Charlie tucked his credit card back into his wallet and let out a forced sigh as he finally relaxed back in his seat. He still found it difficult to believe, but Sue had done the impossible. Somehow, she had narrowed the search for Doctor Cullen down to two hospitals already. It hadn't taken them long to figure out the first location wasn't it. Which left them with Ithaca, NY. Every indicator that caused Sue to cross other locations off her list seemed to pass the test here. Charlie had taken it further, using his connections to attempt to track the others to Ithaca as well, but had come up empty. So far as they could tell, if Carlisle was in fact in Ithaca, only his wife had moved there with him. Charlie had suggested the lack of being able to find the kids too young to have moved out meant this wasn't the spot, but Sue had refused to consider that a reason to void the location. Chances were this location too would prove a red herring, but they had a town name and no leads anywhere else as yet, so Charlie had just purchased Sam, Quil and Seth airline tickets to check it out in person. Charlie prayed they would strike gold, but he knew better than to allow his hopes to rise too high. It had been long enough that if Bella had gone there, she was apt to have left. He suspected she had been in Montrose. Based on a conversation with the local police, she matched the description of someone who had hung around town for several days and then left on a bus. According to the bus company, she had purchased a ticket to Ithaca.

Best case scenario…the wolves found Bella and the Cullen's. At worst, Charlie was hoping they would pick up her trail to wherever she had gone next. Because Sue had given her the same two destinations, and only those two.

Charlie polished off the beer he had been nursing and went to check on Jake. Very quietly, so as not to awaken the still sleeping Sam and Emily, Charlie moved down the hallway and entered the bedroom.

There he found Sue and Billy watching over Jacob. It looked like they had just finished another round with the cool cloth. Whispering, he asked, "Any change?"

Billy shook his head sorrowfully.

Charlie squeezed his shoulder and said, "Give him time Billy, you said he was exposed longer than Sam. It makes sense his body needs a longer duration to heal."

Billy nodded.

"Sue catch you up on what we found?"

"Yeah, she said you were buying the boys plane tickets?"

"Yep, I'm not convinced it's the right Cullen in Ithaca, but Sue thinks it could be. Either way, that would have been Bella's second destination and clearly there are NO Cullen's in Montrose. So if the boys are willing, I want to get them out there as soon as possible. The flight is this afternoon; go ahead and let Sam sleep another hour." Charlie turned to Sue, "I wrote the flight details down on the pad if you want to call Seth and Quil."

Sue nodded her head and stood up. She glanced back just before she left the room and said, "Don't wake Emily either, I'll get Sam's bag packed myself."

Charlie shook his head negatively, "No Sue. I'll do that – as much as I've seen them eat, they'll need food for the trip and we all know how helpless I am in the kitchen." Charlie didn't know Sam well, but he knew Billy would have a good idea of what the young man would want along for clothing.

He quietly chuckled as he heard Billy mutter, "A'int that the truth."

Several hours later found Charlie Swan standing in Emily's back yard, fighting back tears as he considered why three massive wolves stood in front of him with luggage hanging off their backs as if they were pack horses. Sam, Seth and Quil were about to leave for Seattle's Sea-Tac airport. Charlie had tried to insist on driving them but that idea had been shot down immediately. For one, it would necessitate an escort for Charlie's ride home and that would mean four overgrown boys all crowded into the cruiser with Charlie, but more importantly, the cruiser was far to recognizable. No one wanted Victoria to see it and wonder why Bella's father was taking a good portion of the pack to the airport.

Instead, the three would travel by paw, stopping and changing into travel appropriate clothing before reaching the airport. Someone had found some motorcycle straps that Sue had been able to cut and turn into removable luggage straps on her sewing machine. The boys – no wolves Charlie corrected himself – had quickly learned to slip their snouts into the strapping and slide the luggage over their backs. The strapping would be storable in their bags, and they would be self-sufficient when it came to traveling in New York.

Charlie had made a stop at the bank and a convenience store. Each of the boys now had a cell phone and reloadable Visa card with them. Sam had insisted one of each was plenty but Charlie refused to take no for an answer. Were-wolves or not, they were essentially children heading out on their own to find his daughter and Charlie wanted to protect them as well as he could.

Sam also had an extra of each for Bella in a waist pouch that would be hidden under her clothing. Both were untraceable; Charlie had wanted to have a credit card made for Bella attached to his own account so she wouldn't be limited to what was currently loaded on the card, but he figured it was wise to assume the creature may find her through it. It had been a difficult decision for him since he wouldn't be able to trace Bella with them either. Billy had confirmed his suspicions of the creature's capabilities when Charlie brought it up to him. Sam was to ensure she had those the moment they found her. Charlie wasn't taking any chances on her ending up separated again and out of funds.

Emily and Sue both stepped back after giving Sam and Seth a hug. His voice gruff, Charlie begged, "Please, find my little girl."

Sam looked at him with tired but determined eyes. He gave Charlie a very deliberate dip of his head. The the three wolves bounded off into the forest. Emily slipped up beside Charlie and squeezed his hand. "They'll find her Charlie. After what she did for them, Sam won't stop until he has."

Jasper entered Bella's room where Carlisle and Esme were watching over her. Keeping his voice below human hearing to avoid waking Bella, he reported, "Emmett just texted. They've reached cruising altitude on their second flight. He estimates they will meet up with Edward in 12 hours, give or take."

Carlisle nodded his head at this information, then asked, "Did you have any difficulty getting them to agree to the trip?"

Jasper reclined against the wall and crossed his legs at the ankles, "Emmett was all for it without explanation. I think he's been itching to give Edward an attitude adjustment since he took off from Alaska. Rose wouldn't go without more details. I finally told them one of the family was being threatened, and we needed all hands on deck. After that she agreed to the trip and the hunting requirements without further ado."

Carlisle again nodded his head, "About what I expected."

His report complete, Jasper's tone changed from business to a softer one, "How is she doing?"

"Bella's been sleeping well, the pain meds are ensuring that. Her heart sounds are strong and steady, no change there. So far her surgical wounds look great and the swelling in her joints is continuing to drop."

Jasper let out a small sigh of relief, "That's good news I suppose."

Esme asked, "Alice has been awfully quiet, what is she up to?"

Jasper grimaced, "Trying to find a workaround for her visions. So far she hasn't had much success, but we did determine there must still be wolves' blood in Bella's system."

Esme's face turned curious, "How did you manage that?"

"I decided to take the vial to Forks and leave all of you here. Alice still wasn't able to see anyone's future, neither could she see mine. Only when I made the decision to leave the vial at the Forks house and go visit Peter, could Alice see me. She still could not see anyone here."

Carlisle nodded his head, "Your theory sounds plausible to me." Carlisle rubbed his chin in a practiced human gesture as he thought over the new information. "That may be a good method to tell when the blood has finally left her system. As for the venom, should any remain in her system without wolf's blood, we will know instantly."

Carlisle lapsed into silence before speaking again, "Has Alice seen anything of Victoria?"

Jasper nodded his head, "She's caught random glimpses here and there. Best guess: Alice is seeing when Victoria decides to leave the Fork's area. Whenever she returns, she's a blank to Alice."

Carlisle nodded his head, "I suppose that makes sense. She decides to enter the Quileutes' domain and becomes a blank. Plus, Alice isn't that familiar with her to begin with."

Jasper's face took on angry edge, "Or, Laurent could have easily learned too much about Alice's visions from the Denali's and passed that information on to Victoria. Could be Alice isn't seeing her much because she avoiding decision making."

Esme shook her head and held her hand to her chest, "Oh Jasper, the Denali's would never betray us!"

The glower Jasper wore didn't ease, but the previous edge to his voice softened as he said, "A'int suggesting they did Esme. But from my understanding, Laurent was becoming part of the Denali's rather than just an extended visitor. A few unguarded conversations here and there would have given him plenty to pass on to Victoria if he chose to."

Carlisle frowned and rubbed Esme's shoulder in comfort, "It is a possibility worth considering Esme. Though I am not sure what we can do about it if Jasper is correct."

The room lapsed into silence as the three watched over the sleeping human.

Charlie looked at his watch and shoved his hand through his hair. Waiting for word from the boys in New York was driving him up the wall. He knew they would not have even landed yet. He grabbed his empty coffee mug, left his office and walked to the break room, trying his best to ignore the searching glance Mark tossed his way.

In the break room, his hand shook as he tried to rinse his cup. He closed his eyes, took a deep, calming breath, and finished the job. He was filling the mug with the hot, dark, rejuvenating liquid when Mark slid in the room with his own cup.

Charlie didn't miss the fact that stream came from the fluid Mark dumped in the sink when he rinsed his own cup. Charlie set the pot down and was almost successful in making his escape but Mark seemed to innocently block his path. Filling his own mug and taking a sip, he said, "Ahh, I always love it when Lindsey treats us to this blend."

With Mark still blocking his path, Charlie spoke gruffly, "Yeah, tasty."

Mark put the cup up to his mouth again but instead of drinking, asked very quietly, "Everything alright Charlie?"

Charlie inwardly berated himself. To anyone passing the room, Mark appeared to be enjoying his coffee. Clearly Charlie hadn't been as natural acting as he had thought.

Raising an eyebrow, Charlie said, "Just peachy, why would you ask?"

Still pretending to drink, Mark answered, "We've worked together a long time Charlie. I don't believe anyone else sees through you right now, but I can tell you're super stressed. I also haven't missed that Bella doesn't seem to have been around all week…something up with her? Anything I can help with?"

Charlie dang near bit his tongue off trying not to curse. He pulled every bit of acting skill he had perfected over the years from seeing Bella off at the end of her summer visits. She never suspected he cried like a baby as soon as she was out of sight.

He waived his hand dismissively. "Eh, Bella's just off visiting her mother for a bit. Guess I've gotten used to always having her around, ya know?" Charlie forced himself to chuckle, "Guess I'll be a real mess when she leaves for college, eh?"

Mark raised an eyebrow but took a real sip of his coffee. As he lowered the mug, he said, "You know I've got your back if you ever need it Charlie."

Charlie gave him a genuine grin and said, "Never doubted that for a second."

Mark finally stepped out of Charlie's path and Charlie made a beeline for his office. Once there he tossed his jacket on, grabbed his key chain and headed out of the station. Best to go distract himself with some patrolling than hang around his ever observant friend.

A few hours later, Charlie sighed as he starred at the vast green forest surrounding the road he was sitting on. The driver he had just ticketed had left a good fifteen minutes ago. Charlie was finished with the paperwork, yet couldn't convince himself to get back on the road. He certainly would not go back to the station – Mark would be waiting with his eyes peeled. Honestly though, he should have anticipated that. Mark might be his deputy but the two men had been friends for years. Of course Mark would have his back if Charlie needed it. And Charlie would do the same for him without hesitation.

As the large jet pulled to a stop at the gate in Ithaca, New York; three very large young men were among the first to stand up and stretch when the pilot turned the seat belt sign off. Rubbing his sore neck, Quil mumbled, "These seats will really make you appreciate a good run through the woods, huh?"

Seth stretched the kinks from his back and said, "I'm just glad Charlie thought to get us all aisle seats."

Sam looked around at the packed aircraft as he retrieved his bag from the overhead compartment, "He was right about packing light too – now we won't have to wait at baggage claim with everyone else."

The three Quileutes progressed off the airplane with the other passengers and started following the signs for the airport exit. They passed a sandwich shop and their stomachs all growled in unison. Quil and Seth looked at Sam with pleading eyes and Sam laughed before saying, "Yeah, alright. Let's grab a quick meal before we head out." The boys had already polished off the food Sue had fixed.

Thirty minutes later, the three left the airport with their bellies full. They had checked a map of the city in the airport and discussed their plan. It was decided they would take a cab to the hospital, since that was where Sue and Charlie had verified a Dr. Cullen worked and the city was currently between them and it. Once there, they planned to search for any vampire scents and then slip into the woods to track them. Sam figured even if the scent was old, there would be enough of a trail to follow to the Cullen house presumably nearby. Assuming of course, that this was the Dr. Cullen they sought.

Sam hadn't decided if they would confront the vampire doctor at the hospital itself, should they find him currently there. Sam thought they might get more cooperation from the Cullen's in public, but he feared they might somehow bring more attention to Bella's location. He supposed a major part of his decision would be if Bella's scent was also fresh at the hospital.

If they found nothing at the hospital, plan B was to find the bus stop and follow Bella's trail wherever it led. Yet, all felt certain Bella's first destination upon arriving in Ithaca had been the hospital itself.

Sam had given consideration to splitting them up in an effort to find Bella faster – with one of them going to the train station and the other two to the hospital – but their ability to phase would be hampered by the need to remain out of sight and he had no idea what danger the Cullen's would represent to them. Even with the three wolves staying together, they would be outnumbered if all the coven members were here. The treaty still existed, but would the Cullen's honor it this far from Forks? They had when they believed the wolves extinct and the tribe no threat to them; what would they do when they learned of the new pack?

They followed the signs to the taxi stand and were directed to the first cab in line. They stowed their bags in the trunk and then Quil hopped in the front while Sam and Seth climbed into the backseat.

Sam shut his eyes as he listened to Quil giving their destination to the driver. He cracked his window though, on the off chance of catching Bella's or the Cullen's scents during the drive. He heard Seth do the same. Sam was still feeling weakened from the venom and was taking the chance to rest a bit more before the upcoming hunt through the woods. He didn't want to admit it, but the trip to the Seattle airport had drained him. He spent a majority of the flight sleeping deeply. While the bite mark was almost fully healed even to his eyes, his thigh muscles were sore too. He knew the leg would start burning again under the forthcoming exercise, but the only thing Sam cared about was finding Bella. He worried about the possibility that she hadn't found shelter with the Cullen's, but both Sue and Charlie were confident that Carlisle wouldn't have turned her away if she did find him. That made the hospital their best lead and Sam turned his thoughts to the steps they would take when they arrived there.

The cab pulled to a stop at the hospital entrance, and Sam paid the driver while the other two wolves collected their luggage from the trunk. Sam had been the only one of their number to catch the Cullen's scent before they left Forks, so he took the lead while the other two hung back a few steps with all the bags. They hoped to find the receptionist and Dr. Cullen himself. All three shared a knowing look after entering the lobby. It was faint, likely due to the wide doors opening often, but the sickly sweet odor confirmed there definitely had been at least one vampire in this lobby.

The hospital was small and they had no problems spotting the receptionists desk. There was an older lady working behind the desk who immediately smiled when they asked for Doctor Cullen. "Oh yes, he's very nice, isn't he?" she commented as she tapped a few keys on her keyboard. Her smile dimmed a little as she asked, "Did one of you boys have an appointment with him today? It seems as though he's out sick and not due back in for several days." She looked up and suggested, "I could take a message or make you an appointment for when he returns?"

Sam shook his head, "Thank you Ma'am. We were in the area and hoped to speak with him. I'll just call when he's back in the office."

He thanked her and they took their leave, intentionally taking a hallway in the opposite direction of the hospital entrance. They kept to areas that were not marked off limits and strolled through the building hoping to stumble on the vampire doctor's scent or office. They hadn't gone far when Seth called a halt, "Hey Sam! Take a look at this," Seth said excitedly.

Sam and Quil turned back to a wall they had just passed. Hung there were photos of the hospital's staff. Seth was pointing at one. It sat under the Department of Emergency Medicine banner. It was none other than Carlisle Cullen. The three exchanged a look – the Cullen's were beyond a doubt in Ithaca.

Knowing Dr Cullen wasn't in the building, but having all the proof they needed that they were in the correct town, they abandoned their search for his office and headed for the parking lot.

Outside, Quil looked up at the overcast sky that was threatening snow and remarked, "Well, we know he isn't sick and it's surely not sunny today…"

"Yup," Sam said, "It's looking more and more like Bella found him. Let's go," he nodded his head in the direction of the forest and held out his hand for his bag. Seth shook his head, refusing to hand it over even after Sam glowered at him.

Sam let out a sigh of exasperation and led the way through the parking lot to the forest beyond, Seth still carrying his bag. They slipped into the forest after ensuring no one was watching them and stayed in human form as they circled the hospital. They did this despite the heavy layer of snow on the ground as they didn't wish to risk exposure.

They were halfway around the hospital when they found a scent trail. It was at least a week old but there was no doubt it was vampire. Sam took in a deep breath.

"Bingo," he announced, "it may be a little faded but it's definitely a Cullen scent trail."

After the Cullen's vacated Forks, the current pack members had gone all over Cullen territory for two reasons: verify they were really gone and familiarize themselves with what remained of the Cullen scents to avoid any mistakes should one return.

Sam nodded his head in the direction the scent led, "Let's go." The three took off on foot for a few minutes. Once they were confident they could not be seen, they came to a halt.

Quil and Seth dropped the luggage to the ground and each stowed their outfits in their respective bag, yet keeping out a pair of shorts to strap around their ankle as usual. A few moments later three wolves stood in their place. The wolves reached down and each picked up their own luggage, the big black wolf giving a quick growl at the smallest when he tried picking up two bags.

The wolves took off through the forest at the fastest pace they could keep and still identify the scent trail twisting through the trees.

Paperwork finished after the third speeding ticket of the shift; Charlie sat and stared down the road for a few minutes. Finally he sighed and reached for the ignition when he heard a low 'woof' and looked around, spotting a wolf's head sticking out of the redwoods to his right.

Charlie looked up and down the road. Spotting no traffic around, he stepped out of the cruiser and slipped into the edge of the woods where he found Jared waiting for him in human form.

Instantly worried, Charlie asked, "Is Jacob ok? He hasn't take a turn for the worse has he?"

Jared was quick to reassure him, "Naw, Jacob's still doing the same as he was this morning when you left." Jared's face brightened some, "I actually have good news Chief." Holding his palms out in caution so Charlie wouldn't get too excited, Jared continued to speak, "They haven't found Bella or her scent, but I thought you'd like to know just the same – they've found the doc's photo on the wall there."

Jared knew from Sam's thoughts that Charlie had put two and two together on whom Bella was seeking. So while he kept the vampire scent information to himself, he didn't make any attempts at keeping the Cullen's name from Charlie.

Charlie visibly paled. He reached a hand out and braced himself on the closest redwood, bowing his head.

Jared grew concerned and stepped forward, but Charlie waved him off, "I'm alright…too little sleep – too much coffee."

Jared eyed him carefully, "I thought this would be good information for you Charlie?"

Charlie wiped his brow and reassured the wolf, "It is, Jared, it is. If the Cullen's are there and Bella made it that far then surely she found them. It's just…I didn't dare let myself hope they would actually be there."

Charlie finally looked up and his eyes were glistening, "They have to find her Jared, they just have to."

Jared clasped a hand on Charlie's shoulder, understanding, "They will Charlie. Sam won't quit until they have."

Bella was relaxing in the living room, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. Esme had made her a delicious meatloaf for dinner and now she was enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.

As was his new habit, Carlisle was sitting at the far end of her couch, Esme relaxing on his lap. Jasper and Alice were curled up on the loveseat.

Speaking intentionally vague to avoid triggering the mating bond, Alice informed them all that Emmett and Rose were now in Rio de Janeiro. Bella refuse to allow herself to wonder what distractions might have led Edward there.

She had just finished the cup and handed it over to Esme when Jasper suddenly stiffened and then shot to the picture window, looking out at the snow that was once again falling.

Cautiously, Carlisle asked, "Jasper, what is it?"

"Three emotional signatures – growing stronger."

Jasper glanced back at the family quickly before adding, "They aren't one of our kind," settling any fears of an impending attack from Victoria.

Esme's brow crinkled, "Humans? In this weather?"

Jasper shook his head, "I don't know…they feel different from normal human signatures."

They lapsed into silence for the next few minutes. Then Bella watched four heads straighten up at once.

It was Alice who pointed out, "Those aren't human feet…"

Carlisle glanced at Bella with a cautious smile, "No, but I've heard similar before. Many decades ago."

Bella put everything that had been said together and grinned, "Jacob! It has to be!"

Esme frowned, "What if it's that horrible Paul?"

Bella shook her head, "Paul wouldn't have any reason to come out here. He wanted me gone so Victoria would follow."

Carlisle simply looked at Jasper, knowing he was assessing the approaching wolves emotions. After a bit, Jasper reported, "I sense caution and hesitancy, some excitement from one of them. No animosity or rage. Lots of concern."

Carlisle nodded and rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Most likely friendly then. Looking to protect rather than harm Bella. I would surmise she is correct and it is her friend Jacob. Still, it would be wise to find out before they step foot near Bella whether they pose a threat to her."

Carlisle issued orders and everyone shifted to follow them. Esme stood directly in front of Bella, with Carlisle positioning himself between the two women and the glass window. Jasper and Alice stepped out onto the front porch to greet the wolves when they would arrive momentarily. This created several defensive lines the wolves would have to make it past if their intent was harm. In normal circumstances, Carlisle would have joined Jasper, but in this instance he did not wish to risk leaving Bella's side. Even as everyone's focus homed in on the soft fall of paws, Carlisle kept up his continuous monitoring of Bella's heart.

The sound of the wolves' progress forward suddenly halted before they would have cleared the tree line and was replaced with the noise of rustling fabric which could be heard by all except Bella. Then one set of footsteps and two sets of paws could be heard moving again. They broke the tree line and came into view of Jasper and Alice.