CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

By the time I arrive at Jessica's after visiting the Distribution Center, the sun has already begun its downward journey. I hope she or Jack are at home. Now if we had communication devices like Edward's, wasted journeys would be a thing of the past. Jupiter remains in the cart while I knock on Jess's door, wait a while, and try again. No response. Disappointed, I wander back to the cart wondering whether Jess might be at Mike's or Eric's. As I'm climbing back up, I hear my name being called.

"Bella, we're in here."

Jack beckons me from the door of his mother's workshop. The 'Closed' sign is still in the window.

"We've turned this into our workspace," Jack shouts. "Come and see what we're doing and bring Jupiter. I want a cuddle."

Intrigued, Jupiter and I follow Jack into the workshop where Jess, Eric, and Angela are bent over Mary's large, circular pattern table. Remnants of material, scissors, and threads piled on every other surface remind me to speak to Jessica about Mom's coat. Now isn't the time though.

Scattered across the pine surface are wax crayons and several colorful handwritten posters, some complete, some half-finished, inviting the people of Forks to a meeting in the Gathering Hall to discuss the proposed memorial garden.

"Whose idea was this?" I ask. Angela puts her hand up as if she were back at school.

"All of us, Bella. After you left, we talked about what you said and decided the best plan would be to speak to as many people as possible in one place. We thought a meeting in the Gathering Hall would be the easiest way. Eric was going to ride over to yours tonight to tell you so you've saved him a journey. When we get everyone together, that's when we can tell them that coincidentally all of the Catchers' victims had serious illnesses. With luck, this might sew the first seeds of dissent and start gossip in the town, and then we can take it from there."

"Great idea, Angela. So when is the meeting?"

"Saturday at three. Today's Thursday, so we need to get these pinned up around Forks tomorrow, and for some smaller ones to be taken to the outlying farms. While we're doing these, Tyler is writing about the people who disappeared, how old they were, what place they had in the community, and what was wrong with them. They'll be handed out at the meeting. This might be explosive, but we've decided there's no other way. You'll be there won't you, Bella?"

"Of course," I reply enthusiastically, but secretly I'm sick with worry. This is it then. I cannot go back on my bold stance because it was me who fired up the Gang. Bravado is easy when you're planning an attack. Stepping over the line takes actual bravery, which I hope will show up before Saturday.

Observing my friends' eager faces, I realize I've given them hope. This was a dangerous gift to offer as there still are no guarantees of success. Also, if our destabilizing plan goes wrong, the person who will be first in line for blame will be Isabella Swan.

Jess notices that I'm distracted.

"Are you okay?" she asks.

"Just tired," I reply and rub my eyes as evidence. "I'm not sleeping well, Jess. Too much on my mind, I suppose. I can't help thinking about Gran, and your mom, and where they might be."

"Me too," Jess sighs. "My heart tells me Mom's still alive, but if we find out that she really is dead, then Jack and I will have to grieve all over again."

"I'm sorry, Jess," I say and hug her.

I'd dearly love to be able to tell her that her mom is having treatment as we speak but I'm nowhere near ready to spill about who I get my information from. If the rebellion begins on Saturday I have to hope that Jess and Jack receive news about their mother very soon afterward.

I stay for an hour and then apologize that I can't stop longer. October nights get dark quickly and I want to be indoors before the light fades. Not only that, Edward said he'd see me today but hasn't shown. If Jake has decided to defy his father and Charlie and harass me on the way home, I hope Edward's close by like he promised.

The crossroads where I would turn for the beach is in sight when a familiar thump indicates that Jupiter and I have company again. Edward must have dropped out of the sky because neither I nor Jupiter heard him approach. Jupiter only grunts this time and remains sitting upright on the seat next to me. I'm sure my dog from a distance could be mistaken for a human.

"Better late than never," I say to my Vampire passenger.

Edward laughs. "You're not the only one with stuff to do," he replies. "Anyway, you were busy. I could hardly accompany you to the Distribution Center or Jessica's place. Is everything okay?"

"Sure," I reply. "The Gang is inviting the people of Forks to a meeting on Saturday. Do you want to come? There'll be no arguments then about whether or not Catchers are mean, feral creatures who steal humans in the dead of night."

I laugh, but Edward doesn't. He's troubled I guess, maybe as much as I am. Does he think a meeting is unwise or too soon?

"Are you sure this is a good idea," Edward says. His tone is serious.

"I don't know," I reply and turn to look at him. His expression confirms his concern which I presume is for my well-being rather than the Forks community. I have to share what's been playing on my mind since leaving Jess's.

"Whether it's a good idea or not, or if we are moving too quickly, it's happening on Saturday and I'm not going to stop it. We can't keep putting it off because if not now, when?"

Edward doesn't respond. I continue.

"I've only a short time to think through the implications, like, what if an Elder turns up at the meeting? It's highly likely they will if they are told about the posters. Until I'm standing in front of an Elder though, I don't know whether I'll have the courage to say what I believe is going on. And what if no one turns up? Apathy runs through the veins of practically everyone over the age of thirty here. My neighbors need to be shocked into action and I don't know if I'm the person to do this."

Edward remains quiet. My guess is he's also nervous about what may happen in the next few days. He hasn't told me much about his family apart from his relationship with them, but it's plain now that he's going against their wishes by being here with me. If this community does implode, this may have implications for his family. I hadn't thought of that.

Edward interrupts my musings.

"Tell me about Jacob Black, Bella."

"Jake? Why do you want to know about that loser?"

"How long have you known him?"

"Since I was a kid. His mom died having him which I guess affected Jake badly. My dad is friendly with his dad, Billy, and gave him lots of support after his wife died."

"What was he like as a kid then?"

"We started school together, but from day one he didn't pay much attention to lessons. Apart from the first grade, he was always in the one below me. He never made the final grade not because he was dense, but because he was refusing to cooperate with the teachers by then. The principal let him leave when he was fourteen because Billy could employ him in the family business where he's become an expert carpenter, but that's all."

"What about his demeanor? I presume because you've referred to him as a loser that he's got a personality disorder or something similar?"

"I suppose he always has. He was a loner at school and had difficulty making or keeping friends. He would occasionally fly into rages and walk out. We put his anger down to not having a mother's love - no empathy or kindness. The only people who have his back now are his family. He always seemed edgy and suspicious of the people around him. I wondered for a while whether his dad was mean to him but I don't think so. Billy's a nice guy and I've heard is a good father. I can't imagine him doing that. Since Jake left school he's got worse. In the last few weeks, he's turned into something nasty. He scares me now."

"Anything else?"

"Not really, but why the interest?"

"Because he scares you and he's been harassing you."

"How do you know he's been harassing me? I've never mentioned Jake to you before."

"I just know, Bella. Can we leave it like that?"

For the next five minutes, we travel in silence which gives me time to think about how he knows about Jake. My only guess is he's been reading the minds of my friends who are aware now of Jake's recent stalking habit and are worried about me being on the road on my own.

We're about half a mile from the farm when Jupiter's growling breaks the silence. He leaps onto the flatbed next to Edward, baring his teeth the same as yesterday when we were almost at the farm. Edward immediately sits up from his prone position and looks around. Instinctively I know this is more serious than just Jake being in the vicinity. I pull Star to a halt as Edward springs to the ground.

"Bella, get to the farm as fast as you can. If Jake is there, let Jupiter go for him. Don't stop for anything, and whatever you do, don't look around you."

With that he disappears, leaving me alone and even more scared with a snarling dog and an anxious pony. Star's twitching ears tell me she's also picked up that something is amiss.

"Move it, Star," I yell, and urge her into the fastest gallop she can manage with her bulky harness. Jupiter jumps onto the seat beside me, barking and growling continuously, while I can't resist glancing from side to side to see whether Jake is about to leap out at me despite Edward's instructions not to look.

Jake frightens me, but Edward's reaction frightens me more. Does he know something about Jake's intentions toward me, just as he did with Sam? Is he able to read Jake's mind as well? And what on earth have I done to attract not one entitled out-of-control asshole, but two?

The farm entrance is in sight when I spot Edward running across the field behind the barn, which surprises me. Less than a minute ago he was heading in totally the opposite direction.

"Jake's not here but he's not far away," Edward shouts as he approaches the yard. "I'll take Star to the stable. You and Jupiter get indoors and stay with your mom. Leave Jake Black to me."

Jupiter is still barking continuously when the inevitable happens. The house door opens and Mom comes out on the step. It's too late for Edward to hide. She sees him leading Star by her harness, then looks at me with the same expression as when she saw Gran's cookies on the table. Shock followed by understanding. It's obvious to me and Edward that she's worked out who and what he is.

Edward helps me down, makes a waving gesture to my mom along with one of his spectacular smiles, and carries on to the stable. Mom grips the door frame, but whether this is because she's in the presence of a Catcher, or she's having the same reaction to Edward's smile as I did on the beach the first time I saw him. I won't even bother to ask. All I know is I have to get her indoors, calm her down, and explain the Edward situation, and in the meantime count on Edward and Jupiter to protect us from Jake if his intentions aren't friendly.

"Is that … is that …?"

"Yes, Mom. Kitchen table. I'll explain everything."

Slamming the door behind us, I push her through the lobby and guide her to her chair. Jupiter follows but won't settle. He runs from room to room no doubt searching for an out-of-control loser. Before sitting with Mom, I also visit every room to inspect the windows and doors and check nothing is burning on the range.

Mom's hands are shaking which is understandable. Forty years of indoctrination that Catchers are murderers cannot easily be dismissed, even on the say-so of a daughter. I take hold of her right hand and wait for her to speak.

"What's happening, Isabella?" she whispers.

"Nothing bad as far as Edward is concerned, Mom. He's here to help and protect us. We're not in any danger from the Catchers. They only take sick people, remember?"

Mom turns to look directly at me. "Do you really believe that?"

"Yes I do, and as strongly as I believe Gran is still alive, and Mary Stanley, and all the other people they've taken away recently. Edward told me if it wasn't for the Catchers, and specifically his father, that Gran would've died a painful death from cancer. Mary Stanley has something called Luk … lukee … I can't remember, but she's currently undergoing treatment in a clinic beyond the Wastelands. I know a lot more, but I don't want to say too much now."

"And where does this Edward live?"

"Beyond the Wastelands as well, Mom, in a city called Seattle. His family used to live in Forks before the catastrophe. Their old house is still by the border fence but in ruins now. He took me to see it on the day I went off for a while."

Mom looks shocked at my admission. She wipes her eyes with her apron and nods her head. "Alright, Isabella. I believe you, but what shall we say to your father when he gets home?"

"I don't know, Mom, but that's entirely up to you."

Edward

The stench of Werewolf is everywhere, in the barn, in the fields, and all around the farmhouse. Jake must have transitioned to be capable of leaving such a strong odor and a distinctive trail. I've followed it into the forest as far as the river, but cannot trace his scent any further despite running as far as the fence, which is where I've stopped to think. I have to presume he's transitioned back and after cleaning himself in the water, is now wandering around Forks in a bewildered state.

Why now though? What triggered him to transition so close to the farm? At best I've got an inexperienced Werewolf abroad in Forks. At worst, I've got an out-of-control angry motherf… no, don't say that word, Edward. You sound like Emmett. The sentiment is there though.

Ah! No, no no no ... Holy Hell. It's got nothing to do with Bella or the farm. This is all my fault. Crap crap crap! Why didn't I think of this before you stupid, brainless idiot?

Attraction to Bella is not what's compelling him to harass her and hang around the farm. It's me. Anger from being rejected has nothing to do with why his instincts have been kicked into overdrive and triggered his transition. Okay, he's an immature guy and must be furious with Bella for ordering him to keep clear of her. But when he's close to her, he will be inhaling me which must be driving him insane.

Vampire scent must be all over the farm as well. I've been loitering there for years - more often since her birthday, and I've been much closer to Bella herself ever since we met on the beach. In the last few days, he must have matured sufficiently enough to transition, and, I suspect, hasn't yet got the maturity to control his instincts.

But wait a minute … he won't know that it's Vampire scent that is driving him crazy, not Bella. The legend of the Cold Ones will not have come with the Settlers to Lympi. Those fanatical atheists did everything to ensure future generations would have zero knowledge of religion, legends, folklore, magic, the supernatural, and the old customs associated with North West America. Any Quileute Settlers would not have dared pass on their knowledge of Werewolves, or even Vampires, to their descendants. I'm beginning to feel sorry for the guy.

Jake's genetic makeup plus the scent of Vampire Catchers visiting Forks to take sick neighbors, would most definitely have provoked a relatively normal kid with what I guess was just an average attention deficit problem to become the confused, cocky adolescent Bella knew at school. Add puberty, followed by maturity, and the increasing presence of a Vampire around Bella to the mix, the result is an angry and probably terrified young adult finding himself in a situation he would have zero knowledge of. As a fellow supernatural creature even I can see this isn't fair.

But what do I do?

Werewolves are Vampires' sworn enemies. They have an overwhelming compulsion to track us down and kill us. I can't just ignore the problem. It's not going away until one of us kills him first, and I genuinely don't want that to happen. But I cannot see a less violent alternative.

Leaving the river behind, I run beside the fence towards the Meadow House. My comms device needs powering up before returning to Bella's. Alice's take on what to do next will be interesting, even though I have a good idea of what she'll say after warning me about Jake in the barn yesterday. Before my device cut out again, she sent one of her assertive texts rather than talk to me ...

'Edward! You know what you have to do. It's up to you to tell Carlisle that Jacob Black is close to transitioning because I had no reason to be in Forks yesterday, so do it fast. The Werewolf situation will stir up so much shit in Seattle if they discover you've kept this information from the security service for any length of time. Carlisle will be obliged to warn security about Jacob immediately after you tell him. Forget my prediction about Jacob helping Bella's cause - our safety is more important.'

Alice's vision about Jake's involvement with the end of Lympi must have been wrong or the future has changed because of his transition. How could he be part of Bella's plan to achieve what she desires regarding Forks and Lympi? Jake has already defied his father and ignored Charlie. Now he's a Werewolf with a terrible personal problem. What possible positive action could he take to help her cause?

I'm tempted to ignore Alice and not to call Carlisle immediately. Maybe it would be better for Bella if the security service could be enlightened after The Gang's meeting on Saturday. The Elders then would be obliged to deal not just with a mutiny from the population of Forks, but a new but this time hazardous species of supernatural creature roaming this side of the border fence. I really did not foresee anything like this for Forks.

Maybe I should turn back and hang around the Black's house behind the timber yard, but only to check whether Jake is there. Provoking a Werewolf would be stupid at this stage. I wonder whether he's confided in his father yet. Like I said, poor guy. He must be freaking out about what's happened to his body.

No, Edward, get juice for your comms and then return to the farm to protect Bella. My family does not need to know that Jake has transitioned. I'll inform Carlisle when I feel the time is right. Let's see what happens at the meeting and then I'll make my mind up because the last thing Bella wants is for Forks to be locked down because there's a Werewolf abroad.

Bella

Mom and I decided not to mention Edward to Charlie, or that Jake had been around again. Neither of us could cope with what would inevitably turn out to be a stressful evening. Why Edward seemed so troubled by Jake's presence is still playing on my mind though. There was certainly a hint of panic in his voice, or was it fear? Surely there must be something going on over and above Jake being a major pain in the ass.

After morning chores, tomorrow afternoon will be dedicated to posting notices in strategic areas around Forks and taking them out to folks in the outlying farms. I can't imagine they will attract a huge turnout in the Gathering Hall, but I hope there'll be enough interest to get tongues wagging in the town.

After the meeting, that's when I suspect the Elders will come down hard on us, especially me, but we'll just plead ignorance. We're only stating facts will be my excuse. If I am taken away to the Compound for interrogation, I hope this will add credence to our claim that the Elders are in contact with the real power beyond the border fence.

Sleep must have taken hold because I've woken up shivering with cold. It's still dark. The house is silent. It takes me a few seconds to come around sufficiently to realize Edward is beside me. Suffice it to say, not much sleep is achieved after that.

Meanwhile, in the house behind the Timber Yard ...

Jacob Black paces his room, head in hands, tearing at his hair. No sleep or even rest, just unrelenting torment night after night. Already dawn is being heralded by a distant cockerel. He wants to scream at the injustice of his situation, but he's not yet ready to alert his father to his calamity.

Once again, pain, anxiety, and agitation have kept him awake. After what happened as he ran towards Bella's farm less than twelve hours previously, he can now add exhilaration and pure terror to that list. He doubts whether he will ever sleep easy again. Abandoned and desperate now, any friends or family members he considered trustworthy enough to confide in, have long since deserted him. Even his father had become estranged after he refused to take his side when Charlie Swan ordered him to stay away from his daughter.

"Bella ... Bella ... Bella." He repeats her name over again like a mantra. He truly believes everything points to her being the reason for his misfortune. Only when he is close to her, or in a place where she has recently been, does this strange and unexplainable explosive aggression manifest. Initially, he could handle the aggression. Over the last two days, it had become uncontrollable.

The night after Bella's party in the Gathering Hall, when he was still raging at Bella's indifference towards him, he identified the exact moment the first indications of what he now describes as the gathering storm began to affect him. That happened immediately after Charlie gave him the nod to approach Bella.

Within seconds of standing close to her and while he was enduring her mocking comments, he felt a surge of furious aggression welling inside of him. When he forced himself to walk away, he recalls desperately trying to control his temper, which even he would describe as uncharacteristic. Before the morning light stung his tired eyes, he had already become aware of subtle yet significant changes to his body. Curiosity over what was happening to him soon grew into abject terror.

As he paces his room, he again asks himself, if the seeds of the storm were sewn in the Gathering Hall, why did it happen then and not before? Bella hadn't provoked a reaction at the Distribution Center when he'd seen her less than two weeks previously. They hadn't socialized much since school, and in the last year, he had been in her company at least ten times and noticed no adverse effects. For that reason alone, he had no doubt Bella did something to him at the party that had effectively ruined his future.

Despite everything, Jake still desires Bella even after three volatile altercations. The first at the farm because of his humiliation at being rejected. The second on the road, out of pure vitriol and pride. The last time on the beach. Jake accepts that he was out of control by then. Bella was saved by the crab distracting him and the presence of Mike Newton.

During the sleepless nights that followed each confrontation, Jake had reflected on his words and actions. Genuine contrition made him question where this out-of-character behavior was coming from. He had always accepted his mouth ran away with him when he attempted to act smart, especially in front of other guys. When he was with Bella though, unfettered hostility spilled from nowhere and had worsened at each encounter.

Over the weeks since the party, this barely controllable storm had multiplied exponentially until two days ago when it reached hurricane force. Despite Charlie's warnings and his own common sense telling him to stay away from Bella and the farm, physically and mentally he couldn't anymore. The beast inside him had begun to take control.

When he gave in for a second time to this overwhelming compulsion to stalk her, the moment the farm came into view the hurricane became the beast and ripped his body to shreds. How and when she turned him into that monster was not the issue anymore.

Jake collapses on the bed. His hands cover his face. He had already decided that Bella must have no future in Forks for him to regain his sanity. Weeks ago in a fit of pique, he had reported to an Elder her reluctance to date him or anyone else and repeated what she'd said about the Elders. So far they had done nothing. It was therefore down to him alone to end this nightmare, which meant that somehow he would have to ensure the blame for her disappearance and ultimately her death fell on the Catchers. This would also solve the problem of seeing her with another man in the future.

How this horrific outcome could be achieved would keep him awake until an answer came, which it surely would. The temptation to go back to the farm and attack her in her bed right now was playing on his mind. If he could guarantee doing the deed as Jacob Black, he would take that chance. After what had happened to him earlier, he knew for certain that choice was now out of his control.

Oh heck! Edward really will have to keep much more than a close eye on Bella from now on.

Next time the posters go up, Angela's dad gets an eyeful, and the Elders ain't happy.

Thanks again for your reviews and all the great comments about the story, and especially Carlisle (booo). I'm loving them x

Joan x