Kayce awakens with a start, his arms tightening protectively around Elsa's sleeping form. The rush of warmth that floods his body is indescribable, the best feeling in the entire world. Last night's carefully laid plans to propose may have gone out the window, but now he knows without a doubt that Elsa will be his wife.
He watches her peaceful sleeping face, unable to resist brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. Despite their intentions for a passionate night together, they had both fallen into a deep slumber, completely spent and content in each other's arms. Kayce's phone shatters the tranquil moment, causing Elsa to stir with grumpy groans at being disturbed from her peaceful rest.
(Back to forks)
For days, Alice's tears have been flowing without pause. Each tear a reflection of her heartache and pain. Edward, with his gentle words and tender kisses, has been desperately trying to console her. Rosalie and Emmett, weary of the constant crying, decided to take a little trip away from the house. That left Bella, Carlisle, Esme, and the inconsolable Alice inside to deal with her raging emotions. And as much as Edward tried to comfort Alice, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disregard towards Bella in that moment. The tension in the air was thick as the three of them sat in silence, waiting for Alice to calm down. The only sound was the soft weeping of Alice and occasional creaking of floorboards under their weight.
"Edward," Bella pleads, her voice shaking. "Let's go to Port Angeles and catch a movie. It'll be fun."
But Edward sneers at her, his icy stare freezing her in place. "Selfish," he spits out, his tone biting. "Don't you see your best friend is hurting? How could you be so cold?"
Bella recoils at his harsh words, her heart twisting with guilt. Memories flood her mind of when Edward had abandoned her in the woods, leaving her to die while he took their family away. Now here she is, being blamed for Jasper's departure.
Edward shakes his head dismissively and grabs her keys and bags, shoving them into her hands. "I don't want to see or hear from you until you change your attitude and start being there for Alice," he declares coldly.
With tears in her eyes, Bella leaves the house as a new Cold War begins between them. But this time, it feels different. Days pass without any contact from Edward or the rest of the Cullen family. Dr. Carlisle grows worried and suspects that they are being watched.
Finally, unable to take it any longer, Dr. Carlisle confronts Edward and demands an explanation for their silence. He knows that if this feud continues, it could attract unwanted attention from the powerful vampire leaders in Italy. It's time to end this Cold War before it's too late.
Carlisle has arranged for Esme to sit with a heartbroken Alice, trying to console her shattered spirit. He knows he needs to talk to Edward about the situation and make some difficult decisions. As they walk into the woods for a hunting session, Carlisle finally broaches the topic.
"Edward, we need to talk."
Edward's face hardens, anticipating the worst. "Is this about Jasper? Are you going to kick him out of the family?"
Carlisle takes a deep breath. "It's not just about Jasper. We also need to address Rosalie and Emmett's behavior. They're on thin ice and need to stay away from the family for a while."
Disappointment washes over Edward as he realizes that Carlisle is not thinking about Bella. "And what about Bella? Aro wants proof of her death or transformation. A simple piece of paper won't suffice."
Edward paces back and forth, his inner struggle evident. But Carlisle can see right through his facade. He knows the truth - that Edward and Alice were intimate recently and their secret rendezvous had been going on for a while now.
"As much as it pains me, Carlisle, I don't think Bella deserves immortality. She's been unsupportive of Alice and everything happening in our family. She's selfish and cruel like most of her generation. I wish I had seen it earlier."
The doctor is not surprised by Edward's words, not after overhearing him and Alice planning to kill Bella during a tense lovemaking session. With his calm demeanor, Carlisle reassures Edward that he will handle everything and goes off to make plans for faking Bella's death with them.
But as he sits down to think, he remembers how Jasper had taught him to work around Alice's gift. Leaving work early, he calls Billy Black and requests a meeting at the treaty line - they have important matters to discuss.
"Thank you, Carlisle. I don't think I can bring myself to kill my own mate. You've always been a loving father and leader for this family. We need you now more than ever."
Carlisle gives Edward a sad smile, knowing the weight of their decisions will take a toll on him as well.
"As leader, it is my responsibility to protect this family at all costs. Even if it means making difficult choices. Bella will not survive until graduation, something will happen. She's always been accident-prone, no one will suspect a thing."
Edward's face contorts with grief, but Carlisle knows he must remain strong for the sake of their family. He walks back to the house with a heavy heart, already planning for the fake news of Bella's death that will soon spread throughout Forks.
The night was thick and heavy, the sky a deep shade of indigo with only slivers of silver moonlight cutting through the darkness. Carlisle paced outside his home, waiting for the right moment to make his move. He knew Alice was watching, waiting for any sign that he might be planning something suspicious. But he had made sure to clear his mind and focus on one decision - to take a walk or run into the woods.
As he stepped onto the soft forest floor, the scent of pine and damp earth filled his nostrils. His feet effortlessly carried him deeper into the woods, his thoughts turning to the task at hand. He knew he had to plan carefully, ensuring that Alice would see only what he wanted her to see. With each step, he solidified his decision - to fake Bella's death in order to protect her from harm.
His mind raced with possibilities as he ran towards the treaty line, where he knew he would find answers. As he approached, his keen eyes caught sight of a horse and three massive wolves. One was jet black, one a mottled brown with hints of grey, and one a light tan color. But there were also two familiar faces among them - Billy Black and Henry Clearwater.
Despite the tension between their clans, they sat calmly at the treaty line, their presence a symbol of peace between their species. Carlisle couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for them in that moment, even as he prepared to deceive them all for the sake of keeping Bella safe.
"What the hell is going on, Doctor Cullen? Why did you insist on meeting here and involving the wolves?"
Carlisle approaches with caution, his hands out to show he means no harm.
"It's simple. Alice's visions are being blocked by the wolves. I need to keep this as discreet as possible. I know it's not ideal for me, a vampire, to be on your reservation, but I have no other choice."
Billy and Henry exchange worried glances, their wolf instincts kicking in.
"Why do you want to keep this from your coven?"
"Because I plan to eliminate two members of our coven. One can see the future and the other can read minds. It took a lot of planning and strategy to get this far, and I can't risk them finding out. Especially after what happened with Edward's reckless actions in March. The vampire world has its own set of rules and laws governed by three kings in Italy. I'm trying to keep the Quileutes and the reservation out of their sight as much as possible. But these two vampires have been causing chaos for decades now, preying on humans just like they did with Bella."
The black wolf transformed into a human, revealing himself as Sam. His eyes glinted with rage as he spoke.
"They were toying with her, treating her like prey. Like she's nothing but food."
Carlisle's expression turned troubled as he saw the guilt and shame in Sam's eyes.
"I believe so. I discovered some disturbing evidence while investigating their actions. Trophies, they called them. Young girls, around Bella's age and appearance - hair color, body type - have been targeted by Edward and Alice for the past 60 years. And it seems Jasper has been used as a scapegoat more than once. Same with Emmett, for things they didn't even do. Now they're upping their game, trying to evolve into an even more powerful vampire clan. And I fear they see killing a human as just another way to pass the time."
Billy's face darkened with understanding as he realized the danger Bella was in.
"They want to kill Bella."
"Last fall, they tried to kill her but failed. They purposely left her in the woods, knowing she would get confused and try to follow Edward out. She was meant to be killed by the redhead, Vic. I didn't realize the extent of their twisted game until I thought about it more. We were set up since last year, starting with the baseball game. We all fell right into their trap. Then they tried again at Bella's birthday, but Jasper intervened. He never harmed her, unlike Edward who has been gaslighting us all into thinking he did. Leaving her in the woods after our party was their next attempt. Bella has been lucky to survive this long, but if it weren't for you all getting involved, she would have been dead since last fall. And now the Volturi are involved too. I can't even fake her death to protect her from them and let her live a supernatural witness protection type of life. We can't do that because they will want proof of her death or they'll think she's under some kind of charm since we've been here this whole time. Not just us on the reservation, but all of Forks and probably within a 50 to 100 mile radius will be in danger."
After Carlisle dropped that bombshell, the atmosphere became heavy with tension and realization. No matter what, Bella will have to be turned into a vampire or be killed. It finally clicked why the good doctor had called them in - he was trying to prevent further deaths from occurring. Sam scanned the faces around him and could tell they were all thinking the same thing.
"But then why not just call the Volturi and explain the situation? Surely they would come and take care of it," he asked, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
The name alone sent chills down Bella's spine. The Volturi. Rulers of the vampire world, with a leader named Aro who had a sick obsession for collecting gifted vampires like Edward and Alice. But this time, his sights were set on Bella and her unknown potential. Kill everyone else, but spare them and take her. It was a no-win situation.
Sam's blood ran cold as the reality of their predicament sunk in. Even if they called upon the Volturi for help, it would only result in more death and destruction. And there were only two options for Bella: death or becoming a vampire. The stakes were high and Sam knew they needed to come up with a plan, and fast.
But as they discussed their options, the realization hit them that the Volturi were always one step ahead. Edward and Alice were using their powers to keep an eye on them, making it impossible to make any move without being detected. And the clan they had encountered before? It was all planned by the Cullens to set up a reason for Bella's death to seem neat and justified.
Sam's mind raced as he tried to think of a way out of this deadly game. But deep down, he knew there was only one solution: someone had to die or change into a vampire within the next few weeks. And worst of all, it couldn't be him because Edward and Alice were watching his every move.
With a heavy heart, Sam knew what they had to do - stage another confrontation with some "lunar children" or other vampires that would justify Bella's demise. It was a risky plan, but it was their only chance at survival against the merciless Volturi.
Billy's eyes widen in horror as the weight of their conversation settles heavily on his shoulders. The gravity of the situation dawns on him, and he realizes that they are facing a life-or-death decision. The good doctor, with tears streaming down his face, is willing to sacrifice three innocent lives to save the rest of them.
"If Bella is to be changed, who will be the one to do it? And where will she end up?" Billy struggles to ask through his grief, knowing that he may have to condemn Bella to an eternal life as a vampire. But if this powerful clan believes she was turned elsewhere, she could become a scapegoat for their actions.
"I know of other vampires who could change her and teach her," Billy continues, his voice heavy with sorrow. "But they don't share our diet. I could call Jasper, but he mostly hunts animals for their blood. And even then, he is usually with his venomous siblings who don't restrain themselves like we do. Most of my vampire friends drink human blood, but they only target the worst of society - criminals, serial killers, the scum of humanity that the police can't touch. They are trying to make the world a safer place."
The wolves and humans look shocked at this revelation, realizing that there are vampires out there who do hunt humans for sustenance. But they also understand that these vampires are not targeting innocent people - they are fighting against the real monsters of society.
"They will teach Bella how to do this?" Henry asks incredulously, thinking about his role as an officer of the law and his daughter's potential involvement with these vigilante vampires.
"Yes," Carlisle confirms sadly. "Jasper's siblings and a friend of mine who has been around since the Revolutionary War were responsible for taking out those girls last year. They saved a little girl who was with them - she was able to return home with fewer nightmares."
Billy's stomach turns as he realizes that his friend, the one who has been a part of their community for so long, may have been involved in all of the missing girls and children in their area. Perhaps it was karma that sent this bigger monster to show them that they are not the only ones.
"If you take Bella, you will also have to take Charlie," Billy adds, his voice full of guilt and sadness. He knows that if Bella is turned, her father will not be able to live without her by his side.
As the words left Billy's mouth, a cold chill swept through the room, silencing everyone in shock and disbelief. Sacrificing oneself for the sake of their tribe? It was a bold move, but one that would require extreme measures to make it believable. But as Billy continued to speak, his determined voice echoing off the walls, his plan began to take shape.
"If we want this to work, we need to make it seem like Charlie and I were both taken out at the same time," he declared, his eyes blazing with conviction. "There can't be any traces of us left behind or else they'll start asking questions."
Silence hung heavy in the air as they all processed his words. And then suddenly, realization dawned on each face around the room. Bella was no longer alone when she disappeared, which meant there had to be witnesses or evidence of her leaving.
"But how do we make it seem like an accident?" Carlisle asked, breaking the silence.
Billy took a deep breath and began to outline his plan: "We'll have your friends come to Charlie's house and stage a fire. We'll be watching the game together, just like any other night. But by the time anyone realizes what's happening, it'll be too late. We'll already be gone and the evidence will point towards a tragic accident."
Carlisle nodded in understanding, his mind already working out the details. They would have to act fast and cover their tracks well. If they wanted to keep Bella safe and continue protecting their tribe from afar, they would have to make this sacrifice look convincing enough for even their supernatural enemies to believe.
It was a dangerous game they were playing, but one that they were willing to risk for the greater good. Billy's ancestors may roll in their graves at the idea of being charmed into another form, but at least they could rest knowing that their tribe would be protected for generations to come. And Bella would be safe, no longer a target for the supernatural world. With determination in their hearts and fire in their eyes, they were ready to execute their plan and ensure the safety of their tribe and loved ones.
"I'll make the calls right here. Or do you want me to go somewhere else? But I'd rather be close to one of you when I do it."
"Fine, let's just get it done before that annoying Pixie can butt in and ruin everything. You might as well make the damn call now. Charlie was livid that he couldn't see his own family. Can you believe they just up and left?"
Carlisle's eyes snap up from the phone at Billy's words.
"They got sick of Edward and Alice's manipulative games. They're masters at planning, always one step ahead. They had this all planned out, a truck waiting for them, everything set. And then boom, they were gone."
The group's faces register shock and disbelief at Carlisle's reveal.
"I can't keep this secret any longer, I have to tell Jasper. We may think we've seen the last of them, but there are still more out there. I kept this from Edward and my family because I didn't want to believe it was real, but now I know for sure. There are different categories of vampires in our world - the Hollywood type that burns in the sun and is allergic to silver, and then there's us, the "cold ones". But there's something in between, a hybrid called Dan Peters, born from a vampire and a human. These hybrids are rare and usually do not survive childbirth. They have traits of both species - high intelligence, superhuman strength and speed - but their bodies struggle with the transition into full-blown vampires. They are known as "Seedlings vampires", because they are often cut off too soon before fully transforming.
In fact, most die before they even reach their 30s due to heart failure. My grandchildren are Seedlings, descendants of my own line from when I was first turned. I didn't understand what happened to me at first, I thought it was just a fluke. But now I know that one night with my wife resulted in her pregnancy and a son who passed on my lineage over centuries. This is why I must tell Jasper - his own grandson is one of these rare Seedlings, and he is currently going through the same slow and dangerous transformation as my three grandchildren."
He came to save Elsa, his mate. He would do anything for her, even if it meant burning the world around them. His protective instincts heightened as he surveyed the dangerous situation they were in. But something inside him had changed since he became a vampire, a primal urge that made him react like an animal protecting its mate. He could feel it, he was becoming possessive of Elsa and territorial towards any threat. That's why he was giving birth to unnatural thoughts of violence, craving to protect his precious mate at all costs.
The wolf pack sat there stunned. They never knew there were natural born vampires, and now they were faced with the realization that their entire existence may be driven by instinct alone. They couldn't help but wonder if their own cannibalistic tendencies were due to their nature as seedlings.
"Thank you for this information," Sam said, trying to process it all.
"The world is not black and white," Carlisle replied calmly. "It's full of shades of gray and different colors. I've learned that in my three centuries of existence."
Carlisle then made a call to Jasper, knowing he would understand and be willing to help.
"Carlisle, I've left Alice and I'm not coming back," Jasper said over the phone.
"I don't expect you to," Carlisle replied. "Alice crossed the line and I don't believe she's your true mate. But I know you're with Peter and Charlotte and Grant."
"Yes, what about them?" Jasper asked, confusion clear in his voice.
"How do you feel about taking on baby vampires?" Carlisle asked urgently.
"Why?" Jasper questioned, not understanding the urgency in Carlisle's tone.
"Because Bella is now on the radar of the Volturi thanks to Edward and Alice's actions in Italy last March. Edward wants to kill her, but I won't allow it. I'm making plans, but I need your help."
"I understand," Jasper replied, understanding the gravity of the situation. "You want me to change Bella and keep her hidden until she's strong enough to fight her own battles. But who are the other two you want me to change?"
Carlisle took a deep breath before answering. "Charlie Swan and Billy Black."
There was a long pause on the phone, followed by the sound of arguing voices in the background.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Jasper asked in disbelief.
"I said you need to change Charlie and Billy," Carlisle repeated firmly. "They're both aware of the situation and have agreed to it. I'm standing in front of Billy right now, and he suggested that he and Charlie be changed together."
The line went silent again, as if no one knew what else to say. Finally, Jasper spoke up again. "Understood," he said in a serious tone. "I'll do what needs to be done."
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the chief's black eyes as he contemplated the consequences of his decision. If he chose to turn away from the vampires, it could mean being banished from his homeland forever. A thought that made him ache with longing for his family and loved ones. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope - they could fake Bella's death and get her out of there safely. But what about Charlie? Billy spoke up loudly so Jasper could hear him through the phone line, voicing his concerns about never seeing his son or wife again. The thought of losing them all was almost too much to bear.
Just then, a chilling idea struck Billy. "What if we stage a tragic accident at their house before graduation? It would make more sense and be less suspicious," he suggested.
The phone line fell silent as the weight of their plan settled in. After what seemed like an eternity, Jasper finally spoke up. "When do you plan on doing this? And I suggest we keep someone from the tribe around when we carry out the plan, so Alice can't see what's happening."
They exchanged numbers and promised to stay in touch. Carlisle quickly erased all evidence of the conversation while Rosalie was hastily called to be informed of the situation. "No calls or texts," Carlisle warned her. "They are going to behave as if they have been banished."
The tension in the room was palpable as they all waited for further instructions, knowing their actions could have dire consequences.
(Notes:
Dhampirs: Beware of the deadly half-vampire creatures known as dhampirs. Born from the unholy union between a vampire and human, they possess the strength of vampires and few of their weaknesses. With mortality coursing through their veins, they are both feared and pitied by both species. Like their full-blooded counterparts, they must consume blood to survive, but can also sustain themselves on human food. However, their hunger for blood is insatiable and often leads them down a dark and dangerous path.
Seedlings: Spawned from the lineage of vampires, seedlings are a force to be reckoned with. Their powers passed down through generations, starting with a male vampire who mated with human females. The resulting male dhampir offspring then continued the cycle by taking a human bride, creating the first generation of seedlings. These creatures possess all the traits of vampires - strength, speed, and immortality - but also carry the burden of human emotions and vulnerabilities. Though rare, they can fall ill like humans but are more susceptible to fatal heart conditions as they age.
As they reach their late teens or early 20s, the vampiric lineage within them begins to awaken and slowly takes control. This transformation is often painful and terrifying for the young seedlings, who may struggle to understand what is happening to them. Many have been known to die from heart failure or other related illnesses before fully embracing their new identity.
But those who survive will naturally band together in groups for protection and strength in numbers. They possess all the instincts of vampires but lack the knowledge and guidance to navigate this new world. With generations spanning over 300 years or more, the number of seedlings continues to grow. However, it is mainly males who are born into this cursed existence, with females being a rare occurrence that is often met with fear and suspicion by their male counterparts.)