"I'm going to study abroad."
His movements halt at the sudden declaration. Charlie had to ask Bella to repeat herself, just so he didn't mishear her.
"I've decided, Dad. I'm going overseas."
A disappointed 'oh' escapes his lips, unintentionally. "So you got an offer already?"
She answers him by handing the precious acceptance letter, with a reluctant smile on her face. As his eyes carefully scan the content of the letter, his pupils grow large and water pools in his eyes. A silent sob overcomes him and Charlie has to clear his throat.
"Bella, this is amazing. I'm proud of you! Does your mom know?"
She nods. The two of them haven't always shown physical affections with one another but Bella got used to it being surrounded by both the Denali and Cullen family. She can't help but allow that one tear to escape her left eye before she leaps and gives Charlie a hug. His body stiffens at first but soon relaxes and he puts his arms around her. He doesn't remember the last time they hugged like this, probably before Renee took Bella away from here.
It's a bittersweet goodbye.
Bella initially planned to prolong her stay in Forks but when the Volturi Queen surprised them with an unannounced visit, she was left with no choice but to leave Forks early. She was surprised to receive the acceptance letter and even though she knew she put a lot of effort into it, Bella couldn't help but feel someone was pulling the strings. Her extra curricular activities were not spectacular. She did accuse Alice, Kate and even Emmett but all of them had a genuine reaction to it.
Up in Bella's room, Rosalie and Irina could only cast each other a worried look. Bella had wanted a private moment with her father but still needed them to be close, for emotional support. Because after this, it will be a bit hard to break the news to Renee.
Jake doesn't take the news well, either.
But he's been forced to accept it. The tribe doesn't have much of a choice especially after how it all went down. The treaty was voided and as the last olive branch, the Cullens and Denalis gave their word to never return to Forks.
Only Sam and Jasper will be keeping cordial touch.
They've been told that a war is coming and it may affect the wolves and humans alike. They will need to undergo intensive training and Jasper will be returning with Peter and Charlotte from time to time, to try and provoke more transformations in the land. In return, they've vowed to keep Charlie safe.
Sooner or later, Charlie will learn about Bella's true intention for leaving. Coincidently, a relationship is blossoming between him and Sue Clearwater. He will one day be inducted to the family and be told of Quilette's family secret. This provides Bella with some peace of mind.
Renee only agreed to not make a fuss over Bella's decision if she spends at least quality time with her mother for a week in Jacksonville. It would be difficult to explain the nature of her relationship with Rosalie and Irina and so both covens agreed Bella should only fly out there with Charlie, while Kate and Emmett keep them under surveillance from a distance.
This gives both blondes the opportunity to have a sit down with Tanya and discuss a very critical decision about their future. Carlisle is saddened that he is not invited to the meeting but he respects Rosalie's decision to put her trust in Tanya instead. She had proven to be more level-headed than he was when it came to handling Edward.
The sisters decide to bring Rosalie to the place where they brought Bella to cheer her up; the cliff. Only this time, they didn't have a bathing suit on. It was the best place they could have the discussion.
"I can't believe you guys took her here and made her jump," Rosalie chuckled.
She smiles fondly trying to imagine Bella having actual fun like a teenager should.
"It wasn't her first time. We made sure to teach her the safe way to do it," Tanya chimed, bumping Rosalie's shoulder with her own.
Irina sprawls her legs on the open Earth and leans back against the dirt, "And yet when we returned, I remember somebody had green eyes."
"Shut up," Rosalie threw some dirt Irina's way at that dab. "I was confused."
They laugh reminiscing about the drama that unfolded when Bella and Rosalie realised they too had feelings for one another. It seems so distant now.
"Eleazar called," Tanya started.
Instantly the mood changed. Irina sits up straight and Rosalie turns to ensure her body is fully facing Tanya. Eleazar was called by the Volturi about two weeks ago. "Peter and Charlotte are there with him too."
They exchange an understanding glance before urging Tanya to continue. The tension is palpable. It's rare for one of their own to be summoned to the castle.
"Bella doesn't have much time. Upon her return, the Queens ordered us to bring everyone to Volterra on the next flight out. They'll arrange some of the guards to escort us from the airport."
They allow the sounds of the big waves to engulf them and drown the tension in the air. Nobody likes this but again, their hands are tied. They made a deal with the devil and now the devil has come to claim it.
"I thought we had more time. This isn't fair to Bella!" Rosalie cursed.
Irina scoots closer to her and reaches her hand for support. She knows it's what Bella would have wanted her to do in the situation. Rosalie takes a deep breath but squeezes Irina's hand as a thank you.
"Normally, I'd agree. But you see, words travel fast. Others have heard of Bella's incredible gift, the Romanian coven included. As you both know, they've been patiently waiting until the right opportunity to come along to topple the Volturi and Bella's gift has been the answer they've been waiting for."
Irina scoffs, "So Bella is either at the mercy of the new Queens or the Romanian coven? She's a human being, not a tool to be used in a war!"
Rosalie is on her feet, pacing like a human, an ugly habit she picked up from her mate. Her lips grow thin and her pace picks up its speed. "Tanya, tell us there's something we could do!"
She glances towards the ocean and releases a deep sigh, "There is. We need to turn Bella soon and then get her the training she needs to wield her power. But neither of you are going to like it."
Irina shakes her head rapidly, refusing to believe it, "No, don't say it. Please don't say it…"
Rosalie stops in her tracks, looking bewildered. "What the hell are you talking about?!"
"That's the news Eleazar told me. The only one who could train Bella is Queen Athenodora herself."
Irina's jaw tightens and she wears a knit brow. She glances at Rosalie's direction, waiting to see if she shares the same suspicion. Rosalie doesn't look happy at the news either. Both of them have never spoken about it after returning to Forks but it was because they thought it wouldn't have been possible for it to be true that they decided to never visit the subject.
And Tanya seems to be aware of it too.
So Irina needs to know, "How did you know?"
"Because why else would the Queen herself put herself at the risk of coming here when she could have easily sent one of her guards to deliver the message? Better yet, why didn't she just make a phone call? It's not like the Volturi to be out of touch with human's technology."
"I don't think it's possible," Rosalie said meekly, almost not believing her words. It's rare that she could sound so unsure than at that moment. "I mean, Irina, you've seen how Bella reacted to the Queen when it was just us three. If anything, she seems more cautious of her than anything."
Irina wishes it's that simple.
"Each mating bond is unique. It also works in mysterious ways. We each connected with Bella in different ways, at our own timings."
When that thought sinks in, it becomes a heavier burden on both of them. Not only on the dynamics of their relationship but also how it will impact Bella's life, if it were to be true.
Tanya, ever the wisest, steps in, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Fact is, we know that the Queen is heavily vested in guaranteeing Bella's safety. I consider it a win for us.
Also, Alice hasn't seen anything new in Bella's future except for when she is turned. So, we'll take it one step at a time. Okay?"
Reluctantly, they both nod. Tanya provided all the guidance and support she could give them but she is aware there are things these two still may want to discuss. She leaves them be for privacy.
"Fuck! I don't want to further share my mate with another vampire, let alone Queen Volturi!" Rosalie let out a big scream over the ocean. Irina raises one eyebrow at that and she just brushes it off with, "No offence."
"None taken."
"Do you think Bella suspects anything about her?"
Irina bursts out laughing, much to Rosalie's annoyance, "What?"
"Sure, Bella may be observant. But do you honestly think that's the first theory she'll have in mind? That the Queen Volturi could possibly be her third mate? Or the fact that she could even handle having another mate?"
Rosalie wanted to be offended, she really does. But then she remembers both she and Bella had a terrible reaction when they learned of each other's feelings. So she joins in and laughs at herself for thinking that.
When the laughter die down, both blondes are in over their heads again.
"I love her so much I wouldn't care if I have to share her with another vampire, just as long as she's healthy, happy and alive," Irina admitted. Rosalie grumbles, "Urgh, I know. I'd hate it, but I think I'll be able to live with it."
Lightbulb moment.
"You know who would hate it the most though?" Irina smirked.
When Rosalie shakes her head, Irina indulges her, "Edward. Fucking. Cullen."
Both of them roar in another wave of laughter as they remember the childish and sullen look Edward had on his face when Irina and Rosalie whisk her away for their first time being intimate together.
A/N: So, I am finally ending this book. What a ride. Thank you for reading, hope you had fun reading this. And who knows - maybe there'll be a second book? Maybe if you guys leave me some comments/reviews, I'll consider continuing it. Check out my next book on Bella x Heidi!