Chapter Fifty Five

Carlisle

Jasper was deadly serious and I stepped aside watched by Carmen and Eleazer while Tanya walked to Jasper's side, Charlie still peacefully unconscious in her arms.

"Why aren't they threatening us?"

I was as puzzled as Tanya but Jasper ignored the question and stepped out of the door onto the top step. I tensed expecting at least snarls of warning if not an attack but the wolves continued to sit watching their ears twitching but still otherwise.

"Follow me Tanya, straight to the car. Put Charlie in the back and start the engine. I'll join you as you drive off"

I couldn't see them go alone into such a dangerous situation so I joined Jasper and was relieved to see Eleazer, Alice, and Esme join us leaving only Carmen and Edward inside the house. We walked slowly down the steps expecting violence at any second but the wolves still hadn't moved when we reached the car and Tanya did as instructed.

As she started the engine I slipped in beside Charlie lifting him up to rest his head on my lap and Alice joined us while Jasper slipped cautiously into the passenger seat and then she took off speeding down the driveway but as I peered out the back window I could see the wolves now standing up and trotting into the trees away from the house.

"Would someone please explain what happened back there?"

"I used my gift to pacify them, it won't wear off for a while, they'll just be groggy that's all. It was better than killing them, after all Tanya did break the treaty but I think you should tell the others to get out now, while they still can. They should probably get right away from Forks, go to Port Angeles or Seattle. If they stay they might well be attacked later"

Carlisle wrestled his phone out of his pocket and rang Esme explaining the situation. She agreed to return to Denali with Edward and the others, at least she would be safe there.

When he finished I had another task for him,

"We need a flight to Pisa and one that won't question Charlie in his present state."

Actually Charlie was acting very strange, he appeared asleep not transforming but we didn't have time to worry about that now so I listened as Carlisle spoke to the pilot he chartered from usually and we were in luck, a client had cancelled and he had a vacant slot as a result. We knew he wouldn't ask any questions, he was paid very well not to although I thought he knew enough about the family to decide discretion was the sensible option.

"Why isn't he acting like a normal human in transition Carlisle?"

"I have no idea Tanya maybe its something to do with his gift, but whatever it's a good thing. We couldn't take him with us otherwise."

"Alice he will be OK wont he?"

"Yes Tanya he will, in fact I think he'll wake up on the plane but don't worry he'll be controlled. Charlie's gift is rather powerful, he can protect himself from the horrors of the burn even as its going on. Eleazer was right, Charlie will be invincible, I think Aro and his brothers might just have met their match at last."

I turned to look at her,

"So long as he can get Bella away from the Volturi I'll be happy."

"He will Jazz although as I say Bella will become a vampire, she has to, she is your mate after all."

I nodded but didn't answer her, I wanted Bella by my side for eternity but I wouldn't force her to become a vampire and I wouldn't let anyone else either. How I was going to explain Charlies transformation occupied me the rest of the ride and when I came back from my reverie I saw we were turning into the private jet terminal at Sea Tac.

We had a couple of hours to wait while Jeff did the paperwork and got the plane ready and refuelled but Charlie remained quiet throughout with Tanya his constant attendant. She was mortified at what she had done but it was clear he was her mate from the changes in her. She didn't look at another male, even though we were surrounded by ground crew, refuelling crews and various other males, and that was unheard of. Now she had her man she wasn't interested in any others, not any more. I waited impatiently sitting with Alice and Carlisle who made it quite clear they were coming with us to Italy, which is why Carlisle had told Edward to stay behind and look after Esme. I didn't blame him keeping temptation from Aro, Edward might have been just too much for him to resist.

Once in the air I tried to relax and rang Volterra but I wasn't allowed to speak to Bella, only Aro.

"Major, coming back so soon?"

"It seems you kept your side of the bargain Aro but we have another problem. Bella's father has been bitten, so he had to leave Forks. I'm bringing him with me"

"Really? Well it will be interesting to meet him but how are you transporting a newborn in a plane? Or a human transforming which would be even worse."

"That's not important but please tell Bella that I'm on my way, as I am unable to speak to her myself. I hope you kept your word Aro."

"Of course Major, Bella is unharmed although we have been speaking to her about becoming one of us and joining the guard, she would be most welcome along with you of course. I wouldn't think of keeping mates apart, that would after all be wrong not to mention against the law. I will make sure she gets your message."

I felt less composed after the call, not more and I knew Aro was putting pressure on Bella, I just hoped she could hold on until I got back.

Aro

So the Major was on his way back already and bringing with him Bella's father. For some reason that made me uneasy, I saw no point to it unless there was a problem with his transformation. Perhaps it was going wrong and he needed our help, now that would be an interesting development. It gave me an idea too and I went to speak to the human girl again, I could possibly use this as leverage or to turn her against her "mate". Bella was in her quarters which we had made sure we're comfortable for a human, luxurious even, and knocked on the door. Of course she was locked in so the knock was purely a courtesy but I waited for her call for me to go in before opening the door. Seeing who her visitor was she began to look nervous.

"Bella my dear, I have spoken to The Major and he asked me to tell you he asked after you."

"What did he say? Is my dad safe? Is he coming back?"

I sighed and shook my head pitching this just right,

"Oh Bella if only I had better news for you."

I wrung my hands looking grave.

"What's happened? Is it my dad? You promised he would be safe"

"Alas I am not responsible for what happened to your father my dear, that lies at another's feet. Your father is in the process of becoming one of us and he is being brought here."

She went ashen with the shock,

"Dad becoming a vampire? Who did it? Who bit my dad?"

I didn't answer her, just continued to stare sympathetically and her eyes widened further,

"Jasper? Are you telling me that Jasper bit my dad? But why?"

I shrugged,

"I'm afraid I have very few facts but perhaps it was done to keep you safe, or the Cullens maybe"

I left her with the thought that her mate had bitten her father and turned him into a vampire. We had some hours before they arrived and I wondered how she would act when she saw him next.