A/N: Hi beautiful people! I'm sorry for the delay, but I'm back! Let's get into it, shall we?

Enjoy xoxo


After losing her foothold on the physical world, Qetsiyah was yanked back into The Other Side. It shouldn't have been possible. Qetsiyah is old. She's powerful. And she's been on The Other Side for almost as long as it's been around. She knows how to wield her magic, better than any other witch residing here.

And yet, the rising force of her enemy was growing stronger by the day. She'd heard the whispers over the last few decades. She knew the strength of the dark witch was increasing, and that her influence was now reaching those in the physical world. But even this dark witch only had so much power here. However, with the strength of her followers, it soon wouldn't matter how strong one witch was when they were a collective. After all, a hundred witches pooling their magic were vastly more powerful than one.

Qetsiyah wasn't sure what would happen if the dark witch and her followers succeeded in reaching out to witches in the physical world. Renee is powerful and willing to walk down the darkest path, but she isn't the only one. There were plenty of witches walking the physical world who could be manipulated and lured into the darkness like Renee.

Shaking those thoughts from her mind, Qetsiyah watched Marie explain more about their world to Bella. She enjoyed watching the two witches reconnect after so long apart.

In time, when Bella was stronger, she could keep Qetsiyah anchored to the physical realm. But Qetsiyah had no intention of pushing Bella to learn about her magic and practice while her life was in peril. The last thing the young girl needed right now was to exhaust herself and risk her life while she was carrying the parasite.

Thoughts of Bella's unexpected pregnancy turned Qetsiyah's mind toward the Cullen family. Despite their oddities and the obvious secrets, lies, and manipulations, she greatly enjoyed watching over the coven.

Alice and Jasper had already left Alaska and were on their way back to Forks and Bella. They'd arrive sometime tomorrow. With their arrival, more secrets would be revealed. Once the truth comes out, it would shake even the mighty Mikaelsons.

Qetsiyah has kept watch over the young Major and guarded this secret for . . . well, his entire life. A part of her didn't agree with keeping his past hidden from him. But it's hard to argue when both The Fates and Mother Nature have spoken. She had some sway, especially regarding Bella, but she was essentially outvoted by the force of both The Fates and Mother Nature. In the long run, Qetsiyah could see their plan had worked. Jasper is the man he is today because he didn't have the weight of this knowledge on his shoulders. He was able to grow as a human and excel as a vampire. Even to this day, he is known as one of the most feared vampires in the world. His name is synonymous with power, strength, and danger. When the truth comes to life, his reputation will only add to Bella's safety.

There was so much that needed to be said. So many secrets that needed to be revealed. Qetsiyah was practically vibrating with anticipation.

For now, Rosalie and Emmett were vacationing in Africa and out of the way of the coming drama. Emmett hadn't taken the ordered separation from Bella well, so Rosalie suggested a trip to Africa to take his mind off the loss of his little sister. From what Qetsiyah has witnessed, the distraction wasn't going as planned. Emmett was deeply upset and hurt. But there was an underlying anger that had begun to fester.

Qetsiyah spent a little time watching the couple and to say she was concerned for them was an understatement. While Emmett grew angrier by the day, Rosalie agreed with Edward's decision to leave Bella. Her opinion and feelings toward the young human Emmett had taken a shine to were not helping his rising anger.

They were a wonderful couple; strong and fiercely loyal to one another. They were full of passion, desire, and an endless love for one another. It was truly a wonderful sight to witness. But still, Qetsiyah feared for their future if Rosalie couldn't work past whatever issue she had with Bella. Emmett had bonded with the human. He saw her as his baby sister and he loved her dearly. But, for some reason, Rosalie had taken an instant dislike toward Bella.

Qetsiyah didn't know why Rosalie seemed to despise Bella. She was sure there were a dozen reasons. Whatever it was, Rosalie didn't seem to realize how much her smug, condescending attitude was only fueling the rage burning within Emmett.

Sooner rather than later, the couple would need to return to the fold. They wouldn't be safe in the world on their own. They may have some defense training from Jasper, but it likely wouldn't be enough to keep them safe for long, especially not if they were on their own and attacked.

The question was: when should Emmett and Rosalie be called back to Forks? Qetsiyah knew how Rosalie felt about children. And, if she was honest, she isn't sure how the young cold one would react to Bella's pregnancy or what must be done to keep her safe. She can't imagine Rosalie would be on board with terminating the pregnancy, even if it meant saving Bella's life.

In fact, after seeing and hearing Rosalie's opinion of Bella, Qetsiyah had to wonder if Rosalie would be happy for the young human to die as long as the child lived and she could raise it. Would she listen to the facts and understand that the parasite was pure evil? Or would she see it as an innocent child and fight for its safety?

Those were questions Qetsiyah couldn't answer. But she'd do everything she could to ensure Bella was safe. She was sure her mates would as well.

Carlisle and Esme—the two figureheads of the Cullen coven—would also need to be brought back to Forks and into the fold. There was so much they didn't know. So much that they couldn't see. Whether that was because they had their heads buried so deep in denial they literally couldn't see what was right in front of them, or because they were so heavily manipulated that the lies blinded them, Qetsiyah didn't know. Either way, they needed to learn the truth. And it needed to be soon. Qetsiyah just hoped it didn't destroy them. Something like this could be detrimental to a cold one.

To the world—the supernatural world, that is—Carlisle and Esme are seen as the leaders of the Cullen coven. But, in truth, Carlisle Cullen was never meant to lead a coven. He is an excellent doctor and a wonderful, compassionate man. But he does not have the mindset or skills to lead a coven of vampires, nor was it something he ever set out to do.

Esme, much like her mate, is a gentle, compassionate woman. She is full of passion and a love that burns so brightly that it practically seeps from every pore. Qetsiyah was sure that Esme—should she ever want to—could lead her own coven. She was not like her mate. Beneath the surface, is a fierceness to her, the heart of a lioness who could easily lead and take charge. But it's her gentler, loving demeanor that draws people to her. That is, after all, what drew Carlisle to her.

Finally, last but certainly not least, there was the main man himself. Edward Anthony Mason-Cullen. At least that's the name he's been using this century. It is, however, not his birth name.

Her thoughts of Edward and the Cullen coven whisked her away to Denali, Alaska. Living on The Other Side as long as Qetsiyah has, she's learned how to get around. Most spirits remain where they died, or at least around the area. They had connections and family there. Those who were still living anchored their spirits in that place. But Qetsiyah had long since shed the shackles that kept her in Greece. She chose to follow her bloodline, and then, more recently, she remained close to Bella, Alice, and the Cullen coven.

The first time she looked in on the Cullen coven she thought she'd dislike them. But after spending decades watching and learning, she'd grown to care for them. Well, all except that horrid mind reader. She would happily toss him into the fiery pits of hell and dance around his grave!

She found it infuriating that they were all so naive and blind to the truth! How did they not see the evil in their midst? How did they overlook the obvious signs? Carlisle is over three hundred years old! Why did he continuously let that boy whisper in his ear and manipulate the entire coven? She's as dead as they are—granted a little more transparent most days, but still—and she could clearly see what was happening in that house! So, why couldn't they?

About twenty years ago, she had her answers. There was far more to the horrid mind reader than she had seen. Far more, indeed!

In Denali, Qetsiyah didn't enter the Cullen home. She rarely went inside when Alice was away. It was doubtful that the mind reader would sense her presence. With his gifts, though, there was always a slight possibility. It was unlikely he'd ever be able to see her while she was on The Other Side. Still, she wasn't going to risk it.

It was better to be safe than seen!

She arrived at the Cullen home just as the parental figures entered.

"We're back!" Esme called. "Where is everyone?"

At his piano, Edward's fingers paused above the keys and he closed his eyes. He'd been writing a new piece of music. With a long, drawn-out sigh, he stood up and made his way toward the front of the house. He didn't rush—Edward never does—choosing to walk at a human pace rather than his natural speed.

As he rounded the corner, Esme's head shot up. Her eyes landed on him, leaning against the doorframe, and her body tensed.

Edward smirked. "Hello, Esme."

"Edward," she greeted him, her smile about as tense and cold as her appearance. "Where is everyone?"

Edward pushed off from the doorframe as Carlisle entered the house. "I don't know," he shrugged, turning to go back into the house. "Nobody's here."

Frowning, Esme followed Edward into the house. "What do you mean, nobody's here? Where are they?"

Again, Edward shrugged. "I don't know. The house was empty when I returned."

Carlisle entered the living room, placing a soothing hand on his mate's shoulder. "I'm sure they're here somewhere, darling," he soothed. "Jasper told me he and Alice were going to stay close to the house after everything that happened in Forks. Alice was upset about leaving her friend behind. You know how she gets when she's upset."

At the mention of Forks and Bella, Esme tensed further. Her eyes narrowed and darkened, black seeping into the white.

Qetsiyah knew Esme did not want to leave Forks and Bella. She'd fought fiercely to stay with the young girl she considered her daughter.

It had been a beautiful thing to watch the bonds begin to form between Esme and Bella, and Carlisle and Bella. They truly thought of her as their daughter. It was a bond neither cold one had ever experienced before. Not really. Esme can't stand Edward. Rosalie never considered Esme her mother and her feelings towards Carlisle could never allow her to see him as a father figure. Jasper didn't need parenting and Alice was so close to her mate that Esme felt it unwise to parent her in any way.

Emmett was the closest they had to a son. He thought of Esme as his mother and Carlisle as his father.

Then Bella entered their lives and suddenly, Esme and Carlisle had the daughter they'd always yearned for. It didn't matter that she wasn't theirs by blood, they loved her unconditionally.

It's a shame that those bonds are now so fragile they could easily break if Bella chose not to forgive them for their abandonment.

"He probably left a note on the fridge," Carlisle said gently. "He always leaves a note for you if he and Alice are going to be out."

With a nod, Esme disappeared into the kitchen.

Edward scoffed. "I doubt a barbarian like him would think about leaving a note to tell his family where he'd run off to."

Esme returned to the living room before Carlisle could respond. "There's no note."

Carlisle frowned. "Was his car in the garage?"

"Yes."

"And his bike?"

"Yes."

"Alice's car?"

"Yes. But that's to be expected. She's never once driven her car. She prefers to be chauffeured around than to drive herself, you know that."

Carlisle smiled fondly. She was such a strange young girl. Both incredibly young and mature at the same time. He couldn't get a read on her, even after all these years.

Edward rolled his eyes and uttered, "spoiled brat," under his breath. Though both Carlisle and Esme heard him perfectly.

"Edward," Carlisle said patiently, "we've talked about this. Jasper and Alice are a part of our family. More importantly, they are members of this coven. Jasper is older than you are and considering his past, it would behoove you to show him and his mate just a modicum of respect. Lest you would like him to make good on his threats and tear out your liver!"

Carlisle received another roll of Edward's golden eyes. "It's not like I'm using it."

"While that may be true, the removal of a vital organ would cause you great pain, especially considering he'd need to rip open your chest to get to your liver."

Edward shuddered. "I still don't see why I should lower myself to appease him. I'm far superior to that man," he sneered. "He is a complete barbarian! You should see the depravity in his mind."

He paused for a moment and then looked up at Carlisle with a smirk. "After all, I'm the victim here, aren't I? I told you he'd be nothing but trouble, didn't I? And now, I've been proven right. Jasper Hale is nothing more than a monster. It was my mate he attacked! It was my mate who almost died. It was my mate who now fears for her life! While that monster gets to roam free and live in our house. After what he did, I expected you to kick him to the curb. Instead, I find the two of you comforting him!"

"Edward," Carlisle sighed.

"SHE WAS MY MATE!" Edward roared, venom spittle flying from his mouth as he raged, his eyes black as night.

Carlisle shook his head and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "She was not your mate, Edward. If she were, her blood would not have affected you the way it did."

"She was mine!"

Carlisle nodded. "Her blood drew you in, called to you. But a Blood Singer cannot mate with the vampire meant to drain her dry. You should've killed her the moment you crossed her path. But you didn't and for that, I am immensely proud of you."

Esme sighed. "But it doesn't change the facts," she added. "You were drawn to Bella's blood and her silent mind far more than her as a person. If you were mated to her, you would've changed her the day you met her."

Edward shook his head. "You don't know that!"

"Yes, we do. The moment I looked at Esme, I knew she was mine and I turned her. Rosalie knew Emmett was her other half the moment she saw him. Alice saw Jasper in visions for decades before she found him and they mated. That is how mating works, Edward. You know, the first moment you see her."

─── 。゚: *. .* :. ───

Esme watched as Edward shook his head in denial.

"The first moment you saw Bella, you wanted her blood," she spoke. "You didn't want to claim her, Edward. Or mark her, turn her, scent her, and fuck her senseless . . ."

Edward shuddered in disgust.

". . . Your inner vampire didn't overtake you and demand you make her yours," Esme continued, driving her point home. "It demanded you slaughter an entire classroom full of innocent teenagers and quench the unbearable thirst that only her blood could soothe."

As much as it broke her heart to leave Bella, Esme knew it was for the best. At least for now. When he came home, after her birthday party, and demanded they leave Esme was appalled and devastated. But his argument was sound and she couldn't disagree. Edward spoke of all the dangers their world presented to the young, vulnerable girl. She'd already been attacked and hurt by a nomad. But, in truth, Edward was the biggest danger to Isabella Swan.

Esme had fought, long and hard, to remain in Forks. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving Bella. She'd suggested Edward leave and they stay, but that was quickly dismissed by Edward. In her desperation, she'd even suggested they all leave and Edward remain with Bella. But, that, too, was shot down.

It was only when Carlisle suggested they each write her letters and leave their contact information that she began to see the light. She could write to her darling daughter and explain why they must leave her for a while. But she could also warn her about Edward and ensure that Bella has everyone's contact information so that if she ever found herself in danger, or if she just wanted to talk, she'd be able to find them easily enough.

Edward was, of course, against this idea. He argued that a 'clean break' would be best for Bella. He insisted he had no intention of ever returning to her and demanded that everyone stay away. He even went as far as to forbid Alice to search for Bella's future. From the way Jasper was growling, it looked as though Edward even threatened Alice.

Idiot boy! If he thinks he can best Jasper in a fight . . . well, I for one would love to see The Major tear the little turd a part!

After the family meeting, Carlisle took Esme hunting. They ran north, up into the mountains, far away from the house and prying ears. Miles from home, Carlisle stopped her and pulled her into his arms. With his mouth close to her ear, he promised he would not leave their beautiful daughter unprotected.

"There's so much I can't tell you right now, my love. We must keep up appearances. But I promise you, I will not allow our daughter to be harmed. By anyone!"

Carlisle, though not the most dominant of males, was brilliant. He could see something wasn't right. The danger was not outside their home but within its walls. To keep their precious baby safe, they had to leave her. At least for a while.

Carlisle's vow shocked Esme. He'd always doted on Edward. He spoiled him. Gave him everything he demanded. There were even times she wasn't sure which of them was leading the coven, Carlisle or Edward! To hear him speak so passionately, so fiercely, in defense of Bella—for him to choose Bella over Edward—was astonishing. Never, in all the time she'd been mated to Carlisle, had he chosen anyone over his precious Edward. There'd even been a few instances where Carlisle had chosen Edward over her!

Being able to write to Bella soothed some of Esme's anger. Though she longed to be able to return to her and ensure her safety.

Edward had offered to give Bella their letters but there was something about his offer that rankled Esme. To keep up appearances, she agreed and handed over her letter. But, to be sure Bella received her letter, she also posted a second copy through the mail.

He may be Carlisle's first companion, his son, but Esme had never trusted that boy. There was something off about him. She couldn't put her finger on it. It was the little things, she supposed. The way he always seemed to come between her and Carlisle. The way he tormented the others. He saw himself as better than all of them but his instant dislike toward Jasper was unfounded and, frankly, deeply concerning. Jasper's past was not nearly as easy and privileged as the rest of Carlisle's progeny, but he'd never harmed any of them. Where Carlisle failed as a coven leader and sire, Jasper picked up the pieces and ensured their safety. If it wasn't for him, there's a good chance they all would've been ash decades ago.

To Esme's surprise, Carlisle never objected to Jasper's help. There were many times he encouraged Jasper to take the lead and do what Carlisle couldn't for their coven. He even encouraged Jasper to help them train, so that they could all protect themselves if there was ever a need.

"Did you check their room, sweetheart?" Carlisle asked. "Perhaps Alice left a note there? Or Jasper's study."

Again, Edward rolled his eyes.

"I'll go check," she said, the panic rising in her voice as she raced out of the room and up the stairs.

It wasn't like Jasper to just leave. He always left a note or sent a text.

Where could they have gone?

Something wasn't right.

She just didn't know what that was.

─── 。゚: *. .* :. ───

Qetsiyah watched as the mind reader seemed to take great pleasure in Esme's rising panic. However, when he heard her startled scream and she raced back down the stairs, his façade slipped. Just a little.

"They're gone!" Esme cried.

Carlisle looked over at her. "What do you mean, they're gone?"

"Half of Alice's wardrobe is missing. Her art supplies. The stuffed bunny she carries everywhere with her. Jasper's guitar and his Cowboy boots are missing, too!"

Carlisle brought Esme into his arms, holding her against his chest. "That doesn't mean they're gone, sweetheart. It just means they're . . . not here . . ."

This time, it was Qetsiyah who rolled her eyes. Foolish man!

Esme growled, low and deep in her chest. "Carlisle, they're gone! Jasper wouldn't have taken all his documents, his laptop, his guitar, his military uniform from his human days, and half his study if they were just going hunting for the weekend!"

At least someone has her head firmly screwed on! Qetsiyah sighed, exasperated.

From what she'd witnessed, there were two sides to Carlisle Cullen. The great, wonderful, compassionate doctor who had his wits about him and could sense the great evil residing in his home. And the other side, the side that was stuck on stupid!

A low growl came from Edward.

Ah, ah, ah, dear boy, your true colors are beginning to show!

"They cannot be gone!" He hissed. "Where the hell would they go? They better not have gone back to Forks!"

Carlisle straightened up, his eyes growing just a tad darker as he eased Esme behind him slightly.

Ah. The better side of Carlisle Cullen is finally coming through. Good.

"You've made your feelings and demands clear, Edward. Neither Alice nor Jasper would go against your wishes." He turned to Esme then. "Why don't you try calling them? Perhaps they've gone to visit Peter. You know how much Alice loves to see the horses."

Esme nodded and dashed back out of the room.

As soon as she was gone, Edward darted forward, pinning Carlisle to the far wall with a hand to his throat. His eyes met Carlisle's. "You better hope they're with that backwater hillbilly. If I find out they've gone to Forks, I'll take more than your free will, Carlisle!"

Carlisle swallowed and nodded his head.

Edward stared into his eyes for a moment longer before releasing Carlisle and then retreated to his piano. Qetsiyah watched as he suddenly stiffened and whirled around to face Carlisle as he made his way toward the stairs where his study was located.

A snarl ripped through Edward as he shot forward, grabbed Carlisle by the collar, and threw him across the room. "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"

Carlisle landed on the coffee table, which broke on impact, sending splinters of wood and glass across the room. Slowly, he turned to look up at Edward, who was standing over him, eyes as black as night. "Do? I didn't do anything, Edward."

Before Edward could speak, the sliding glass doors opened and Eleazar sauntered into the house with Carmen following behind, a warm smile gracing her beautiful face.

"What on earth is going on here?" Eleazar asked, his eyes ping-ponging between Edward and Carlisle. "Edward? What is the meaning of this?"

Edward's eyes were wide as he shook his head. "It's gone," he whispered. "It's gone. It's gone." He ran a hand through his mop of bronze hair, tugging at the roots.

Frowning, Eleazar went to Carlisle, helping him to his feet. "Carlisle, my dearest brother. You and Esme have had a trying few months. Why don't you take your mate hunting? I'll look after Edward."

Without a word, Carlisle nodded his head. "Thank you, brother. That's a wonderful idea. Esme could use the distraction . . ."

"Distraction?" Eleazar frowned. "Oh, you mean from the human you lost . . ."

Carlisle nodded and sighed. "Mm. Yes. She misses Bella dearly."

Without another word, Carlisle made his way up the stairs. Qetsiyah followed, wanting to know what the two cold ones would do.

Carlisle found Esme in Jasper's study. As soon as she looked up at him, ready to tell him something, he placed a finger on his lips to shush her. "Why don't we go hunting, sweetheart? It's been a very trying day . . ."

Frowning, Esme nodded, following her mate's lead.

He took her hand in his and they leaped out of the window. But, they didn't go far. Carlisle escorted Esme around the house. Staying close enough that they could hear what was happening inside, but far enough away that Eleazar and Edward would not hear them.

"Keep your mind blank, my love," Carlisle said, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke, far too softly for anyone but her to hear him.

Esme nodded and closed her eyes.

Realizing what they were doing, Qetsiyah darted back toward the house. Perhaps now she would finally have some answers. It was obvious to her, that Carlisle suspected something. But what?

Inside the house, Edward was pacing like a caged animal.

"Tell me what happened, son," Eleazar demanded, making himself comfortable on the sofa.

Carmen scurried over and dropped to the floor, sitting on her knees beside Eleazar, leaning against his legs. His hand went to her head as he gently brushed his fingers through her silky tresses.

Edward stopped his pacing and whirled around to face Eleazar. "The mark I placed on Bella in the ballet studio," he snarled, "it's gone!"

"That isn't possible, Edward. You must be mistaken."

"I'm not mistaken, father!" He hissed. "It's gone. One minute I could feel her and now I cannot! How many ways do you need me to say it? It's gone! She's gone!"

A low, far more dangerous, growl came from Eleazar. He was out of his seat and in Edward's face before the young boy could blink. "I am your father. You will show me a little more respect, boy!"

Edward took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," he said, far more calmly than before. "But something is wrong. The mark is gone. I can't feel her anymore. Alice and Jasper are missing. Emmett is refusing to return to the coven. Rosalie won't even look at me. And I think Carlisle is beginning to suspect something. He's not acting like himself!"

Eleazar nodded and returned to his seat. As soon as he sat, Carmen was leaning against his legs again.

"Carlisle seems perfectly normal to me . . ."

"Of course, he does," Edward sighed, running his hands through his hair again. "You haven't spent the last century at his side. Trust me, father, there's something different about him. My manipulations don't seem to be having much effect anymore. Perhaps he's developed some kind of immunity to my gift . . ."

Eleazar shook his head. "Doubtful. Carlisle is a simple-minded man. It's why he was perfect for this role. He was never going to fight too hard against your gift, allowing you to control and manipulate him and the coven. No. No. It's not Carlisle."

Carmen lifted her head to look up at Eleazar. "The girl . . ."

Eleazar nodded. "Yes. Whatever she is or will become, I believe her influence has already altered Carlisle."

"I thought you couldn't get a read on her future ability . . ."

Eleazar's eyes shifted back to Edward. "I cannot. Nor can your mother steal her gift. Which tells me she is exactly the girl we need on our side. Vlad is sure of it, too. And you know, unlike Alice, your brother's foresight is never wrong."

Edward nodded. "Yes. Subjective precognition isn't very useful. Thankfully, Mother was able to get her hands on a psychic without such annoying restrictions."

Carmen looked up at Edward and beamed with pride at his praise.

"For the time being, you need to return home to Romania, son. I will not allow you to be put in any danger. With Carlisle's resources and friendship with those Italian scum, they cannot find out what we are planning until it is too late."

Edward nodded in agreement. "I've done what I can, but they're all still so strongly bonded to Bella. If they get even a whiff of what we plan to do to her . . . or what we've already done, they'll never let me get close to her again."

Carmen shifted. Her arm wound around Eleazar's legs and she clutched at him. "What if they discover what our son is capable of, Eleazar? Do they have any idea what he is?"

Eleazar brushed his fingers through her hair, soothing her worry. But he didn't answer her. Instead, he looked to Edward to provide the answers.

"Carlisle likely has some idea of what my true gift is. I haven't been able to hide that from him. He needed to be under my complete control," Edward told them. "But there is no way he could know you are my birth parents. Or that you were human when I was born and father a vampire. Carlisle believes I was a newborn when he found me. Thanks to father's venom, I am vastly more vampire than I am human. And thanks to your gift, Mother, I've been able to hide my heartbeat and true scent from all those I've come across in the last century."

Carmen breathed a sigh of relief and loosened her grip on Eleazar's legs. "Good." She nodded. "Will we all be returning to Romania?"

"Yes." Eleazar nodded. "Retreating is for the best. For now. I'll inform the others of my decision when we get back to the house. We must have Isabella on our side! Vladimir is adamant that with her bound and loyal to us, we will succeed in our plans."

"And if she's not with us, father?"

"That is not an option. We will have her, my son. We will succeed. We have been at this for over three thousand years! Failure is not an option! Not when we are so close to having all we desire!"

"And the child she's carrying?" Edward wondered. "If we're to go home—"

Eleazar held his hand up to shush Edward. "Even as we speak, we have an alley in the field preparing to extract the child and ensure the girl lives. Dr. Maxwell will not fail us. He knows what's at stake if he does."

Edward frowned. "Dr. Maxwell is human. How does he plan to survive a hybrid child? It'll kill him in an instant . . ."

"Dr. Maxwell is not alone, my boy!" Eleazar grinned. "A small army will descend upon Forks as soon as the child is ready to be born. Dr. Maxwell's job is to ensure Isabella lives and remains human!"

"Then in a few weeks, she'll be impregnated again . . ."

"Should all go as planned," Eleazar nodded, "yes. She will carry as many of my children as she can withstand."

At Eleazar's feet, Carmen hissed.

"Hush, woman," Eleazar growled. "You know this must be done. I take no personal pleasure in this act."

Qetsiyah doubted that. She could see the anticipation and desire in his darkening eyes. She didn't want to consider what would become of Isabella if these monsters got their hands on her!

"And the mutts?" Edward asked, moving the conversation away from topics that would upset his beloved mother.

Eleazar smiled brightly. "There is no need for you to worry, my son. All is taken care of. Dr. Maxwell is highly motivated to aid in whatever we desire."

After a moment, Carmen looked up at Edward with shining, unshed tears in her eyes. "Edward, my darling . . ."

He darted to her, kneeling before her as he took her hands in his. "Yes, mother?"

"Would you play for me, my sweet boy?" She pleaded, her eyes shifting from Eleazar to Edward. "Please."

With a tender smile on his face, Edward leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his mother's forehead. "I've been tinkering with a new melody for you, would you like to hear it?"

"I think that would be wonderful, son," Eleazar encouraged, gently lifting Carmen into his arms so she was sitting in his lap.

With a bright smile on his face, Edward darted over to his piano. He'd just sat down, fingers poised over the ivory keys when his mind went blank and he began to bark.

'Woof! Woof! Woof!'

Eleazar frowned. "Edward?"

Edward barked again. 'Woof! Woof! Woof!'

"Edward, what was that?"

Edward shook his head. "I, uh," he cleared his throat. "I don't know. I was just thinking about the music and I—" Again, he began to bark. 'Woof! Woof! Woof!'

"Edward!" Carmen darted off Eleazar's lap and went to her son. "What's happening?"

"I don't know!" He cried, shaking his head. He took an unneeded deep breath. "I-I think I'm fine now." He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders.

"If you're sure . . ." Carmen frowned, unsure what had just happened. Her eyes darted to Eleazar who was watching their son.

"I'm sure," Edward nodded and turned back to his piano. He was determined to play for his beloved mother. He just needed to—"Woof! Woof! Woof!" He shook his head. "What the fuck!?"

Eleazar frowned, unsure what was happening. He'd never seen anything like this. "Every time you try to play you begin to bark!"

A gasp came from Carmen as she scurried back. "Edward! Your face!"

Qetsiyah couldn't help but laugh as disgusting, puss-filled pimples covered Edward's formally flawless face.

Edward raced over to the mirror in the hallway. A shrill scream burst from his lips. "MY FACE! MY BEAUTIFUL FACE! WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ME?"

A moment later, he doubled over at the waist and began to groan. "Oh, God! Oh fuck! AAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

Eleazar darted over to the young boy. "Edward? What's happening, son?"

"My penis!" He screamed and tore his trousers and boxer off to reveal his genitals covered in purplish bumps. His penis was beginning to turn an ugly red color. The bumps quickly morphed, turning into puss-filled boils.

Edward let out a scream and then suddenly straightened. He shook, his body quivering as his chest contorted, leaving him with a beer gut and large man bosoms that sagged in his sweater.

"Father!" He screamed. "What the fuck is happening to me?"

Qetsiyah giggled to herself. Karma, she thought. Karma was happening.

─── 。゚: *. .* :. ───

Outside the Cullen house, Carlisle and Esme were watching from the back window. As amusing as it was to see Edward suffer, what they'd just overheard struck them to their core.

Carlisle took Esme's hand in his and the two began to run. He wasn't sure where they were running to. His only thought was to get as far away from Alaska as possible.

"What just happened to him, Carlisle?" Esme asked as they ran.

"If I had wager guess," Carlisle smirked, "I'd say our beautiful daughter has come into her powers and she's pissed."

Shocked, Esme came to a halt, pulling Carlisle with her. "Are you saying a witch can curse someone from hundreds of miles away?"

"No," Carlisle shook his head. "Not an ordinary witch. But, if what I've learned is true, Isabella Swan is no ordinary witch. I can only imagine the kinds of things she'd be capable of when she's fully trained."

Esme nodded. With tears in her eyes, she looked off into the distance. "We need to go to her, Carlisle. They've already done something to her! We need to protect her!"

"I know," he agreed. "We need to go back."

"But first," Esme took his hand back into hers, "there are things you need to tell me. What the hell is Edward? What is it he's been doing to you all these years? How is it he had a hold on you and then, suddenly, he didn't?"

Carlisle sighed and ran a hand through his hair. As much as he didn't want to admit his failings, he knew it was time. His beautiful mate deserved to know everything. If they were going to face this evil and win, there could be no more lies or secrets between them.

It was time to start telling the truth.


AN: That was a really long chapter with a lot of new information! I have to say I really enjoyed writing it from Qetsiyah's POV. As a ghost she makes a great spy!

So, let's see here. Esme and Carlisle love Bella. Emmett is pissed. Rosalie is smug.

Eleazar, Carmen, and Edward are all members of the Romanian coven. Eleazar and Carmen are Edward's biological parents. Edward is a hybrid. Carmen has the ability to steal other people's gifts. Let's hope she keeps her hands to herself! Edward isn't just a normal, regular ol' telepath. Vladimir is psychic! And apparently Edward's brother.

Dr. Maxwell (from TVD) is on his way to Forks and is working with the Romanians. How did he get mixed up in this? And what's he doing to the shifters from La Push?

Oh, and let's not forget, there's an army coming to Forks to get Bella and her demon baby. And we now know Eleazar is the father of Bella's demon child. And he plans to impregnate her again!

Well, those are his plans. I think a few certain Originals are going to have something to say about that.

Speaking of Originals, what's up with Qetsiyah knowing something about our dear Major that he doesn't know? What could it be?

So many answers, so many more questions!

Leave me some love and I'll see you in the next one! :)