Once my table finished eating, the meeting began. Now the two Alphas and the leader of the vampire coven will speak. Leah excused herself, to allow Jared to take his place next to Sam. I was going to leave as well, when Emmett came to sit with Edward, but his warm hands pressed down on my shoulder, keeping me seated.

"You will be our future Luna, you should be involved in this as well." Emmett offered me a warm smile.

Edward gave Emmett a pensive look, nodding in silent agreement.

"Alright," My cheeks warmed a bit. This isn't really something I had been prepared for. Sam had told me just to stay quiet and he would do the talking. I don't think my opinion on this would be all that important. I just hope I don't get asked any questions. I didn't want to make a fool of my pack, or Edward for that matter.

Since the eclipse pack had been the host to this meeting, Jacob started with the first statement. "Let's get this show on the road. I understand everyone here in this room is just hoping for a truce, a bit of peace between packs and between the vampires," He stood up, his voice was loud and firm. "The eclipse pack already had treaty terms with the vampires, but we would like to update those terms. But as for the La Push pack and the blood moon pack, we are still at odds. What can either of you other packs do to benefit us? Why should we agree to a treaty with the likes of you?"

Sam cleared his throat. "We have an impressive number of skilled fighters, the La Push pack has been able to protect their lands from any threat since its creation. However, many of our people have been brutally attacked and killed by the neighboring packs, over territory. Death was counted on both sides. We don't want this anymore. We would like to create a larger community, hand in hand with both the eclipse pack and the blood moon pack."

"I fail to see how that would benefit my pack." Jacob continued.

"There is power in numbers, if something were to happen, you would be able to call on us for help. Not to mention, there will be open communication for trading information." Jared slipped into the conversation.

"I don't think our pack needs any help from your pack. We have been doing perfectly fine without you all interfering. But if you would like to end the bloodshed, that can be arranged. Instead of attacking on sight, we can give out warnings. To remove yourselves from our land." Jacob said with his jaw set.

Jane, who was seated next to him, made a face. She didn't appear to be on the same page as Jacob. She kept nudging him, a look of panic on her face. But he coldly ignored her. Something was going on. But I couldn't put my finger on it. I knew that I wasn't supposed to talk. But I couldn't hold myself back.

"What does your Beta have to say about these terms?" I said, making eye contact.

Jacob stared at me, his brow raised, a hint of a smile pulled at his lips, before turning his sights to Jane. "Well Jane, speak up. She wants to hear your opinion."

Jane blinked a few times, bobbing her head as she now stood up as well. "Yes, our pack is doing alright, but our people are struggling with the basics. They can't control their phasing. They are lashing out around humans, many people are getting hurt and becoming scared. We could benefit by having training sessions in La Push. Their pack is widely known for having very well trained wolves. In turn, we could offer them access to our lands, limited of course." She finished her statement and took her seat.

Jacob kept a controlled expression on his face, appearing lost in thought for a moment, before his eyes flickered to Sam. "Jane makes a fair point. We don't need your protection, however, some training in the art of control would benefit us. This would mean, we would be allowed on your land and in turn, you could come onto ours."

Sam chewed his bottom lip. "Access to your land, without being attacked is truly our only concern. But I'm sure you wouldn't allow unlimited access. So let's discuss the rules to this agreement."

"We are permitted to come to your land, for practice on control, every friday. And your pack will be allowed access to our land, every Sunday?" Jacob asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Sam nodded. "I can agree to that."

Well, that was one agreement. Several more to go. It wasn't as boring as I had thought it was going to be. However, I thought there would be a bit more yelling and fighting. Everyone seemed to want to remain civil. But I was dreading the agreement between the eclipse pack and the blood moon pack. I had a feeling things would be getting out of hand.

"Now, between my pack and the vampires. We had some ideas of changes we would like to make to our current treaty." Jacob smiled in Raymund's direction.

Raymund glanced towards his wife, Claire for a moment. She gave him a hopeful look.

"Yes, we would like our son Henry to reunite with his mate." Raymund replied.

Jacob nodded slightly, his eyes flickering to me for a moment. "Is that something the La Push pack supports?"

"Yes, we fully support that. I believe it's time to let go of the past. Neither one of them should be kept apart, or put to death." Sam nodded.

"That's fine, but Lucy won't be able to stay in the pack. Unfortunately my people can be assholes. She will never be happy there, she will have to leave Port Angeles." Jacob sighed.

"The blood moon pack can take her in." Edward spoke up, not looking in Jacob's direction. "I can guarantee she will be treated well, plus being in Forks will allow her to be closer to her daughter."

My heart squeezed tightly in my chest. I couldn't ask for a better option. Alice would get to meet her mother. La Push and Forks were so close together.

"If that's the case, the blood moon pack would have to allow Henry entry to their land." Jacob snipped, not looking at Edward either.

"For the safety of my people, I won't allow that. But Lucy may come and go as she pleases. If she wishes to see Henry, she can. But with Henry's abilities, I don't think it would be safe for him to cross our boundary lines."

Raymund nodded, in agreement. "We can agree to those terms."

Jacob angrily looked at Sam. "And what about the girl? Will she be permitted to see both of her parents, since both will be in Forks?"

"Of course, if that's her choice." Sam said with a heavy sigh.

This was wonderful news. I'm sure Alice will be thrilled. I knew she really wanted to meet them. If I was in her position, I would want to meet my real parents. Don't get me wrong, I really think her adoptive parents loved her deeply.

I turned to search the room, finding Henry in the crowd. His face was clouded with emotion. It sent knives twisting in my stomach. He wanted to see her too. I can't imagine how painful it must have been to be separated from his loved ones. I felt some tears sting in my eyes, but I held them back.

To my surprise, Claire reached her hand out, covering mine. The coldness of her hand was surprising. I flinched slightly, but didn't jerk my hand away. I looked up to her, taking note of her warm smile.

Edward became tense, narrowing his eyes on our overlapping hands. I heard his jaw snap shut with a click. He didn't look happy. But he didn't say anything.

"Thank you, for supporting our son and his family. I heard you are really close with Henry's daughter. We would love to hear more about her, before we leave this meeting." Her words carried a wave of kindness and joy. I felt my shoulders slump as all the tension left my body. I felt a smile pulling at my lips as well. I couldn't help it. She was such a radiant person. I could tell she was someone I could trust.

"I'd love to," I replied as she slowly let my hand go.

Jacob watched between the two of us, hope and excitement flashed across his face.

The meeting was going really well. The La Push pack and the eclipse pack have a solid treaty now. They had taken steps to end the hostility. Although the eclipse pack and the vampires were on the most solid terms. Jacob allowed them complete access to his land, but only allowed a small boundary for the vampires to hunt in.

While my pack and Edward's have completely opened their boundaries to one another. Both of our packs could come and go as they pleased between Forks and La Push. It was almost like the pack was merging. Sam didn't allow vampires to enter La Push and Edward didn't allow vampires past their predetermined boundary lines. But Alice could roam freely to Forks, to see her parents. That was the best Sam could offer. The only thing that was left was for Edward's pack and Jacob's pack to meet some kind of agreement.

I didn't see it going well. They sat there, glaring at each other. No one was willing to speak up first.

Jane sighed heavily. "There has always been bad blood between the blood moon and eclipse pack. But it was true, originally the packs had been one. A dispute between brothers caused the packs to split off from each other."

This was news to me. I had no idea.

"Our founder - Cauis was a great man, with strong ideals, peace between all species. Freedom to do what we all thought was right. There were no rules. Just beautiful chaos and a pack that was so closely knit, no one could come between them." Jacob said coldly.

"His older brother Aro had a different way of thinking. The world isn't as kind and innocent as you think. It takes strict rules and order to truly keep a pack safe. It's best to fight with the mind, then with fists. Violence isn't the answer. Logic and reason is the structure of a well made pack." Edward challenged.

"No, peace only comes after war. All your rules are only going to suffocate your pack members. They will remain close-minded puppets. Never finding out what true freedom feels like."

"My people will be alive, safe and prepared for any obstacle. You are allowing vampires to freely travel through your land. Something will happen. Maybe an accident, maybe not. But something is going to happen. You will regret your choices." Edward said with trembling in his shoulders.

"If that day ever comes, I'll surrender my pack to you. I'll step down as the Alpha, but until that day comes, I don't want to see you. Or any of those in your pack. Don't come near our land. We don't want or need the likes of you. We have nothing to gain in keeping in contact."

Edward nodded in agreement. "Those terms work for me perfectly. And the same can be said for you as well. You aren't permitted on my land. You can keep your distance from my imprint as well."

Jacob snorted, throwing me a smirk. "I'll be visiting her every Friday night. You can't stop that. Sam already agreed to it. My pack will visit La Push for training on control."

Edward was growing more irritated by the second. I lightly leaned on his side, letting my hand rest in his lap. My touch seemed to keep him calm. But the anger in his dark eyes sent a chill down my spine. He didn't have to worry, since our boundaries were open to each other now. I could just visit him in Forks on Friday nights from now on. I didn't have to remain in La Push for the training sessions. Unless Sam tried to hold me back.

"Let's stay on task guys." Sam interjected, sensing conflict brewing between them. "We are here to discuss peace and form new treaties. You both need to give up a little and come to a bit of a compromise."

"No, this pack's first Alpha, Caius, would never agree to a treaty. I don't see why I should either." Jacob folded his arms across his chest. He was acting like a big toddler. His words of peace must not have included the blood moon pack. He was a hypocrite.

I couldn't contain my annoyance. After all, the blood moon pack would be my pack in the future. Maybe it wasn't my business to speak up. But there was something I've been wanting to say to Jaocb, since the day I met him.

"You seem like a very kind man, but you're an arrogant prick." I grumbled.

Edward smirked, a soft chuckle rolling past his lips.

Jacob shrugged my words off easily, as if they had no effect, but I saw the slight pain in his eyes as he looked away from me. "That was a harsh statement. Care to explain where that remark came from?"

"I don't think Bella meant anything bad, please forgive her," Sam anxiously bowed his head, shooting me dirty looks.

"I'd like to hear from her." Jacob's tone was even.

"You are the one who preaches peace and acceptance, you welcomed vampires to your land with open arms, not even a second that. But you wouldn't do the same for the blood moon pack? You would really hold yourself in the past? I thought this whole meeting was to take steps towards a better future for everyone here. I didn't think we would just revert to old tradition thinking." I challenged.

Jacob raised a brow, a smile coming to his face. "You make a very good point. But I'll have to refuse. We have made some great progress here today. I just don't think we are ready to reconcile today. Maybe in the future. But not today. Can you respect that?"

I sighed, leaning back in my seat. Honestly, I wasn't happy about this at all. But he seems pretty stubborn. "Fine,"

This ended the meeting, small groups split off to continue idle chit chat. Edward and I went outside for some privacy. We took a stroll to the docks, and took a seat at the edge. I let my feet dip into the cold water below. It felt wonderful, it cooled me down was a moment of silent peace between us. I had the feeling that there was a lot going on in Edward's mind. I didn't want to disturb him, so I just kept my mouth shut. A lot happened, in a fairly short amount of time. But the only thing that really had my attention was the fact that Alice would get to meet her parents. I hope that would be something she wanted.

As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, I turned to see Henry and Claire walking over to me. They moved slowly and cautiously, until my eyes met their's. Edward inhaled deeply, his face turning sour as he glanced behind his shoulder. There was a look of distaste in his eyes, his shoulders stiffened. But he stayed quiet.

"Hello, I hope we are intruding," Claire bowed her head slightly, keeping a pleasant smile on her face. "We just wanted to find out a little more about Henry's daughter."

"What did you want to know?" I turned to them fully, ignoring the urge to wrinkle my nose. The smell of them was awful. So sweet. Nauseating.

"What's her name?" Henry took a few steps closer. His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Alice,"

"So her adoptive parents changed her name, that's alright." Henry allowed with a tiny sigh.

"Really? And what name did you and Lucy choose for her?"

"Mary, after Lucy's mother. But I like that name, Alice." Henry said with a shift in his shoulders. "What is she like?"

"The best person I've ever met. She is more like a sister to me. She is fun, outgoing, and fearless. I trust her with my life. She pulled me through a lot of bad times."

Henry's smile grew. "She sounds exactly like her mother. I can't wait to meet her."

"Once I get back home, I can tell her about everything that happened today. If you wanted to give me your phone number, maybe she could call and talk with you."

"That's nice of you, I'd really appreciate it." Henry said, pulling out a scrap piece of paper, to start scribbling down his number. As I reached out to take the paper from his hands, our fingers just barely grazed past each other. There was an odd sensation that came with the icy cold touch of his skin. His eyes widened as he quickly tucked his hands behind his back.

"Sorry," He muttered, quickly ducking his head.

I shrugged my shoulders. "It's fine… did you… end up seeing some of my future?"

He nodded nervously, a sheepish grin on his face. "Yeah, just a little bit, but I didn't affect anything I swear. Just a little glimpse ahead." His eyes now trailed down to my stomach, before locking sights on me.

"Anything exciting?" I wondered.

"Let's just say, I see many sleepless nights in your future." He replied with an amused look coming to his face. He looked so similar to Alice, it was almost a little eerie. I can't wait until they meet face to face. But Henry's words lingered in my head, even as everyone began leaving the meeting. It started slowly, everyone said their goodbyes.

The only ones left were the La Push pack and most of Edward's pack. Emmett and Rosalie decided to head into Hoodsport to do some sight-seeing. Edward permitted them to have the rest of the evening off. I think everyone felt a little better when the vampires left. But for me, it was a bigger relief to see Jacob leave. I wish he wasn't such an ass. There might have been a possibility for us to at least be friends. But his disdain for Edward, made it hard for me to look past his flaws.

Sam approached Edward and I, a tight frown on his face. Emily hovered close to his side. It appeared that they were losing the battle against their imprint. I understood the allure of being close to your imprint. It was impossible to fight against. But I noticed the discomfort it brought to Jasper and to Leah. Both of them stayed back. A look of pain and defeat on their faces.

"I'd like to invite you and your pack to a little party tonight. To celebrate the new treaty. I asked Jacob if he was interested, he said he may swing by later. We will have beer, music, and good food." Sam said, clearing his throat.

"Sure, I'll be there, as long as you are attending," Edward asked, turning to me, leaving delicate kisses down my neck.

My cheeks warmed. "I guess, but I'm not sure how long I'll be out tonight, I do have school in the morning."

Paul rolled his eyes. "Don't be a nerd. Just come and have a good time. You're so uptight all the time." He narrowed his eyes on me. \

I glared at him. "Shut up Paul, I said I'd come, didn't I?"

"You better, and I expect you to have a couple drinks."

He was starting to get as bad as Alice. "I'm not getting drunk, like I said, I have school tomorrow. The last thing I need is to show up hungover."

"You're a real stick in the mud, you know that Swan." Paul sniped at me, before going back to wrestling little Erik. Those two seemed to be getting together well. They were kind of the same in some ways. They both had a bit of an ego and wanted to convince one another they were superior. It was a friendly rivalry. It wasn't much of a challenge for Paul, he was much older after all. But he went easy on Edward's little brother. It was almost heartwarming to see Paul acting like a decent human-being.

Edward snorted, wrapping an arm around my waist. His smile was dazzling as he leaned down to whisper in my ear. "If it means anything, I completely disagree." His voice sounded closer to a purr.

A shiver rolled down my spine as I gently nudged his side with my hip. "Stop teasing me," I whispered quietly.

"Bella, are you… riding back with me?" Sam asked hesitantly, his eyes weren't on me. Instead, he watched as Leah followed Jared and Jasper to the car they were taking back. I guess the two of them were in the middle of a detailed discussion, so they just decided to ride back to La Push together. I kind of figured Leah wouldn't want to ride back with Sam.

Edward spoke up before I could. "No, she will be riding back with me,"

I nodded in agreement. "I'll meet up with you guys later."

"Alright," Sam muttered, before moving to Emily, putting his hand to the small of her back, before leading her to the car. Erin, Brady and Dylan split up into the remaining two cars. Paul went with Sam and Emily.

So that left Erik and I riding with Edward.

Erik jogged to the front seat, opening the door for me. "Allow me, my luna." He bowed his head dramatically.

Edward threw a glare at his brother, appearing quite annoyed. "Erik, really?"

I just laughed. "It's alright, he's fine." I sat down into the passenger seat and watched as he gently shut the door behind me. He slid into the back and turned his attention to his cell phone. He held it up to the roof of the car, probably searching for phone-signal.

"Edward, can we stop by the house, I forgot my phone charger?" Erik whined from the back seat. We barely made it down the road, before he began with a list of complaints.

Edward glanced over to me with a raised brow. "Would you be interested in stopping over?"

My heart fluttered in my chest. But I bit down on my lip as anxiety twisted in the pit of my stomach. "Will your parents be there?"

"My mother will probably be home, my dad works pretty late at the hospital."

"Well… do they know about me… I mean will I catch them off guard by being there?"

Erik snorted from the back seat, a small crooked smile on his face. "Hell, you are the only thing Edward ever talks about. The whole family knows all about you. Or mom is going to go nuts. She has been looking forward to meeting the Bella Swan."

I laughed quietly, more so at the look of utter embarrassment on Edward's face. I usually never see him like this. He was always so calm and collected. It was nice to see him a little less restrained.

"Erik, if you don't keep your mouth shut, I'm going to throw you out the window. You can run back home yourself." He snapped at his brother.

"Do it, I'll tell mom." Erik said smugly.

The two of them bickered back and forth for a while, it was actually pretty entertaining. This was one of the reasons I was happy to be an only child. But there was something about the bond of siblings that I always yearned for. Even when they were yelling at each other, there was an unbreakable bond. If someone was to hurt Erik, Edward would be the first one there to defend and protect his little brother. I knew that. And if Edward was in trouble, Erik would be there to support Edward. Even when they were sitting here right now, calling each other names and getting on each other's nerves. I felt that I had this bond with Alice.

I was a bit worried about her. I wanted to call and check in on her. But I would have to wait until we got closer to Forks. My phone wasn't pinging to any phone towers in this remote area. I was beginning to get a bad feeling. I needed to call Alice. Something just didn't feel right.

Alice's Point of View

I recognized the old truck parked outside of Bella's house. I've seen it here countless times. But there was no reason for it to be here now. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I could barely catch my breath. My body trembled as I quickly hid myself in Bella's closet.

Stay quiet. Maybe he will just leave, if he thinks no one is home.

There were several hard wraps on the front door.

I covered my mouth with my hands, to try and quiet my breathing. But a sharp yell from outside the house, almost made my heart stop beating.

"I know you're in there, you stupid bitch. Come out here." Mike Newton yelled loudly with an obvious slur to his tone. He was drunk. Just like that night. Why was he here? What should I do? Bella, please come home soon.

A/N: If you guys like this kind of story, I am also in the process of writing a similar fanficton. It's called "Before Dawn". Give it a read as well! Thanks again.