As always everything belongs to Stephanie Meyers
18. LESSONS
Driving Bella home there was only silence until we were half way there. I assumed that she would want to join us tonight, but I wish I could convince her stay home and rest instead. This was a touchy subject and I refused to bring it up knowing she would at some point.
"THAT HAD TO BE THE LONGEST PARTY IN THE HISTORY of the world," she complained.
"It's over now," I said, rubbing her arm.
We were at ease that with the wolves on our side, we really had no concerns as of now. Convincing Bella of this was not as easily achieved –she remained anxious. My family attempted to reassure her before we had departed. Alice had patted her head, as Jasper flooded the room with a peaceful feeling. Esme kissed her forehead and promised everything would be all right. Emmett laughed as usual asking why Bella was the only one allowed to fight with werewolves.
Jacob's solution had everyone more relaxed and after long weeks of stress, we were almost delighted. Confidence replaced doubt, ending the party on a true note of celebration. All with the exception of Bella, who remained concerned about the situation.
"You're taking me with you tonight."
"Bella, you're worn out."
"You think I could sleep?"
Wishing she would stay behind and sleep, this was difficult. What we were about to do had never been attempted. Working with the wolves instead of against them had never been a thought. As for my family, I had no concerns because we were well prepared to deal with a situation such as this. The wolves on the other hand, most of them were new to this life and it would be much more difficult for them to be around us.
Frowning, I had rather hoped she would sleep. "This is an experiment. I'm not sure if it will be possible for us all to… cooperate. I don't want you in the middle of that."
"If you won't take me, then I'll call Jacob."
Of course, she would, and worse then that, was the fact that he would take her. Stubborn –not the first time I had used that word when describing her –apparently not the last. Having no response to that, what could I say? 'No…' I wasn't her father, or her –as Jacob once said –her warden, if she wanted to get there, she would.
"See you upstairs," she muttered.
I parked my car around the corner instead of at home because I was incapable of leaving her alone for that long. Returning to her house, I scaled the wall and slipped through the window into her room. Taking my customary seat in her rocking chair, while she was in the bathroom continuing her nightly routine. She walked into her room as I watched frowning as she hung the outfit Alice had given her, in the closet.
"Come here," she said, taking my hand and pulling me to her bed.
Pushing me down on the bed, she curled up against my chest. Perhaps, she would fall asleep… she had to be fatigued. Leaving without her would be difficult and I began calculating was to accomplish this.
Tucking her quilt around her, I held her close.
"Please relax."
"Sure."
"This is going to work, Bella. I can feel it."
Her teeth locked together as she remained at odds. Reducing her nerves would be challenging because Bella's thinking patterns didn't work normally leaving her unable to see the true meaning behind Jacob's offer. Admitting the need for Jacob and the other wolves was very trying, but was now my truth. Without them, there simply wouldn't be enough of us, but with them, victory was in sight.
"Listen to me, Bella. This is going to be easy. The newborns will be completely taken by surprise. They'll have no more idea that werewolves even exist than you did… I've seen how they act in a group, the way Jasper remembers. I truly believe that the wolves' hunting techniques will work flawlessly against them. And with them divided and confused, there won't be enough for the rest of us to do. Someone may have to sit out," I teased.
"Piece of cake," she mumbled against my chest.
"Shhh," I said stroking her cheek. "You'll see. Don't worry now."
I began humming her lullaby hoping she would fall asleep, but of course, she refused, not trusting me to wake her when it was time to leave. I was growing more anxious, for this day had already been a long enough. Now, it appeared the night would be even longer.
Time flew quickly carrying with it our departure time. To my disappointment, she was still awake. I pulled us both up into a sitting position with the hope that she would remain, but when had she ever done what I preferred?
"Are you sure you don't want to stay and sleep?"
She gave me a sour look. Once again, proving my inability to read her mind.
Sighing, I scooped her up in my arms before jumping from her window completely appalled with my inability to convince her to stay home. Being the first time we would meet with all the wolves, along with the fact she had no sleep, left me feeling concerned by this evenings events. What if things didn't go as planned? If we were unable to co-operate, would she want to witness that? I sure didn't want her there if things went wrong, a poor outcome this evening would not be pleasant. Bella had no idea how terribly wrong things could turn out, and I was reluctant to have her witness such things.
Racing through the forest, with her on my back, I was exhilarated. Running, just the two of us, was something that had escaped me for a long time. When peace returned to our lives once again, we would have to do this more frequently. In fact, once our lives became our own again, there are many things I plan to do more frequently.
Arriving at the open field, my family was talking casually. Emmett's laugh echoed through the wide space. Setting Bella down, we walked hand in hand toward them.
Bringing her here, to the place that began this one year ago, was painful. On that carefree evening, when I foolishly exposed her to my world, starting the sequence of events leading to this night. Coming across James and his coven, setting in motion the catastrophe we were about to face. Had I learned my lesson? I believed not, for here I was, bringing her here again. Walking further into the clearing, memories came rushing back of all the mistakes I had made. And although, changing any of that was impossible, I would do everything in my power to restore her life.
"You know what I think?" she asked.
I laughed. "No."
She almost smiled.
"What do you think?"
"I think it's all connected. Not just the two, but all three."
"You've lost me."
"Three bad things have happened since you came back." She ticked them off on her fingers. "The newborns in Seattle. The stranger in my room. And –first of all- Victoria came to look for me."
Since I had returned, that point rang threw my head over and over. She was right… they were all connected… to my return. Intensifying my belief that this was entirely my fault.
"Why do you think so?" Was this right? Could I believe this?
"Because I agree with Jasper –the Volturi love their rules. They would probably do a better job anyway," she paused. "Remember when you were tracking Victoria last year?"
"Yes," I frowned. "I wasn't very good at it."
"Alice said you were in Texas. Did you follow her there?"
Pulling my eyebrows together, where was she going with this? "Yes. Hmm…"
Memories resurfaced of my time tracking Victoria. Having made herself a new friend, I was almost positive he was not the one who was in Bella's room. Doubt seeped in realizing I hadn't gotten close enough to them to be certain.
"See –she could have gotten the idea there. But she doesn't know what she's doing, so the newborns are all out of control."
Shaking my head, this couldn't be. "Only Aro knows exactly how Alice's visions work."
"Aro would know best, but wouldn't Tanya and Irina and the rest of your friends in Denali know enough? Laurent lived with them for so long. And if he was still friendly enough with Victoria to be doing favors for her, why wouldn't he also tell her everything he knew?"
I frowned thinking it couldn't be that simple, I would've figured that out. "It wasn't Victoria in your room."
"She can't make new friends? Think about it, Edward. If it is Victoria doing this in Seattle, she's made a lot of new friends. She's created them."
This couldn't be true, it couldn't be, how could I have missed this?
"Hmm," I finally said. "It's possible. I still think the Volturi are most likely… But your theory –there's something there. Victoria's personality. Your theory suits her personality perfectly. She's shown a remarkable gift for hers. In any case, this plot would put her in no danger at all from us, if she sits safely behind and lets the newborns wreak their havoc here. And maybe little danger from the Volturi, either. Perhaps she's counting on us to win, in the end, though certainly not without heavy casualties of our own. But no survivors from her little army to bear witness against her. In fact," I continued, thinking it through, "if there were survivors, I'd bet she'd be planning to destroy them herself… Hmm. Still, she'd have to have at least one friend who was a bit more mature. No fresh-made newborn left your father alive…"
Almost positive the boy in Texas was not the one in her room, perhaps I was wrong, which wouldn't be the first time since this nightmare began. He would be more mature and composed after this amount of time. Supposing it was possible, how had I missed this? "Definitely possible. Regardless, we've got to be prepared for anything until we know for sure. You're very perceptive today," I added. "It's impressive."
She sighed. "Maybe I'm just reacting to this place. It makes me feel like she's close by… like she sees me now."
Tensing my muscles retracted to that thought. "She'll never touch you, Bella," I said.
Searching the trees and surrounding area, hope crossed my face –desire was the more appropriate word. My lips pulled back over my teeth, my eyes flared with anticipation.
"Yet, what I wouldn't give to have her that close," I murmured. "Victoria, and anyone else who's ever thought of hurting you. To have the chance to end this myself. To finish it with my own hands this time."
Bella squeezed my hand tighter; I wished again that she had remained home. I didn't want her witnessing this part of us. If I had my way, she would never know this side existed. But since things weren't my way, and we were existing mostly in her world, I would respect her wishes –stubbornness was the word I'd use –and allow her to stay.
We were almost to my family. Alice was standing off to the side, looking anything but optimistic. Jasper was stretching his arms as if he were warming up to exercise, Alice watched with a pout. This was very difficult for Alice.
"Is something wrong with Alice?" Bella whispered.
I laughed. "The werewolves are on their way, so she can't see anything that will happen now. It makes her uncomfortable to be blind."
Looking up, Alice stuck her tongue out at me making me laugh, again.
"Hey, Edward," Emmett greeted. "Hey, Bella. Is he going to let you practice, too?"
I groaned at him. "Please, Emmett, don't give her any ideas."
"When will our guests arrive?" Carlisle asked.
Stretching out my extra-hearing I was able to estimate arrival time.
"A minute and a half. But I'm going to have to translate. They don't trust us enough to use their human forms."
Carlisle nodded. "This is hard for them. I'm grateful they're coming at all."
Bella stared at me as her eyes widened. "They're coming as wolves?"
I nodded, cautious of her reaction, then looked toward the forest as they were approaching. What an amazing sight, seeing this many of them all together in formation, if they weren't my enemy, I would have been impressed.
I paused… something was wrong… what was this? Magnificent… I turned toward Carlisle and the others.
"Prepare yourselves –they've been holding out on us," I warned enthusiastically.
"What do you mean?" Alice demanded.
"Shh," I cautioned, staring past her into the darkness.
Hiding that from me would have been quite the challenge and this was by far greater than anything I had anticipated. I could understand their hesitation in sharing such information with us, after all, we were their enemy, and that had to be even more challenging. Our informal circle suddenly widened out into a loose line with Jasper and Emmett at the spear point. I pressed forward next to Bella aching to join my brothers, but she tightened her hand around mine in warning.
"Damn," Emmett muttered under his breath. "Did you ever see anything like it?"
Esme and Rosalie exchanged a wide-eyed glance.
"What is it?" Bella whispered as quietly as she could. "I can't see."
"The pack has grown," I murmured into her ear.
Watching the wolves make their way out of the forest, extraordinary was the word that came to mind, and rather large. They came at us in formation, moving in perfect coordination, as if they were all attached, not one movement out of place. In addition to the original six, there were more, their numbers having grown to ten now.
"Fascinating," I murmured.
From the moment they came into sight their thoughts swirled the open field, emanating out of them, all at once. They all remained ambivalent about being here and were very uncomfortable, with the exception of Jacob who appeared excited to make an appearance. Everyone appeared to be having a difficult time being so close to us.
Everyone remain calm and don't step out of line, Sam said.
It's fine Sam… we'll be fine, Jacob answered.
We're here to listen and watch, nothing more, for now, Sam reminded them.
Fine, but remember what I told you, Jacob offered.
I knew that he had shared information about my gift with them and I felt guilty for listening, but there was no way to resist. Their minds were fascinating leaving me mesmerized.
Carlisle took a slow, deliberate step forward. It was a careful movement, designed to reassure.
"Welcome," he greeted the wolves.
"Thank you," I responded in a voice that came from Sam. "We will watch and listen, but no more. That is the most we can ask of our self-control."
"That is more than enough," Carlisle answered. "My son Jasper" –he gestured to where Jasper stood, tensed and ready- "has experience in this area. He will teach us how they fight, how they are to be defeated. I'm sure you can apply this to your own hunting style."
"They are different from you?" I asked for Sam.
Carlisle nodded. "They are all very new –only months old to this life. Children, in a way. They will have no skill or strategy, only brute strength. Tonight their numbers stand at twenty. Ten for us, ten for you –it shouldn't be difficult. The numbers may go down. The new ones fight amongst themselves."
A rumble passed down the shadowy line of wolves, a low growling mutter that somehow managed to sound enthusiastic. They were eager to help, having the ability to do more than was asked of them. Remaining fascinated by their way of communicating, there was so much happening in this pack, compelling was the word I would use to describe it. Their minds worked in a complicated way, when one member thought about something they all see it happening. It's like a movie playing, and for me it is ten vision's happening at once, making it impossible to ignore. Having so many issues affecting them, things happening within the pack besides being wolves, the dynamic was –as I've said before –fascinating.
"We are willing to take more than our share, if necessary," I translated.
Carlisle smiled. "We'll see how it plays out."
"Do you know when and how they'll arrive?"
"They'll come across the mountains in four days, in the late morning. As they approach, Alice will help us intercept their path."
"Thank you for the information. We will watch."
With a sighing sound, the wolves eyes sank closer to the ground one set at a time.
It was silent for two heartbeats, and then Jasper took a step into the empty space between the vampires and the wolves. Jasper threw a wary glance toward me, I nodded, and then Jasper turned his back to the werewolves. He sighed, clearly uncomfortable.
"Carlisle's right," Jasper spoke only to us; he seemed to be trying to ignore the audience behind him. "They'll fight like children. The two most important things you'll need to remember are, first, don't let them get their arms around you and, second, don't go for the obvious kill. That's all they'll be prepared for. As long as you come at them from the side and keep moving, they'll be too confused to respond effectively. Emmett?"
Emmett stepped out of the line with a huge smile.
Jasper backed toward the north end of the opening between the allied enemies. He waved Emmett forward.
"Okay, Emmett first. He's the best example of a newborn attack."
Emmett's eyes narrowed. "I'll try not to break anything," he muttered.
Jasper grinned. "What I meant is that Emmett relies on his strength. He's very straightforward about the attack. The newborns won't be trying anything subtle, either. Just go for the easy kill, Emmett."
Jasper backed up a few more paces, his body tensing.
"Okay, Emmett –try to catch me."
Emmett charged Jasper, but he became more like a ghost. Emmett moved quickly snarling like a bear, but Jasper was quicker. Anytime it seemed Emmett's big hands had him for sure, Emmett's fingers clenched around nothing but the air. Leaning forward, I was watching intently… fascinated. Then Emmett froze.
Jasper had him from behind, his teeth an inch from his throat.
Emmett cussed, displeased with himself.
There was a muttered rumble of appreciation from the watching wolves. Impressed by the speed and accuracy that Jasper displayed. It was good for them to show a little respect. Their view of us was not favorable when they arrived. With this demonstration they were gaining some perspective about us.
"Again," Emmett insisted, his smile gone.
"It's my turn," I protested. Bella's fingers tensed around mine.
"In a minute," Jasper grinned, stepping back. "I want to show Bella something first."
Bella watched with anxious eyes as he waved Alice forward.
"I know you worry about her," he explained to Bella as Alice danced blithely into the ring. "I want to show you why that's not necessary."
Jasper sank back into a crouch facing her. Alice stood motionlessly –looking tiny as a doll after Emmett –smiling to herself. Jasper shifted forward slinking to her left.
Alice closed her eyes.
Jasper stalked toward where Alice stood.
Jasper sprang, moving too quickly for Bella to see. Suddenly he was on the other side of Alice. She moved even quicker than him.
Jasper wheeled and launched himself at her again, only to land in a crouch behind her like the first time; all the while Alice stood smiling with her eyes closed.
She was moving very quickly. She took a small step forward at the exact second that Jasper's body flew through the spot where she had just been standing. She took another step, while Jasper's grasping hands whistled past, where her waist had been.
Jasper closed in, and Alice began to move faster. She was dancing like a choreographed dance spiraling, twisting, and curling in on herself. Jasper was her partner, lunging, reaching through her graceful patterns, and never touching her, every movement calculated. Finally, Alice laughed.
Out of nowhere she was perched on Jasper's back, her lips at his neck.
"Gotcha," she said, and kissed his throat.
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "You truly are one frightening little monster."
The wolves muttered again, this time the sound was wry. Alice's speed was unexpected to them. But, Jasper was correct, she truly was lethal. Watching these demonstrations gave the wolves insight to how quick they were required to be. Furthermore, warning them of the dangers we represent, allowing the newborns to get too close would be hazardous to them.
Impressed they were, but they were also enthralled.
"It's good for them to learn some respect," I murmured, amused. Then I spoke louder. "My turn."
I squeezed Bella's hand before letting it go.
Alice came to take my place beside her. "Cool, huh?" she asked Bella smugly.
Gliding forward silently, I had my eyes on Jasper and began closing the gap. We moved effortlessly once again as if we were choreographed. Jasper had years of experience guiding him, relying on his instincts as much as possible, but his thoughts always gave him away a fraction of a second before he acted. I was slightly faster, but the moves Jasper used were unfamiliar to me. Coming at each other again and again, neither one able to gain the advantage, instinctive snarls erupted constantly.
Eventually, Carlisle cleared his throat.
Jasper laughed, taking a step back. Straightening up, I grinned at him. There was no way either one of use would back down leaving and unresolved fight.
"Back to work," Jasper consented. "We'll call it a draw."
Everyone took turns, Carlisle, then Rosalie, Esme, and Emmett again. He had slowed the fighting down to give instructions and give the wolves a chance to see what was happening.
"You see what I'm doing here?" he would ask. "Yes, just like that," he encouraged. "Concentrate on the sides. Don't forget where their target will be. Keep moving."
I returned to sit beside Bella, but watched and listened to what the others couldn't see. The dynamics of this pack was overwhelming and as much as I attempted to block them out, strictly out of respect, I couldn't. The information being passed through their minds was not easily ignored. It was rather difficult to hear everyone at once and individually at the same time.
Jacob had been concealing a lot of information, there was so much information being passed around. The problems plaguing this group were complex and Jacob was under direct orders to keep their secrets, leaving him unable to share any particulars, not that he would. When Sam gave an order, he was left with no choice but to follow it. Because there were so many other issues affecting this pack, I felt less than honorable for listening, but was much too captivated to stop.
Bella who was exhausted by this point leaned against my side closing her eyes.
"We're about finished," I whispered.
Jasper confirmed that, turning toward the wolves for the first time, his expression uncomfortable again. "We'll be doing this tomorrow. Please feel welcome to observe again."
"Yes," my voice answered in Sam's cool voice. "We'll be here."
Sam had another request before we adjourned for the evening. Sighing I patted Bella's arm stepping away from her. Turning to my family.
"The pack thinks it would be helpful to be familiar with each of our scents –so they don't make mistakes later. If we could hold very still, it will make it easier for them."
"Certainly," Carlisle said to Sam. "Whatever you need."
There was a gloomy, throaty grumble from the wolf pack as they all rose to their feet. This was very uncomfortable for all of them, but more so for the newest members. Sam was in the lead, of course, midnight black and rather large. I watched Bella's reaction to the wolves, but she remained unresponsive. I assumed that since she had already seen them before, they were no longer frightening to her. Sam sniffed at Carlisle, seeming to wince slightly as he did. Then he moved on to Jasper. A low whine broke through the sandy wolf's control when Sam's advance left him isolated between Carlisle and Jasper. One by one, they all took a turn at us and I would have to admit, I was impressed by their self-control. I would not have thought it would be possible for us all to be in the same vicinity for such an expanded amount of time. That left me with a sense of success that was undeniable.
Bella stared at the second wolf –of course –it was Jacob. He felt her gaze and looked up at her with his familiar eyes. She stared back with a look of wonder and fascination. His muzzle fell open, pulling back over his teeth, and his tongue hung out to the side in a grin. As much as I loathed him and attempted to disregard him, he was extremely difficult to ignore. What made matters worse was that he was helping us out. Bella giggled, to my dismay. I wanted her to be terrified her, I wanted her to turn away from the monster he was, but she wouldn't, her reaction came as no surprise because I already held the knowledge that she had no sense of self-preservation. It would not be that easy for her to relinquish him from her life. However, one day I knew she would have to, and I would wait patiently for that day.
Jacob's grin widened over his teeth. He left his place in line, ignoring the eyes of his pack as they followed him. He trotted past Alice and I to stand not two feet away from Bella. He stopped there, his gaze flickering briefly toward me.
I stood motionless with my eyes still assessing Bella's reaction. Here she was, face to face with a ghastly monster such as this, and nothing, not a hint of fear, no sense of self-preservation. Always lacking this particular sense, danger magnet she would always remain. It was no wonder she needed protecting all the time, what with her internal alarms not working.
To remain here and allow this to happen, I planted my feet firmly on the ground and refused to move, for if I did…
The pain of watching this moment was excruciating. It was one thing to allow her to go and see him in La Push, but to stand here and see it happening in front of me was a holy other thing. How would she expect me to do nothing? Him being so close to her terrified me. One foolish move on his part could… well, I'd rather not think about what could happen.
Jacob crouched down on his front legs and dropped his head so that his face was no higher than hers. He stared at her as he measured her response, the same as I was.
"Jacob," she breathed.
He rumbled deep in his chest.
She reached her hand out, her fingers trembling slightly, and touched the fur on the side of his face.
He was getting on my nerves with his internal thoughts.
I told you she wouldn't be afraid, He'd said at one point. I told you she'd still like me, bloodsucker. You worry too much.
She stepped a little to close for comfort, making me quite nervous about how the other wolves would react to such a scene. For Jacob it was one thing, he had been around my family and I, but for the rest of this group it was challenging. Bella stroked the side of his neck and without warning Jacob suddenly licked her face from chin to hairline.
This was beyond frustrating as I had once promised to break his jaw if he every kissed her again without permission, but in this moment there was nothing I could do. His thoughts told me everything I needed to know.
Go ahead… break my jaw. I dare you, He said smugly, knowing I wouldn't do anything at this time.
"Ew! Gross, Jake!" she complained, jumping back and smacking him. He dodged out of the way, and barked with laughter.
Holding myself here was becoming exceedingly grueling. His games were infantile and my temper was mounting. Having plenty of self-control, this was strenuous, knowing he was doing everything in his power to undermine that self-control. He would love it if a fight broke out and I revealed my true colors –as he referred to it –he wanted Bella to see the authentic me, the way he saw me. I'll give him his dues… this was beyond deceit.
She wiped her face on the sleeve of her shirt, unable to keep from laughing with him. Everyone was watching in shock at this very unexpected behavior. My family was disgusted and the pack overwhelmed.
I on the other hand, was on the edge, clearly disappointed with her reaction. She refused to see him for who he really was, but I could. This was nothing but revenge. Revenge for the actions I took at her house. He wanted to show me up, make certain I knew he could do anything and get away with it. And at this moment, he was right, for I owed him, and he was going to take full advantage of that.
But, what he ought to remember is that no matter what happened here tonight, there would come a day not long from now, when this night would come back to haunt him. Having a very long memory, there would come a day when he and I would meet under very different circumstances. And when that day came I would remember all of these insignificant moments and…
The other wolves were backing away now, their eyes remaining on us as they departed. Jacob remained by Bella's side, watching them go as they disappeared into the forest. Only two hesitated by the trees, watching Jacob, their postures radiating anxiety.
I sighed, and –ignoring Jacob –went to stand on Bella's other side, taking her hand.
"Ready to go?" I asked her.
What are you going to do with her during this fight? Jacob asked me.
"I've not quite figured out all the details yet," I said.
Jacob grumbled sullenly. Bring her here we'll hide her near by. She'll be safe here, he answered.
"It's more complicated than that," I said. "Don't concern yourself; I'll make sure it's safe."
"What are you talking about?" Bella demanded.
"Just discussing strategy," I said.
Jacob's head swiveled back and forth, looking at our faces. Then suddenly, he bolted for the forest. Leave it to Jacob to concern himself with things that were none of his business. He had not learned his lesson about upsetting Bella yet. I did not want to have this conversation in front of Bella because I was unwilling to worry her needlessly. Unfortunately, he would be back, and she would have to know.
"Wait," Bella called, one hand stretching out to reach for him. "Why did he leave?" she asked, sounding hurt.
"He's coming back," I said, sighing with aggravation. "He wants to be able to talk for himself."
Unfortunately, time passed too quickly and he was back before I even had a chance to breath.
"Okay, bloodsucker," Jacob said when he was a few feet away for us. "What's so complicated about it?"
"I have to consider every possibility," I said, unruffled. "What if someone gets by you?"
Jacob scoffed at the idea. "Okay, so leave her on the reservation. We're making Collin and Brady stay behind anyway. She'll be safe there."
She scowled. "Are you talking about me?"
"I just want to know what he plans to do with you during the fight," Jacob explained.
"Do with me?"
"You can't stay in Forks, Bella," I said. "They know where to look for you there. What if someone slipped by us?"
The blood drained from her face. "Charlie?" she gasped.
"He'll be with Billy," Jacob assured her quickly. "If my dad has to commit a murder to get him there, he'll do it. Probably it won't take that much. It's this Saturday, right? There's a game."
"This Saturday?" she asked. "Well crap! There goes your graduation present."
I laughed. "It's the thought that counts," I reminded her. "You can give the tickets to someone else."
"Angela and Ben," she suddenly said. "At least that will get them out of town."
Exhaustion had finally had its way with her and she was randomly babbling.
I touched her cheek. "You can't evacuate everyone," I said in a gentle voice. "Hiding you is just a precaution. I told you –we'll have no problem now. There won't be enough of them to keep us entertained."
"But what about keeping her in La Push?" Jacob interjected, impatient.
"She's been back and forth too much," I said. "She's left trails all over the place. Alice only sees very young vampires coming on the hunt, but obviously someone created them. There is someone more experienced behind this. Whoever he," I paused to look at Bella- "or she is, this could all be a distraction. Alice will see if he decides to look himself, but we could be very busy at the time that decision is made. Maybe someone is counting on that. I can't leave her somewhere she's been frequently. She has to be hard to find, just in case. It's a very long shot, but I'm not taking chances."
Bella stared at me as I explained, lines creasing her forehead. I patted her arm.
"Just being overcautious," I promised.
Jacob gestured to the deep forest east of us, to the vast expanse of the Olympic Mountains.
"So hide her here," he suggested. "There's a million possibilities –places either one of us could be in just a few minutes if there's a need."
I shook my head. "Her scent is too strong, and combined with mine, especially distinct. Even if I carried her, it would leave a trail. Our trace is all over the range, but in conjunction with Bella's scent, it would catch their attention. We're not sure exactly which path they'll take, because they don't know yet. If they crossed her scent before they found us…"
Both of us grimaced at the same time, our eyebrows pulling together.
"You see the difficulties."
"There has to be a way to make it work," Jacob muttered. He glared toward the forest.
Bella swayed on her feet. I put my arm around her waist, pulling her closer and supporting her weight.
"I need to get you home –you're exhausted. And Charlie will be waking up soon…"
"Wait a sec," Jacob said, wheeling back to us, his eyes bright. "My scent disgusts you, right?"
Seeing his plan in his mind… he had something there, it may just work.
"Hmm, not bad," I said. "It's possible," I turned toward my family. "Jasper?" I called.
Jasper looked up curiously. He walked over with Alice a half step behind. Her face was frustrated again. When Jacob was around she felt anguished not having her sight.
"Okay, Jacob," I nodded at him.
Jacob turned toward Bella stretching his arms out towards her.
I took a deep breath restraining myself and going against every instinct I had.
"We're going to see if I can confuse the scent enough to hide your trail," Jacob explained.
She stared at his open arms suspiciously.
"You're going to have to let him carry you, Bella," I told her.
Bella frowned.
Jacob rolled his eyes, impatient, and reached down to yank her up into his arms.
"Don't be such a baby," he muttered.
Two sets of eyes glared at me, wondering what my reaction would be. Honestly, my chest was aching –the pain shot through me like a bolt of lighting. Having to rely on my enemy in such ways was maddening. However, making her safe trumped everything else, what I felt was nothing in comparison to her safety, leaving me complacent to go along. I turned to explain the plan to Jasper.
"Bella's scent is so much more potent to me –I thought it would be a fairer test if someone else tried."
I stood there devastated as Jacob took off with her in his arms. How had I come to this? When had I started relying on my enemy to keep my world safe? For me to need him in such a way went against every believe I had. Where had I gone so wrong that my existence now relied on a werewolf?
The truth was I was jealous –wasn't it me who was suppose to be protecting her? Wasn't it my duty to make certain she was safe? Instead, I'd brought all this danger to her world. If it was not for me, she wouldn't need protection from these creatures and there would be no need for Jacob… heck he wouldn't even be a werewolf. Making a mess of everyone's life appeared to be a special talent of mine. For that reason, I would graciously accept any help that brought peace to their worlds again, repressing any feelings I may have.
Standing here, alone in this open field, waiting for him to return her to me, I wondered if he would. Putting the shoe on the other foot, I'm not certain I would return, if I were he. Nevertheless, after a few very painful minutes, he did return and after spotting me he carried her over to where I stood.
"You can put me down now," she said to him irritated.
"I don't want to take a chance of messing up the experiment," his walked slowed.
"You are so annoying," she muttered.
"Thanks."
Out of nowhere, Jasper and Alice stood beside me. Jacob took one more step, and then set Bella down a half a dozen feet away from me. Without a glance back, she walked to my side and took my hand.
"Well?" she asked.
"As long as you don't touch anything, Bella, I can't imagine someone sticking their nose close enough to that trail to catch your scent," Jasper said, grimacing. "It was almost completely obscured."
"A definite success," Alice agreed, wrinkling her nose.
"And it gave me an idea."
"Which will work," Alice added confidently.
Jasper's idea flashed in my mind, and it really was a good one.
"Clever," I agreed.
"How do you stand that?" Jacob muttered to Bella.
I ignored Jacob because there really was no difference between what I did and what went on between he and the other wolves. When in the wolf form he could hear all the other wolves, privacy was a lost cause among them and he should be used to that by now. Turning to Bella, I explained Jasper's idea.
"We're –well, you're –going to leave a false trail to the clearing, Bella. The newborns are hunting, your scent will excite them, and they'll come exactly the way we want them to without being careful about it. Alice can already see that this will work. When they catch our scent, they'll spit up and try to come at us from two sides. Half will go through the forest, where her vision suddenly disappears…"
"Yes!" Jacob hissed.
I smiled at him, a smile of true comradeship.
Our moment was quickly interrupted by Jasper's mind getting away from him.
"Not a chance," I said disgusted. How could he even entertain such thoughts?
"I know, I know," Jasper said quickly. "I didn't even consider it, not really."
He really wasn't, he was just considering other alternatives, and it was unfair of me to be in his head. Normally, I wouldn't have said anything, but we were not in normal circumstances, and I needed to make myself perfectly clear. Apparently, so did Alice as she stepped on his foot, feeling left out.
"If Bella was actually there in the clearing," Jasper explained to Alice, "it would drive them insane. They wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything but her. It would make picking them off truly easy…"
"Of course it's too dangerous for her. It was just an errant thought," he quickly renounced. Although, he glanced at Bella from the corner of his eye, making me uncomfortable.
"No," I said, my voice radiating finality.
"You're right," Jasper he replied as took Alice's hand and started back to the others. "Best two out of three?" he asked her as they went to practice again.
Jacob stared after him in disgust.
Creepy little dude, isn't he? He thought.
"Jasper looks at things from a military perspective," I defended him. "He looks at all the options –it's thoroughness, not callousness."
Jacob snorted.
Still to suggest that, putting her in danger. Isn't that why we're here? To get her out of danger, he added.
Jacob moved closer, standing only three feet away from me. It impressed me the control he seemed to have acquired at such a young age. Although, after hearing some of the things that were secret to the pack, I almost understood where the control came from. Still, remaining this close to me created thick tension in the air… it was automatic, on both parts. Natural instinct to us both, I have had several more years practice with this sort of thing, but he was doing well on his part, too.
"I'll bring her here Friday afternoon to lay the false trial. You can meet us afterward, and carry her to a place I know. Completely out of the way, and easily defensible, not that it will come to that. I'll take another route there."
"And then what? Leave her with a cell phone?" Jacob asked critically.
"You have a better idea?"
Jacob was suddenly smug… yes, that's good, I thought.
"Actually, I do," He suggested, although I was way ahead of him.
"Oh… Again, dog, not bad at all."
Jacob turned to Bella determined to keep her in the conversation. "We tried to talk Seth into staying behind with the younger two. He's still too young, but he's stubborn and he's resisting. So I thought of a new assignment for him –cell phone."
She attempted to look like it made sense to her, but it didn't.
"As long as Seth Clearwater is his wolf form, he'll be connected to the pack," I said. "Distance isn't a problem?" I added, turning to Jacob. Here was some information that held some interest for me, how far the pack could hear.
"Nope."
The answer sat in Jacob's head, and was very extraordinary.
"Three hundred miles?" I asked. "That's impressive."
"That's the farthest we've ever gone to experiment," he spoke to Bella. "Still clear as a bell."
Bella didn't say anything. She remained with no expression on her face to warn me what she was thinking.
"It's a good idea," I replied reluctant to admit that this dog could come up with a good plan. "I'll feel better with Seth there, even without the instantaneous communication. I don't know if I'd be able to leave Bella there alone. To think it's come to this, though! Trusting werewolves!"
"Fighting with vampires instead of against them!" Jacob mirrored my tone of disgust.
"Well, you still get to fight against some of them," I said.
Jacob smiled. "That's the reason we're here."
I carried Bella home instead of having her ride on my back because she was too exhausted and I wasn't certain she could hang on. I was right –for once – and she fell asleep along the way. I reached the house and scaled the wall, placing her lightly in her bed. Removing her shoes, I tucked the blanket around her and laid down next to her.
It was a rough sleep having arrived at Bella's house early in the morning. She tossed, turned and spoke quite frequently. Most of her talk was gibberish, but I did understand a few things. Things such as her calling Jasper's name, sounding as if she were lost somewhere, but the most disturbing talk was of someone called the third wife. I had no idea who she was referring to and curiosity was getting the better of me, driving me mad not knowing what she was going on about.
I watched her sleep as anxiety spread through me. She was very concerned about what was going to happen and there was no convincing her that everyone would be all right. How would I protect her if she refused to be protected? Always so stubborn, but this was beyond stubbornness, this was insanity. She was willing to risk her life to save ours, which was ludicrous, and I refused to stand for it. If that required me to run her three hundred miles away… I would.
I continued to watch her sleep as she stirred so much she almost woke herself a couple of times. They were all false alarms, which pleased me because she required more rest.
Sorry for the long delay, hopefully there won't be anymore before the book is finished. Thanks for sticking around, it's appreciated.