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"Our most basic instinct is not for survival, but for family."
~ Paul Pearsall

CHAPTER ELEVEN: WAR OF HEARTS

JPOV

Charlie looked rough. He also looked at me oddly when I walked in, but then my face probably looked mad as hell. How could it not, after seeing that... leech... put his cold, dead arm around Bella. Sam threw me a look as well, as if silently warning me to behave. I ignored him, taking a seat. It was his fault the bloodsucker was still hanging around Bella. They broke the treaty, and his family should have paid the price by now.

Dad was jostling Charlie, teasing him about seeing where Bella got her injury-proneness from, but I could tell he was worried about his friend, underneath it all. I sat and contributed the bare minimum to the conversation going on, impatient for them to dispose with the pleasantries and get down to the important stuff.

Finally, Sam shifted in his seat and asked Charlie what he remembered about the attack.

"Not much, to be honest. Just remember walking over towards a tree, then found myself flying halfway across the Cullen grounds. Don't remember anything after that."

"What were you doing there, Charlie?" dad asked. "I'm guessing it wasn't a social call."

"Looking for Bella. She hadn't come home, and wasn't answering her phone."

"And you didn't see who attacked you?"

Sam pursed his lips at my dad's slip of the tongue. I leaned forward, suddenly interested in the conversation at last. Would Charlie notice?

I watched as his expression changed slightly. "Who? Don't you mean what?"

"Uh, did I say who? Y'know what I mean, Charlie," he recovered quickly. Charlie gave him a long look.

"Can't begin to imagine what kind of animal would be strong enough to move me that far, let alone a human," he said after a pause.

"Whatever it was, I'm glad you're doing okay, Charlie. Had us all worried for a bit, there."

"Hmmm. Well, it's good to have you here. Guess y'all don't mind frequenting the hospital now that there's been staff changes, hey Billy?"

Dad grunted. "And yet we still ran into the old staff. What was he doing here, anyway?"

"Came to see how I was doing, along with Bella."

He was holding back, I could tell. Sam could tell it, too.

There was a silence. Charlie let out a sigh.

"Look, I'm not stupid, Billy. I know this isn't just a social visit to see how I'm doing."

He glanced over at Sam, then at me, then back at his friend.

"What are you really here to ask me?"

"We just want to make sure we have the full picture, Charlie," Sam said.

"Of what? The attack? Or the Cullens?" Charlie bit back. I raised an eyebrow and looked to Sam to see his response.

"Of everything," he replied levelly.

"Look, I don't know what kind of messed up affairs you have with the Cullens that makes you loathe them so much," Charlie said, slowly losing his patience. "But Carlisle has been nothing but good to this town, and to my family. If he hadn't found me and treated me and got me to the hospital, I might not have been here to have this conversation at all. He saved my life, and I'm not going to sit here and give you more reasons to hate him, if that's what you're after."

I snorted. He looked over at me.

"Something funny, Jacob?"

"Just you saying he's been nothing but good for your family. Guess we have differing definitions of good."

"If you're referring to Bella's... difficult... period, that's on Edward. I've already had more than one conversation with Carlisle about how sorry he is about his son's behaviour and how he disagreed with them abandoning Bella."

I snorted again. "They should never have gotten involved with her in the first place!"

"Jacob," Sam warned quietly.

"Why? Because they're different?" Charlie shot back at me. I raised an eyebrow. Surely he didn't know?

He quirked an eyebrow back and stared me down.

"Bella's felt different her whole life. I'm not about to tell her to stop seeing people she finally feels like she fits with."

I fought to stop myself from snarling. The anger was starting to rise again, but even I knew I couldn't let it overtake me, not here.

"Bet you would if you knew she was actually seeing him, seeing him," I muttered. Before Sam or dad could interject, Charlie laughed, throwing all of us off.

"Well. At least I can understand where your dislike is coming from, kid."

"What?"

"I know you care about Bella, Jake. And I'm sorry she doesn't see you as more than a friend. You're a great kid. But you can't choose who your heart falls for – her as much as you. And I know it sucks when your heart loves who you can't have, trust me."

I swallowed and looked down, trying not to let my emotions show.

"And for the record, I know we aren't talking about Edward, not anymore."

My head shot up again.

"You know about Bella and the lee... Doctor Cullen?" I asked, incredulous.

"Yep. Bella explained it all. And he came and explained himself as well. I can't say I'm exactly happy about it, but... they love each other. They have my blessing."

Billy and Sam exchanged shocked glances. None of us had expected this.

Charlie shifted on the bed. I could almost have sworn he was enjoying this immensely.

"We had quite an interesting conversation. About things that I need to know, and things I don't need to know. I'm told some of the things I don't need to know, extend to your tribe as well. So..."

He paused momentarily as there were more furtive glances between the three of us. He absolutely was enjoying this.

"Whatever it is that you're trying to get from me, about Carlisle, or the Cullens as a whole... I'm sorry, but you're not going to get it. I might not entirely like it, but I can see how much they genuinely care for one another. Like it or not, Bella and Carlisle are together, and that makes him family. I don't know what your history with them all is, but my vote is in their favour, I'm sorry Billy. I want what makes Bella happy, and if that's being with Carlisle, then so be it. She's the most peaceful and happy I've seen her in months. I'm asking you to leave him be."

"The hell we'll leave him be!" I shouted, fury coursing through my veins. I didn't wait around to hear Sam or my dad's responses, or even get the satisfaction of a rise out of Charlie. I was so incensed at what was coming out of his mouth, I was up and out of the room before I even realised myself what I was doing. I was vaguely aware of voices calling me back, but I was gone to the rage burning inside of me. As soon as I was out of the hospital, I ran. And as soon as I was out of sight of human eyes, I was gone to the wolf inside of me, and I sought out the wilderness, and I howled, long and loud.

xxx

BPOV

The afternoon had passed by painfully slowly. No one really knew what to do with themselves while we waited for the pack to give their verdict on the treaty. The Cullens had gone hunting in pairs, ensuring most remained guarding the house, and me, but also ensuring no one was caught off guard alone in the forest. Carlisle had gone first, Jasper accompanying him, before returning back with him to escort Alice out on their own hunt. Now Rosalie and Emmett were out on theirs, and Alice was trying to distract me by torturing me with outfits ideas and romantic getaway locations for when this was all over.

Voices sounded downstairs and I knew Em and Rose were safely back home. I glanced up at Alice.

"Still nothing," I sighed.

"Hey," she chided with mock indignation. "Your frustration has nothing on mine. How do you think I feel, being blindsided by mutts when normally I can at least get some kind of glimpse of what is to come?"

I threw a cushion at her and laughed. "Now you know what it's like for us mere mortals."

She suddenly looked serious. "Bella, you know there's nothing mere in the slightest about you. And one day in the not too distant future, you won't be mortal, either."

I gave her a look. "What have you seen?"

"Nothing specific. Have you talked about it with Carlisle?"

"Yes, actually," I replied. "He is going to turn me, when I'm ready, and the timing is... better."

I bit my lip.

"He actually really wanted to turn me when we... when we..."

"Consummated your bond?" she grinned at me.

"Yeah, that," I mumbled, blushing. "But we couldn't, because... well. Charlie for one. And the treaty."

Alice scowled at that, and I almost burst out laughing, she looked so petulant.

"Damn dogs."

"Speaking of which..." Emmett called up from downstairs. In the next moment, there was a loud rapping on the front door.

I gasped as I found myself lifted into the air and whizzed downstairs in the blink of an eye, courtesy of Alice. We all gathered as Carlisle walked to the door and opened it.

Sam was stood outside, in his usual wolf pack attire of cut off denims. For once, though, he had on a t-shirt covering his muscular chest.

The light was fading, as the evening drifted in, and the rain was driving down hard, but he seemed little affected by it. Carlisle gestured for him to come in, and he hesitated, peering into the house and weighing all of us up at the same time.

"I'll pass, Cullen, but thank you for the offer," he said flatly. "I won't take up much of your time."

I swallowed, and wondered if that meant good news or bad.

"Chief Swan was... very understanding, towards you and his daughter," he continued. "It seems he considers you family, and holds you and the rest of your coven separate from the actions of your son. Now, he doesn't know that same son was present at the attack, let alone responsible for it. But I'd hazard a guess that he would still maintain his opinions of your family despite the actions of the one. So. Given that he is likely to recover well, and given your good efforts to save him, I'm willing to let this pass. Do not take this as a leniency to be tested again, however."

"I wouldn't dream of it,' Carlisle said pleasantly. He held out a hand to the pack alpha as he added, "Thank you, Sam, for your good judgement. It is appreciated, by all of us, not least myself and Isabella."

Sam nodded, face stoic as ever. He did, however, take Carlisle's hand this time, shaking it firmly.

"The treaty stands," he said. "However, may I remind you that the red-headed bloodsucker is still out there, and likely still planning to make a move on Bella. We have done our part in keeping her safe in your absence, but I will no longer be risking my pack by watching out for her movements. She is your responsibility, now."

"Fair enough," Carlisle replied. "Thank you, again, for all that you did in watching out for Bella and keeping her protected. I know you risked a lot, to save her from Laurent, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

Sam nodded again, before backing away. "I'll take my leave, then," he said. Carlisle smiled, before quietly murmuring, "Levi would be proud. I see so much of him in you."

Sam threw him a look, the slightest hint of emotion flickering his his eyes. He pursed his lips, nodded again with the briefest of smiles, and then was gone.

Carlisle watched after him for a moment or two, before slowly closing the door, and turning to face us.

I let out the breath I had been holding.

"Well, that went as well as could be expected," Rosalie sighed. "One drama averted. Onto the next."

"The next being...?" I asked.

"Edward? Victoria? Alice's visions? The Volturi? Where would you like me to start?" she snapped.

"I think that can all wait for one more day," Carlisle said soothingly. "It's been a long few hours."

Rosalie huffed, but didn't argue. Carlisle flashed over to my side, pulling me to him.

"Do you want to get some rest?" he asked gently. I went to shake my head no, but frustratingly felt myself suddenly overcome with tiredness.

"Don't stress, Bella," Jasper smiled. "It would be a wonder if you weren't exhausted. The last few days would have taken their toll on anybody."

"Anybody human," I grumbled.

"Well, yes. But you are, for the time being, human. Embrace that, don't fight it. You're like a child too eager to grow up, and then wishing to be a child again when the reality of adulthood hits. At risk of sounding like Rosie, don't wish your humanity away quite so readily. Be glad you get the chance to enjoy the last of it."

"And that you have the choice," Rose added, not entirely sharply. There was something in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Something a whole lot more friendly.

"Alright," I relented. "I'll go get an early night."

Before I could change my mind, Carlisle had gathered me in his arms, whipped me upstairs, bridal style, and set me down on the bed, all in the blink of an eye. He pulled a duvet over me and fussed over me, stroking my hair.

"I love you, you overprotective old man," I teased him. He growled playfully.

"You won't be calling me old when I show you what I want to do to you, next time we are alone," he murmured in my ear huskily. I shuddered, trying not to succumb to my body's arousal. I'd never get to sleep if he kept this up.

I think he realised this at the same time I did, because he kissed me chastely on the lips before withdrawing from the bed and whizzing to the door, pulling it closed as he slowed and gazed in at me, drinking me in. "I love you, Isabella," he breathed.

"Love you too," I yawned, snuggling down into the softness of the bed. The door clicked shut, and I closed my eyes, eager for respite from the tiredness that was sinking into my bones, almost causing a physical ache.

I was almost asleep, when my phone started vibrating. Cursing, I fumbled about for it where it had slipped out of my pocket into the folds of the bedsheets, and held it up to cut off the call. I paused, however, when I saw who the caller was.

Jacob Black.

I sighed, and after a few seconds of internal struggle, I reluctantly hit answer.

"Jake," I mumbled into the cell. "What you want? I'm sleeping.'

"I need to see you," came the reply. "I need to see you, Bella. Now."

"Jake, no," I responded sharply. "I have nothing to say to you, and not just because I'm dog-tired right now."

"Ha ha, no pun intended, I'm sure," he rebuked. "And for the record, I'm not asking because I want to have a go at you. I'm... I'm sorry for the way things have gone between us. I'm sorry for getting so angry about everything. I don't want to lose my friend."

I softened at his words.

"You're not going to lose me, Jake, so long as you don't keep up your one-man persecution of Carlisle."

"Can we talk about it? Face to face?"

"Now? It's getting late, and I'm not sure the Cullens are going to think that's a great idea right now, Jake. Not after everything that's just gone down."

"I need to get this off my chest," he insisted.

I sighed. "I'm resting, Jake. They've sent me to bed to have some human time. I'm exhausted."

"Well, then, this is the perfect time to sneak out and come to the res, isn't it," he pressed. I made some kind of objectionable noise.

"Fine," he snapped. "If you don't want to mend our friendship, stay in your cosy little Cullen palace."

"Jake!" I exclaimed. "Don't be like that!"

"Do you want to save this friendship or not, Bella?" he growled at me down the phone. "Because if you do, then meet me in the trees half a mile from the house, in ten minutes. If you're not there, then I know you really don't give a damn."

He didn't wait for a reply. The line cut off. I cursed him in multiple ways inside my head. But despite my better judgement, I scrambled out of bed, and crept to the window. Everyone was out in the garage, illuminated in the growing dark by floodlights, looking at something Rosalie was working on. I dashed into the bathroom to freshen up, then quietly opened the bedroom door and crept downstairs. As silently as I could manage, I exited the house at the furthest point from the garage, and scurried across the grounds to the inky tree line. Entering the woods, I wondered where exactly I was supposed to head. Jacob hadn't mentioned a direction.

I needn't have worried. Jake melted out of the trees in wolf form, having scented me out. He tossed his head, gesturing for me to climb onto his back. I clambered on, holding on to the scruff of his neck for dear life, as he leapt into the dark tangle of trees and made for the res.

xxx

CPOV

Alice stiffened as we peered at the car Rosalie was proudly showing off, in her latest mechanic's makeover. I frowned, realising she was having a vision. Everyone ceased talking, all eyes on Alice.

"Carlisle!" she gasped, when the future finally released its grip on her. "Bella left. And then her future disappeared, just like when she jumped off the cliff."

Emmett disappeared in a blur, before returning from checking the house, face grim. "She's gone," he confirmed.

"Goddamn it," I cursed, before turning to the trees and bellowing, "Isabella!"

"She's long gone," Jasper said, placing a restraining hand on my shoulder before I went careening into the undergrowth after her. His nostrils flared. "Wolf."

I let out a loud sigh.

"Let me guess. Jacob Black."

He nodded. "Smells like it."

"She'll be back, then," I said, trying to force down the nerves that suddenly roiled in me, unexpectedly. "Hopefully they will be working their friendship out, after all that has passed."

But Alice did not look appeased.

"I don't think he had good intentions, Carlisle," she whispered. "I don't know how I know, because my lack of visions have me blind, again. But I just have this feeling. It's not a good feeling. Not at all."

Her eyes grew wider, and a look of panic fell across her face. "We need to find her. We need to, Carlisle!"

A chill went through me, as I nodded, pulling her in for a hug. "It's alright, I'll find her," I promised.

Jasper and Emmett went to flank me as I turned to the woods, but I gestured for them to stand down.

"If we all go charging in, the treaty will be over before it restarted," I said, flatly. "I go alone."

"You'll still be breaking treaty," Jasper replied, not happy.

"I know. But just me, going in under the guise of concern for my mate, is a lot less threatening than a charge of three agitated vampires."

Reluctantly, Jasper and Emmett nodded their agreement.

"If I'm not back by morning..."

I left the rest of the sentence unspoken, and didn't look back to see their reactions, as I flashed from the house into the trees, running towards the reservation.

If you've harmed one hair on her head, wolf, my inner monologue snarled, echoing the words he spoke to me the day I returned and held my Isabella in my arms for the first time in months.

I'd what? Kill him? Tear him limb from limb, as he had so badly wanted to do to me?

I stopped for a moment mid-run, willing myself to calm down, before I got near their land.

After a moment or two, I continued, under the blackening, starless sky.

Trees streaked by me, calls of the creatures of the night blurring into one background noise. I ran, and ran, before finally, I reached my destination.

Clouds drifted across the half moon, a fuller darkness settling over the land. I steeled myself, ready to do whatever it took to bring my Isabella back safely. I closed my eyes, giving in to the instinct. I let the pull between the two of us guide me forward.

Fists clenched, venom pulsing, I crossed the treaty line.

Thank you for keeping with the story so far! And if you have a moment or two to leave a review, I'd be ever so grateful; they really do spur me on to the writing of the next chapters!