled, said she was exhausted from the day before. The storm kept her up so she was going to take a long nap. Bella wasn't sure what was going to happen next. Her mother was completely in the dark about all the danger lurking around her daughter.

As Charlie was backing out in the big truck he was borrowing from the county, Bella noticed he stopped and then waved before continuing. She stayed on the porch to see what was up. Quil stepped from behind the truck. Bella took off running for him. He picked her up and swung her around.

As soon as Quil put her feet back on the ground, she gave him a quick examination with her eyes. She saw fading marks and dark bruised areas in various places on his torso, face and arms.

"All superficial, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Positive, but I'm starving."

She looped her arm through his and told him he was covered. They had enough food inside to keep the pack stuffed for at least four days. The minute Bella stepped inside with her escort, Claire sprung off the floor and into his arms. Quil held onto her standing for a long time. He took her to the sofa and sat down with her in his lap. She wasn't about to let go of him yet.

"You're all beat up."

"I'm fine Claire-bear."

"What about Zane? Bella's friend said some of the new wolves were hurt."

Bella was behind them but she saw Quil stiffen at the mention of Zane. Of course, there was lots of chatter going around the room. The women were anxious if their significant others were on the way over also. Bella was one of them, but she kept silent how badly she wished for Jacob to walk through that door. She couldn't tear herself away from the conversation between Claire and Quil.

"Answer me, what happened to Zane?"

"No, he's not hurt, but you better listen to me, Zane is extremely volatile. You can't be anywhere near him, not for a long time... maybe ever."

"Ever? Are you nuts?" Claire scooted out of Quil's lap and away from him. "He's my boyfriend!"

"Don't be ridiculous, you're still a kid, too young for boyfriends. The truth is Zane's not a boy anymore because of last night. This isn't up for discussion."

"He's only a year older than me," Claire whined which made her sound exactly like the kid Quil spoke of, but Bella understood her point of view. Claire folded her arms across her chest and pouted, "You're not the boss of me!" Emotions were running high and he wasn't handling it the most delicate way. She decided to intervene.

Bella signaled with her head and eyes. "Could you excuse us for a second, Claire? I have some important things to discuss with Quil."

"Fine, I don't even want to talk to him anymore."

The two of them walked over to the window. "You should cool it, that's not helping."

"What... the truth?"

"I know why it's necessary for the young wolves to be segregated for a certain period of time, but everyone eventually settles down and gains control. Claire has been up half the night, like most of us, worried sick about both of you. You came off rather harsh, don't you think? After all, he truly is only fourteen."

"Bella, the number doesn't matter, he's a wolf now and that means he's far too mature for Claire. He's pretty damn volatile, one of the worst I've witnessed. Half the marks you see on me were made by him, not the leeches. That's the facts and I'm sorry about hurting a little girl's feelings but I will do whatever I need to do with regards to her protection. That comes first before anything else in my life."

Quil was acting different. Bella knew this was a serious, tense situation, but she saw a certain hardness in his demeanor that had never been there before. Emily and Kim were trying to calm the young girl down. Quil's words didn't sit well with her and instead of being extremely relieved her Quil was safe and sound, Claire was shooting daggers across the room at him. The tender heart of a teenage girl was a complicated dwelling. Bella told Quil to get some food and hopefully everyone would calm down soon enough.

Her place at the window allowed her to be the first to see the others. Paul and Jared were approaching the house. Kim and Rachel took off running before she gave them the heads up. That's how it went for Bella the next couple of hours, a few would show up to meet their wives and check on their children. They were taking turns with a quick visit and for some much needed food to ensure their strength and recuperation. Seth's stay was the briefest to check in with Amelia. He wanted to get back to Leah, there hadn't been much change. Carlisle said her vitals were stable but they were waiting for her to regain consciousness. By the middle of the afternoon, every single one of them but Jacob had shown up, a little worse for wear but in fairly good shape. Sam still held his arm in a sling. He assured Emily the sling would be gone by nightfall. Even Barry and Collin stopped by looking cozy and a bit relieved to have each other on such a tumultuous day.

They were all fairly tight-lipped about their ordeal with Aro's group. Frankly, she had enough of the secrecy and she was starting to get irked that Jacob still hadn't made contact with her personally. Atticus had taken a lengthy nap and everyone had plenty going on, so Bella didn't feel like asking any of them to watch him. She gathered a few necessities and got her son situated in his carseat. By God, if Jacob wouldn't come see her, she was going to find him.

Billy intercepted her at the door. "Where do you think you're going, honey? Jake wanted you all to stay here today."

"Guess what? If that's true, then he can tell me himself. I need to see him."

"You know he'd be here if he could."

She wanted to believe that but as the hours ticked by, she wasn't so sure that was a completely truthful statement. If she didn't know better, he was deliberately avoiding her and it was making her crazy.

"Let me call over at Sue's."

"No, Billy, someone is out there and will follow me, we're fine. It's only a few miles. I also need to see Leah. I'm going and no one can stop me."

Bella got to Sue's minutes later. She didn't have any trouble but she passed several work trucks along the way. They were all lucky they had power. There was damage to some of the lines. She was in the process of unbuckling Atticus when she saw him out of the corner of her eye.

"Look, baby. There's your father, all in one piece, thank goodness."

She expected a joyful reunion but instead Jacob emitted a certain pissed off vibe that put her in a similar mood. He limped towards them. "You need to buckle him right back up and go back to Dad's. I said for you to stay put, but like always- you don't listen."

"What's that supposed to mean? I've been frantic, Jake. You let everyone else have a turn but you never showed. Hell, you can't even call me but your dad's heard from you multiple times. How do you think that made me feel?"

"You knew I was fine."

"No, I heard you were fine, but I wanted to see with my own eyes like all the rest of them." She looked down at the bandages that covered one thigh completely. "How bad is that cut?"

"The cut's healed. I'm only keeping this on because I haven't had time to remove it."

"If Carlisle bandaged it so heavily, I'm sure it's there for a reason. You should leave it until the end of the day at least and I'm not leaving until I see Leah."

"Leah's going to wake up. I'm sure of it."

"I know, but I want to sit with her." He avoided eye contact with her. It was like he was a completely different person. This was the cold, detached Jacob that she'd witnessed a few times and never much cared for. "Why are you acting like this? Don't shut me out."

Instead of saying anything, he turned around and started walking away from her. Bella held their son tight against her hip and stomped ahead to catch up to him. She reached for his arm and he stilled but didn't look at her. "Stop being like this. I know you're swamped with duties. I understand, but can you at least hold me for a second, give your son a kiss, anything. I can't stand this, Jacob."

He slowly rotated, first he leaned over and patted Atticus's head. He kissed him and said, "Daddy loves you, buddy." Bella got a small, quick squeeze from him but it wasn't holding by any means. "Fine, go see Leah and then go back, please."

It was getting harder and harder to believe they were the same two people completely consumed with love and passion for one another less than 24 hours before. She felt like another crater had opened up in the ground between them and she needed to find a way to start filling it back up because she was not suffering that type of distance with him again. Bella also needed some answers.

"That's it? That's all you have to say to me?"

"You don't wanna hear what I have to say and since the kid's here I'm trying to keep my cool."

"So, you've changed your mind. They came and now you know I'm not worth this much trouble. I put everyone's life at risk."

"Are you fucking kidding me with that shit?"

"No, because I don't know what else it could be that got you so angry with me."

"You don't know... "

"No, I don't."

"You tried to leave. I said stay put, Bells. You ignored me. Jared replayed the conversation with Rach soon after it happened. I had to think about you out in the storm all alone, exposing yourself to danger. At the same time, we were in the fight of our lives and we were losing. I can't afford those types of distractions even for a split second. Thirteen lives depend on me to protect and lead them. If you sustain harm or worse, then I'm useless. I wouldn't be able to go on and they'd all fall. I know that wasn't your intention, but that's how it could've gone last night and excuse me if I'm having a little trouble sorting that out in my brain right now."

She pulled his hand and he followed her to the steps in front of Sue's house. "I'm sorry, but there were extenuating circumstances. The boys... they were all in trouble. I helped them. Didn't Jared show you that part as well?"

"Yes, I saw Ryder."

"Okay, imagine Sage in a similar place... your son too."

"Are you telling me Ace was like that? He's a baby."

"Not exactly but he was in extreme distress and uncomfortable for several minutes. I got to him immediately and then to Sage. Time was crucial, the longer it went on, the worse it got. I was going to help Sam and Emily's son and I'm glad Jared was able to bring him to me instead, but if he hadn't, I would've gone. I don't regret any of my decisions last night."

Jacob propped his elbows on his legs, she saw him wince when he touched the left one. He was such a liar. That wound was still healing which meant it was much worse than he let on. He held his face in his hands. She heard him choking up. "I can't protect you."

Bella balanced Atticus on her lap and snaked her arm around Jacob. "What are you talking about? Of course, you can. You did. They were all destroyed. Aro tested you and now he'll find out, he can't win."

"Bells, didn't you hear me? We were losing even before all seventeen showed up and I'm not completely sure there weren't more but they retreated to regroup and plan on coming back for another sneak attack which is one of the reasons, I don't want you out and about."

"Oh."

"Yeah, your damn right, 'oh,' this isn't over. That's it. No one leaves the reservation. I sent some of the guys to Charlie's for your things, even he's moving here with Sue for now. Brady is on the way for Renee too."

"What? My mom is going to freak out. I need to talk to her first."

"Of course, I know she isn't the ideal person to share the secret with but we have no choice. Remember what that fucker, James did to you? You think these Volturi bastards won't use people you love to get to you? I'm sure they'll go to any lengths."

"Don't worry, you have my word I'll do whatever you say from here on out and I'll handle my mother. Her safety is more important than one of her episodes. I'll make her understand."

He gave her a strange look of disbelief. "Oh, so now I have your word you'll listen and do what I say?"

"Of course, I understand about the reservation, but it's not like I'm indefinitely under house arrest. We still have lives to lead. They can't take that away from us. I won't raise our family in a glass house. I trust the pack."

"If you're inadvertently comparing me to the bloodsucker, I don't appreciate it. I'm not going to lock you in a tower but for now, we need to be extra cautious."

"I wasn't, Jake. You know there's no comparison. Why even bring Edward up?"

"You called him."

"Yes, I didn't know what else to do."

"It worked. Like I said, we were losing, until Edward and the Cullens got there. The mind reading gave us an upper hand as well as Jasper and his extensive battle experience. Things changed after their arrival. We've worked with them before and this time, we were even better as a unit."

"So I don't always make poor choices?"

"I never said you did, quit putting words in my mouth. Do you know how tough it is for me to admit we need Edward? I don't want to rely on them but I have to."

"Jake, I know it goes against your nature to partner with them but the Cullens are unique. I believe they are our allies from here on out, even Edward. He said you were my pack last night. I think he finally gets it. You're too hard on yourself, as usual. I still feel safe with you and the guys. I trust you always."

Atticus grabbed hold of Jacob's finger like he agreed with her. He shook his hand in unison with his.

Jacob carried so many heavy burdens. Bella was sure they'd only scratched the surface of what all was bothering him at the moment. "What if he sends 30 next time or 40 or 50, then what?"

"Aro is borderline insane, but his power means everything to him, I doubt he'll risk his entire stronghold for one insignificant human girl in America. Hopefully, this convinced him to give it a rest."

"You're not insignificant. Carlisle has a theory. He wants to meet with us soon when everything settles down. I told him we'd make it happen, but who knows when this will calm down. I have my hand's full with these pups. I called in to Ashely with the craziest, most contagious disease Dr. Fang could think up. He's writing me an excuse to be out of work at least two weeks."

"I'm sure it must be so confusing for all of them and hard on the rest of you. Quil doesn't seem to be handling the Zane thing well at all."

"You have no fucking idea. I need a watch on Quil. He's acting like a damn fool."

"Do you think we've all misinterpreted his imprint with Claire and it's not so different than all the others. I know he's completely respectful of her age for now, but I sensed true jealousy there. It wasn't like him."

Jacob said he didn't know anymore, but since Zane was in the dark about the wolves and now he knew all about the imprint, he wasn't happy to hear the extent of Quil and Claire's connection. "As soon as things settled down a bit at Sue's, he got hostile out back, called Quil a bunch of unflattering things in his mind, including pervy old uncle. That set Quil's wolf off, then both of them started a brutal fight despite we'd all been up all night fighting the real enemy. The pack is a brotherhood and I think we're a long way from those two behaving like brothers. Jared and Brady had to get involved to separate them. As you can imagine, I don't need this kind of distraction."

"So much to think about, but other than that drama, how are the three new ones?"

"Fucking scared out of their minds and I don't blame them. I had to put pups into battle last night. I had no choice. It's never been done. Canyon wasn't even ready in my opinion and can you imagine phasing and then seconds later, real death on legs is chasing you down with those creepy, blood-red eyes? I'm surprised they all escaped with minimal damage. It wasn't something I wanted on my conscience but I had about three seconds to weigh the decision. I needed the numbers. Bella leaned into him, by that time their son was reaching for his father to hold him so she passed him over and wrapped her arms around Jake's bulky torso. She cried against his heated skin.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't meant to scare you or put anyone in more danger, but you need to trust my instincts like I trust yours. Those boys were my sole priority at the beginning of the situation. I had to help them."

"I know, Bells but you know I don't like to feel out of control." He kissed her on the side of her hair. "I'm sorry I was a jerk. I missed you all day. I wanted to see you but I was trying to calm down. I love you so much, honey."

She lifted up so she could kiss him on the mouth.

"I love you too."

Jacob said he was going to be scarce for several days.

Bella argued he still needed food and rest. "Make a schedule, take turns. Don't burn yourself out because we need to see you and you have to take breaks."

"I'll try. I really need to go now but I'd like to take you in to see Lee. Then I'm putting you back in the car and watching you leave with my own eyes."

She stood up and followed him inside. Bella's eyes scanned the room. It still had all the signs of being a makeshift emergency room: bandages, medical supplies, IV bags and bloody towels were strewn about. She stared at a bag of actual blood that was almost drained completely. Jacob looked at her studying that particular area of the room. He stepped in front of her and put his arm on her back to keep her moving. She realized he didn't want her to focus of the carnage and why did she have the sinking suspicion he was the one that needed a unit of blood?

They found Sue and Embry at Leah's side. She said Carlisle promised to be back within the hour for a new assessment. He was doing research on some possible drug protocols. Leah looked peaceful, like she was sleeping, except for the white bandage that wrapped around her entire head. That was the only clue she was injured severely. Little bits of dried blood were at the bottom edge smudged across her forehead.

Jacob told them Bella wanted to sit a minute and maybe they could use a break to stretch or get a drink. He offered to carry Ace with him but she kept him on her lap and told him he was fine. He was too young to know what was going on. The older kids would all be frightened to see Leah that way. Bella took her hand and held it while she spoke to her. She always heard unconscious people might be able to hear things so she talked like normal to her.

At the end, she got a little emotional, "Please wake up Leah. The rumors are already circulating. Everyone knows Embry's sweet on you. It's too obvious now to hide, he hasn't left your side. I think he loves you to tell you the truth. Why don't you wake up and tell me what you think about that? I know you always have opinions."

Bella gently kissed the top of Leah's hand. Atticus loved grabbing onto fingers so when she moved her hand closer, he reached over and grabbed on like normal.

"That's it. See Ace is sending you his love too. He says, wake up just like all of us."

Bella didn't want to overstay, but her son was certainly attached to Leah's finger. She had to pry off his little fist away. Gosh, this boy was strong. He was going to be just like his father. She noted he had a very serious look on his face but finally released his grip. Bella was just about to say her final good bye and let Sue and Embry back in when Leah's lids fluttered.

"Emb..." came out like a moan.

Bella practically shouted to everyone outside the room, "She's awake!"

As luck would have it, Carlisle had just returned and was rushing to get in there quickly to assess her. He came out ten short minutes later and said he saw no signs of lasting damage. "She said she's hungry."

They all had good laugh which felt nice to be able to do so soon after the most harrowing experience any of them had ever experienced.

Jacob escorted them to the car, Bella handed him a bag of food she had in the passenger seat. He cupped her face in his hand. "It's not going to be easy watching you drive away, knowing I have no idea when I'll have time alone with you again."

"I'm here, Jake. We'll get back that special moment again soon. I have faith, so you should too. You're over being mad at me, right?"

"Honey, it's not exactly like that. I'm not ready to talk about all that happened the past few hours and I can't say with certainty I'll ever be over it. I might need a little more time, but I love you so much. It actually hurts to be away."

He leaned in the window to give her a parting kiss. Bella understood why he treated her the way he did earlier. Jacob wasn't used to being scared but she saw it in his eyes, he was still very afraid. Even though she meant it, that she trusted them, Bella was just as afraid, maybe more. After all, she'd met Aro in person and he was still the star of all her nightmares.

~Thanks for reading.

Thoughts, comments, questions... I'm eager for all those things.